Mars Needs Guitars!  by Hoodoo Gurus

After their successful debut, the band returned with a new drummer, Mark Kingsmill, who brought a new, explosive dynamic to their sound. Under the guidance of producer Charles Fisher, they created a blend of garage rock ferocity, power-pop melodies, and a solid dose of psychedelia. The second album, released in 1985, was titled Mars Needs Guitars!

The album is full of "cinematic" references and an ironic attitude towards pop culture. Frontman Dave Faulkner wrote tracks that became classics, such as the emotional Bittersweet and the utterly exhilarating Like Wow – Wipeout!, which became major hits, with the latter reaching No.15 in Australia. The cover, a creation of Richard Allan, is a lively, colorful cartoon depicting the band members. The album title is a playful homage to the 1967 sci-fi movie, Mars Needs Women. The entire aesthetic of the album, from the artwork to the dedications to cult icons like Jonathan Harris (of Lost in Space), reflected the Gurus' love for the kitsch aesthetics of the 60s.

Mars Needs Guitars! was the moment when the band from Sydney found the perfect balance between underground rock and ultimate pop euphoria. Mars Needs Guitars! was not just a good record, but a commercial triumph. It climbed to No.5 on the Australian charts and went 3 times platinum. In the USA, it reached No.140 on the Billboard 200, gaining huge recognition on college radio.