Archive for the 1980s Category

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Blue In Heaven REDUX

Posted in 1980s, 1984, 1986, 1988, blue in heaven, irish, post-punk on April 9, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

You guys asked for it, and here it is! Contained within this post are four releases by Irish post-punk band Blue In Heaven, including both their debut single and the elusive Rock ‘N’ Roll R.I.P. EP. You can nab their two full length records in these back pages: here and here.

According to Wikipedia, this doesn’t complete the entire Blue In Heaven discography (as much as I’d like it to0. Their 1983 debut single The Lights Go Out (the same track Bono praised upon its release) is nowhere to be found, and the site also lists a final single in 1988, simply entitled Track 01. I’m also looking for a live track entitled “Tell Me,” plucked from the Live For Ireland complilation, but that may just be a video only release, as a clip exists on Youtube. If anyone has any more information for these releases, feel free to chime in and sling them my way! Otherwise, here’s the information for the remaining discography.

Blue In Heaven- Across My Heart 12” (1984)
1. Across My Heart
2. A Whiter Day
3. Across My Heart (Martin Hannett Version)

Blue In Heaven- Julie Cries 12” (1984)
1. Julie Cries (12” Version)
2. The Message
3. In Your Eyes

Blue In Heaven- I Just Wanna 12” (1986)
1. I Just Wanna (12” Mix)
2. Beating In My Head (Little Flower)

Blue In Heaven- Rock ‘N’ Roll R.I.P. 12” (1988)
1. She Is Everything
2. Swinging
3. Feel So Good
4. Loose (live) [originally by The Stooges]
5. On and On

*download all four here* (1-3 RE-RIPPED 1/6/16)

16 Comments »

Bugger West- Don’t Say It LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, bugger west, D. Phillips, minimal, minimal synth, new wave on March 30, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a rare and quirky minimal synth gem. This one’s so obscure, in fact, that I can’t find a single stitch of information about it, except for what comes on the sleeve.

Bugger West seems to be a one man project, helmed by D. Phillips. Mr. Phillips is credited with writing all of the songs contained within. Steve Zero and Nick Madaloni contribute guitar to a handful of the tracks. This 1984 album was released on Llist records, which I’ve also never heard of. The only other relevant information is a message left by West/Phillips himself, which states that “this album is dedicated to Kathy (my wife) and Chelsea (my daughter) with all my love.”

Perhaps some more astute readers can shed some light on this project, and any other related work by D. Phillips?   I reckon it’s not the same Swiss hardcore vocalist Dave Phillips…but stranger things have happened.

EDIT: There is a follow up 7” from 1987, but after having owned it for a short period of time, I sadly must report it’s not of the same vibe as this LP at all.

Anyway, here’s the album credits!

Bugger West- Don’t Say It LP
1. Water
2. Inside your mind
3. Don’t say it
4. Fine hine
5. Spiral
6. Superior man
7. Right between the lies
8. Broken hearts
9. 102752

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 5.21.12)

18 Comments »

The Twins- Passion Factory & Modern Lifestyle LPs

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1982, 1990s, german, minimal synth, synth, synthpop, the twins on March 29, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post contains two classic LPs from German synthpop/minimal band The Twins. A duo at heart, consisting of Sven Dohrow and Ronny Schreinzer (not related, naturally), the band released several albums over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, issuing several live, remix, and rarities records into the new millennium. While their last proper LP was released in 1993, the band has reactivated for several live performances in their homeland over the past few years.

Inspired primarily by bands like Depeche Mode, OMD, John Foxx, Devo, and The Human League, their earliest works were dance floor fillers, adding a little italo-esque edge for good measure. Astute club-goers may recognize tracks as “The Desert Place” and “Face to Face – Heart to Heart.”

As a proper introduction to the band’s oeuvre, i’ve zipped up the band’s first two LPs, 1981’s Passion Factory and 1982’s Modern Lifestyle. Expect catchy synth lines, steady drum machine rhythms, and shameless hooks throughout both records. Here’s the breakdown:

The Twins- Passion Factory
1. The Passion Factory
2. X-Ray Eyes
3. Satellite City
4. Runaway
5. Electric Bats
6. The Desert Place
7. Night, Lights and Shadows
8. Younger Days
9. Wet Season
10. Synthetic World

The Twins- Modern Lifestyle
1. Modern Lifestyle
2. Face to Face – Heart to Heart
3. Regret
4. Knights of Old
5. Automatic Man
6. New Days, New Ways
7. Gilded Cage
8. I’m Staying Alive
9. Birds and Dogs
10. N 4

*download both here*

7 Comments »

Feu Ma Mere- Seasons of Mournful LP

Posted in 1980s, 1989, coldwave, darkwave, Feu Ma Mere, german, goth-rock, The Angina Pectoris on March 25, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s an obscure German darkwave record dating back to 1989. The band was a two piece, centering around the efforts of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Joelen Mingi and Alexander Klaffke. This is their only LP, though the band seem to have a cassette release from the same year, which I’d love to hear if anyone happens to have a copy of it!

The band split just a year after releasing this LP. Mingi continued on with The Angina Pectoris, which aimed to update Feu Ma Mere’s electronic sound with a more fleshed out lineup.

As for the record at hand, it’s a curious blend of gloom vocals, simple driving drum machines, and layers of dreamy, ethereal keyboards, definitely a good listen for fans of the more wistful darkwave sound. You kind of get a good idea of what you’re in for by simply looking at the cover, but other touchstones may include Xymox, And Also the Trees, and Breathless. Here’s the info:

Feu Ma Mere- Seasons of Mournful LP
1. Eyesore
2. The Agony After
3. Remain
4. The Coldest Sea
5. Confession
6. Fashion Dance
7. Searching
8. The Hiding Place

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED by Adrian on 5.19.23)

8 Comments »

Eyes of God- Eyes of God

Posted in 1980s, 1984, darkwave, eyes of god, san francisco, synth, US on March 9, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

A few months ago, a friend and fellow DJ turned me on to Eyes of God, a four piece San Franciso-based darkwave band, filled with heavy guitars, blaring saxophones, powerful female vocals, and religious lyrics. Little information was available on the net, and at the time, it seemed as if the band only had the one release. The 12” I was originally given has also been uploaded on A Viable Commercial, one of the best blogs around these parts. That particular 12” was released in two formats, with different covers but the same basic track listing, likely released as a label cash-in.

However, I stumbled upon what I believe to be the band’s only other release, a debut 12” dating from 1984 and containing four proper studio tracks (not remixes). Naturally, I freed it from the confines of the dollar bin and am pleased to upload it for your listening pleasure.

Eyes of God- Eyes of God 12”
1. Love Letters
2. Secret Life
3. Sin Twist
4. Cruel Party

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 10.9.17)

7 Comments »

U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 12” + 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1985, darkwave, german, synth, synthpop, U-Bahn X on March 7, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Just snagged this killer 12” from a shop in Brooklyn, so figured I’d kick the week off with a fresh rip. This 1985 single seems to be this German band’s only release, and this particular 12” hails from 1985 and consists of two killer dance remixes and an exclusive track, also remixed. Think Clan of Xymox, early Ministry, and other big beat classics.  The original “Essential Mega Mix” was remixed in part by Pete Waterman, 1/3 of Stock Aitken Waterman, who were responsible for penning a series of club friendly tracks over the years.

I’ve uploaded both the 7” and 12” versions here, though both versions of “Kiss of Death” are the exact same, despite the alternate title.  I’ve also included an alternate mix from a rare 12” that was also compiled on the Tribute to Flexi-Pop series…

U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 12”
1. Young Hearts of Europe (Essential Mega-Mix)
2. Young Hearts of Europe (Valkyrie Mega-Mix)
3. Kiss of Death (Punishment Mix)

U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 7”
1. Young Hearts of Europe
2. Kiss of Death

Bonus Track from alternate 12”: Young Hearts of Europe (Valhalla Mega-Mix)

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 1.14.14)

 

UPDATE- Rexx Arkana, NYC DJ and remixer extraordinaire, has created an extended remix of “Kiss of Death”- the flip side of these singles. I’m pleased to offer it here as an additional download:

*download it here* (right click to “save as”)

For more on Rexx Arkana’s work, please click here and here!

11 Comments »

Various Artists- Strange Sounds Vol. 1 & 2 LP

Posted in 1980s, 2000s, absolute body control, bene gesserit, compilations, experimental, german, league of nations, minimal synth, Strange Sounds on March 3, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a curious treat to kick off the month of March. Contained within this post are both volumes of the Strange Sounds compilations, two unofficial releases containing some ultra rare minimal synth music. Expect a few familiar classics, rare gems, and as the title implies, some strange sounds indeed.

These two compilations hail from Germany, compiled by a studious collector. The second collection was released in 2006, but not sure about the first. Here’s the rundown:

Strange Sounds Vol. 1
1. Modern Art- Still Life
2. Solid Space- 10th Planet
3. Burlesque- Collision Of Sex
4. Minny Pops- Island
5. Transparent Illusion- Demented
6. Portion Control- Across The Fence
7. Ian Elms- The Street Enters The House
8. Cinema 90- In Ultra-Violet
9. Stephen Spera- Sound Of The Crowd
10. Absolute Body Control- Is There An Exit?
11. PSY 231- Rockin Rollin’ Rhythm
12. Exhibit A- Platform 6
13. The Metronomes- A Circuit Like Me

Strange Sounds Vol. 2
1. Bene Gesserit- Mickey Please
2. League Of Nations- Thin Ice Door
3. Dicky Design- Echofields
4. Erste Weibliche Fleischergesellin Nach 1945- Ich Fress Dir Aus Der Hand
5. Sudeten Creche- Are Kisses Out Of Fashion
6. Transparent Illusion- Is There Hope
7. Nocturnal Emissions- Don’t Believe It’s Over
8. Vita Noctis- Hade
9. Kabelbrandt- Endsieg
10. Vorgruppe- Mensch Im Eis
11. Telegraph- Telegraphic
12. Kein Mensch- Kein Mensch

*download both here*

7 Comments »

Body Electric- Magic Electronic 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, Body Electronic, denmark, disco, italo disco, space disco, Steen Gjerulff on February 18, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Secondly, here’s a rare 1984 7” by Body Electric, which is essentially another name for Denmark’s Steen Gjerulff. You can expect classic italo disco sounds here- pounding percussion, bright synths, and of course, copious amounts of vocoder. A real gem!

Body Electric- Magic Electronic 7”
1. Magic Electronic
2. 5595

*download it here*

3 Comments »

In Trance 95- Desire to Desire 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1988, darkwave, greece, greek, In Trance 95, minimal synth, synthpop on February 18, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Yesterday’s posts focused on the darker edge of the post-punk/electronic spectrum, so today’s goal is to bring you two dancier recordings. First up, we have In Trance 95’s debut 7”, the elusive and hypnotic Desire to Desire. While the A-Side is a catchy piece of synthpop, it’s the B-side that especially grabs me, with its deep repetitive grooves. Both tracks have a bit of a Cabaret Voltaire vibe going for them, without being as abrasive.

The band formed in Greece and released this 7” in 1988 via Wipe Out! Records. In Trance 95 split for several years, but the main duo has reappeared as a band called Itenef, re-recording several of their classics and writing several new tracks with a female vocalist at the helm.

In Trance 95- Desire to Desire 7”
1. Desire to Desire
2. Brazilia

*download it here*

10 Comments »

Ann Summer- Baby Doll – Play Suite K7

Posted in 1980s, 1985, ann summer, experimental, minimal synth, neukoln records, swedish on February 17, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s something from the other side of the K7 spectrum. Whereas my last post featured a rare post-punk/gothic cassette, this one contains a more experimental/minimal release from Ann Summer, a Swedish two piece.

The release contains several short bursts of experimental synths and cold, gloomy vocals, ending with the catchiest and longest of the lot. Definitely an out there release, but the final track does make for some great dance floor electronics. An interesting tidbit: this cassette was released in 1985 by Neuköln Records, the Swedish label also responsible for the majority of 18:e Oktober’s releases, as well as a pair by Glenn Winter. Both bands are like-minded peers to Ann Summer, combining experimental rhythms with catchy electronics.

With that in mind, here’s the info:

Ann Summer- Baby Doll – Play Suit K7
1. Ann Summer I
2. Gordisk Knut
3. Delirium
4. Ann Summer II
5. Hemisfären (Endymion)
6. Plastisk Population
7. Ann Summer III

*download it here*

1 Comment »

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