Tarmac Group mixed concrete, asphalt and contracting businesses in the United Kingdom. Projects undertaken by or involving Tarmac Construction prior to demerger of that business in 1999 included the Preston Bypass completed in 1958, the St Albans Bypass completed in 1960, the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel in Egypt completed in 1981, the Thames Barrier, the Joint European Torus and Drax Power Station all completed in 1984, the Merry Hill Shopping Centre completed in 1985, the Albert Dock refurbishment completed in 1988, the Conwy Road Tunnel completed in 1991, the Channel Tunnel completed in 1994, the Medway Road Tunnel completed in 1996, the Swindon
The Fine Art of Surfacing around America leading up to "The Fine Art of Surfacing", drumming up publicity for the band in the States. During this time the Rats learned much about both American life and breaking into the American music market. This is a recurring theme on the album, sometimes taking a serious approach in looking at American society, in songs like "I Don't Like Mondays" and "Diamond Smiles," while other times looking at it in a downright silly and mocking manner in songs like "Nothing Happened Today" and "Having My Picture Taken," the album takes aim at 1979 life in classic punk style.