Wiki
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Release Date
25 July 1980
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Length
2 tracks
"Kings of the Wild Frontier" is a New Wave album by Adam and the Ants, released in 1980.
This album introduced the new Burundi Beat drum sound. After having his previous backing band wooed away by producer Malcolm McLaren, who used them to form Bow Wow Wow, Adam Ant recorded Kings of the Wild Frontier with guitarist Marco Pirroni as his new writing partner. In spite of the difficulties with the recording, Kings of the Wild Frontier has become acknowledged as an inspirational and unique-sounding album, introducing two drummers, with Duane Eddy-esque guitar riffs.
The album spawned three hit singles: "Kings of the Wild Frontier" (7/80, reached # 2 in 2/81), "Dog Eat Dog" (reached # 4 in 10/80) and "Antmusic" (12/80 reached No. 2 in 1/81). In addition, Antmusic reached No. 1 in Australia for five weeks. The album was remastered and reissued in 2004 with several bonus tracks.
The US version (LP and subsequent CD issue) dropped "Making History" in favour of two tracks penned by Ant prior to teaming up with Marco Pirroni: The "brilliant grind-rocker" "(You're So) Physical" and "Press Darlings".
"Killer in the Home" is based on the same twangy, descending glissando riff that is featured in Link Wray's "Rumble" (Ants' guitarist Marco Pirroni has cited Link Wray as a major influence). "Dog Eat Dog" was featured in the film Doomsday. It is used in the closing credits of the British television series The Kevin Bishop Show.
The album was the UK number 1 selling album in 1981 (and the 48th best seller in 1980) and won Best British Album at the 1982 Brit Awards. The album is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Personnel
Adam Ant – Vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica
Marco Pirroni – Guitar
Kevin Mooney – Bass
Merrick (Chris Hughes) – Drums
Terry Lee Miall – Drums
Chris Hughes – Producer
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