Sleepwalk (song)
Encyclopedia
"Sleepwalk" is Ultravox
's first single from the band's fourth album
, and the first with Midge Ure
as frontman, released by Chrysalis Records
on June 16, 1980.
The song was primarily used to achieve a record contract with Chrysalis in 1980 after the band were sacked from their previous label, Island Records
. Compared to previous singles with John Foxx
, it was moderately successful in the UK charts, peaking at #29 and paving the way for future success with both the album "Vienna
" (released July 1980) and the "Vienna" single (released Jan 1981). There was no official music video
produced for the single.
The single's B-side, "Waiting" is a more solemn, bass-laden affair in comparison to the frenzied synth
work of the A-side. It now appears on the CD re-issue of Vienna
as a bonus track, as well as various other Ultravox compilations.
Ultravox
Ultravox is a British New Wave rock band. They were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the late 1970s/early 1980s. The band was particularly associated with the New Romantic and New Wave movements....
's first single from the band's fourth album
Vienna (album)
Vienna is the fourth studio LP by the synthpop band Ultravox, first released on 11 July 1980. The album peaked at #3 in the UK charts and was the first Ultravox release to enter the UK top ten. It was certified Platinum in the United Kingdom in July 1981 for 300,000 copies sold...
, and the first with Midge Ure
Midge Ure
James "Midge" Ure, OBE is a Scottish guitarist, singer, keyboard player, and songwriter...
as frontman, released by Chrysalis Records
Chrysalis Records
Chrysalis Records was a British record label that was created in 1969. The name was both a reference to the pupal stage of a butterfly and a combination of its founders names, Chris Wright and Terry Ellis...
on June 16, 1980.
The song was primarily used to achieve a record contract with Chrysalis in 1980 after the band were sacked from their previous label, Island Records
Island Records
Island Records is a record label that was founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. It was based in the United Kingdom for many years and is now owned by Universal Music Group...
. Compared to previous singles with John Foxx
John 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...
, it was moderately successful in the UK charts, peaking at #29 and paving the way for future success with both the album "Vienna
Vienna (album)
Vienna is the fourth studio LP by the synthpop band Ultravox, first released on 11 July 1980. The album peaked at #3 in the UK charts and was the first Ultravox release to enter the UK top ten. It was certified Platinum in the United Kingdom in July 1981 for 300,000 copies sold...
" (released July 1980) and the "Vienna" single (released Jan 1981). There was no official music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
produced for the single.
The single's B-side, "Waiting" is a more solemn, bass-laden affair in comparison to the frenzied synth
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
work of the A-side. It now appears on the CD re-issue of Vienna
Vienna (album)
Vienna is the fourth studio LP by the synthpop band Ultravox, first released on 11 July 1980. The album peaked at #3 in the UK charts and was the first Ultravox release to enter the UK top ten. It was certified Platinum in the United Kingdom in July 1981 for 300,000 copies sold...
as a bonus track, as well as various other Ultravox compilations.
Track listing
- "Sleepwalk" – 3:10
- "Waiting" – 3:51