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*

5 Comments »

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 »

Dawn Fades- Demo K7 & Nine Thorns CD

Posted in 1990s, 1993, 1997, dawn fades, italian, post-punk on February 12, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Back in 2011, I posted the debut EP from Italian post-punk band Dawn Fades, who invoked the spirit of Killing Joke, Lucie Cries, and even early Modern English. I’ve updated the original post with a 320kbps of the CD, but what better time to post the rest of the band’s discography, which includes an earlier demo as well as a full length album.

I’ve been sitting on the full album for some time, as it took me a few listens to really appreciate it. While the band’s trademark heavy guitars and post-punk fury are still intact, there are a slew of late 90s electronics at play here, which may or may not be to some folks’ liking. The record came out in 1997, and definitely channels much of that alternative/industrial sound. If you don’t mind a little Nine Inch Nails/early 90s Killing Joke in your post-punk, it’s a great listen!

The demo tape precedes the original EP and was released in limited quantities in 1993 (and repressed in 1994). The majority of the cassette is live, but there are two studio cuts (and an intro) to kick things off. The live cuts are a mix of originals and covers, two of which were originally by Joy Division, the band’s clear namesake. The version of Sixteen Days is identical to the one that appears on the EP.

I’d like to thank Marc, the drummer of Lucie Cries, for contributing a rip of this cassette! If you aren’t already familiar with his band, please make it your first priority to check them out! There have been several reissues of the band’s catalog – a LP of selected cuts as well as a deluxe CD package of the full discography. Thanks again, Marc, and hope you all enjoy these releases!

Dawn Fades- Dawn Fades K7 (1993)
1. Intro
2. The Rape
3. Young God
4. What Use? (live)
5. Sixteen Days (live)
6. Coil (live)
7. Shadowplay (live)
8. The Rape (live)
9. Transmission (live)

Dawn Fades- Nine Thorns (1997)
1. Nine Thorns
2. Anger
3. 1.6
4. She Will Be
5. Loop
6. Collapse And Confusion
7. Lust
8. Control
9. Off

*download both here*

9 Comments »

The Blush- A Look From Outside 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, post-punk, the blush, uk on January 9, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

No matter how much I try, I keep coming back to that early 1980s post-punk sound time and time again. Icy string synths, detached vocals, heavy driving bass, and razor sharp guitars. Nothing piques my interest more than those early Factory/4AD vibes.

With that in mind, this particular 7” falls well within that category. This is the lone release by UK band The Blush, who self-released this 7” in 1982. The lineup on the back of the sleeve lists five members – two guitars, bass, drums, and of course, synths. According to another blog, there may be some Associates connections, though it’s hard to tell if the original lineup changed or adopted pseudonyms before this single was recorded. Even without confirmation, this single should definitely please fans of early Associates material, as well as bands like The Names, Acute Logic, etc. Especially love the thick bass! Both sides of the single are incredible, but the catharsis on the second song is fantastic.

The Blush- A Look From Inside 7”
1. A Look From Inside
2. Skipping

*download it here*

 

5 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*

8 Comments »

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*

4 Comments »

Nervous Germans- Summer of Love LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, german, goth, goth-rock, nervous germans, post-punk on September 27, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Much to my bitter chagrin, there’s a heatwave in NYC at the moment, so here’s an aptly titled record for those who aren’t ready to say farewell to the summer.

Loose weather-related connections aside, I picked this LP up earlier this year and somehow tossed it in the get-rid-of pile on the same day. Fortunately, I don’t move quickly when it comes to purging, for occasions like these. Some pals were over this past weekend and we picked through the pile, dropped the needle, and were all suitably impressed with the sounds we heard from the speakers. Let’s just say that if I had a nickel for every time I snap judged something, I’d be able to afford the scarcest of minimal synth classics…

That all said, this is the second LP by this German quartet, who were able to score some cult success outside of their native country thanks to a Peel Session in 1980. Their early material flirts with some art-punk leanings, but this LP lands more squarely on the post-punk spectrum, with some new wave-esque synths added for good measure. Definite shades of early Gene Loves Jezebel and some of the percussion-heavy moments on The Cure’s Pornography (especially in penultimate track “No Will to Resist”) as well.

The LP was released in 1983 and was the last release by the band for 30 years. The band has since reunited and has released two records, both of which can be heard on streaming media services, if that’s your bag. In the interim, here’s the deets:

Nervous Germans- Summer of Love LP
1. Summer of Love
2. Water Into Wine
3. When I Look Into Your Eyes
4. European Heart
5. Unconditional Surrender
6. The End of the Affair
7. Blood and Lace
8. No Will to Resist
9. Vanishing Point

*download it here*

Brief note- The ending of “European Heart” is meant to end abruptly, as the beat continues into the dead wax!

2 Comments »

Various Artists- Subtle Hints LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, subtle hints, uk on September 14, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

This one was already featured on Mutant Sounds forever ago, but it’s due time for a new rip and a new light to shine on this excellent electronic compilation from 1983. It’s gotten quite rare and pricey over the years, but remains a legendary entry into the UK’s minimal electronics and post-punk underground. Legend has it that most of these tracks were demos, and with a handful of exceptions (Art Interface, My Pierrot Dolls, a reissue of Chain of Command, and rare 7”s by Ad Astra and Picture Book), this compilation features their only released tracks.

I’d like to thank Thomas for his time and effort in providing the amazing rip here, and thanks as well to all the folks I was in touch with who offered to rip this one as well to put it back into the world. This one is for you guys, from you guys <3.

Various Artists- Subtle Hints LP
1. Always There- Squid Diddley
2. Some Aspects- Chain Of Command
3. Always Tomorrow’s Rain- Mon Amour
4. My Pierrot Dolls- My Pierrot Dolls
5. Hidden Pleasure
6. Witchcraft- This Side Of Paradise
7. A&R- Ad Astra
8. Statue of the Night- Time Statues
9. Success- Picture Book
10. If It Happened to You- Ind-X
11- Pseudo Rich- Synchronization
12. Follow Careers in Modern Love- New Vices For The Jaded
13. Beneath the Calm- Art Interface
14. Picture In Oils- My Pierrot Dolls

*download it here*

9 Comments »

Hambi & the Dance- Heartache LP + 25 Tears a Day 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, 1984, new romantic, new wave, uk on August 17, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s one for the new romantics in the house!

I originally picked this up a while ago at the urging of a friend, but kept it on the shelf for many years. Not sure why, but I reckon some of you can relate. I recently dropped the needle and was surprised by a rather catchy pop record from 1982 that especially calls early Talk Talk to mind, with plenty of guitars for good measure. There’s a few other touchstones here, perhaps some bigger and more stadium-oriented Gene Loves Jezebel singles, mid-era Modern English, the pop perfection of The Outfield (hush, they’re great), and there’s even one track that kind of hints at a Modern Eon/Opposition sort of melancholy in the verses (#4), but it’s not terribly obvious. The final track in particular is a stunner, but I dig everything on this record from start to finish, so long as you guys can hang with something a little bigger and brighter than some of the other gems featured here.

This is the only LP from Hambi & the Dance, though a handful of singles were pulled from the record. Two singles followed, the former exclusive and the latter pulled from a second LP, which was released just as Hambi. There were quite a few big names involved in this project over the years, including ex-Adam & the Ants drummer Chris Hughes, second Frankie Goes to Hollywood vocalist Paul Rutherford, and even the Mission/Sisters of Mercy’s own Wayne Hussey (who must have been an early member, as there aren’t any credits I can find on their recorded output). Vocalist Hambi Haralambous previously worked with other members of this band in Tontrix, also notable for featuring a pre-Flock of Seagull’s Mike Score.

EDIT: Thanks to Jeffo! for sending over a rip of the exclusive 12” from 1984 as well! This one is a little more club-centric, but should also hit the spot. Without any further ado:

Hambi & the Dance- Heartache LP
1. Time After Time 4:01
2. Living In A Heartache 3:22
3. Madelaine 4:05
4. L’Image Craque 4:31
5. Spirits 4:31
6. The World 3:23
7. Dancing Inside You 4:08
8. Major Major 3:30
9. Too Late To Fly The Flag 3:30
10. Standing In The Rain

Hambi & the Dance- 25 Tears a Day 12”
1. 25 Tears a Day
2. 25 Tears a Day (Pink Version)
3. Taking My Life In Strides

*download both here*

4 Comments »

Private Blue- She’s Love 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1986, german, private blue, synth, synthpop, westside music on August 7, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Moving right along on the synthpop front, this has been a recent DJ obsession of mine. You can hear it pretty regularly at Jupiter Disco in Brooklyn, where Goutroy, Jane Koh, and I spin every first Saturday night. Come say hello if you’re ever in the area!

Shameless self-promotion aside, this track is MASSIVE. While it was released in Germany in 1986, it has a rather distinctive Italo flavor mixed with a bit of the Westside sound that the label was best known for. For those unfamiliar, Westside was responsible for Celebrate the Nun, MCL, Axodry, Moskwa TV, and the incredible Few Boys single posted here quite some time ago. These bands should definitely paint a picture of what you’re in for here.

With that in mind, here’s the details:



Private Blue- She’s Love 12”
1. She’s Love
2. Help Me Tonight (Radio-Version)
3. She’s Love (Radio-Version)

*download it here*

4 Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »