Martha And The Muffins: Far Away In Time 1987

 

Based in Toronto, Martha and the Muffins initially comprised Martha Johnson (vocals, keyboards),

Martha Ladly (vocals, keyboards, trombone), guitarist Mark Gane, bassist Carl Finkle, drummer Tim Gane, and saxophonist Andy Haas.
            

      
The group formed in 1977 and, on the strength of their debut independent single, "Insect

Love"/"Suburban Dream," were signed by Virgin U.K. The band's debut album, Metro Music, appeared in 1980, led by "Echo Beach," which would become a new wave classic. After 1981's This Is the Ice Age, and Danseparc two years later, Johnson and Gane moved the outfit to England and recorded Mystery Walk (1984) and The World Is a Ball (1986) as M+M. From then on, Martha and the Muffins recorded sporadically, releasing Modern Lullaby in 1992 and Delicate in 2010.
                      

An incredible debut album, and one that both stands the test of time and serves as an excellent sampler

of a distinct era and sound called new wave. Hailing from Toronto, though recorded in England by Mike Howlett, the Marthas (there were two Marthas in the original lineup, Johnson and Ladly), and their Muffins recorded energetic and fun pop songs.
                 

Just try standing still during the brilliant "Echo Beach" or "Paint By Number Heart." They also

managed to write some pretty powerful and intelligent lyrics on this album; just listen to the beauty of "Saigon," featuring haunting vocals from the Marthas, and excellent playing from the band. Mark Gane stands out with his distinctive guitar, featured prominently throughout the album, and Andy Haas provides some very catchy, memorable sax solos.
                             

                    
The album also features witty, almost silly songs, such as "Cheesies and Gum," simplistic and hilarious,

with a heavy dance beat. Perhaps the only negative aspect of the album is the production; Howlett at times seems to want to focus on the pure pop aspect, while not allowing the band to have their own distinct sound. It is the production that dates the album, but nevertheless, the brilliance of the songs shines through.
                        

LINE - UP

Martha Johnson – keyboards, vocals
Martha Ladly – keyboards, trombone, vocals
Mark Gane – synthesizer, guitar
Carl Finkle – bass
Tim Gane – drums
Andy Haas – saxophone

                              

Martha And The Muffins – Far Away In Time
Label: Virgin – COMCD 12
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave

METRO MUSIC 1980

                           

01. Echo Beach    3:38
02. Paint By Number Heart    4:23
03. Saigon    4:23
04. Indecision    4:25
05. Terminal Twilight    4:42
06. Hide And Seek    3:57
07. Monotone    2:46
08. Sinking Land    5:27
09. Revenge (Against The World)    3:31
10. Cheesies And Gum    3:05

INSECT LOVE EP 1978

                    

11. Insect Love    4:10

TRANCE AND DANCE 1980

                      

12. About Insomnia    3:10
13. Motorbikin'    2:55
14. Suburban Dream    3:27
15. Was Ezo    4:00

THIS IS ICE AGE 1981

                   

16. Women Around The World At Work    3:47
17. This Is The Ice Age    7:25

Flac Size: 774 MB

Martha And The Muffins: Trance And Dance 1980 HERE