The Metal Files

Sorry, this isn’t about the band Overkill.  It’s about Men At Work.   I became a fan on day one when they first hit in America.  It was a combination of Colin Hay’s voice and Jerry Speiser’s drumming.  That guy was a beast!

I can remember riding my bike down to Benji’s house and listening to this every weekend.   It was just good stuff.

Business As Usual – 1982

Other than Helpless Automaton, there’s not another bad song on the album.  people Just Love To Play With Words, Who Can It Be Now, Underground, Catch a Star and I Can See It In Your Eyes are certainly my faves.  Down Under is good but way overplayed.

Cargo – 1983

Their follow-up wasn’t as commercially acceptable but I think I like it more in many ways.  The song Overkill is easily one of my favorite songs by any band in any genre.  The album is filled with really good songs like Blue For You, High Wire and It’s a Mistake.  Dr. Heckyl and Upstairs In My House are great too.  I never cared much for I Like To.  Little too goofy.

Two Hearts – 1985

This album was a bit of a let down.  It’s not bad, but it’s lacking.  Jerry Speiser left the band and they used a drum machine.  ugh.  The Man With 2 Hearts and Maria are the standout tracks.

I did finally see them in Virginia Beach in 1999(?).  It was only Colin Hay and Greg Ham left in the band.  Reggie, Dave and I got there when the opening band had about 2-3 songs left and the show was sold out.  I’m a bit of a fanatic for this band and told them I was going to force my way up front.  They looked at me like I was crazy.  I got up there right before they took the stage and was dead center.  It was a great show.  Sadly most people were there to hear the hits but they played some other non-hits as well as some solo stuff of Colin’s.  All of which I was familiar with.  I was raising so much hell between songs that Colin commented to me from the stage, “You’re nuts mate.  I love it!”  Great show.

Afterwards I got to hang out with Greg Ham and share some wine with him.  Super nice cat.  I didn’t get to meet Colin.  Greg said he’s not much on hanging out and is a bit shy. 

Good times.