Number 58 – Mission of Burma – Signals, Calls and Marches
My introduction to Mission of Burma was actually through R.E.M. who used to cover the song “Academy Fight Song” on their live shows, especially in the late 80’s when they were touring for that pop album, ‘Green’ and thus my interest in the Burmese began around then.
“Walk into my room, ask me jerky questions”- Academy Fight Song
At this point, ‘Mission of Burma’ was not a household name but rather featured a fairly catchy song that didn’t describe the true genius of this band and in the process, I admit to asking some fairly jerky questions regarding its background. For example, the original release of ‘Signals, Calls and Marches’ did not include either Academy Fight Song or Max Ernst, which were added later in a reissue of the album. The two songs were actually the first single the band had released in 1980. When you chip away and find gold, there might be more where you are looking.
In the case of Mission of Burma, it is the fact that they have probably not received their due recognition for their role in the post-punk movement. The fact that they were influential on bands like Nirvana and Fugazi should suggest their importance but I bet that if Mission of Burma play in your hometown that the show will probably not be sold out and will put on a better performance than bands half their age.
Of course part of the issue with the band was their inability to cash in on their success. With Roger Miller’s worsening Tinnuitis, due to their live shows the band had to call it quits.
Thirty plus years later their legacy still grows and this is the album to start with.