Replicas (album)
Encyclopedia
Replicas is an album by Tubeway Army
, released in 1979. It was the second and final Tubeway Army LP
, following a self-titled debut
the previous year. It was also the first album of what Numan later termed the "machine" phase of his career, preceding The Pleasure Principle
and Telekon
, a collection linked by common themes of a dystopian science fiction
future and transmutation
of man/machine, coupled with an androgynous image and ground-breaking synthetic rock sound. Fuelled by a surprise number 1 hit single, "Are 'Friends' Electric?
", Replicas also claimed the top spot in the UK
charts.
, Replicas was based on a book Numan hoped to complete someday, set in a not-too-distant future metropolis where Machmen (androids with cloned human skin) and other machines keep the general public cowed on orders from the Grey Men (shadowy officials). Whilst the album’s setting and lyrics were directly inspired by the science fiction of Philip K. Dick
, particularly his seminal work Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
, the title, surprisingly, was not. Though similar to 'Replicant
s', the term used for androids in Ridley Scott
’s Blade Runner
, based on Dick’s book, Scott’s film came out three years after Tubeway Army’s album and Dick never used the word 'Replicant' in his original 1968 novel.
incarnation of Ultravox. Tracks like "Speed of Life" and "Breaking Glass" from David Bowie
’s Low have also been cited, as have Kraftwerk
’s The Man-Machine
, in particular the long and wistful "Neon Lights".
The recording was a development of the sound of its predecessor, the Tubeway Army debut. Whilst tracks like "You Are in My Vision" and "It Must Have Been Years" recalled the earlier album’s guitar-orientated rock, the rest were built solidly around an analog synthesizer, the Minimoog
. Along with "Are 'Friends' Electric?", this included "Me! I Disconnect from You", the atmospheric "Down in the Park
" (released as a single prior to the album and acquiring cult status if not, at the time, commercial success), the multi-layered title track and the closing instrumentals "When the Machines Rock" and "I Nearly Married a Human", the latter featuring Numan's first use of a primitive drum machine
; it made an appearance the following year in Carl Sagan
's TV series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
.
Replicas fat synthesizer sound and occasionally nihilistic
lyrics had a major impact on the industrial
acts that came to prominence in the mid-nineties such as Marilyn Manson
and Nine Inch Nails
, each of whom have covered his songs on record. Both Manson and Foo Fighters
released versions of "Down in the Park" whilst "Are 'Friends' Electric?" has been covered by a number of artists and was most recently the backing for Sugababes
' "Freak Like Me
". Numan has always played tracks from this album on stage with "Me! I Disconnect from You", "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and "Down in the Park" being mainstays, whilst "Praying to the Aliens" and "Replicas" have also lately become part of his live repertoire.
Of the bonus tracks released on CD, "Do You Need the Service?" and "We Are So Fragile" were B-sides on the vinyl singles "Down In The Park" and "Are 'Friends' Electric?", respectively; "I Nearly Married a Human (2)" was an additional B-side on the "Down in the Park" 12-inch; and "The Crazies", "Only a Downstat" and "We Have a Technical" were outtakes from the Replicas sessions first released on vinyl in 1985.
Disc One
Disc Two
This disc contains a complete earlier version of the Replicas album, recorded in late 1978 and January 1979
Disc Three - Replicas - Mixes + Versions (GNCD 2008)
This disc of bonus tracks was only available for a limited time when Replicas Redux was purchased via Numan's official website
Tubeway Army
Tubeway Army were a London-based punk rock and new wave band led by lead singer Gary Numan. They were the first band of the post-punk era to have a synthesizer-based hit, with their single Are 'Friends' Electric? and its parent album Replicas both topping the UK Album Chart in mid-1979.-Line-up:The...
, released in 1979. It was the second and final Tubeway Army LP
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
, following a self-titled debut
Tubeway Army (album)
Tubeway Army is the debut album by Gary Numan and his band Tubeway Army, released in 1978. Its initial limited-edition run of 5000 sold out but did not chart...
the previous year. It was also the first album of what Numan later termed the "machine" phase of his career, preceding The Pleasure Principle
The Pleasure Principle (Gary Numan album)
The Pleasure Principle is the third studio album, and debut album under his own name, by electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, released in 1979...
and Telekon
Telekon
Released in 1980, Telekon is the fourth studio album, and second album under his own name, by the British musician Gary Numan. It debuted at the top of the UK charts in September 1980, making it his third and consecutive no.1 album....
, a collection linked by common themes of a dystopian science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
future and transmutation
Transmutation of species
Transmutation of species was a term used by Jean Baptiste Lamarck in 1809 for his theory that described the altering of one species into another, and the term is often used to describe 19th century evolutionary ideas that preceded Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection...
of man/machine, coupled with an androgynous image and ground-breaking synthetic rock sound. Fuelled by a surprise number 1 hit single, "Are 'Friends' Electric?
Are 'Friends' Electric?
"Are 'Friends' Electric?" is a 1979 song written by Gary Numan, released under the name of his then-band Tubeway Army as a single and on the album Replicas...
", Replicas also claimed the top spot in the UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
charts.
Background
Something of a concept albumConcept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
, Replicas was based on a book Numan hoped to complete someday, set in a not-too-distant future metropolis where Machmen (androids with cloned human skin) and other machines keep the general public cowed on orders from the Grey Men (shadowy officials). Whilst the album’s setting and lyrics were directly inspired by the science fiction of Philip K. Dick
Philip K. Dick
Philip Kindred Dick was an American novelist, short story writer and essayist whose published work is almost entirely in the science fiction genre. Dick explored sociological, political and metaphysical themes in novels dominated by monopolistic corporations, authoritarian governments and altered...
, particularly his seminal work Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick first published in 1968. The main plot follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter of androids, while the secondary plot follows John Isidore, a man of sub-normal intelligence who befriends some of the...
, the title, surprisingly, was not. Though similar to 'Replicant
Replicant
A replicant is a bioengineered or biorobotic being created in the film Blade Runner . The Nexus series—genetically designed by the Tyrell Corporation—are virtually identical to an adult human, but have superior strength, agility, and variable intelligence depending on the model...
s', the term used for androids in Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott
Sir Ridley Scott is an English film director and producer. His most famous films include The Duellists , Alien , Blade Runner , Legend , Thelma & Louise , G. I...
’s Blade Runner
Blade Runner
Blade Runner is a 1982 American science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young. The screenplay, written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, is loosely based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K...
, based on Dick’s book, Scott’s film came out three years after Tubeway Army’s album and Dick never used the word 'Replicant' in his original 1968 novel.
Recording and music
Musically Numan’s chief influence was the commercially-unsuccessful John FoxxJohn Foxx
John Foxx is an English singer, artist, photographer and teacher. He was the original lead singer of the band Ultravox before being replaced by Midge Ure, when he left to embark on a solo career in 1979...
incarnation of Ultravox. Tracks like "Speed of Life" and "Breaking Glass" from David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
’s Low have also been cited, as have Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk is an influential electronic music band from Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008...
’s The Man-Machine
The Man-Machine
The Man-Machine is the seventh studio album by German electronic band Kraftwerk, released in May 1978. It contains the song "The Model" which was a chart-topping single in the UK in 1982....
, in particular the long and wistful "Neon Lights".
The recording was a development of the sound of its predecessor, the Tubeway Army debut. Whilst tracks like "You Are in My Vision" and "It Must Have Been Years" recalled the earlier album’s guitar-orientated rock, the rest were built solidly around an analog synthesizer, the Minimoog
Minimoog
The Minimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer, invented by Bill Hemsath and Robert Moog. It was released in 1970 by R.A. Moog Inc. , and production was stopped in 1981. It was re-designed by Robert Moog in 2002 and released as Minimoog Voyager.The Minimoog was designed in response to the use of...
. Along with "Are 'Friends' Electric?", this included "Me! I Disconnect from You", the atmospheric "Down in the Park
Down in the Park
"Down in the Park" is a 1979 single written and recorded by Gary Numan with his band Tubeway Army. The first cut from the album Replicas, it was not a hit when released but has long been a critical and fan favourite and for many years was described by Numan as his best composition.-Style:Like the...
" (released as a single prior to the album and acquiring cult status if not, at the time, commercial success), the multi-layered title track and the closing instrumentals "When the Machines Rock" and "I Nearly Married a Human", the latter featuring Numan's first use of a primitive drum machine
Drum machine
A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of drums or other percussion instruments. They are used in a variety of musical genres, not just purely electronic music...
; it made an appearance the following year in Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan
Carl Edward Sagan was an American astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, science popularizer and science communicator in astronomy and natural sciences. He published more than 600 scientific papers and articles and was author, co-author or editor of more than 20 books...
's TV series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage is a thirteen-part television series written by Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan, and Steven Soter, with Sagan as presenter. It was executive-produced by Adrian Malone, produced by David Kennard, Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Gregory Andorfer, and directed by the producers, David...
.
Legacy
Nihilism
Nihilism is the philosophical doctrine suggesting the negation of one or more putatively meaningful aspects of life. Most commonly, nihilism is presented in the form of existential nihilism which argues that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value...
lyrics had a major impact on the industrial
Industrial music
Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the...
acts that came to prominence in the mid-nineties such as Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson (band)
Marilyn Manson is an American metal band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Formed in 1989 by Brian Warner and Scott Putesky, the group was originally named Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids with their uniquely theatrical performances gathering a local cult following in the early '90s. This attention...
and Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
, each of whom have covered his songs on record. Both Manson and Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
released versions of "Down in the Park" whilst "Are 'Friends' Electric?" has been covered by a number of artists and was most recently the backing for Sugababes
Sugababes
The Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Sugababes were formed in 1998 with founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in 2000 under London...
' "Freak Like Me
Freak Like Me
"Freak like Me" is the first single from Adina Howard's 1995 R&B debut album Do You Wanna Ride?. Like Howard's image, the song can be best described as hypersexual. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA....
". Numan has always played tracks from this album on stage with "Me! I Disconnect from You", "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and "Down in the Park" being mainstays, whilst "Praying to the Aliens" and "Replicas" have also lately become part of his live repertoire.
Of the bonus tracks released on CD, "Do You Need the Service?" and "We Are So Fragile" were B-sides on the vinyl singles "Down In The Park" and "Are 'Friends' Electric?", respectively; "I Nearly Married a Human (2)" was an additional B-side on the "Down in the Park" 12-inch; and "The Crazies", "Only a Downstat" and "We Have a Technical" were outtakes from the Replicas sessions first released on vinyl in 1985.
1979 Beggars Banquet LP and MC (BEGA/C 7) & 1995 Beggars Banquet CD reissue (MUSCD509)
The lightbulb on the front sleeve artwork was removed for the 1995 reissue to allow for a larger print of the album title.- "Me! I Disconnect from You" – 3:23
- "Are 'Friends' Electric?Are 'Friends' Electric?"Are 'Friends' Electric?" is a 1979 song written by Gary Numan, released under the name of his then-band Tubeway Army as a single and on the album Replicas...
" – 5:25 - "The Machman" – 3:08
- "Praying to the Aliens" – 4:00
- "Down in the ParkDown in the Park"Down in the Park" is a 1979 single written and recorded by Gary Numan with his band Tubeway Army. The first cut from the album Replicas, it was not a hit when released but has long been a critical and fan favourite and for many years was described by Numan as his best composition.-Style:Like the...
" – 4:24 - "You Are in My Vision" – 3:15
- "Replicas" – 5:01
- "It Must Have Been Years" – 4:02
- "When the Machines Rock" – 3:15
- "I Nearly Married a Human" – 6:31
1999 Beggars Banquet CD reissue (BBL 7 CD)
- "Do You Need The Service?" - 3:40
- "The Crazies" - 2:54
- "Only A Downstat" - 3:36
- "We Have A Technical" - 8:04
- "We Are So Fragile" - 2:56
- "I Nearly Married a Human 2" - 6:38
2008 Beggars Banquet 'Redux' CD reissue (BBQCD 2057)
To coincide with Numan's 15-date Replicas Classic Album Tour in 2008, Beggars Banquet issued an expanded 2 & 3 CD version of Replicas entitled Replicas Redux.Disc One
- "We Are So Fragile" - 2:55
- "Do You Need the Service?" - 3:39
- "I Nearly Married A Human" (2) - 6:38
Disc Two
This disc contains a complete earlier version of the Replicas album, recorded in late 1978 and January 1979
- "Me! I Disconnect From You" - 3:24
- "Are 'Friends' Electric?Are 'Friends' Electric?"Are 'Friends' Electric?" is a 1979 song written by Gary Numan, released under the name of his then-band Tubeway Army as a single and on the album Replicas...
" - 5:25 - "The Machman" - 3:08
- "Praying to the Aliens" - 4:08
- "Down in the ParkDown in the Park"Down in the Park" is a 1979 single written and recorded by Gary Numan with his band Tubeway Army. The first cut from the album Replicas, it was not a hit when released but has long been a critical and fan favourite and for many years was described by Numan as his best composition.-Style:Like the...
" - 4:24 - "Do You Need the Service?" - 3:42
- "Only a Downstat" - 3:35
- "We Have a Technical" - 8:00
- "You Are In My Vision" - 3:22
- "Replicas" - 5:02
- "It Must Have Been Years" - 4:04
- "When the Machines Rock" - 3:15
- "The Crazies" - 2:54
- "I Nearly Married A Human (3)" - 6:24
- The early version of "When the Machines Rock" features vocals by Numan. The standard album version is an instrumental track.
Disc Three - Replicas - Mixes + Versions (GNCD 2008)
This disc of bonus tracks was only available for a limited time when Replicas Redux was purchased via Numan's official website
- "Are 'Friends' Electric?Are 'Friends' Electric?"Are 'Friends' Electric?" is a 1979 song written by Gary Numan, released under the name of his then-band Tubeway Army as a single and on the album Replicas...
" (Renegade Soundwave Mix) - 5:15 - "Replicas" (Early Version 2) - 5:05
- "Down in the ParkDown in the Park"Down in the Park" is a 1979 single written and recorded by Gary Numan with his band Tubeway Army. The first cut from the album Replicas, it was not a hit when released but has long been a critical and fan favourite and for many years was described by Numan as his best composition.-Style:Like the...
"(Early Version 2) - 4:23 - "Are 'Friends' Electric?Are 'Friends' Electric?"Are 'Friends' Electric?" is a 1979 song written by Gary Numan, released under the name of his then-band Tubeway Army as a single and on the album Replicas...
" (Early Version 2) - 5:28 - "Replicas" (Early Version 3) - 5:00
- "Are 'Friends' Electric?Are 'Friends' Electric?"Are 'Friends' Electric?" is a 1979 song written by Gary Numan, released under the name of his then-band Tubeway Army as a single and on the album Replicas...
" (Renegade Soundwave Instrumental) - 5:14
Chart positions
| Chart | Year | Peak position |
|---|---|---|
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1979 | 1 |
Personnel
- Gary NumanGary NumanGary Numan is an English singer, composer, and musician, most widely known for his chart-topping 1979 hits "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and "Cars". His signature sound consisted of heavy synthesizer hooks fed through guitar effects pedals.Numan is considered a pioneer of commercial electronic music...
– keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s, vocals, producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, mixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may... - Paul GardinerPaul GardinerPaul Gardiner was a British musician who played bass guitar with Gary Numan and Tubeway Army as well as material under his own name.-Biography:...
– bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Jess LidyardJess LidyardJess Lidyard is the former drummer of Tubeway Army. He is bandleader Gary Numan's uncle, and played on the band's self-titled debut album and on the highly successful Replicas, which featured the hit "Are 'Friends' Electric?"...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person .... - John Caffery – engineeringAudio engineeringAn audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
, mixing - Rikki Sylvan – mixing
- Geoff Howes – photographer
- Mary Vango – make-up
- Tony Escott – illustratorIllustratorAn Illustrator is a narrative artist who specializes in enhancing writing by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text...
- Malti Kidia – art directorArt directorThe art director is a person who supervise the creative process of a design.The term 'art director' is a blanket title for a variety of similar job functions in advertising, publishing, film and television, the Internet, and video games....