China Crisis’s “Black Man Ray”: A Sonic Exploration of 1980s Innovation and Collaborative Perfectionism
A re-release of China Crisis’s Autumn in the Neighbourhood album has prompted a renewed look at the band’s creative process, particularly surrounding the making of their iconic track, “Black Man Ray.” The song, born from post-tour experimentation and refined under the exacting ear of producer Walter Becker, exemplifies the band’s unique blend of melodic sensibility and sonic adventurousness.
From Post-Tour Reflection to Found Sound Inspiration
Following an extensive tour supporting Simple Minds, members of China Crisis – including singer and songwriter Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon – sought respite and creative rejuvenation. Daly immersed himself in solo experimentation, utilizing synthesizers, drum machines, and a four-track Tascam Portastudio. He found particular inspiration in the work of Brian Eno, captivated by the concept of “found sounds” and the idea that any auditory element could be incorporated into a recording. “I just held a mic out of my bedroom window,” Daly recalled, embracing the potential of ambient soundscapes. This approach initially manifested in an ambient version of “Black Man Ray,” featuring a recording of a boy singing in the street, a sound that ultimately found its way into the opening bars of another China Crisis song, “The Highest High.”
The Making of a Classic: “Black Man Ray” and Flaunt the Imperfection
“Black Man Ray” ultimately became a cornerstone of the band’s third album, Flaunt the Imperfection. While possessing a distinctly “classic China Crisis synth sound,” the track underwent significant refinement under the guidance of producer Walter Becker. According to sources close to the project, Virgin Records actively encouraged Becker to focus on songs with strong commercial potential, following the success of the single “Wishful Thinking.” The recording sessions themselves were unconventional, taking place in the kitchen of the Parkgate Studio in Sussex, where Becker was reportedly toasting sesame seeds – a detail that resonated with Daly, who came from a working-class background.
The song’s intro, while undeniably rooted in the 1980s, showcases the band’s consistent emphasis on melody. “Even before Ed or I start singing, there’s a keyboard trilling away on ‘Wishful Thinking,’ ‘Red Sails,’ and ‘Papua,’” Daly explained. “A lot of bands at that time didn’t do that.”
Decoding the Enigma: Title, Lyrics, and Artistic Intent
The title and lyrics of “Black Man Ray” have long been a source of speculation. Daly, a photography enthusiast, drew inspiration from the surrealist artist Man Ray, whose name he found intriguing. However, the song itself is deeply autobiographical, reflecting the experience of being in a band. “The title was like Ray Charles singing about his life,” Daly stated, echoing Eno’s approach of employing oblique and enigmatic lyrics that hint at meaning without explicitly revealing it. “There’s an element of truth there, but it’s not ‘The Long and Winding Road.’”
Collaborative Evolution and the Power of Harmony
Lundon’s initial reaction to “Black Man Ray” was immediate recognition of its pop potential. He described the song as “so melodic and catchy,” but emphasized the collaborative nature of China Crisis’s songwriting process. “It’s always been the way our songs start out with one of us writing the fundamentals…and only evolving into the sound that’s ultimately recognisable as China Crisis when Gary and I come together.”
A particularly memorable element for Lundon was the harmonized chorus, “Ye-e-s ye-e-s, I could be wrong.” He described this section as “anthemic” and “irresistible to sing along to,” noting its unifying effect during live performances.
A Producer’s Touch: Walter Becker and the Beatles Influence
The band’s desire to work with producers like Richard Carpenter, Steve Winwood, and Gary Katz (associated with Steely Dan) ultimately led them to Becker, who was already a fan of China Crisis. Becker proved to be a demanding perfectionist, insisting on multiple takes and precise execution. In a particularly striking moment, Becker remarked that “Black Man Ray” reminded him of The Beatles, specifically in its arrangement – intro, verse, chorus, middle eight, and outro. “But for two young lads from Liverpool to hear him say that, well, you can imagine how that would have felt,” Lundon recalled.
The 10th Anniversary edition of China Crisis’s Autumn in the Neighbourhood album is now available on vinyl and CD from Last Night from Glasgow.
