| Mars Needs Guitars! | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | Hoodoo Gurus |
| Cover: | Mars Needs Guitars.jpg |
| Released: | 8 March 1985 |
| Recorded: | 1984 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Length: | 33:35 |
| Label: | Big Time, Chrysalis, Elektra |
| Producer: | Charles Fisher, Hoodoo Gurus |
| Prev Title: | Stoneage Romeos |
| Prev Year: | 1984 |
| Next Title: | Blow Your Cool! |
| Next Year: | 1987 |
Mars Needs Guitars! is Australian rock group Hoodoo Gurus' second album, released in March 1985.[1] The title is a reference to the 1967 science fiction film, Mars Needs Women. Singles from the album were "Bittersweet", "Like Wow – Wipeout", "Death Defying" and "Poison Pen". Mars Needs Guitars! reached No. 140 on the American Billboard 200 albums chart in 1986.
The title track, "Mars Needs Guitars" (also the B-side of "Bittersweet" single), was written by all five Gurus[2] and lead vocals were by Brad Shepherd. All other tracks were written and featured lead vocals by Dave Faulkner. Hayride to Hell (1995) is a short film written and directed by former Gurus member Kimble Rendall.
In 2000, Dave Faulkner said "When we commenced the sessions for Mars Needs Guitars! we had a brand new drummer, Mark Kingsmill who altered our lives forever with his distinctive explosive style."[3]
In October 2010, it was listed in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums, with their previous album, Stoneage Romeos at No. 28.[4]
Cash Box magazine said "Excellent dynamics and songwriting shine through on nearly every cut."[5]
Credited to:[1]
| Chart (1985/86) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| Australian (Kent Music Report)[6] | 5 | |
| United States (Billboard 200)[7] | 140 |