Take Five: Classics from Echo & the Bunnymen

Roaring out of Liverpool, the English port city that birthed the Beatles, Echo & the Bunnymen combined sharp songcraft with modern electronic elements and a melodramatic aesthetic that made their songs feel bigger than life. Launched in 1978, the group released five albums during their initial run. After that the lineup shifted (with lead singer Ian McCullch and drummer Pete de Freitas both absent) and then dissolved. In ‘97, McCulloch returned with two other founding members (bassist Les Pattinson and guitarist Will Sergeant); while the latter left after one album, they have continued ever since, for many years releasing new albums with regularity. 2018’s The Stars, the Oceans & the Moon is their latest.

But for serious fans, that initial run of albums is where the classics are found. During that era, Echo & the Bunnymen placed ten of their singles on the UK Top 40. And while none of those songs charted in the U.S., all became popular tracks on alternative (and especially college) radio of the era. The band’s first best-of collection, Songs to Learn & Sing was released in November 1985, and made it into the Billboard 200. In celebration of that album’s 40th anniversary, here are five of the best tracks from Echo & the Bunnymen’s classic era.

“Rescue” from Crocodiles (1980)
Echo & the Bunnymen’s second singe only reached No. 62 on the British chart – the band’s first appearance on that chart – but the strong tune is filled with all of the qualities that make the group’s music appealing and memorable: dig that inventive rhythm guitar. And McCulloch: is that the blues he’s singing?

“The Cutter” from Porcupine (1982)
With an exotic melody that suggests Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” filtered through a new wave sensibility, “The Cutter” features impressionistic lyrics – it’s not clear what McCulloch’s singing about, but it’s a thrill ride nonetheless. The single was the band’s highest-charting song to that point, reaching No. 8 in the UK.

“The Killing Moon” from Ocean Rain (1984)
One of Echo & the Bunnymen’s most commercially successful tracks, “The Killing Moon” showcases ghostly keyboard lines, Ian McCulloch’s sonorous vocals and an enduring chorus that sticks in the memory long after the song ends. “The Killing Moon” charted in four countries, climbing to No. 9 in the UK.

“Bring on the Dancing Horses” from Songs to Learn & Sing (1985)
1985’s Songs to Learn & Sing was designed in part to help (re-)introduce the band to audiences outside the UK. Filled with UK hit singles are prime album tracks, it succeeded to a degree, reaching No. 158 on the American album chart. The LP featured one new song, released as a single, the haunting and melodic “Bring on the Dancing Horses” charted as a single in four countries (but sadly not the U.S.).

“Lips Like Sugar” from Echo & the Bunnymen (1987)
The primary aesthetic for much of Echo & the Bunnymen’s music is spooky. But for “Lips Like Sugar,” the band crafted a catchy, accessible rocker reminiscent of INXS yet remaining true to the band’s sonic style. It’s almost romantic, even, and charted in three countries, reaching No. 36 in the band’s native UK.