The Alarm “Strength” 1985. Today, February 25th, is Alarm singer Mike Peters’ 60th birthday (b. 1959). Like almost every British punk/new waver of his generation, Peters formed his first band (The Toilets) after seeing the Sex Pistols perform in ‘76 and later formed The Alarm in ‘81, the band’s name taken from a Toilets song. Strength was The Alarm’s second album. The band is lumped in with the new wave genre but it’s really more earnestly emotive and anthemic rock (ie U2, Big Country, etc.) with lots of hairspray.

The Alarm released three singles from Strength: the title track “Strength” which made – barely – the top 40 in the UK, “Spirit of ‘76″ which went to #22 (this song is particularly epic and very Springsteen-ish) and “Knife Edge.” I like the non-single “Deeside” which is a mash-up of Americana country honky-tonk, Stiff Little Fingers and The Clash. The rest of the album…meh. The closing track, “Walk Forever By My Side” is a piano-heavy power ballad that is so sincere and I want to like it but can’t because it’s just. too. much.