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The Fixx — Less Cities More Moving People
Album: Phantoms
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1954









Released: 1984
Length: 3:31
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Another home falls by the wayside
A few old cushions stuffed with pride
A hand is shaking from the rubble
This is spirit still alive

A servant bares his occupation
Breaks his back just growing old
Never mind his views were taken
Just saw by the rules of old

Less cities, more moving people
Rushing out with pride
Less cities, more moving people
These hands that once were tied

A church bell rang for the occasion
The average man learns what's in store
Now he sees where life was taken
Fighting heat, but growing cold

Less cities, more moving people
Rushing out with pride
Less cities, more moving people
Hands that once were tied

Is this what we call education?
Just watch the wheel of time revolve
But why is this not what I'm thinking?
It's just one mind and the unknown

Less cities, more moving people
Rushing out with pride
Less cities, more moving people
Who just forgot their lives

Less cities, more moving people
Rushing out with pride
Less cities, more moving people
Who just forgot their lives
Comments (175)add comment
Since I was never a big fan of The Fixx, I'd never heard this song before.  I have to say, I like this one quite a bit and may have to reevaluate my opinion of the band.
just saw them November 10th small club fort Lauderdale called the culture room man these guys are good they still sound the same, give a listen to the album they put out last year good stuff
Always useful when this song rotates through, I can use the final verse as a hearing test. ;-)

I was never very familiar with this group prior to hearing them on RP, and this song and vocal delivery has always reminded me of Paul Young, which isn't a bad thing.
Beautiful segue from Bach's toccata in D minor to this song, also in D minor.  
 roadie wrote:


I write copy occasionally at my job. Used the line 'More planning, less miracles'.  In the context of the spot, it was perfect. 

Naturally, some goof emailed me to inform me of my egregious English.
Upvote for 'egregious'!! :)

 SmackDaddy wrote:

Prophetic this is not. Truth is: Bigger Cities, More People Moving In. That's the actual future.

Hmm - 'Mortal Engines' as a rejoinder?

how about oingo boingo after this one?
Prophetic this is not. Truth is: Bigger Cities, More People Moving In. That's the actual future.
 kazoo wrote:



Then don't use them.


Haha... perfect.... 
 MilidelEubanks wrote:


When rock and roll worries about correct grammar, the genre will be truly dead. Do you think Keith can't get ANY satisfaction?



I write copy occasionally at my job. Used the line 'More planning, less miracles'.  In the context of the spot, it was perfect. 

Naturally, some goof emailed me to inform me of my egregious English.
Tusk!
 petersteward wrote:

It's fewer cities NOT less. Words fail me. 



When rock and roll worries about correct grammar, the genre will be truly dead. Do you think Keith can't get ANY satisfaction?

1982-1984, what a great era.  Lots of that melancholic space rock sound -- Flock of Seagulls, Aldo Nova, Flock of Seagulls, Planet P Project, Zebra, Strange Advance, post-Cars Gary Numan, etc.  I remember back then late in the evening you could really get into a nice zone with this genre of music.
 Ryan_Boru wrote:

The Fixx is on tour now (2022) and I've heard great things!



Saw them pre-pan and they were great! 
Good tune! I never heard it before.  Thanx RP!
The Fixx is on tour now (2022) and I've heard great things!
 Alastair wrote:

That should, of course, be "Fewer cities".

Still love The Fixx though 




Yes, Mr Gogh, can I call you Van?  Your lines should have gone this direction, and your color is not correct here.
 Jelani wrote:

Creative people unite and ignore the word nerds!


Bad Spellers of the world... UNTIE!
 petersteward wrote:

It's fewer cities NOT less. Words fail me. 



If words fail you then you're in no position to criticise. Anyway, bad grammar is more funny, and artistic. Maybe you should just go back to mainstream music where they're ever so careful to select the correct grammar.  I bet you're the life of dinner parties when you start correcting everyone.
 mbolch30307 wrote:


I just change "less" to "fewer" in my head when I sing it loudly. Also, "I" for "me" (or vice versa), because songwriters frequently get that one wrong, too.  WORD NERDS UNITE!!



Creative people unite and ignore the word nerds!
My first instinctive reaction is "blech" but they grow on you... like a mold or mildew...
 tinypriest wrote:

"Less" bad grammar and "fewer" incidents of "I" instead of "me"! More WORD NERDS, "you're" correct; "your" point of view is "good". "Well" done!



The reason lyricist use "i" is not because they don't know grammar. It's because it's easier to hit the high notes.
 petersteward wrote:

It's fewer cities NOT less. Words fail me. 




Then don't use them.
 mbolch30307 wrote:


I just change "less" to "fewer" in my head when I sing it loudly. Also, "I" for "me" (or vice versa), because songwriters frequently get that one wrong, too.  WORD NERDS UNITE!!

"Less" bad grammar and "fewer" incidents of "I" instead of "me"! More WORD NERDS, "you're" correct; "your" point of view is "good". "Well" done!
 Proclivities wrote:


That would change the meter though.
 

I just change "less" to "fewer" in my head when I sing it loudly. Also, "I" for "me" (or vice versa), because songwriters frequently get that one wrong, too.  WORD NERDS UNITE!!
So apt now in times of Corona - less cities.....
All of these prophetic songs hidden by poppy electronica that no one has paid much attention to. Cy Curnin new what was going down.
 photolew wrote:


Gezellig!!!
YES IT DID........ {#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}
 

 naturalinferior wrote:
Pazzat wrote:
Thank you. I was worried that I was the only pedant on here. 'Fewer' would still scan, so it must have been ignorance on their part. I refuse to go to supermarket express checkouts that are for 'Six items or less' on the same grounds; and I would never eat something that claimed to have 'less fat and less calories' in it. Maybe pedantry can go to far...
I realize that you're probably just being silly, but: If strict rules of grammar were applied to poetry or lyrics, the result would be...well pedantic and boring. Music is more about emotion, less about minute formal details. (As far as the supermarket goes, that's just plain neurotic.)
 
B*llshit. Poetry doesn't break rules of grammar, only of structure. And so it's "fewer", not "less", in this case, even if you decide to call it poetry.


 cely wrote:
This is a stealth conservative message.  
 
How so?
One of the most underrated bands of the 80s, and one of the few whose music is still listenable.
This is a stealth conservative message.  
Is this city still alive?
File:20190616154621!Echo Park Lake with Downtown Los Angeles Skyline.jpg
They are a really good band to turn up LOUD on a nice stereo system.  Their songs "ring" through a tweeter and thump the bass too.
 cmactavish wrote:
I think The Fixx were way underrated in their day.  Brilliant song writing 
 
And very tight performance. I loved seeing them live and dancing the whole show. They're upbeat.


 petersteward wrote:
It's fewer cities NOT less. Words fail me. 
 Okay Stannis

I think The Fixx were way underrated in their day.  Brilliant song writing 
 Proclivities wrote:


That would change the meter though.
 

Exactly. Artistic Freedom, I guess?
 petersteward wrote:
It's fewer cities NOT less. Words fail me. 
 

That would change the meter though.
It's fewer cities NOT less. Words fail me. 
Always think this is Oingo Boingo with an new vocalist...
 grogg wrote:
Really hit the spot today.

8 -> 9
 


YES IT DID........ {#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}
Really hit the spot today.

8 -> 9
The Fixx is touring this year, playing the entire Reach the Beach album for its 35th anniversary.
Line-up
these guys were/ are  great   they had a bunch great songs   built for the future  saved by zero  red skies how much is enough < when your soul is empty >  and this one that deserves better then 6.6 so to balance it out i'm giving it a 9  peace
Reminds me of Tusk beat/sound.
 maryte wrote:
Looking forward to seeing them perform at a lovely small venue in Austin next month!

 
Hi there....I was at 3Ten too!   Great to see original band still intact...
 maryte wrote:
Looking forward to seeing them perform at a lovely small venue in Austin next month!

 
Same here, but mine is in Poughkeepsie NY!


Looking forward to seeing them perform at a lovely small venue in Austin next month!
 rpdevotee wrote:
Saw The Fixx a few months back at a small club in my town with about 50 people.  Amazing show.  Cy really entertained beyond just singing.  The band had a lot of character and played really well.  These guys are still out there...if you have the chance check them out! 

 
I highly recommend their recent release "Beautiful Friction". Very current sound yet still maintaining their character. Strong songwriting and great playing. Cy still excellent.


I like the fast Ritthem of The song
Terrific sound...
Saw The Fixx a few months back at a small club in my town with about 50 people.  Amazing show.  Cy really entertained beyond just singing.  The band had a lot of character and played really well.  These guys are still out there...if you have the chance check them out! 
Definitive a 10!
A 10 as no 12 available {#Dancingbanana}
Amazing sound on the new Beta Player; Congrats and Thanks, Bill & RP! This is one hell of a song; apropos and way ahead of its time
 jhorton wrote:
For some reason, I rolled up a hundred dollar bill while listening to this song.....

 
{#Roflol}
Nine, if only for the nostalgia.
For some reason, I rolled up a hundred dollar bill while listening to this song.....
Fewer. And for that reason it's a 1
One of the best bands of the '80s. And still going strong in the 21st century!
{#Dancingbanana}
I can easly see this as a Police's song.
Unlike most Fixx music, this song has held up extraordinarily well. Didn't see that coming.
That should, of course, be "Fewer cities".

Still love The Fixx though 
 Baketown wrote:

When I hear this song I think of the old People Movers ride at Disneyland,  lol !



 
YES! That's exactly the image that comes to mind, but the one at Disney World:).
Oh yeah, more from the Fixx, Bill.
Oh Bill you are too clever.....the last song certainly reminded me of this band....we are often on the exact same wave length!
( last song was Perry FarrellSong Yet To Be Sung)
Nice segue.
Such a nice song, good memories, good beat, simple yet effective.

And their name is somewhat similar to The Cure............ ;-)

When I hear this song I think of the old People Movers ride at Disneyland,  lol !


 FrankMc wrote:
The grammarian in me laments that they didn't say "Fewer Cities More Moving People." Great song but a regrettable new addition to a handful of really good songs I have trouble listening to because of grammatical issues.

 
Agreed! My number one pet peeve...{#Naughty}
that's uncanny...the similarities between this and Farrell's Song Yet To Be Sung
Oingo Boing-ish—of its time. Still, very, very good. Great band.
 dejapete wrote:
The B side of "Less Cities" was "Deeper and Deeper", a way more listenable song. It's faster, with a good rock beat. You should play that one instead. Better yet. Play a track from the new Fixx album, Beautiful Friction. It's incredibly good.
 
Beautiful Friction is an amazing effort from The Fixx.  Very surprised it hasn't shown up on RP yet?
The B side of "Less Cities" was "Deeper and Deeper", a way more listenable song. It's faster, with a good rock beat. You should play that one instead. Better yet. Play a track from the new Fixx album, Beautiful Friction. It's incredibly good.
My thoughts exactly!  It joins the ranks of songs that should have been:

"Daddy doesn't live in that New York City anymore"
"If you love someone, set him or her free"
"I cannot obtain any satisfaction"


 
FrankMc wrote:
The grammarian in me laments that they didn't say "Fewer Cities More Moving People." Great song but a regrettable new addition to a handful of really good songs I have trouble listening to because of grammatical issues.
 


I agree with the sentiment of this tune. Lyrics speak rather loudly. Too bad the tune is a bit clumsy.
 Jive wrote:
I was thinking of this song as I was listening to the Perry Farrell number that preceded it.
 
Now you have to wonder if you were thinking of this song because the two are related in some deep and fundamental way, or you have just heard this song after that one on the playlist several times before and stored that in your subconscious.  I often find that I know the next song without realizing it.
The grammarian in me laments that they didn't say "Fewer Cities More Moving People." Great song but a regrettable new addition to a handful of really good songs I have trouble listening to because of grammatical issues.
 tomfchzboi wrote:
I love the whole Phantoms album! Thanks Bill for playing! Feel free to play more stuff from the Fixx!

 
I agree with that!  The Fixx was one of my Top Ten favorite bands in the 80's - love them - seen them 2x in concert and met the guys after one of the shows.

Whoa, serious flashback to high school.  Driving around in my stepmother's enormous Pontiac.  Yes, I was that dork rock loser kid..

{#Dancingbanana}
 smackiepipe wrote:
Lay that tinny-metalic production blame at Rubert Hine's feet. A lot of his 80s stuff had that shrill high end.
 
Maybe, but Rubert Hine was an amazing producer/arranger.

{#Bananajam}
Seems to have a little Oingo Boingo  'Dead Man's Party'  to it

I had this album as a kid and I always wondered: Is that a nipple on the cover? A pale Hershey's Kiss? A dollop of peach yogurt? What IS that? Oh yeah, I loved this band — still do. Their music always seemed darker than the usual '80s stuff.
I was thinking of this song as I was listening to the Perry Farrell number that preceded it.

Lay that tinny-metalic production blame at Rubert Hine's feet. A lot of his 80s stuff had that shrill high end.
 ziakut wrote:
I like this tune...but it doesn't hold it's age too well. It's kinda disjointed. Not arranged particularly well in my opinion.  Never really liked their production either. 
 
Agreed. I liked this band at the time. I went to see them live in the mid-eighties, but their stuff just hasn't withstood the test of time.

I like this tune...but it doesn't hold it's age too well. It's kinda disjointed. Not arranged particularly well in my opinion.  Never really liked their production either. 
I love the whole Phantoms album! Thanks Bill for playing! Feel free to play more stuff from the Fixx!

Excellent blast from my past.
What a great song to follow Tusk! Bill, keep on showing us the light! {#Sunny}

Reach the, er...Beach. It was..a good...er, nevermind. {#Headache}
 CaptTofu wrote:
 I loved this song, and have never heard it played on the radio, ever. Until Radio Paradise.
 
Me too. I was a big Fixx fan. Reach the Beach!!


I love this Album. I have the cassette in my basement in a box that I bought back in the 80s in high school. I loved this song, and have never heard it played on the radio, ever. Until Radio Paradise.
 LastChance wrote:

I agree! More Fixx!

 
Me, too! Reach the Beach!! {#Dancingbanana_2}
 Cruzan wrote:
Brilliant Mix from the end of TUSK to the beginning of this..........
I got it.
Well done.

Keep up the good work!

{#Drummer}
 
Couldn't agree more thought I was at the club the way those two melded togther...   {#Notworthy}
btw,
how about adding RED SKIES to the playlist?

Brilliant Mix from the end of TUSK to the beginning of this..........
I got it.
Well done.

btw, this weekend I met friend of a friend who lives in Dallas and has a small record company. he is an RP listener too

Keep up the good work!

{#Drummer}
A nice segue from this would be Peter Schilling's Major Tom.

Chicka, chicka, bomp, chicka, chicka, bomp ...

 htowncoog wrote:

Yes please, more of The Fixx!

 
I agree! More Fixx!

 JoBo wrote:
Bill:  Nice segue from Fleetwood Mac - Tusk!!  The Fixx has been a favorite of mine from way back when.  May we hear more Fixx?
 
Yes please, more of The Fixx!

Bill:  Nice segue from Fleetwood Mac - Tusk!!  The Fixx has been a favorite of mine from way back when.  May we hear more Fixx?
I always liked this tune...groovy..
 scraig wrote:
What ever happened to these guys...they couldn't have been more on top of the world in the 80s.
 
...i'm not sure, but i hear show of hands when i listen to this...
 Darkmatter wrote:
The song might be quite forgettable, but the segue from "Tusk" was nothing but fantastic!
 
I concur.

What ever happened to these guys...they couldn't have been more on top of the world in the 80s.
Nice to hear more lesser known Fixx.
Nice one! {#Dancingbanana}

So what's the concensus?

More cities less moving people?
had to come by and give some love for The Fixx
AndyFarang wrote:

Or maybe even "too" far....ahem.....
Sorry!


Pazzat wrote:
Maybe pedantry can go to far...
Or maybe even "too" far....ahem.....
The song might be quite forgettable, but the segue from "Tusk" was nothing but fantastic!
Pazzat wrote:
Thank you. I was worried that I was the only pedant on here. 'Fewer' would still scan, so it must have been ignorance on their part. I refuse to go to supermarket express checkouts that are for 'Six items or less' on the same grounds; and I would never eat something that claimed to have 'less fat and less calories' in it. Maybe pedantry can go to far...
I realize that you're probably just being silly, but: If strict rules of grammar were applied to poetry or lyrics, the result would be...well pedantic and boring. Music is more about emotion, less about minute formal details. (As far as the supermarket goes, that's just plain neurotic.)
Roverfish wrote:
Anyone hear "Tusk" in the background bassline and percussion? I'm probably losing it...
Well, I guess if I were losing my mind, I'd have the talented Bill alongside me to spin the tunes. Still a pretty good tune. Thanks for the segue.
kephra wrote:
Fewer cities. Not less. Fewer for things you can count. Fixx it, dammit.
Thank you. I was worried that I was the only pedant on here. 'Fewer' would still scan, so it must have been ignorance on their part. I refuse to go to supermarket express checkouts that are for 'Six items or less' on the same grounds; and I would never eat something that claimed to have 'less fat and less calories' in it. Maybe pedantry can go to far...