Men At Work
Helpless Automaton
Good Morning!
Today we’re listening to Men at Work’s “Helpless Automaton.”
Men at Work seemed to be everywhere in the early 1980s. Their debut record Business As Usual was a smashing success, and 40+ years later, you can still hear “Down Under,” and “Who Can it Be Now” fairly often. When 2 of the first 3 tracks are enduring hits, it’s easy to stop there. But Business is a fantastic album and is full of underrated gems like “Helpless Automaton.”
With a very new wave sound, reminiscent of Devo or even Reflex, “Helpless Automaton” is quite a departure from the rest of the record. It was fully written and sung by flutist Greg Ham instead of Colin Hay. Ironically, there is no flute in the song.
With its wacky lyrics and bright sounds “Down Under” is a mainstay of throwback radio and karaoke nights. “Helpless Automaton” is more sinister and feels like it should’ve been the theme song to an early 80s sci-fi TV show or movie.
Listen:
“Helpless Automaton” by Men At Work | Business As Usual, 1981
Click the record to listen on the platform of your choice.
What’d you think of this one? Sound off in the comments!
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
P.S. Lively up your inbox! Every day The Sample forwards you a newsletter to discover. The more you use it, the better it gets at delivering what you want.
Wow, never heard this one. Thanks for sharing.
Nice, Kevin! Enjoyable, as I'm one of the many who only ever knew Men at Work's work that radio deigned to play! I crinkled my brow at your Devo reference until I heard it, but durned if the song doesn't sound like a Mothersbaugh reject, after all! Thanks again!