Tag Archives: Information Society

Music Video of the Day: Walking Away by Information Society (1988, directed by Mark Pellington)

Posted on by Jedadiah Leland

Information Society was formed, in Minneapolis, by Paul Robb in 1982.  Despite a small but devoted fan base, the band initially struggled to achieve mainstream success, which led to several lineup changes during the group’s early years.  It wouldn’t be until 1985 that Information Society would have their first minor hit and then it would be another three years before they released their two best known songs, What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) and Walking Away.

According to Paul Robb, Walking Away was written while he was thinking about all of the people who had recently left the band.  In Robb’s own words, “So if you listen to the lyrics of ‘Walking Away,‘ it’s basically just someone complaining about people who left. That’s because that’s exactly what it is.”  Though Walking Away was not as big a hit as What’s On Your Mind, it still charted at #9 and there’s a good chance of hearing it played at any 80s night.

Just as Pure Energy sampled Leonard Nimoy, Walking Away opens with William Shatner saying, “It is useless to resist us.”  Leonard’s son, Adam Nimoy, was a huge fan of the band and was instrumental in winning the band permission to use the audio samples in their songs.

Mark Pellington also directed the video for the band’s first hit, What’s On Your Mind.

Enjoy!

 

Music Video of the Day: What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) by Information Society (1988, directed by Mark Pellington)

Posted on by Jedadiah Leland

Leonard Nimoy saying, “Pure energy” was taken from the Star Trek episode Errand of Mercy.  Both the sound of Nimoy’s voice and this energetic video led to this song becoming a surprise hit.  One radio station in Boston played the song on a continuous loop for 25 hours straight, leading people to call the station because they thought “Pure Energy” was a warning that something had gone wrong in the DJ booth.

Mark Pellington was one of those directors who did videos for just about everyone during the first decade of the MTV-era.  He has also directed feature films like Arlington Road and The Mothman Prophecies.

Enjoy!

Music Video of the Day: Walking Away by Information Society (1988, directed by ????)

Posted on by Jedadiah Leland

Information Society was formed, in Minneapolis, by Paul Robb in 1982.  Despite a small but devoted fan base, the band initially struggled to achieve mainstream success, which led to several lineup changes during the group’s early years.  It wouldn’t be until 1985 that Information Society would have their first minor hit and then it would be another three years before they released their two best known songs, What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) and Walking Away.

According to Paul Robb, Walking Away was written while he was thinking about all of the people who had recently left the band.  In Robb’s own words, “So if you listen to the lyrics of ‘Walking Away,‘ it’s basically just someone complaining about people who left. That’s because that’s exactly what it is.”  Though Walking Away was not as big a hit as What’s On Your Mind, it still charted at #9 and there’s a good chance of hearing it played at any 80s night.

Just as Pure Energy sampled Leonard Nimoy, Walking Away opens with William Shatner saying, “It is useless to resist us.”  Leonard’s son, Adam Nimoy, was a huge fan of the band and was instrumental in winning the band permission to use the audio samples in their songs.

Enjoy!

 

27 Days of Old School: #7 “What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” (by Information Society)

Posted on by Arleigh

whatsonyourmindsingle

“Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Yes, I want to know what you’re thinking. I do believe I liked this song mostly for it’s beats and catchy chorus, but not much else. Yet, it remains one of my favorite songs growing up during the 80’s.

“What’s On Your Mind” by Information Society has been part of my audio listening rotation for decades now (man, I feel old). Whether it’s the original version released in 1988 or the extended remix or just part of an extended remix by the local DJ. This song always has a place in my queue.

I would say that it’s also my first introduction to dance music that wasn’t part of the Latin freestyle movement. My appreciation of dance and house music will always find it’s roots with this song.