Electronic Sound Issue 69 2020 [PDF]

We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of ULTRAVOX's classic 'Vienna' album in the new Electronic Sound. We have a limited edition Ultravox seven-inch on clear vinyl featuring two non-album tracks from the 'Vienna' sessions to accompany this month's magazine too. We've interviewed all four members of the group – Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Chris Cross and Warren Cann – to get the full inside story on 'Vienna'. From the split with original singer John Foxx ("We were at each other's throats for a long time") to working with the legendary producer Conny Plank at his remote studio in Germany ("There was nothing around us except cows") to becoming one of the most successful electronic pop outfits of all time, this really is a great read. The many highlights include Midge Ure describing Kraftwerk as "a corduroy band" and talking about his brief spell in Thin Lizzy. There are lots of other fascinating interviews in this month's issue, including Belbury Poly, Max Richter, Yello, Kevin Saunderson from Inner City and Barry Ashworth from Dub Pistols, plus photographer Brian Griffin, the man responsible for iconic shots of Ultravox, Depeche Mode, Iggy Pop, Echo & The Bunnymen, and oodles more. We also enjoy a quick catch-up with Hannah Peel, while Thomas Leer tells us all about his first, last and favourite record purchases. We need to mention our Hans Edler piece too. If you don't know who he is – and we have to confess that some of us here had never heard of this early 1970s Swedish electronic music pioneer until a couple of months ago – you're in for a treat.