80s Band RULED in 1988...Then They DISAPPEARED into Thin Air... | Professor Of Rock

It's the story of an underground band called Information Society who came out of nowhere to grab the national spotlight in 1988. Virtually ignored by their label, no one saw these guys coming... not even them. But when their first single What’s Your Mind (Pure Energy) barely missed #1 on the Hot 100, and then their second single Walking Away went Top 10, all of a sudden America was paying attention. And yet, by the time they released their next record, outside of a decent showing of their lead single Think they had completely dropped off the map. From overnight success to commercial extinciton, what led to the demise of this promising band? It’s a bottled lightning mystery just waiting to be revealed. Stick around to find out what went right and what went terribly wrong... NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightening where we celebrate a song or album that was king for a day. Here honor artists and bands and that rocketed up the charts… but for reasons unknown weren’t able to sustain that success. Called by some ‘one hit wonders’, we celebrate them instead as lightening in a bottle. On previous episodes we have covered Come On Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, 8675309 Jenny by Tommy Tutone, and She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals.
But today we taking a deep dive in Information Society, a band who barely missed the top of the charts with their hit song ‘What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)’. And after that they actually had another top 10 hit with their next single ‘Walking Away’. For a short while these guys were actually a global sensation and seemed to have a lot of promise. And yet after their debut album, they all but vanished. We’re going to try and figure out why and where they went.
Information Society was formed in 1982, in Minneapolis, Minnesota by friends Paul Robb and Kurt Harland. During their early years, the band would go through a rotating cast of characters as they tried to nail down a stable lineup. In 1983, Paul and Kurt led the way in putting together ‘The InSoc EP’, a 5-song set along with Pamela Brustman and Kristin Leader on keyboards. Afterwards, the latter two would part ways with the band and be replaced by James (aka Jim) Cassidy who played bass. In 1985, Information Society released a second EP, ‘Creatures Of Influence’. But that record featured a short-lived appearance by Murat Konar on vocals while Kurt took some time off from the band. ‘Creatures of Influence’ contained the underground hit ‘Running’, which gained popularity with Latin audiences in New York and Miami.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the best song and album of the last two years of the 80s... 88-89?

[@davcuts2897]

The Innocents by Erasure was my favorite album for the last two years of the 80's. Their song A Little Respect would also be my favorite song of the last two years of the 80's.

[@briansnow9865]

Appetite for Destruction... Sweet Child of Mine But personally I like OU812 .... When it's Love better.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

1988 Song: Guns ‘n Roses, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” Album: Faith by George Michael 1989 Song: The Bangles, “Eternal Flame” (in fact, one of the best songs EVER) Album: The Raw and the Cooked by FYC

[@surlechapeau]

Songs: INXS- Need You Tonight Albums: INXS- Kick Guns n Roses- Sweet Child o’ Mine Melissa Etheridge -Melissa Etheridge(1st album) Steve Winwood- Roll With It Steve Winwood- Roll With It Don Henley- Heart Of The Matter Don Henley- End Of The Innocence

[@duromusabc]

Appetite For Destruction- Paradise City

[@joerobinson2538]

I’m blown away that they were from Minnesota. I could swear they were an English band due to the vocals having a British quality. I too was a huge fan in 88/89!

[@jokerswildio]

🤚me too

[@tricityladytn]

I also thought they were English. I think the similarity of their sound to Pet Shop Boys is what perpetuates this impression.

[@tomcorwine3091]

Me three.

[@prettyuglymonster]

I had a similar impression, but learned quickly they were from the Twin Cities. So much great music came out of Minneapolis in the 1980s and early 90s, InSoc, Prince, The Time, The Replacements, The Suburbs, Soul Asylum., etc. It made Minnesota cool. And I still follow local music, and my current favorite is Yam Haus.

[@jasonvoorhees895]

Wow 😳 I'm a DJ, (for 25 years) and I really LOVE making sure that many generations get exposed to whatever music is good, no matter the decade, or how forgotten it is. I'm putting this in my rotation now, because you reminded me of it

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m a teenager and my job is to make sure that Gen Z’s like me get exposed to actual quality music like this.

[@jasonvoorhees895]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 There's a certain musical preservationist vein that runs through every generation. Keep on doing what you're doing, and before you know it, you'll be exposing older people to stuff they didn't know from their own time

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@jasonvoorhees895 It’s what I’ve been doing to several teachers at my school!

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

'Seek 200' on Hack is pretty decent for a dj set too, especially for a retro Halloween set imo

[@jasonvoorhees895]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 😂Carry that banner, Lilly, and wave it high! Open the eyes, ears and souls!

[@AdamMann3D]

They actually got me in to Star Trek as I heard those samples over and over, and then one night I caught the episode "Mirror, Mirror" on our local Fox station. I stayed to hear more Insoc samples and returned every night. I became a HUGE trekkie. I thank them for more than music, but for influencing me to watch a show I would objectively say made me a better person. I met Shatner a few years ago and wore a shirt with the selftitled album cover on it for a picture and posted it on Information Society's facebook telling them what I just said here. It was a big thing for me to acknowledge. When I saw them in Milwaukee, they stopped "what's on your mind" to turn around and watch a salute to Leonard Nimoy (who had just died) and they gave the Vulcan salute to these screens playing all these clips from Star Trek in rapid succession. I teared up because here were musical heroes from my youth, saluting an amazing man, from this brilliant show I only knew because of them...then it thumped back in to the song...it was moving and special in a way to me personally that I can't even explain. It's hard to explain how much I love this band. If someone reads this that doesn't know them well. Those first 3 albums are magical if you're in to synth and electronic music. It's a tone and vibe I've never heard anywhere else. They are melancholy, but yet hyped up. I put them up with Depeche Mode in being a huge influence on me. Hack is a master piece. It was way ahead of it's time. P&L Inc is also just nearly perfect. I really love those guys.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My aunt and mom introduced me to Star Trek and Lt. Uhura when I was watching Lost in Space one day. That’s another great 60s sci-fi show. They told me about Spock and some of the other great characters on the show. Then about a year or two later, a friend posted a link on one of my Facebook posts (I had posted some trivia about who played Spock on Star Trek). My friend, Amanda, told me that Spock offers a fantastic intro toy his song. I told her I had never heard of Information Society before, listened to the song, and was wowed by it. I have to say that Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, and William Shatner will ALWAYS be legends. FOREVER.

[@megaboz42]

It was the opposite for me! I heard about Information Society from a fellow Star Trek fan in a chat room on QuantumLink and that's what prompted me to buy their debut album.

[@12345diehappy]

I had a friend who was as much into trek as I was, but also in to dance music. He was used to me ragging on his music but played this one thinking I'd like it. He was totally right!

[@impactfoto]

I was the opposite as well.. I've been a Trekkie since the early 70's when Trek first went into syndication. I was totally a fan of 80's new wave and synth pop as well, and when these guys came along it was the blending of two perfect things like chocolate and peanut butter!

[@Seabreeezy]

That’s a great story!👍🏻

[@AndreVlaamsValle]

InSoc was always BIG here in Brazil. They can tour and sell tickets anytime, any state. They have 10 hits here besides What's On Your Mind and Walking Away. They still have How Long, Come With Me, Lay Your Love On Me, Repetition, Running, Cry Baby, Think and Peace and Love Inc. A setlist with these hits and other songs will be heaven sent :)

[@devenscience8894]

"How Long" is a great song. In fact, there are quite a few bangers on Hack.

[@MPWEST83]

Most of those songs are my favorites, as well as "Over the Sea".

[@devenscience8894]

@@MPWEST83 "Over the Sea" is a favorite, for sure. Forgot about that one.

[@thespaceram2879]

Something in the Air

[@MPWEST83]

@@thespaceram2879 oh yeah! That one too definitely!

[@charlietango261]

"Peace & Love Inc." is a fabulous album top to bottom and it is a huge shame that it was never promoted. I do remember that the summer after it was released, the Six Flags near where I grew up used the title track as the theme for their little stage theater show. Thank you Professor for covering one of my all time favorite artists.

[@jasonmoquin]

I have P&L INC in vinyl. Still makes me shake my head how it didn’t get any play.

[@j2times2006]

Remember hearing it in Puerto Rico in 92 or 93 and i really liked it. was part of my soundtrack that summer

[@apocalypseforge2666]

@@jasonmoquin Agreed, that album was miles ahead of both their original release and the future of sampling and remixing.

[@charleskosyjana1295]

I remember when Pure Energy came out, it was so different that it caught a lot of people's attention. I was very surprised to learn that the band was American. The lead singer DEFINITELY sounded either British or maybe Australian.

[@Spellcheekswammablamma]

That’s because he’s American. Most singers (American pop) extend their vocal phrasing to sound like that.

[@lw3764]

I didn't know until watching this video that they were American. I also remember when this song came out, I was 10 in 1988 and obsessed with music, I was listening to the radio all the time. Such a memorable song.

[@ManAlves]

They were huge (I mean really huge success) here in Brazil. They toured here after every album release and sold out arenas. They were even bigger here than in the US and Europe.

[@christopherhazell420]

Wow, never knew that. Thanks.

[@dennismetzger9287]

Brazil loves music!

[@ManAlves]

Kurt feels at nome in Brazil this is a recent interview kzbin.info/www/bejne/iInKYWiKgNJ4as0

[@arnick2]

Information Society's song "REPETITION" is legend! How it was never a world wide #1 is beyond me. If you haven't heard it, go and listen asap - it is a masterpiece!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I totally agree with you! Such a mesmerizing song.

[@JanesDough855]

Another band that made the 80s a great time to be alive!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No joke... NO JOKE>

[@ragheadand420roll]

Anytime you can have SPOCK in a video.. thats awesome

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Information Society would fit perfectly in the music scene of the young generation with the electronic music festivals like electric forest. They were always played in the dance clubs in the late 80s. Cool story of Spock saving the day for this band. I was kind of surprised when they disappeared because their dance grooves were great. How cool is it your dad saved the day and hooked you up. Great episode professor,

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’d die for my high school to play this song at their dance the next time they have one. It’s the perfect club song. It’s too bad they faded into oblivion the way they did. They had some great tunes! A year or two ago, a Facebook friend posted the link to the music video for What’s On Your Mind on a post I made about Leonard Nimoy and Spock. From then, I dug in deep!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 request it for sure! I think it's a timeless dance track!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@MyName-pl7zn Gonna bring it up to some teachers who are my biggest fans! See if they’ll buy it.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 they will definitely know this song says another one of your fans, me

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@MyName-pl7zn Awesome! I might consider playing this for teachers and see if it gives them flashbacks!

[@majanem7726]

I saw Info Soc at Club Piranha in San Diego with my best friend. We were regulars there and had seats right in front of the band. When they started their set, there was an issue with the sequencer. After a couple of tries, they could not get it to work. They were about to pull the plug on the show when I asked if I could help. They were a bit skeptical, but said yes. It just so happened that I was at Guitar Center a few days earlier and watched as one of the employees helped someone fix this exact same issue. Apparently, this was a common bug with that particular sequencer. So I was able to reset the band's unit and they did the show. It was a lot of fun and very high energy. We all danced and sang the lyrics throughout the show. One of my favorite concerts.

[@deadpoet4]

I saw them in concert twice; first at 6 Flag Over Texas after their 1st album and second over at some theatre over in Dallas after their second album. In the second show, Kurt spent the whole show roller-skating across the stage.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a cool sight!

[@dreamweaver1603]

I’m from Houston and this type of music was extremely popular in Texas at the time. Yet I knew people from other places that had never heard of it. I guess the popularity was regional.

[@squaretex]

Here's how well-ingrained this band has become: In Final Fantasy XIV, there are events - mainly battle-based - called FATEs. And the English localizers had a LOT of fun coming up with the names for these activities. (Such as calling a fight against a huge crab "It's Not Lupus" because the Zodiac name for a crab is Cancer! And also because House MD.) Topically, there's a FATE called "What's On Your Mind", where the players must destroy a mob of orbs made from - you guessed it - Pure Energy. :D

[@bud9450]

The string breakdown towards the end of the song was taken for ff6 in an overworked theme

[@StarionX]

Glad to see someone recognized this. First time I saw it, I laughed out loud, and muttered a "well played" under my breath. Final Fantasy XIV is actually chock full of music references strung out through the game, let alone pop culture in general. This is just one of many.

[@Psychprogrock]

I wonder if the fact that Kurt Harland has worked in the video game industry (Crystal Dynamics and Electronic Arts) is behind what you mentioned.

[@nwdreamer]

I remember them playing at a nightclub in San Diego called Confetti's which would occasionally turn into an underground club called the Blue Room (where you had to enter using the back door! LOL). I was right in front of Kirk during the show which turned out to be a good thing since his mic stand broke at one point and I was able to catch it mid-air and hand it back to him in time for his next vocal part! Good times. 🙂

[@mattperotti6433]

I still have Information Society and Peace And Love, Inc. on cassette. They are both ridiculously good albums that have aged well. Peace And Love, Inc. has aged so well it could be mistaken for something current! That album didn't get nearly the airplay or attention it deserved! It's a real tragedy the ban fell apart right then, because they were really hitting their stride musically!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They should have had more hits. Think is my favorite song of theirs.

[@sni1144]

1988, I was in the Air Force and a group of us went on a ski trip to Canada. The video was playing in the night club we all went to one night. I had a crush on the tour guide who went out with us. We started dating on that ski trip. Four years later we got married. To this day, we are still happily married! Thanks for the memories!

[@alexrojasbr]

Such a great story! Information Society was huge in Brazil from 1989-1991. I believe they sold more albums in Brazil than in the US!

[@terrencewilliams2939]

Thats true, fellow brazilian!

[@alexrojasbr]

@@terrencewilliams2939 thank you 😊

[@vithouse8037]

Peace&Love Inc was a hit too in Southamérica in 1993.

[@Johnathansyt]

Speaking of the Psychedelic Furs, it’s a wonder how you’ve yet to spotlight them, given their contribution to 80’s music and pop culture. Just saw them in concert as well. Legendary!

[@timothyslaughter476]

Yes indeed.....not much of a catalog but whats there is really nice.

[@impactfoto]

My favorite 80s group! Try to see them whenever they come to town.

[@marktait2371]

dude saw 05 reunion tour great club dont get uncut anymore so didnt know back out on tour recently found talk vinly g.c. for only like 10 dollars at indie store half price great deal original g.c. half to look up did they go to glasto. this year if so bbc music good sound can listen to headphones on phone

[@timothyslaughter476]

@@impactfoto i saw them in like 83 on their first us tour. Really good. One one my favorites from the mtv era....lol. peace.

[@impactfoto]

@@timothyslaughter476 Nice! That was around the first time I saw them as well, probably the same tour. Did the Divynils open for them? Bethlehem, PA, where my sister was at college.

[@maxaroni15]

“What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” should’ve been a # 1. It was played more than any song in South Florida when it came out and I still love it today! “Walking Away” was a great follow up. Had no idea Pure Energy came from Spock🖖

[@gidmalu]

Unquestionably it should have been #1. When we first heard it you just know it would be a hit.

[@retrogamer82]

It was #1 on the billboard dance chart

[@sirrealistic5625]

Their first single actually was "Running" which is a club/freestyle/electro classic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That one was played a lot at clubs in the northeast where my mom went to college. Great song.

[@marktait2371]

yeh same rva friend dj played the song he had the single and bigger hits later we liked running the best

[@danielpeterson2702]

Huge underground staple into the mud 90s

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I saw this one coming since I was singing “Tell me what’s on your mind?” all day Saturday while doing chores around the house. I think they are very underrecognized and should have had more hits! Some other great requests for forgotten 80s one hit wonders: “Who’s Behind the Door” by Zebra, “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors, “Tuff Enuff” by The Fabulous Thunderbirds - that’s one of my favorites right there - also “Wouldn’t It Be Good” by Nik Kershaw.

[@trinaq]

Precisely, you must be psychic! 🔮😉I hope that Adam covers "Turning Japanese", it's a shame that The Vapors only ever got recognition for that one tune.

[@danmaja6275]

Zebra is one of my favourite bands. Found their album by accident in Los Angeles

[@maxaroni15]

My Dad’s favorite song when it came out was “I’m Turning Japanese”. I grew to like it after thinking it was bizarre at first. I really loved “Tuff Enuff” and actually was rooting for their 2nd song “Wrap It Up” to make the American Top 40, but it stalled at # 50.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@danmaja6275 I found them while showing some teachers at my school vintage MTV footage from 1983!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@maxaroni15 It is kind of a weird song and might sound offensive to modern society, but to us at least, it’s an 80s classic.

[@mizginavale22]

The moment that I saw the thumbnail photo, I knew it was "Information Society". Being a lifelong trekkie, I couldn't stop dancing to "What's On Your Mind" because the song had a great beat, but I loved Leonard Nimoy's voice in the beginning of the song, as Spock from Star Trek. This band had a lot of good songs and were popular in Miami, Florida back in the 80's.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same. The Spock sample is so cool!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Pure Energy!

[@hearthealevolve531]

This was THE JAM! Still remember my college roommate dancing to this in the car, in the club, etc. We LOVED IT!!!! It still makes my heart have a happy response every time I hear it. The bubbly guitar sound was so interesting the way it bobs and weaves thru the song like a curly roller coaster. "Pure Energy"was in the top 5 best songs of my clubbing days from 88-89. So good to hear a/b the band. In our hearts forever!!

[@EmoBubba]

Great video! I saw Information Society with Milli Vanilli and Paula Abdul live at Great America in 1989. It was a great show and the only merch I purchased was an information society t-shirt that I may still have packed away somewhere.

[@GambitArkana]

One thing I loved about them was the Easter eggs on the cds. Actual phone number tones on one track. Multiple stories that could read if you knew how to decode the computer sound. With trial and error (frying a modem) I hooked up speaker wires for the cd player to a phone wall jack to the computer. At least now I know that it was Downtown Julie Brown was the sample on Hack.

[@stephenhanft1226]

I liked Information Society and their 2 hit songs mentioned in this episode, The reason why they were done by 1991 is sadly easy to explain. 1991 music experienced the worst music tsunami is music history. So many 80s artists music careers were either stalled or completely ended. This was when grunge/alternative and rap/hip hop took over. All 80s styles and sounds were swept away. Had they started earlier in the 80s decade they probably would've achieved more success. It's a shame because I would choose to listen to Information Society over all of those grunge bands any day.

[@lune78]

Oh wow, thank you so much for ackowledging InSoc! Not many people remember them, but they could've been HUGE. These guys were way ahead of their time. I've been a fan since I was a child, I'm now 41 and they're still in my top 3 favorite bands of all time. And it's funny how Kurt didn't want to be the lead singer at first, because to me his voice is integral to the InSoc sound. Synthesizer is a decent album, but my favorite track remains Seeds of Pain... which is the only track that Kurt provided vocals for. Also they didn't exactly disappear, they just went back to being an underground band. They still have a huge following in Brazil though.

[@TheVeritasProject]

Excellent episode. Your story about the $50 resonated with me and saving all my lunch money to get albums and tapes. Great story about your dad. This is what makes your channel so unique. Not only do your report, bring nostalgia back, but you connect with those of us who were there during the time and you share your experiences from the heart. I love Information Society. Hacked is a great album. The first instrumental song is incredible. I'd love to know from any tech savvy person from the time to see if they ever figured out what the last part of that album contained as it sounds like an old-school modem screeching. I bet if we connected our Commodore computers with an old modem, something would come out through the screen. Keep up the great work!

[@bicyclist2]

Hey Professor, I love your story about trying to get a copy of the cassette tape. It reminds me of my youth in the 80's. I saved up to get many albums as well. I always wished that Information Society had done better on the charts as well. I'm a big fan of "Hack", & "Peace and Love Inc". Please keep up the good work. Thank you so much for being a voice to our generation, and reminding us of our youth. So many of my generation commenting on the 80's music videos, talk of going back in a time machine to the 80's. Watching this channel is the next beat thing.

[@jroc2427]

I actually grew up in Minneapolis around these guys. One thing that is missing from your background is they are very first album just called INSOC which features Growing up with Shiva and Can you live as fast as me…which were actually fairly solid new wave electronic songs back in 1983. Much prior to the song Running.

[@jackwilcox9756]

YES!!! This was / is one of my favorite bands. Thank you for highlighting.

[@iancowan3527]

I enjoyed the history and given a glimpse into a band I remember hearing... But it's was your story... That brought home really the fact my love of music was generated from my father's love of music... I can't even begin to recount all the instances... But listening to your story brought all of own memories - thank you

[@grimzadi2480]

Wow I wore that tape OUT. I had a pretty bad car accident my junior year of high school. I got hit by a drunk driver during the first pause of INXS' Never Tear Us Apart. I was okay, but my car was completely totaled. Later that week I was able to get my stuff out of my wrecked car. The only thing I really cared about was my tapes. I grabbed INXS and Information Society because they were the most important tapes in the car.

[@RBS_]

..whoo!! ...glad you're OK, Man....but, you got STEEL ONES, to go back to that Car and get those TAPES! ....ha-HAA!! ....I commend YA!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So glad you survived. Those two tapes could lift you up. Great songs by both bands.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oh my goodness gracious, must have been a harrowing accident! Thank god you’re still here with us, Grimzadi. Never Tear Us Apart is a PERFECT song. PERFECT, ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Not a bad thing about it whatsoever.

[@MexicaliEquis]

I really appreciate this video. Thank you for your personal story at the end. I must say my great memory of this band is that I was lucky enough to enjoy them when they played at the Tomorrow Land stage at Disneyland back in 1989.

[@oscrthgrch7]

A co-worker once told me a story about when Quiet Riot's Cum on Feel the Noize was a hit in 1983, and he really wanted to buy the tape, but the record store was continually sold out. He said that he and a friend were walking, and a car drove by blasting the song. The girl driving it parked it, and then went inside her house. This was a nice suburban neighborhood in Redding, CA, so she didn't bother to lock her car, and my co-worker's friend opened the car's door, ejected the cassette from the stereo, and the pair of them took off running! Having safely made their escape, they then discovered that she had actually been listening to the radio, and the cassette was not Quiet Riot!

[@kimber1911]

I have their cassette and CD's of Hack and PALI. I rediscovered my tape collection in the basement along with my boom box and found myself opening the case, sliding the cassette into the "A" deck and pressing play. The memories came back and once again I was lost in the Jr. High days jamming out to every song in my bedroom. Cool dad by the way..

[@sharimeline3077]

I grew up watching Star Trek, so hearing Spock sampled on Pure Energy (that's what I call it too) was exciting. I've loved Information Society ever since, and especially Kurt. Oh and I was working at a record store at the time, we totally would have held that tape for you

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was one of my aunt’s favorite shows and to hear this song start off with Spock always makes me think of her.

[@thebunter]

I loved this song and band. I still have the original CD and play it every so often. This song and album was one you could really listen to while driving. The upbeat pace of the song and the easy to sing along lyrics made it a great song if you were driving long distances. Great video Professor. I always wondered what happened to them.

[@s.marcus3669]

Dude, one of the reasons I love listening to your videos is for the stories of your father and you bonding over music. My dad died when I was nine and a half and I'm SURE he never would have understood my manifold musical interests...

[@nekomimi5471]

my kids ask me what it was like being a kid in the 1980s. I try to explain, and I finally just say, "it was GLORIOUS." The optimism, the explosion of pop culture, all of it was just glorious.

[@Aaron-ws3kg]

Such an underrated favorite band of mine! They should have been HUGE for years. Thanks for finally featuring them. If you haven’t listened to Peace and love, inc. then you are missing out.

[@cjc2]

I remember them during the late 80s freestyle craze. They always played this in the clubs.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So many club classics from this one band alone.

[@briansnow9865]

Great video POR. But my favorite part was your story about your dad at the end. Great memory for you. Thx for sharing it with us.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks 👍

[@rogambite]

Thanks for this feature bought back memories when they played pure energy constantly on the radio . I also loved their song “repetition” Back in 2019 they played a gig in my hometown was shocked to see they were still around

[@megaboz42]

re: "Where’d They Go?" They grew up and got real jobs! James Cassidy teaches soil science at OSU, Kurt Harland does music/sound design for video games, and Paul produces music for ads/TV shows and movies. It is very cool that they were able to get back together and continue to produce some great new music as a kind of a side gig to their "real jobs"!

[@lambornpeter3922]

So I guess the Rolling Stonrs, ZZz Top, et et al, grown up yet? Stick up your a$$ much?

[@brickcitybrownchick]

I really loved the Information Society. I jammed out to their first couple of albums for many years. I am a big Psychedelic Furs fan (have seen them twice in the last few years) and I had NO IDEA the woman in the band was the woman who was in Information Society. This is why I LOVE shows like this: I always learn something.

[@impactfoto]

Right there with you! I have seen the Furs live a few times in recent years, and had also noticed the woman, and knew she wasn't an original member. I even saw Information Society back in the day, but that was so long ago I'd never have recognized her as the same person.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode Professor! "Pure Energy " was my favorite song for awhile back when it came out! Always wondered what happened to Information Society! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!

[@sharpright6887]

I clicked on this video the moment I recognized the band. This album was fantastic and I use the line during meetings constantly. Most have no idea of the reference until I start singing “I want to know, what you’re thinking.” Thank you for the video. I’m pleased to hear they still make good music, may they continue to do so for many more years to come.

[@dorseybitzel46]

Whenever I mention this band to someone they have no idea who I'm talking about. I'm baffled by how that's even possible, I sing a little pure energy at them or think, I draw blank stares. They will always be a hit to me, and when the day is right they get shared.

[@LamiaFox]

I remember dancing to this song at church youth dances. There was a guy that would come to the dances. He had an ultra cool Flock of Seagulls hairdo and I was totally in love with him. He didn’t know I existed though. I was so excited that Information Society did a cover of one of my favorite ABBA songs, I know I was a weird kid. I still love ABBA too, always have way before they were cool again. Lol! P.S. It would be fun if you did a show that focused on some of the innovations ABBA made in the music industry. I think it would also be fun if you did a series on hairdos and fashion trends of the 80’s. So many of them were inspired by musicians of the time. I remember all the girls trying to dress like Madonna and there is a reason we started wearing shoulder pads in funky jackets and who can forget parachute pants…I’m just sayin’ it might be a fun avenue to explore…😂

[@shoop4040]

Wow what an awesome segment from you. I was in high school when pure energy hit . I was getting ready for a all state wrestling competition. I played this song just about everyday during practice on yes a mix tape. I didn’t take 1st but took second on the 135 weight class .Good memory.

[@brak424242]

Great video!! Your music store quest really took me back - had to go through so much more to get music those days!

[@impactfoto]

Great story, Adam! I think we all have memories like that of dumb things we did as a kid. In 1988 I was working at a nightclub in Denver, and we'd occasionally get acts in to play live. Information Society was one of them! Was an awesome night.

[@floridalivingisthebest]

I always thought of Information Society as the kid brother of the British band Dead Or Alive. Kurt's voice had a kind of Pete Burns quality to it. But they were a flash in the pan. Professor, you should do a video about Dead Or Alive and how influential they were in the 80s, and the life of Pete Burns.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Love your back stories - probably the main reason I watch/listen. You do us good.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@celosemnexo]

They were never gone. They exist 'till this day and have come to Brazil more than once.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s great to hear they are a staple in Brazil!

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

Brazil is trash.

[@babygerald4645]

So glad you covered InSoc! Their first and second album, 'Hack' were groundbreaking and great listens still today. They even had a baud modem tone on their album that could dial in to an internet connection...back in 1990!Tommy Boy totally messed up the potential of this band, but didn't stop their creativity and thankfully they are still releasing new music today.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's true... Their sound was so very futuristic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They had so many cool songs.

[@gingerboyd1002]

I adored Hack!

[@kagato3]

@@ProfessorofRock Personal my favorites were their 3rd and forth albums "peace and love incorporated" (a cyperpunkish themed album) and "don't be afraid" (a dark moody goth techno album)

[@analuisaperezmunguia]

Me encantan sus videos. Lo veo todos los días desde la ciudad de México!

[@darquemode1165]

Living just outside Minneapolis at the time Information Society was breaking big I recall occasionally seeing Kurt's Road Warrior car driving down I-94. It always inspired me to pull out my Whart's On Your Mind/ Walking Away cassingle. (casette -single)... Oh, the memories.... PURE ENERGY!

[@trinaq]

It's a shame that this band never became more popular, since they had a unique sound. Also, I never realised that it was Spock/Leonard Nimoy's voice they used as a sample. I KNEW that it sounded familiar! 😉🤣

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Funny enough, just a few years after their big hit, EMF would chart with a hit called Unbelievable that used a voice sample too. Thay being the Oh by Andrew Dice Clay

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I found out about the Spock sample a year ago when my Facebook friend told me about it on one of my posts!

[@TredHedJon]

Still putting out music, still sampling....and I still love them to death

[@DreamCatcherPromo]

Aw. Man - thank you so much for this episode (I love your videos!) I bought this tape when it came out - and I honestly liked every song on the album (which is rare). I could never figure out why they never got bigger after their debut - this answered some of those questions. Keep up the great work!

[@robster7316]

Crazy story! Interesting how things can get so convoluted in the music and entertainment biz! Thx Adam!

[@annan4866]

I just wanted to say thank you for doing this channel. I appreciate the opportunity to bring back memories of those times that are inspired by the stories you share. It adds a little more joy to life. 🙂

[@isabelleetchebarren8981]

I have always loved the Information Society sound. I grew up a house where everyone loved to dance and we loved the disco sound as well.

[@rajm35]

Leftoverture yesterday and Information Society today! I just want to say how much I love your stories and interviews and all the variety you have on your channel. This one sure takes me back to my early teens! Thank you for introducing a new generation of listeners to such great music.

[@29stmarksrd]

I absolutely love this band and their music. I could SO relate to them and their music. Thank you so much for sharing their story on your channel. I’m so happy that your dad bought the cassette for you and let you listen to it on the way home.

[@markarted7797]

I NEVER KNEW THIS SONG/GROUP SAMPLED STAR TREK LINES!!! I'M FLABBERGASTED!! Thank you professor of rock!!

[@meghantrautman8503]

I literally wore out my Information Society cassette. I'd sort of forgotten about them, until I saw this video. I pulled up the album on Amazon Music and streamed it right after watching this video, and even after 30 years+, I could still sing every word and tap every beat to every song on the album. Their follow-up album, Hack, was also decent. Songs like "Mirrorshades" was great, but I didn't get into every song the same way I did their 1988 album.

[@madtownjeremy]

HACK was so good but you're right; it was sorta all over the place, esp the second half.

[@williampaul4212]

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[@brandongill8221]

Great episode. I loved this song back in the day, but my favorite INSOC song is Ozar Midrashim on Don't Be Afraid. Kurt worked in the video game industry for a time and this song became the main theme for my favorite series, The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. I actually got a chance to work with Kurt in games for a time and he was pleasantly surprised that I was a fan of that deep cut track. Also, I highly recommend that cover album Orders of Magnitude. Great stuff.

[@scottbelcher9026]

Wow, without people like Adam, to set the record straight, all kinds of false rumors could just live on… I had always heard that the Information “Society” was really just one guy doing it all by himself, writing, playing the instruments in the recordings, all of it by himself! Lol… Thank you for setting the record straight Professor!!! ❤

[@s33k100]

I only ever heard of these guys from being a fan of the Legacy of Kain series, Kurt Harland was the composer for 3 of those games. When I found out about Don't Be Afraid I tracked down a copy of the album and listened to it on repeat for several months. I was about 18 at this point and going through a really... awful time in my life. It's rather a cliché to talk about life saving music, but I think DBA legitimately helped keep me alive through some dark thoughts.

[@arclight2012]

I won this cassette by calling in and singing the hook on air on a local pop/rock station. I was so excited when my mom drove me downtown to the station to collect it and it was my first time seeing a radio station studio. What a great memory from 1988!

[@ryanharmon6091]

Thank you for the story! Especially with the old photo, I could really feel your anguish at being robbed of your prize.

[@ms.lisamurphy269]

what an iconic album. I love it to this day. it has an ethereal, timeless yet current sound ..kinda like Gary Numan who really didn't get the props he deserved in the U.S...(I'm aware he was huge in the UK) good call Professor R...

[@MBGalvan]

Dude, that was kind of a sad story. I feel bad, what a jerk taking your money. Great video, and I love this band. I do believe the first 3 albums were great. Lost track of them after 1993, but did find them on iTunes. Still pretty good!

[@scotveatch5217]

I just watched this episode and loved it just like all the others. Adam, I would have liked to meet your Dad. The way you describe him, I kinda feel like I have. I really enjoyed the story you shared about him this time. I never really had a Dad growing up, but my Mom was my hero, just like your Dad seems to be yours. Keep up the great work. I love your channel.

[@jeffdhatch]

You’re reading my mind, Professor! I was going to drop you a note about featuring this band on your show. So many great songs on that first album. I wore out my cassette tape and it still reminds me of the summer I went out with my first serious girlfriend. Massive nostalgia points.

[@bpalpha]

If you don't do a show on how incredible Scritti Politti's "A Perfect Way" is I'm going to scream! 😵

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oh my gosh, I totally feel the same way! This and Oh Yeah by Yello from Ferris Bueller!

[@the80slivehere]

Great job on this band. It was very interesting. While my taste in albums was quite different in 1988, this was a very catchy hit. I am a fan of Amanda Kramer with the latter Psychedelic Furs. Rock Always! - Heather

[@sirjosephjp]

I remember when I first saw/heard Information Society. It was the beginning of summer and I was out of town visiting my older brother. I was watching MTV when "What's On Your Mind" came on. it hooked me immediately. As fate would have it, my brother took me to a Peaches Records and Tapes. The album wasn't out, but the 12" single for "What's On Your Mind" was out and I immediately purchased it. I then recorded it to cassette so I could rock it in my Walkman. That song was the soundtrack for my summer and the album was my soundtrack for my next year. Thanks to your video, this album has been in steady rotation for 2023.

[@conroypawgmail]

Back in the day, when music was still expensive, I manage to borrow a CD from a friend. I didn't have any blank cassette tapes at the time, so I ended up copying the album to on a blank Maxell reel to reel. Eventually, I would copy the album from the reel to reel to cassette, but for months, I had to save up to buy a pack of good quality cassettes. Radio recordings when on the cheap, normal bias Memorex tapes that you could pick up at Venture, Zayre, or K-Mart. CD or vinyl albums would go on chrome Maxell or BASF tapes that I had to travel to a music store to get and were $30 for a pack of ten. What I thought was so cool was how much computerized synthesizers were used on the album. In reference to that, the group insisted on labelling Side 1 of the cassette "Software" and Side 2 "Hardware". So, when I copied the songs from CD to reel to reel to cassette, I had to do the same.

[@WestVirginiaPatriot]

I knew exactly who you were talking about! I love this band! “Think” was my fave by them. They have been around more than you knew!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So many great songs...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Think is a great song!

[@CaesiusX]

As is the case sometimes, *_Information Society,_* or *InSoc,* has never gone anywhere. 😁💜🎶 They transitioned a bit to Industrial (and that is how they've been labelled in my head since the late 90's). Establishing a presence in goth/industrial clubs, and doing much to link my late 90's/early 00 memories at said clubs to some great songs! 🖤 Their song, _Ending World_ from 1997 is a personal favorite. As is their earlier release, _Peace and Love Incorporated!_ Love this band! *EDIT:* Wow, a sad but great story about trying to get the tape!

[@Knightsabre75]

Love this album! You didn't mention it anywhere, but the band loved to play with technology on their albums. This album's CD, for example, incorporated a CD-G section as well, which, when played through a compatible player (I used my Sega Genesis CD drive), showed various little snippets of band trivia and other information throughout the album, and even includes a recipe for chili! I know that Peace and Love, Inc. included a "bonus" track at the end that was the sounds from a computer modem. If you routed this track into a computer modem, it would decode into a text story about a tour date in Brazil, IIRC. Fun stuff!

[@mattmc8391]

That was an awesome story , I love how much detail you put in to telling it 👏

[@derekwhidden9730]

I loved this band going through high school, and still follow them on Facebook. I stil listen to these three albums regularly. You could be in a completely rotten mood and pop in What's On Your Mind, and feel better. It's awesome.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Bad mood killer for sure!

[@richardevans4531]

Love this band still. Their 2014 album is their best work and worth a listen Just picked up their first album on vinyl sounds just a good as it did in 1988 I think that Hack was to strange for main stream radio at that time. I loved Heck and played it at work and the heavy mental workers loved it. I also loved the third CD an felt it was overlooked sadly.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Hack sounded like nothing else on the charts at the time. It was truly one of a kind.

[@madtownjeremy]

Saw InSoc's phenomenal live show twice; once in 1993 at Six Flags 😂 and then in some small bar in Austin a bunch of years later. I still love to listen to them whenever they rotate through my playlists. 😊 I've been wondering lately what happened to them after DONT BE AFRAID, so I'm really glad you made this video. Thanks for the solid trip down memory lane once again! (EDIT: also if you're not listening to Synthwave you're seriously missing out.)

[@josephreynoldsii5048]

What drew me to their single "What's On Your Mind" is that the singer sounded a bit like Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins.

[@CraigL_the_1st]

I can't believe you past over Peace & Love Inc. Great single.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love that one!

[@vithouse8037]

It was a hit here in South América.

[@jameswoodruff7182]

Loved this band, and still have to stop and listen when they come on the radio.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re really great.

[@stephanieholliday3938]

I remember going to see this band in concert at Six Flags in 92 or 93 maybe? The guy I was with was SO EXCITED to be seeing them and I was pretty stoked as well considering I was one of those fans that liked them so much I actually bought the "Hack" album. They came out and did a few songs and then a torrential rain storm started and although the tickets said "rain or shine," they told the audience they were risking getting electrocuted with so many electronic devices in the rain!

[@nicn4873]

I was obsessed with Insoc after seeing their video on MTV with their big hit What's On Your Mind. I think their visuals really did it for me in addition to their sound. I also had a big crush on Kurt and his awesome hairstyle too, lol. I bought their 4 albums, Information Society, Hack, Peace and Love Inc, and Don't Be Afraid, plus one Bside song in CD in the 90s. Their sound was futuristic, catchy and cool to me, but I was alone in this opinion among my friends. Kurt went solo in Don't Be Afraid--and it was pretty dark, still liked, but it got weird too. I'm glad you covered them, brings me back good memories!

[@eleniprovia7667]

My cousin introduced me to Information Society, and I am so glad he did! Love their sound.

[@dtw63]

Relative information about information society. 😂

[@RC32Smiths01]

I can't say I've heard of them up until now, and I guess I can now see why haha. What a fantastic story, makes you wonder about the whereabouts of bands who were on the rise.

[@mikekaraoke]

What does that even mean lol They have been talked about many times over the years in general, And their songs in films/TV shows etc. So your comment makes no sense lol + have done reunion tours! Where you been hiding?

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

@@mikekaraoke definitely not a child of the 80s where they lol. It was a great time for new wave and music in clubs and just every where.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You may have heard the song What’s On Your Mind before though. It’s really catchy.

[@mikekaraoke]

Oh come on, doesn't matter if they were not a child of the 80's! lol Doesn't matter what decade you were born in to know bands/songs like: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi! Or films like: The Back to the Future/Indiana Jones films all in pop culture!!!! My niece who is also British knows them from seeing them on a TV documentary about the 80's between USA/UK + and also because we have played their debut album: Creatures Of Influence which my dad got when we went to the US on holiday in Summer of 1988. Also they have been mentioned on social media etc so no good excuses! Where you from? 😎

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

@@mikekaraoke Houston Texas and it was a wild time during the club days lol. Where in GB are you?

[@timvanderkolk1388]

I remember wearing out a copy of this tape listening to it on my bike ride to and from school. I think I like Hack as much if not more. Still trying to find a copy on vinyl 30+ years later. Love the story at the end of the video. Awesome dad right there.

[@00hooper]

I was a senior in high school in the Bronx and we must have listened to “What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)” every 15 minutes on the bus for our camping trip and ski trip. I was listening to more metal and hard rock at that time, but it was the DeForest Kelley and Leonard Nimoy samples that pulled me in. I was 17 and I did not grow tired of that song on either of those trips. We even listened to ALL the remixes from my friends who either taped it off the radio or their own mix. Again, we never grew tired of it, but we did bring extra D and double-A batteries for the December trip just in case. @Prof - I totally understand how you felt when trying to get that tape. There are only a few songs that I can remember from that time, that had a hook so addictive, everything stopped and the dopamine was released. I don’t know how else to describe it. The sound was the opposite of what the malls were doing to “sonically”keep teens away from loitering in front of their store fronts.