Archive for the minimal Category

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The Electronic Circus- Direct Lines 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, dramatis, electronic circus, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop, the electronic circus, visage on November 19, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a real quick post before I sneak off for the weekened. Uploaded here, by generous donation, we have one of the best minimal synth singles out there, at least in my opinion. The a-side is an absolute romantic synth classic, while the b-side here is a more atmospheric, piano-driven affair, an interesting but pleasant counterpoint to the sheer pop perfection on the flip.

Fun fact about this one. Main contributor Chris Payne was also in both Visage and the Dramatis (who had a solid hit with Gary Numan on vox). Easy to see why there’s such great mastery on this one! Here’s the info:

The Electronic Circus- Direct Lines 7”
1. Direct Lines
2. Le Chorale

*download link removed* – this 7” was reissued in 2017 by Animated Records in Chicago, and again in 2021 by Iron Lung Records. Support these labels and the artists and pick up a reissue copy if you can!

12 Comments »

Celibates- A Shameless Fashion LP

Posted in 1980s, 1981, celibates, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk on November 15, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Some of you may have seen this one kicking around previously over at Capa Nostra Syndicate, but I believe there may be a skip or two on that particular upload. So apologies for the repetition, but here’s a freshly ripped version of this quirky minimal synth/post-punk hybrid from 1981.

This particular LP actually serves as a nice companion to the VHF lp. Quirky synths, minimal beats, and a strange connection to bands like Devo, Voice Farm, and Futurisk. Of course, there’s a few duds along the way, but I especially am fond the first track. Minimal synth fans should recognize David Kane, one of the album’s main contributors. Better known as Quintronic, he’s the man responsible for the Trek w/ Quintronic LPs, which you can get over at Mutant Sounds. Kane was responsible for the electronic elements of the LP, while Kent Weber (of the Fems), played all guitars and effects. Terry Sullivan, the vocalist, has no other releases as far as I can tell.

Celibates- A Shameless Fashion
1. Coming Alone
2. Keeping The Count
3. Making Moves At Random
4. Girls With Headphones
5. Rap City (In Blue)
6. She’s The One
7. Reflex
8. Whipped Cream Girls

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 8.17.17)

(press photo courtesy of Greg)

14 Comments »

VHF- 1st Impressions LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop, VHF on November 12, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I was going to wait until Monday came to post this one up, but news travels fast, and a few people are already asking for it. Up on the slab we have one of the rarest new wave records in existence, the elusive VHF LP. Not to be confused with the heavy metal band of the same name (though the logo looks conspicuously like Van Halen), this particular EP has more in common with Speak and Spell era Depeche Mode, Erasure, and soulful synthpop in that vein.

This LP was released in the UK in 1984 on Pennine Records. A power pop single by Any Trouble was the label’s only other release. Coincidentally, VHF has a bit of a power pop vibe going for it, instead employing a slew of synth leads and drum machines in that minimal style we all love to get the job done. A curious mix, which generally works.

This doesn’t complete the VHF saga though… There’s a 7” out there for the title track, which I believe features an exclusive b-side. Maybe we’ll hear that one some day, but in the interim, here’s the info for this ‘holy grail’ of rare wave records:

VHF- 1st Impressions LP
1. The Peril Of Passion
2. Let Me Fall
3. Smile On Demand
4. No Surprise
5. I Know You Wanna Say Goodbye
6. Don’t Call Me
7. First Impressions
8. Key To My Heart
9. Our Love Is Undecided
10. Mirage
11. Counting The Days
12. Replacement Heart

*download it here*

27 Comments »

Atelier Du Mal- Noblesse Oblige Demo K7

Posted in 1980s, 1984, atelier du mal, italian, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk on November 10, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Up next we have a killer demo tape from Italian minimal synth band Atelier Du Mal. I’m usually not too fond of cassettes, as I find the sound quality to be very sub-par on the whole, but this one is a real gem. Barely sounds like a cassette, let alone a demo, for that matter!

This is the band’s only official release, though track two, ‘Back to Taiwan,’ has been reissued as part of the Crollo Nervoso DVD set, essential listening/viewing for fans of obscure Italian wave.

Enough chatter, here’s the info:

Atelier Du Mal- Noblesse Oblige Demo K7
1. A Promise
2. Back to Taiwan
3. Another Kind of Madness
4. Waiting for Someone
5. Staticita
6. Palau
7. Marienbaad
8. Decadence (Underground Life)

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* – this tape has been reissued by Mannequin! Pick it up here.

That’s all for today (major treat coming soon- stay tuned), but I’d like to draw your attention to the De Press LP post from years past. Freshly re-uploaded, for those who missed out the first time. Thanks to all for keeping me on my toes!

5 Comments »

The Intensive Care Unit- Skull Trans Fracture LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, intensive care unit, israel, minimal, minimal synth, the intensive care unit on November 10, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I have a few more Russian treats in store, as well as one of the rarest synth records to post over the next few days, but today’s posts come from mr. BX. First up, we have some killer minimal synth from Israel.

Released on CBS in 1983, this is Intensive Care Unit’s lone LP. Not quite sure how many people were involved in total, but one of the band members was Hadar Goldman, also involved in Siam and the Impolight. Jerky minimal synth grooves here, recommended for fans of Borghesia, Max & Intro, and even some of the Russian greats we’ve been talking about lately! Here’s the info:

The Intensive Care Unit- Skull Trans Fracture LP
1. Intensive Care Unit
2. Do# (C Sharp)
3. Yum-Yumi
4. No1
5. Normal Game
6. Opposite Man
7. Plastic Garden
8. Tikon
9. Atra
10. Train

*download it here*

6 Comments »

Tally-Oh!- Hit the Beast 7”

Posted in 1980s, italian, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk on October 31, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Last but not least, to complete our Halloween trifecta, it’s back to Italy for an uber-rare single from 1984.

Strangely enough, there are conflicting reports on this release. While the sleeve clearly says Tally-Ho!, many sources claim that the band’s name is, in fact, Tally-Oh! Not sure where the truth lies, but my guess is that someone made a typo on the album sleeve or around the net, or perhaps the band meant for it to be somewhat confusing. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this mystery?

Either way, you can expect some excellent, upbeat, synth and beat driven tunes here. A little jerky and bass-heavy for post-punk heads, but complete with those minimal grooves we all know and love. Definitely a must hear!

Tally-Oh!- Hit the Beast 7”
1. Hit the Beast
2. Transmission

*download it here*

5 Comments »

Testcard F- Bandwagon Tango 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, british, minimal, synth, testcard f, wave on October 27, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

This one’s a little less pristine, but I’m still pleased to have a vastly improved rip of Testcard F’s first 7”, released in 1983. I originally uploaded an inferior (and potentially out of phase) version of the single back in 2008, with the remaining discography and several tidbits about the UK band. Unfortunately, it was the best copy of the tracks kicking around, and it’s taken me years to track down a better copy without paying a small fortune for it.

There’s a few cracks and pops on this copy (the a-side seems fairly well loved) but I hope you’ll all agree that it still makes for a cleaner, clearer, and more solid listen. Here’s the rundown:

Testcard F- Bandwagon Tango 7”
1. Bandwagon Tango
2. Unfamiliar Room

*download it here*

1 Comment »

Bendall’s Box- Nightmares 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, Bendall's Box, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, uk on October 18, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Ok, I promise I’m done for today. Last, but not least, we have the highly coveted 7” from Bendall’s Box, from 1981. The band hailed from the UK and this is their only release, two tracks of quirky minimal synth. Jerky bass rhythms, but classic drum machine/synth tracks.

I’ve had this one kicking around for some time, but the b-side has always circulated at poor quality, with plenty of digital skips. Most unfortunate, as it’s the true standout on this release. I’d like to thank Iker of Morning Magazine for originally sending me a cleaned up version of the b-side, and also supreme thanks to Oystein for ripping the track from his own personal collection! A+, gentlemen! Here’s the details:

Bendall’s Box- Nightmares 7”
1. Nightmares
2. Games Today

*download it here*

EDIT 6.3.12:
Bendall’s Box has returned after 30 years with a brand new new single! The single drops Monday, June 9th. Check here for more info:

http://soundcloud.com/bendalls-box
http://bendallsbox.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bendalls-Box/225063627528071
https://twitter.com/bendallsbox

5 Comments »

Beograd- Remek Depo LP

Posted in 1980, 1980s, 1983, minimal, minimal synth, serbian on October 18, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s the entire discography for Beograd, a killer Serbian minimal synth project formed in 1981. Beginning as a four piece, the band would most often appear as a trio, who recorded the majority of the band’s output, including one 7” and one full length LP. Surprised I haven’t seen either of these posted through the usual channels, as each of these releases are essential, in my opinion.

The band didn’t stay together very long, splitting up in 1983. One of the members would then release a 12” with Haj’mo, which I’d love to hear if anyone has a copy kicking around. That all said, here’s both of the band’s releases, zipped up for yr enjoyment!

Beograd- Sanjaš Li U Boji? 7” (1981)*
1. Sanjaš Li U Boji?
2. T.V.

*My donated copy has the a-side and the b-side switched, with T.V. as the a-side. Hope you kids don’t mind too much…

Beograd- Remek Depo LP (1983)
1. Opasne Igre
2. Ulice Su Noćas
3. Ko Si
4. Japan (Made In East)
5. Mrak
6. Kontrolori
7. Modni Kroj
8. Soba
9. Beg

*download it here*

**March 2012: The TV 7” has recently been reissued by Anna Logue records, so I’ve just reuploaded the LP.

I have a few more posts lined up for the week, but a lot on the slate. Maybe I’ll toss another one or two up today to keep you all satiated for now! Either way, stay tuned for more goodies to come follow.

6 Comments »

Steven Grandell- Animal Angst LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, experimental, minimal, minimal synth, synth, US on October 12, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

You may have seen this one over at Mutant Sounds in the past, but here’s a rather clean and fresh rip of this classic minimal synth LP by Steven Grandell, self-releaed in 1984. A little more experimental than most minimal synth recordings, complete with jerky rhythms, strange instrumentation (violins, xylophones, etc.), and detached vocals, but still quite catchy in the end.

A few copies of the LP were once sale via Venus DeMars, but I do believe they’ve since sold out. Currently, the artist is releasing music as Venus DeMars and All the Pretty Horses, which you can check out here. Here’s the info for this LP:

Steven Grandell- Animal Angst LP
1. Burn My Eyes
2. There’s Got To Be Something
3. Confession Of An Innocent
4. Lead
5. Fear
6. Isn’t It Time
7. Flight At The End
8. Great Big Earth
9. I Am Human
10. Radio Sleep

*download it here*

5 Comments »

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