China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Two

morren

Review by Mike Orren

Working With Fire And Steel: A Synth-Pop Odyssey That Still Glows in 2023 China Crisis’ Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Two isn’t just an album—it’s a time machine. Released back in 1984, this gem straddles the line between polished pop and experimental synth wizardry like it was born to do both. If you’re into moody hooks, layered instrumentation, and lyrics that feel like they were scribbled during a late-night existential crisis, then buddy, you’ve hit paydirt. Let’s get one thing straight: this record doesn’t try too hard to be cool—but somehow, it absolutely is. Produced by Mike Howlett (who clearly knew what he was doing), the album bounces between genres like a caffeinated kid at a trampoline park. You’ve got your New Wave vibes, some Synth-pop shimmer, and even dashes of Rock sneaking through. It’s kind of all over the place but in the best possible way—like when you accidentally stumble across a hidden playlist on Spotify and can’t stop hitting repeat. Track Highlights: “Wishful Thinking” & “Here Comes A Raincloud” First up, let’s talk about “Wishful Thinking.” This track slaps harder than most modern pop songs dare to dream. Eddie’s vocals are smooth as butter, gliding effortlessly over Garry’s lush synths and Kevin’s tight drumming. There’s something hypnotic about how the song builds—layer upon layer of sound folding into each other until you’re completely enveloped. The extended mix? Even better. It stretches out the groove so long you almost forget where you are. I mean, who needs reality when you’ve got tunes like this? Then there’s “Hi Comes A Raincloud,” which feels like walking through a dream soaked in melancholy rain. The strings from The Breck Road String Ensemble add this cinematic touch, making every note ache with emotion. When Eddie sings, “Here comes a raincloud / To wash away my blues,” it hits different. Like, yeah, we’ve all been there—feeling stuck under life’s storm clouds, hoping for clarity or maybe just a break. The live version included on the album gives it an extra raw edge, like catching lightning in a bottle. Why Does This Album Stick? What makes Working With Fire And Steel stand out—even decades later—is its refusal to fit neatly into any box. Sure, it leans heavy on Synth-pop and New Wave, but it flirts with jazz influences (“Tragedy And Mystery”), throws in some saxophone swagger, and even experiments with drum machines before they became cliché. Tracks like “Animals In Jungles” showcase their knack for blending quirky rhythms with introspective lyrics, while “Some People I Know To Lead Fantastic Lives” reminds us why China Crisis deserves more love than they ever got. And honestly? Listening to this album now feels like finding an old mixtape in your attic. It’s nostalgic yet fresh, familiar yet surprising. Maybe it’s because the themes still resonate—love, loss, longing, and those little moments of beauty hiding in plain sight. Or maybe it’s because Ken’s artwork perfectly captures the vibe: bold, colorful, and slightly off-kilter. Final Thoughts (With a Twist) If I had to sum up Working With Fire And Steel, I’d say it’s the musical equivalent of wearing mismatched socks—you think it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. And hey, here’s a random thought: if aliens landed tomorrow and asked for proof of human creativity, I’d hand them this album. Not only would it blow their little green minds, but they might also finally understand why we humans spend so much time staring out windows, lost in thought. So grab yourself a copy (or stream it—no judgment here) and let China Crisis take you on a journey. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “Wishful Thinking” for days.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: china-crisis-working-with-fire-and-steel-possible-pop-songs.zip
  • MP3 size: 129.2 mb
  • FLAC size: 2249.6 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Wishful Thinking 3:58
This Occupation (Extended Mix)4:02
A Golden Handshake For Every Daughter 3:31
When The Piper Calls (Demo)5:23
Forever I And I3:04
Tragedy And Mystery4:09
African And White (Live)3:48
When The Piper Calls 3:01
Jon And Van (Demo)3:33
The Soul Awakening 3:19
Wishful Thinking5:16
Some People I Know To Lead Fantastic Lives3:49
Tragedy And Mystery (Demo)3:41
Animals In Jungles 3:08
Dockland4:09
Working With Fire And Steel3:38
A Golden Handshake For Every Daughter3:58
Hanna Hanna (Extended Mix)5:14
Here Comes A Raincloud
Here Comes A Raincloud (Live)6:00
Papua 3:18
No Ordinary Lover 3:13
Here Comes A Raincloud 4:04
Some People I Know To Lead Fantastic Lives (Extended Mix)6:07
The Gates Of Door To Door4:16
Reflections 3:45
Hanna Hanna 2:54
The Soul Awakening4:32
Animals In Jungles3:37
Working With Fire And Steel (Fire And Steel Mix)5:00
Here Come A Raincloud4:14
Wishful Thinking (Album Version)4:40
You Never See It 3:16
Tragedy And Mystery (Extended Version)5:28
Hanna Hanna3:35
When The Piper Calls4:02
Greenacre Bay 3:26
Papua3:36

Video

China Crisis - Animals In Jungles
china crisis - wishful thinking

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • VL 2273
  • 786 692 2
  • 0777 7 86699 2 0, CDV2286, CDV 2286
  • CAROLR066CD
  • VIL-6090
  • 25VB-1067
  • VJD-28217
  • 205 798, V2286
  • V2286
  • 1-25062, 9 25062-1
  • VJCP-68631
  • 205798
  • 205 798
  • CDV2286
  • I-205 798, I-205.798
  • CDV 2286, 610 138-217
  • 70131
  • 617105
  • Virgin-1507
  • TCV2286
  • TCV 2286
  • VL4 2273
  • V2286, 205 798
  • OVED 214
  • V2286, 205 798, 97457
  • VG 50025
  • 4-25062
  • 925062-1
  • VNC 5044
  • 405 798-652
  • 0777 7 86699 2 0, CDV2286, CDV 2286, 7 86699 2

Labels

  • Virgin
  • Caroline Records
  • Virgin, Virgin Japan
  • Warner Bros. Records, Virgin
  • Virgin Records (Germany)
  • Warner Bros. Records

Listen online

  • lyssna på nätet
  • online anhören
  • online luisteren
  • lytte på nettet
  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ascolta in linea

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album
  • CD
  • Repress
  • Reissue
  • Remastered 2 × CD
  • Compilation
  • Remastered
  • Promo
  • 10 × File
  • FLAC
  • Stereo
  • Winchester Pressing
  • Test Pressing
  • Cassette
  • 33 ⅓ RPM
  • Blue Translucent

Companies

RoleCompany
Manufactured ByVirgin Records Canada Inc.
Recorded AtAmazon Studios
Mixed AtThe Manor
Lacquer Cut AtDisques SNB Ltée.
Pressed ByCBS Records Canada Ltd.
Record CompanyVirgin España, S.A.
Phonographic Copyright (p)Virgin Records Ltd.
Copyright (c)Virgin Records Ltd.
Licensed ToCaroline International
Glass Mastered AtSony DADC
Distributed ByVictor Musical Industries, Inc.
Designed AtAnsell Sadgrove
Published ByVirgin Music
Printed ByFrance Imprimerie Sorel
Marketed ByVirgin Records NZ Ltd.

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged ByChina Crisis
EngineerAlan Douglas , Geoff Higgins, Gil Norton
Mastered ByEL
Photography ByGavin Cochrane
ProducerMike Howlett
Written-ByEddie, Garry
Acoustic GuitarEddie Lundon (tracks: 1)
BassGazza Johnson (tracks: 2 to 4, 7 to 10)
CelloDavid Ellery (tracks: 5)
DrumsKevin Wilkinson (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 8, 10)
Sequenced ByKevin Wilkinson (tracks: 5)
Drums [SnareKevin Wilkinson (tracks: 2)
Tom Tom]Kevin Wilkinson (tracks: 2)
Grand PianoGary Daly (tracks: 2)
GuitarEddie Lundon
HarmonicaGazza Johnson (tracks: 8)
Lyrics ByEddie Lundon (tracks: 2, 3, 6), Gary Daly (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7 to 10)
OboeSteve Levy (tracks: 2, 5 to 7, 10)
OtherGraeme Levy (tracks: 1)
PercussionKevin Wilkinson (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 10)
SaxophoneSteve Levy (tracks: 1 to 3)
StringsThe Breck Road String Ensemble (tracks: 5)
SynthesizerEddie Lundon (tracks: 2), Gary Daly (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7 to 10)
TapeGary Daly (tracks: 3, 4)
Tenor SaxophoneAnthony Thistlethwaite (tracks: 2, 3)
TrumpetRoddy (tracks: 2, 3)
ViolaDavid Kennedy (tracks: 5)
ViolinBarbara Parham (tracks: 5), Mark Levy (tracks: 5)
VocalsEddie Lundon (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 8, 10), Gary Daly (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7 to 10), Jane (tracks: 5, 9)
DesignKen
Photography By [SnowyGarry
GazzerGarry
Kev And Nicky]Garry
SongwriterEddie, Garry
Artwork ByKen (At A.S.)
PhotographyGavin Cochrane
PianoGarry (tracks: 2)
Bass HarmonicaGazza (tracks: B3)
HihatKevin (tracks: A5)
SnareKevin (tracks: A2)
Tom TomKevin (tracks: A2)
VoiceGraeme Levy (tracks: A1)
Liner NotesMichinari "My" Yamada
FlugelhornLuke Tunney (tracks: B2)
FluteGary Barnacle (tracks: B4)
Drum MachineKevin (tracks: A5)
Words ByEddie (tracks: A2, A3, B1), Garry (tracks: A1 A3 to A5, B2 to B5)
ArtworkKen
Lacquer Cut ByBilBo
Music ByLundon, Daly

Notes

  • Released with an inner lyrics-sleeve.
  • Track A5 is "Here Come A Raincloud" on the rear of the jacket, but "Here Comes A Raincloud" on the Side A label.
  • Comes with 8-page booklet featuring lyrics and photos.
  • Printed in Holland.
  • CD2-9 incorrectly listed as 'Wishful Thinking (Edit)' on rear cover and in booklet
  • CD3-8 incorrectly listed as 'Greenacre Day' on rear cover and in booklet
  • Tracks 2-14 and 2-15 live recorded at Reading University 31/01/1984.
  • Tracks 3-1 to 3-4 recorded at Kid Jensen Session 25/05/1982
  • Tracks 3-5 to 3-8 recorded at John Peel Session 27/01/1983
  • Tracks 3-9 to 3-12 recorded at Kid Jensen Session 25/10/1983
  • ℗ 2017 Virgin Records, under licence to Caroline International
  • © 2017 Virgin Records, under licence to Caroline International
  • A Universal Music Group release
  • Made in EU
  • Comes in 8-panel Digipak with 20-page booklet
  • Made in Japan
  • (p) 1983 Virgin Records Ltd.
  • (c) 1984 Virgin Records Ltd.
  • All songs recorded at Amazon and The Manor.
  • All songs mixed at The Manor.
  • Printed inner sleeve
  • ℗ 1983 Virgin Records Ltd.
  • © 1983 Virgin Records Ltd.
  • Distributed by the Ariola Group of Companies in Austria, the Benelux, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
  • © ℗ 1983 Virgin Records Ltd.
  • 16bit / 44.1kHz flac version.
  • Green/red label.
  • Includes printed inner sleeve.
  • Capitol Records Pressing Plant, Winchester pressing per ─◁ etched in runout.
  • japanese release
  • Recorded at Amazon and The Manor.
  • Mixed at The Manor.
  • This is the original CD edition without barcode.
  • 8-page booklet with lyrics and photos.
  • Published by Virgin Music (Publishers) Ltd
  • ℗ 1983 Virgin Records Ltd
  • © 1984 Virgin Records Ltd
  • Printed in West Germany
  • D.L.: M-2121-1984 (S.G.A.E.)
  • *No duration A5
  • ℗1983. 8-page booklet with lyrics and photos. Recorded at Amazon and The Manor. Mixed at The Manor.
  • 2 panel inlay printed to one side only. Grey cassette with red on-body print.
  • Made In Canada
  • Label and sleeve only mention 1983 but this is a later mid priced reissue.
  • Light greyish Virgin labels
  • Promotion copy with gold stamped disclaimer on front lower right.
  • Identical to retail release with same labels, barcode, and Inner sleeve with credits, lyrics, and photos.
  • Unique runout matrix codes are indicated.
  • Category V2286 on spine, back cover, labels and inner sleeve.
  • Category 205 798 on back cover and inner sleeve.
  • Category 97457 on inner sleeve.
  • Distributed by The Ariola Group of companies.
  • Printed in Holland. Disc made in EU.
  • Same as China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel: Possible Pop Songs Volume Two but with black print on cassette rather than red.
  • Warner Bros. Records, Inc. a Warner Communications Company
  • Also Available On Cassette
  • label catalog number: 1-25062
  • Additional information in the liner notes:
  • Sleeve:
  • KEN (at A.S.): Graphic Design
  • Gavin Cochrane: Photography
  • Jane appears courtesy of Cherry Red Records
  • Includes lyric insert
  • Includes a printed inner sleeve.
  • Credits list only first names for the band members, the sax/oboe player and Jane . Track durations generated with foobar2000.
  • (P) 198 Virgin Records Ltd. (C) 1984 Virgin Records Ltd.
  • Printed in Holland
  • Catalogue numbers printed on this product:
  • 0777 7 86699 2 0 / 7 86699 2 (bold) : Inlay edges / back inlay / CD.
  • CDV2286 : Inlay edges / back inlay.
  • CDV 2286 : CD

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Runout, etched (“2” in DM-2 is stamped)): VL-2273A SNB 230 EL DM-2
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Runout, etched (“3” in DM-3 is stamped)): VL-2273B SNB 230 EL DM-3
  • Rights Society: SGAE
  • Barcode: 077778669920
  • Price Code: PM 500
  • Rights Society: BIEM/STEMRA
  • Label Code: LC 3098
  • Matrix / Runout: ims imsgroup.it 7866992
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LV03
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 2536
  • Barcode: 600753759585
  • Other (CD1 cat. #): 5375959
  • Other (CD2 cat. #): 5375960
  • Other (CD3 cat. #): 5375961
  • Matrix / Runout (CD1): Sony DADC [Universal logo] 5375959 23 A00
  • Mastering SID Code (CD1): IFPI L553
  • Mould SID Code (CD1): IFPI 941A
  • Matrix / Runout (CD2): Sony DADC [Universal logo] 5375960 13 A00
  • Mastering SID Code (CD2): IFPI L553
  • Mould SID Code (CD2): IFPI 94K2
  • Matrix / Runout (CD3): Sony DADC [Universal logo] 5375961 32 A00
  • Mastering SID Code (CD3): IFPI L552
  • Mould SID Code (CD3): IFPI 944A
  • Rights Society: BIEM/SDRM
  • Rights Society: JASRAC
  • Matrix / Runout (Side 1): V2286 -A 2S 3 6-1
  • Matrix / Runout (Side 2): V2286B 1S 4
  • Other (Date Code): H•2•1
  • Other (Price): ¥2,500
  • Rights Society: GEMA STEMRA BIEM
  • Matrix / Runout (Label side A): S 205 798 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Label side B): S 205 798 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A (Variant 1)): 205798 A-1/83S I Made in Germany
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B (Variant 1)): 205798 B-1/83S I II Made in Germany
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A (Variant 2)): 205798 A-1/83S I Made in Germany
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B (Variant 2)): 205798 B-1/83S I Made in Germany
  • Pressing Plant ID (Label side B, embossed): Bass clef
  • Price Code (Germany): -320
  • Price Code (France): AE 280
  • Price Code (Spain): -I
  • Other (Inner sleeve): 205 798/97457
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout): V2286-1
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout): V2286-2
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout etched): 1-25062A X1S1- WW1 ─◁
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout etched): 25062 1S WW2 ─◁
  • Pressing Plant ID: ─◁
  • Rights Society: ASCAP
  • Barcode (Text): 0 7599-25062-1
  • Barcode: 4 988006 818026
  • Matrix / Runout: VJCP-68631 1
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L154
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 28U5
  • Barcode: none
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 1): CDV 2286 2893 479 01
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 2): CDV 2286 2893 479 03 UC
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 3): CDV 2286 2893 479 03
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 4): CDV 2286 2893 479 03.
  • Depósito Legal: M-2121-1984
  • Barcode: 5 012981 228620
  • Matrix / Runout: MADE IN THE UK BY PDO CDV2286 102361 03 %
  • Price Code: PM 261
  • Rights Society: SACEM SACD SDRM SGDL
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A stamped): 83 10 20 5 79 8 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A etched): M 6347299 2 70131 EXP
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B stamped): 83 10 20 5 79 8 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B etched): M'6 347300 2 EXP
  • Other (Distibution Code Germany): -320
  • Other (Distibution Code France): AE 280
  • Other (Distibution Code Spain): -I
  • Barcode (Printed): 0 7599-25062-1
  • Barcode (Scanned): 075992506212
  • Price Code: LC 3098
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A label): S 205 798 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B label): S 205 798 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A): 205798 A-1/83S I
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B): 205798 B-1/83S I
  • Matrix / Runout ((V-2286 Overstruck )): BILBO TAPE One OVED 214 V-2286 A-1U-1-2-1
  • Matrix / Runout ((V-2286 Overstruck )): BILBO TAPE One OVED 214 V-2286 B-2U-1-1
  • Barcode: 0 7599-25062-1
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A- Ɋ stamped, etched): 1 25062 A RE1 SH2 Ɋ B-18804 . Re1- SH2 SLM triangle 5747 1-2(scratched out) 0-1
  • Barcode (Side B- Ɋ stamped, etched): 1 25062 B SH1 Ɋ B-18805 Re1- SH2 SLM triangle 5747-X 1-2(scratched out) 0-1
  • Price Code (Spain): -1
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A label): V2286 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B label): V2286 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout. Variant 1): V 2286 A-1U-1-1- 6 BILBO TAPE ONE
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout. Variant 1): V 2286 B-2U-1-1- 5 BILBO TAPE ONE
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout. Variant 2): V 2286 A-2U-1-1- 6 BILBO TAPE ONE
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout. Variant 2): V 2286 B-1U-1-1- 6 BILBO TAPE ONE
  • Matrix / Runout: Sony DADC <Universal logo> 7866992 11 A00
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L551
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 942L
  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side 1): VNH 5044—A
  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side 2): VNC 5044—B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Runout, etched (CR is encircled and stamped)): VL-2273A-2 X SNB 230 EL CR
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Runout, etched (CR is encircled and stamped)): VL-2273B-2 X SNB EL CR
  • Barcode (Scanned): 077778669920
  • Barcode: 0 77778 66992 0
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 1): 786699 2 @ 1
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 2): 786699 2 @ 1 010202-NL

About China Crisis

télécharger l'album China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Twoladda ner album China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Twolataa albumi China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Twobaixar álbum China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Twolast ned album China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Twodescargar álbum China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Two
Arty synth-rock group formed in Liverpool, UK in 1979 and comprising Gary Daly (vocals), Eddie Lundon (guitar), Brian McNeill (keyboards), Gazza Johnson (bass) and Kevin Wilkinson (drums).

Name Vars

  • C. Crisis
  • China Crises
  • The Band
  • the band

Members

  • Kevin Wilkinson
  • Gary Daly
  • Eddie Lundon
  • Brian McNeill
  • Gazza Johnson
  • Dave Reilly
  • John Lewis
  • Eddie Robinson
  • Derek Lovelady

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that the album *Working With Fire And Steel Possible Pop Songs Volume Two* by China Crisis was released in 1984 and featured a whopping 25 tracks across various editions? It blended genres like synth-pop, New Wave, and rock, with contributions from a huge team of musicians. One standout detail is that Kevin Wilkinson, the drummer, played almost every percussion instrument on the album—snare, tom tom, hi-hat, and even used a drum machine for some tracks. The album saw releases in over a dozen countries, from Canada to Japan, showing just how globally loved China Crisis was at the time!

Comments

4janedoe
2025-03-11
???????????
luismffs
2025-03-11
This band make me fall asleep ?
bobkat1896bl
2025-03-10
Tune.. don’t know why I ❤ it but I just do. Happy days.
letruongcang
2025-03-10
This song will NEVER get old ?❤️
rinaranmouri
2025-03-09
Everything that was good about this era , songs, ,melodies, powerful lyrics, timeless, still great 2022 shortly to be 2023. always a pleasure to listen /watch this video well done, china crisis, ??
alvinrumahjual
2025-03-08
Wishful Thinking would be going back to the greatest era of music which is the 80’s
kueenkingskmn
2025-03-08
I LOVE THIS SONG
I am 54 years old man and I cannot get enough of this song. What beautiful memories! Listening to it without getting tears it is not possible....
umbrellapinkcat
2025-03-07
Pastoral pop.
teenaseo
2025-03-06
My favorite! ?
avalanchelan
2025-03-05
started at the local polytechnic in 1981 and seeing bands like this live.... great music 1980's... absolutely crap nowadays.....how i wish i could go back to the young me and tell him to embrace every second !!!
emilycplus
2025-03-05
These guys had such a 'friendly music'... Positive vibes in a romantic way.... I had a weak spot for them.
nilmamartins
2025-03-04
This is a beautiful song
budmcdonald50
2025-03-03
millions of years 8 billion of us where would we be without LOVE
rodrigocerrob09
2025-03-02
This was videoed in the Brecon Beacons where I grew up. The blonde girl in the barn is Alice Keen in the Lower sixth when I was a fifth former. Used to smile at her a lot before my English Lit class and she'd smile back too shy to ask her out - a lowly 5th former and her in a pop video. Way out of my league. Where are you now Alice?
jduvallsmith
2025-03-01
true new romantic that always takes me back to the unforgettable 80s
moomin0216
2025-02-28
Oh my God. January 1984
lavlinjer
2025-02-27
Even the lesser known 80s bands have brilliant music.
livingcomedy
2025-02-27
Simply wonderful...