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Various Artists- Insane Music For Insane People Vol. 13

Posted in 1987, bene gesserit, compilations, experimental, Lelu lus, minimal on December 12, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s part 13 of a rather infamous collection of European oddities, with some involvement from Alain Neffe of Bene Gesserit, featured here in various incarnations in the past. Of course, that band is featured here, as well as a handful of others, including the elusive Lelu/Lu’s (featured previously), a rare demo version of Bill Pritchard’s most well known track, and experimental collection Human Flesh. The A-side is more pop-oriented, while the B-side is a far more experimental affair. Though there are 25 volumes in this series, this seems to be the only one that was ever released on wax, while the remaining 24 volumes are on cassette. Why this one is on vinyl is anyone’s guess, so wIthout any further ado, let’s get to the tracklisting, complete with each band’s country of origin.

Various Artists- Insane Music For Insane People Vol. 13 (1987)
1. Lelu/Lu’s- Down My Spine (England)
2. Bill Pritchard- Black Souls Under White Skies (England)
3. Thalassa Kollectif- Are You Beush (Belgium)
4. Jean-Louis Descloux- Les Fourmis (France)
5. Ninove- Mechante Souris (Belgium)
6. Human Dance- Magikal Hystery Sour (The Beatles Were Not So Bad, After All!) (Belgium)
7. D’Archangel II- Beautiful, Plastic (England/Holland)
8. Collectionism- Xsass (Germany)
9. Craig Burk + A.Neffe- Afternoon Improvisation (USA/Belgium)
10. Rik Rue- Voices From the Inner Ear (Australia)
11. Bene Gesserit- Evening Star (Belgium)
12. Kaoru Todoroki- Bobldg (Japan)
13. Human Flesh- (Only A) Human Being (Belgium)
14. Denis Mpunga & Paul K.- Terra Incognita (Belgium)

*download it here*

Tracks 1-6: Easy Side
Tracks 7-14: Strange Side

As always, more to come!

7 Comments »

Move- Move LP

Posted in 1986, goth-rock, italian, minimal, move, post-punk on December 8, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve seen this one on several want lists across the blogosphere. Thanks to Pieter Schoolwerth of Wierd Records for originally lending me this one to rip for you all (though as of 1.2.13, I’ve come across my own copy and have re-ripped it for maximum enjoyment).  Very little information exists about this Italian post-punk/gothic band.  Their sound recalls early Christian Death with a few synth influences.  I was only familiar with “Cosa Domani,” a particularly excellent track that’s good for an aggressive dance floor.

Released in 1986, this is the band’s only proper full length release. Just a year later, however, the band released a split 12” with Gronge, which can be found via Kentucky Fried Wave.  There’s also a demo tape released shortly before this LP, which I’ve since found and uploaded here.

Move- Move LP
1. Any Move
2. Cosa Domani
3. Lei
4. Lo Scoglio
5. Still Smoking
6. When I’m With My Self
7. Quattro E Tre/Quarti

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* – pick up a reissue of this LP via Mannequin Records!

Happy listening!

11 Comments »

Ohama- I Fear What I Might Hear LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, canadian, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, Ohama on August 25, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post features the 1984 debut LP from Ohama, essentially a one man minimal wave project helmed by Canadian musician Tona W. Ohama, with occasional lyrical contributions by Johannes Halbertsma.

Over the course of three years, Ohama released two LPs and three singles. All of these releases (and more, including the 1986 Ohama Meets Dania LP) have been collected in an impressive 9xCD boxset, which may very well still be available by contact with Minimal Wave’s site. Should you dig this release, and should it still be available, I encourage you folks to snap up a copy of the set posthaste! Otherwise, here’s the info for the record.

Ohama- I Fear What I Might Hear LP
1. Of Whales
2. Sometimes
3. Feelings
4. Midnite News IV
5. Where Do You Call Home?
6. Midnite News II
7. Body Of Vagrant Waves
8. Part In Peace

*download it here*

13 Comments »

Circuit 7- Discography

Posted in 1980s, 1984, 1985, minimal, minimal synth, uk on July 22, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

UK’s Circuit 7 is a 2-piece minimal synth collective who recorded only six tracks throughout their short tenure. Can’t seem to find a slew of other information about the band, but the two members were Martyn Good and Andy Partington, and this seems to be their only musical venture. Sleeve scans show additional organic contributions from various folks, but no songwriting or official member status credits.

The zip below contains all six of Circuit 7’s tracks, including two 7” records (one on blue and one on red vinyl!) and two tracks from the Offering of Isca compilation, produced by Martyn Good and released on Micro Records in 1985. Without any further delay, here’s the information.

Circuit 7- Modern Story 7” (1984)
1. Modern Story
2. Eastern Dream

Circuit 7- Video Boys 7” (1984)
1. Video Boys
2. The Force

Offering Of Isca compilation (1985)
1. India
8. Beat Tonight

*download link removed*

EDIT: Good news for fans of the Circuit 7 material, as Minimal Wave is planning a CD/LP release of all of these tracks (and more) in the near future! So for those who wish to support both a fantastic label and the original artist, stay tuned to this space, as I’ll replace the download link with a purchase link when the LP goes live!

PURCHASE THE CIRCUIT 7 REISSUE LP HERE!!!

On a related note, I’ve included “Video Boys” within my latest mix-making venture. Due to the nudging of a few readers, I’ve created an 8tracks account to upload songs and mixes for friends and readers. I’ve made a twenty-one track long minimal wave mix with a dash of italo and coldwave for good measure. A few of these tracks should be familiar to Systems of Romance regulars, some are favorites, and some may appear here in the future, if demand is high and there isn’t any overlap. Anyway, click HERE to give the mix a spin, and enjoy! I’ll be making more of these as time progresses, and will be sure to update when the next one is live.

3 Comments »

Xeno and Oaklander’s "Freak Scene" mix

Posted in coldwave, led er est, minimal, minimal synth, sleep museum, wierd records, xeno and oaklander on July 21, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Just two years ago, I kicked off Systems of Romance in a more track-oriented/review format. My second post was on Wierd Records artists Xeno and Oaklander, consisting of the musical talents of both Sean McBride (Martial Canterel) and Liz Wendelbo (Xeno and Staccato). The band, a personal favorite on the roster, is gearing up to release their first official LP sometime this year, and have been performing heavily in the New York area, much to my great enjoyment.

Over the past few months, it seems as if both Wierd Records and Xeno and Oaklander’s following has grown exponentially. The label has been featured in several prominent magazines and blogs as of late, and The Fader has just published a post featuring a fantatic “mixtape” as plucked by Xeno and Oaklander. The mix features several obscure minimal wave cuts alongside Wierd Records favorites (including a new track from Led Er Est and an untitled number from Sleep Museum).

A proper post will follow this one momentarily, but in the meanwhile, please divert your attention **HERE** to read more on Xeno and Oaklander and to download these great minimal synth mp3s. To further entice you, here’s a list of their selections:

Cleaners from Venus- “This Rainy Decade”
Jon St. James- “Trans-Atlantic”
Epee Du Bois- “Misery”
Lister- “The Boogabe”
Ann Summer- “Ann Summer III”
Xeno and Oaklander- “Celeste”
Twilight Ritual- “Somewhere in My Heart”
Resistance- “The Gash”
Led Er Est- “Unkept Area”
Nagamatzu- “Magic”
Automelodi- “Schema Corporel”
Sleep Museum- “Unknown Song”
Glenn Winter- “Herrens Svar”
Martial Canterel- “Shrapnelle”
Staccato Du Mal- “Addiction”
Magic de Spell- “And the Burned Puppet”

Again, click here for the good stuff.

3 Comments »

Störung- The Art of Combining Cassette

Posted in 1980s, 1983, minimal, minimal synth, netherlands, Störung on June 23, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Astute fans of minimal wave should already be familiar with Störung, a duo from the Netherlands who released one classic full length record in 1982 (get it here on Mutant Sounds). Their sound combines some of the most striking minimal electronics with dirty guitars, bass, and alternating male and female vocals.

The band formed in 1981, and during their lifespan released both the This is Future LP and the respective Dreadful Dance 7”. Though a recent archival release by Minimal Wave Records (currently available for a meager $8.50!) appeared two years ago, the band had only these releases under their belt, but still had several unrecorded tracks in their repertoire. An unofficial cassette was released by their label, Combinator, in 1983. The bootleg featured several Störung staples alongside a series of unreleased tracks, recorded during one of the band’s live sets. These are the only known versions of some of these tracks, and though the quality is a bit warm due to the nature of the release, it still holds up as an additional piece of the Störung puzzle.

Without any further ado, here’s the information for the release:

Störung- The Art of Combining Cassette
1. Empire SX
2. Nooduitgang 2
3. Modern Fetch
4. Drums Keep Thundering
5. Europe Calls
6. Radio Lines
7. Onweer
8. This Is Future
9. Siberia
10. Don’t Want To Know
11. Warschau Pact

*download it here*

Note: Also posted on the No Longer Forgotten Music blog. Check out his impressive backlogs!

8 Comments »

Iko- ’83 LP/CD-R Bootleg

Posted in 1980s, 1982, canadian, iko, minimal, minimal synth on June 22, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

I see this one was one hosted on 7” From the Underground but has since expired. Otherwise, here’s the entire discography of Canadian minimal synth outfit Iko. The band released one LP and one 12” record, both in 1982, before disbanding.

This particular CD-R bootleg features two extra tracks not originally pressed on the LP, though one of the tracks made its way onto the Tribute to Some Bizzare series. Otherwise, there’s little info available outside of what Alessandro has dug up, so click there to read the proper credits, and otherwise, here’s the tracklisting and artwork:

Iko- ’83 LP/CD-R
1. Elevator
2. Gonadotropic Synthesis
3. Subway 49
4. Communication Off
5. Approach On Tokyo
6. Digital Delight
7. Model Type A
8. Radio Active Mist
9. Military Service
10. Surrender To The Dream

*****DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED*****- check out this excellent and legit reissue of the IKO material on Medical Records!

4 Comments »

Chris Carter- The Space Between Cassette

Posted in 1980, 1980s, ambient, chris + cosey, chris carter, industrial, minimal, minimal synth on April 28, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s artist should need no introduction, as he’s a member of several pioneering electronic acts including the likes of Throbbing Gristle and Chris and Cosey/Carter Tutti. Though Chris Carter lent his skills primarily to these outfits, the English musician recorded several of his own more electronic and less abrasive pieces on the side.

This particular release, Carter’s first solo outing, consists of several synth/wave instrumental recordings made in the legendary Throbbing Gristle studio. Though it’s been re-released several times over (never on vinyl), The Space Between originally appeared in cassette form, with little information and no tracklisting. The original pressing was released on TG’s Industrial Records, while subsequent CD reissues appeared on Elektra and The Grey Area.

Without any further ado, here’s the information for the record, and the link for your perusal:

Chris Carter- The Space Between Cassette
1. Beat
2. Outreach
3. Electrodub 1
4. Clouds
5. Reprise
6. Electrodub 2
7. Poptone
8. Slomo
9. Walkabout
10. Maybe
11. Falling
12. Solidit
13. Snap
14. Interloop
15. Resonance

*download it here*

9 Comments »

Twice a Man- Music For Girls LP

Posted in 1980s, 1982, currently active, minimal, minimal synth, swedish, synthpop, twice a man on April 8, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Ages ago, I uploaded Swedish minimal synth duo Twice a Man’s first 12”, one of the best releases of its time. Without repeating any information, click here for the original post, chock full of info and links to keep on Twice a Man’s current output.

Meanwhile, here’s the information for their debut full length, 1982’s Music For Girls, which though released on CD in 1994, remains curiously out of print to date.

Twice a Man- Music For Girls LP
1. Move
2. Breathe The Air
3. Boy
4. Battle
5. Russian Tractors
6. Decay
7. In My Mind
8. Dance
9. Gentlemen
10. Threat

*download it here*

6 Comments »

7/12” grab bag #3

Posted in 12'', 1980s, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1988, 7'', coldwave, grab bag, kuruki, minimal, minimal synth on February 13, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Last year, I made a point to upload a few rare 7” recordings in one post, offering a few new sounds for folks to pick up on. These proved to be rather popular, so I’ve decided to bring the series back. Here’s a blurb about each of the following releases:

Land of Giants- Cannibal Dolls/Seven Men 12”
Land of Giants were a Candian minimal wave band who released this one 12” single in 1982. The single topped the college charts in its day, and was praised by John Peel. No further release would appear until recently, when the band issued a CD featuring several new and unheard demo tracks recorded between 1982 and 1985, which can be purchased via paypal here.

1. Cannibal Dolls
2. Seven Men

Chromagain- Any Colour You Like Mini-LP
Once uploaded by Ale at the sadly defunct 7” From the Underground blog, this particular gem is one of the best wave recordings of its time. The three piece band hailed from Italy, and released this one five track record in 1985. “Satisfied” is easily one of my favorite tunes from the entire wave spectrum, so be sure to give this one a spin. *NOW REISSUED VIA ALESSANDRO’S OWN MANNEQUIN RECORDS!*

1. Satisfied
2. Spot
3. Killing Dome
4. After The Clouds
5. Season of Steel

Body 11- Mind 7”
Lone 1988 release by this German industrial/ebm collective. Nice and hard-hitting, with a few dance grooves thrown in for good measure. If anyone has any further information about this German duo’s whereabouts, feel free to pass it along!

1. Wasteland II
2. Fire
3. Hearts
4. Attack

Kuruki- Such a Liar 12”
Belgian new wave/italo-flavored duo known for their underground hit “Crocodile Tears,” released as a one-off single in 1981. That particular track also appears on this particular 12”, released just a few months later. A handful of singles followed over the next few years, and a full length appeared in 1984. Currently, vocalist Gerry D’Haeyer is in cahoots with Roland Van Campenhout, a Belgian blues artist.

The full length, TV Scape is available on Mutant Sounds, while 7” From the Underground has featured their debut single.

1. Such a Liar
2. Crocodile Tears
3. Yack Yack

*DOWNLOAD ALL FOUR RELEASES HERE*

18 Comments »

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