Totally Agree.Down Under and Who Can it Be Now are the obvious top hits but It's a Mistake and Overkill are my favs. Also, Be Good Johnny is a lot of fun.
Australia has had so many good bands, INXS, Psuedo Echo, Crowded House, and 1 band who hardly ever gets credit is Icehouse, Great Southern Land, Crazy, Electric Blue were all extremely good songs
You literally took the words right out of my mouth about Icehouse. They are ( next to Iva Davies good friends Daryl Hall and John Oates ) are one of my all time favorite bands. What doesn’t get mentioned about the song Down Under is that the first time Iva heard that, he thought that the lyrics weren’t representative of what he thought Australia was to him and that was the spark he needed to write Great Southern Land.
This song is an Australian anthem, always listening to it for decades, and when I had the chance to travel to the Land Down Under, I enjoyed it like crazy, like living a dream. What a great song.
6th grade couldn't wait to get out of school and my best friend and I would head over to the local pizza joint put a quarter in the juke box and play Men at work while munching on pizza. The innocence of those moments wow!!!!🤘
SO UNDERRATED Their tracks are fantastic works of pop, Overkill, It's a Mistake, I Can See It In Your Eyes, they deserve all the recognition they get. Especially Colin, he is such a great guy and WHAT A VOICE STILL after all this time!!
That did it, gonna switch away from Journey for a moment and go back to I’ve Got You and then hopefully Dragon from New Zealand’s Don’t Go Out in the Rain pops up on the play list.
While not on the same album, "Overkill" has always been a favorite, it's a haunting song that plays directly against the upbeat feeling of Down Under. To me Men at Work is one of those 80's artists people think they know, but really do not.
No word of a lie...best "concert" I've ever experienced was seeing Colin in Toronto at a dinner theatre. Front row, watching him tell the stories of his life, intermixed with fantastic acoustic performances. And then, rubbing shoulders with him after the show. Please check out his solo work, especially the phenomenal "Going Somewhere" and "Man@Work"
You'd have loved him at Byron Bay, 2019 (?). A five figure crowd in the palm of his hand, playing only one MAW song before the encore. After the encore, a huge ovation - maybe 5 minutes of futile calls for more...
I saw Colin last year, and it was likely one of the best performances I've seen. He is not only a fantastic performer, but a masterful storyteller that weaves his songs together with the audience is a stellar fashion.
Everytime I play this song live it's always well received. Always surprised by how so many younger kids know the words. Just one of those songs that takes you away to some far off destination. Great imagery.
As much as Business As Usual was a huge selling album I personally think the second album “CARGO” is a better album especially as it has “Overkill” on it plus “Dr.Heckyll and Mr.Jive”, “ It’s A Mistake”, “No Sign Of Yesterday”, “No Restrictions”, “Settle Down My Boy” 👍😀👍
Sheer 2waist - To me, they’re equal in quality. The only issue with Cargo is that it was released too quickly after BAU in the US. It should have had more of an impact.
One of the greatest injustices in music history--next to the Bee Gees and Michael Bolton each being found guilty of plagiarism and copyright infringement--is when Greg Ham was found guilty of blatantly stealing a piece of flute from a 1932 song. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong! Every time I hear "Down Under" I sing it with my Outback Aussie accent (acquired when I lived there for three years) and I say a quick prayer for Greg to let him know he's still admired and missed.
Music is made of plagiarism. It's a damn language. When you use a short phrase of music in a song, it's homage. What better riff to use in a song about Australia to use than "Kukabera"? Copyright is meant to encourage the artist to make more music and then it's time to let it go, let others make something new out of it. The composer of that song died a long time ago, it was the sheet music folks who demanded money.
@@puppetsnob It wasn't even the sheet music people. It was a different company that bought the rights just so they could pursue the case and get money they had never earned. Like George Harrison's manager hearing his new song, realising it sounded like an old song and then going and buying the rights to the old song and using his "music publishing company" to sue Harrison (his own artist!) for plagiarism. Bad faith from every angle.
In 2000 i was in a wedding here in Panamá and MaW were playing that night in a disco near by. We were all surprised when they just showed up and play their 5 or 6 biggest hits, took pictures with all of us and left for the concert. Unforggetable. Needless to say the groom's father was loaded jaja
I remember the time when this song and so many others of similar quality were about, they take me back to being a kid when life was less complicated and I didn’t have a care in the world. The music we listened to we all loved, but it didn’t seem extraordinary it just seemed like that’s how things were and how they’d always be. Of course we realise now that these years were a very special time for music and popular culture in general and things wouldn’t always be that way. I’m glad I lived to experience that time though
40+ years later, the song Down Under still stands up and has an audience captivated. Colin still has the pipes and sounds as good as ever.GR8 video and presentation.
"Men at Work" has always been one of my favorite bands of all time. „Overkill“ and "Down under" are classics and 80’s Icons. BUT I also really enjoy the quirky songs like „Hopeless Automation“, "Who can it be now?" and "Be good Johnny". Atmospheric tunes like „Down by the Sea“ on the other hand are soothing and quite a contrast. I recommend watching some early live performances that show that these guys were more than just a two-hit wonder. Man, your content is just amazing. Thanks!
Colin Hay was a unreal Guitarist 🎸probably in my top 3 . They had the sound and great vocals for the 80s Dance Clubs ! I loved all their Songs! What surprised me is that he walked away when they were on the TOP of their game . Great job PROFESSOR 🕵️♂️📻
Kathleen Kildare after the second album the band started falling apart . They tried the third album with a patched Men at Work but that was the end of the Band ! I never understood why they all left with that much success. Unreal 📻🎼🎸
I Always heard that "Down Under" was a bit of a Satirical Song. But I have this memory of hanging out in a Bar In Hollywood and this Traveling Group of Australian Tourists came in one of them put this song on the jukebox and like out of a movie they and the full bar sung Down Under at the top of their lungs. Good times.
Bussiness as Usual pulled up the charts in a beautiful period of my life, I was 10 going on to 11. Everytime I hear Down Under or any song from the album, memories of my Caribbean stay for a year; rush in... Sunshine, clear skies, turquoise sea, happy people, the freedom of childhood, the taste of mango and tropical fruits... Yes, it's a sensorial journey of happiness to the time period of 1982-1983, thank you Colin.
Overkill is such a deep song, that as a teenager I would dance or sway to carelessly not having the slightest idea of the emotional hardship the song was about, Colin made a unplugged, slowed down, stripped version a couple of years ago and it hit me like a baseball bat. Slowing down the song forces you to "listen" to the lyrics, not hear it as some sort of "accessory" to the catchy beat. Wow, a whole different experience. Love both versions, but rediscovering it as an adult is beautiful.
Had the opportunity to meet this man. He not only put on an incredible show to an audience of about 150, after the show he was most kind and accommodating. Very personable.
Tu tu tututu tu tu tu tututu tu tu tu ... The opening indicating the unclutterd arrangement of great songs. The song, voice, instruments and energy synergistic. ' Thank you very much San Fransisco ... ' Brilliant music
I was in 3rd grade when this song came out. Loved it the first time I heard it. It was one of those tunes you hoped would come on the radio when you had a tape in your tape deck so you could record it.
Your laughter still ringing, in my ears. I still find pieces of your presence here... even...even after all these years. If I live to 102 I just don't think I'll ever get over you.
My favorite all time music ! Been listening to those two album's for years ! A truly great underappreciated band ! But Colins solo music he's putting out now is some of the best music out there now ! He's a genius, true artist ! "Waiting for my real life to begin" became my lifetime favorite. Really talented songwriter. Thank you for interviewing such a great mind !💓 💪🏻👏🏻👍🏻 Now, my memories with the great masterpiece... Whoosh, they are many but my favorite is being 17,18 with my friends right when we got our driving licenses 😄 We used to go out in different cities driving crappy old cars and then after hours of clubing wr would gather up a bunch of people, buy few pack of beer at a gas station and drive into the fields or the nearest forest or park, open all the car doors and just blast that song out to the max, hug each other and dance all over the cars and scream that song out loud till dawn ! Just dancing under the moon and the stars 🌌
I was 14 at the time, in Melbourne, and this band just blew my mind. They had such a unique and fresh sound. Very reggae-ish feel, as opposed to the other great Aussie bands around at the time. Colin does a great acoustic gig. Thanks for the video.
The song adopted by Australia II when they beat the US to win the America's Cup. Those 2 memories will always be intertwined for me. Jumping around the lounge room excitedly as Australia II crossed the finish line, to beat Liberty 4-3 and break the New York Yacht Clubs 132 year hold on the cup. Then off to Primary School, I was 9 years old. Everyone was wearing green and gold or something with Australia II's name on it. First time I remember being so proud to be an Australian.
I was serving in the RAAF when Australia II was making its way to the finish line. I was already on base and working when they won that final race. Land Downunder is such a strong memory of that time. Colin Hay as a performer/artist is just one amazing dude and also an amazing human as well.
First album I ever owned. My older brother gave it to me for Christmas the year it came out. He has such a unique cadence and pronunciation to his singing style. It's like reggae with an Oz twist.
It just might be. It's the ultimate Australia song, Icehouse's Great Southern Land is No. 2. But, for other good Australian summer songs I'd suggest Daryl Braithwaite's One Summer and Mondo Rock's Come Said the Boy.
I am 53 now, down under is a wonderful blend of reggae and rock. One of the greatest song of an era that had so so many great songs. Totos Africa is one of them.
He's simply the greatest, and this is far from his best work. I've seen him 56 times and counting and am mesmerized by his extraordinary talent and grace every single show.
Back when I was 10, this guy in my older sister's class was at our house talking to her. Out of nowhere, I sang "I come from the land down under. Where women go and mention dirt." The guy asked, "Who sings that?" I replied, "Men At Work!" Then he said "Let's keep it that way." LOL! My sister didn't really like him. That was my very first "George Costanza" moment, but I was too young to come up with a clever comeback. I could've been the first one to quote "Jerk store." :D
Saw Colin perform solo at a small club in Little Rock, Arkansas. Played all Men at Work hits and solo. Beautiful World was a highlight. Afterwords he spent a few minutes with any fan that wanted to take a photo. So warm and authentic. It’s one of my best memories of a show.
Here’s my memory of this song. MTV had just become available on our cable service but my family did not have it yet. I used to go over a friends house and that was actually the first song I heard on MTV. I used to visit his house daily hoping that that song would come on. Around the same time the video for the union of the snake by Duran Duran dropped and I became obsessed with that as well. Funny how both videos are pretty much out in the sand.
I remember driving through the Outback and Down Under playing on the radio. I was singing my heart out, in the middle of nowhere, with such joy in my heart! Such a great memory
Back when I was in the Navy My Best friend Kyle and I shared some laughs and tears listening to this Record. When this song Down Under came on we always sang it with so much passion. I'm sure the Cubalibre's had a little something to do with it. I always think of those times in the Barracks having a drink whenever I hear this song. Miss you Kyle hope all is well with ya brother.
Heard it first in 1998. In Alabama, driving around - a great song for the car. My host dad and I used to rock to it. Saw Men at Work live in Germany last summer. Great band. Awesome oeuvre. This is still one of the songs where I crank up the radio!!
Colin is a legend in Australia!!! I was born in Sydney, Australia & grew up listening to Men At Work, Cold Chisel, INXS, Midnight Oil, Rose Tattoo, Icehouse & many more. It's tradition to know the lyrics to Down Under & if you don't will sure help you by singing them as loudly as we can 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I first heard it on radio and it gave me a weird sense of wonder and happiness, this and hearing him singing it and still kicking it, just put a smile on my face
Business As Usual was one of the very first albums that I bought with my own money.....Collin has one of the best and most distinctive voices ever..........another great video Proff!
Early 80s partying in a forest in NJ- the boombox would entertain- when batteries ran low the cassette wouldn’t run so we’d desperately search the radio - Who can it be now,coming thru clear and loud! Suddenly had everyone on their feet( wobbly) and dancing to the snaky sax riffs echoing in that sweet summer night-BRILLIANT!
1st album I ever bought as a kid. Business as Usual was/ is still my favorite album ever! Met Colin several times, such a awesome down to earth guy. Love all his work, Looking for Jack is so so good
10 years old, summertime, I played that cassette until I wore it out. They were one of my favorite bands, Colin Hay is a great singer. Always liked his sound.
I enjoyed their big hits on the radio and then, in the spring of '83, I traveled back to West Germany to visit friends and on a Saturday afternoon, I think it was, a friend and I took a train from Frankfurt to attend an open-air music festival and I was up for that, big music fan. And I don't even recall all the performers but, for sure, it ended with Chris de Burgh and Men at Work. And it was truly memorable for me to be at the sportplatz and unexpectedly see Men at Work live in concert.
Colin Hay is one of my favourite voices and I never tire of Business as Usual or Cargo. Their original line up had a brilliant chemistry that just sound fabulous, all highly talented. Captivating stories in their melodies...
Hello Professor of Rock! I really enjoy your UA-cam channel and the outstanding interviews and work you do with all the 80’s amazing artists. You’re my Rock Hero and thank you for keeping forever the 80’s alive. You should have your own television show and I would love to write a pitch to all the networks of your work! Keep rocking and educating us of great rock and pop music! Again thank you so so much!
I was 13 when I first saw Men at Work on a fairly new Channel called MTV. I loved everything about them. I quickly became obsessed with Men at Work and all things Australian including Vegemite and Foster's lager! Lol They were my favorite band, they were everyone's favorite band. Their first tour of North America they were scheduled to play in my town, the night before my first day of Junior High School. I begged and annoyed my mom until she agreed to let me go with a Chaperone, my older sister. We had front-row balcony seats and it was my first concert . What an absolutely amazing amazing concert it was and they did not disappoint. I still remember walking down the halls of my junior high on the first day proudly wearing my Men At Work Concert t-shirt. 🥰 I still listen to their music. Great memories
I got to meet Colin Hay a couple of times when he played in Western new York, in Buffalo and In Geneva NY... he called overkill, “the thinking man’s Men at work song.”
Video Jukebox: That's where I first heard and fell in love with MAW. My Aunt was the only one who had HBO at her house when we were kids. She's gone home to be with the Lord now, but that's my Men At Work earliest memory.
It absolutely is an album to own, listen to, appreciate, and be grateful for. Business As Usual is an all-time personal favorite; top 10. Every song strikes with such a perfect feel, whether I was a ~10 year old boy, or a 48 year old man. I still listen to Men At Work regularly. Oh... Cargo isn't too shabby, either lol
I literally picked up "Cargo" and "Business as Usual" 2 days ago at a record shop in Provo. Was so excited hearing "Overkill" and "It's a Mistake" after all these years, the way they are supposed be be listened. Crackles and pops and all. Was not disappointed. Took me back to great times of my youth.
I can't coment without being emotional, Men at Work had an enormous impact in my childhood, when i saw Colin playing acoustic in your video i almost began to cry!!! Very nice interview, i hope you could make more reviews on Men at Work songs. Don't you think would be a great idea that the record company releases a complete discography box set?
This song is so iconic to my childhood. It instantly brings me back to 1983 living in Burbank, Ca as a 9 year old boy. My mom would pick me up from soccer practice on saturday mornings. We would drive in her 80's maroon camero to mcdonalds and this song would always come on the radio. I loved it. So we went home to pick up my sister, then drove to a record store called licorice pizza. Got home and it pretty much was on rotation for a good year. Then when we got a new car we bought it on cassette tape. I would stick my head of the window like a dog and rock out while driving down I-5 to north hollywood to visit my grand parents. With nothing to do all day but play with Gi-joe action figures, listen to music and ride my bike around studio city.
I went to high school from 1979 through 1983 and some of the greatest songs and bands were on the radio and then Mtv during those years. No music will ever beat the 80s! Men At Work was such a great band! Awesome and a unique sound. Their songs always remind me of summer.
After leaving Australia to live in the UK just a couple of years prior to this song being released, to me, it was a gentle reminder of Australia's colourful and radiant culture. Oh how I missed being there. I was still a child then, but this song gave me a sense of knowledge and understanding that I had gained through living in different places. It gave me an appreciation of my experiences.
My dad and I were on our Church father-son camping trip, and I bought an 80's album with this on it, and I kinda liked it! It brings back memories of listening to this on the way home from the trip! So I consider this, "The coming home from vacation song"!
Man, I remember I was around 16 years old just playing around with my friends on the beach... Men at Work was always our soundtrack at that time (and still today).
I bought all three Men At Work albums as a mid-to-late-teen in the 1980s, and have followed Colin Hay's solo career since the band broke up in 1986. Had the pleasure of meeting him in 2009.
I got my first personal radio headphones set for Christmas in 1981. It wasn't a Walkman radio, but it was like one. I remember going for a walk after opening presents. Down Under was the first song I heard with my new headphones. I've been a fan ever since that day.
Men at Work was my first favorite band. "Business as Usual" was the first album that I listened to and memorized every song. They were also the first band I ever saw in concert! I have remained a Colin Hay fan throughout his career. I had front row seats to his April 2020 show in Washington, DC, but it has been postponed until April 2021. It's a shame that most people are unaware of Colin's solo material. When I play his music for people, they usually become fans and start downloading his songs. "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin", "Against the Tide", "Beautiful World" and "I Just Can't Get Over You" are his best songs.
best find in the You Tube world. keep up the good work mate!
hear it every cricket match
Love their song It's A Mistake.
Totally Agree.Down Under and Who Can it Be Now are the obvious top hits but It's a Mistake and Overkill are my favs. Also, Be Good Johnny is a lot of fun.
Not only really catchy but also one of the finest anti-war songs ever.
...one nuclear b💣mb can ruin your whole day...
We’ll send a card and flowers…
Love their song “Overkill”. Too bad their success was short-lived.
Agreed
Overkill was by far their best song. I still love them!💕
I discovered the acoustic version while watching Scrubs.
Overkill is a KILLER song.💪👍😊👍
I love Overkill as well. Acoustic version is killer too.
The 80's had soooooooooooooo much great music.I love this song.
Right on, I miss the 80s too. Thanks for commenting!
Many of us who grew up in the 80's miss the music from that time so so much and wish we could go back in time
colin hay has one of the greatest, purest voices ever
Amen!
Well said. Great voice
@@adriadri305 awomen
Australia has had so many good bands, INXS, Psuedo Echo, Crowded House, and 1 band who hardly ever gets credit is Icehouse, Great Southern Land, Crazy, Electric Blue were all extremely good songs
I like Mondo Rock a lot too.
james rayne and australian crawl, little river band, midnight oil, skyhooks, mental as anything, hunters and collectors, boom crash opera..
Absolutely fantastic call, couldn’t agree more re - Icehouse.
Agree with you on IceHouse. Love their stuff.
You literally took the words right out of my mouth about Icehouse. They are ( next to Iva Davies good friends Daryl Hall and John Oates ) are one of my all time favorite bands. What doesn’t get mentioned about the song Down Under is that the first time Iva heard that, he thought that the lyrics weren’t representative of what he thought Australia was to him and that was the spark he needed to write Great Southern Land.
Still listen to this song at least once a week. Never never never tire of this band!
Same, keep the music alive!
ditto. Pump them through some JBL 166's Horizons.
I listened to "It's A Mistake" all the time growing up. One of the finest and most underrated guitar solos of all-time.
This song is an Australian anthem, always listening to it for decades, and when I had the chance to travel to the Land Down Under, I enjoyed it like crazy, like living a dream. What a great song.
Overkill is an amazing song especially with the guitar solo.
ua-cam.com/video/kCZKAxDoUwE/v-deo.html
6th grade couldn't wait to get out of school and my best friend and I would head over to the local pizza joint put a quarter in the juke box and play Men at work while munching on pizza. The innocence of those moments wow!!!!🤘
That sounds so amazing! Makes me miss the 80's
@@MsLizHicks loved growing up in the 80s
6th grade is exactly when my best friend and I were getting into them. How great to have a those memories carry through life.
Sounds like a good time to have now, if I'm honest. 🤔
SO UNDERRATED
Their tracks are fantastic works of pop, Overkill, It's a Mistake, I Can See It In Your Eyes, they deserve all the recognition they get. Especially Colin, he is such a great guy and WHAT A VOICE STILL after all this time!!
"it's a mistake".....still my favorite single from the band. Love them!!
Try 'Overkill'.
Colin Hay is a bloody legend - you'd never pick his Scottish brogue from his singing voice; it was much more pronounced 30 yrs ago!
I agree, thanks for sharing!
@@ProfessorofRock Mr. Hay has been such a staple of the live Australian music scene for 4 decades, a great performer live.
I think his voice is sounding a lot like Bob Marley's did.
You can still hear it though 👍
Hmmm, you're right.
I had the honor of meeting Colin Hay about 5 years ago, when he was touring with Barenaked Ladies. Such an amazing writer, singer and musician.
Couldn't agree more !
Down under and Africa are the two songs from the 80’s I never get tired of hearing. Love the fact you met Colin, such an underrated artist
Bravo!....Now , time for Crowded House ,and " Don't Dream It's Over", and the Split Enz " Message To My Girl"...
That did it, gonna switch away from Journey for a moment and go back to I’ve Got You and then hopefully Dragon from New Zealand’s Don’t Go Out in the Rain pops up on the play list.
Message to my Girl is a song that's stayed with me forever, great song.
That whole album was amazing. Down by the Sea is still one of my favorite songs.
YeOldeOgre Down by the Sea is what plays in my head every time I watch a sunset....
Listen to that DBTS full blast while driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on a clear sunny day. Guaranteed Heaven.
Love it and "it's a mistake"
While not on the same album, "Overkill" has always been a favorite, it's a haunting song that plays directly against the upbeat feeling of Down Under. To me Men at Work is one of those 80's artists people think they know, but really do not.
I agree, there's lots to learn about Men At Work
CG Tower is 💯 ... Overkill is so evergreen. A poignant tune about insomnia and for me one of the best new wave tracks of them all! #1 in my heart!
Overkill is my favorite song by them.
If you guys have not heard the Choir Choir Choir collaboration with Colin performing "Overkill", search for it on UA-cam. A transcendent performance.
I loved when they used it on Scrubs, that is what brought the song back for me. Great episode and excellent song.
RIP Greg Ham, such a talented and underrated musician
The copyright issue is devastating for a song that only had given so much joy to humanity.
No word of a lie...best "concert" I've ever experienced was seeing Colin in Toronto at a dinner theatre. Front row, watching him tell the stories of his life, intermixed with fantastic acoustic performances. And then, rubbing shoulders with him after the show.
Please check out his solo work, especially the phenomenal "Going Somewhere" and "Man@Work"
Thanks for sharing! What a great experience..
You'd have loved him at Byron Bay, 2019 (?). A five figure crowd in the palm of his hand, playing only one MAW song before the encore. After the encore, a huge ovation - maybe 5 minutes of futile calls for more...
Yeah, anyone who can write a song as good as "Overkill", I'm going to make a point of checking his stuff out.
I saw Colin last year, and it was likely one of the best performances I've seen. He is not only a fantastic performer, but a masterful storyteller that weaves his songs together with the audience is a stellar fashion.
Everytime I play this song live it's always well received. Always surprised by how so many younger kids know the words. Just one of those songs that takes you away to some far off destination. Great imagery.
America hasn't scratched the surface of what great artists have come out of Australia over the last 50+ years.
As much as Business As Usual was a huge selling album I personally think the second album “CARGO” is a better album especially as it has “Overkill” on it plus “Dr.Heckyll and Mr.Jive”, “ It’s A Mistake”, “No Sign Of Yesterday”, “No Restrictions”, “Settle Down My Boy” 👍😀👍
Sheer 2waist - To me, they’re equal in quality. The only issue with Cargo is that it was released too quickly after BAU in the US. It should have had more of an impact.
Cargo is awesome!
Underated for sure.
Don't forget "Blue for you", one of the darkest songs ever in spite of its lovely and hummable melody.
One of the greatest injustices in music history--next to the Bee Gees and Michael Bolton each being found guilty of plagiarism and copyright infringement--is when Greg Ham was found guilty of blatantly stealing a piece of flute from a 1932 song. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong! Every time I hear "Down Under" I sing it with my Outback Aussie accent (acquired when I lived there for three years) and I say a quick prayer for Greg to let him know he's still admired and missed.
That's the part of the story that really killed this song whenever I hear it.
It used to be a happy song, for me, anyways.
Music is made of plagiarism. It's a damn language. When you use a short phrase of music in a song, it's homage. What better riff to use in a song about Australia to use than "Kukabera"? Copyright is meant to encourage the artist to make more music and then it's time to let it go, let others make something new out of it. The composer of that song died a long time ago, it was the sheet music folks who demanded money.
RIP GREG HAM❤️❤️❤️
@@puppetsnob It wasn't even the sheet music people. It was a different company that bought the rights just so they could pursue the case and get money they had never earned.
Like George Harrison's manager hearing his new song, realising it sounded like an old song and then going and buying the rights to the old song and using his "music publishing company" to sue Harrison (his own artist!) for plagiarism. Bad faith from every angle.
In 2000 i was in a wedding here in Panamá and MaW were playing that night in a disco near by. We were all surprised when they just showed up and play their 5 or 6 biggest hits, took pictures with all of us and left for the concert. Unforggetable. Needless to say the groom's father was loaded jaja
I remember the time when this song and so many others of similar quality were about, they take me back to being a kid when life was less complicated and I didn’t have a care in the world. The music we listened to we all loved, but it didn’t seem extraordinary it just seemed like that’s how things were and how they’d always be. Of course we realise now that these years were a very special time for music and popular culture in general and things wouldn’t always be that way. I’m glad I lived to experience that time though
40+ years later, the song Down Under still stands up and has an audience captivated. Colin still has the pipes and sounds as good as ever.GR8 video and presentation.
"Men at Work" has always been one of my favorite bands of all time. „Overkill“ and "Down under" are classics and 80’s Icons. BUT I also really enjoy the quirky songs like „Hopeless Automation“, "Who can it be now?" and "Be good Johnny". Atmospheric tunes like „Down by the Sea“ on the other hand are soothing and quite a contrast. I recommend watching some early live performances that show that these guys were more than just a two-hit wonder. Man, your content is just amazing. Thanks!
Colin Hay was a unreal Guitarist 🎸probably in my top 3 . They had the sound and great vocals for the 80s Dance Clubs ! I loved all their Songs! What surprised me is that he walked away when they were on the TOP of their game . Great job PROFESSOR 🕵️♂️📻
Thank you! The Band, including Colin Hay, definitely have an interesting story.
Dire Straits did the same; walked away after the Brothers In Arms album/world tour, at the height of their game.
Kathleen Kildare after the second album the band started falling apart . They tried the third album with a patched Men at Work but that was the end of the Band ! I never understood why they all left with that much success. Unreal 📻🎼🎸
Basically the Group busted apart after the 2 album and then came the End . Hard to understand why ? They were at the top .
@@thegodfatherofthesec1748 Thanks for that, I wondered too and thought. maybe Hay wanted "to go in a different direction" kind of thing. Cheers
I Always heard that "Down Under" was a bit of a Satirical Song. But I have this memory of hanging out in a Bar In Hollywood and this Traveling Group of Australian Tourists came in one of them put this song on the jukebox and like out of a movie they and the full bar sung Down Under at the top of their lungs. Good times.
Bussiness as Usual pulled up the charts in a beautiful period of my life, I was 10 going on to 11. Everytime I hear Down Under or any song from the album, memories of my Caribbean stay for a year; rush in... Sunshine, clear skies, turquoise sea, happy people, the freedom of childhood, the taste of mango and tropical fruits... Yes, it's a sensorial journey of happiness to the time period of 1982-1983, thank you Colin.
Overkill is such a deep song, that as a teenager I would dance or sway to carelessly not having the slightest idea of the emotional hardship the song was about, Colin made a unplugged, slowed down, stripped version a couple of years ago and it hit me like a baseball bat. Slowing down the song forces you to "listen" to the lyrics, not hear it as some sort of "accessory" to the catchy beat. Wow, a whole different experience. Love both versions, but rediscovering it as an adult is beautiful.
Had the opportunity to meet this man. He not only put on an incredible show to an audience of about 150, after the show he was most kind and accommodating. Very personable.
Tu tu tututu tu tu tu tututu tu tu tu ... The opening indicating the unclutterd arrangement of great songs. The song, voice, instruments and energy synergistic. ' Thank you very much San Fransisco ... ' Brilliant music
I was in 3rd grade when this song came out. Loved it the first time I heard it. It was one of those tunes you hoped would come on the radio when you had a tape in your tape deck so you could record it.
Your laughter still ringing, in my ears. I still find pieces of your presence here... even...even after all these years. If I live to 102 I just don't think I'll ever get over you.
I can no longer climb my stairs
Down Under is an awesome tune. My God the 80's was a lifetime ago.
Great music, great times. The 1980's are sorely missed. 😢😢😢😢
My favorite all time music ! Been listening to those two album's for years ! A truly great underappreciated band ! But Colins solo music he's putting out now is some of the best music out there now ! He's a genius, true artist ! "Waiting for my real life to begin" became my lifetime favorite. Really talented songwriter. Thank you for interviewing such a great mind !💓 💪🏻👏🏻👍🏻 Now, my memories with the great masterpiece... Whoosh, they are many but my favorite is being 17,18 with my friends right when we got our driving licenses 😄 We used to go out in different cities driving crappy old cars and then after hours of clubing wr would gather up a bunch of people, buy few pack of beer at a gas station and drive into the fields or the nearest forest or park, open all the car doors and just blast that song out to the max, hug each other and dance all over the cars and scream that song out loud till dawn ! Just dancing under the moon and the stars 🌌
I was 14 at the time, in Melbourne, and this band just blew my mind. They had such a unique and fresh sound. Very reggae-ish feel, as opposed to the other great Aussie bands around at the time. Colin does a great acoustic gig. Thanks for the video.
such an incredible voice. Guarantee people will still rinse this song 100 years from now
The song adopted by Australia II when they beat the US to win the America's Cup. Those 2 memories will always be intertwined for me. Jumping around the lounge room excitedly as Australia II crossed the finish line, to beat Liberty 4-3 and break the New York Yacht Clubs 132 year hold on the cup. Then off to Primary School, I was 9 years old. Everyone was wearing green and gold or something with Australia II's name on it. First time I remember being so proud to be an Australian.
Dude, I'm from Missouri and I didn't understand a word you said. JK Congrats on that victory.
As an Aussie, I can relate.
Golden memories of a patriotic time👍🇦🇺
I was serving in the RAAF when Australia II was making its way to the finish line. I was already on base and working when they won that final race. Land Downunder is such a strong memory of that time. Colin Hay as a performer/artist is just one amazing dude and also an amazing human as well.
“Any boss that sacks somebody for not turning up to work today is a bum!” - Bob Hawke, Australian prime minister
First album I ever owned. My older brother gave it to me for Christmas the year it came out.
He has such a unique cadence and pronunciation to his singing style. It's like reggae with an Oz twist.
For me Down Under is the ultimate summer song
Right on, it's soooo good.
It just might be. It's the ultimate Australia song, Icehouse's Great Southern Land is No. 2. But, for other good Australian summer songs I'd suggest Daryl Braithwaite's One Summer and Mondo Rock's Come Said the Boy.
Excellent band, great musicianship and song writing, Colin Hay is amazing, bring me memories from High School. Instant Classic!
Wow. What an acoustic version! Just incredible.
I am 53 now, down under is a wonderful blend of reggae and rock. One of the greatest song of an era that had so so many great songs. Totos Africa is one of them.
He's simply the greatest, and this is far from his best work. I've seen him 56 times and counting and am mesmerized by his extraordinary talent and grace every single show.
Back when I was 10, this guy in my older sister's class was at our house talking to her. Out of nowhere, I sang "I come from the land down under. Where women go and mention dirt." The guy asked, "Who sings that?" I replied, "Men At Work!" Then he said "Let's keep it that way." LOL! My sister didn't really like him. That was my very first "George Costanza" moment, but I was too young to come up with a clever comeback. I could've been the first one to quote "Jerk store." :D
Saw Colin perform solo at a small club in Little Rock, Arkansas. Played all Men at Work hits and solo. Beautiful World was a highlight. Afterwords he spent a few minutes with any fan that wanted to take a photo. So warm and authentic. It’s one of my best memories of a show.
Here’s my memory of this song. MTV had just become available on our cable service but my family did not have it yet. I used to go over a friends house and that was actually the first song I heard on MTV. I used to visit his house daily hoping that that song would come on. Around the same time the video for the union of the snake by Duran Duran dropped and I became obsessed with that as well. Funny how both videos are pretty much out in the sand.
I remember driving through the Outback and Down Under playing on the radio. I was singing my heart out, in the middle of nowhere, with such joy in my heart! Such a great memory
I mean.. just one of the best, yet underrated, singer/songwriters of our era. These songs will live on forever....
absolutely my favorite band of all time, they have a vibe that is simply so unique and unmatched by anyone else
Back when I was in the Navy My Best friend Kyle and I shared some laughs and tears listening to this Record. When this song Down Under came on we always sang it with so much passion. I'm sure the Cubalibre's had a little something to do with it. I always think of those times in the Barracks having a drink whenever I hear this song. Miss you Kyle hope all is well with ya brother.
Mr. Hay has a tremendous talent, I love his voice and he is Men at Work sorry, all songs were awesome!! Great interview!!
Colin Hay is my idol. I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for him. Today more than even. What a musician and a humble, giving man.
Heard it first in 1998. In Alabama, driving around - a great song for the car. My host dad and I used to rock to it.
Saw Men at Work live in Germany last summer. Great band. Awesome oeuvre. This is still one of the songs where I crank up the radio!!
Colin is a legend in Australia!!! I was born in Sydney, Australia & grew up listening to Men At Work, Cold Chisel, INXS, Midnight Oil, Rose Tattoo, Icehouse & many more.
It's tradition to know the lyrics to Down Under & if you don't will sure help you by singing them as loudly as we can 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I first heard it on radio and it gave me a weird sense of wonder and happiness, this and hearing him singing it and still kicking it, just put a smile on my face
Business As Usual was one of the very first albums that I bought with my own money.....Collin has one of the best and most distinctive voices ever..........another great video Proff!
The music when you hear it is undeniable. You know the minute you hear the music what song it is. This song was on heavy rotation on American radio.
Early 80s partying in a forest in NJ- the boombox would entertain- when batteries ran low the cassette wouldn’t run so we’d desperately search the radio - Who can it be now,coming thru clear and loud! Suddenly had everyone on their feet( wobbly) and dancing to the snaky sax riffs echoing in that sweet summer night-BRILLIANT!
1st album I ever bought as a kid. Business as Usual was/ is still my favorite album ever! Met Colin several times, such a awesome down to earth guy. Love all his work, Looking for Jack is so so good
10 years old, summertime, I played that cassette until I wore it out. They were one of my favorite bands, Colin Hay is a great singer. Always liked his sound.
I enjoyed their big hits on the radio and then, in the spring of '83, I traveled back to West Germany to visit friends and on a Saturday afternoon, I think it was, a friend and I took a train from Frankfurt to attend an open-air music festival and I was up for that, big music fan. And I don't even recall all the performers but, for sure, it ended with Chris de Burgh and Men at Work. And it was truly memorable for me to be at the sportplatz and unexpectedly see Men at Work live in concert.
My friend met him on a train to Glasgow he was going to visit his parents, said they had a great chat he was very cool guy
He has a great voice. The song wouldn't be the same without him. You can't say that about every song.
This song came out the year I got my license. I was in to quiet riot but this band was just so different! Absolutely loved it!!!
Colin Hay is one of my favourite voices and I never tire of Business as Usual or Cargo. Their original line up had a brilliant chemistry that just sound fabulous, all highly talented. Captivating stories in their melodies...
One of the first 80s songs I've ever listen to because of my parents! Love it!
You've got cool parents! Great way to discover music
How the hell does this channel only have 65k subscribers?
Share and help us blow this channel up!
I still listen to them more than once a week. They never get old!
Hello Professor of Rock! I really enjoy your UA-cam channel and the outstanding interviews and work you do with all the 80’s amazing artists. You’re my Rock Hero and thank you for keeping forever the 80’s alive. You should have your own television show and I would love to write a pitch to all the networks of your work! Keep rocking and educating us of great rock and pop music! Again thank you so so much!
I was 13 when I first saw Men at Work on a fairly new Channel called MTV. I loved everything about them. I quickly became obsessed with Men at Work and all things Australian including Vegemite and Foster's lager! Lol They were my favorite band, they were everyone's favorite band. Their first tour of North America they were scheduled to play in my town, the night before my first day of Junior High School. I begged and annoyed my mom until she agreed to let me go with a Chaperone, my older sister. We had front-row balcony seats and it was my first concert . What an absolutely amazing amazing concert it was and they did not disappoint. I still remember walking down the halls of my junior high on the first day proudly wearing my Men At Work Concert t-shirt. 🥰
I still listen to their music. Great memories
I got to meet Colin Hay a couple of times when he played in Western new York, in Buffalo and In Geneva NY... he called overkill, “the thinking man’s Men at work song.”
Video Jukebox: That's where I first heard and fell in love with MAW. My Aunt was the only one who had HBO at her house when we were kids. She's gone home to be with the Lord now, but that's my Men At Work earliest memory.
It absolutely is an album to own, listen to, appreciate, and be grateful for. Business As Usual is an all-time personal favorite; top 10. Every song strikes with such a perfect feel, whether I was a ~10 year old boy, or a 48 year old man. I still listen to Men At Work regularly. Oh... Cargo isn't too shabby, either lol
Never gets old. If I had to pick one song to listen to for the rest of my life . . .
I literally picked up "Cargo" and "Business as Usual" 2 days ago at a record shop in Provo. Was so excited hearing "Overkill" and "It's a Mistake" after all these years, the way they are supposed be be listened. Crackles and pops and all. Was not disappointed. Took me back to great times of my youth.
Business as Usual was my first album I bought with my own money.
Worth it's weight in gold!
Mine too! I bought it in Germany, it had the white cover like the Australian version, not yellow.
That performance at the end was amazing...all of these years later and still sounds great!
I saw colin play with ringo last year. He's incredible! His voice is so distinctive and sharp, snd it's still perfect.
I can't coment without being emotional, Men at Work had an enormous impact in my childhood, when i saw Colin playing acoustic in your video i almost began to cry!!! Very nice interview, i hope you could make more reviews on Men at Work songs. Don't you think would be a great idea that the record company releases a complete discography box set?
His voice is still phenomenal...
This song is so iconic to my childhood. It instantly brings me back to 1983 living in Burbank, Ca as a 9 year old boy. My mom would pick me up from soccer practice on saturday mornings. We would drive in her 80's maroon camero to mcdonalds and this song would always come on the radio. I loved it. So we went home to pick up my sister, then drove to a record store called licorice pizza. Got home and it pretty much was on rotation for a good year. Then when we got a new car we bought it on cassette tape. I would stick my head of the window like a dog and rock out while driving down I-5 to north hollywood to visit my grand parents. With nothing to do all day but play with Gi-joe action figures, listen to music and ride my bike around studio city.
great video...goiong to go see Collyn and his new band playing Men at work in Charlotte NC ...going to be outstanding
I went to high school from 1979 through 1983 and some of the greatest songs and bands were on the radio and then Mtv during those years. No music will ever beat the 80s!
Men At Work was such a great band! Awesome and a unique sound. Their songs always remind me of summer.
After leaving Australia to live in the UK just a couple of years prior to this song being released, to me, it was a gentle reminder of Australia's colourful and radiant culture. Oh how I missed being there. I was still a child then, but this song gave me a sense of knowledge and understanding that I had gained through living in different places. It gave me an appreciation of my experiences.
One of my favorite artists, so underrated and humble, "It's a mistake" is my favorite men at work song but I enjoy all of their music
Another great song from the soundtrack of my childhood ☺️ It instantly takes me back...
My dad and I were on our Church father-son camping trip, and I bought an 80's album with this on it, and I kinda liked it! It brings back memories of listening to this on the way home from the trip! So I consider this, "The coming home from vacation song"!
Great song! Here in Australia we played it all day on the radio on the morning we won your Americas Cup!!!!!!
Man, I remember I was around 16 years old just playing around with my friends on the beach... Men at Work was always our soundtrack at that time (and still today).
I really admire how you can get interviews with these creators. It makes your channel special.
I bought all three Men At Work albums as a mid-to-late-teen in the 1980s, and have followed Colin Hay's solo career since the band broke up in 1986. Had the pleasure of meeting him in 2009.
I got my first personal radio headphones set for Christmas in 1981. It wasn't a Walkman radio, but it was like one. I remember going for a walk after opening presents. Down Under was the first song I heard with my new headphones. I've been a fan ever since that day.
Another Great Interview..
Thanks David, glad you enjoyed it!
Men at Work was my first favorite band. "Business as Usual" was the first album that I listened to and memorized every song. They were also the first band I ever saw in concert! I have remained a Colin Hay fan throughout his career. I had front row seats to his April 2020 show in Washington, DC, but it has been postponed until April 2021. It's a shame that most people are unaware of Colin's solo material. When I play his music for people, they usually become fans and start downloading his songs. "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin", "Against the Tide", "Beautiful World" and "I Just Can't Get Over You" are his best songs.