U.S.U.R.A.

U.S.U.R.A.
Origin Brescia, Italy
Genres Eurodance
Electronica
Rave
Dance-pop
Years active 1991–1998
Associated acts Datura
Past members Claudio Varola
Michele Comis
Elisa Spreafichi

U.S.U.R.A. was an Italian electronic dance music group active from 1991-1998, best known for their cross over hit "Open your Mind".[1]

History

U.S.U.R.A. was started by Time Records owner Giacomo Maiolini, producers Walter Cremonini and Alessandro Gilardi. The name is derived from that of Maiolini's mother, Ursula. The group is best known for the 1992-93 hit single (and later album) "Open Your Mind", featuring a dialog sample from the film Total Recall and incorporating sampled elements from the Simple Minds song "New Gold Dream" from 1982. Its video morphs the faces of Ronald Reagan, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Ian Paisley, Margaret Thatcher, Richard Nixon, Mary Whitehouse, and Joe McCarthy.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
ITA
[2]
AUS AUT IRE NED SUI SWE UK
[3]
1992 "Open Your Mind" 2 29 3 6 5 3 19 7 Open Your Mind
1993 "Sweat" 4 48 9 10 22 29
"Tear It Up" 3
1994 "Drive Me Crazy" 8 30
1995 "Infinity" 2 Singles only
"The Spaceman" 5
1996 "Flying High" 14
"In The Bush" 20
1997 "Open Your Mind '97" 19 34 21
1998 "Trance Emotions"

References

  1. See New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)
  2. "Hit Parade Italia - Indice per Interprete: U". Hit Parade Italia. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  3. "Chart Stats - USURA". chartstats.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-19. Retrieved 2009-03-08.