2 November 1962
Telstar was the first communications satellite, enabling live TV links and transmissions from around the world. I’m not sure how much use Irish broadcasters made of it in 1962, but there it was in the sky over Ireland, replacing God.
‘Telstar’ as a record is futuristic too – up to a point. It’s essentially the work of pioneering English producer Joe Meek, who gives it all manner of sci-fi-sounding electronic effects. The electronica still sounds intriguing. Unfortunately, the track itself is more like the instrumental theme for a ’50s US western, all galloping rhythm and end-of-the-pier organ melody. It means ‘Telstar’ has aged badly; if only Meek had thought of writing a pioneering tune to match.
The guitarist with The Tornados (who billed themselves in the US as The Tornadoes) was George Bellamy, father of Muse singer-guitarist Matt Bellamy who has a similar sci-fi slant to his band’s alt-prog. So, much as Ottawan’s ‘D.I.S.C.O’ and ‘Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)’ enabled Daft Punk, without ‘Telstar’ there may not have been a Muse. Thanks to that satellite in more ways than one: small world.
