Smash Palace – 87 & Video for “Poor Man’s Paradise”
The album that should have followed their 1985 debut. The new single “Poor Man’s Paradise” now has an epic video full of myth, fable & fire.
Something extraordinary has finally come to light: Smash Palace’s long-lost follow-up to their 1985 debut, resurrected in 2025. The album is called 87, and today we’re pleased to debut the official video for the second single, “Poor Man’s Paradise.”
THINK LIKE A KEY MUSIC
A Return to the Road Not Taken
Back in 1986-87, Smash Palace had a full album ready to go — but circumstances in the record world derailed its release. Decades later, the Butler brothers and the original lineup decided to complete that story. 87 combines five re-recorded tracks done fresh by the classic lineup with five raw, unreleased demos from 1987 — creating a bridge between where Smash Palace began and everything they’ve become.
This isn’t just archival dust — it’s power pop, jangle, and melodic rock infused with sentiment, maturity, and reconstruction. The vocal melodies cut. The guitar hooks linger. And those demos deliver the skeletal bones of what might have been.
🎬 “Poor Man’s Paradise” — Video Premiere
We’re proud to unveil the official video for Poor Man’s Paradise, the second single off 87. Conceptualized and delivered in collaboration with Brian Butler, the visuals lean into fable, myth, and bold symbolism.
Brian had this to say about the video:
With echoes of biblical themes, Botticelli paintings, medieval knighthood and even Frankenstein, the video for “Poor Man’s Paradise” is as bold and imaginative as the song itself.
Formats, Release & Pre-Order Info
- 87 comes in a 6-panel digipak with collectible obi-strip.
- A limited 140g black vinyl edition (100 copies worldwide) is also part of the release plan.
- Street date: October 10th, 2025.
- Album tracklist (a):
- Bitter Blue
- I’ll Be There
- Poor Man’s Paradise
- Top of the World
- Everything Under the Sun
- Along for the Ride
- Centipede
- Stranger Than Strange
- First Time for Everything
- Imaginary Lines
🎟 Release Show
To celebrate the release of 87, Smash Palace will perform the album live in full — alongside favorites from across their career — with the original lineup.
📅 October 17, 2025
📍 The Union Firehouse, Mount Holly, NJ
🎟 Tickets: $15 advance / $20 at the door
