Rocktrospectiva: The Fairly "Strange Behavior" Turns 40

Released on 17 February 1986 "Strange Behaviour" was the 2nd., studio album by the US synth-pop band Animotion, the album was released by Casablanca Records, and turned into the last album to be released by Casablanca before the record label folded. The album spanwed two singles, the outstanding "I Enginner" which became a hit in several countries in Europe and "I Want You". 

Following the departures of Antonelli and O'Brien, Smith became an official member of the band, along with new drummer Jim Blair, prior to the recording of the follow-up album, Strange Behavior (1986). While several singles were released from this album, its success in the US paled in comparison to the debut album, whereas the band became very famous in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Africa, thanks to the LP's brilliant single "I Engineer", another Holly Knight composition which was co-written with Bernie Taupin and Mike Chapman. 

 "I Engineer" reached the Top 20 and sometimes as high as the Top 5 in those countries. This rocketeed the band into stardom over there and during 1986 and 1987 Animotion toured extensively, appearing alongside such performers as Phil Collins, Depeche Mode, Eurythmics, Genesis, Howard Jones, INXS, and Simply Red. 

The highlights on this album were the new-wave influenced "Out Of Control"; the slinky title track with a great riff; next the catchy "Stealing Time" and the more rocky "Anxiety"; and then the final track "Staring Down The Demons" which was considered a superb track, althought certain people considered "I Engineer" as the weakest track, this was the jewel of the crown and the most standout of the set, its infectious new wave sound turned into and anthem in several dance floors of the 80's and remained important today. Unfortunately the vocalist Astrid Plane's vocal seemed to change from track to track; hard-hitting on some songs and useless on others. 

The album was regarded by critics as amixed, uneven and somewhat amateurish compared theit debut album, perhaps the dull '80s synth pop sound was the main fault of this in spite the hit "I Engineer", which was praised as a new wave classic, the rest of the album were described as average with several filler despite there were some good tracks included, unfortunately the blend of electronic sound with the live feel of a US rock band didn't work as expected. 

 

Strange Behaviour Track List:  

 

1. I Want You

2. I Engineer

3. Strange Behavior

4. Stealing Time

5. Anxiety

6. Out Of Control

7. Stranded

8. The Essence

9. One Step Ahead

10. Staring Down The Demons