Midnight Oil - The Dead Heart (1989)

"LOST SUMMER OF MARK" WEEK (AUGUST 14-20, 2022)

UK import CD single

While most people in my crowd were digging on Beds Are Burning, I preferred this release from Midnight Oil. Still do. There’s just something about when it switches from a minor key to major key that sounds hopeful even though it’s a protest tune about the mistreatment of indigenous Australians. Plus, I dig the horn and cello bit at the end. CashBox called the single "outstanding" and "mesmerizing" and they are correct. Shame it didn't chart higher; I'm guessing I only heard/saw the video on MTV that summer between airings of Remote Control and Club MTV.

Peak on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart: #53
Peak on the US Billboard Rock Chart: #11

Understandably, it charted higher in the band's native Australia, peaking at #4.

US single picture sleeve featuring Uluru/Ayers Rock

Tracks: This single starts off with two versions of The Dead Heart - the LP version (5:10) and an extended version (6:07) which simply extends the ending a bit. Other than that extended version, there's no rarities/nothing special about the CD single. The tracks that fill out the single are Kosciusko, taken from the band's 1984 album, Red Sails In The Sunset, and Progress, taken from the band's 1985 EP, Species Deceases.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: A college buddy named James and I would occasionally attempt to imitate Peter Garrett's distinct singing style. Not sure how close we came to actually sounding like him, but that didn't stop us from trying. Beer may have been involved but I admit to nothing.