Archive for June, 2016

Cassell Webb- Llano LP/CD

Posted in 1980s, 1986, adrian borland, cassell webb, ethereal, the sound, uk on June 14, 2016 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve had this LP for YEARS- picked it up on a whim when I was carpet bombing Academy Records’ old Williamsburg location every other week. I recall liking it ok, but it took until yet another vinyl purge to rediscover it and finally appreciate it. Better late than never, I suppose!

Anecdotes aside, this is the first LP from Cassell Webb, released in 1986 on both New Rose and Statik Records, respectively. The sounds here are definitely moody and ethereal, quite delicate in some spots, but also not without its post-punk charms. Upon re-listening, I found touches of Fleetwood Mac and Area to be found throughout. Most notably for some readers, this record was a collaboration with Adrian Borland of The Sound, complete with guitar work, backing vocals, and even a cover of “Total Recall” from Heads and Hearts. Pretty cool!

Unlike most of the records featured here, this album was released on CD in 1988, which is the version I’ve uploaded here. That said, I much prefer the spacious LP cover… Either way you slice it, hope you folks enjoy!

Cassell Webb- Llano LP/CD
1. Llano
2. Voices to Rivers
3. In Arcadia
4. Every Time I Get Around You
5. Total Recall
6. Gypsy Solitaire
7. Wandering Ones
8. When the Rain Stops Falling

*download it here*

One Life- The Crowning 12”

Posted in 12'', 1980s, 1988, boston, goth, goth-rock, post-punk, US on June 2, 2016 by Frankie Teardrop

Quick and dirty- both this post and the sound of this record. Released on Beautiful Sounds and based in the Boston area, One Life put out but one 12” of raw, incisive post-punk in 1988, and were never heard from again. Definitely recommended for fans of the first Choir Invisible LP, The Blessing, and The Bolshoi. As for larger touchstones, some major Psychedelic Furs overtones- as if Richard Butler lived in LA in 1985 as far as the title track is concerned. Funny though, as the vocals are a bit less monotone on the other tracks.

Your mileage may vary with the extended remix that kicks off this 12”, but otherwise, I can’t recommend this one enough! Many thanks to Goutroy and Glenn for turning me on to this one.

One Life- The Crowning 12”
1. The Crowning (Extended Mix)
2. The Crowning
3. Never Sleep Again
4. Fate
5. Holy Grace

*download it here*