Archive for the 1980s Category

Richard Bone- The Real Swing 12”

Posted in 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, ambient, currently active, disco, experimental, new wave, richard bone, shox lumania, synthpop on July 20, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a classic early Richard Bone 12” for your listening pleasure. Born in 1952, Bone is considered an influential figure in the New York music scene in the early 1980s, a huge pioneer of electronic music. He began exploring the early art of the synthesizer, driven by the works of Brian Eno and Harold Budd, before moving into more poppier territory. He was also a member of experimental electronic band Shox Lumania in 1981.

A good portion of Richard’s early singles were on Survival Records, the same label that brought you Drinking Electricty, Faith Global, Hard Corps, and Play, to name a few.

Though he ceased to make pop records as of the 1990s, he still creates ambient music to this day. This particular 12” hails from 1984, just a few years into his solo career. Here’s the information.

Richard Bone- The Real Swing 12”
1. The Real Swing (Extended 12″ Re-Mix)
2. The Real Swing (7″ Edit)
3. Heartache History

*download it here*

Oberkampf- Linda 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 2000s, coldwave, french, Oberkampf, post-punk, reformed on July 15, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Just played this track at Wierd last night and got a few responses, so tossing it up as a favor to those interested attendees. Classic French coldwave contained within, released in 1983. It’s one of the band’s earliest releases, preceding a handful of LPs before their inevitable split in 1985. The single version of the title track differs a bit from the LP version, released the same year.

According to a few sources, the band was generally known for their anti-nationalist politics, oftentimes burning the French flag during live performances. As of 2000, the band has reformed, and released an LP in 2003. I believe they’re still together to date, but not sure, as their official website (http://www.oberkampf.net/) won’t load for me… With that in mind, here’s the information for this killer 7”.

Oberkampf- Linda 7”
1. Linda
2. Irréelle

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 7.3.23)

Advanced Art- Scar 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1990s, 1991, advanced art, ebm, finnish, new beat, synthpop on July 12, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a slice of classic EBM for all you heavy-beat nuts. Advanced Art were based in Finland, formed in 1985, and split in the mid-90s, when the early EBM sound shifted focus to heavy metal guitars. The majority of their releases (four singles and two full lengths) explore the classic electro-based sound, so fans of Front 242, A Split-Second, and Nitzer Ebb should definitely enjoy this one. This particular 12” dates back to 1991, and follows two early 7” releases. Here’s the breakdown:

Advanced Art- Scar 12”
1. From Nothing to Nothing
2. Wake Up
3. Tear Open These Scars
4. From Nothing to Nothing (Edit)

*download it here*

Pretty Poison- Laced 12” & Expiration 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, freestyle, new wave, pretty poison, synthpop on July 11, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a pair of early releases by Philadelphia-based new wave band Pretty Poison. Many of you folks may remember this band from the freestyle hit “Catch Me I’m Falling,” but their earlier, less successful releases had a far darker edge, from the gloomy, yet danceable music to the stark black covers featuring gothic imagery. Though these tracks became minor college radio singles, it would take four years and a stylistic re-invention for the band to take off.

This pair of releases dropped in 1983. Dying to hear one of their first releases, a 1982 flexi cover of Tuxedomoon’s “No Tears.” If anyone has that one kicking around, please pass it our way! Otherwise, here’s the information for these two releases.

Pretty Poison- Laced 12”
1. Seal It With a Kiss
2. Let Freedom Ring
3. Expiration
4. Tempest Nightmare

Pretty Poison- Expiration 7”
1. Expiration
2. The Realm of Existence

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED @ 320kbps on 2.15.17)

For curious parties, the two versions of “Expiration” here are completely different. The band would go on to re-record “Let Freedom Ring” for their first full length record in 1987, with a far glossier edge.

Didi und die Herzschrittmacher- Wenn Dein Herz 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, 7'', didi und die herzschrittmacher, flexi disc, german, minimal synth, post-punk on July 8, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a one off 7” by Didi und Die Herzschrittmach, a collaboration between a German post-punk band and an unknown chanteuse. This 1982 flexi-7” is their only known release two killer tracks of upbeat synth-influenced post-punk that sort of walk a fine line between minimal synth and Jacques Brel. You may recognize “Modern” from the Tribute to Flexi-Pop compilations, and while it’s the clear winner here, the A-side is equally catchy and fun. Here’s the info:

Didi und die Herzschrittmacher- Wenn Dein Herz 7”
1. Wenn Dein Herz…
2. Modern

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 11.12.20)

Indochine- L’Aventurier MLP

Posted in 1980s, 1982, currently active, french, Indochine, minimal synth, new wave on July 2, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s something a little more fun and bright for your summer weekend. Here we have the first major release by French new wave connoisseurs Indochine, released in 1982. Bright rhythms, pulsing synths, and shameless hooks to be found on each of these seven tracks.

The Indochine story began in 1981, but the band is still going strong to date, though only one original member remains in the band. According to a few sources, Indochine are the top selling band in France, and earned quite a cult following throughout Europe and Latin America. Unfortunately, like most non-English speaking bands, their music failed to find a proper audience in the US, despite fitting into the musical climate at the time. Well, let’s see if we can’t help turn a few heads around these parts, eh? Here’s the info for this killer debut 12”.

Indochine- L’Aventurier MLP
1. L’Aventurier
2. L’Opportuniste
3. Leila
4. Docteur Love
5. Indochine (Les 7 Jours De Pékin)
6. Dizzidence Politik
7. Françoise (Qu’est-ce qui t’as pris?)

*download it here*

Been ages since we had a video, but thanks to this band’s relative success, here’s the promo clip for the title track!

The Plague- Naraka LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, deathrock, goth-rock, New York, post-punk on June 25, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Now here’s something for all you deathrock/post-punk kids. Up on the slab is the lone LP from NY’s very own The Plague, self-released in 1987. With tracks titles such as “Vampyre” and “Suicide Queen,” you can expect some witchy female vocals, thrashy guitar riffs, and other such gothic sounds, which should be right at home for fans of the genre.

The Plague- Naraka LP
1. Naraka
2. Vampyre
3. Murder
4. Suicide Queen
5. Empress
6. Never Die
7. Paradise of Pain

*download it here*

Johnny Analog- Agent Provocateur LP

Posted in 1980s, 1988, Johnny Analog, minimal, minimal synth, new wave on June 25, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a cracking 6 song EP from Toronto-based musician Johnny Analog, released in 1988. The band, conceived by a former member of Digital Nation, consisted of Mr. Analog (clearly a pseudonym), Nathan Berman and Cathy Septembre. This was their only release, and strikes a middle ground between the dark synthpop of Fad Gadget and the shrill guitar freakouts of mid-period Chrome. Definitely a must for all minimal synth heads!

Johnny Analog- Agent Provocateur LP
1. Press!
2. Rhythmn Ruled
3. Agent Provocateur
4. Wet Electric
5. Uncut Video
6. Shaddup That Noise

*download it here*

Sequins and Spandex Parts IV and V

Posted in 1980s, disco, hi nrg, italo disco, mixes, new wave, sequins and spandex, space disco, synth, wave on June 16, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Struck with the disco bug again, ladies and gentlemen, and what better way to celebrate the onslaught of summer than with a handful of killer jams. I know a lot of you enjoy this series of mixes, so to make up for its absence, I’ve constructed TWO full discs worth of classic space disco/italo/hi nrg etc. cuts for your listening pleasure. These are some of my all time favorite tracks these days, so I do hope you enjoy! Here’s the breakdown:

Sequins and Spandex: Part IV
1. Fog- Riccardo Cioni
2. Dark Silence- Art Fine
3. Domination- Flexi Cowboys
4. Spanish Run- Jaco
5. Valerie- Modem
6. My Love Won’t Let You Down- Nathalie
7. A Flash in the Night- Secret Service
8. N. 1,4/Magnetic Dance- Smiles
9. Driving- Sensitive
10. New Dream- Clay Pedrini
11. Eagles In the Night- Dario Dell’Aere
12. Heroes- Big Ben Tribe
13. Some Other Place, Some Other Time- Rockets

*download it here*

Sequins and Spandex: Part V
1. Let’s Dance Tonight- David Gray
2. I’m Looking For You- Ghibli
3. Escape From New York- John Carpenter
4. An English ’93- International Music System
5. Breakdown- Ray Cooper
6. Love’s Harmony- Paciscopi
7. Love & Magic (Dub Version)- Kristal
8. Secret Life- Clock On 5
9. Silent Smiles- Anthony’s Game
10. Future State- Future State
11. Main Theme (Remix)- Fabio Frizzi
12. Burn On the Flames- Paul Paul
13. Avventurieri- Jo Squillo Eletrix

*download it here*

Hope you kids enjoy! To download the previous installments, click here.

Belaboris- …Olipa Kerran 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, belaboris, compilations, finland, finnish, minimal, minimal synth on June 11, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve had this one kicking around for a while, but never paid too much attention to it aside from “Monsterbaari.” Total oversight on my part here, for this entire 12” is solid. What we have here is eight tracks of ALL-female minimal synth, hailing from Finland. This mini-LP, released in 1984, collects the band’s singles to date, including the Kuolleet Peilit 12” (1982) and the Odotus 7” (1983).

Astute readers might notice that the band’s name derives from two of horror’s biggest names, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. Vocalist Minna Soisalo was also well known for her roll in Klaani, a large film in the band’s homeland. Belaboris would release one final 7” before splitting, a cover of 60’s Scandinavian hit ‘Rakkauden Jälkeen,’ which can you nab from the excellent bx-59cppw blog. This should complete their discography!

Belaboris- …Olipa Kerran 12”
1. Kuolleet Peilit
2. Yö Vanhassa Talossa
3. Odotus
4. Kolme Askelta
5. Monsteribaari
6. Mitä Lapsille Tapahtui
7. Babypop*
8. Venus

*Serge Gainsbourg/France Gall cover!

DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED— The always excellent Dark Entries label has just reissued the majority of Belaboris’ material on LP, while there’s a CD available of the complete sessions via Poko Records.  Please support the bands and labels as you can!