I hadn’t heard this song since high school until last week when it came up on Sirius’ New Wave. I absolutely love the music, in fact – the new wave era is coming back with today’s electronic & indie bands. Everything seems to come back eventually, doesn’t it?
Pale Shelter was originally released in 1982 but after failing to make the charts, it was remixed and re-released in 1983 on their debut LP, The Hurting. It was received well in the UK, peaking at #5. It also did well in Canada and Ireland but never made the charts in the US. The single is one of the band’s oldest songs, dating all the way back to 1981 during their demo tape days.
The title refers to a sculpture by Henry Moore, called “Pale Shelter Scene.” The lyrics describe disappointment with a relationship.
Ironically, I have the same exact shirt the woman with the iron is wearing at 1:26…I was wearing it today too! Haha.