My ranking of all 9 of The Comsat Angels studio albums (1980 to 1995), from Great to Even Greater! Please Subscribe & Like (if you Like!) All images are owned by The Comsat Angels
Hi Daniel, yes I understand, I have many artists where my fav album is the first I heard from them. Chasing Shadows is excellent, but I would strongly recommend having a listen to The Glamour and My Mind’s Eye (Stephen’s fav), as they are fantastic. Mike
Be Brave best track. Different songs resonate with different times, different feeling. Be Brave for me is about my battles with depression. “ out of the dark, into the light”
Hi Olivier, They were such a great post punk band. I strongly recommend first three albums, ‘Waiting for a Miracle’, ‘Fiction’ and ‘Sleep No More’ you know. But also last two ‘My Mind’s Eye’ and ‘The Glamour’ I really appreciate you watching and commenting. Mike
They were rather popular in the Netherlands in the eighties. It was the first band I was really interested in. CSA did influenced my musical taste for the rest of my live. Went in ‘83 on my bike to De Koog at Noord Scharwoude to see them live, I met the guys at the bar, really nice guys. I’ve got all their albums and the re-issued albums on CD end the Unraveled album. I also have the album Enz. Which was issued only in the Netherlands. Brilliant band, favorite album Sleep No More and My Minds Eye but I can’t really choose….
Thank you very much for watching and commenting. Your response is very interesting. You met the guys…..wow that is fantastic!! You have a great collection of Comsat material. I love your choices of Sleep No More and My Mind’s Eye (Stephen’s favourite). What do you think of The Glamour, I think it is superb! Mike
I agree Chris, such a wonderful band, brilliant music, great legacy, shame they’re no longer performing. Have you heard Stephen Fellows solo album? Mike
@@chrisbarlow2131 Hi Chris, this is a link to it on Bandcamp. I think it’s good. It’s his 2nd solo album, although first one was soundscapes, this album is songs. Can buy digital or cd. Mike stephenfellows.bandcamp.com/album/slow-glass
Hi Mick, The Comsat Angels weren’t on my radar until I saw your posts championing them. I picked up Waiting For A Miracle at a record fair at the weekend so for the second time this evening I’m pulling something out of the ‘to listen to’ pile. Only another 7 albums to buy 😂. Andy
Hi Andy, I really wanted to do needle drops on this video, but decided not to in case CZcams pulled the video down because of copyright issues. Shame because I believe it would have helped. Please let me know what you think of Waiting for a Miracle, as you can see I rate it highly. Thanks for watching Andy. Mike
Nice one! It's great to find somebody actually talking about this criminally neglected band! I have the usual bias towards the Polydor Albums but the Mind's Eye and Glamour comebacks were astonishing too and deserved far more attention at the time. Have to say though that common opinion on Sleep No More being their absolute Masterpiece - it was my musical coming of age and at the time i loved this more than Unknown Pleasures or 17 seconds - it was that earth shattering. A case of Be Brave indeed not to put it at Number One!😊
Hi Mark, without doubt Sleep No More is an absolute classic masterpiece of post punk. It was my number 1 Comsat album for decades until I heard The Glamour which kinda of had the same effect on me when I first heard it. My go to stand out in SNM was always Dark Parade, I love that track. Great band, great album! Thanks Mark, Mike
Power to you Mike for making 'The Glamour' your fave. Love the re-issue with extra tracks particularly, and live during this late period they were particularly intense (nothing to lose i guess). My order would be different, but suffice to say that they were the my most important band of the 80's along with The Sound, The Chameleons and The Church. Thanks for taking the time to post this - great stuff.
Thank you Peter, I really appreciate your comments. Adrian Borland and The Sound were just a little behind them for me, but my second favourite post punk band after the Comsat's. In fact I saw them together, same bill, in 1983 (I think??), at the Lyceum in London. The original 13 track The Glamour just really gets to me. I think it is so strong. The re-issue is brilliant but I guess I'm so use to The 1995 version that it tends to be my go to. For some reason I missed The Church, so I will now rectify that. Again, thanks for your comments and engagement Peter! Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman OF SKINS AND HEART ( 1981),SEANCE (1983) AND REMOTE LUXURY ( 1984 ) ARE MY FAVES: SHE NEVER SAID,FOR A MOMENT WE ARE STRANGERS,TOO FAST TO YOU,ONE DAY,AUTUMN SOON,BEL AIR,MEMORIES IN FUTURE TENSE,SISTERS...
Interesting ranking order. Unexpected choices in some of the ranking, but overall, you've got the spirit of The 'Sats down. My ranking 9) LAND; 8) 7 DAY WEEKEND; 7) CHASING SHADOWS; 6) FIRE ON THE MOON; 5) THE GLAMOUR; 4) FICTION; 3) WAITING FOR A MIRACLE; 2) MY MIND’S EYE and 1) SLEEP NO MORE. The biggest surprise for me is how much I loved FIRE ON THE MOON, I was really expecting to dislike this album based upon everyone's opinion. THE GLAMOUR for me is The 'Sats most experimental album, very strong album and I loved the art postcards included in the boxset. A nice touch. MY MIND’S EYE is probably my favorite 'Sats album. Hard-hitting sonic groove throughout the album. SLEEP NO MORE ranks up there with The Bunnymen's HEAVEN UP HERE and Joy Division's UNKNOWN PLEASURE / CLOSER.
Thanks Henry, really interesting response, I appreciate it. Our top five’s the same, just different order 😁 you have shown Fire on the Moon a lot of love, fair enough. The Glamour really gets me, I play it so much. As you say postcards were nice touch. But Sleep No More is such a great album. Thanks Henry, great response! Mike
It's a shame because when I first started to put this video together I did needle drops of one song from each album, but then I thought I may breach a copyright so deleted the snippets of songs. I think it would have helped the band but I didnt want to risk having my video taken down by youtube. I think some albums are available on iTunes if that helps? Thanks for comments Fernanda. Mike
They were really consistent and deserved more than they got. It's an unpopular opinion amongst the post-punk repping audience, but their more quintessentially 'new-wave' albums are just as good as anything from the early period. There are some songs on Land and 7 Day Weekend that could/should have been hit singles; "Close Your Eyes" is a flawless piece of alt-pop.
I absolutely love them. So underrated, and such a shame a wider audience hasn’t heard them. I completely agree with what you say. What do you think of the last two albums ‘My Mind’s Eye’ (Stephen Fellows favourite), and The Glamour (my personal favourite)? Thanks for watching and commenting. Mike🎸
Thanks for watching and commenting. Interestingly ‘My Mind’s Eye’ is Stephen Fellows (lead vox/guitar), favourite album. What do you think if The Glamour? Mike
Hey Mike. At first listen of the first couple or three tracks, I have to say 'The Glamour' isn't my favorite Comsat recording. Early works and the following albums are my faves: 'Waiting', 'Sleep', 'Fiction', 'Chasing Shadows'. Stephen Fellows new ambient works are really good, too (Bandcamp).@@pc31thevinylpoliceman
I find it interesting that I am from the states originally, yet I always knew them as The Comsat Angels, not C.S. Angels, but it seems that ever since you first mentioned it, that's how I always see them now, so obviously, they were C.S. Angels here like you said. Maybe the alternative station I always listened to back then always called them by their real name. Very nice job with the video editing, you are getting really good at it. I love the way the records appear along the bottom after you talk about them. What did you say you were using, I don't remember now. So far, I've only been able to pick up the "Land" album, but I'm still watching for their albums. I do have "Sleep No More" digitally and really love it, it's the album that made me a fan. I really got to dive into their music even more, obviously.
Hi Mike, I using (or trying and still learning to use), Apple Final Cut Pro. It's pretty detailed, but fairly intuitive. It's a shame because I also spent a long time doing a needle drop, one song for each album. It would have really help get their music across, but at the last minute I deleted the needle drops in case CZcams pulled the video down. It's a pity. I'm really getting there now with the editing although I'm painfully slow! Interesting what you say about C.S.Angels. I do have one US album with C.S Angels on it. Land is a really good album, do you like it. Sleep No More is real gothic, dark post punk Comsat's absolutely brilliant. Thanks Mike, keep diving. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I do like Land even with the more accessible feel. I like the darker aspect of Sleep No More a bit better but they are both great albums.
Constant Angel's. another UK Band I know nothing about .. thanks for bringing this one to my attention ! I will be listening during this coming week. Cheers Mike !
Thanks Keith, I really appreciate you watching and commenting. That's a great idea, but at this moment I am not quite a completist of the 45RPM's. When I complete I will do a video, thanks for the idea! Long live The Comsats! Mike
Hi, Mike, well........with all respect, i´ll give my ranking. 1. Sleep no more. 2. Fiction. 3. Waiting for a miracle. 4. Chasing shadows. 5. 7 day weekend. 6. The Glamour 7. Land. 8. My mind`s eye. 9. Fire on the moon. Regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina. PD: What about a ranking of The Sound?
Hi Jose, thank you very much for commenting and for your top 9. It’s difficult to disagree with your top 3 as they are fantastic albums. The Glamour is a very special album for me that I love, but your top 9 is excellent! Mike
You are absolutely right about throwing stuff at the screen at number 4. Sleep no more has to be number one on so many levels. Glad you ranked the glamour so high as it was and is a fabulous record. For anyone who doesn't know their music, do not listen to the outtakes and such that are on Spotify. Those recordings in no way represent the masterful albums.
Mike, thanks for the education. Don’t have any of their albums, hope to remedy that. I remember hearing tracks from their debut on alternative radio and I really liked them. Again, another British band that went under the radar over here. By the way, love your new editing, showing those thumbnails really enhances the quality. Very professional. Cheers.
Thanks Jack, it took me ages to learn how to do graphics and thumbnails but I think I've cracked it now. They are a great band, well worth tracking down an album or two. Mike
Many thanks for the kind words and for watching. Sleep No More was my number 1 for decades with Wsiyinv for a Miracle number 2. But then The Glamour just blew me away, so so brilliant with some exceptional songs. Also My Mind’s Eye, Stephen’s favourite, I think is also brilliant. The standard, quality of songwriting and performance, of all of those albums is just so high. Thanks for your great comments. Mike
I wholeheartedly agree. Sleep No More is their greatest masterpiece i.m.h.o. So glad I saw them 4 or 5 times between 79 and 83. I lost track of them went they went to Jive. Mike Howlett screwed them up.
Sleep No More undoubtedly a post punk masterpiece! Fantastic you got to see them so many times in that period, I think I saw 3 in that period. I agree Jive was a dip, but have you listened to My Mind’s Eye and The Glamour. If you haven’t, I strongly recommend, they are fantastic. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I dug them up from my archives just now (lol). See, after mid-83 I lost myself in African music (see my page), never really looked back. Still, I have all of them, also the BBC sessions, the Dutch radio sessions, the demos & outtakes double cd and Steve Fellows' first album.
You got me on this one mate. I’m not familiar with this band so this was a history lesson for me. I’ll be on the lookout. Interesting to hear some of the famous people they were associated with. Great job on your ranking and overview 👍
Hi Gary, it’s a shame because I did a video with lots of needle drops to help spread their music. But because of copyright I decided to take out the music in case the video was taken down. It would have really helped this video. Did you get my email? Mike
It’s a shame Rob, because I intended and did a video with needle drops which would have helped. But, because of copyright issues and fear of having it pulled CZcams, I decided not too publish and went instead for a needle drop free version. Waiting for a Miracle and Sleep No More are probably the best starting point and probably the easiest to get hold of. I managed to copy your small icon graphic for each album design! Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I say that. Great job. Ya its a shame about need drops and copyright. Ive wanted to do it so many times. Only did it twice because I had the rights. It my friend Blake’s music and I have copyright permission.
Hi Salvador, What a truly great band the Comsat's were. Just look at those 4 great albums. Out of those 4 I particularly like My Mind's Eye, but I could spin any one and thoroughly enjoy. What do you think of The Glamour? Thanks for sharing this. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman ROBERT PARKER MADE A BIG ALBUM : FLYING DREAMS,SOMETHING WE GOT TO IT,UNDER THE INFLUENCE OR THE OPENER TRACK ARE ALL GREAT...THE GLAMOUR IS NOT A BAD ALBUM,A LITTLE MORE PSYCHEDELIC,I THINK...I PREFER SLEEP NO MORE
@@salvadorromeromolina3719 I’ll check out Robert Parker. Yes, The Glamour is definitely quite psych but with an edge, and I think the quality of the songwriting is superb.
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman THE ANOTHER GREAT BAND FRON SHEFIELD IS DIESEL PARK WEST AND THEIR FANTASTIC DEBUT ALBUM IN 1989 SHEAKSPEARE ALABAMA : ALL THE MYTHS ON SUNDAY,HERE I STAND,WHEN THE WOODOO COMES,JUST LIKE PRINCES DO,BELL OF HOPE,JACKIE STILL SAD...
Hi Paul, must say ‘Sleep No More’ was my favourite for about 25 years but then I heard ‘The Glamour’. Wow, that album is very special imo. Thanks for commenting. Mike
This is very informative and useful. The weird thing is that CS Angels records are hard to find in Toronto. The only records I have ever seen are Land and 7 Day Weekend. I've been trying to track down others, with no luck. I will have to double down. I find it interesting that the last album made it to #1. OK - off to stream The Glamour.
Hi Brian, I guess at the end of day they just didn't sell in great quantities so just not many around. It's a great pity because they really were a great post punk band and in my opinion, and others I'm finding, the best. Hopefully you will track some down, and knowing your taste I know you'll like them. Mike
Hi Robot, the irony is that the first album, Waiting for a Miracle, was issued in Canada with a different tracklist to the internationally issued one. So in theory you are really close to getting yourself a real collector's item. Good hunting!
Both great albums! I’ve always thought that ‘After The Rain’ was a sublime opening track on Fiction. Although a quiet track to open, I always thought it worked really well. Sleep No More is just a post punk classic, brilliant album. Have you given The Glamour a good listen, I think that’s also a classic? Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman Completely agree, After the Rain is a very nice piece. You didn't mention Nature Trails, from Land. That is the best song on the Album IMO, the rest of that album was largely forgettable. I really like "Sailor" from The Glamour, that was the stand out track for me. Nice video.
It's funny, I can't disagree with anything that you've said but details weigh different with me. But like you say, none of their stuff is BAD. I have the not at all controversial opinion that Sleep No More cannot be beat. That is solidly in my number one spot because I love the aggressive forward motion of the whole thing. It makes you feel like you're on a midnight road trip of some urgency. Fiction and Waiting for a Miracle are basically tied for slot 2. Depends on the day but they're both so relatable lyrically, as well as being something of... mood time capsules? I feel like they are very AWARE people. Next is Chasing Shadows which is where people throw things at ME. I know that's high ranking for it but the drums are so strong. Land is right after that for having some of the most masterful lyrics I've heard. Nature Trails in particular makes me feel like someone is walking on my grave. The whole thing has a mysterious feel. I had to think about this very hard but My Mind's Eye is next. I'm a giant goth and they hit it. The vibes are immaculate, as the kids are saying. 7 day weekend after that and my much younger self who saw Real Genius 1654161674 times is SHOCKED it's that low. It's a good album. Couple of my favorite songs on it, I just think everything I've rated higher hang together AS ALBUMS better. And for the last ones... it might just be that I don't own them and haven't heard them that much. Maybe I should fix that. Anyway thanks that was fun to think about!
Wow......this is a wonderful response to my Comsat Angels ranking video. I agree with so much that you said, and I must 'Sleep No More' was my favourite for 30 years! I Iove your description of a midnight road trip, that is brilliant. 'Waiting For a Miracle' was a fantastic debut and is still very high on my list. 'My Mind's Eye' is Stephen Fellows personal favourite and another truly great album. But......you must hear 'The Glamour', there are two different versions (track sequence), but both are superb. When I heard this album I was blown away. If a trendy band had released it in the mid-90's I believe it would be deemed a classic, but because the Comsat's were out of vogue it was never given a fair hearing. Please give 'The Glamour' a good listen as you have something very special to come. Thanks again for your wonderful thought out comments! Mike
I've now come across a chap who has six shows on cd (6 different cd's). He also has Lost Sessions 1979-85 and 3 Dutch Broadcasts 1981/82 (not unravelled because that's 93/94). I haven't bought any yet so don't know the quality. email me if you want his details. I've seen the Mean Fiddler on youtube, I think it's a great setlist. Mike
Hi Colin, yes, I’ve got Slow Glass, I really like it. I think there are some good strong songs on there. Shame it doesn’t get wider recognition. Have you heard Mood X? Stephens’s first solo, no vocals, sounds ambient, definitely worth a listen, another that I really enjoy. Mike 🎸
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I've got Mood X but as I listen to a lot of Moog modular music it was nothing special to me. It would be great to see The Glamour as a Record Store Day release one day. Or just an ordinary vinyl issue. I saw The Sound and The Comsat Angels on a double bill at The Warehouse in Liverpool many years ago now. I appreciate your video presentation style
@@colinosborne3305 Hi Colin, I also saw a Sound/ Comsat double bill at the Lyceum in London (I think, 1982, I need to check). I wrote to Stephen about releasing The Glamour on vinyl, even crowd funding, but sadly I don’t think there’s any appetite at present. Such a shame as it is the one record I would love to see get a vinyl release. Mike 🎸
I picked up the box release of the glamour in a used CD store near much music back in 95. I was a happy picker that day. I do see quite a few copies of chasing shadows around Toronto and the US from time to time but never the first three. Which is evidence of their quality.
I actually discovered the Comsat Angels via the Sound - I was collecting the Renascent reissues of the Sound's catalogue, and they also reissued the Polydor albums. It was a nice discovery, albeit years after they had come and gone. Thanks for the great post. Also, Sleep No More is easily their best album IMHO. I may have to give some of the later stuff a listen, although the bits and pieces I've heard have been underwhelming for me.
The long awaited Comsat's ranking, which I think you thought of in the first place! I tried to find your ranking that you send me but just couldn't locate it, can you tell me again I'd like to know. I didn't include Unravelled because it wasn't a studio album, I decided to just stick to new studio recordings. Did you like my rankings?? Mike
"We are all entombed in the Music of our youth" I (G-Man 1996) love Quoting my self!!! I missed Beatlemania 1963-1965 and came of age with Revolver-SGT Pepper (1966-7) and then watch their demise. Then Rock Died briefly in 1975-6 and was upstaged by DISCO (remember that?). CLASS of '77 (Sex Pistols) was like a blast of FRESH AIR but was too obnoxious and silly to last more than one year. Then MY ERA POST PUNK dropped 1978-1994 and ended with Nirvana Grunge/Indy before ROCK died in Y2K. I mean Rock , like Jazz, is still played today, but with the rise of Pro-Tools, Auto Tune and Music Houses/producers, iTunes & streaming Rock is now boring & CULTURALLY IRREVELANT...How Sad. Post Punk can be divided into three WAVES FIRST WAVE 1978-1983 (Experimental Like Joy Division, Japan, The Sound ) SECOND WAVE 1984-1989 (Commercial like Souxie & the Banches The Cure, Police, Rain Parade, Chamellions) and FINAL WAVE 1990-1994(Lush, My Bloody Valentine, Concrete Blonde). Of all the Post Punk eras, I like the Bleeding edge of FIRST WAVE---so my top three COMSTAT ANGELS LPs are their First three [as encapsulated in Cherry Red's fabulous ITS HISTORY box set). Its like Souxie & the Banches who made several LPs but only TWO capture the Souxie Sound [Hyeana & Tinderbox], Same with Sisters of Mercy [FloodLands and their last LP with Dr. Jeep in it]. Its the funnest thing. I grew up mocking Comstat Angels, because I didn't know who they were. In the early Nineties most Bay Area Radio Stns shunned them as 'Geezers trying to re-capture the sound of their youth and failing'. Then I purchased the excellent Rhino Records LT of the Dial and fell in love with EYE OF THE CAMERA. I went to the 'snotty, records GURU' at THE BEAT (Sacramento) asking for the LP with EYE in it and he cocked an Eyebrow at me "You never Heard of the Comstat Angels? Here, Buy this (Its History)...If you don't like it, Ill buy it back from you. I played it and it was like touching the face of God!!! I never heard such music before. I played it for PAM as we drove on a fog covered Golden Gate Bridge and she was aghast "Turn that Sh*it off---Its starting to creep me out!!!" I started crying like a baby----I told pam 'That was the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me---Finally, someone UNDERSTANDS MY MUSIC!!!"
Hi Michael, this is one the the best responses I have ever had to a video! Thank you so much for your comments and education. I find myself agreeing and recognising with much of what you said. Although I found punk, and still do, very exciting, Post Punk is also my favourite genre. I loved your breakdown of the different phases of New Wave. I can understand why you consider the first three Comsat’s as so important and I obviously agree. But if you haven’t already then I strongly recommend a listen to My Mind’s Eye (Stephen Fellows favourite), and my favourite The Glamour. They are both wonderful records. Thanks again Michael for your brilliant summary of the genres and great bands that we both love. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I just received my 'Land' LP which I treat like the Beatles' MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR (EP Cock-up that works because half of it is new and the flip side is cobbled together from their singles on side two). Revolver/SGT Pepper/MMT are my favourite Beatles LP because they sounded unlike anything else at the time. I loved the COMSTAT ANGELS (Polydor LPS) because they had a very spacy, Angular Guitar Sound to them like New Model Army. (80's & Blood...) The thing which I H-A-T-E-D about the COMSTAT ANGELS was their incessant recycling of Old songs off previous LPs such as JUJU MONEY & Independence Day which I consider INTELLECTUALLY DISHONEST especially when they were sitting on great unreleased songs, such as 'ITS HISTORY'. I advise anyone discovering the Comstat Angels to find a CD copy of ITS HISTORY (Cherry Records) which is a four disc box set. The Comstat Angels should have stayed inside their Polydor sound because it is the sound fans associate with them. PC31, I will take a listen to their newer material such as GLAMOUR. based upon yer Recommendation. FYI, my TOP TEN POST PUNK LPS are: 1. THE SOUND (First three LPs to include my Favourite ALL FALL DOWN) 2. COMSTAT ANGELS (First three LPS with FICTION as my favourite) 3. Souxie & the Banchees (Hyeana & Tinderbox are her most consistent work 4. Sisters of Mercy 'FloodLands and his last LP (with Dr. Jeep in it) 5. Sad Lovers & Giants (SLAG) for their first four LPs...again, try to find the BOX Set 6. LUSH (Last three LP before their Drummer committed Suicide) 7. The BOX (All the Time and their follow-up LP) 8. The Police (Last three LPs) 9. Chameleon UK (First three LPs) and the TIE for 10. Bill Pritcherd (Three Months, Three Weeks Two days with the single EMILY) & 17 Pygmies (Captured in Ice) a stellar, haunting work. Great Job on yer REVIEW!!!
This Comsat Angels review is Amazing. Love the depth of Intellect and Passion for the Band in the Review..
Thank you so much for watching, and the very kind words Daniel. I’m glad we share a passion for this wonderful band! Mike
I was introduced to Comsat during Chasing Shadows so it will always be my fav.
Hi Daniel, yes I understand, I have many artists where my fav album is the first I heard from them. Chasing Shadows is excellent, but I would strongly recommend having a listen to The Glamour and My Mind’s Eye (Stephen’s fav), as they are fantastic. Mike
Be Brave best track. Different songs resonate with different times, different feeling. Be Brave for me is about my battles with depression. “ out of the dark, into the light”
Great call Howard, superb song. You’re so right, different songs for different moods. I find Dark Parade very moving. Mike
Hello just discovered this band it's absolutly awsome.... used to listen these last days sleep no more very addictive ..thanx for posting your ranking
Hi Olivier, They were such a great post punk band. I strongly recommend first three albums, ‘Waiting for a Miracle’, ‘Fiction’ and ‘Sleep No More’ you know. But also last two ‘My Mind’s Eye’ and ‘The Glamour’ I really appreciate you watching and commenting. Mike
Love all these, Fiction probably favourite, but there's standout songs on all of them.
Thanks for watching my ranking Jon. I agree, Fiction is a great album, I could put ‘After The Rain’ on loop, brilliant track. Mike
They were rather popular in the Netherlands in the eighties. It was the first band I was really interested in. CSA did influenced my musical taste for the rest of my live. Went in ‘83 on my bike to De Koog at Noord Scharwoude to see them live, I met the guys at the bar, really nice guys. I’ve got all their albums and the re-issued albums on CD end the Unraveled album. I also have the album Enz. Which was issued only in the Netherlands. Brilliant band, favorite album Sleep No More and My Minds Eye but I can’t really choose….
Thank you very much for watching and commenting. Your response is very interesting. You met the guys…..wow that is fantastic!! You have a great collection of Comsat material. I love your choices of Sleep No More and My Mind’s Eye (Stephen’s favourite). What do you think of The Glamour, I think it is superb! Mike
There was The Comsat Angels snd then there was everybody else. Simply imperious.
I agree Chris, such a wonderful band, brilliant music, great legacy, shame they’re no longer performing. Have you heard Stephen Fellows solo album? Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman Hi Mike. No I haven't. What do you recommend?
@@chrisbarlow2131 Hi Chris, this is a link to it on Bandcamp. I think it’s good. It’s his 2nd solo album, although first one was soundscapes, this album is songs. Can buy digital or cd. Mike
stephenfellows.bandcamp.com/album/slow-glass
Hi Mick, The Comsat Angels weren’t on my radar until I saw your posts championing them. I picked up Waiting For A Miracle at a record fair at the weekend so for the second time this evening I’m pulling something out of the ‘to listen to’ pile. Only another 7 albums to buy 😂. Andy
Hi Andy, I really wanted to do needle drops on this video, but decided not to in case CZcams pulled the video down because of copyright issues. Shame because I believe it would have helped. Please let me know what you think of Waiting for a Miracle, as you can see I rate it highly. Thanks for watching Andy. Mike
First 7 tracks on My Minds Eye were sublime.
Hi Mark, Also, Stephen Fellows favourite album. I think it is a superb album! Mike
Nice one! It's great to find somebody actually talking about this criminally neglected band! I have the usual bias towards the Polydor Albums but the Mind's Eye and Glamour comebacks were astonishing too and deserved far more attention at the time. Have to say though that common opinion on Sleep No More being their absolute Masterpiece - it was my musical coming of age and at the time i loved this more than Unknown Pleasures or 17 seconds - it was that earth shattering. A case of Be Brave indeed not to put it at Number One!😊
Hi Mark, without doubt Sleep No More is an absolute classic masterpiece of post punk. It was my number 1 Comsat album for decades until I heard The Glamour which kinda of had the same effect on me when I first heard it. My go to stand out in SNM was always Dark Parade, I love that track. Great band, great album! Thanks Mark, Mike
Power to you Mike for making 'The Glamour' your fave. Love the re-issue with extra tracks particularly, and live during this late period they were particularly intense (nothing to lose i guess). My order would be different, but suffice to say that they were the my most important band of the 80's along with The Sound, The Chameleons and The Church. Thanks for taking the time to post this - great stuff.
Thank you Peter, I really appreciate your comments. Adrian Borland and The Sound were just a little behind them for me, but my second favourite post punk band after the Comsat's. In fact I saw them together, same bill, in 1983 (I think??), at the Lyceum in London. The original 13 track The Glamour just really gets to me. I think it is so strong. The re-issue is brilliant but I guess I'm so use to The 1995 version that it tends to be my go to. For some reason I missed The Church, so I will now rectify that. Again, thanks for your comments and engagement Peter! Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman OF SKINS AND HEART ( 1981),SEANCE (1983) AND REMOTE LUXURY ( 1984 ) ARE MY FAVES: SHE NEVER SAID,FOR A MOMENT WE ARE STRANGERS,TOO FAST TO YOU,ONE DAY,AUTUMN SOON,BEL AIR,MEMORIES IN FUTURE TENSE,SISTERS...
Interesting ranking order. Unexpected choices in some of the ranking, but overall, you've got the spirit of The 'Sats down. My ranking 9) LAND; 8) 7 DAY WEEKEND; 7) CHASING SHADOWS; 6) FIRE ON THE MOON; 5) THE GLAMOUR; 4) FICTION; 3) WAITING FOR A MIRACLE; 2) MY MIND’S EYE and 1) SLEEP NO MORE. The biggest surprise for me is how much I loved FIRE ON THE MOON, I was really expecting to dislike this album based upon everyone's opinion. THE GLAMOUR for me is The 'Sats most experimental album, very strong album and I loved the art postcards included in the boxset. A nice touch. MY MIND’S EYE is probably my favorite 'Sats album. Hard-hitting sonic groove throughout the album. SLEEP NO MORE ranks up there with The Bunnymen's HEAVEN UP HERE and Joy Division's UNKNOWN PLEASURE / CLOSER.
Thanks Henry, really interesting response, I appreciate it. Our top five’s the same, just different order 😁 you have shown Fire on the Moon a lot of love, fair enough. The Glamour really gets me, I play it so much. As you say postcards were nice touch. But Sleep No More is such a great album. Thanks Henry, great response! Mike
I wish their catalogue was on Spotify, it would help a lot to spreading their work, specially in my country! Loved your effort!
It's a shame because when I first started to put this video together I did needle drops of one song from each album, but then I thought I may breach a copyright so deleted the snippets of songs. I think it would have helped the band but I didnt want to risk having my video taken down by youtube. I think some albums are available on iTunes if that helps? Thanks for comments Fernanda. Mike
I don’t think they would lower themselves to that level. I have all their vinyl and I also have CDversions so as to preserve the vinyl
They were really consistent and deserved more than they got. It's an unpopular opinion amongst the post-punk repping audience, but their more quintessentially 'new-wave' albums are just as good as anything from the early period. There are some songs on Land and 7 Day Weekend that could/should have been hit singles; "Close Your Eyes" is a flawless piece of alt-pop.
I absolutely love them. So underrated, and such a shame a wider audience hasn’t heard them. I completely agree with what you say. What do you think of the last two albums ‘My Mind’s Eye’ (Stephen Fellows favourite), and The Glamour (my personal favourite)? Thanks for watching and commenting. Mike🎸
As a fan I love all the albums equally.
Brilliant band Gareth, I’m with you. For me the first two and last two are very special. I appreciate you commenting. Mike
Totally fair ranking, in my opinion. I love the CS Angels. Not sure if I've ever heard 'My Mind's Eye'. Looking forward to listening. Thank you.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Interestingly ‘My Mind’s Eye’ is Stephen Fellows (lead vox/guitar), favourite album. What do you think if The Glamour? Mike
Hey Mike. At first listen of the first couple or three tracks, I have to say 'The Glamour' isn't my favorite Comsat recording. Early works and the following albums are my faves: 'Waiting', 'Sleep', 'Fiction', 'Chasing Shadows'. Stephen Fellows new ambient works are really good, too (Bandcamp).@@pc31thevinylpoliceman
I find it interesting that I am from the states originally, yet I always knew them as The Comsat Angels, not C.S. Angels, but it seems that ever since you first mentioned it, that's how I always see them now, so obviously, they were C.S. Angels here like you said. Maybe the alternative station I always listened to back then always called them by their real name. Very nice job with the video editing, you are getting really good at it. I love the way the records appear along the bottom after you talk about them. What did you say you were using, I don't remember now. So far, I've only been able to pick up the "Land" album, but I'm still watching for their albums. I do have "Sleep No More" digitally and really love it, it's the album that made me a fan. I really got to dive into their music even more, obviously.
Hi Mike, I using (or trying and still learning to use), Apple Final Cut Pro. It's pretty detailed, but fairly intuitive. It's a shame because I also spent a long time doing a needle drop, one song for each album. It would have really help get their music across, but at the last minute I deleted the needle drops in case CZcams pulled the video down. It's a pity. I'm really getting there now with the editing although I'm painfully slow! Interesting what you say about C.S.Angels. I do have one US album with C.S Angels on it. Land is a really good album, do you like it. Sleep No More is real gothic, dark post punk Comsat's absolutely brilliant. Thanks Mike, keep diving. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I do like Land even with the more accessible feel. I like the darker aspect of Sleep No More a bit better but they are both great albums.
Constant Angel's. another UK Band I know nothing about .. thanks for bringing this one to my attention ! I will be listening during this coming week. Cheers Mike !
I think you’ll really like them JT. Listen to the version I sent you. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I will.. just finished dinner, and saw my e mail, earlier today. Thanks !
terrific appreciation of The Comsats LP output Mike... I'd be interested in your top 45 output... nice one, man .... Keith
Thanks Keith, I really appreciate you watching and commenting. That's a great idea, but at this moment I am not quite a completist of the 45RPM's. When I complete I will do a video, thanks for the idea! Long live The Comsats! Mike
Hi, Mike, well........with all respect, i´ll give my ranking.
1. Sleep no more.
2. Fiction.
3. Waiting for a miracle.
4. Chasing shadows.
5. 7 day weekend.
6. The Glamour
7. Land.
8. My mind`s eye.
9. Fire on the moon.
Regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
PD: What about a ranking of The Sound?
Hi Jose, thank you very much for commenting and for your top 9. It’s difficult to disagree with your top 3 as they are fantastic albums. The Glamour is a very special album for me that I love, but your top 9 is excellent! Mike
You are absolutely right about throwing stuff at the screen at number 4. Sleep no more has to be number one on so many levels. Glad you ranked the glamour so high as it was and is a fabulous record. For anyone who doesn't know their music, do not listen to the outtakes and such that are on Spotify. Those recordings in no way represent the masterful albums.
I don’t listen to Spotify. How about Steve’s favourite ‘My Mind’s Eye’?
Mike, thanks for the education. Don’t have any of their albums, hope to remedy that. I remember hearing tracks from their debut on alternative radio and I really liked them. Again, another British band that went under the radar over here. By the way, love your new editing, showing those thumbnails really enhances the quality. Very professional. Cheers.
Thanks Jack, it took me ages to learn how to do graphics and thumbnails but I think I've cracked it now. They are a great band, well worth tracking down an album or two. Mike
Great review, but Sleep no More should be no. 1. It's a masterpiece, the pinnacle of postpunk and simply one of the best records of the eighties.
Many thanks for the kind words and for watching. Sleep No More was my number 1 for decades with Wsiyinv for a Miracle number 2. But then The Glamour just blew me away, so so brilliant with some exceptional songs. Also My Mind’s Eye, Stephen’s favourite, I think is also brilliant. The standard, quality of songwriting and performance, of all of those albums is just so high. Thanks for your great comments. Mike
I wholeheartedly agree. Sleep No More is their greatest masterpiece i.m.h.o. So glad I saw them 4 or 5 times between 79 and 83. I lost track of them went they went to Jive. Mike Howlett screwed them up.
Sleep No More undoubtedly a post punk masterpiece! Fantastic you got to see them so many times in that period, I think I saw 3 in that period. I agree Jive was a dip, but have you listened to My Mind’s Eye and The Glamour. If you haven’t, I strongly recommend, they are fantastic. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I dug them up from my archives just now (lol). See, after mid-83 I lost myself in African music (see my page), never really looked back. Still, I have all of them, also the BBC sessions, the Dutch radio sessions, the demos & outtakes double cd and Steve Fellows' first album.
Great stuff Mike. My mate has the ‘Eye On The Lens’ Ep, which he’s going to lend me. Looking forward to investigating further.
They really are a brilliant post punk band Harris. Well worth seeking out some of their stuff. Mike
You got me on this one mate. I’m not familiar with this band so this was a history lesson for me. I’ll be on the lookout. Interesting to hear some of the famous people they were associated with. Great job on your ranking and overview 👍
Hi Gary, it’s a shame because I did a video with lots of needle drops to help spread their music. But because of copyright I decided to take out the music in case the video was taken down. It would have really helped this video. Did you get my email? Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman Just checked. Yes! I got it. Sorry I hadn’t checked for couple days. Gonna watch now!
@@vikingbrace I think it will be helpful Gary. Will bring it to life a bit more. Mike
Hey Mike. As you and I talked about, Im not terribly familiar with this band but on your advice Im checking them out.
It’s a shame Rob, because I intended and did a video with needle drops which would have helped. But, because of copyright issues and fear of having it pulled CZcams, I decided not too publish and went instead for a needle drop free version. Waiting for a Miracle and Sleep No More are probably the best starting point and probably the easiest to get hold of. I managed to copy your small icon graphic for each album design! Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I say that. Great job. Ya its a shame about need drops and copyright. Ive wanted to do it so many times. Only did it twice because I had the rights. It my friend Blake’s music and I have copyright permission.
1. CHASING SHADOWS , 2..7 DAYS WEEKEND , 3. MY MIND S EYES ,4. FIRE ON THE MOON
Hi Salvador, What a truly great band the Comsat's were. Just look at those 4 great albums. Out of those 4 I particularly like My Mind's Eye, but I could spin any one and thoroughly enjoy. What do you think of The Glamour? Thanks for sharing this. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman ROBERT PARKER MADE A BIG ALBUM : FLYING DREAMS,SOMETHING WE GOT TO IT,UNDER THE INFLUENCE OR THE OPENER TRACK ARE ALL GREAT...THE GLAMOUR IS NOT A BAD ALBUM,A LITTLE MORE PSYCHEDELIC,I THINK...I PREFER SLEEP NO MORE
@@salvadorromeromolina3719 I’ll check out Robert Parker. Yes, The Glamour is definitely quite psych but with an edge, and I think the quality of the songwriting is superb.
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman ROBERT PALMER,SORRY
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman THE ANOTHER GREAT BAND FRON SHEFIELD IS DIESEL PARK WEST AND THEIR FANTASTIC DEBUT ALBUM IN 1989 SHEAKSPEARE ALABAMA : ALL THE MYTHS ON SUNDAY,HERE I STAND,WHEN THE WOODOO COMES,JUST LIKE PRINCES DO,BELL OF HOPE,JACKIE STILL SAD...
Sleep no more number 1 nothing else comes close
Hi Paul, must say ‘Sleep No More’ was my favourite for about 25 years but then I heard ‘The Glamour’. Wow, that album is very special imo. Thanks for commenting. Mike
This is very informative and useful. The weird thing is that CS Angels records are hard to find in Toronto. The only records I have ever seen are Land and 7 Day Weekend. I've been trying to track down others, with no luck. I will have to double down. I find it interesting that the last album made it to #1. OK - off to stream The Glamour.
Hi Brian, I guess at the end of day they just didn't sell in great quantities so just not many around. It's a great pity because they really were a great post punk band and in my opinion, and others I'm finding, the best. Hopefully you will track some down, and knowing your taste I know you'll like them. Mike
Hi Robot, the irony is that the first album, Waiting for a Miracle, was issued in Canada with a different tracklist to the internationally issued one. So in theory you are really close to getting yourself a real collector's item. Good hunting!
@@antalgiesbers2392 I will have to double down on my search!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wow.......the best comment I have ever received! Thank you Fernanda, we have a mutual love of this great band! Mike
I think their best album is Fiction, with Sleep No More a close second place.
Both great albums! I’ve always thought that ‘After The Rain’ was a sublime opening track on Fiction. Although a quiet track to open, I always thought it worked really well. Sleep No More is just a post punk classic, brilliant album. Have you given The Glamour a good listen, I think that’s also a classic? Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman Completely agree, After the Rain is a very nice piece.
You didn't mention Nature Trails, from Land. That is the best song on the Album IMO, the rest of that album was largely forgettable.
I really like "Sailor" from The Glamour, that was the stand out track for me.
Nice video.
It's funny, I can't disagree with anything that you've said but details weigh different with me. But like you say, none of their stuff is BAD.
I have the not at all controversial opinion that Sleep No More cannot be beat. That is solidly in my number one spot because I love the aggressive forward motion of the whole thing. It makes you feel like you're on a midnight road trip of some urgency. Fiction and Waiting for a Miracle are basically tied for slot 2. Depends on the day but they're both so relatable lyrically, as well as being something of... mood time capsules? I feel like they are very AWARE people. Next is Chasing Shadows which is where people throw things at ME. I know that's high ranking for it but the drums are so strong. Land is right after that for having some of the most masterful lyrics I've heard. Nature Trails in particular makes me feel like someone is walking on my grave. The whole thing has a mysterious feel. I had to think about this very hard but My Mind's Eye is next. I'm a giant goth and they hit it. The vibes are immaculate, as the kids are saying. 7 day weekend after that and my much younger self who saw Real Genius 1654161674 times is SHOCKED it's that low. It's a good album. Couple of my favorite songs on it, I just think everything I've rated higher hang together AS ALBUMS better. And for the last ones... it might just be that I don't own them and haven't heard them that much. Maybe I should fix that. Anyway thanks that was fun to think about!
Wow......this is a wonderful response to my Comsat Angels ranking video. I agree with so much that you said, and I must 'Sleep No More' was my favourite for 30 years! I Iove your description of a midnight road trip, that is brilliant. 'Waiting For a Miracle' was a fantastic debut and is still very high on my list. 'My Mind's Eye' is Stephen Fellows personal favourite and another truly great album. But......you must hear 'The Glamour', there are two different versions (track sequence), but both are superb. When I heard this album I was blown away. If a trendy band had released it in the mid-90's I believe it would be deemed a classic, but because the Comsat's were out of vogue it was never given a fair hearing. Please give 'The Glamour' a good listen as you have something very special to come. Thanks again for your wonderful thought out comments! Mike
PPS Ive got a well dodgy VCD Mean Fiddler 30.6.95 includes Glamour etc
I've now come across a chap who has six shows on cd (6 different cd's). He also has Lost Sessions 1979-85 and 3 Dutch Broadcasts 1981/82 (not unravelled because that's 93/94). I haven't bought any yet so don't know the quality. email me if you want his details. I've seen the Mean Fiddler on youtube, I think it's a great setlist. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman Mike what's your email address?
@@comeonuirons mike_grogan@btinternet.com
Did you ever get to hear the Stephen Fellows solo CD Slow Glass? It's on bandcamp and worth a listen.
Hi Colin, yes, I’ve got Slow Glass, I really like it. I think there are some good strong songs on there. Shame it doesn’t get wider recognition. Have you heard Mood X? Stephens’s first solo, no vocals, sounds ambient, definitely worth a listen, another that I really enjoy. Mike 🎸
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I've got Mood X but as I listen to a lot of Moog modular music it was nothing special to me. It would be great to see The Glamour as a Record Store Day release one day. Or just an ordinary vinyl issue.
I saw The Sound and The Comsat Angels on a double bill at The Warehouse in Liverpool many years ago now.
I appreciate your video presentation style
@@colinosborne3305 Hi Colin, I also saw a Sound/ Comsat double bill at the Lyceum in London (I think, 1982, I need to check). I wrote to Stephen about releasing The Glamour on vinyl, even crowd funding, but sadly I don’t think there’s any appetite at present. Such a shame as it is the one record I would love to see get a vinyl release. Mike 🎸
I picked up the box release of the glamour in a used CD store near much music back in 95. I was a happy picker that day. I do see quite a few copies of chasing shadows around Toronto and the US from time to time but never the first three. Which is evidence of their quality.
I actually discovered the Comsat Angels via the Sound - I was collecting the Renascent reissues of the Sound's catalogue, and they also reissued the Polydor albums. It was a nice discovery, albeit years after they had come and gone. Thanks for the great post.
Also, Sleep No More is easily their best album IMHO. I may have to give some of the later stuff a listen, although the bits and pieces I've heard have been underwhelming for me.
PS Maybe include Unravelled?
The long awaited Comsat's ranking, which I think you thought of in the first place! I tried to find your ranking that you send me but just couldn't locate it, can you tell me again I'd like to know. I didn't include Unravelled because it wasn't a studio album, I decided to just stick to new studio recordings. Did you like my rankings?? Mike
"We are all entombed in the Music of our youth" I (G-Man 1996) love Quoting my self!!! I missed Beatlemania 1963-1965 and came of age with Revolver-SGT Pepper (1966-7) and then watch their demise. Then Rock Died briefly in 1975-6 and was upstaged by DISCO (remember that?). CLASS of '77 (Sex Pistols) was like a blast of FRESH AIR but was too obnoxious and silly to last more than one year. Then MY ERA POST PUNK dropped 1978-1994 and ended with Nirvana Grunge/Indy before ROCK died in Y2K. I mean Rock , like Jazz, is still played today, but with the rise of Pro-Tools, Auto Tune and Music Houses/producers, iTunes & streaming Rock is now boring & CULTURALLY IRREVELANT...How Sad.
Post Punk can be divided into three WAVES FIRST WAVE 1978-1983 (Experimental Like Joy Division, Japan, The Sound ) SECOND WAVE 1984-1989 (Commercial like Souxie & the Banches The Cure, Police, Rain Parade, Chamellions) and FINAL WAVE 1990-1994(Lush, My Bloody Valentine, Concrete Blonde). Of all the Post Punk eras, I like the Bleeding edge of FIRST WAVE---so my top three COMSTAT ANGELS LPs are their First three [as encapsulated in Cherry Red's fabulous ITS HISTORY box set). Its like Souxie & the Banches who made several LPs but only TWO capture the Souxie Sound [Hyeana & Tinderbox], Same with Sisters of Mercy [FloodLands and their last LP with Dr. Jeep in it].
Its the funnest thing. I grew up mocking Comstat Angels, because I didn't know who they were. In the early Nineties most Bay Area Radio Stns shunned them as 'Geezers trying to re-capture the sound of their youth and failing'. Then I purchased the excellent Rhino Records LT of the Dial and fell in love with EYE OF THE CAMERA. I went to the 'snotty, records GURU' at THE BEAT (Sacramento) asking for the LP with EYE in it and he cocked an Eyebrow at me "You never Heard of the Comstat Angels? Here, Buy this (Its History)...If you don't like it, Ill buy it back from you. I played it and it was like touching the face of God!!! I never heard such music before. I played it for PAM as we drove on a fog covered Golden Gate Bridge and she was aghast "Turn that Sh*it off---Its starting to creep me out!!!" I started crying like a baby----I told pam 'That was the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me---Finally, someone UNDERSTANDS MY MUSIC!!!"
Hi Michael, this is one the the best responses I have ever had to a video! Thank you so much for your comments and education. I find myself agreeing and recognising with much of what you said. Although I found punk, and still do, very exciting, Post Punk is also my favourite genre. I loved your breakdown of the different phases of New Wave. I can understand why you consider the first three Comsat’s as so important and I obviously agree. But if you haven’t already then I strongly recommend a listen to My Mind’s Eye (Stephen Fellows favourite), and my favourite The Glamour. They are both wonderful records. Thanks again Michael for your brilliant summary of the genres and great bands that we both love. Mike
@@pc31thevinylpoliceman I just received my 'Land' LP which I treat like the Beatles' MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR (EP Cock-up that works because half of it is new and the flip side is cobbled together from their singles on side two). Revolver/SGT Pepper/MMT are my favourite Beatles LP because they sounded unlike anything else at the time.
I loved the COMSTAT ANGELS (Polydor LPS) because they had a very spacy, Angular Guitar Sound to them like New Model Army. (80's & Blood...) The thing which I H-A-T-E-D about the COMSTAT ANGELS was their incessant recycling of Old songs off previous LPs such as JUJU MONEY & Independence Day which I consider INTELLECTUALLY DISHONEST especially when they were sitting on great unreleased songs, such as 'ITS HISTORY'. I advise anyone discovering the Comstat Angels to find a CD copy of ITS HISTORY (Cherry Records) which is a four disc box set. The Comstat Angels should have stayed inside their Polydor sound because it is the sound fans associate with them.
PC31, I will take a listen to their newer material such as GLAMOUR. based upon yer Recommendation. FYI, my TOP TEN POST PUNK LPS are: 1. THE SOUND (First three LPs to include my Favourite ALL FALL DOWN) 2. COMSTAT ANGELS (First three LPS with FICTION as my favourite) 3. Souxie & the Banchees (Hyeana & Tinderbox are her most consistent work 4. Sisters of Mercy 'FloodLands and his last LP (with Dr. Jeep in it) 5. Sad Lovers & Giants (SLAG) for their first four LPs...again, try to find the BOX Set 6. LUSH (Last three LP before their Drummer committed Suicide) 7. The BOX (All the Time and their follow-up LP) 8. The Police (Last three LPs) 9. Chameleon UK (First three LPs) and the TIE for 10. Bill Pritcherd (Three Months, Three Weeks Two days with the single EMILY) & 17 Pygmies (Captured in Ice) a stellar, haunting work. Great Job on yer REVIEW!!!