I never understood the hate Mr N got from the music press in his early days. He was what? 20? when he composed, produced and recorded this awesome use of the synthesiser, well arranged, full use of the range of the keyboard.
The music press back then was full of snobbery. Bitterness too. The press liked to champion someone and build them up. Numan blindsided them all. He did it all without their help, and they resented him for it, so they tried to tear him down. It was a horrible sight too. Old men ripping into a 21 year old kid and trying to destroy him. They should have been thoroughly ashamed of themselves, but weren't. Are 'Friends' Electric? Was and still is amazing. Replicas was and still is amazing. What Numan produced between 78 and 81 has stood the test of time incredibly well. It's still inspiring new artists. He was miles ahead of the game. He's had the last laugh too. He's playing sell-out shows at home and abroad while the sad old negative heads who slaughtered him back in the day are long forgotten.
really nice! I think the C and Ab are played in octaves ie middle c, c octave down, g, Ab, ab octave down, f. at least from my attempts to cover the song. Fantastic tone and rendition though!!