China Crisis -

China Crisis are an English art-pop band from Kirkby, Merseyside, that released five albums on Virgin between 1982 and 1989.

Members: Gary Daly (vocals, keyboards), Eddie Lundon (guitar, vocals), Dave Reilly (percussion, 1982), Gazza Johnson (bass, 1982-95), Kevin Wilkinson (drums, 1983-95), Brian McNeill (keyboards, 1983-84)

China Crisis was formed in Kirkby, near Liverpool, in 1979 by singer/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, both 17 at the time. Their primary influences were Steely Dan, David Bowie, Talking Heads, and Magazine.^[1] They rehearsed with a rhythm box, then enlisted drummer Dave Reilly.

In 1981, China Crisis issued the single “African and White” (b/w “Be Suspicious”) on local small-press Inevitable (It’s Immaterial, Modern Eon, Wah! Heat). The following March, they recorded a Peel Session for the BBC.

China Crisis to Virgin and released their second single, “Scream Down at Me” (b/w “Cucumber Garden”), in May 1982.

Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It’s Fun to Entertain

China Crisis released their debut album, Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It’s Fun to Entertain, on November 12, 1982, on Virgin.

“African and White”
Released: 19 July 1982

“No More Blue Horizons”
Released: 18 October 1982

“Christian”
Released: 3 January 1983

Working With Fire and Steel: Possible Pop Songs Volume Two

China Crisis released their second album, Working With Fire and Steel: Possible Pop Songs Volume Two, on October 31, 1983, on Virgin.

“Tragedy and Mystery”
Released: 6 May 1983

“Working with Fire and Steel”
Released: 3 October 1983

“Wishful Thinking”
Released: 3 January 1984

“Hanna Hanna”
Released: 27 February 1984

Flaunt the Imperfection

China Crisis released their third album, Flaunt the Imperfection, on April 29, 1985, on Virgin.

“Black Man Ray”
Released: 4 March 1985

“King in a Catholic Style”
Released: 20 May 1985

“You Did Cut Me”
Released: 27 August 1985

“The Highest High”
Released: 11 November 1985

What Price Paradise

China Crisis released their fourth album, What Price Paradise, on November 24, 1986, on Virgin.

“Arizona Sky”
Released: 13 October 1986

“Best Kept Secret”
Released: 12 January 1987

Diary of a Hollow Horse

China Crisis released their fifth album, Diary of a Hollow Horse, on May 2, 1989, on Virgin.

“Saint Saviour Square”
Released: 28 March 1989

“Red Letter Day”
Released: 30 May 1989

Discography:

Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It’s Fun to Entertain (1982)
Working With Fire and Steel: Possible Pop Songs Volume Two (1983)
Flaunt the Imperfection (1985)
What Price Paradise (1986)
Diary of a Hollow Horse (1989)

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