If the Button is Pushed, There's No Running Away

Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 2.

In this episode we delve into the world of the cover version. There are a million covers out there – and in this episode we discuss 80s (except one) covers of well known nuclear/war/protest songs.

Last year we discussed Talking Heads’ classic “Life During Wartime”. This time we explore the Staple Singers 80s version, which takes the funk in another direction. We then move on to “I Come and Stand at Every Door” by This Mortal Coil. Originally, a Turkish poem that has been covered many times, this version is haunting and beautiful (oh, and it’s 1991).

Our next song is “Eve Ov Destruction”, a B-side released by Psychic TV. Whilst we still don’t get the “Ov”, we certainly love this reworked extended version of Barry Maguire’s 60s protest classic that went to number 1 in the UK and USA.

“Morning Dew” is a folk melody covered by many, from the Byrds to Robert Plant (via Lulu). We really enjoy this version by DEVO – as it abandons the slow folk guitars in favour of solild 80s synth action.

“Mushroom” as covered by The Jesus and Mary Chain (Dave’s favourite band) comes next. Originally by German pioneers Can, this version is sparse and cold, and we love it. There are hardly any lyrics, but they do pack a punch.

Finally, we explore a very curious cover of Wanda Jackson’s 1958 song “Fujiyama Mama”. This version is by Japanese New Wave act The Frank Chickens, and appears only on a John Peel radio session. Again, something new for our listeners to sample.

But before any of this, following the success of our reggae episode, we have a fabulous voice note from Dr Vicky McMahon and a listener-inspired top 20 reggae nuclear tunes from the 80s that didn’t make our original list.

We love your contributions and voice notes. Keep them coming.

As ever, our playlists are updated to accompany our episodes.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aHCNYfoQ2gtko5z6pwS9O?si=81bce0c59ff2470d

https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/bang-101-more-songs-about-nuclear-war-from-the-1980s/pl.u-vxy6L76uzVzd8Zl

Keep in touch – and let us know of even more 80s Cold War tunes, contact us via:

Blue Sky: @bangpodcast.bsky.social

Facebook: Bang Nuclear Podcast

Reddit: r/bangnuclearpodcast

Email: bangnuclearpodcast@gmail.com

Opening and closing music: (Waiting for the) Heatwave – Fay Ray, appears courtesy of Fay Ray. Written by John Lovering

Artwork: Rachel Malbon

Assistant Producer: Shivam Pathak

Opening words: Richie Wheeler

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