🔘 Sushi Girl – Single: Oct. 1981

Label: Capitol Records

Catalogue Number: CL 219

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Released: October 9, 1981 (UK)

A surreal, satirical new‑wave bite — backed with the darker, narrative‑driven Mr. Hate.

Issued on Capitol, the single was a UK‑only release promoting The Completion Backward Principle.

🔘 Overview

Sushi Girl was released on October 9, 1981 as a UK‑only 7" single on Capitol Records (CL 219). Drawn from The Tubes’ sixth studio album, The Completion Backward Principle, the track showcased the band’s eccentric new‑wave sensibility, blending quirky melodies with satirical lyrics that poked fun at exotic romance, consumer culture, and glossy ’80s excess.

The B‑side, Mr. Hate, also from the album, offered a darker, character‑driven contrast. Produced by David Foster, both tracks reflected the band’s shift toward a slicker, radio‑friendly sound while retaining their trademark theatrical edge.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — CL 219

A. Sushi Girl

B. Mr. Hate

Written by: The Tubes

Produced by: David Foster

🔘 Release Details

Label: Capitol Records

Formats: 7" Vinyl

Country: UK (exclusive release)

Year: 1981

Notes:

- UK‑only single

- From The Completion Backward Principle

- Produced by David Foster

- Satirical, new‑wave‑leaning A‑side

- Standard Capitol company sleeve

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Capitol – CL 219 (1981)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Paper Label)

Variant 2

UK – Capitol – CL 219 (1981)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Injection‑moulded label)

🔘 Chart Data

Peak Position: UK — No Chart Entry

Weeks on Chart: —

Chart Notes:

- No documented UK chart activity

- No international releases

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

A polished, Foster‑produced new‑wave track — tight rhythms, bright synth accents, and satirical lyrical flair.

Collector Notes

UK‑only issue makes CL 219 a desirable item for Tubes collectors. Paper‑label copies are preferred.

Legacy

A cult favourite from the band’s early‑’80s period — playful, eccentric, and quintessentially Tubes.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

Don’t Want to Wait Anymore (1981)

Next Single

Talk to Ya Later (1981)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Sushi Girl — 1981

Mr. Hate — 1981

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

Oct. 9, 1981 — UK‑only single released

🔘 Glam Flashback

The Tubes go neon‑surreal — quirky hooks, sharp satire, and new‑wave sheen.

🔘 Tags

#TheTubes #SushiGirl #1981 #CapitolRecords #NewWave #DavidFoster #CompletionBackwardPrinciple #VinylArchive #SingleChronicle

🔘 Sources

Capitol Records

Discogs

Contemporary music‑press documentation

The Tubes archival references