Love is a wonderful colour - Icicle works

The Icicle Works' frontman Ian McNabb sounds suspiciously like David Bowie in this track, 'Love is a wonderful colour'. Their first hit single, entering the UK singles chart on December 24, 1983, it was also their biggest, peaking at number 15 during a 9 week chart run.

This 12" single features an extended remix of almost 7 minutes created by Hugh Jones. The two B-side tracks also appeared on a limited edition double single which I've written about almost three years ago.

My collection: 12" single no. 226
Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, 1994
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Love is a wonderful colour (long version)' / 'Waterline', 'In the dance the shaman led'

Hollow horse - Icicle Works

After the release of their self-titled debut album the Icicle Works struggled to match their initial commercial success. As a live band they did secure a loyal fan base in the UK and abroad. In September 1984 the band issued the single 'Hollow Horse', which continued to be a live favourite, but failed to reach the UK singles chart.

I bought this single recently on the assumption that it would be an interesting song, because I knew the band. The song turns out to have the same soaring quality as 'Love is a wonderful colour', but is less memorable. Still, a very nice single.

My collection: 7" single no. 3476

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, December 11, 2008

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Hollow horse' / 'The atheist'

Little girl lost - The Icicle Works

The Icicle Works released their fourth album 'Blind' in 1988. This contained the reggae-inspired track 'Little girl lost', a track I got to know thanks to a four track cd-single which also featured the earlier single 'Evangeline'. The Icicle Works never managed to get into the Dutch Top 40, and this single was no exception.

I bought this single during a trip to London to see two live concerts on two nights: Black and All About Eve were both playing in the same week in that town. On the last day of my trip, I was hit by a kidney stone. What a memorable week.

My collection: 7" single no. 3167
Found: House of Rhythm, London, January 18, 2000
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Little girl lost' / 'Tin can'
Download: here

Love is a wonderful colour - The Icicle Works

'Love is a wonderful colour' was the first single by the Icicle Works to reach the UK singles chart. The song is a dynamic piece of work, the vocals by lead singer Ian McNabb sounding suspiciously like David Bowie.

I found the double single edition during my visit to Beanos in 2006. I'd never bought a double single this cheap before.

My collection: 7" single no. 3443

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, 2006

Cost: 20p

Tracks: 'Love is a wonderful colour' / 'Waterline' // 'In the dance the shaman led' / 'The devil on horseback'

Download: Album 'Sessions, mixes and b-sides (1982-1984)', including the three B-sides