Touch, Noiseworks

Artist: Noiseworks Title: Touch Album Type: Second Studio Album (Original Vinyl Release) Original Release Date: November 11, 1988 Label: CBS Records (Catalog: 463115 1) Genre: Rock / Pop Rock / Pub Rock

Background & Production Following the triple-platinum success of their debut, Noiseworks returned with Touch, an album that signaled a shift toward a more organic, "down-to-earth" Australian rock sound. Produced by Chris Kimsey (renowned for his work with The Rolling Stones and Marillion), the album was recorded primarily at Rhinoceros Studios in Sydney. While their debut was heavily laden with 80s keyboard gloss, Touch leaned into acoustic textures and more complex arrangements. The record was a massive hit in Australia, debuting at #5 on the ARIA charts and further establishing Jon Stevens as one of the country's premier rock vocalists.

Musical Composition & Style The album perfectly balances the grit of the Australian pub rock circuit with polished, anthemic pop sensibilities.

• Major Hits: Includes the Title Track "Touch," "Voice of Reason," "Simple Man," and "In My Youth."

• Sonic Evolution: Fans and critics often note that while the singles are radio-friendly, deeper tracks like "Home" and "Live and Die" showcase a more soulful, blues-inflected side of the band.

• Vocal Range: Jon Stevens’ performance on this record is a standout, ranging from the aggressive rasp of "Simple Man" to the emotive, melodic delivery on the power ballad "Voice of Reason."

• Personnel: Features the classic lineup: Jon Stevens (Vocals), Stuart Fraser (Guitar), Steve Balbi (Bass), Justin Stanley (Keyboards/Harp), and Kevin Nicol (Drums).

Original Pressing & Collector Notes The 1988 original Australian vinyl is widely considered the superior way to hear this album, as the initial CD release was famously criticized for its flat, "muddy" sound.

• Identification: The original Australian pressing features the CBS label with the catalog number 463115 1. Most copies were issued in a high-quality gatefold sleeve.

• DMM Mastering: Many copies (including the UK Epic release) were mastered using Direct Metal Mastering (DMM), resulting in a very crisp high-end and detailed percussion. Look for "DMM" etched in the runout (dead wax).

• The "Allan Parsons" Etching: Original Australian copies often feature the initials "AP" in the runout, indicating it was etched by engineer Allan Parsons at EMI Studios 301.

• Packaging: The gatefold features photography by Wendy McDougall and stylized artwork by Flash Graphics. Some early copies were issued with hype stickers listing the hit singles on the front sleeve.

• Market Rarity: While reasonably common in Australia, finding a copy with the gatefold in "Near Mint" condition is the goal, as the dark cover art is prone to visible ring wear and edge chipping.

• Keywords: Noiseworks, Touch, Original Pressing, 1988 Vinyl, CBS 463115 1, Jon Stevens, Australian Rock, Pub Rock, Gatefold, Voice of Reason.

• Collection Ideas: 80s Australian Rock, Pub Rock Legends, Essential Sophomores, Gatefold Classics.

• Related Artists: INXS, Jimmy Barnes, Midnight Oil, The Angels, Dragon, 1927.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve