Mars Needs Guitars! is Australian rock group Hoodoo Gurus' second album, released in March 1985.[4] The title is a reference to the 1967 science fiction film, Mars Needs Women. Singles from the album were "Bittersweet", "Like Wow – Wipeout", "Death Defying" and "Poison Pen". Mars Needs Guitars! reached No. 140 on the American Billboard 200 albums chart in 1986.
Mars Needs Guitars! | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | March 8, 1985 | |||
Recorded | 1984 | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 33:35 | |||
Label | Big Time, Chrysalis, Elektra | |||
Producer | Charles Fisher, Hoodoo Gurus | |||
Hoodoo Gurus chronology | ||||
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Singles from Mars Needs Guitars! | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Robert Christgau | B−[2] |
The Rolling Stone Album Guide | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The title track, "Mars Needs Guitars" (also the B-side of "Bittersweet" single), was written by all five Gurus[5] and lead vocals were by Brad Shepherd. All other tracks were written[5] and featured lead vocals by Dave Faulkner. Hayride to Hell (1995) is a short film written and directed by former Gurus member Kimble Rendall.
In 2000, Dave Faulkner said "When we commenced the sessions for Mars Needs Guitars! we had a brand new drummer, Mark Kingsmill who altered our lives forever with his distinctive explosive style."[6]
In October 2010, it was listed in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums, with their previous album, Stoneage Romeos at No. 28.[7]
Cash Box magazine said "Excellent dynamics and songwriting shine through on nearly every cut."[8]
All tracks are written by Dave Faulkner, except where noted[5].
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Bittersweet" | 3:44 | |
2. | "Poison Pen" | 4:09 | |
3. | "In the Wild" | 3:07 | |
4. | "Death Defying" | 3:21 | |
5. | "Like Wow – Wipeout" | 3:09 | |
6. | "Hayride to Hell" | 3:15 | |
7. | "Show Some Emotion" | 2:56 | |
8. | "Other Side of Paradise" | 3:31 | |
9. | "Mars Needs Guitars" | James Baker, Clyde Bramley, Faulkner, Mark Kingsmill, Brad Shepherd | 2:52 |
10. | "She" | 3:28 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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11. | "Bring the Hoodoo Down" | 2:54 | |
12. | "Turkey Dinner" | 4:14 | |
13. | "Death Ship" (live) | Faulkner, Roddy Radalj, Alan Sharples | 2:42 |
14. | "In the Wild" (live) | 3:29 | |
15. | "Teenage Head" (live) | Cyril Jordan, Roy Loney | 3:02 |
Credited to:[4]
Chart (1985/86) | Peak position |
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Australian (Kent Music Report)[9] | 5 |
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[10] | 18 |
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[11] | 47 |
United States (Billboard 200)[12] | 140 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Australia (ARIA)[13][14] | 3× Platinum | 210,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
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Studio albums | |
Compilations | |
EPs | |
Singles |
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Related articles |
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