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Models

UPDATE >>> The New'n'Improved Version of this Page is at:
models-band-music-songs-videos.html

A main difference is that while this older page features video files linked individually down the page - with broken links appearing over time - on the new page they are all included in a single large playlist window.

Formed 1978, Models were an alternative post-punk rock group from Melbourne, Australia; fronted by Sean Kelly. They're one of those groups whose later commercial chart success can lead many to overlook their more intresting, early work. For example, as shown in videos below, in 1982-83 they were wearing an industrial style of khaki combat, pouting in make-up, making industrial-themed videos for a blend of angsty yet catchy electronic-industrial-funk-rock music - perhaps best exemplified in "God Bless America" and "I Hear Motion"; a good six years before, say, Nine Inch Nails starting doing something similar in the USA. Earlier Models music is quirky post-punk similar to what many "goth" or similar UK groups were doing in early 80s and what many indie-UK bands (like The Rapture) were doing in mid-00s. In 1985 Models reached mainstream chart success in Australia with "Barbados" reaching #2. Beyond the apparently dreamy chorus the song is about trauma, despair, escapism through alcoholism and suicide. (The vocalist on that song, James Freud, took his life in 2010). Models biggest hit was the very pop-rock "Out of mind out of sight" (1985) and went to #1 Australia and top 40 in USA. Models disbanded in 1988 though have done several reunions since then. Some other cultural links: original member Ash Wednesday later played with German industrial band Einsturzende Neubauten. The Models first release in 1979 was a shared single with The Boys Next Door. Front men James Freud and Sean Kelly originally played together in pop-punk group Teenage Radio Stars. James Freud had a pop-punk song called "Modern Girl" that went top-20 in 1980 (see videos further below). Prior to joining Models in 1982, James Freud also produced an unreleased album with Gary Numan (the UK artist who achieved top-of-the-chart success in 1979-80 with dark electronic music).

To Obtain Music

For Australia:

Models on iTunes (Aust)

Global:

Models MP3s & CDs at UK-Amazon

Models MP3s & CDs at USA-Amazon

Most Recommended Album:
The Pleasure of Your Company

models-album-cover-ALPHABRAVOCHARLIEDELTAECHOFOXTROTGOLF.jpg

To Obtain Music

For Australia:

Models on iTunes (Aust)

Global:

Models MP3s & CDs at UK-Amazon

Models MP3s & CDs at USA-Amazon

Videos & Songs

Models - "God Bless America" (from 1983 album)

Models - I Hear Motion (1983)
Went top 20 and is widely considered to be their best track.

Models - On (1982)
Lots of "industrial-porn" in this video (wrecking cars, posing with blow torches, saws & masks, pig's heads - they must have witnessed an SPK concert )

Models - No Shoulders No Head (1983)

Models - Big on Love (1984).

Models - Barbados (1985)
#2 on Australian charts: a song about alcoholism, depression & suicide

Models - Local &/or General (1981)

Models - Unhappy (1981).

Models - King of Kings 1985

Models - Holy Creation (1983).

Models - Owe You Nothing (1980)

Models - Happy Birthday IBM (1980)

Models - Two Cabs to the Toucan (1981)
This is followed by 'mini slices', a promo-video for the 1981 EP 'Cut Lunch' which features track snippets 'Germ (Teradacity Cometh)', 'Atlantic Romantic', 'Unfaithful to the Corps', 'Man o' Action' and 'Cut Lunch'.

Models - Out of Mind Out of Sight (1985)
Went to no. 1 in Australian charts and US top 40.

Models - Two people per square kilometre (1980)

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James Freud & The Radio Stars - Modern Girl (1980)
Top 10 pop-punk song in 1980. James joined The Models in 1982 and co-influenced their shift to a more commercial sound.