Mars Needs Guitars! is the second studio album by Australian rock band Hoodoo Gurus, released on 8 March 1985. The title is a reference to the 1967 science fiction film, Mars Needs Women. Singles from the album were "Bittersweet", "Like Wow – Wipeout", "Death Defying" and "Poison Pen". Mars Needs Guitars! reached No. 140 on the American Billboard 200 albums chart in 1986.
The title track, "Mars Needs Guitars" (also the B-side of "Bittersweet" single), was written by all five Gurus and lead vocals were by Brad Shepherd. All other tracks were written and featured lead vocals by Dave Faulkner. Hayride to Hell (1995) is a short film written and directed by former Gurus member Kimble Rendall.
In 2000, Dave Faulkner said "When we commenced the sessions for Mars Needs Guitars! we had a brand new drummer, Mark Kingsmill who altered our lives forever with his distinctive explosive style."
In October 2010, it was listed in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums, with their previous album, Stoneage Romeos at No. 28.
Reception Cash Box magazine said "Excellent dynamics and songwriting shine through on nearly every cut."
Track listing
Personnel Credited to:
Hoodoo Gurus Clyde Bramley – bass, backing vocals Dave Faulkner – lead vocals (except track 9), guitar, keyboards Mark Kingsmill – drums, cymbals Brad Shepherd – lead guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals (track 9), harmonica (mouth harp)
Technical John Bee – engineer Greg Henderson – assistant engineer Richard Allan – illustrations Charles Fisher – producer (except track 11) Don Bartley – mastering (remastering) Hoodoo Gurus – producer (track 11)
Charts Chart (1985/86)PeakpositionAustralian (Kent Music Report)5United States (Billboard 200)140
Certifications
References