Thomas Dolby-Airwaves

[OceanTopographic]

It does sooo fuckin' zero matter if it is 80'ies synthpop or 60'ies underground or what anybody else would name something, because it is truly so genious, so fantastic, artificial wonderful!

[imoyakichan]

2:03 What a handsome fellow =)

[maristela1968]

Such great memories.

[Max1baL]

An 80's synthpop super classic!

¡Un súper clásico del synth pop de los 80's!

[greg5566]

Be in my broadcast when this is over. Give me your shoulder, I need a place to wait for morning. . . . No it was nothing, some car backfiring. Please don't ask questions, I itch all over, let me sleep.

[corro51]

Sounds as fresh and innovative as it did back in '82.

[drumdude46]

man, this song is so beautiful. this guy was supremely ahead of his time. i remember listening to this record back in '81 or '82 i think. i was 22 then. but as i sit and listen to this now, i'm am so moved, and it's just so beautiful. i let this awesome soundscape and all the great memories it brings back, just wash over me. lovely. god i miss the 80's.

[rekeating1]

Anybody who likes Thomas Dolby would (hopefully) like me. I think, I know, he is brilliant, a modern Dante or Milton or Suetonius. Let me know what you think at rekeating@eastlink.ca

[userjoe1020]

That PPG is intoxicating.

[Sabettese]

This song remind me simply my eighteen year...1982. ...Unforgettable !

[CHRISTIANS1977]

Simplemente excelente, un abrazo desde argentina Buenos Aires !

[ZephyrXX66]

Didn't know there was a video. One of Dolby's best... thanks!

[Aestros909]

Thomas Dolby has been a lifelong influence. This is my favorite song and I never knew there was a video for this.

[themachman19691]

my fave dolby track!reminds me of my 2nd girlfriend way back in 83.a long time ago...ahhhhh...the memories.thanks

[subsonic600]

i love music of Thomas...

[lordofsage]

Pure Genius = Thomos Dolby!

Pure Originality, & Creativity.

A Real Pioneer. Sure miss the EIGHTIES!

His Magically, Sensational Music always seems to transport me to another time and place....5 STARS.

[davidstighansen]

This really is the song that has the essence of TD. It's like his epic song. The one song I really feel when I play. The Pirate Twins is number two.

[goodnewsfrom]

Totally agree. The two are the best. I also like 'I Love You Goodbye'.

[tinaturntable]

Thanks for putting this up!

[Pyronhiro]

Yesss Thomas you are a genius ! You influenced enormous my thinking about music, thank you for all and take care :-)

[darryldelay]

From what i understand thomas dolby help develope the software to be able to download ring-tones made alot of cash

[IAMZ111]

Thomas is pure genius! a talent never to be forgotten. Waited 26 years to see this! I still have the original cassette. thanks!

[Elenalouisa]

someone should release a compilation with Thomas Dolby, Prefab Sprout, Flock of Seagulls, Weekend, Young Marble Giants etc and turn it into the next indie hype. I would definitely buy it. Maybe someone can get Erol Alkan to play it somewhere...

[ganzha6667]

Tomas!!!!

U R great!!!

This is really great!!!

[hibob418]

Thanks for posting this - never seen the video!!! Cheers.

[terebi916]

This is one of the most steampunk videos ever. Fantastic quasi-narrative: classic on-the-cheap 80s video making, never to be surpassed.

[Efrasnel]

Listen to this and then to Goodnight Saigon...I think we all know what was on Billy Joel's record player at the time of writing ;-)

[stillspooky]

Nice catch ;~)

[rorydaniel]

Wow, you are right, just checked - uncanny! Mmmmmm....

[rapdavis1]

I totally agree with you !!!

The Golden Age of Wireless & The Flat Earth is

his best work to date.

Class of 1984

[OdedFriedGaon]

oh how i love this unbelievably talented musician/composer/producer. His CD The Flat Earth is truly one of the most beautiful ever released.

[rapdavis1]

For all those people who think the 80's New Wave is Retro this music is "NOT" Retro !!! Retro is the 50's & 60's music. Dolby, Howard Jones & the Flock of Seagulls do not get the credit like they should for putting out some of the best music since the 70's

Child of the 80's

[themusicman777]

Amazing song! I love how epic it sounds for just a simple song. Hey isn't that shia labeouf at 1:01 hehehe paus it at 1:01 it kind of looks like him in like 5 to 10 years from now.

[pierstheoneandonly]

For those who say the 80's were rubbish..no one has surpassed Tom Dolby, The Blue Nile or David Sylvian for widescreen synth-pop narrative.

[nikkiesalsa]

Remeber this time in your life? WOW!

[ekkostar]

During my senior year of high school in 2003-2004 I used to play Golden Age of Wireless and Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below on force repeat. Good memories.

[Cedrusdeodara]

Wow, I graduated in 1989 and this was a few years before me. Still priceless music. Glad to know you enjoy it too today. I love Outkasts stuff too. You are in a good place for music and consciousness. Thanks for sharing.

[iwanttowatchsomethin]

I'm class of 85. This is it!

[PokerDerk]

Haha, that's awesome. Dolby and OutKast are easily my favorite musicians, though I tend to like Aquemini and ATLiens a lot more. Graduated in 99 though :)

[DoctorMordrid]

I played Golden Age of Wireless all the time during my senior year too.

[2base]

nice hat

[mujersemilla]

Minha favorita!

Onde anda essa figura?

[dreadmorayeel]

If there's a better song out there i've yet to hear it...exceptional songwriting!...those horns on the chorus are just majestic...stunning!

[ELOfan1982]

I once heard a long version of this song, but I was only able to find it once. The long version had a completely different verse to it. The long version is rather impressing too. I also like the horns too.

[hibob418]

The long version was from the 5 song EP (extended play) vinyl disc, which I believe was entitled,"Blinded By Science." The version of "Airwaves" runs about 5 minutes and I always feel shortchanged when I hear the short cut.

[davidstighansen]

Why don't you get your version of Thomas Dolby's Airwave's on Youtube then Hotshot. and then check out my playlist.

[kentonlarsen]

You're right. That version has finally been released on CD on a remastered "Golden Age of Wireless" in the UK. The original tracklist is restored as well.

Airwaves ain't airwaves without that great bridge...

[saturnhexagon]

Dolby will always be on my short list. Cheers, TD. God save the Queen.

[eiffe]

the video gives a nice insight into contemporary britain

[progrotech]

That was now, this is then.

:)

[tindoor38]

bless you---------------------------­ why not?

[DamnunitioN]

Should have seen thru the airwaves and seen what a crappy video and song this is!

[wannabechef21]

Seriously At 2:03, He Is The Hottest Man I've Ever Seen In My Life. OMG Love!!

[wannabechef21]

Ohhh When He Opens His Eyes!! 2:03 So Hott!! I Loveeeeee!!

[cheese9684756985]

this song is what seperates thomas dolby from other synth pop artists (if you know what i mean).

[dermotoblong]

i really think he sings like bowie in this one. mind you he was a big influence to most of them! numan strange etc

[swampfrog74]

Just came back here today to watch this video again. I love this song.

[neoshake]

god, I love this guy. dolby was ahead of his time.

[johnied8509]

what was this video about

[ELOfan1982]

The video was about a hostile take over, Thomas Dolby was getting documentation to leave his current state. Although I myself do not understand the significance with the lyrics and the video. The lyrics did not go well with the video. I also always wondered about the character at the end of the video.

[ludocrat]

Beautiful. Especially for us troubled folk experiencing their late thirties for the first time.

I'm grateful to the 'up-loader'.

[juliet719]

Dolby is made of win :D

[edlizard]

Always nice to hear/see Dolby. Just note, this is the short version. "Airwaves" has also been recorded and onstage with additional lyrics.

I've heard at least 4 different versions since 1980.

[buzzscat]

How fun to see a young'n into the Furs and the Humies (hL)!!!And Ultravozz-honey, yer hardcore!:)~

[bgeddyutube]

Classic tune - just sent me right back !!

[welshuser]

Is it just me, or does he sound like Shane McGowen on this?

[dbx42dot1]

the real me? MacGowan for a moment? nah...

[Duke1966]

It's almost strange how this piece of wonderful music can move your presence and soul to that undescribable decade... and how powerful is that feeling

[rnomberg]

Yes Duke, a wonderful decade... way behind us... and what are we now, with our greying hair, balding on top, a little fat on the belly, full of frustration. But ok, there is still hope since we realize it, it's called consciousness.

Raph

[jimascia]

This song is filled with so much passion. Most people just know of Blinded me with Science but this guy had some awesome tunes.

[frogbs]

One of my favorites by Dolby. Classic!

[axecollector]

Great song, but where's that confounded bridge???

[Vlad2072]

This one stirs up the old ghosts.

[Euro3urger]

i cant stop watching this video,thank you !thu the airwaves!

[LuminousGuy]

Great Song From A great Album From A Great Man.......

[Redzombie13]

man, i remember this video when i was a little little boy growing' up watching mtv when it had the original "fab five" vj's and used to show real freakin' music videos at the time;p!!! thomas dolby was one of my favorite synth pop/new wave artists that influenced many of the artists that are out today such as trent reznor of nine inch nails, filter, charlie clouser, lustmord, and even marilyn manson....

[swampfrog74]

I was 8 and listening to this 33inch record (vinyl!) in its entirety.... this takes me back, never thought i'd hear this again

[1200rinomaha]

That must have been some record player.Albums were usually about 12 inches across. Storing albums that are nearly 3 feet across would be a major hassle too.

[swampfrog74]

haha i mean 33rpm, so yeah, thanks for bringin that to my attention. That was a goof-up on my account!

[1200rinomaha]

I'm glad you took that in a playful manner. Becuase that is how I meant it. Sometimes that doesn't come across in writing. I had the cassette of this and played it a lot.

[swampfrog74]

I can joke about most anything, especially myself. Too many uptight people online, so i chose not to be one of them! :)

[chris12dec]

What annoys me is that I am 27 now and only found out about Thomas Dolby about two years ago. So that is about 10 to 15 years I could have been a fan of his music totally lost. All that time I spent listening to the Human League...

[Jourell1]

Hey, I'm nearly 25 and I'm discovering all kinds of music on here from discovering why the classic rocker fans are so worked up about to the new wave greats. so sue me, I wasnt that interested in music as a kid so have a quarter decade of my life to catch up on

[Jourell1]

Errr... quarter century

[jimascia]

Hi Jourell,

I'm glad you found this song. It is one of the best songs of all time (in my opinion). I think you would also enjoy some 60's Motown like the Stylistics and Delfonics to name a few. Check them out.

Jim

[Jourell1]

thanks, i'll be sure to do that

[mamagirlof2]

Ha! I am 27 and I've been listening to this stuff his I was 13, and the Human League for that matter. Try these other bands (IMO): Ultravox, New Order, Talk Talk, Psychedelic Furs, Echo and the Bunnyman.

[Duke1966]

High five, youngster!

[amigobear1]

hey thats awesome.. i too listen to those bands along with many others but im only 17

[lotreamon01]

OMD,Classix Nouveaux, Flock of seagulls, Visage, Spandau ballet....... :)

[Euro3urger]

nobody makes music like this great thank you sooo much i love this dolby is king!!

[runner99]

Yeah, this is just great; everything on "Golden Age of Wireless" was. I know what 7" version you're talking about banzai6; I have it on a 4 track EP (vinyl of course).

[baetores]

Pure Eighties magic!!!

[banzai6]

There is a 7" (45rpm) version of this that's even better...

[hakware]

Wow... The guy in the big silver helmet looks like Bill Gates did during that period o.o

[Pikajane]

Tis is such a freaking awesome song!

[deansgatedora]

This was electronic music with a human face. Wonderfully evocative and melodic. Dolby was/is a genius to have created such a wealth of great songs with what, at that time, was unconvential electronic sounds. What a great legacy from the early '80s.

[banzai6]

Great song...final haunting image.

[SeattleCat64]

One more great one from a more peaceful and better times. God I miss the eighties...heck 70's as well. Love this CD.

[ludocrat]

I'm with you.

But I wanna go back! Either it's impossible or it's not allowed. Or both. I still want to be/go then...(not sure what that means)...

[drshredded]

The Golden Age of Wireless was so much more than "She Blinded Me With Science". It is full of great lyrics and synth innovations and really ahead of its time with industrial sounds on the song "One of Our Submarines". IMHO, one of the classic 80's albums and one that withstands the test of time as it still sounds damn good!

[ludocrat]

Brilliant comment.

[bml1969]

Didn't Know There Was A Video For This. One Of His Best Songs. Great Post.

[facey65]

If New Wave was all about tearing up the Pop Music rule book you won't find a better example than Thomas Dolby.

[mozart66]

I agree he was the one of the most interesting and creative musicians from the 80s and was so underappreciated. He was so ahead of his time with synth-electronica. He was also very sexy!

[nerdelicious5]

this album is awesome.

[radmd]

just lovely

[TransformedMan]

One of my all time favorite songs! Dolby has always been ahead of his time and still it! So sexy back in the day. Gained a bit of weight but still cute!!!

[GrahamSolo]

Brilliant.

[p6ulo]

TD's albums expand upon this. Each one is like a journey. Thomas Dolby was always on the fringes and always underrated. I think he's one of the very best musicians to emerge from the '80's. Brilliant

[lagartointernacional]

great song, i remember hearing it on a AM radio station (yes, third world actually). Thanks for posting the video, I`ve never saw it.

[stillinthe80s]

Ditto to Red Zombie. Had no idea he'd ever made a video of this one. Valorofsoul, I don't think you ever got an answer - this one came on The Golden Age of Wireless, which was before Dissidents, which was on The Flat Earth.

Another fantastic song of his, especially on the EP version for Golden Age of Wireless, is Flying North.

[tentwo70]

I remember buying this cassette when I was in tenth grade and liking this song the best. Thomas was very underrated for sure.

[XxZuRagxX]

Beautiful Airwaves! as deep as it always was. Perfect. Yes paulchiuk I agree! unique, beautiful melody & composition. Thanks for sharing kyoko

[paulchiuk]

Pop song? Lyrics and chord sheet anyone! Airwaves is certainly a wonderful song and let me be the first to acknowledge the beautiful melody and perfect vocal treatment, but I think it is the overall composition, production and sound design that serious music lovers find truly awe-inspiring. Quite unique... Thanks TD

[Redzombie13]

i'll be damned to hell on a new york subway!!! all of these years i didn't know that thomas dolby made a video for this song!!! he did a good job on his debut cd, "the golden age of wireless"!!! a true early 80's new wave/synth pop classic(-_-)!!!

[f3nderbass]

What a great song this! not heard it for years, will definately be dusting off my Golden Age of Wireless CD

[gpwbatman]

Dolby is one of the best products of the eighties. Synthesizer extrordinaire and an amazing producer.

[BlueSilverStars]

I love this song. It's beautiful.

[hildrethbird]

Hi Tom, Great seeing this again after sooooooooooo long !! Ahh the good old days !! Love mary BirdX

[Steveholt92]

those guys remind me of gestopo officers

[pierstheoneandonly]

Cold war-era intrigue from the Croydon wunderkind. UK tubers: is that Rob Brydon in the vid?

[jk70s80s]

WOW!!! Now THIS is what I call a fantastic song!! Ethereal, moody, gorgeous--definitely a candidate for one of my favorite pop songs...

[secondhanddaylight]

I agree AIRWAVES is his only true HIT (-_-)

[CH3MIS7RY]

absolute genius...anybody who refers to him as "oh yeah the guy who did 'blinded me with science'" is an ASS.

[sophiekalkan]

i still swoon over this song. 'knee deep in water'

[therezabizarre]

the atmosphere to these great songs is powerful, ever since being a kid i still get the same images and feelins in my head when i hear these songs i love them gems that sparkle forever.

[juliano66]

feel the same way--I grew up near factories and "Airwaves" was one of those songs that put mystery and beauty in desolate places when as a kid I'd walk by..

[ValorOfSoul]

Love it! Is this a pre- or sequel to 'Dissidents'? Love the part where Dolby drowns in the laser light...Frankie goes to hollywood later copied the laser effect for their american video for 'Relax'.