Single by Mi-Sex which also appears on their 1979 record Graffiti Crimes, released by CBS records.

Delightful, quirky and slightly paranoid song from the New Zealand New Wavers, with strong echoes of Devo. Their only hit single, (which was only a hit in Australia, in case you're wondering), 'Computer Games' was backed with 'Wot Do You Want?' a just as strong, but not nearly as enjoyable song. There is very comely mastery of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation present in the song (which soon become a target of derision), and Steve Gilpin's voice wavers between Mark Mothersbaugh's nerdy inflexion and David Byrne's strangled paranoia. Clearly, both must have been big influences on the song, in both style and subject matter.

The lyrics are quite confusing, the song not seemingly relevent to any computer games, but the feel of playing computer games seems to be conveyed quite well, although the lines 'As a million angry citizens / Looking down their tubes at me' seem quite ominous and not fitting with the theme, or perhaps a spooky prediction of internet gaming.

This song was suitably performed at New Wave Karaoke at the Empress by a guy who knew it very well, and the song might well make some kind of mini-anthem for Everything2. Then again, maybe not.

Proquar says re Computer Games: At the risk of drawing bad attention to myself, just had to point out that Mi-Sex also had success with a song called People and Blue Day was a beautiful ballad (of course, none of their success reached the US)

COMPUTER GAMES


I figit with the digit dots
And cry an anxious tear
As the xui(1) connects the spot
The matrix grid don't care.

Get a message to my mother
What number will she be
As a million angry citizens
Looking down their tubes at me.

Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu
Computer Games!
Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu
Computer Games!

There's safety in numbers they say
'Cause the figures never lie
No perfect persons ever notice
One computer die.

I'm programmed to a schedule
What will the answer be
It's a suicide run 'till the work gets done
But the matrix grid don't see.

Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu
Computer Games!
Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu
Computer Games!

Jammed up tight by red traffic lights
Advance one level on green
These opportune commuters
They're blasting on their hooters

I'll figit with the digit dots
Frustration rules out there
As the xui connects the spot
The matrix grid don't care.

Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu
Computer Games!
Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu
Computer Games!

(1): Pronouced X-U-I I think - I'm not actually sure what this is, but i'm guessing it's another word for a crosshair.

This song is one that makes up my almost unholy obsession (No! Not what you're thinking!) with cheesy 1979 7"'s (see.). I am always looking for more - see my homenode for details.

Is anyone else surprised this is the only writeup here?

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