Misplaced Pages

Opus III (band): Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 02:30, 15 March 2019 edit151.227.145.124 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit Latest revision as of 21:09, 17 November 2024 edit undoHiddenstranger (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users106,099 editsNo edit summary 
(35 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|English electronic music group}}
{{for|the French classical record label|Opus 111}} {{for|the French classical record label|Opus 111}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
Line 10: Line 11:
|origin = ], England |origin = ], England
|instrument = |instrument =
|genre = ], ] |genre = ], ]
|Occupation(s) = |Occupation(s) =
|years_active = 1992–1994 |years_active = 1992–1994
Line 19: Line 20:
}} }}


'''Opus III''' was an ] ] ] who had success on the ] and on the ] ] ]. The group consisted of vocalist ] and ]/musicians Kevin Dodds, Ian Munro and Nigel Walton. The group members promoted a strong ] and ] message through their lyrics, album liner notes and photo and ] imagery. Their biggest hit was '']'', which reached number five in the ] in February 1992. '''Opus III''' were an English ] ] who had success on the ] and ] ] ]. The group consisted of vocalist ] and ]/musicians Kevin Dodds, Ian Munro and Nigel Walton. The group members promoted a ] and ] message through their ], ] and photo and ]s. Their biggest hit was "]", which reached number five in the United Kingdom in February 1992. The song had previously been recorded by the singer Jane in 1983, and its lyrics had been taken from a song by poet ].


==Biography== ==Career==
Prior to the forming of Opus III, Dodds, Munro, and Walton, who were members of the ], signed with Capitol Records UK under the name A.S.K. The act released their first single “Kiss and Tell,” in 1988. Afterwards, the trio signed with MCA Records UK, where they released their next single, "Dream," in 1990, peaking at number 85 on the UK singles chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/26410/ask/|title=Official Charts > ASK|publisher=]|accessdate=2017-12-29}}</ref> The group later released a third single, “Freedom We Cry,” in 1991.<ref> at ]</ref> Prior to the forming of Opus III, Dodds, Munro, and Walton, signed with Capitol Records UK under the name A.S.K. The act released their first single “Kiss and Tell,” in 1988. Afterwards, the trio signed with MCA Records UK, where they released their next single, "Dream," in 1990, peaking at number 85 on the UK singles chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/26410/ask/|title=Official Charts > ASK|publisher=]|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> The group later released a third single, “Freedom We Cry,” in 1991.<ref> at ]</ref>


It was during the fall of 1990 that they noticed a rave dancer that they would add to the act as their visual dancer and afterwards become their lead singer, Kirsty Hawkshaw. The group would eventually become Opus III in 1992. During their tenure as a group, Hawkshaw was the only member that was visible in the music videos and television performances due to the other three members still being under contract to MCA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Network-40/92/Network-40-1992-07-10.pdf|title=Hot Crossover: Music Meeting|publisher=Network 40 (1992-07-10, page 42)|accessdate=2018-02-21}}</ref> Once they were released from the label, the other members remained in the background, with the exception of live concert shows. It was during the autumn of 1990 at a Spiral Tribe rave where they noticed a dancer that they would add to the act as their visual dancer and afterwards become their lead singer, Kirsty Hawkshaw. The group would eventually become Opus III in 1992. During their tenure as a group, Hawkshaw was the only member that was visible in the music videos and television performances due to the other three members still being under contract to MCA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Network-40/92/Network-40-1992-07-10.pdf|title=Hot Crossover: Music Meeting|publisher=Network 40 (1992-07-10, page 42)|access-date=2018-02-21}}</ref> Once they were released from the label, the other members remained in the background, with the exception of live concert shows.


Their debut ], '']'', produced the track "]", a ] of a 1983 single by Jane,<ref>{{cite web | author = | year = | url = http://www.cherryred.co.uk/books/indiehits/j.htm | title = Indie Hits "J" | work = | publisher = Cherry Red Records | accessdate = 2006-04-14 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509092232/http://www.cherryred.co.uk/books/indiehits/j.htm | archivedate = 9 May 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = | date = 25 January 2005 | url = http://homepages.force9.net/king1/Barton/News.html | title = Edward Barton - News | work = | publisher = Edward Barton - Unofficial Web Page | accessdate = 2006-04-14 }}</ref> which topped the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1992<ref name=dance/> and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th Their debut ], '']'', produced the track "]", a ] of a 1983 single by Jane,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cherryred.co.uk/books/indiehits/j.htm | title = Indie Hits "J" | publisher = Cherry Red Records | access-date = 2006-04-14 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509092232/http://www.cherryred.co.uk/books/indiehits/j.htm | archive-date = 9 May 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | date = 25 January 2005 | url = http://homepages.force9.net/king1/Barton/News.html | title = Edward Barton - News | publisher = Edward Barton - Unofficial Web Page | access-date = 2006-04-14 }}</ref> which topped the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1992<ref name=dance/> and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 408}}</ref> | publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 408}}</ref>


The song, now considered a ] classic, is the basis of ]'s 1992 track "]" and its album version "Halcyon + On + On" included in their ]; the "la la la" section of the "It's A Fine Day" chorus was ] and ] throughout the song. Hawkshaw appeared in the video for "Halcyon" playing a housewife who was 'under the influence'. The song, now considered a ] classic, is the basis of ]'s 1992 track "]" and its album version "Halcyon + On + On" included in their ]; the "la la la" section of the "It's a Fine Day" chorus was ] and ] throughout the song. Hawkshaw appeared in the video for "Halcyon" playing a housewife who was "under the influence".


The other single release from ''Mind Fruit'' was "]", a cover of the 1969 song by ]. This was not a big chart success in the UK, only reaching number 52.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> The other single release from ''Mind Fruit'' was "]", a cover of the 1969 song by ]. This was not a big chart success in the UK, only reaching number 52.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>


Opus III's second album '']'' surfaced in 1994 and produced another U.S. number-one dance song "]".<ref name=dance/> A third dance chart entry, "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)" hit number 14.<ref name=dance/> Opus III's second album '']'' surfaced in 1994 and produced another U.S. number-one dance song "]".<ref name=dance/> A third dance chart entry, "]" hit number 14.<ref name=dance/>


The group disbanded after their second album. Hawkshaw was worried the project was becoming too commercial, which is one of the reasons for the band's separation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mTbJtC0wLs |title=YouTube |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2015-11-21}}</ref> Hawkshaw went on to pursue a solo career, lending her vocals to a number of ] and ] artists and tracks into the opening years of the 21st century, including ], ], ], ] and again with Orbital.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/opus-iii-mn0000891076/biography |title=Opus III &#124; Biography & History |publisher=] |date= |accessdate=2015-11-21}}</ref> The group disbanded after their second album. Hawkshaw was worried the project was becoming too commercial, which is one of the reasons for the band's separation (she has ruled out a reunion as well).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mTbJtC0wLs |title=YouTube |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2015-11-21}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> Hawkshaw went on to pursue a solo career, lending her vocals to a number of ] and ] artists and tracks into the opening years of the 21st century, including ], ], ], ] and again with Orbital.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/opus-iii-mn0000891076/biography |title=Opus III &#124; Biography & History |publisher=] |access-date=2015-11-21}}</ref>


==Discography== ==Discography==
===Studio albums=== ===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
*'']'' (1992) – ] #173<ref name=aus/>
|+ List of albums, with selected chart positions
⚫ *'']'' (1994)
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;" | Album details
! scope="col" colspan="1" | Peak chart<br />positions
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em; font-size:85%" | ]<br /><ref name=aus/>
|-
! scope="row" | '']''
|
* Released: 1992
* Label: PWL International
* Format: CD, LP, cassette
| 173
|-
⚫ ! scope="row" | '']''
|
* Released: 1994
* Label: PWL International
* Format: CD, cassette
| —
|}


===Singles=== ===Singles===
Line 50: Line 71:
! rowspan="2"| Album ! rowspan="2"| Album
|- style="font-size:smaller;" |- style="font-size:smaller;"
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/><ref name=occ>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/27391/opus-iii/|title=Official Charts > Opus III|publisher=The Official UK Charts Company|accessdate=2015-10-04}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref name=occ>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/27391/opus-iii/|title=Official Charts > Opus III|publisher=]|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref name=aus>Australian (]) peaks: ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref name=aus>Australian (]) peaks:
* Top 100 peaks: {{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia}} *Top 100 peaks: {{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia|edition=pdf|page=209}}
* "I Talk to the Wind", "When You Made the Mountain" and "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)": {{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716153430/http://i.imgur.com/oyPN1pW.jpg|url=http://i.imgur.com/oyPN1pW.jpg|archivedate=2015-07-16|title=Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received 15 July 2015|accessdate=2015-10-04|publisher=Imgur.com}} *"I Talk to the Wind", "When You Made the Mountain" and "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)": {{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716153430/http://i.imgur.com/oyPN1pW.jpg|url=https://i.imgur.com/oyPN1pW.jpg|archive-date=2015-07-16|title=Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received 15 July 2015|access-date=2015-10-04|publisher=Imgur.com|url-status=live}}
* ''Mind Fruit'' and ''Guru Mother'': {{cite web|url=http://i.imgur.com/4zSXLew.gif|title=Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received 13 September 2016|publisher=Imgur.com|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> *''Mind Fruit'' and ''Guru Mother'': {{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/4zSXLew.gif|title=Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received 13 September 2016|publisher=Imgur.com|access-date=2016-09-18}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=austriancharts.at > Opus III in der Österreichischen Hitparade|language=German|publisher=Hung Medien|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=austriancharts.at > Opus III in der Österreichischen Hitparade|language=de|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=lescharts.com > Opus III dans les Charts Français|language=French|publisher=Hung Medien|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=lescharts.com > Opus III dans les Charts Français|language=fr|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-2432|title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts > Opus III – It's a Fine Day (single)|language=German|publisher=GfK Entertainment|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-2432|title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts > Opus III – It's a Fine Day (single)|language=de|publisher=GfK Entertainment|access-date=2016-09-18}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://i.imgur.com/1jU8QLX.jpg|title=The Irish Charts – All there is to know > Search results for 'Opus' (from irishcharts.ie)|publisher=Imgur.com (original source published by Fireball Media)|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/1jU8QLX.jpg|title=The Irish Charts – All there is to know > Search results for 'Opus' (from irishcharts.ie)|publisher=Fireball Media, via Imgur.com|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitparadeitalia.it/indici/per_interprete/ao.htm|title=Hit Parade Italia > Indice per Interprete: O|language=Italian|publisher=HitParadeItalia|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitparadeitalia.it/indici/per_interprete/ao.htm|title=Hit Parade Italia > Indice per Interprete: O|language=it|publisher=HitParadeItalia|access-date=2016-09-18}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=swedishcharts.com > Opus III in Swedish Charts|publisher=Hung Medien|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=swedishcharts.com > Opus III in Swedish Charts|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=hitparade.ch > Opus III in der Schweizer Hitparade|language=German|publisher=Hung Medien|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Opus+III|title=hitparade.ch > Opus III in der Schweizer Hitparade|language=de|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref>
! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref name=dance>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/315719/opus-iii/chart?f=359|title=Billboard > Artists / Opus III > Chart History > Dance Club Songs|publisher=]|accessdate=2016-09-18}}</ref> ! style="width:35px;"| ]<br><ref name=dance>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/315719/opus-iii/chart?f=359|title=Billboard > Artists / Opus III > Chart History > Dance Club Songs|magazine=]|access-date=2016-09-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012024453/https://www.billboard.com/artist/315719/opus-iii/chart?f=359|archive-date=2016-10-12}}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan=2| 1992 | rowspan=2| 1992
Line 104: Line 125:
| style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2"| ''Guru Mother'' | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2"| ''Guru Mother''
|- |-
| style="text-align:left;"| "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)" | style="text-align:left;"| "]"
| 79 | 79
| 239 | 239
Line 128: Line 149:
==External links== ==External links==
* *
* {{imdb name|2173427}}


{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}
Line 133: Line 155:
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 21:09, 17 November 2024

English electronic music group For the French classical record label, see Opus 111.

Opus III
Also known asA.S.K.
OriginLondon, England
GenresElectronic, progressive house
Years active1992–1994
LabelsPWL International
Past membersKirsty Hawkshaw
Kevin Dodds
Ian Munro
Nigel Walton

Opus III were an English electronic music group who had success on the UK Singles and U.S. Dance charts. The group consisted of vocalist Kirsty Hawkshaw and producers/musicians Kevin Dodds, Ian Munro and Nigel Walton. The group members promoted a environmental and feminist message through their lyrics, liner notes and photo and music videos. Their biggest hit was "It's a Fine Day", which reached number five in the United Kingdom in February 1992. The song had previously been recorded by the singer Jane in 1983, and its lyrics had been taken from a song by poet Edward Barton.

Career

Prior to the forming of Opus III, Dodds, Munro, and Walton, signed with Capitol Records UK under the name A.S.K. The act released their first single “Kiss and Tell,” in 1988. Afterwards, the trio signed with MCA Records UK, where they released their next single, "Dream," in 1990, peaking at number 85 on the UK singles chart. The group later released a third single, “Freedom We Cry,” in 1991.

It was during the autumn of 1990 at a Spiral Tribe rave where they noticed a dancer that they would add to the act as their visual dancer and afterwards become their lead singer, Kirsty Hawkshaw. The group would eventually become Opus III in 1992. During their tenure as a group, Hawkshaw was the only member that was visible in the music videos and television performances due to the other three members still being under contract to MCA. Once they were released from the label, the other members remained in the background, with the exception of live concert shows.

Their debut album, Mind Fruit, produced the track "It's a Fine Day", a cover of a 1983 single by Jane, which topped the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1992 and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.

The song, now considered a house music classic, is the basis of Orbital's 1992 track "Halcyon" and its album version "Halcyon + On + On" included in their second eponymous album; the "la la la" section of the "It's a Fine Day" chorus was backmasked and sampled throughout the song. Hawkshaw appeared in the video for "Halcyon" playing a housewife who was "under the influence".

The other single release from Mind Fruit was "I Talk to the Wind", a cover of the 1969 song by King Crimson. This was not a big chart success in the UK, only reaching number 52.

Opus III's second album Guru Mother surfaced in 1994 and produced another U.S. number-one dance song "When You Made the Mountain". A third dance chart entry, "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)" hit number 14.

The group disbanded after their second album. Hawkshaw was worried the project was becoming too commercial, which is one of the reasons for the band's separation (she has ruled out a reunion as well). Hawkshaw went on to pursue a solo career, lending her vocals to a number of electronic and dance music artists and tracks into the opening years of the 21st century, including Delerium, Silent Poets, BT, DJ Tiësto and again with Orbital.

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart
positions
AUS
Mind Fruit
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: PWL International
  • Format: CD, LP, cassette
 173
Guru Mother
  • Released: 1994
  • Label: PWL International
  • Format: CD, cassette
 —

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
UK
 AUS
 AUT
 FRA
 GER
 IRE
 ITA
 SWE
 SWI
 US
Dance
1992 "It's a Fine Day" 5 54 14 14 18 6 9 22 24 1 Mind Fruit
"I Talk to the Wind" 52 162 — — — — — — — —
1994 "When You Made the Mountain" 75 172 — — — — — — — 1 Guru Mother
"Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)" 79 239 — — — — — — — 14
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

See also

References

  1. "Official Charts > ASK". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  2. A.S.K. Discography at Discogs
  3. "Hot Crossover: Music Meeting" (PDF). Network 40 (1992-07-10, page 42). Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  4. "Indie Hits "J"". Cherry Red Records. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 14 April 2006.
  5. "Edward Barton - News". Edward Barton - Unofficial Web Page. 25 January 2005. Retrieved 14 April 2006.
  6. ^ "Billboard > Artists / Opus III > Chart History > Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  7. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 408. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  8. "YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  9. "Opus III | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  10. ^ Australian (ARIA) peaks:
  11. "Official Charts > Opus III". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  12. "austriancharts.at > Opus III in der Österreichischen Hitparade" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  13. "lescharts.com > Opus III dans les Charts Français" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  14. "Offizielle Deutsche Charts > Opus III – It's a Fine Day (single)" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  15. "The Irish Charts – All there is to know > Search results for 'Opus' (from irishcharts.ie)". Fireball Media, via Imgur.com. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  16. "Hit Parade Italia > Indice per Interprete: O" (in Italian). HitParadeItalia. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  17. "swedishcharts.com > Opus III in Swedish Charts". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  18. "hitparade.ch > Opus III in der Schweizer Hitparade" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 November 2019.

External links

Categories: