Hubbry Logo
Shuttered RoomShuttered RoomMain
Open search
Shuttered Room
Community hub
Shuttered Room
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Shuttered Room
Shuttered Room
from Wikipedia

Shuttered Room
Studio album by
Released14 May 1982 (1982-05-14)[1][2][3]
Recorded1981–1982
GenreSynth pop[4]
Length38:45
LabelMCA
ProducerRupert Hine
The Fixx chronology
Shuttered Room
(1982)
Reach the Beach
(1983)
Singles from Shuttered Room
  1. "Lost Planes"
    Released: 17 April 1981 (1981-04-17)[5][6]
  2. "Some People"
    Released: 22 January 1982 (1982-01-22)[7][8]
  3. "Stand or Fall"
    Released: 26 March 1982 (1982-03-26)[9][10][11]
  4. "Red Skies"
    Released: 11 June 1982 (1982-06-11)[12][13][14]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[4]

Shuttered Room is the debut studio album by the British band the Fixx, released by MCA Records in the UK on 14 May 1982, followed by a US release in August 1982.[15]

It contains the group's debut single (in the United States), "Stand or Fall", which hit the Top 10 of Billboard's Album Rock Tracks as well as No. 79 on the Hot 100. Its follow-up US single was "Red Skies". Both songs were aided by popular MTV music videos.

Track listing

[edit]

Shuttered Room has been released in a number of different configurations. Though the front cover artwork remains consistent across the releases, the tracks, track order, and even the credits can vary from release to release.

Original UK track listing (MCA Records FX 1001)

[edit]

The UK version differs from the US (and later CD) release in a number of respects, including the fact that all the songs are credited to Curnin/West-Oram/Woods/Greenall/Barrett, with lyrics attributed to Cy Curnin only.

Side 1
  1. "Some People" – 3:01
  2. "Stand or Fall" – 4:00
  3. "Cameras in Paris" – 3:52
  4. "Shuttered Room" – 2:47
  5. "The Fool" – 5:21
Side 2
  1. "Lost Planes" – 3:23
  2. "I Live" – 4:53
  3. "Sinking Island" – 3:16
  4. "Time in a Glass" – 3:32
  5. "Red Skies" – 4:20

US track listing

[edit]

On the US LP and subsequent CD version, "Sinking Island" and "Time in a Glass" are replaced by "I Found You" and "The Strain", both of which were previously released as UK B-side tracks (of the "Some People" and "Stand or Fall" singles, respectively), and the track order is resequenced. All songs are credited as being written by Charlie Barrett, Cy Curnin, Rupert Greenall, and Jamie West-Oram, except where noted.

Side 1
  1. "I Found You" – 3:38
  2. "Some People" – 3:00
  3. "Stand or Fall" – 4:00
  4. "The Strain" (Barrett, Curnin, Greenall, West-Oram, Adam Woods) – 3:33
  5. "Red Skies" – 4:19
Side 2
  1. "Lost Planes" – 3:20
  2. "Cameras in Paris" – 3:57
  3. "I Live" (Barrett, Curnin, Greenall, West-Oram, Woods) – 4:52
  4. "Shuttered Room" (Barrett, Curnin, Greenall, West-Oram, Woods) – 2:46
  5. "The Fool" – 5:20

A reissued CD version added two tracks, (including "Sinking Island", although this is the 'Special Extended Dance Mix' originally released as the B-side on the "Red Skies" 12" single, and a 1994 remix of "Stand or Fall"):

  1. "Sinking Island" [*] (Barrett, Curnin, Greenall, West-Oram, Woods) – 4:33
  2. "Stand or Fall" (Extended Mix) [*] (Barrett, Curnin, Greenall, West-Oram, Woods) – 4:48

1996 European CD reissue (Repertoire REP 4598-WY)

[edit]

The 1996 European CD compiles all the tracks from the various issues onto one CD.

  1. "Sinking Island" (Special Extended Dance Mix) – 4:32
  2. "I Found You" – 3:38
  3. "Some People" – 3:00
  4. "Stand or Fall" – 4:00
  5. "Red Skies" – 4:20
  6. "Lost Planes" – 3:20
  7. "Cameras in Paris" – 3:57
  8. "I Live" – 4:53
  9. "Shuttered Room" – 2:46
  10. "The Fool" – 5:21
  11. "Time in a Glass" – 3:27
  12. "The Strain" – 3:33
  13. "Stand or Fall" (Extended Mix) – 4:52

Personnel

[edit]

Production

  • Producer: Rupert Hine
  • Engineer: Stephen W Tayler
  • Remastering: David Bard
  • Sequencing: David Bard
  • Design: Chris Parker
  • Photography: Chris Parker
  • Repackaging: Ken Davis

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1982–83) Peak
position
The Billboard 200 133
Australia Kent Music Report 77[16]

SinglesBillboard (United States)

Year Single Chart Position
1982 "Stand or Fall" Mainstream Rock 7
1982 "Stand or Fall" Billboard Hot 100 76
1983 "Red Skies" Mainstream Rock 13
1983 "Red Skies" Billboard Hot 100 101

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Shuttered Room is the debut studio album by the British new wave band the Fixx, released on 14 May 1982 by MCA Records. It contains the group's debut single in the United States, "Stand or Fall", which reached number 7 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and number 79 on the Hot 100. The follow-up US single, "Red Skies", peaked at number 13 on the Mainstream Rock chart, though it was their debut single in the UK market. Both singles benefited from heavy rotation on MTV, contributing to the album's exposure.

Background

Band origins

The Fixx originated in London in 1979 when college friends on vocals and Adam Woods on drums formed the group initially under the name Portraits. They soon recruited keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Tony McGrail, and bassist Russell Mckenzie to complete the early lineup. In 1980, following lineup adjustments, the band changed its name to The Fix after McGrail departed and was replaced by guitarist Jamie West-Oram, formerly of Phillip Rambow's band, while Mckenzie was succeeded by bassist Charlie Barrett. This core lineup—Curnin, Woods, West-Oram, Greenall, and Barrett—solidified the band's identity amid the vibrant early 1980s British and new wave scene, where acts like and were blending angular rhythms, synth elements, and socially astute lyrics. During their formative period, The Fix honed their sound through performances in London's underground clubs and released a series of independent singles that captured attention in the U.K. new wave circuit. These included "Little Women" in 1979 and "Hazards in the Home" in 1980 on Ariola Records, followed by "Lost Planes" in 1981 on 101 Records, which earned radio play on sessions and helped build a grassroots following despite limited commercial success. Their emerging style, characterized by Curnin's emotive vocals over West-Oram's intricate guitar work and Greenall's atmospheric keyboards, reflected the era's shift from raw energy to more polished, radio-friendly new wave accessibility.

Pre-album activity

The band, initially known as The Fix, released their debut single "Lost Planes" in February 1981 on the independent label 101 Records, marking their first notable exposure in the music scene through limited airplay on . This track, backed by "I've Been Here Before," captured the group's emerging new wave sound and helped garner initial attention from industry scouts. The positive reception to "Lost Planes" and the band's dynamic live performances drew interest from major labels, culminating in a signing with in late 1981. MCA executives, concerned about potential drug connotations associated with the name "The Fix," insisted on adding an extra "x" to become as a condition of the contract. This deal positioned the group for broader distribution and professional production support ahead of their debut album. In the lead-up to recording, conducted early live shows and promotional appearances in the UK to build momentum from the single, with the energetic sets contributing to label interest. Internally, navigated dynamics around bassist Charlie Barrett, whose departure was anticipated shortly after the album sessions due to creative differences, though he contributed to the initial lineup during this period. The album's title originated from its closing track "."

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for Shuttered Room occurred over the winter of 1981 and 1982 at Farmyard Studios, a converted 19th-century estate located in , , . The band, consisting of on vocals, Adam Woods on drums, Charlie Barrett on bass, Jamie West-Oram on guitar, and Rupert Greenall on keyboards, worked under producer to develop the album's tracks in this residential studio environment. Central to the creative process was an emphasis on capturing the band's live energy, with the core instrumentation recorded in a relatively spontaneous, performance-oriented manner rather than through extensive layering from the outset. Drums, in particular, were tracked live to preserve rhythmic drive, while overdubs were selectively applied to enhance synth textures and guitar elements, allowing the new wave sound to emerge organically without overproduction. This approach contrasted with the more polished methods used on subsequent Fixx albums, reflecting the debut's raw, immediate vibe. Bassist Charlie Barrett contributed throughout the sessions before departing shortly after completion, with no immediate replacement joining during recording; his parts were integral to the album's foundational grooves. Track development often built on pre-existing material, as seen with "Stand or Fall," which originated from a demo presented to Hine and was refined in the studio to heighten its anthemic quality. The sessions relied on equipment standard for early 1980s new wave production, including tape machines and outboard gear that contributed to the album's crisp, atmospheric tones and .

Production contributions

Rupert Hine was selected to produce Shuttered Room after overseeing a single for the band under their prior name, The Portraits, through the small label 101, which paved the way for their major-label deal with and the full album project. Known for his productions with rock and new wave artists, including Saga's Worlds Apart and his own synth-driven Immunity, Hine brought a polished yet energetic approach suited to the band's emerging style. Hine's production emphasized a live-performance feel, prioritizing guitarist Jamie West-Oram's distinctive playing to underscore the album's urgent rhythms and atmospheric textures, which helped define its post-punk-inflected new wave edge. Recorded at Farmyard Studios in , , , during winter 1981–1982, the sessions captured the band's raw energy while refining it for broader appeal. Engineering duties fell to Stephen W. Tayler, whose work ensured sonic clarity that aided radio play for singles like "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall." Backed by , the production received label investment to deliver a professional debut, contributing to the album's cohesive sound and commercial positioning.

Release

Album launch

Shuttered Room was initially released in the on May 14, 1982, by under catalog number FX 1001. The album launched in the United States in August 1982 via with catalog number MCA-5345. The original formats included vinyl LP and cassette, featuring cover artwork with a stark, shuttered motif that evoked themes of isolation and central to the album's new wave aesthetic. To promote the album, The Fixx embarked on a tour beginning in the UK shortly after the release, which later expanded to the where the band secured support slots alongside other prominent new wave acts. MCA emphasized marketing efforts aimed at exposure, capitalizing on the channel's nascent growth following its launch to showcase videos for key tracks. Regional variations in the track listing were implemented to better align with market preferences, such as positioning stronger singles like "Stand or Fall" more prominently upfront in the edition. Singles such as "Stand or Fall" were closely tied to the launch to drive initial buzz.

Singles promotion

In the , "Some People" served as the lead single from Shuttered Room, released on January 22, 1982, by with "I Found You" as the B-side. This release featured a that intercut performance footage with stylized scenes, aiding early visibility on British television and radio. "Stand or Fall" was issued as the debut U.S. single in 1982, backed by "The Strain," and gained traction primarily through extensive radio airplay on stations. It peaked at number 7 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and reached number 76 on the Hot 100, marking The Fixx's first American chart entry and establishing their new wave sound in the market. A promotional , depicting the band in a setting with thematic elements of conflict, supported its push on emerging outlets like . As a follow-up single, "Red Skies" was released in June 1982 with "Is It by Instinct" as the B-side, achieving a peak of number 13 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number 57 in the UK. Its dedicated , featuring surreal apocalyptic imagery and band performance shots, was specifically produced for rotation, airing for 11 weeks and contributing to the track's crossover appeal amid the channel's growing influence. Promotional efforts for these singles encompassed a series of live performances across the and U.S., including a notable November 1982 radio-broadcast concert at in , which highlighted tracks like "Stand or Fall" and "" to build audience engagement. The band also secured press coverage through advertisements and features in influential publications such as , which ran full-page ads for and its singles in June 1982, and , which referenced the group's emerging role in the second alongside acts like and . Prior to the album's release, "Lost Planes" had been issued as a single in 1981 under the band's earlier name, The Fix, with "I've Been Here Before" as the B-side on 101 Records; it received limited promotion through independent radio play and live sets but was later retroactively associated with upon its inclusion on the album.

Track listing

Original track listing (MCA Records FX 1001)

The original edition of , released on vinyl by under catalogue number FX 1001 in 1982, features ten tracks divided across two sides, emphasizing a progression from high-energy new wave tracks on side A to more atmospheric and reflective pieces on side B. This sequencing aims to build momentum with upbeat openers before shifting toward introspective closers, creating a dynamic listening experience typical of early 1980s albums.
SideTrackTitleDuration
A1Some People3:01
A2Stand or Fall4:00
A33:52
A42:47
A5The Fool5:21
B1Lost Planes3:23
B2I Live4:53
B3Sinking Island3:16
B4Time in a Glass3:32
B5Red Skies4:20
The album's total runtime is approximately 38 minutes. Unlike later reissues, the original pressing includes no bonus tracks, focusing solely on these core compositions unique to the UK market. Subsequent editions, such as the US release, rearranged tracks and substituted selections like "Sinking Island" and "Time in a Glass" for others to suit different audiences.

US track listing

The US edition of Shuttered Room, released by in August 1982 under catalog number MCA-5345, features a 10-track sequence tailored for the American market, differing from the original version by omitting "Sinking Island" and "Time in a Glass" while incorporating "" and "I Found You" for a total runtime of approximately 39 minutes. This reconfiguration positioned key radio singles like "Stand or Fall" and "Red Skies" more prominently to align with US promotion strategies, though the overall artwork retained a focus on the album's thematic imagery with subtle emphasis on single artwork in marketing materials.
No.TitleDuration
1."I Found You"3:38
2."Some People"3:01
3."Stand or Fall"4:00
4."The Strain"3:35
5."Red Skies"4:20
6."Lost Planes"3:23
7."Cameras in Paris"3:52
8."I Live"4:53
9."Shuttered Room"2:47
10."The Fool"5:21
All tracks written by , Adam Woods, Jamie West-Oram, and Charlie Barrett, except "" and "Stand or Fall" co-written with Rupert Greenall.

1996 European CD reissue (Repertoire REP 4598-WY)

The 1996 European CD reissue of Shuttered Room by Records, catalog number REP 4598-WY, was released in to appeal to collectors interested in expanded editions of new wave . This version expands the original 10-track album with three bonus tracks, bringing the total to 13 songs, and features audio that was edited, sequenced, and remastered at FDS/Quad Teck in , , for optimal CD playback. The reissue includes the core tracks from the original edition alongside previously unavailable material, such as the UK album track "Time in a Glass," the B-side "," and an extended mix of "Stand or Fall." Notably, track 1, "Sinking Island," uses the special extended dance mix from the B-side of the "" 12-inch single rather than the standard album version. The package contains an 8-page fold-out booklet with written by music in 1996, providing historical context and rare photographs of .

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1Sinking Island4:33
2I Found You3:37
3Some People3:00
4Stand or Fall3:59
54:19
6Lost Planes3:20
7Cameras in 3:57
8I Live4:52
92:45
10The Fool5:22
11Time in a 3:28
123:33
13Stand or Fall (Extended Mix)4:52
Total length: 51:37

Personnel

Band members

The Fixx's debut album Shuttered Room (1982) featured the following core band members, who performed on all tracks: on lead vocals, Jamie West-Oram on guitars, Rupert Greenall on keyboards, Charlie Barrett on bass, and Adam Woods on drums. served as the , delivering the distinctive and emotive delivery that defined the band's early new wave style across the entire album. Jamie West-Oram played guitars, providing the sharp, angular riffs that anchored tracks like "Stand or Fall," a song co-written by the full band. Rupert Greenall contributed keyboards and synthesizers, layering atmospheric textures that enhanced the album's and new wave elements. Charlie Barrett handled , forming the rhythm section foundation for the recordings; this was his sole studio contribution to before departing the band shortly after the album's completion. Adam Woods performed drums and percussion on every track, bringing a driving, precise energy to the band's sound.

Additional credits

The production of Shuttered Room was led by , who served as the album's . Recording and mixing duties were handled by engineer Stephen W. Tayler. The album features no guest musicians. Mastering was performed by Steve Hall at MCA's Whitney recording facility. Artwork and design were credited to Chris Parker, with art direction by Jeannette Obstoj and U.S. album coordination by Leon Tsilis.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

The album Shuttered Room experienced modest commercial success upon release, peaking at number 106 on the Billboard 200 chart. It also reached number 77 on the Australian albums chart and number 52 on the Canadian RPM Top 100 Albums chart, reflecting minor international placements alongside limited visibility in markets like the , where associated singles saw brief entries. In the , the album entered the Official Albums Chart at number 75 before climbing to a peak of number 54 over six weeks. The lead single "Stand or Fall" marked the band's breakthrough on rock radio, attaining number 7 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart while crossing over to number 76 on the Hot 100. Follow-up single "" performed strongly in the rock format as well, peaking at number 13 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, though it fell short of the Hot 100, bubbling under at number 101; it achieved minor international success, including number 44 on the and number 57 on the UK Singles Chart.
Chart (1982–1983)Peak position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)77
Canadian Albums (RPM)52
UK Albums (OCC)54
US Billboard 200106
SingleChart (1982–1983)Peak position
"Stand or Fall"Canada Top Singles (RPM)37
UK Singles (OCC)54
US Billboard Hot 10076
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)7
"Red Skies"Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)44
UK Singles (OCC)57
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)101
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)13

Sales and certifications

The album received no RIAA certifications, reflecting its status as a modest commercial debut for the band in the American market. In the years since, original vinyl copies have gained value among collectors, often fetching between $20 and $50 on secondary markets depending on condition. Post-release exposure on significantly contributed to boosting sales, as heavy rotation of the music videos helped sustain interest after the initial launch.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its 1982 release, Shuttered Room received mixed contemporary reviews. AllMusic's retrospective review awarded the album 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as "a solid, if not outstanding, debut" with "promising" songwriting but noting some tracks feel underdeveloped. Overall, the reception reflected the band's emerging style, blending new wave elements with rock influences, though opinions varied on its polish and innovation.

Retrospective evaluations

Retrospective evaluations have positioned as a promising but uneven debut that captures the raw energy of early 1980s new wave, often crediting its role in establishing The Fixx's sound amid the landscape. A 2017 retrospective by Cryptic Rock, marking the album's 35th anniversary, praised its urgency and danceable tracks like "Red Skies," "Stand or Fall," and "I Found You," describing it as a hauntingly catchy gem that has aged like fine wine and influenced later and acts. Similarly, a 2017 DeBaser review characterized it as a classic 80s new wave effort with a varied potpourri of styles, including elements in "I Found You" and punk-infused urgency in the title track, though noting its immature execution and dated feel compared to the band's more polished later work. In a 2024 deep dive, the album was lauded for its nostalgic 80s value, with emphasis on catchy hooks, club-friendly beats, and Cold War-themed lyrics; standout mentions included "" for its apocalyptic vibe and deep cuts like "" and "Cameras in Paris" for their espionage-inspired instrumentation and rock-edged new wave blend. Fan-driven sites reflect strong ongoing appreciation, with users averaging 3.5 out of 5 stars across hundreds of ratings, highlighting the rhythmic keyboards, excellent lead vocals by , and robust rhythm section, particularly on tracks like "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall." Album of the Year user reviews average around 77 out of 100, positioning it as a solid debut and among The Fixx's top efforts, with praise for overlooked gems like "Lost Planes," "Some People," and "I Live" that showcase the band's early potential despite uneven songwriting. AllMusic's critic rating is 3 out of 5 stars (equivalent to 6 out of 10), underscoring its foundational new wave appeal with dated yet evocative production that evokes MTV-era rock influences.

Legacy and reissues

Cultural influence

Shuttered Room played a pivotal role in establishing within the new wave scene, introducing their blend of energy and synth-driven melodies to a burgeoning audience through college radio and emerging visual media platforms. The album's singles "Stand or Fall" and "Red Skies" achieved modest chart success internationally, laying the groundwork for the band's breakthrough with their follow-up release, Reach the Beach, which propelled them to mainstream stardom and double platinum sales in the United States. The videos accompanying "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall" exemplified the era's innovative use of promotion, positioning as early adopters in the network's rotation and helping to define the visual aesthetics of new wave acts. These clips, with their atmospheric imagery and performance-driven narratives, contributed to the band's growing visibility, influencing how subsequent British acts leveraged television to cross over into American markets. The album also marked a transitional phase in the band's personnel, as original bassist Charlie Barrett departed shortly after its recording, necessitating lineup adjustments that shaped their touring dynamics. Replaced initially by Alfie Agius for the Shuttered Room promotional tour and later by Dan K. Brown during sessions for Reach the Beach, this change introduced instability but ultimately fostered a more stable configuration that supported extensive live performances and the band's evolution into a touring powerhouse throughout the decade.

Subsequent editions

The 1996 European CD reissue by Repertoire Records (REP 4598-WY) was remastered at FDS/Quad Teck in , enhancing the album's dynamics and clarity compared to the original pressing. This edition added three bonus tracks: "Time in a Glass" (previously unreleased on the album), "" (a B-side), and the extended mix of "Stand or Fall." It also included an 8-page fold-out booklet with new by . In 2003, Rainman Inc. released a CD edition (RM03152) that incorporated extended mixes and additional bonus tracks, including "Sinking Island" (the special extended dance mix from the "" 12-inch single B-side) and "Stand or Fall (Extended Mix)." This version built on prior remasters, offering improved audio quality while expanding the tracklist for collectors interested in alternate mixes. In early 2025, SuperDeluxeEdition announced a vinyl reissue of Shuttered Room as part of a series revisiting The Fixx's early catalog. A vinyl edition was released on May 9, 2025. Original UK pressings of the 1982 MCA vinyl (FX1001) have attained collectible status due to their relative rarity, with mint-condition copies typically valued at $20–$30 USD on secondary markets as of November 2025. These first editions, distinguished by their matrix etchings and original artwork, appeal to fans seeking authentic new wave era artifacts.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.