Archive for the 1980s Category

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Teenage Brain Surgeon- Fatal Day 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1988, ebm, german, minimal synth, Teenage Brain Surgeon on October 13, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

I don’t tend to buy into the whole “holy grail” aspect of the minimal synth genre, but I’m tempted to make an exception for today’s post. In short, I was first clued in to Teenage Brain Surgeon‘sexistence by fantastic fashion guru and DJ Jeralyn, who runs I’ll Wear Any Color as Long as It’s Black. We were only able to track down 2/3rds of their sparse discography, but I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the final, elusive track in my late-night travels. Huzzah!

There’s virtually no information available about this German band, as this is their lone release. The limited edition 7” (1,000 copies are said to be in existence) was self-released in 1988. Extremely rare, but extremely solid, all three of these tracks are ripe for the dance floor, chock full of infectious electronics and a stomping beat- very EBM friendly if that’s you’re thing. The title track is especially choice, and never fails me in a DJ set.

If anyone out there has any information whatsoever regarding this band, feel free to chime in! Otherwise, let’s get to the good stuff, shall we?

Teenage Brain Surgeon- Fatal Day 7”
1. Fatal Day
2. Years Gone By
3. Cold

*download it here*

Next up, we have a rare compilation of Zwischenfall as well as another generous donation from Jeff! Stay tuned for more over the next few days.

18 Comments »

Fiction Technology- Mega/Phase EP

Posted in 1980s, 1986, Fiction Technology, minimal synth on October 7, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

A friend of mine was recently requesting more from Fiction Technology, so I’ve uploaded their entire EP for everyone’s listening pleasure. Little is known about this particular minimal synth band, as this is their only release. No band credits, no info outside of its German label release in 1986. Coincidentally, it’s the same label who released the coveted Nine Circles disc, another coveted slice of minimal synth, but that’s all we’ve got. A shame, seeing as “In the City” is a perfect dance floor gem.

Does anyone out there in the ether have any more light to shed on this particular band or release? Feel free to drop a line. Otherwise, on to the music!

Fiction Technology- Mega/Phase EP
1. Time In Vision
2. Delta X
3. Mega / Phase
4. In The City
5. Dancing Puppets

*download it here*

5 Comments »

Bastion- Bastion LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, bastion, new wave, synthpop, yugoslavian on October 5, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a curious anomaly from Yugoslavia. As far as I’m aware, this particular eponymous LP, released in 1984 is Bastion’s only release. A little schizophrenic new wave/synthpop in the vein of Pas De Deux, Sizike, and Borghesia.

 Bastion were a short lived, but fruitful collaboration between actress/singer Ana Kostovska, composer and musician Kiril Džajkovski, bassist Ljubomir Stojsavljević and film director Milčo Mančevski. They were one of the first electronic bands from the then Socialist Republic of Macedonia within SFR Yugoslavia. The LP features 8-tracks of melancholy, yet romantic electropop with both female and male vocals across the board. You can read more about the band here. Enjoy!

Bastion- Bastion LP
1. Hollywood
2. Deca Sunca
3. A Hot Day In Mexico
4. Mesec U Šolji
5. Mister Kompleks
6. Lica U Ogledalu
7. Molitva
8. Boja

*download link removed* – this LP has been reissued by AAC Records. Click here to order a copy!

5 Comments »

Beautiful Pea Green Boat- Still Life CD

Posted in 1980s, 1989, 1990s, beautiful pea green boat, darkwave, ethereal, heather wright, ian williams, post-punk, uk on October 5, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post features a collection by UK ethereal/post-punk band Beautiful Pea Green Boat, released on CD in 1989. Taking their name from The Owl and the Pussycat, a classic children’s poem written by Edward Lear, the outfit were primarily a two piece, consisting of Ian Williams and Heather Wright. The band released a handful of 12” and two full length recordings in the mid-1980s, splitting at the turn of the decade. Their material is often downtempo, melodic, and moody, with several repetitive synths grounding the material with an electronic/darkwave edge.

This collection is comprised of the band’s best moments from their two prior LPs (1987’s Obsessions and 1988’s Get Religion). Perhaps I’ll upload them too, should anyone be interested. Otherwise, here’s the info for the compilation:

Beautiful Pea Green Boat- Still Life CD
1. The Powerhouse
2. Hammers Of Islam
3. Too Much
4. When Dreams Moved In
5. The Vase
6. Among The Ruins
7. Paper House
8. Danielle
9. Mirror Of Souls
10. The Screw
11. Nostalgia
12. And She Laughed Too

*download it here*

11 Comments »

Various Artists- Reset Records 1983-1985 Comp.

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 1984, 1985, absolute, alison moyet, depeche mode, erasure, eric radcliffe, hardware, mute, peter hewson, reset records, synthpop, twilight, Vince Clarke, yazoo on September 29, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop


Uploading this one for a friend and figured I’d toss it up here as well. This particular release is an unofficial collection/torrent comprising of all the Reset Records 12 and 7 inches. For those unaware, Reset Records was formed by Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure) and Eric Radcliffe, a collaborator and famed Mute Records producer. The releases are synth-based, as one might expect from the interests of the label’s founders.

Now for the contributors. Robert Marlow (real name Robert Allen), who released seven different slabs of wax for Reset, has a long history with Mute/Sire records. He played guitar with Alison Moyet in a punk band in ’77, and also appeared alongside Vince Clarke and Martin Gore in French Look, before Depeche Mode was officially formed. Marlow still makes music today under various monikers, including Marlow.

Peter Hewson, who released but one 7”, was a member of seventies glam/pop band Chicory Tip.

Hardware is a pseudonym for Radcliffe’s own music, and not much is known about Absolute, but I would love to hear more about them if anyone is in the know.

The compilation also contains a rare 12 and 7 inch release by Twilight. Twilight featured Erasure’s tour manager Andrew Mansi and future Nitzer Ebb tour manager Steev Toth. Though the record was released on Polydor, makes sense to collect it here due to Clarke’s production. Otherwise, without any further ado, here’s the tracklisting for the compilation:

CD 1
1. Robert Marlow- The Face Of Dorian Gray (Extended)
2. Robert Marlow- The Tale Of Dorian Gray (Extended)
3. Robert Marlow- I Just Want To Dance (Extended)
4. Robert Marlow- No Heart (Extended)
5. Robert Marlow- Claudette
6. Robert Marlow- This Happy World (Extended)
7. Robert Marlow- The Face Of Dorian Grey
8. Robert Marlow- The Tale Of Dorian Grey
9. Robert Marlow- I Just Wanna Dance
10. Robert Marlow- No Heart
11. Robert Marlow- Claudette
12. Robert Marlow- This Happy World
13. Robert Marlow- Calling All Destroyers
14. Robert Marlow – In Retrospect

CD 2:
1. Peter Hewson- Take My Hand
2. Peter Hewson- Her
3. Absolute- T.V. Glare
4. Absolute- At The Thirdstroke
5. Absolute- T.V. Glare (Extended)
6. Absolute- At The Third Stroke (Extended)
7. Absolute- Can’t You See
8. Absolute- Love In My Heart
9. Hardware- Dance
10. Hardware- Hey
11. Hardware- Dance (Extended)
12. Hardware- Hey (Extended)
13. Twilight- Just Me Alone
14. Twilight- Talk To You
15. Twilight- Just Me Alone (Extended)
16. Twilight- Talk To You (Extended)

*download it here*

9 Comments »

Invisible Limits- A Conscious State CD

Posted in 1980s, 1989, 1990s, darkwave, german, Invisible Limits, synthpop on September 21, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Invisible Limits were a German synthpop/darkwave band who formed in 1985. The band was originally the brainchild of Thomas Lüdke, who departed after releasing two 12” singles to form the Invisible Spirit. The band shed their then darker edge and employed a more poppy approach, releasing material well into the ’90s.

Though the band seemingly split, an unreleased “final” album appeared in 2005, self-released by the band through their official site. The band has also issued a five disc box set comprising their entire discography and a handful of single remixes, so any curious parties might do well to pick one up via Amazon import. Otherwise, here’s the information for their second full-length record, 1989’s A Conscious State.

Invisible Limits- A Conscious State CD
1. Golden Dreams
2. No Tears
3. Love Will Tear Us Apart [Joy Division cover]
4. No Doubts
5. In A Dream
6. Kill Me Dearly
7. I Want You
8. Power To Survive
9. Natalie’s
10. Kill The Remix [CD-only bonus track]

*download it here*

5 Comments »

Bérurier Noir- Concerto Pour Detraqués LP/CD

Posted in 1980s, 1985, 2000s, Bérurier Noir, france, punk, reformed on September 16, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s something a little different for you folks today… Up on the slab is a classic record by French punk band Bérurier Noir, a dirty, politically charged cult band who formed in 1983. Though the band went through several lineup shifts throughout the 1980s, adding and detracting members, the rhythm section remained a cheap, driving drum machine, giving them a more thin and aggressive edge.

The band, who refused to make any sort of profit during their tenure, split in 1989, reforming in 2003 to release a DVD. Since then, the reactivated Bérurier Noir has played several shows in Europe, and released a brand new record in 2006.

This particular release is the band’s second album, hailing from 1985. This version was released on CD just a year later, tacking on the Joyeux Merdier 12” at the end, and kicking off with a previously re-recorded single version of early standout “Nada,” the original which appears on their debut record, Macadam Massacre. It would be the fourth version the band had recorded. Here’s the breakdown:

Bérurier Noir- Concerto Pour Detraqués LP/CD
1. Nada 84
2. Petit Agité
3. Vivre Libre Ou Mourir
4. Conte Cruel De La Jeunesse
5. Le Renard
6. Les Rebelles
7. Porcherie
8. Commando Pernod
9. Les Éléphants
10. Fils De…
11. Hélène Et Le Sang
12. Il Tua Son Petit Frère
13. La Mère Noël
14. J’Aime Pas La Soupe
15. Vive Le Feu
16. Salut À Toi

*download it here*

Track 1 from Nada 84 7” (1984)
Tracks 2-12 from Concerto Pour Detraqués LP (1985)
Tracks 13-16 from Joyeux Merdier 12” (1985)

2 Comments »

Noel- Noel LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, cuban, freestyle, new wave, new york city, noel, synthpop on September 10, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a little classic and somewhat shameless synthpop record that’s been a fun-filled favorite of mine for some time. The record in question is the debut album from Noel (Noel Pagan), a Cuban-born New Yorker with a powerful voice and some street smart credibility. Debut single “Silent Running” was released in 1987, but it took almost a year for his self-titled debut to appear in more readily available form on 4th and Broadway Records.

On listening, the record recalls mid-period Depeche Mode and various New Beat one-offs, with a more New York freestyle vibe. Though Noel would release a handful of dance mix singles into the ’90s, his proper sophomore effort, Hearts on Fire failed to capture the same energy as the debut. He currently collaborates on recordings with the likes of Eddie Arroyo and Eddie Baez.

Without any further ado, here’s the details for Noel’s self-titled debut.

Noel- Noel LP
1. Silent Morning
2. Fire To Ice
3. To Be With You
4. Out Of Time
5. Change
6. Like A Child
7. Fallen Angel
8. City Streets
9. What I Feel For You

*download it here*

Also – here’s the official video for “Silent Morning.” Enjoy!

8 Comments »

Choir Invisible- Sea to Shining Sea LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, Choir Invisible, LA, los angeles, new wave, post-punk, US on September 1, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

As promised, here’s the second, final, and posthumous record from Choir Invisible, recorded in 1982, but not released until 1984. It’s far more bright and synthy then their debut record and features contributions from Don Romine of Quiet Room, an excellent Bay Area band from 1981,. I tend to prefer the previous album, but it depends on your take on buzzing synths vs. brooding guitars. Opposite sides of a similar coin, if you will.

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?

Choir Invisible- Sea to Shining Sea LP
1. Grey At Present
2. Questions Never Spoken
3. With Dreams
4. I Walked Away
5. Shared By A Voice
6. Devoted To A Memory

*download it here*

6 Comments »

Choir Invisible- Choir Invisible LP

Posted in 1980s, 1981, Choir Invisible, darkwave, LA, los angeles, new wave, post-punk, punk, US on September 1, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Choir Invisible were a four piece post-punk band hailing from Pasendena/LA area, California. The band formed in the wake of the Flyboys, a first wave LA punk band, who split after the death of bassist/keyboardist David Wilson. Singer John Curry also played bass in The Plugz, and drummer Danny Benair would join jangle-pop band The Three O’Clock.

Lisa Fancher, head of Frontier records (who released the lone Flyboys 12” in 1980), essentially pieced Choir Invisible together after the Wilson’s death. The band grew to local prominence, opening for the likes of Romeo Void, Depeche Mode, and Christian Death in the early 1980s, before releasing their debut record in 1981.

Though the band split shortly after their 1981 tour, a few straggling members recorded a follow up in 1982, which was released two years later on Passport records. I shall upload this one for my next post, but in the meanwhile, here’s the info for the band’s 1981 self-titled debut.

Choir Invisible- Choir Invisible LP
1. Quiet Place
2. Fatal Dream
3. The Other Room
4. Fixation
5. Chameleon
6. Side To Side
7. Private Life
8. The Key
9. Playing Cards
10. Portrait Of Charles
11. The Distance From…

*download it here*

2 Comments »

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