B-Movie was a post-punk band from Mansfield, England that formed in 1978. They gained popularity in the early 1980s with their catchy and danceable synth-driven tracks, creating memorable pop melodies with deep emotional resonance. “Remembrance Day” was one such track. Originally released in 1981 as a single, it appeared on their debut album Forever Running in 1985 before reappearing as a Maxi-Single in 1987.
This third iteration from 1987 saw the band releasing a variety of vinyl variants including a red printed sleeve, red vinyl with black printing on the sleeve, blue vinyl, and black vinyl. My copy is the red vinyl version with black printing on the sleeve.
The song is somewhat melancholy and is a tribute to fallen soldiers, especially those who fought in World War I. The lyrics describe the devastation and horror of war and emphasize the need for remembrance and honoring the sacrifice of those who fought and died for their country.
The music is atmospheric with heavy synth melodies, haunting guitar riffs, and a steady drumbeat. The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with vocalist and bassist Steve Hovington’s vocals soaring over his pulsating bass line and prominent guitar and synths.
Remembrance Day
As described by AllMusic, “Remembrance Day” is “a powerful, emotional piece of music, with a real sense of drama and tension.” Statham himself said in an interview, “We didn’t want to be just another synth-pop band. We wanted to have something a bit more serious to say.”
“Remembrance Day” was a significant moment in B-Movie’s career, as it helped to establish them as a serious band with something to say. The song was a minor hit in the UK, reaching #61 in the charts, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Its lasting impact can be seen in the numerous covers and remixes that have been made over the years.
The song is a poignant and memorable one that showcases B-Movie’s talents as both musicians and songwriters. It stands as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy in the post-punk genre.
Nowhere Girl & Marylin Dreams
My copy of the maxi single, which as I noted was released in 1987, came with two additional tracks: “Marilyn Dreams” as track A2, and “Nowhere Girl” as the lone track on the B-side. The original 1981 release came on a variety of 12-inch maxi singles and 7-inch singles with different covers from the 1987 pressing and the B-side was “Institution Walls (Re-Mix).”
The single is available on Discogs, and you can find Forever Running on Amazon.
