Today’s video of the day is Tuxedomoon – "In a Manner of Speaking" released in 1985.
Formed in San Francisco in 1977, Tuxedomoon became a key force in America’s experimental post-punk scene. The band later moved to Europe, where its sound grew darker and more atmospheric. Moreover, Tuxedomoon blended post-punk, new wave, electronic music, and avant-garde ideas. As a result, their music often feels both intimate and unsettling. “In a Manner of Speaking,” written by Winston Tong, remains one of their most memorable songs. Released in 1985, it appeared on their fourth studio album, Holy Wars. The song uses a sparse bassline and atmospheric synthesizers. Meanwhile, Tong’s restrained vocal gives the track an emotional sense of distance.
At its core, “In a Manner of Speaking” explores the limits of language. Instead of relying on dramatic instrumentation, Tuxedomoon creates tension through space and restraint. Furthermore, the lyrics focus on silence, intimacy, and emotional separation. The famous opening captures that idea with striking simplicity: “I just want to say / That I could never forget the way.” However, the song suggests that silence can communicate more than words. Consequently, its minimalist arrangement makes every vocal phrase feel important. The track also fits naturally within Holy Wars, an album that expanded Tuxedomoon’s experimental approach. After earlier releases such as Half-Mute and Desire, the band continued moving toward richer and more sophisticated textures. Later albums would explore similarly challenging combinations of electronic music, art rock, and post-punk.
The song eventually reached a much wider audience through influential cover versions. In 1989, Martin Gore recorded “In a Manner of Speaking” for his Counterfeit EP. Later, French collective Nouvelle Vague transformed it into a relaxed bossa nova interpretation. Their version appeared on the 2004 album Nouvelle Vague. Therefore, Tuxedomoon’s original remains the essential starting point for both interpretations. This video captures the song’s haunting character and enduring appeal. It also shows why “In a Manner of Speaking” remains a defining moment in Tuxedomoon’s remarkable career.
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