Californian indie-rockers, Silversun Pickups have taken a deep dive straight into the 80s with this reimagined take on Martika’s 1988 chart-topper, “Toy Soldiers,” produced by 90s alt-rock architect, Butch Vig. “We were thinking about songs from the 80’s that we loved growing up, that had a big radio moment and was part of our cultural DNA,” Brian Aubert of the band said in a statement. Stream/download “Toy Soldiers” here.
The moody reimagining of the track comes with an equally moody animated music video, which proved to be a challenging project for director Claire Vogel, due to current social distancing limitations. But, in the end, the video's "sense of isolation" is the perfect fit for the track's melancholy vibes – watch below.
Silversun Pickups | “Toy Soldiers”
Butch Vig commented, “I was psyched when SSPU asked me to produce a cover of Martika’s “Toy Soldiers.” It’s a great pop song and I have always had a soft spot for it. I read Martika wrote the song about a friend battling addiction, so knowing what Brian has gone through the song seems even more potent. We put our own spin on it. I hope Martika digs it!”
“Toy Soldiers” was a hit when it was originally released, in 1988, and was back on top of the when Eminem sampled the song for his own “Like Toy Soldiers” in 2004, smashing top 10 in twelve countries. However, it seems to be the 80s original that Silversun Pickups have decided to build upon, revealing their recent captivation with the era is what inspired them to record the song.
Making for an all-out 80s fest, the band have also created an amazing 80s inspired playlist on Spotify (listen below) and launched an 80s movie club where fans can watch a film with the band via Instagram Live – more info here.
Silversun Pickups’ 5th studio album, Widow’s Weeds – also produced by Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth) – is out now via their own New Machine Recordings label. Check it out, here.
“We’ve been vibing in 80s tunes the past few months so the four of us made a playlist – listen, reminisce and follow!” Along Matika’s original “Toy Soldiers” (and their own updated version), you’ll find a stack of awesome throwbacks Silversun Pickups 80s Faves playlist, from New Order, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Tears For Fears and many more. Listen on Spotify:
