Post 790 - Uncanny X-Men - The Complete Singles 1983-2024

 

The Uncanny X-Men were named for the Marvel comic of the same name and were formed as a "hard edged guitar pop band" in Melbourne's western suburbs. They were originally a four-piece group, in late 1980, with Michael Helms on bass guitar, Brian Mannix on vocals and guitar, Nick Matandos on drums and Ron Thiessen on guitar. In 1981 they became a five-piece when Helms left and was replaced by Steve Harrison on bass guitar and Chuck Hargreaves joined on guitar. Mannix became known for his mischievous and comical send-ups of other artists. The band were signed by Mushroom Records late in 1982 and released their six-track debut extended play, 'SaliveOne! Early in 1983 Harrison was replaced on bass guitar by John Kirk and Uncanny X-Men released their single "How Do You Get Your Kicks" in March. It was written by Greg Macainsh of Skyhooks, who also co-produced the track with David Briggs. Kirk, Mannix and Thiessen joined as guest musicians with "The Incredible Penguins" in 1985, for a cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", a charity project for research on little penguins, which peaked at No. 10 on the Australian charts in December. "The Party" was released as a single in March 1985 and peaked at No. 17. In June 1985 the group released their debut studio album, 'Cos Life Hurts, which reached No. 2, Its second single, "50 Years", appeared at No. 6.Thiessen had left early in 1986 and briefly joined Kings of the Sun, he was temporarily replaced by Joey Amenta on guitar and more permanently by Brett Kingman. The band signed with CBS Records in May 1986 and released "I Am", which had reached No. 18 in May, ahead of their second album, "What You Give Is What You Get", which peaked at No. 19 in November 1986. Further singles provided Uncanny X-Men with little chart success, and they disbanded in 1987.On 9 February 2014 Mannix appeared on Melbourne radio station Triple R's The Party Show and played the band's new song "Take It from Me", which they had debuted live at two Melbourne gigs in March 2011.Another new single appeared in 2024 "It's A Shame" b/w "We Love You". Thanks Henry DeRooy for the great art work. Flac

Members

Micheal Helms - bass guitar (1980–1981)

Brian Mannix – lead vocals (1980–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Nick Matandos – drums (1980–1983)

Ron Thiessen – guitar (1981–1986; 1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Chuck Hargreaves – guitar (1981–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Steve Harrison – bass guitar (1981–1983; died 2009)

John Kirk – bass guitar (1983–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Craig Waugh – drums (1983–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Joey Amenta - guitar (1986)

Brett Kingman – guitar (1986-1987)