Description
Der Kommissar is the first of several compilation albums by the British new wave band After The Fire, released on CBS Records late 1982 after the band had disbanded. CBS Records packaged up various tracks from the band’s three CBS albums released between 1979 and 1982 into a compilation, and as well adding their hit single «Der Kommissar» that peaked at No. 5 at the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.
I must note the fact that I have never heard so many imaginative introductions and subtle backing vocals. Perhaps even more I’ve rarely heard so much music on an LP since the good old days of the 60 minute chart compilations…After The Fire’s rhythm section reminded me of The Pirates; fast and furious, strong and steady. However, neither is given prominence. This is reserved for keyboards and guitar which are often used to embellish the basic song. Vocals are standard rock, as are the lyrics: love, life and luck…The band have certainly done their work, it’s a pity the record company didn’t see fit to supply any details of producers, personnel or even the smallest sleeve note. [Record Mirror, 1982]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/der-kommissar/307633418)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Der Kommissar” – 4:07
A2. “Who’s Gonna Love You” – 4:05
A3. “Frozen Rivers” – 3:36
A4. “Joy” – 3:17
A5. “Dancing In The Shadows” – 3:02
A6. “Billy Billy” – 4:40
Side Two
B1. “1980-F” – 2:32
B2. “Rich Boys” – 3:02
B3. “Starflight” – 4:13
B4. “Laser Love” – 3:28
B5. “Love Will Always Make You Cry” – 3:30
B6. “Sometimes” – 3:08
B7. “Sailing Ship” – 3:57
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP (actually featuring the original, rejected versions of “Love Will Always Make You Cry,” “Starflight,” and “1980-F”). The compilation album was re-issued after a revamped “Dancing In The Shadows” had been released as a 12-inch single featuring 3 tracks; “Dancing in the Shadows” (Full Length Version) on side A and “Dancing in the Shadows” (instrumental) and “Starflight” on side B (the single was credited to After The Fire, even though the front cover featured an image of Andy Piercy only). The compilation re-issue, as well as later editions, contains the re-worked versions of “Dancing In The Shadows”, “One Rule For You” (both re-worked by Andy Piercy), and “Starflight” (re-worked by the band). Re-issued on both cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD.
1982 proved to be an incredibly busy year for After The Fire! As well as UK and European dates as a headline band we also went out on 3 major tours supporting ELO, Queen and Van Halen. In addition we recorded “Der Kommissar” and a new version of “Starflight” as well demoing new songs for our next album. Sadly the latter never materialised as we fell apart as a band. With a bit of tweaking and lashings of reverb this collection eventually saw the light of day on 2006 on Angel Air Records, as AT2F.
Interview with Peter Banks, May 2021.
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