80s new wave mania: "I Love a Man in a Uniform" Gang of Four (1982)

Tweet

This post punk British band is perhaps the most politically charged of their time. Gang of Four’s angry social and political commentary has been cited as a major influence by the likes of Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Kurt Cobain (Nirvana). That stance also resulted in Gang of Four never making it big. Their highest charted UK song “At Home He’s a Tourist” (#58) was banned by BBC Radio and the band stormed off Tops of the Pops when refusing to alter lyrics. Gang of Four made little impression in the US. The band was formed in Leeds in 1977 by Andy Gill (guitarist) and Jon King (vocals) and they wrote all the songs. The personnel behind them was a revolving door. Their sound had softened by the “Songs of the Free” album and perhaps that is why the more accessible “I Love a Man in Uniform” was popular on US alternative radio. Written during the Falkland Islands conflict, the savage savages the concept of men looking good in uniform and ladies liking a man in a uniform. The song is about a man lacking ambition and on the dole who signs up just to impression a girl. Gang of Four broke up in 1983 and reunited twice (1987-97, 2004- ) with Gill being the only constant member.