“Close (to the Edit)” by Art of Noise

What happens when you combine a sampling machine, the production team for the bands Yes, ABC and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and a music Journalist? Well, you get the Art of Noise.

​Often considered avant-garde musical artists rather than a band, the Art of Noise created some of the most memorable dance songs in the early to mid-80’s and had a lasting effect on the electronic music industry.

The Art of Noise was formed in 1983 after several of the members finished work on Yes’s comeback album 90125. They soon released their first single “Beat Box” which was a strikingly percussive number that matched the robotic movements found in the flourishing breakdancing scene. This song became a hit on the urban dance charts.

A year later, the team would release their first full length album Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise? The first single from that album was “Close (to the Edit)”. It was a reference to the Yes song “Close to the Edge” and became their first major hit in the UK. It was slightly more melodic and musical than “Beat Box” but still had a hard driving beat.
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This song always makes me think of summer, maybe because it was released in late June, or because of the line “To be in England, in the summertime, with my love…” either way, I thought I’d share this breakdancing and “body popping” classic.