What makes Who's Landing in My Hangar? by Human Switchboard notable?

The album received positive reviews for its inventive sound and clever lyrics, helping to solidify Human Switchboard's presence in the new wave genre. It has been noted for its influence on subsequent indie rock acts, often cited by critics as an underappreciated gem from the early '80s music scene. Released in 1981, Who's Landing in My Hangar? was Human Switchboard's debut album, emerging as they were establishing themselves within the burgeoning American new wave scene. The band had formed just a couple of years prior, and this album marked their entry into the national music landscape, showcasing their unique sound amidst the post-punk explosion.

How many songs are on Who's Landing in My Hangar??

Who's Landing in My Hangar? has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Who's Landing in My Hangar?

Human Switchboard · 1981

37 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and punchy rhythms, capturing the essence of early '80s new wave with a playful edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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(Say No to) Saturday's Girl — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and sharp commentary on social expectations, encapsulating the band's witty lyricism and energetic sound.
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Refrigerator Door — At over seven minutes long, this sprawling track uniquely blends experimental elements with new wave sensibilities, showcasing the band's willingness to push boundaries.
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(I Used to) Believe in You — With its introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, this song reflects personal disillusionment while maintaining an upbeat tempo, illustrating the tension between content and sound.
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Books on Looks — This track combines clever wordplay with a driving rhythm that highlights the band's knack for marrying intellect with infectious melodies, embodying their artistic ethos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive sound and clever lyrics typical of early '80s new wave but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a punchy track that features jangly guitars and upbeat rhythms, setting a lively tone for the first half.
Several tracks incorporate playful lyrical themes, often juxtaposed with more serious musical arrangements.
The tempo fluctuates throughout, with the last three tracks slowing down slightly, creating a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 (Say No to) Saturday's Girl 3:10
2 Who's Landing in My Hangar? 2:35
3 In This Town 3:10
4 No Heart 3:09
5 Refrigerator Door 7:30
6 I Can Walk Alone 2:59
7 (I Used to) Believe in You 3:55
8 Don't Follow Me Home 4:33
9 Books on Looks 2:34
10 Where the Light Breaks 3:50

What to play next

Listen next

Coffee Break!

1982

Go back to

Human Switchboard Live

Full Human Switchboard discography Artists like Human Switchboard

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata