Japan - Ghosts (Virgin)

Japan are a mystery to me. After being a standing joke for years they came right into fashion in 1981, built up a large following (witness the polls) but still didn't sell very many records. And all the while they sounded awfully like Roxy Music. That cannot be said of "Ghosts" and it's arguably the best thing they've done - slow, spare and mesmerising. (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, March 18, 1982)

Altered Images - See Those Eyes (Epic)

As usual David Band's cover is almost worth £1.20 on its own - and it needs to be, as the record is a disappointment. Rushent's production, Clare's candy-floss vocals and a competent performance from the band can't disguise the thinness of the song. No doubt it will make the Top 20 but Altered Images should do better than that. Now if the title had the word 'happy' in it... (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, March 18, 1982)

Visage - The Damned Don't Cry (Polydor)

Another stylish cover and a very stylish song. It does the various musicians credit that although it's a part-time interest for most of them, Visage have a sound of their own and are quite distinct from Ultravox or Magazine. If you liked "Fade To Grey" you'll enjoy this, though it's not quite as catchy. (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, March 18, 1982)

Talking Heads - Life During Wartime (Live) (Sire)

A quicker, thicker, less slick version of the outstanding track from Fear Of Music, recorded during the 1980-81 world tour which the Heads did as a nine-piece, dance-enhanced out-and-out funk band. I narrowly prefer the original but that's on the B-side, so no complaints. (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, March 18, 1982)

XTC - Ball And Chain (Virgin)

Now here's a good band . . . but a disappointing follow-up to "Senses Working Overtime". It starts well but doesn't go anywhere much and ends up as the kind of song you admire but don't greatly enjoy. (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, March 18, 1982)

Orange Juice - Two Hearts Together (Polydor)

Crisp, catchy, rhythmic - this has all the usual Orange Juice virtues, neither of the vices (Being too cute or too sloppy), and one important extra: a dynamic production by Martin Hayles. Recommended. (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, August 5, 1982)

Alan Clayson And The Argonauts - Last Respects (Rackets)

Five tales of loony Anglo-Saxon melodrama crossed with cartoon sketches of World War II in a coating of early '70's 'rock'. There's never been anything like this before and, quite probably, never will be again. (Tim De Lisle, Smash Hits, December 9, 1982)