martedì 4 dicembre 2007

Peter M. - Dead Lounge dj set 01.12.07 20h-22h (download)













This dj set (20h-22h) was played at Dead Lounge party (Rome, Italy) before the usual vinyl dj set (22h-24h), minimal synth/cold wave/post punk only oriented.

it includes, in randomically and mixed-up order:

Zoviet France, Violence and the Sacred, Uranium USSR 1972, Stratvm Terror, Spk, Liquid Sky OST, Slava Ranko, Psyclones, Peter M., P Children, Organum, Muslimgauze, Moral, Memorandum, Mekanika Popular, Maurizio Bianchi & Telepherique, Lemon Kittens, L'Ultima Spiaggia, I Scream, Hybrid Kids, Hafler Trio+Andrew Liles+Colin Potter, German Sheperds, Ellen Fullman, Das Synthetische Mischgewelbe, CORE,Contrastate, Coil, CCC CNC NCN, Attrition, A.I.Z.

Enjoy

Download

giovedì 22 novembre 2007

The Art Of Waiting - La Caduta Del Simbolo (12'', 1986)













Another italian dark wave group, The Art of Waiting. They were formed by Fabrizio Testini (voce), Francesco Nitti (voice and guitar), Ubaldo Cillo (bass), Gabriele D'amato (piano and guitar), Giancarlo Verdoscia (drums) and Mimmo Grasso (percussions). They released only this ep, that is very close to the classical dark bands like Bauhaus and Virgin Prunes.

Tracklisting

A1 The Bride
A2 Qualude
B1 Bianche Mura
B2 In The Hidey Hole

Toast TD EP 852

Direct Download
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Party Wall - Nuovi Colori (12'', 1986)













Party Wall were an italian new wave group, coming from the north of Italy, Reggio Emilia, composed by Paolo Munarini (voice/lyrics/guitar), Roberto Branchetti (sax), Claudio Colli (bass) and Paolo Carattieri (drums). The 12'' were recorded and mixed in November 1986 at G.A.S. studios in Florence. In fact their sound is very close to the classical wave bands properly formed in this italian city, like Diaframma and (early) Litfiba. Again, enjoy it.


Tracklisting

A1 Indietro Con Te
B1 Nuovi Colori

DVMX 1000

Direct Download

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Richard Bone - Living in a Party Town (7'', 1984)













Richard Bone began his early musical career creating soundtracks and scores for several off-Broadway companies working in experimental theater. In 1979 he released the single "Pirate the Islands/Headlines Have It" before joining the band Shox Lumania in 1981. That same year Bone recorded a solo 7" called "Digital Days/Alien Girl" on his own that was picked up by Survival Records in the UK. While with Survival he released two LPs, four EPs, two 45s and composed several singles for various compilation albums. In 1983 his single "Joy of Radiation" reached #1 on the Hong Kong Dance Chart.

Tracklisting

A1 Living in a Party Town
B1 Men With Secretes

Disques Vogue 101976 / Survival Records

Direct Download

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domenica 18 novembre 2007

Le Figure - Un Giorno, Un Altro (LP, 1983)







Le Figure is an obscure experimental italian group coming from the province of Ravenna and they self-produced in 1983 this lp on LM Records (the same label as Do-Po and Flo & Andrew, other italian rare minimal synth stuff). Their sound is a particoular mix, it could be a mirror of the historical period, between the 70's prog reminescenses ('Invito','Un'altra sigaretta') and improvisations ('Sbilenco') with jazzy taste ('Distraimi', 'Qualche Giorno') and the use of
(distorted) drum machines and synthesizers ('Oltre', 'Notturno'and 'Bambini'). They will remember to you the first period of Tomografia Assiale Computerizzata, Sigillum S and Ain Soph.

Tracklisting

A1 Invito
A2 Oltre
A3 Qualche Giorno
A4 Distraimi
A5 Notturno
B1 Bambini
B2 Sbilenco
B3 Radio Lamento
B4 Un'altra Sigaretta
B5 Ultimo Piano


EW 00001 New LM Records

Download from Mass Mirror

Direct Download

domenica 11 novembre 2007

impLOG - Holland Tunnel Dive (12'', 1980)













impLOG were Don Christensen with help from Jody Harris. They were both in The Contortions and released just two records as impLOG - the 'Holland Tunnel Dive' 12" on Lust/Unlust (home of DNA, Teenage Jesus And The Jerks, Mars, Dark Day, Jeff And Jane Hudson) and a 7", 'Breakfast / She Creatures' on Log Records. Jody Harris is one of the unsung heroes of No Wave - a Contortion, an impLOGger, founder of the wonderful Raybeats and collaborator with New York legend Robert Quine on the super 'Escape' lp on the mighty Lust/Unlust label. Remarkably, Don Christensen reappeared under the impLOG moniker in late 2005 after a 25 year hiatus to do a remix for Philip Glass.

Tracklisting

A1 Holland Tunnel Dive
B1 On B'Way

Lust/Unlust Music JMB 231

Download from Mass Mirror

Ghoul - Russian Roulette/Sacrifice (7'', 1988)













Ghoul were Kits Hilaire (vocals), Mescalero (guitar), Achimou (bass/guitar), Phantom Lord (bass) and Jay Satellite (drums) and they played a late 80's gothic stuff. All songs written and composed by Ghoul, recorded at Vielklang Studio in Berlin, 1988. The 7'' was published for Überschall Records, defunct german label run by Michael Bultmann. Unfortunatly i have no other further informations about them.

Tracklisting

A1 Russian Roulette
B1 Sacrifice

Überschall Records US 8-02 Efa 01615

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Flue - Jerome (7'', 1981)













Flue was a band that were signed by the semi- legendary Torso label in Holland in the early 80's. Their music is a mixture of coldwave and guitar new wave with strong sober melodies and a dark feel. The bands consisted of four members: Edward (vocals, synthesizers), Judith (synthesizers), Jerome (bass) and Hans (drums). The producer of the group was no less than Dick Polak, lead singer for another legendary Dutch new wave band, Mecano. Flue released two albums in the 80's, "One And A Half" and "Vista", both were issued on vinyl only and are extremely hard to find nowadays.

Tracklisting

A1 Jerome
B1 Ugly People

Torso TORSO 458

Download from Mass Mirror

sabato 10 novembre 2007

Kaa Antilope - Some Other Bivouacs In Some Other Wild Regions (7'', 1982)













Here's a great 7'' ep from Kaa Antilope, experimental/minimal synth group originary probably from Brussels, on Sandwich Records, home of Polyphonic Size and Pseudo Code.
The album was recorded in Brussels (june to december '81) and mixed at Pink House Studio. The side A (South side) plays at 45 rpm, otherwise the side B (North side) claims to be played at 33 ⅓ rpm, but actually also plays at 45 rpm.

Tracklisting

A1 Indonesian Triptich (Tribute To Walter Spiess)
A2 Back In India
A3 Gathering Flocks
B1 The Break Of Day

Sandwich Records SR18

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Sad Lovers and Giants - Lost in a Moment (7'', 1982)













Sad Lovers & Giants are from Watford, England and they formed in 1981. Their sound blends post-punk, folk and psychedelia and has seen them described as 'a pastoral Pink Floyd'.

The band's members have included Garçe (vocals), Tristan Garel-Funk (who went on to form The Snake Corps) (guitar), Tony McGuinness (now part of the trance trio Above & Beyond) (Guitar), Cliff Silver (bass), Ian Gibson (bass), David Wood (keyboards and saxophone), Juliet Sainsbury (keyboards) and Nigel Pollard (drums & percussion).

The original line up produced two albums, Epic Garden Music and Feeding the Flame, but split up in 1984 on the verge of commercial success. They returned in 1987 after a personnel change and released The Mirror Test, Headland and Treehouse Poetry before their label, Midnight Music, went bust in and the band split once again. E-mail From Eternity, a 'best of' compilation was released by Cherry Red in 1996 after picking up the Midnight catalogue from the receivers. The band rose from their frequently raked ashes to release a brand new album called Melting in the Fullness of Time in 2002 and played in Italy for the first time a year later.

Tracklisting

A1 Lost In A Moment
B1 The Tight Rope Touch

Midnight Music DING 1

Direct Downoload
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giovedì 8 novembre 2007

Camera 3 - Russians in Space (7", 1979)













Another hidden post punk pearl from London (UK)


1980 single on Service Records (SER 001) by band of Andy Johnson (brother of The The's Matt Johnson) aka Andy Dog. cover design also by Andy Dog.
Andy "Dog" Johnson is the older brother of The The's Matt Johnson. He is an artist best known for designing the record sleeves of The The in the 1980s and 1990s which were produced under the pseudonym of 'Andy Dog'. His work has a very distinctive style and often features tortured, grimacing figures coupled with dark, sad themes. He trained at Camberwell School of Art and contributed to many underground comics and magazines, also working for the music press. He was responsible for establishing the visual identity of the Some Bizzare record label. He currently lives and works as an artist in rural Suffolk, East England.

The 7" was produced by Simon Millward and Anton Loach while Mark Rowlatt played the drums. This session was also recorded in the Metabolist studio.

Aside from Mark Rowlatt on drums, Camera 3 consisted of:

Paul Miller - bass
Graham Weston - guitar
Andrew Johnson - vocals & keyboards

Tracklisting

A1 Russians In Space
B1 The Solution To All Problems

Service Records SER 001

Direct Downoload
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Moskow - Man From Uncle (7'', 1978)













Pre-Bolshoi post punk band (UK)


Before there was The Bolshoi, there was Moskow, a post-punk band based out of Trowbridge. There is little info available about the band, which only put out one single before breaking up. It was apparently managed by Allan Partner, who started TW records. The members included Trevor (who was going by Trevor Flynn -- using his mother's maiden name after his father left his family) and Jan. Whether they formed the band or not is really not known at this time. The single that was released was "Man From Uncle," which actually has been put out three times. Trevor is credited on bass, Jan on drums, and both probably contributed back-up vocals. Trevor is also listed as a co-writer of "Too Much Commotion."

One other mystery - on the initial 1978 SRS-2103 release, David Ashmore is credited with writing "Man From Uncle" and Ashcroft/David Cole are credited with "White Black." On the subsequent releases (on Rialto in 1979, then TW in 1982), Cole's name remains, but a Dave Luckhurst is credited alongside, then instead of, Ashmore. It's possible that David Ashmore and Luckhurst are the same person, just like Trevor Flynn amd Tanner are. But who knows at this point? Cole and Luckhurst went on to play with other small punk banks in the UK.

Tracklisting

A1 Man from Uncle
B1 White Black

SRS-2103

Direct Downoload
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mercoledì 7 novembre 2007

Testcard F - Bandwagon Tango (7'', 1982)










Minimal synth from Norwich (UK)


Formed in 1981, Testcard F were at the leading edge of Techno Pop, building their own electronic percussion and happily ignoring all musical conventions. From a modest start with a demo on Radio Norfolk (yes it used to feature local bands) the Testies amassed a small and enthusiastic following.

Live performances were enjoyably shambolic and involved hitting litter bins, coat racks and other items salvaged from UEA to give a human feel to the proceedings. The drum machine was primitive, took hours to program and could hold one song only, hence they used backing tapes. These were a box of cassetes (from BB Adams) with one backing track per song, often containing just the drums. The idea was that the order of the set could be varied easily, but occasionally the wrong tape went in, with interesting results.

Usually the audience enjoyed the gigs, occasionally they didn't. There are some places you're stared at with malice from the moment you enter the room and this happened once or thrice to the band, usually with mutterings of "not a proper band - no guitars" etc. One gig at The Big Apple in Great Yarmouth was notable for the compere pulling the plug half way through and quipping "Thank you that was Testcard F - you won't be hearing them again". Shortly afterwards someone threw a bar stool across the bar, shattered the mirror and the police stormed the building. The band beat a hasty retreat as the venue descended into chaos. Interestingly the go-go dancers in the cages (classy) didn't seem at all surprised.

Testcard F supported OMD and SPK amongst others, but winning the Norwich heat of Battle of the Bands and a Peel session in 1984 were probably their finest hours. A couple of singles promised great things which sadly didn't come to pass.

Tracklisting

A1 Bandwagon Tango
B1 Unfamiliar Room

Backs Records NCH 004

Direct Downoload
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Baard - Life In A Goldfish Bowl (7'', 1982)













A cult-classic minimal synth killin 7'' from Sweden

Bard began his musical career in 1982 with the single "Life in a Goldfish Bowl" released under the name Baard, a synth-punk fusion project he had formed together with two female striptease dancers. He has since claimed that he spent the Baard years living as a male prostitute in Amsterdam. Bard later had some minor success as Barbie, which saw Bard in drag singing dance-oriented pop. After abandoning work on a second Barbie album, he formed Army Of Lovers with two of Barbie's entourage, Jean-Pierre Barda and La Camilla. Army Of Lovers had over 20 Pan-European hits, the biggest being "Crucified", "Obsession", and "Sexual Revolution", while their presence in the US and the UK was limited to repeated club chart successes. They released five studio albums, made over 20 music videos, and became phenomenally successful across Eastern Europe, before Bard disbanded the group in 1996. Army Of Lovers have later earned a widespread iconic status in the gay culture, often referred to as a perfect example of the postmodern take on the ideals of camp.

Following the demise of Army Of Lovers, Bard founded Vacuum, a symphonic synthpop project featuring Bard, Marina Schiptjenko (formerly of synthpop group Page), and newcomer Mattias Lindblom.

Tracklisting

A1 Life In A Goldfish Bowl
B1 Savior For The Nations

Apollo Records APS 016
Later re-released by Genetic Music with catalogue number GEN 012

Thanks to Jo Risk for the ripping!

Downoload from Mass Mirror

martedì 6 novembre 2007

Leitmotiv - Silent Run / (Living In A) Tin (7'', 1984)













Post punkers from Sheffield (UK)


North of England goth band, with a four-man line-up consisting of Simon Asquith (vocals & guitar), Steve Shepley (keyboards), Dean Woodhead (bass) and Paul Asquith (drums). 'Silent Run' should be a post punk classic, otherwise '(Living in a) Tin' is more synth/wave oriented, and here is a version remixed from the mini album 'Caress And Curse'.

Tracklisting

A1 Silent Run
B1 (Living In A) Tin

Pax Records PAX 17

Direct Downoload
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Voice Farm - Double Garage / Elevate (7'', 1981)













Great minimal synth from San Francisco (USA)

Voice Farm was a San Francisco electronic music band formed in 1981. The history of Voice Farm can be traced back to the chance meeting of Charly Brown, an artist and musician from Portland and Myke Reilly, who served a three month prison sentence in Berlin for experimenting with pirate television there. The circle was complete when former baseball player Ken Weller was added. Regional alternative radio and club play was sparked by a pair of albums released by Ralph and Systematic Records. The group earned national attention in 1990 as the opening act on Depeche Mode's U.S. concert tour. The last release from the band was an independent release in 1995 called "The Love Experiment".

Tracklisting

A1 Double Garage
B1 Elevate


Optional / Systematic 5

Direct Downoload
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Arbeid Adelt! - De Dag Dat Het Zonlicht Niet Meer Scheen (7'', 1982)










Experimental minimal synth from Belgium

Arbeid Adelt! was formed in 1981 by Marcel Vanthilt (Max Alexander) and Jan Van Roelen (David Salamon). Together they produced the singles "Ik sta scherp" (which can be translated both as "I'm so sharp", or "I'm so horny"). Their first gig lasted only seven minutes as they had only 2 songs to perform : "Ik sta scherp" and "Schuld, mij treft geen ..." (Blame, I'm not to ...). Soon more songs were to follow.

"De dag dat het zonlicht ..." (the day the sunlight...) was performed on national television in the program "Hitring" and was a shock-surprise. There was a lot of fuzz about the single because crooner John Terra felt upset. Just at that time he had a hit called "De dag dat het zonlicht niet meer scheen" (The day the sunlight stopped shining). Although the number was far from a cover version, the poor man felt attacked by the line "dat was de dag, de dag dat John met mijn vriend verdween). Later on, the group was joined by Luc Van Acker with whom they recorded the mini-album "Jonge Helden" (Young heroes). Their amusing lunacy and their inventive clips made "Lekker Westers" (Nicely Western) and "De man die alles noteert" (The man who takes notes of everything) popular favorites. They split up after finishing their second mini-album "Le chagrin en Quatre-vingt". Only one year later, the group reformed without Luc Van Acker...

Tracklisting

A1 De Dag Dat Het Zonlicht Niet Meer Scheen
B1 Het Amusementsbedrijf


Parsley, Wereldrecords PP 018, 2

Direct Downoload

Palais Schaumburg - Rote Lichter (7'' 1980)













Classical NDW on Zick Zack from Hamburg (Germany)

Palais Schaumburg was a new wave band from Hamburg, Germany. The style was classified as Neue Deutsche Welle, and strongly characterized by their avant garde music and dadaistic attitude.The band was originally formed in 1980, featuring Timo Blunck, Holger Hiller, Thomas Fehlmann and percussionist F. M. Einheit. The group's name stands for Das Palais Schaumburg in Bonn, the former residence of German chancellor. The first full length album Palais Schaumburg was produced by David Cunningham and released in 1981. Shortly after it was released, Hiller and Einheit left the band. Hiller started his solo career and Einheit joined Einstürzende Neubauten. They were replaced with Moritz von Oswald and vocalist Walther Thielsch. The group made several singles and albums throughout early 80's, where their avant garde sounds were heavily influenced by funk, especially in albums Lupa and Parlez-Vous Schaumburg. They eventually split up in 1984. All the members have been working on their solo careers.

Tracklisting

A1 Rote Lichter
B1 Mach Mich Glücklich Wie Nie


Zickzack ZZ 23

Direct Downoload

lunedì 29 ottobre 2007

Mekanik Destruktiw Komandoh - Berlin (12'', 1983)













Raw post-punk from Berlin (Germany)

Named after the great Magma album of the same name, MDK musically resembles their namesake very little. Instead of the prog com krautrock cum hippie art jam that Magma is, MDK taps into the Rough Trade/post punk of their time (admittedly with a tad of krautrock). Their sound is one of contrasts: tight playing with rough production, guttural spit-out vocals with semi-smooth sax. Alexander Hacke (Von Borsig, P1/E, Blässe, Sentimentale Jugend, Sprung Aus Den Wolken and one of the early members of Einstürzende Neubauten) was one of the former member.

Tracklisting

A1 Berlin
A2 Die Babies Von Heute
B1 Der Tag Schlägt Zu (The Message)
B2 Werewolf

Sixth International 1/12

Direct Downoload

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Portion Control - Purge (12'', 1986)













Raising from the electronic underground from London (Uk)

Portion Control first formed in 1980 and the original incarnation of the group existed until 1987. They released a variety of seminal recordings on a variety of indie labels, some self-produced but mainly on Illuminated Records, as well as Rhythmic Records and Dead Mans Curve. In 1987 Portion Control signed to London Records and promply vanished. They reformed a few years later as Solar Enemy which survived from 1990 to 1993. Portion Control weren't seen again until 2002 when fansite 319 Online announced a resumption of activities by the band resulting not long after in a free downloadable software demo featuring graphics, a rare remix of an old track, and samples of new material. Nothing else was released by them, however, until early 2004 with the release of the critically acclaimed double album Wellcome (the title inspired by the work of Sir Henry Wellcome).

Tracklisting

A1 Raise The Pulse (Remix)
A2 Go-Talk (Remix)
B1 The Great Divide (Remix)
B2 Karateka

Dead Man's Curve DMC 001

Direct Downoload

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martedì 25 settembre 2007

A Popular History Of Signs - If She Was A Car - 12'' 1983











Synth-wave from London (Uk)

Operating between the years 1980-1988, this London quartet was led by singer, bassist and keyboardist Andrew Jarman, mixing melodic wave and tipical minimal synth sounds. Out on Jungle Records, home of Play Dead, March Violets and Bone Orchard.

Tracklisting

A If She Was a Car
B1 Stigma
B1 Guernica


Jungle Records JUNG 006

Direct Downoload

Thanks to Andreas Herz for the professional master audio quality ripping

Degada Saf - No Inzro - MLP 1984









Experimental-wave from Castelfranco Veneto (Italy)

Another hidden pearl from Italy. Degada Saf played a synth-electronic music, a kind of involved no-disco with no-sense lyrics in esperanto. Their sound is very similar to the first period of Cabaret Voltaire and the synth-experimental bands from the 80's. Printed for the storic fanzine/label Rockgarage, famous for the series of compilations with Death In Venice, Frigidaire Tango, Diaframma, Fungwagen, 2+2=5.

Tracklisting

A1 La Rumba de Shangai
A2 Ris du Fles
A3 Tri-banal
A4 Loda loda
B1 Zom Africa
B2 Poli Su Mis
B3 Om
B4 No Inzro

Rockgarage Records 1/1984

Direct Downoload

Thanks to Andreas Herz for the professional master audio quality ripping

lunedì 27 agosto 2007

Baciamibartali / Winter Light - Split 12'' 1982













Beautiful italian synthly dark-wave split from Ancona (Italy)

It's a kind of "fake" split, 'cause Baciamibartali and Winterlight are essentialy the same band. Tons of synth sounds with tipical italian dark melancholy/loopy music (listen to the killin' track 'Isao'). Baciamibartali will release later (1984) the fantastic 12'' "The Mournful Gloom" on Contempo Records. Inside the zip you'll find some other pictures, with a lot of details. Simply enjoy.

Tracklisting

A1 Baciamibartali - New Choice
A2 Baciamibartali - Will The Ocean Wait?
A3 Baciamibartali - Another Step
A4 Baciamibartali - Kill Myself 1
A5 Baciamibartali - Coming Again
B1 Winter Light - Crash Comma (Dub)
B2 Winter Light - Isao
B3 Winter Light - Kill Myself 2 (featuring Baciamibartali)
B4 Winter Light - Always Unique

Sequence Records SQLP101

Direct Downoload

Thanks to Andreas Herz for the professional master audio quality ripping

Chromagain - Any Colour You Like 12'' MLP 1985

One of the greatest italian synth-wave group from Turin (Italy)

This is the rare mlp from the italian band Chromagain, the sounds are very close to other great italian acts like Weimar Gesang, Monuments, Cold Phoenix and Carmody. Registered and mixed at TKS studio. Produced by Chromagain. Cover front and retro will follow. Enjoy the music, now.

Chromagain are:
Luca Pastore (bass, guitar, synth)
Silvio Ferrero (keyboards)
Davide Bassino (voice)

Tracklisting

A1 Satisfied
A2 Spot
B1 Killing Dome
B2 After The Clouds
B3 Season of Steel

Supporti Fonografici SF004

Direct Downoload

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Thanks to Andreas Herz for the professional master audio quality ripping

mercoledì 25 luglio 2007

Modern Eon - Pieces 7" 1979













Their first self-produced seven inch, with alternative versions!

Modern Eon were from Liverpool in the North West of England. They were a part of the "New Liverpool Scene" that sprang up in 1979-1980 around 'Eric's Club'. Others belonging to the "New Liverpool Scene" included Echo & the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark, Dead or Alive, Pink Military and more. This is their first self-produced seven inch, on Eon Records. The particularity of this single is that "Second Still" & "Choreography" are very different from album versions, with more raw and post punk sounds.

Tracklisting

A1 Second Still
A2 Waiting for the Cavalry
B1 Choreography
B2 The Look a Smack

Eon Records EON 001

Direct Downoload

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domenica 15 luglio 2007

Xno - Angel 12" 1987













Great and rare dark-wave sounds from Vicenza (Italy)

This rare and mostly unkown twelve inch album from italian group XNO were distributed by Supporti Fonografici, the home of bands like Weimar Gesang and Chromagain. From the back cover notes we can read that Xno were A.Battistello, N.Carraro, M. Dal Santo, E. De Facci and S.Molo and the album was registered and mixed at the Magic Studio in Malo (Vi). The release's year should be 1987.

Tracklisting

A1 Angel
A2 The Birth
B1 I Can't Cry
B2 The Story of the Death Boy

Supporti Fonografici UHF 001

Thanks to Andreas Herz for the professional master audio quality ripping

Download

sabato 14 luglio 2007

Informatics - Accident In Paradise 12" 1985













Seminal analog sounds from Australia

The band started in 1981 in the basement of an art school in when two art students, Michael Trudgeon and Valek Sadovchikoff shared the same sonic space and found a common love of sweeping oscillators. They were soon joined by Steve Adam and Ramesh Ayar. Ramesh wrote several songs with Informatics but soon moved on to other passions. Philip McKellar joined the band in 1983. Informatics were seduced and fascinated by the capabilities of analogue synthesizers. In early performances, long before the advent of samplers, rows of synthesizers were patched together to create unique percussion and instrumentation solely generated by analogue synthesis. Informatics held a fascination for contemporary visual art and moving images and this led to several concerts where the live performance was accompanied by a large screen format video.The production elements in the videos reflected Informatics philosophy on sound composition: the footage was entirely pirated from television ads, manipulated and then collaged to create new narrative that reinforced the music.
In 1983, Informatics released a 4 track, Dezinformatzia, but all tracks were recorded between January and November 1981 using 4- and 2- track recorders. In Australia it was frequently played on alternative and college radio stations, but the conservative mainstream showed no interest. In Berlin on the other hand there was already a culture of electronic music literate fans and Proximity Switch, later renamed Accidents in Paradise got onto the mainstream charts in late 1985.










Tracklisting:

A1 Proximity Switch (Accident In Paradise)
B1 Hungry Pets
B2 Satellite To Russia

Last Chance Records LCR 002

Thanks to Andreas Herz for the professional master audio quality ripping

Download

venerdì 13 luglio 2007

Red Zebra - I'm Falling Apart 7" 1981













Fantastic cold-wave from Bruges (Belgium)


Started out as a band of four sixteen-year-olds in 1978 under the name of The Bungalows. After learning to play some instruments and a name change to Red Zebra, they debut with a self-produced, self-written and self-sold EP. On this EP figures the song "I can't live in a living room". This biting indictment of bourgeois society became a radio-hit and is considered one of Belgium's finest cult classics. After another single (I'm Falling Apart/TV Activity, here ripped for your pleasure) they record the mini-album "Bastogne" in 1981. Riding on the "cold"- and "new"-wave, this record has quite an impact. Their first full-length album "Maquis" of 1983 (which is preceded by the singles "Lust/The beauty of the beast" and "Polar Club") gets received with mixed feelings, after which the group goes into a lull and splits up completely in 1986.

Tracklisting:
A1 I'm Falling Apart
B1 T.V. Activity

Zebra Records ZR002

Download

giovedì 12 luglio 2007

Kuruki - Just A Cat 7" 1983













Synth pop of the early 80's from Ghent (Belgium)


Kuruki was almost a solo project, by Ghent-based musician Gerry D'Haeyer. The single "Crocodile tears", printed in 1981, was fun and interesting, a one hit wonder. Then followed three 12" ('Such a Liar', 'Action' and 'Souvenir / Souvenir'), this 7" single "Just a cat" in 1983, which was recorded with Alan Gevaert & Chris Whitley of Noh Rodeo, and a full-lenght in 1984, 'Tv Scape'. Gerry D'Haeyer later went on to play drums with bluesmusician Roland Van Campenhout.

Tracklisting:
A1 Just A Cat
B1 Marina Key (Casino Parade)

Vogue Belgique Vb.708

Download

lunedì 9 luglio 2007

Underground Life - Away/Le Vol 7" 1983













Cult new wavers from Milan (Italy)


Underground Life borned in 1977, during the punk era, with a temporary formation of young musicians, founded by the drummer Lorenzo LaTorre. Giancarlo Onorato joined the band last. In 1979 was printed their first 45, 'Noncurance/Blackout!' on Ivoire, exposed in the shop windows of the London Rough Trade as “italian punk rock”. In 1980 followed a hard-to-find tape, 'I Fiori Del Male': it was borned the more excting story of the italian underground music. After some live shows, they released the 12" 'The Cross' (1981) on Trinciato Forte Records and their first lp 'The Fox' (1982) on Suono/Panarecords. After to join the legendary I.R.A. Records, where some albums were produced, including the tracks for the compilation 'Catalogue Isse' (1984) shared with Litfiba, Diaframma and Moda, they released this rare promo seven inch, musically between the classical new wave sounds and the minimal synth stuff.










Tracklisting:

A1 Away
B1 Le Vol

Suono SR 7124

Download

venerdì 6 luglio 2007

The Factory - Hold Out 7" 1986













One of the best dark wave single from London (Uk)


This is the seven inch version of the legendary twelve 'Hold Out' from the english group The Factory. No presentation needed, just download.













Tracklisting

A1 Hold Out
B1 Burn Me Up

Strike Back Records SBR10

Dedicated in loving memory of Paolo.

Download

mercoledì 4 luglio 2007

3 Of A Perfect Pair - Silent Desease/Flaming Torch 7" ????













Unknown dark wave band from Kiel (Germany)

The only information that ive found about this obscure band from Germany is printed in the back of the seven inch, you can see the scan for more infos. Unfortunatly i miss the year of the release, however the "dark" sounds place it at mid 80's.













Tracklisting

A1 Silent Desease
B1 Flaming Torch

Perfect Rec. Step 001














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martedì 3 luglio 2007

Abwärts - Computerstat 7" 1980













Legendary new deutsch wellers from Hamburg (Germany)

The band started in 1979 with Frank Ziegert alias Frank Z. (voice,guitar), Gita Haberland, Fm Einheit (later with EN, Mona Mur and Palais Schaumburg) and Axel Dill. In the middle of 1980 was added Mark Chung as a firm member. Abwärts first appearance took place in 29.12.79 on the “Geräusche für die 80er” festival in the Markethall in Hamburg. Shortly thereafter, 1980, appeared the first 7 inch EP “Computerstat”, which stayed nearly one year on place 1 in the German (sound) Independent Charts. Always in 1980 was released their first album “Amok Koma”, followed in 1981 by another 7 inch, "Roboter In Der Nacht", all this stuff on the legendary Zick Zack label, home of Die Radierer, Andy Giorbino, Andreas Dorau, Kosmonautentraum, X Mal Deutschland and obviously Einstürzende Neubauten.













Tracklisting:
A1 Computerstaat
A2 Japan
B1 Moon Of Alabama
B2 Wir Warten
B3 Nach Haus

Zick Zack ZZ2

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Detonazione - Sorvegliare e Punire 7" 1983













Killin' post-punk/no wavers from Udine (Italy)

Detonazione were Bruno Romani (alto sax,vocals,samples),Gianni Brianese (fretless bass), Glen Celeghin (drums),Loris Lavia (guitar), Giorgio Cantoni (synths), Fabio Scroccaro (percussions, synths). The group was borned under the wing of social centers, but always found difficulty to estabilish theirselves in this contest, because they didnt sound "hardcore". The music is a perfect mixture between the noisy jazz echoes from the no-wave area and the tribal post-punk sounds, with a massive storm of synthesizers. They released this four tracks 7" (33 rpm) in 1983 for Tunnel Records, enclosed in the Rockgarage magazine (number 0/4), 'Riflessi Conseguenti' in 1984, and a compilation with rarities, called 'Ultimi Pezzi', in 1989. A track called 'Dead planet blues ' was also included in the F/EAR This! compilation.













Tracklisting:
A1 I dont wanna be (a frustrated one)
A2 This is religion
B1 Assenza di pensiero
B2 Staticità malata

Tunnel Records P1983








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domenica 1 luglio 2007

The Tea Set - Parry Thomas/Trix Pan 7" 1980













Herttfordshire-based punk/poppers (Uk)


The Tea Set's Nic Egan, Ron West and Cally (just "Cally") were students at Watford College of Art where they mingled with Wire founders Colin Newman, Bruce Gilbert and George Gill (whose song "Mary is a Dyke" may have heavily influenced the Tea Set's "B52-G"). Ron and Cally played together in the Bears, whose 1977 45 debuted Watford Art grad Phil Smee's Waldo's label, and Cally had done the Nigel Simpkins EP on his own (Waldo's 002), so the Tea Set finally arrived with Waldo's 003: the Cups and Saucers EP. This came in a fancy booklet, but it wasn't a patch on their second, Parry Thomas, which arrived in a folder sleeve on four different colours of paper –with a poster, a card and a 'tea bag'. Cally: "Most all of the Waldos releases were laboriously hand-assembled and packed in Phil's living room. We dreaded a hit!". The A-side was included also in the compilation 'The Indie Scene 1980'.

Tracklisting:
A1 Parry Thomas
B1 Trix Pan

Waldos Records PS 006

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I'm So Hollow - Dreams To Fill The Vacuum 7" 1980













Great post-punk sounds from Sheffield (Uk)


I'm so Hollow was one of the many bands that formed in 1978. The "Hollow" sound came after several months of practice sessions in the cellar at Joe Sawicki's parents house. They played their first gig with ClockDVA in the Penthouse Club in Sheffield. Many gigs followed with bands like Vice Versa and their biggest gig at the Leeds Futurama festival in 1980, of which a clip is shown in 'Made in Sheffield'.They were a goth-tinged post-punk band, based in Sheffield, England, that had roots in a punk band called V4. After the morph into I'm So Hollow in 1979, the band took cues from the likes of Wire and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Prior to making their first recording, guitarist Rod Leigh, bassist Gary Marsden, drummer Joe Sawicki, and vocalist/keyboardist Jane Wilson were profiled in the NME as part of an article devoted to the Sheffield scene. Though they never released much of anything on their own, their material did show up on a batch of compilations. "I Don't Know" appeared alongside songs by Vice Versa, the Stunt Kites, and Clock DVA on 1980: The First Fifteen Minutes, an EP released by Neutron in February of 1980. Another recording, "Touch," was issued on Bouquet of Steel, a compilation of Sheffield bands released by Aardvark in June of 1980. Hicks From the Sticks (which also featured the likes of Medium Medium, Wah! Heat, and Modern Eon) was another package that featured the band. Prior to breaking up, the band released this downloadable single (clear vinyl) on Hollogram and a LP, Emotion/Sound/Motion, on Illuminated in 1981.










Tracklisting:
A1 Dreams To Fill The Vacuum
B1 Distraction

Hollogram Records ISH 001/002

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sabato 30 giugno 2007

Berlitz Drama - Fruehling/Herrmann 7" 1982













Synth-experimental stuff on Torso label (Netherlands)

Cool and obscure band from Netherlands on Torso, home of Mecano and Flue. The A-side was included also in the New Wave Complex compilation vol 13.

Tracklisting:
A1 - Fruehling
B1 - Herrmann

TORSO 459

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Bpeople - You At Eight 7" 1981








Seminal art-punk band from Los Angeles (USA)


Bpeople rocked the scene in L.A.,they released a few records and faded into oblivian, but they count a lot of famous alumni out of the band (Tom Recchion along with Fred Nilsen, also co-founders of the LAFMS, and members of various other great bands and solo artists in and of themselves; Pat Delaney, of the late great Deadbeats; Paul B. Cutler, the name should speak for itself, but a seminal figure and member of such bands as Consumers, 45 Grave, Vox Pop, and Dream Syndicate, as well as a producer of a billion cool bands; and of course Alex Gibson, later of Passionel, and now a popular film score composer.) They played live with bands such as Suicide, Factrix, Non, Human Hands, Fall, Wall of Voodoo, Urinals, Our Daughters Wedding, Blackouts.

Tracklisting:
1 You At Eight
2 Weather To Worry
3 M.P.C.D.

Faulty Products

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venerdì 29 giugno 2007

Modern Eon - Euthenics/Waiting For the Cavalry 7" 1980 (Inev 003)













Rediscovered dark wave group from Liverpool (Uk)


Modern Eon were from Liverpool in the North West of England. They were a part of the "New Liverpool Scene" that sprang up in 1979-1980 around 'Eric's Club'. Others belonging to the "New Liverpool Scene" included Echo & the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark, Dead or Alive, Pink Military and more.
The bands beginnings are a bit unclear. Alix (real name Alex Johnson), the band's founding member, had moved off to Canada and when he eventually returned, he found England in the middle of the Punk phenomena. Alix and Danny Hampson started out in a band called Luglo Slugs. "Ugh!" --John Peel on the topic of Luglo Slugs. Over the next few months they changed their name, first to Tank Time, then to One Two and shortly thereafter, Modern Eon was born. Their first vinyl release was on a compilation called Steet to Street: A Liverpool Album with the song 'Benched Down/ 70s Sixties in November 1978. Then, after one self released single, 'Pieces' on Eon Records in 1979, they recorded the single 'Euthenics' for Inevitable Records in 1980. In Early 1981 a re-recorded version of 'Euthenics' was released on DinDisc followed by two more singles and, to much critical acclaim, their debut album 'Fiction Tales' in June 1981.
The songs are fueled by powerful tom-tom driven, inventive drumming. Their music defies the routine by occasionally adding odd analog electronics and saxophone. The vocals are bathed in reverb and delivered with smooth eloquence, barely intelligible.Definite influences from Joy Division and Echo & the Bunnymen can be heard. Their music is moody, melodic and always leaves a certain mysterious impression.

Tracklisting

A1 Euthenics
B1 Waiting for the Cavalry

Inevitable Records 003

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mercoledì 27 giugno 2007

Taste of Decay - Calling EP 7'' 1986














Great post punk band, based in Harrislee (Germany)

This band existed from June 1984 until August 1986. One can describe the music as Gothic, they called it at that time "Cave trash". There were few live appearances in Flensburg and Kiel.
They published 2 Tapes, but the most important publication was however „the Calling EP ", a self-produced EP with 5 tracks. Printed in 512 copies, from which, on the way to West Berlin, were lost 50. The photo on the cover was a photograph of Claus Korn from Treuchtlingen, the Innencover was arranged from Kim Schmidt.

Pictureside (A)

1. Calling
2. You Are Gone
3. Factory

Letterside (B)

1. This Station
2. Somewhere

Rip Records 001

Line-up:
Simon Pörksen (bass)
Lenni Thomsen (drums)
Felix Schultz (all guitars) (died to 23.12.95)
Michael Scholz (voices and the "eisen" on factory)

Recorded at Proton-Studios 1986














Photo from a live appearence, Flensburg December 1985
at "Deutschen Haus"


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