Permanent Record Podcast: A-ha - Scoundrel Days (1986) Part 3.5

A-ha - Scoundrel Days (1986) Part 3.5

Aug 5, 2022

Episode 146 : A-ha - Scoundrel Days (1986) Part 3.5

Our hosts have had a busy summer this year, and with their annual vacation imminent, they didn't want to get too far behind in their discussion of Scoundrel Days. So for the second time in the show's history, Brian and Sarah are releasing a "Part 3.5" of an album retrospective, where they discuss a single song off an album. The last time they did this was for Queen's The Miracle, for the album track "Rain Must Fall." This time, it's for "Cry Wolf," the second single from a-ha's sophomore effort, Scoundrel Days.

"Cry Wolf" kicks off Side Two of the album, and part of this episode's conversation once again brings up the concept of "the perfect pop album" and how Scoundrel Days is faring so far in the quest for that title, especially when comparing Side One and Side Two. And since "Cry Wolf" was a single, Brian and Sarah also talk about release and chart history, and they share several reviews.

Of course, there's also a video for "Cry Wolf," and that's where things get interesting. Brian announces he has watched the video numerous times in an apparently futile attempt to understand its plot. He breaks down his interpretation scene by scene, which amuses, delights, and sometimes confuses Sarah. He ends with a plea to the listeners to share their thoughts and ideas on what the video is about-- and of course, you can use any of the methods listed below to do so. For Sarah's sake, please help by contributing your theories, so Brian will have someone else to talk with about the video!