Complete List Of Mission Of Burma Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: neonwar, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Mission of Burma formed in 1979 in Boston, Massachusetts. The original lineup consisted of guitarist Roger Miller, bassist Clint Conley, drummer Peter Prescott, and Martin Swope handling tape loops and sound effects. The band is known for its pioneering use of feedback and tape effects, which contributed significantly to the development of the post-punk genre. Mission of Burma released their debut album, Vs., in 1982, which gained critical acclaim for its innovative sound but did not achieve high commercial success.

The band initially disbanded in 1983, largely due to Miller’s developing tinnitus exacerbated by their loud live performances. However, they reunited in 2002, releasing several more albums, including ONoffON (2004), The Obliterati (2006), The Sound The Speed The Light (2009), and Unsound (2012). Despite their limited commercial chart success, Mission of Burma has been highly influential in the alternative and indie rock scenes, impacting numerous bands who cite their experimental approach as a key influence.

MISSION OF BURMA STUDIO ALBUMS

Vs.

Vs. (The Definitive Edition plus bonus DVD)

Released: October 1982

Vs. is the first full-length studio album by American post-punk band Mission of Burma, released in October 1982. Recorded at Normandy Sound in Warren, Rhode Island during May of the same year, it captures the band at their creative peak. The album features Roger Miller on guitar and vocals, Clint Conley on bass and vocals, Peter Prescott on drums and vocals, and Martin Swope handling tape operations and effects. Produced by Richard W. Harte, Vs. didn’t chart on the Billboard but gained critical acclaim for its innovative sound, characterized by its aggressive dynamics and the band’s experimental use of tape loops and feedback.

CD Track Listings:

“Secrets” – 3:22
“Train” – 3:31
“Trem Two” – 4:11
“New Nails” – 3:00
“Dead Pool” – 4:05
“Learn How” – 3:56
“Mica” – 3:32
“Weatherbox” – 3:29
“The Ballad of Johnny Burma” – 2:00
“Einstein’s Day” – 4:36
“Fun World” – 3:41
“That’s How I Escaped My Certain Fate” – 2:03

ONoffON

Released: May 4, 2004

After a hiatus of almost 22 years, Mission of Burma returned with ONoffON, released on May 4, 2004. Recorded at Q Division Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts, this comeback album was co-produced by Bob Weston and the band. It marked a significant return to form, featuring the original members with Bob Weston replacing Martin Swope on tape operations. The album entered the Billboard Heatseekers chart, highlighting its revival success.

CD Track Listings:

“The Setup” – 3:07
“Hunt Again” – 2:54
“The Enthusiast” – 3:35
“Falling” – 3:18
“What We Really Were” – 3:30
“Max Ernst’s Dream” – 3:51
“Fake Blood” – 2:41
“Prepared” – 3:54
“Wounded World” – 2:52
“Into the Fire” – 3:25
“Fever Moon” – 3:12
“Nicotine Bomb” – 3:19
“Playland” – 3:09
“Absent Mind” – 2:55

The Obliterati

Released: May 23, 2006

The Obliterati was recorded at Q Division Studios and released on May 23, 2006. Continuing the collaboration with producer Bob Weston, this album is often noted for its energetic and aggressive sound, pushing the boundaries of post-punk with complex structures and relentless energy.

CD Track Listings:

“2wice” – 3:37
“Spider’s Web” – 3:26
“Donna Sumeria” – 5:38
“Let Yourself Go” – 3:36
“1001 Pleasant Dreams” – 4:07
“Good, Not Great” – 2:24
“13” – 3:38
“Man in Decline” – 3:25
“Careening with Conviction” – 3:48
“Birthday” – 3:11
“The Mute Speaks Out” – 2:55
“Is This Where?” – 2:51
“Period” – 2:17
“Nancy Reagan’s Head” – 5:39

The Sound the Speed the Light

Released: October 6, 2009

Recorded at Q Division Studios and released on October 6, 2009, The Sound the Speed the Light is a dynamic exploration of the band’s ability to blend melody with noise, maintaining their signature aggressive sound.

CD Track Listings:

“1, 2, 3, Partyy!” – 3:18
“Possession” – 3:26
“Blunder” – 3:11
“Forget Yourself” – 4:43
“After the Rain” – 3:36
“SSL 83” – 3:25
“One Day We Will Live There” – 3:18
“So Fuck It” – 3:24
“Feed” – 2:10
“Good Cheer” – 3:06
“Comes Undone” – 3:33
“Slow Faucet” – 4:22

Unsound

Released: July 10, 2012

Unsound, released on July 10, 2012, continued to feature the talents of the band’s longstanding members and producer Bob Weston. Recorded once more at Q Division Studios, this album is characterized by its experimental approach, blending various musical influences while maintaining a cohesive sound.