Archive for the minimal Category

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Passing Smiles- Life 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk on May 10, 2024 by Frankie Teardrop

Fresh from the needle to the internet – it’s been a while since we’ve had a bonafide minimal synth record, so here’s one from 1981 that features all the great touchstones – rickety, loud synths, some post-punk guitars, and DIY vibes through and through. Passing Smiles were a US-based project that only released this 7” to my knowledge. John Ross, pictured on the back of the sleeve, is the main musician, playing all guitars and synths, while Bill Miles played drums and Brian Leech played piano on side B. Based on this, I might go so far as to say that this was a one-man project with help from some friends…

The A-side is the “hit” so to speak, while the B-side offers a more reflective, somber mood. Both tracks are excellent and certainly touch on the frailty of existence and the balance of life and death, even going so far as to feature a biblical quote (Philippians 2:8) on the back cover.

Without any further ado, enjoy!

Passing Smiles – Life 7”
1. Life
2. Death

*download it here*

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Magic Dragon – Emotional Landscape / Courage of Lassie – The Temptation to Exist LPs

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1986, canadian, courage of lassie, magic dragon, minimal, minimal synth, neo-folk, neoclassical on March 6, 2023 by Frankie Teardrop

Canada seems like an unlikely haven for a minimal synth/neofolk project with a very European-style sound, but that said, here are two of my favorite LPs from up north.

Magic Dragon formed from the wake of Private School, a punk band who released one single in 1979. Members Maddy Schenkel and Ron Nelson quickly formed Magic Dragon, enlisting bassist Rachel Melas to record their lone LP  Emotional Landscape, which was released in 1981 on Friends Records. The album combined the folky interplay of bands such as Steeleye Span and Mellow Candle with minimal electronics, skittering drum machines, and experimental passages, creating a singular sound that few bands, especially on the western hemisphere, were flirting with. Some other touchstones I can think in this vein are UV Pop, Mekanik Kommando, Solid Space, Les Joyaux De La Princesse, Collection D’arnell~Andrea, and Modern Art, all of which flirted with folkier and experimental influences over their tenure.

Magic Dragon soon evolved, adding violin player Rod Booth. The band changed their name in 1983 to Courage of Lassie (keeping the nostalgic/childhood magic and wonder alive in name), and self-released a cassette in 1984 that featured, amongst new material, the first track from the Magic Dragon LP. Their core folky/minimal synth hybrid sound remained intact, and the band soon recorded The Temptation to Exist, which consisted of a handful of songs from the cassette, a couple of new tracks, and a haunting cover of Pete Seger’s “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” done in Marlene Deitrich’s German-vocal style. This LP was originally released in 1986 via Amok Records, but has been re-released in 1987 and 1991, respectively. The band would release two more albums (1988’s Sing or Die and 1994’s This Side of Heaven) before calling it a day.

While folks may have heard both of these records before, I’m happy to provide newly digitized versions. Hope y’all enjoy!

Magic Dragon – Emotional Landscape (1981)
1. Objet Du Desire
2. Memories
3. Egyptian Radio
4. Once Upon a Time
5. (White Monkey) Under the Volcano

Courage of Lassie – The Temptation to Exist (1986)
1. All That I Know
2. Iron
3. Hiroshima
4. The Rose
5. Hopes & Fears
6. La Notte
7. Sag Mir Wo Die Blumen Sind
8. Air Du Temps

*download both LPs here*

Be sure to visit the band on Facebook.

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Zon 6- Som En Tiger 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, elegi, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, swedish, zon 6 on September 20, 2021 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve been obsessed with the title track from this 7” for many years now, and just last year decided to pick up a copy and make a fresh rip of it. Too weird to be a hit, too good to be an obscurity, this is the only single from this Swedish five piece, released in 1983 on MNW. The project is an offshoot of Elegi who released a similarly jazzy but more upbeat post-punk record in 1981.

The a-side here gives me chills, though the b-side is still quite a good listen. The a-side truly ticks all the right boxes for me: female vocals, spastic NDW-esque rhythms, bubbling percussive synths, bleating sax, and plenty of dark driving post-punk edge to keep things sounding sinister. Recommended for fans of Christiane F.,  Mona Mur, Malaria!, and the like…

Not much more to be said, so happy listening!

Zon 6- Som En Tiger 7”
1. Som En Tiger
2. Allt Nu

*download it here*

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Jinx- Too Late 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, coldwave, france, french, minimal, minimal synth, new wave on December 28, 2020 by Frankie Teardrop

Hi friends. Hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. This will likely be my last post of the year at this rate, a final sweet synth sayonara to 2020 in hopes we all find better tidings in the new year. Here’s a single that I’ve both loved and forgotten in recent months. I can’t remember where I first heard this one a few years back, but a friend reminded me of it a few weeks ago, and I fell in love with it all over again, as if I were hearing it for the first time, but knew deep down this was a deeper obsession. The band, a French new wave act named Jinx (erroneously spelled Jynx on the inner label). This is their lone recording from 1987, and both tracks are pure wistful, romantic synth bliss. I’m reminded a bit of Ivy’s Day, Coldreams, Jane’s haunting “It’s a Fine Day,” and Rive Gauche across the span of both tracks. I can’t really choose a favorite, and even though it’s the b-side that might appeal more to most folks with it’s dual male/female vox, moody atmosphere, and beautiful high synth leads, the a-side is no slouch either once you get past the intro, which appears at first glance to be a bit more reggae/dub-inspired before it settles into a similarly great groove.

For those eager to find a copy of this single and don’t want to wait for it to pop up online, the b-side has been lovingly remastered and reissued by the excellent Camisole records, appearing on a split with the also stellar Madame Bovary (another single where I can’t choose my favorite track, but lean slightly towards the a-side). Anyway, I’m sure you’ve all skipped right to the download link for this one, with good reason. Let’s cut to the chase and get to the details:

Jinx- Too Late 7”
1. Too Late
2. Rêve Inconscient

*download it here*

Otherwise, hope you all have a lovely new year, and hope to see many of you in the digital space in 2021!

 

 

Quick note for those playing along at home: I even hate to end this post on this note, but it deserves to be said after a slew of interactions I’ve had recently that have left a poor taste in my mouth… I am not a lossless factory, and will not be publishing/replying to any further comments about providing lossless rips here or the demand for “free” music as such from punisher Discogs users out there. Please kindly keep those comments to yourself, as you will forever be whining into an abyss. I’m more than happy to share the music I am passionate about, but if you’re interested in making baseless demands please either have something to offer in exchange (I am *very* agreeable to digital trades) or feel free to press that Discogs button yourselves.

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The Sophist- Subliminal Control LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, US on February 6, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve had this LP kicking around for ages, but never really thought much about it. One of my recent great purges had me reconsidering this record, and after careful consideration, I’m all in. Here we have a private press, gonzo minimal synth record from 1987, the lone album by an otherwise mysterious project from the NY/NJ area. There’s a tape edition of this album, as well as a single-sided flexi 7” of the title track, which in itself is worth the price of admission alone.

There are quite a few experimental pieces in play here, dark ambient passages mixed with short industrial landscapes, and a long, evolving piece that fills out side B. As mentioned though, minimal synth heads will love the title track, a furious 18-minute KR-55 workout that starts with gusto, begins to wear out its welcome, and by the time it finishes, comes back around again and commands the utmost respect. It’s one helluva ride.

With all that in mind, here’s the rundown:

The Sophist- Subliminal Control LP
1. Attention All People
2. Subliminal Control
3. Baby
4. Eternal Performance

*download it here*

4 Comments »

The Enter- Whole New World 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1985, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, the enter on September 7, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Before we even get started, I’d like to thank Rich Benton for contacting me out of the blue on my Facebook page to send me these tracks. Rich was the synth player in The Enter, who you may recall had a one-off track on the excellent Young Blood compilation, the gloomy “The Contract.” While this single was never released, Rich informs me that these two tracks were recorded midway through their four year run and then subsequently pressed to a white label 7”, which never was released to the public. The tracks were recorded in 1985 at Slaughter House Studios in Driffield UK.

Rich also filled in a few more gaps about the band, otherwise a three-piece based around vocalist Paul Smith. Drummer Danny King (who has since passed away) also performed and helped with the programming, and as Rich claims, was “the only real musician in the band.” Of course, we all know that these things don’t matter much in the DIY-minimal synth world, as The Enter definitely tapped into something special. These two tracks aren’t as gloomy as “The Contract” but are definitely equally enjoyable – a bit more polished and poppy for all lovers of obscure new wave.

As you might have guessed – a white label single means no artwork, so you’ll have to use your imagination for this one. Otherwise, here are the tracks:

The Enter- Whole New World 7”
1. Whole New World
2. To Go (All the Way)

*download it here*

Thanks again Rich, and happy Friday, all!

7 Comments »

Various Artists- Young Blood LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, minimal, minimal synth, peninsula records, post-punk, power pop, synthpop, uk, young blood on April 9, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Many, many thanks to Thomas for fulfilling one of my all-time top must-hear compilations. I’ve been obsessed with The Enter’s “The Contract” for many years now, working the song into early esoteric DJ sets. I’ve been dying to hear more from the project, and while sadly no other tracks seem to exist (please correct me if I am wrong), I’ll settle for hearing the rest of the compilation this minimal synth dirge hails from. This compilation was released in 1984 in the UK on Peninsula Records, who only released a handful of 7” singles, a prog rock LP, and another similarly themed (but less rare/expensive) compilation, if Discogs is to be believed…

Normally, synth gems like “The Contract” are often the only listenable track on a compilation, but I’m beyond ecstatic to find that this compilation is hit after hit after hit, with only a handful of lesser moments that even still, are enjoyable. Other favorites include the arpeggiated post-punk rave-up “Dance Feat,” the early Berlin-esque “Neon Nightlife,” the jangly/power-pop “Passion Call,” and the excellent post-punk track “Warrior.” With the exception of Hurt, these are the only known tracks by each of these bands. One and done, so they say…

Hope y’all enjoy, and thanks again to Thomas for providing this rip!

Various Artists- Young Blood LP
1. Passion Call- Colourtime
2. Warrior- If
3. Dance Feat- Gettysburg Address
4. Spring Comes Early- Oh! For 1821
5. In the Glade- Hurt
6. L’Espirit D’Avignon
7. Neon Nightlife- Urutu
8. The Contract- The Enter
9. It’s a Different Kind of Heaven- Vincent Vevil Vald
10. Soldier Sailor- John Brown
11. Catch the Wind- Turbo Chariot
12. Look Through a Window- Chris & Diane Jones

*download it here*

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Decades- Just Another Dream & Hell 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1982, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, uk on March 28, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a mysterious pair of 7” singles from UK-based post-punk/minimal synth band Decades. Not to be confused with the French band of the same name (though these singles were pressed in France), this particular project released only two 7”s in the early 1980s on the equally unknown Emperor label.

All four tracks feature glacial drum machine rhythms (most likely DR-55), deep bass, eerie synth lines, and hypnotically stark guitar. The vocals float on top, adding a sense of dread to an already gloomy cocktail. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but an amazing listen that calls The Cure’s incredible Carnage Visors soundtrack to mind.

Since I can’t seem to find much else to share, let’s let the music speak for itself. That said, there HAVE been a few copies of these extremely scarce singles being leaked out on discogs, so you know what to do if you want one of these for yourself at a reasonable price (for now)… Otherwise, here’s the info:

Decades- Just Another Dream 7” (1981)
1. Just Another Dream
2. China Doll

Decades- Hell 7” (1982)
1. Hell
2. Enderlein

*download both here*

3 Comments »

Moulin Rouge- Essentials K7

Posted in 1980s, 1986, minimal, minimal synth, synth, synthpop on December 7, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Any self-respecting minimal synth fan should be more than familiar with the Orgelvärk compilation by now. Originally released on cassette in 1986 and reissued on wax in 2011 by Minimal Wave, this compilation boasts some killer cuts by underground Swedish artists. One of the highlights is the lo-fi dirge stomp of Moulin Rouge’s “Silence” – a track that has been near and dear to my heart ever since hearing it. That said, any additional material by the band was hard to come by.

With that in mind, I’d like to thank Thomas for the rip of this cassette, which collects nine tracks from Moulin Rouge (aka Anders Wikholm, aka Moulin Noir), including the version of “Silence” we all know and love. Curiously enough, the rest of the material is a bit more romantic, less gloomy, but still quite excellent. Reminds me a bit of a DIY version of Midge Ure-era Ultravox, but your comparisons may vary.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact release date, as there is no date listed on the cassette artwork, but I’d wager it was 1986 or nearby considering both the sound and proximity to Orgelvärk’s release. Interestingly enough, Moulin Rouge also has a self-released cassette which has a little overlap, but a few additional tracks as well. If anyone happens to have a copy of that one, please chime in! Otherwise, here are the details and download link. Enjoy!

Moulin Rouge- Essentials K7
1. Welcome Home
2. Pamela
3. Sense
4. Silence
5. It Makes No Difference
6. Living In Cities
7. The Battle Of The Green Hills
8. Never Say Hello
9. The Golden Apples Of The Sun

*download it here*

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Bunny & The Lakers- Numbers LP

Posted in 1970s, 1979, bunny & the lakers, canadian, experimental, krautrock, minimal, minimal synth on October 12, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s one I’ve seen shared in snippets across many different blogs, but I’m not sure if it’s ever been shared in full. Perhaps on some long, distant, since purged blog. I’ve had this kicking around on my shelves for a while now, rescued from a NYC shop otherwise known for techno, house, and hip hop (you never know!), but I was recently encouraged to take it down and re-rip it, and I’m glad I did, because it’s quickly jumped up the ranks as a autumnal favorite. Besides, the digital copy I DO have has the track names reversed, so this one is worth another look however you want to dice it.

Bunny & the Lakers performed only once, and self-released this album on LP and cassette in 1979. Only 500 records are known to exist, each of them hand-numbered. There are QUITE a few sounds explored over the course of this LP, including the krautrock dirges of Faust, pummeling experimental electronics a la Throbbing Gristle, icy piano and synth workouts  by way of Telekon, quirky synth punk sounds similarly explored by  Tone Set, and even a skittery no wave hybrid thrown in for good measure.

The album is wildly experimental and may not be to everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s definitely lots to love here. I especially love the bleak “Weekend Guests,” which features female vocals, primitive electronics, and more gorgeous stream-of consciousness piano ramblings. Closing track “Dolphin Bay” is gorgeous as well… Many of the tracks blend into each other, so I’ve tried my best to separate them. Side B is a bit more structured, but I’m a little unsure where one track ends and the next begins on side A.

Bunny & The Lakers- Numbers LP
1. Inhalation / Ventalation
2. Cops On Parade
3. Yalps From The Alps/Shrieks From The Peeks
4. Maid In Sweeden/Batlore
5. In Terms Of Germs
6. TB Farm (Kiss Me Now)
7. S.O.S.
8. Weekend Guests
9. Sandy
10. Dolphin Bay

*download it here*

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