Description

80-f (a title that names the band when spelled phonetically – ATF) is the third album by the British synth-rock/new wave band After The Fire, released on CBS Records in October 1980.

After the departure of drummer Ivor Twidell in October 1979 to pursue a solo career, the band recruited Nick Brotherwood (formerly of the Mighty Flyers and the Alwyn Wall Band) as a replacement and started work on their new album in early 1980 with Tony Mansfield producing. However, the resulting album was refused by CBS. As a result, ATF cancelled their planned tour and drummer Brotherwood was replaced by Pete King, previously with EMI-signed The Flys. The band started re-recording the album with new producer Mack, well-known for his productions for British bands like Queen and ELO. This time, the album was accepted by CBS and 80-f was released on October 24, 1980. (On the official release, three songs from the original recording sessions – “Another World”, “Operator”, and “Satellite In Orbit” – were replaced by three new song – “Wild West Show”, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”, and “Joanne”. The official release also featured a different version of the instrumental “1980 F”.) The album track “Love Will Always Make You Cry” was later covered by the American pop artist Rex Smith (first released as a single and also included on his 1981 album, Everlasting Love, produced by Rick Chertoff).

Another top-drawer professional platter of infectious new-wave power pop technoid emissions full of creative pop synthesizer action. «Love Will Always Make You Cry» (which should have been a hit) and the spacey fast-driving «Starflight» stand among their finest songs. Also includes the high-powered instrumental «1980-F». The remaining seven tracks do not appear on the US compilation. Not much Christian content, although you can find a few hints in «Can You Face It?». Most intriguing song title: «Who’s Gonna Love You (When You’re Old And Fat And Ugly)‘?’». Pete King replaces Iva Twydell on the drums. Released only in the UK. Followed by 1982’s Batteries Not Included, also a UK-only release. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “1980-F” (instrumental) – 2:32
A2. “Love Will Always Make You Cry” – 3:30
A3. “Can You Face It?” – 3:15
A4. “Who’s Gonna Love You (When You’re Old And Fat And Ugly)?” – 4:05
A5. “Starflight” – 4:13

Side Two
B1. “Wild West Show” – 3:30
B2. “Billy, Billy” – 4:40
B3. “It’s High Fashion” – 3:07
B4. “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” – 2:46
B5. “Joanne” – 4:10

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by CBS Records. (The original 80-f release that was pulled by CBS, contained unreleased tracks including “Operator”, “Satellite In Orbit” and “Another World”. Also contains “Love Will Always Make You Cry” with bongo intro. The original version of “1980-F” was later featured on the 1983 US compilation [FE 38282].) Re-issued on CD in 2005 as a part of the double disc compilation, Der Kommissar: The CBS Recordings.

These recordings are taken from the original acetate recording/mix for After the Fire’s 80-f album. This is the version that was produced by Tony Mansfield and ultimately rejected by CBS records. CBS had the band go to Germany with ex-Fly’s drummer Peter King, to re-record the album. It was remixed and reproduced by Reinhold Mack. Three songs were killed (“Another World” / “Operator” / “Satellite In Orbit”) and three new songs were added (“Wild West Show” / “Why Can’t We Be Friends” / “Joanne”).