Archive for the 1980s Category

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Berlin- The Metro 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, berlin, LA, los angeles, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop, US on May 3, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Stick with me on this one folks. Any fan of new wave should already be familiar with Berlin, the Los Angeles based band led by Terri Nun and John Crawford. If you are unfamiliar with the band, please direct your attention here. While it’s their later ballads and more commercial wave tracks that seem to be remembered, it’s prudent to note that the band’s first few releases were fantastic and rare entries to the US minimal synth scene. Information, the band’s first LP, was the closest thing to Ultravox in the west coast scene, while songs like “The Metro” and “Sex (I’m A)” from 1982’s Pleasure Victim were fast paced, sexually driven synth tracks that still remain classics to date. It’s the kind of sound also explored on the SSQ LP, another personal favorite female-led new wave smash. Fun fact: Both Berlin and Q/SSQ shared labels throughout their tenure, and Jon St. James of the latter outfit is credited as an engineer for Berlin’s Pleasure Victim LP. Incestuous!

I had originally purchased this 1981 issue of The Metro to DJ, not just for the foxy picture of Terri Nun on the back, but also figuring it’s far easier to pack a 7” than a 12”. When it comes to wax, real estate is key, so it just made sense to purchase, spatially. Just yesterday, I needed a fix for “Tell Me Why” and went for Youtube, only to be presented with a much more raw and driving mix than I remembered. Lo and behold, it’s the same version on this 7”, released a year before the EP cut! A little bit of research quickly told me that this Berlin single I purchased ages ago was actually quite the rarity in their catalog, as both tracks appear in an earlier form. The differences are most notable in “Tell Me Why,” though “The Metro” also features a different intro and what seems to be a different drum track. Either way, I’m happy to include this single here, and hope you kids enjoy it!

Berlin- The Metro 7”
1. The Metro
2. Tell Me Why

*download it here* (re-ripped 5.30.13)

Also, for those who want to try to own this obscurity, there are currently a few copies for sale via discogs. Buyer beware, wink wink!

15 Comments »

U.K. Viva- Mr. Mystery 7”

Posted in 1980, 1980s, minimal, minimal synth, u.k. viva, uk on May 2, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a driving minimal synth single from 1980. A little bit of Buzzcocks/Undertones sound underneath all the electronics, kind of representative of the shift from punk to new wave, so fans of early 1980s synth should find this one to be a real treat.

You may have heard the b-side track on the New Wave Complex series, but the a-side is the standout, at least to my ears. This is the band’s lone release, though another version of the single exists under the name Viva. Likely that there was another band with the same name, so they added the U.K. bit in to differentiate (also see bands like The Chameleons and Charlatans for this sort of treatment). The original Viva 7” was released on Square records, home to an early Aerial FX release, another thematic touchstone for this track. The U.K. Viva edition appeared on Line records, known for pressings of Iggy Pop, Nico, and Smiths singles.

U.K. Viva- Mr. Mystery 7”
1. Mr. Mystery
2. Radio Saviour

*download it here*

1 Comment »

Popular Science- Out of This World 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, popular science, US on April 26, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a 7” I scored in a local dollar bin, hidden among a series of lesser singles. This record hails from the US, was released in 1983, and features a minimal synth sound combined with the male/female vocal melodies of X. A curious, but successful blend, especially on the A-side.

While I was able to track down the cover via Ebay, my particular copy of this single came without. Just an unassuming paper sleeve with the record tucked neatly inside, nothing to catch the eye and hint at the gem inside. Sometimes, these are the best treasures to be found…

There seems to be a full length LP from the band, released in 1981. I’m not sure it’s the same band, since I haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, though the time period and country seem suspect. You can check it out here or here. However, while it seems likely that it’s the same band, I’m still not convinced. All signs point to Austin, TX for this 7”, while the LP was recorded in Rosendale, NY (not too far from where I grew up). If anyone can shed some light on this one, please do! Otherwise, enjoy!

Popular Science- Out of This World 7”
1. Out of This World
2. When Science Came To Town

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Wet- That’s The Game (Continental Megamix) 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, Belgian, buzz records, new wave, synthpop, wet on April 21, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a killer 12” I picked up in Chicago this past weekend. Shameless synthpop grooves ripe for the dancefloor here- three versions of the same track. The A-side is the club favorite, though those inclined towards instrumental mixes will find two on the flip.

This particular 12” dates back to 1984 (the original version of the track from 1983), and is the first of three from this Belgian duo. Jan Van Den Bergh would achieve success as a major techno/house mixer, as well as the head of the highly influential Buzz label, a mysterious label who released several groundbreaking Detroit techno records in an overseas market.

This particular track should feel right at home for fans of Few Boys, Nightmoves, and any darker tinged italo (Amin-Peck/Fockewolf 190 etc.) Here’s the information:

Wet- That’s The Game (Continental Mega Mix) 12”
1. That’s The Game (Continental Mega Mix)
2. That’s The Game (Instrumental)
3. That’s The Game (Instrumental)

*download it here*

There’s also a 7 minute version of the track kicking around on a 12”, released around the same time. The b-side is the same (though the original 12” lists the second instrumental here as the “Dynamic Mix”), while the a-side appears in its original, non-remixed form. I believe that version has been uploaded here, so check it if you want the complete experience!

1 Comment »

John Costello- Halflife K7

Posted in 1980s, 1989, ambient, cassette, john costello, k7, minimal, minimal synth, network 23, remote viewing, remote viewing vol. 2 on April 19, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

I have a few posts in line that go hand in hand with the Remote Viewing cassette posted a few weeks back. The first of such posts is the second tape from John Costello, one of the standouts from that compilation. His track “Gormenghast,” which was recorded live in Cardiff, also appears on the b-side to this cassette, alongside two other performances from that particular show. The a-side features lengthy tributes to popular horror scores. Either way, you can expect the same great synth work and haunting atmosphere on both sides. Here’s the information:

John Costello- Halflife K7
1. Halloween Suite
2. Texas Chainsaw
3. Flame Patterns
4. Surface Tension
5. Gormenghast

*download it here*

John Costello is still making a plethora of music, spanning several electronic styles. You can check out some of his current work via Myspace.

Also, for those interested, there are some great live videos from the infamous Cardiff concert (March 18th, 1989) available via Costello’s YouTube channel. Click here to check ’em out (scroll down the upload list to view the performances), and expect some more goodies from the Network 23 crew to follow. I’d also like to thank both John Costello and label head Kevin O’Neill for all the info, support, and generosity over the past few weeks!

7 Comments »

Data 3- Heartful of Soul 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, canadian, new wave, synth, synthpop on April 13, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a tasty synthpop single from 1984. This is the band’s only release, a three piece female fronted group from Canada who remind me a bit of The Flirts crossed with The Bangles. Pure dancefloor energy on both tracks, though I tend to favor the A-side (which is a clever rendition of The Yardbirds classic). The 12” was issued via Telescope Records, while a 7” was released in Europe via Dureco Benelux, which features slightly shorter mixes.

This one has been on constant loop since discovering it, and it can still be had for reasonable prices if you know where to look! Not much more I can say about this one, other than: ENJOY!

Data 3- Heartful of Soul 12”
1. Heartful of Soul
2. Who’s That?

*download it here* (re-ripped 4.17.17)

6 Comments »

Ahab- Party Girl 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, chicken jazz, minimal, minimal synth, uk on April 11, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a 7” from the UK that I can’t seem to get enough of lately. Virtually no info to be had out there on the web, but I do know this record dropped in 1981 via Chicken Jazz, who released several records by The Waterboys. The cover looks a little reminiscent of A-ha’s “Take On Me” video, but the styles are quite different. Here we have what seems to be two one-man minimal synth tracks. The a-side has a bit of a Felt/Eyeless in Gaza-esque vibe to it (a sound I very much enjoy), and features lyrics I’m sure everyone can relate to. The second track (a cover of a classic 70s ballad) is a bit more driving, but still has a bit of sadness behind the uptempo melody. All in all, an excellent obscurity to kick off your week!

Ahab- Party Girl 7”
1. Party Girl
2. Don’t Give Up On Us

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 6.4.13)

11 Comments »

Monty Cantsin- Ahora Neoismus LP

Posted in 1980s, 1988, ebm, monty cantsin, neoism, neoist, new wave on April 6, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

I have to admit, I always have fantasies of finding extremely rare and valuable records tossed away in the dollar bins. I’ve had my fair share of luck over the years, as I’m sure many have as well, but today’s post was an unexpected gem, unearthed from one of my favorite record shops here in New York City. I have seldom seen a copy of this one for sale, and it’s usually expensive when it creeps up.

This LP has been on my radar for ages, as I’ve only heard two tracks from this artist. One earlier track from the debut 12” can be found on Nick’s excellent VA comp, and I included an alternate version of a track from this LP on one of my own.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of Monty Cantsin, the original artist (who I believe was Canadian) was a firm believer in Neoism, a musical practice with a highly underground philosophy. The original artist in question encourages any and all to perform under the same moniker, and many have. You can read more about Neosim here, and read more of the history of Monty Cantsin here.

This LP comes with this message among the credits:

We encourage you to copy, reproduce, and spread these songs and ideas by any possible means. Call yourself Monty Cantsin. Do everything in the name of Neoism.

Neoists live to initiate revolution and to find Akademgorod, the Promised Land of Neoism. In this land, all mechanisms of logic are broken, control is impossible. The Great Confusion rules.

The basis of Neoism is, was, and always will be the song.

March 24th is international Neoist Day

As for the music, this LP has quite a lot going for it. Aside from being a springboard for Neoist ideas, full of rhetoric, this LP toys with an experimental sound with hints of EBM and minimal synth scattered throughout. Can’t really put my finger on this LP, but I do know I enjoy it very much! Here’s the information:

Monty Cantisn- Ahora Neoismus LP
1. I Am Monty Cantsin
2. I Believe In Neoism
3. Every 6 Minutes
4. My Blood Keeps Flowing
5. In The Swamp Of Neoism
6. Mass Media
7. Love And Joy
8. Headquarters
9. Long Live Neoism
10. Gloria Victoribus

*download it here*

4 Comments »

Francis Martin- Modern Times LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, alan shearer, francis martin, french, instrumental, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop on March 31, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Let’s keep it rolling, shall we? Here’s an LP from 1984, very very much in the same vein as Alan Shearer. In fact, there’s a little bet amongst us bloggers that this very well may be Shearer, operating under a pseudonym for a major label release. There’s no overwhelming evidence that proves this, but the synth and drum machine sounds are near identical, as is the style of the LP. However, this one comes from France, so who knows for sure?

All tracks are instrumental, with tons of great minimal synth grooves contained within. Definitely a real gem. Loving the cover on this one, which makes it seem like a classical record at first glance, but glad those tags are on the side to set the story straight!

Anyway, if anyone DOES know the story behind this one, I’d sure love to hear it!

Francis Martin- Modern Times LP
1. Step By Step
2. Tea Break
3. Swinging Pool
4. Sports & City I
5. Sports & City II
6. Techno Tribe
7. Black Zone
8. Cold March
9. Anywhere Beyond
10. Between Two World

*download it here*

1 Comment »

Neuland- Neuland LP

Posted in 1980s, 1982, german, NDW, neuland, new wave, synthpop on March 30, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s an interesting German LP from 1982. A curious mix of styles all sit together on this one- including italo-ish vibes, synthpop jams, NDW weirdness, and even a little 70s a.m. gold. Some tracks are naturally a little more interesting than others, but the LP is not without its merits. “Gehirnamputiert” is a clear standout, ripe for a little dancefloor action. “Sympathie” sounds as if it features a bassline from the late, great Mick Karn, and “Zukunftsvisionen” could easily feel at home on one of the Sequins and Spandex compilations. Your mileage may vary, so I’ll leave it for you to decide:

Neuland- Neuland LP
1. Supermarkt
2. Maskenball
3. Eile Mit Weile
4. Gehirnamputiert
5. Unendlichkeit
6. Vampir
7. 39,9
8. Zukunftsvisionen
9. Sympathie
10. Neuland

*download it here*

6 Comments »

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