Universal Music Canada came to remind us of one of the most groundbreaking and edgy records from the ’80s. A deluxe expanded and remastered edition of seminal 1982 debut album ‘Cold War Night Life’ from Canadian new wave pioneers Rational Youth. At the dawn of the ’80s, Rational Youth couldn’t even imagine that ‘Dancing On The Berlin Wall’ which is included in the album would become one of the anthems of the era regarding 1989’s destruction of the Berlin Wall. The cult following for ‘Cold War Night Life’ has remained steady over the years, with many contemporary synth bands citing it as a seminal influence,
Given that the band were huge Kraftwerk fans, it was surprising that the only track here to recall the Düsseldorf foursome was the brilliant “Dancing On The Berlin Wall.” The phrase “Cold War Nightlife” came from this song and it was very prescient of the group to write what was the soundtrack for the actual fall of the Iron Curtain seven years hence.
Checkpoint Charlie’s social climb
Mind the tripwires, watch the mines
On the Alexanderplatz there’s a party goin’ on
Harry Palmer glasses are required
We’re dancing on the Berlin Wall
Cold War Night Life – Neutron Hop
Where the action never stops
If you’ve got a secret you can sell it at the bar
And yes, we’d love to see your microfilm
We’re dancing on the Berlin Wall
All you heroes – here’s your chance
All you have to do is dance
On the Alexanderplatz there’s a party goin’ on
Harry Palmer glasses are required
We’re dancing on the Berlin Wall