Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits Of The '80s, Vol. 12

I wasn't even aware Big Country was known in the US at all tbh. I don't remember them ever being particularly loathed either. It's not like that I care much either way, it's just a weird take on them.

― (Henry) Green container bin with face (Tom D.), Thursday, 19 April 2018 12:59 (six minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

I don't know how big they were/are in the US either tbh. Just a guess that those anthemic riffs might make more sense (now) in actual big country.

― Gonk Steady Crew (Noel Emits), Thursday, 19 April 2018 13:05 (one minute ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

they don't know about US

If I recall correctly (and I do) Big Country had the one enormous hit single and then sort of faded in the US.

Had Simon Reynolds never heard the Alarm?

Big Country was on MTV through "Look Away" and "One Great Thing" and were college radio staples. This is easily verified by looking at MTV and CMJ charts. They scored only one Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit in "In a Big Country," which hasn't gone away; it's a staple of retro radio.

They played on SNL in '83

NickB, hah

Yaz - no question.