Product Details

"Echo Beach" is a classic 1980 new wave and post-punk song by the Canadian band Martha and the Muffins. Song Overview and Success Release Date: Released on February 8, 1980, as the lead single from their debut studio album, Metro Music. Writers: Written by the band's guitarist, Mark Gane. Chart Performance: It became an international hit, reaching #5 in Canada, #6 in Australia, and #10 in the United Kingdom. Awards: Won the Juno Award for Single of the Year in Canada in 1981.Musical Style and Theme Sound: Known for its catchy synthesizer and organ opening riff, deadpan vocals by Martha Johnson, and a distinct saxophone break. Meaning: The lyrics describe the dull routine of a 9-to-5 job ("From nine to five I have to spend my time at work") and daydreaming about an idealized, faraway escape called Echo Beach. Inspiration: Mark Gane conceived the idea while daydreaming about a boring summer job he worked at a paint and wallpaper factory. When the song was written, Echo Beach was a fictional place, though a real location in Toronto was later named in its honor.