lunedì 21 dicembre 2009

Carillon del Dolore/Petali Del Cariglione - Teatro Massenzio Roma 27.07.1985 LIVE K7










Coming from Roma , active from 1983 to 1986, Carillon del Dolore can be considered the only true italian gothc band. On his 5th anniversary celebration In The Night Time released a double cd "...Per portarti questo scrigno", that includes the two demotapes, Fiori Malsani e Ritratti dal Vero, previously unreleased tracks and live recordings, a live antholgy starting from their first exhibitions in 1983 until their reunion concert at Teatro Colosseo in Rome, in june 2007 .
The 24 pages booklet includes various pictures, lyrics, biography, discography and all the Carillon the Dolore lineups from 1983 until today.

Here shared a very rare live set from 1985, in Rome, that contains a previously unreleased track.

Afrodisia Città Libera - Stati D'Ansia 12'' 1985













Hailing from Sassuolo (Modena), Afrodisia Città Libera are simply the Italian Dark Wave at its best issuing. Apart the amazing 12'' EP posted here, they also released a full lenght in 1987 for Hiara Records, entitled "Il Veleno Della Sottomissione". Don't miss it.

Arranged By - Afrodisia Città Libera
Artwork By [Graphic Design] - Anna Vescovini
Bass - Stefano Nocetti
Composed By, Lyrics By, Vocals, Guitar - Sergio Giacomini
Drums - Alessandro Tacchini
Keyboards - Adele Canalini
Mixed By - Ricky Bezzini
Photography - Danny Lugli , Mauro Monti
Recorded By, Mixed By - Sandro Ferrari , Umberto Zini

Tracklisting

A Stati D'Ansia 5:48
B1 L'Esodo Di Ritorno 3:04
B2 Corrosioni Di Una Notte Di Mezza Estate 4:09

Anemic Music CF NP 001

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Various - Catalogue Issue LP 1984













Among the many independent labels one of the Italian best was surely the Florentine IRA.
Founded in 1984 by Alberto Pirelli, the IRA (Immortal Records Alliance) proposed the goal of promoting a strong underground scene based on national groups who preferred to use of Italian language instead of the more fashionable English in their songs, as
seen by the slogan "the new Italian music sung in Italian".

The business card of the label is the LP "Catalog Issue," in which appeared the first 4 bands that the label was able to take under its wing: Litfiba, Diaframma, Moda (all the 3 from Florence) and Underground Life (from Monza).

Compilation Producer - Alberto Pirelli.

All titles recorded at Global Art System Studio Firenze.

A1 Diaframma - Siberia
A2 Diaframma - Delorenzo
A3 Moda - Nubi D'Oriente
A4 Moda - La Voce
B1 Litfiba - Onda Araba
B2 Litfiba - Versante Est
B3 Underground Life - India
B4 Underground Life - Glasarchitektur

IRA IR-LP2001

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2+2=5 - Into The Future LP 1984










In 1982 Giacomo Spazio founded the band called 2+2=5, togheter with Nino La Loggia and Cha Cha Hagiwara, with whom recorded 3 records and appeared in several compilations (Grausame Vorstellung - Pianeti Di Lana, F/Ear This!, ad many more).
In 1983 he established with Ermanno Gomma Guarnieri the UT distribution. This was the first italian company that distributed counter-culture punk material (tapes, records and fanzines).
In 1986 with several friend Gomma, Kikko and Valvola, he is among the founders of the first italian no copyright & electronic counter-culture magazine called Decoder.
In 1987 he founded the independet music magazine Vinile and the related independent label Vox Pop that later became one of the most famous and important indie-rock italian label.
In 1997 he goes back to his full time job: being an artist.

Here posted their first mini LP, a nowdays classical into the minimal synth music.

Tracklisting:
A1 Without Words (Intro) 2:30
A2 Alternative Two2 4:15
A3 K. S. And V. 3:36
A4 Meeting Mc. L. 3:04
B1 Slow 4 4:02
B2 Jacho's Story 5:07
B3 It's A Good Day Today 4:15
B4 Last Sunset 5:15

No-Name Music NN 8312

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Aloa - Aloa LP 1982













ALOA’s only LP is in no doubt one of the most incredible and rare German underground minimal electronics/NDW ever! ALOA were A. Kanz and M. Brendel from Kassel, Germany, recording this brilliant album in 1982 with a minimal set of equipment (Sequential Circuits Prophet V, Roland TR-606 and various percussive elements). “Weisser Wal”, “Traumfrau”, “Deutsche Begegnung” and “Fremdes Haus” are essential hits and definitely not to be missed. Anyway, ALOA had a very own yet versatile sound and great lyrics, too. Maybe comparable to some extent to VIDEOCLIPS, 1. FUTUROLOGISCHER CONGRESS, TRICK 17, and D.A.F.

If you want to purchase a copy for a reasonable price, visit the Anna Logue Records SHOP

Tracklisting:
A1 Weisser Wal 3:14
A2 Seltsame Ranken 3:43
A3 Traumfrau 3:00
A4 Himbeereis 4:31
A5 Deutsche Begegnung 4:40
B1 Banane Zitrone 3:55
B2 Mädchen Von Gegenüber 2:44
B3 Du Machst Es Mir Schwer 2:34
B4 Lebendig Und Vital 2:25
B5 Fremdes Haus 3:16
B6 Flamingos 4:05
B7 Hostessendienst 3:44
B8 Gequatsche 3:06

Offers Musik Produktion OMP 8202

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martedì 10 novembre 2009




















After an exhausting work of "archeological" research, Mannequin is proud to announce the nextcoming release of the compilation Danza Meccanica - Italian Synth Wave 1982-1987 (2009 LP, MNQ 005).

Limited edition of 500 copies, it includes 2 inserts, LP cover on hand-made serigraphy.

Mastering by Ton Willekes (Ensemble Pittoresque), introduction by Fred Ventura.

Towards the end of the 70s, we felt isolated and - on an unconscious level - a bit like heroes, swathed in our grey raincoats adorned with badges, pleasurably giving in to the constant bombardment of new sounds sculpted on vinyl. Heroes torn between the already-weakening punk gauntlet thrown down a few years before by The Stranglers' "No More Heroes" or the hedonistic decadence of "Heroes" from David Bowie's Berlin period. Isolated and rather unique in the communicative desert of an Italian underground scene that had no hope of emerging. They were leaden years in which the traditional record industry was completely disinterested in what was happening in basements, little clubs and on the independent scene, which subsequently made the mistake of taking a too-parochial route, not yet being capable of making the initial moves. Now, more than thirty years after the first, timid experiments by a multitude of people who were paying close attention to what was happening in Europe and the United States, dozens of tracks are finally seeing the light of day again. Tracks laid down here and there by people who were a minority, but decidedly "noisy" nonetheless, which sent out sonic signals that are still magically comprehensible today.
"Danza Meccanica" is the latest, unmissable chapter in the story of Italian post punk - the less traditionally rock branch. It outlines the approach taken by ten more or less unknown groups who, apart from the seminal Monuments, all deserve rediscovery and to be remembered alongside luckier outfits. Ten tracks that spell out the manifesto of a scene fascinated by electronic innovation, a scene that used the sounds coming out of English labels like Factory, 4AD and Mute as a reference point. The grey atmospheres and raincoats of a still-divided Berlin, and those of Manchester, which along with Sheffield produced sounds destined to inspire future generations of musicians and producers.

(Fred Ventura, October 2009)

Audio samples

A1 XNO - The Story of The Death Boy


A2 VENA - A Mortal Song In a Beautiful Sunday


A3 VICTROLA - The Mutant Glow


A4 TOMMY DE CHIRICO - Flower Into The Factory


A5 CARMODY - Vulcani


B1 JANITOR OF LUNACY - On The Dancefloor


B2 MONUMENTS - Veiled Lady


B3 INTELLIGENCE DEPT. - Loneliness


B4 CHROMAGAIN - Wake Up


B5 LISFRANK - Identity (Deep Version)



Limited edition of 500 copies, it includes 2 inserts, LP cover on hand-made serigraphy for the first 50 copies.

Orders: orders@​​​mannequinmailor​der.​​​com

martedì 3 novembre 2009













After being sold out for some years now - it was time for a repress!

The CD reissue of the legendary GUERRE FROIDE EP is available again and can be ordered now.

- Guerre Froide - Guerre Froide CD EP (Genetic Music)

Rerelease of the original 12" from 1981 (Stechak Records, France). Including foldable poster booklet.

Order yr copy at : orders@mannequinmailorder.com

giovedì 22 ottobre 2009

The Gentry - Fragments Of Truth LP 1984












The Gentry were one of the last bands stemming from the so-called punk movement in Wormer, Holland. Their music was somewhat different from the most well known bands from Wormer, such as The Ex, Svätsox and Zowiso. Whereas these bands were influenced by The Gang of Four, Crass and The Fall, the Gentry chose to play music that was more akin to the likes of Joy Division and Echo & The Bunnymen.

After the release of the first LP Fragments of Truth, The Gentry were ‘discovered’ by legendary BBC-dj John Peel, who at the time (1984) also had a radio show in Holland. The airplay by Peel resulted in proper sales of the first album. The Gentry’s second album Solitary (1986) arrived at Peel’s desk just a day after his final Dutch broadcast. Because of missing Peel’s airplay in Holland the sales of this LP were low.

While there were plans for a third LP, lack of money forced The Gentry to release Growing Up Absurd (1988) as a cassette. Its music shifted more towards punk rock under the influence of American bands as Husker Du, Sonic Youth and The Wipers. In 1991 The Gentry recorded its final demo. A set of new songs was written, with The course of days and On the margins of essence as highlights. The songs were not officially released. In september that year The Gentry ceased to exist.

Original members Hans Postel (vocals), Laurens Vreedevoort (guitar), Louis Nagtegaal (bass) and André Berkhout (drums) met again in 2007 and decided to start to write new songs again. Nowadays The Gentry have a fifth member: Marco Siderius (guitar, synthesizer). Plans for a new CD are in the making. Though its musical direction is yet hard to describe, it is likely that The Gentry’s music will be more diverse than in the past.

You can find more info here: http://www.thegentry.nl

All songs by The Gentry
Hans - Vocals
Laurens - Guitar/Strings
Luis - Bass
André - Drums


Recorded by Patrick at "Oktopus", Amsterdam, 27th, 28th, 29th, 31th, of august and the 5th of september 1984.
Produced by Patrick and The Gentry.

Thanks: Ferrie, Patrick, Alain, Pater, Ben, Zowiso, Jan, Joop.

Tracklisting:
A1 All The Faceless People
A2 Mortal Ride
A3 The Threat
A4 Fragments Of Truth
A5 After The Fact
B1 Indifference
B2 Escape
B3 Senses
B4 Too Many Of You
B5 Visions Of A Landscape

Enclosure Productions ENC002

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mercoledì 21 ottobre 2009

Circuit 7 - Modern Story 7'' 1984













Circuit 7 is Martyn Good and Andy Partington who made essential new wave, releasing two 7" singles in 1984, Video Boys and Modern Story followed by the release of two songs on a highly sought after compilation called The Offering Of Isca.

Soon it will be out on Minimal Wave label a LP compilation, that features both previously released and unreleased tracks (including the single version of Video Boys as well as an unreleased studio version), is pressed on neon green 180 gram vinyl and comes in an inner sleeve printed with all their lyrics as well as a heavy weight outer jacket. the LP will be distributed also by Mannequin Mailorder.

Tracklisting:
A1 Modern Story
B1 Eastern Dream

RAPP Records RAPP 023462
Micro Records MIC 002

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lunedì 27 luglio 2009

Beware to user 'scientronic' (discogs, ebay,etc)

I'm very unhappy to hear that my dear friend Monica (you may know her through the room Guerre Froide on Slsk) was betrayed by the user scientronic on discogs, that we suppose he was a serious person.

First of all, she payed 300 euro with a bank transfer, to ship with a registered letter, that he never sent or at least he never provided the registered code we asked for 3 weeks.

Second, he asked 200 euro more, to 'repare' to the 'damage' sending other 3 records to her.....(the same records that were never shipped out, yes)

There are 2 options:

1)He should provide the registered letter code to proof the shipping

2) Ship the 3 records that he NEVER shipped out and provide the registered code

I had a discussion with this guy also on private mail on discogs, i can post everything if somebody needs to know more and that i am telling the truth.

As i had thousands of transactions with the mailorder, i can tell u all that i always keep the papers of the registered code, as everybody does but not him, it seems. Also you can always go to the Post Office and ask for a copy of the registered paper, they always keep a receipt, do a copy or give just the number with the date of shipping.

thanks to a french friend of mine, i found out that scientronic username is no longer registered also on Ebay, with a percent of 93,5% which is really really bad

http://feedback.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=scientronic&ftab=AllFeedback

and in discogs it seems is not better the situation:

http://www.discogs.com/seller/scientronic

http://www.discogs.com/sell/seller_feedback/scientronic?show=Negative

I had the occasion to talk with other persons on Minimal Wave and Robots for Robots Forums and they were betrayed too, so take care!

Alessandro/Mannequin Mailorder

martedì 14 luglio 2009

Coil - Live Three CD 2003











I saw Coil live 3 times and this was the first. Probably one of their best live performance ever.

The live was recorded on April 6, 2002 at Teatro delle Celebrazioni in Bologna, Italy. Track listing on the cover is missing track 6, "Paranoid Inlay".

"This documents a Spring 2002 show performed in Bologna. It was an interesting period for Coil performances, as Thighpaulsandra temporarily left the line-up to tour with Spiritualized. To make up for his noticeable absence, Peter and John enlisted Mike York and Cliff Stapleton to fill in with hurdy-gurdy and Breton pipes. This new, exotic instrumentation adds an unstable, organic element to the performance that works well with the setlist chosen for these shows. The disc opens with the ritualized workout of "Anarcadia: All Horned Animals." If you've heard The Remote Viewer EP, these ethnic-inflected drones will sound very familiar, not entirely dissimilar from Taj Mahal Travellers or The Magic Carpathians at their most psychedelic. "Amethyst Deceivers" is here again, one of four slightly variant versions available in the box set. The classic track "Slur" from Horse Rotorvator is given a faithful rendition, but Balance's voice is not quite equal to the job of singing this one, and Marc Almond's backing vocals are sorely missed. Balance dedicates "A Cold Cell" to all the prisoners of the world, as well as those "in prisons of their own making." It's always been a haunting song, and the live version enhances its lonely, melancholic atmosphere. Track six is an accomplished recreation of "Paranoid Inlay" from Musick To Play in the Dark 2, even though the tracklisting on the back of the digipack omits it completely. "Sick Mirrors (Version)" is a meditation on the concept of remote viewing utilizing dense Middle Eastern melodies. The song seamlessly segues into a frighteningly intense version of "A.Y.O.R.," the second of three songs in this set that may have been destined for Coil's long-promised-but-never-delivered Nothing Records album, now referred to as The World Ended a Long Time Ago. "Backwards" ends the set, a joyous psychosexual EBM bacchanalia, with Balance uttering some of his most transgressive lyrics: "Fuck me in reverse/Normal is perverse/Everything's backwards." This disc would be perfect were it not for a rather nagging problem with the mixing, which seems to favor Balance's vocals and pushes much of the music into a muddy, nebulous background. Even with the technical difficulties, Live Three is an essential chronicle of one of Coil's most inspired shows." 

Jonathan Dean, Brainwashed

Tracklisting:
1 Anarcadia: All Horned Animals (6:54)
2 Amethyst Deceivers (7:46)
3 Slur (5:48)
4 A Cold Cell (6:25)
5 Broccoli (9:15)
6 Paranoid Inlay (8:08)
7 Sick Mirrors (Version) (8:49)
8 A.Y.O.R. (6:46)
9 Backwards (15:22)

Threshold House LOCI CD20

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Marbre Noir - Salvation Rites 12'' 1986












Marbre Noir is the name of an Italian Gothic rock band who came out with a 4- track album in 1986 titled “Salvation Rites", its a classic of the italian dark wave / gothic scene, embellished by the ethereal voice of Francesca Luce.

Recorded at Gulliver Master Studios, Rome, September 1986. It includes a insert.

Tracklisting:
A1 Earth Under Feet (4:13)
A2 Love Broke Through (3:47)
B1 Salvation Rites (6:25)
B2 Mirrors (3:53)

Mantra Records DM 86001

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lunedì 13 luglio 2009

Again, news from labels

Ok, here we are with incoming releases:

- Eleven Pond “Bas Relief” LP (Dark Entries Records)















Dark Entries Records is proud to announce the reissue of the debut album by Eleven Pond. Long sought after by collectors, the Rochester, NY band only released a single LP in their time together before dissolving into obscurity. Their sound–a merging of post punk’s dark dance and synthpop’s melodic arrangements–reflected the originality of gifted songwriters who met in art school with a shared interest in 4AD and Factory Records.
In cooperation with the band members, the entire album has been remastered from the original 2-track analogue masters by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley.
The recordings on this release comprise the band’s entire recorded output and the LP includes an original insert including photos, lyrics and liner notes.

- Brigade Internationale - Regard Extreme LP (Eirkti)


















Originally released in tape 25 years ago, it still remains one of the finest exemplars of the French coldwave scene. Brigade Internationale, an obscure act formed in 1982 really shook the scene right from its foundations by exposing it to their dark-mannered claustrophobic syntheses. To which track should we really draw our attention? ‘First Time’?, ‘Normal Night’?, ‘In Obscurity’?, ‘Le desert des tortures’? To which other really, if not all? An extensive synthesis composed of fearful trombonnes, profound bass-rhymes, intense dark synths executing minimalistic maneuvers in all. Finally, after all these years the group’s magnificent material is released in a proper format ready to re-construct cold ambiences and re-vitalize memories as per their concept of rebellious act against political totalitarianism and unjustifiable violence (Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it..). Eirkti is finally ready for this strictly limited edition of 500 copies including a special info-card.

Pre orders: orders@mannequinmailorder.com



Necropolis of Love - The Hope EP 1984













The band came together in 1981 in Berkeley, California as the brainchild of Peter Vinella, who had just finished a brief stint as bassist for Public Image Ltd. Tim Hesla joined in as bassist and whenever circumstances required, saxophonist.
And Dave 'Slave' Velasquez, a local from the Berkeley punk scene came in looking for a challenge and a change of pace...joined as vocalist.

In the six years that NOL played together they released two singles (the first being pressed by a french label Rouen Records) and one album called ' the Hope', here ripped. NOL toured quite a bit in California, often playing in the Los Angeles area at venues like the Lhasa Club, the Anti-Club -and becoming a favorite for such underground clubs such as 'the Theoretical Club'.

Tracklisting:
A1 Talk
A2 Done & Gone
A3 The Tunnel
B1 Dance
B2 Catsong

Thumb Records

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domenica 12 luglio 2009

Minox - Lazare LP 1986













Minox debut album from 1986 is atmosphere and refinement, melody and instinct, produced by Steven Brown from Tuxedomoon and was released to great critical and public acclaim throughout Europe. This edition includes "Suite Maniacal" taken from the 7". Concerned with melody, synth textures, moody cinematic and theatrical ambience (Minox also composed for the theater), and an avant-garde tendency to mix genres, Minox is difficult to categorize. 'Lazare' includes both solo piano pieces ("Theme for Two") and complex compositions ("Suite Maniacal"), and should appeal to fans of `80s synth bands as well as those of minimal yet artfully balanced soundscapes.

Tracklisting:
A1 Purgatoryo
A2 Preludio
A3 Hybrid (Of A Light Laugh)
B1 Lazare
B2 Psiche

Industrie Discografiche Lacerba Lacer 09

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Les Provisoires - Loin De La Plage LP 1984













And here's their full-lenght album, released in 1984 on L'invitation au suicide.

Released with a 8 paged booklet including photo's and text in French and English. Recorded at Studio S.D.H., Rouen

Tracklisting:

A1 Ask (To) The Woman
A2 Nice Guys
A3 Loin De La Plage
A4 Any Cult
A5 Waiting For War
B1 Last Tango
B2 Urban Fear
B3 So Closed
B4 The Sense Of Doubt
B5 Quiet Room

L'Invitation Au Suicide SD 2

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Les Provisoires - Mother 12'' 1984













Another post on the french wave band Les Provisoires, from Montpellier.

Tracklisting:
A1 Mother
A2 In Love
B1 So Much More
B2 On A Clear Day

Contorsion CNT.004

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Lou Champagne System - No Visible Means LP 1984













Lou Champagne System was an One Man Band From Oakville / Ontario Area. Popular in the Mid 80's TO club scene and University Campus Radio across Canada, the Lou Champagne System was a big hit in Europe, particularly Germany. Lou is a one man guitar synthesizer solo act that plays dark, heavy, original electronic rock.
When Lou performs solo he operates switches and pedals on the floor while playing some keyboards and his guitar and it sounds like a whole band. Lou also plays with Wild Abandon (Russ Watson and Tony Wachnuick) and The Scientists (Brian Docherty and Tony Wachnuick) most lately in the Hamilton area.



Tracklisting:
A1 Don't Say I'm Here
A2 Broken Hearts
A3 Propaganda Frustration
A4 Selling So Sweet
A5 Another Dimension
B1 Do Something
B2 Invisible Prisons
B3 Machine Muzik
B4 Silent Walking

Pterodactyl Records PR 001-01

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domenica 5 luglio 2009

East Wall - Eyes Of Glass 12'' 1985













Band of Fabrizio Chiari (ex keyboardist of Kirlian Camera) and produced by Charlie Mallozzi (already involved in Kirlian Camera). Angelo Bergamini collaborated to the 12" Eyes Of Glass, that became hit-single in Germany

A legend, simply. Found yesterday for a very cheap price, togheter with their CD from beginning of 90's, will post it also later.

Tracklisting:

A Eyes Of Glass (Vocal) (7:00)
B Eyes Of Glass (Instrumental) (7:05)


No Comment NC011

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Various - Ekhnatòn - Ricerca Italiana Semplice Numero Uno LP 1984












Great italian industrial-experimental compilation on light-blue vinyl, it includes a large insert.

Tracklisting:
A1 Maze 1066 - L'Amico Americano 
A2 Maze 1066 - Anche Il Limite Ha Una Pazienza
A3 Tasaday - Un Si Funeste Desir 
A4 Tasaday - Vai Troppo Spesso A Wuppertal 
B1 Evitaxal - Piz Buin 
B2 Evitaxal - Gemini 
B3 Tomografia Assiale Computerizzata - Torna La Dea Al Suo Tempio
B4 Tomografia Assiale Computerizzata - Siamo D'Argilla

Multiple Configuration, ADN 984 ITA 1, DLL 002 R

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Militia - Folk II 12'' 1985

















Militia born officially in late '82 in Perugia/ Italy when a post-punk band called Lo Noize, formed in 1979, disbanded. Founder members feature Dario BAVICCHI (keyboards, electronics, guitar and vocals), Fabrizio CROCE (rhythms, electronics and vocals) and Giovanni ROMUALDI (guitars). Bass player were, in chronological appearance, Augusto CROCE (late founder of Aidons la Norvege), Nicoletta VINTI (late in London with The Passions and with Trans-global Underground original line-up), Claudio CASTRINI, Andrea CONVERSANO (a long-time member of the band), Arlo BIGAZZI (solo-artist and founder of Materiali Sonori Label) and Aroldo TOCCACELI. Without a bass player the three remaining members are still continuing in 2006 as open line-up featuring part-time collaborators. Along a three-decades career many famous international artists worked with Militia: californian violin player Blaine REININGER of Tuxedo Moon fame; german poli-strumentist Chris KARRER, founder member of legendary Amon Duul II (a two-years collaboration with him following "Dunarobba"); japanese d.j./composer Nobukazu TAKEMURA; british multi-ethnic combo TRANS-GLOBAl UNDERGROUND; american avant-garde composer David SHEA; english experimentalists O YUKI CONJUGATE. So as many italian artists and musicians took part to their projects: trumpet player Cristian BITTARELLI (long time partner of the band); poli-strumentist Roberto LANERI (founder in early '70's of legendary vocal ensemble Prima Materia and collaborator in early '80's of Peter Gabriel); percussionist Stefano Saletti (founder member of Novalia); soprano-vocalist Paola CHIURULLA; vocalists Sabrina CARLETTI and Elena OKECHUKWU; trombone and shells player Antonio COATTI (founder member of Ella Guru and Shell Vibes); cello player Damiano PULITI (former-member of Harmonia Ensemble); etno-musicologist and poli-strumentist Giancarlo PALOMBINI; electronic act GOVINDA; singer/interpreter of the Jewish tradition Enrico FINK; deejays RALF, LOVECALO', Simone FABBRONI and MAFFIA SOUND-SYSTEM (residents at the same name Club in Reggio Emilia, the european temple of Drum 'n Bass). Since 1996 Militia started to work for avant-garde Theatre (with director/actor Carlo BRUNI e with group TEATRO DI SACCO, whose former-member Roberto BISELLI projected with them "La crociata dei bambini", a musical-theatre opera inspired on classic Marcel Schwob novel), Cinema (with director Massimo MARTELLA in his second film "La prima volta) and visual arts (with dutch video-makers TWO THINGS in the multimedia piece "4.48" inspired on Sarah Kane text, commissioned by international Festival Cartoombria). At the end of the 90's they started a series of "soundtracks for Spoken word" CD's: their "Elvengamello" project involved among the others director Pupi AVATI, french actor Philippe LEROY, Werner Herzog films german producer Walter SAXER and contemporary composer Salvatore SCIARRINO; later, "Above Pesaro" was a musical project based on the same name poem written and read by irish author Macdara WOODS. Live activity of Militia developed between 1984 and 1992 with tours in Germany (they played at Berlin's alternative temple KOB, then celebrated in Wim Wenders masterwork "Der himmel uber Berlin") and in Holland and concerts all over italy; they performed in the most representative italian Clubs and billed in the most important Festivals of that period, contributing to start an italian "new-wave" scene (together with well-known bands as Diaframma, Litfiba, CCCP, Moda, Neon, Ritmo tribale, ecc.). They shared the stage as with italian bands (among the others Take 4 doses, Weimar gesang, Violet eves, Dirty kids, No fun, Savage circle) and authors (Mauro Giovanardi, former-member of La crus, Francois R.Cambuzat, Grazia Di Michele, Goran Kuzminac. Roberto Ciotti) as with international artists (ECM norwegian guitaristTerje Rypdal, chilean group Inti Illimani, singer/authors Patrick Fitzgerald and Mary Kelley, english indie-bands Breathless and Artery, german combat/folksters Subway to Sally). During the career they received sincere appreciation worldwide (reviews, interviews, radio airplay). In 1991 they entered in the annual "favourite bands"-top ten reader's playlist for one of the main italian musical magazines (Rockstar); "Dunarobba" awarded "album of the year" playlist on english magazine Audion as on italian one Rockerilla; "La crociata dei bambini" appeared again in the annual playlist of Rockerilla. The specialized press had always a positive approach into their music. Among their “unofficial” supporters are Richard Sinclair, founder member of Canterbury band Caravan, american composer Terry Riley and legendary mysterious band The Residents, whose members wanted some copies of "Dunarobba" for its diffusion in the radio-stations of southern California. At the end of the '80's Militia started a partnership with Materiali Sonori label, the oldest italian "indie", and with his founders, brothers Giampiero and Arlo Bigazzi (producer and collaborator for "Dunarobba" and "Elvengamello"): since then the label issued the whole discography of the band. Militia members too contributed to some productions of Materiali sonori ("Marco Polo" project, featuring David Sylvian and Roger Eno among the others, solo album of Tv entertainer Claire Ann Matz, an album of experimental group Doubling riders, all the "Drop" series albums); as remixers they used the nickname of Grifo Kings and work on their own and other label artists material. In early '80 they owned with a group of friends a legendary alternative Club called Suburbia in Perugia suburbs. Fabrizio Croce is a.k.a D.j. Fofo: he selected two compilations for the "Drop" series (released by Materiali Sonori in 2000 and 2001) and since 1987 is the art director and the M.C. at Norman, an underground Club near Perugia (www.normanclub.it; www.myspace.com/normanclub). New double C.D. "Namu / Namasthe + dathu" is out now.

Tracklisting:
A1 In Trionfo
A2 Echi
B1 Mare Crudele
B2 Ritmi

Contempo Records EP011

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Art Fleury - L'Overdose 7'' 1980













Art Fleury was born in Brescia, Northern Italy, in the mid-seventies. They were still in their teens when they had the opportunity to open the concert of the group Area at the famous Parco Lambro Festival in Milan (1976), in front of fifty thousands people. In the following years they extensively toured and played with Henry Cow, and in 1980 they were finally able to produce and release their first record, “I luoghi del potere” (The places of power), which they started recording in 1977.

Superficially (or intentionally) included in the “Prog” genre, “I luoghi del potere” (originally conceived as the soundtrack of an imaginary movie), is a very personal and radical experience, at times recalling Faust's free-form kraut riffing, or the industrial sound collages of Nurse With Wound. The music is articulated through an outstanding dynamic juxtaposition of instrumental parts, with frequent structural and harmonic fragmentations, and a diverse array of unusual sound elements: from a sort of brass-band progression to radio frequencies, from cacophonic intermezzos to expressionist tape-collage techniques. Through this free flow of sounds, only apparently casual, the group wanted to expose the alienation, the folly, the hopes and fears of their times, through a creative act that pushed to the limits their expressive means. they were still in their teens when they had the opportunity to open the concert of the group area at the famous parco lambro festival in milan (1976), in front of fifty thousands people.
very soon they joined the cooperativa l’orchestra, a milan-based collective enterprise of underground artists and musicians, very active and well known in italy during the seventies. In the following years they toured and played with henry cow, and in 1977 they changed their name to art fleury. in 1980, in bologna, they were finally able to produce and release their first record, "i luoghi del potere" (the places of power).
their affiliation with revolutionary groups of the radical left wing (they were part of lotta continua, a group of radical activists), gave their music a dimension that went beyond the artistic act, or the sheer provocation. their music, and the history of the group, is charged with the hopes and fears of the intense and somewhat dramatic season of the revolutionary ideal. In "i luoghi del potere", art fleury offer their hallucinated interpretation of that idea. the music is articulated through an outstanding dynamic juxtaposition of instrumental parts, with frequent structural and harmonic fragmentations, and a surprising range of unusual sound elements: from a sort of brass-band progression to radio frequencies, from cacophonic intermezzos to expressionist tapecollage techniques. through this free flows of sounds, only apparently casual, the group put on stage and exposed the alienation, the folly, the hopes and fears of the modern times, through a creative act that pushed to the limits their expressive means. Their uncompromising attitude towards the "music system" (the market, the establishment), was an additional way to remark the constant presence of power, which controls and pre-determines our individual choices: in this sense the "places of power" are not only the traditional places of social oppression (the factory, the city, the school, the politics), but also all the actions and mechanisms of the capitalistic system which controls music and art. Superficially (or intentionally) ascribed to the "progressive" genre, "i luoghi del potere" (originally conceived as the soundtrack of an imaginary movie), is in fact a very personal and radical experience, through which music becomes once again the vehicle for the re-appropriation of our personal sphere, and at the same time a chance to rethink the way we listen to music, out of any pre-ordered cultural, social or political context. in other words, out of the "places of power" which are still alive and active.

Augusto Ferrari (keyboards)
Maurizio Tomasoni (soprano sax, flute, clarinet)
Giangi Frugoni (guitars, bass)

Art Fleury on Myspace

Tracklisting:
A L'Overdose Part 1 2 3
B L'Overdose Part 4 5

Italian Records EXIT 705

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venerdì 26 giugno 2009

Some nice updates on our favorite labels

Here we are with 3 greaaaaat news

1) Minimal Wave is back with 2 fantastic releases!

- MW016 - Bal Paré 7"

Minimal Wave presents a 4 song 7" EP by legendary German band Bal Paré. The band was formed in 1980 by Kirsten Klemm, Manfred Asmus and Matthias Schuster. Schuster, the brainchild behind the band, is also known for these projects: Geisterfahrer, Im Namen Des Volkes, Jeanette Und Das Land Z, and Das Institut.
The four songs were recorded between 1981-1984 and are all previously unreleased. The songs range from really original, danceable dark synth with an early industrial feel to warmer synth pop, the last song featuring Kirsten on vocals. On colored vinyl with a hand silk screened heavy card stock jacket, a beautiful release, limited to 600 numbered copies. Special thanks to Kristamas Klousch for the cover photo!



- MW017 - Moderne - 017 (double LP compilation 1980-81)

A limited edition double 180 gram vinyl LP release of Moderne's: Moderne (1980) & L'Espionne Aimait La Musique (1981), remastered from the original analog reels and housed in a matte laminate gatefold jacket with an 18"x"24" poster featuring an interview, and band photo.
Moderne was a minimal/synthpop band formed in Tours, France in 1979. After releasing two albums & two singles between 1980-1981, nothing was heard from Moderne aside from "Switch on Bach" (released on the compilation So Young But So Cold). Moderne remains notoriously hidden in the past, and their albums and singles have become collectors' items. The albums were mixed by Joschko Rudas and Henning Schmitz at Studio Rudas Düsseldorf, the same studio Kraftwerk used for Man Machine (1978). The production is exceptional. This is French new wave at its best.



2) The Units new “History of the Units” 21 song compilation album, with a 32 pages booklet, is finally out!!!



3) Anna Logue Records is back with a great-​great-​great release

STRANGER STATION - Echoes in Infinity - vinyl LP - 10 tracks - 1981



For info and orders: orders@mannequinmailorder.com

giovedì 18 giugno 2009

The Rock and Roll Bitches - Wild West 7'' 1980















Band: ROCK AND ROLL BITCHES

Title: Wild West

Format: 7''

Year: 1980

Location: Edmonton, Canada

Label: Rich Young

Catalog Number: -

Songs: Someone Could Lose an Eye / Broad Daylight // Welder's Song / Wild West

Notes: 500 numbered copies.

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Really thanks to Uberbelly for sharing this 7'' 

The Malibu Kens - Be My Barbie 7'' 1981















Band: MALIBU KENS

Title: Be My Barbie

Format: 7

Year: 1981

Location: Edmonton, Canada

Label: Exploding Debut

Catalog Number: -

Songs: Crude City / Wednesday Morning at 5:00 as the Day Begins

Notes: Also see V/A: It Came from Inner Space

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Really thanks to Uberbelly for sharing this 7''

mercoledì 3 giugno 2009

Theme - Conflict 7'' 1982












This is a Scottish 7" from 1982 by the band THEME, a band from a little town near Edinburgh, Scotland. This 7" is their only release and the whole pressing came in plain sleeve.

This one is for lovers of Leitmotiv early works, New Order 1st period & maybe Echo. A truly unknown gem from the post-punk wave era.

Tracklisting:
A Conflict
B Sacred

Creed Records CR001

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Really thanks to Marc from sharing this 7'' and the description as well too.

venerdì 24 aprile 2009

XNO - Angel 12'' 1987 RE-UPLOAD












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

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mercoledì 22 aprile 2009

Flowers Of The Past - The Fuhrer 7'' 1983













Flowers Of The Past recorded just this single, at ICC Studios, Eastbourne, March 1983. We are in the tipical post punk with a gothic vein.

Tracklisting:
A Fuhrer
B Medieval


Memorial Records MEM 1

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martedì 21 aprile 2009

Mr. Andrew - Magic Planet 12'' 1982













Andrew Piccitto is the ex-member of the legendary duo Flo & Andrew, who released the obscure 12" Take Suicide in 1981, this is his solo project, always in the vein of experimental minimal synth sound.

Tracklisting:
A1 The Bats (4:33)
A2 To Drown Emotion (5:10)
B1 Magic Planet (3:25)
B2 Weatherwatch (3:27)

Base Record BASE EP 003

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Pâle - Blue Agents LP 1982













To know the origins we have to come back at the end of 70's, to a punk rock band called Electric Nerves. Then the band lose the guitar player and changes the name in Pale T.V., with an atypical formation of 3 girls and 1 man: Francesca "Blue Niagara" (keys), Valeria "Whip" (bass), Alessandra "Lady Adrenalina" (drums), Alex (voice and sax). Their first 7'', 'Night Toys' got a tipical new wave inspiration.The name changes shortly in Pale and in 1982 Blue agents Lp is out. In this period they receive a lot of proposals, including invitations from Caterina Casella, Milva or a possible participation to the Festival of Sanremo.
The Pale reject these offers, considering them as a compromise : after this waste, the label Italian Records decide to split with them. In 1983 they open the four italian concerts of Simple Minds and after few months, unable to get labels interested, they stop their career in music production.

Tracklisting:

A1 The Parallel Cat (2:30)
A2 Teutonic Knight (3:24)
A3 Something Wicked This Way Comes (2:18)
A4 Tatuate E Contuse (2:39)
A5 The Livid Triptych (3:05)
A6 Lôve (4:04)
B1 All The Dead Children (3:55)
B2 Photoglass (3:03)
B3 Lovelace Lips (1:44)
B4 False Actions (3:38)
B5 Shimpu (4:10)

Italian Records EXIT 909

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lunedì 20 aprile 2009

Stranger Station - Minutes To Silence 7'' 1981













Stranger Station was originally formed in late 1978 by Simon Driscoll and Judith Golberg. They played electronic music which was original in having no drums or percussion of any description .The band played many gigs and free festivals highlights included an electronic music festival at the Spectro Arts Center in Newcastle. They also supported Wishbone Ash at St Albans City Hall (now the Arena). In 1981 they released the single 'Minutes to Silence' which 25 years later is a favorite of the minimal electronic fans. The band disbanded about 1983 .

Tracklisting:
A Minutes To Silence
B Strangers

Superwop ST 01

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Ich - Untitled LP 2005 Bootleg













Berlin based minimal synth musician, started his career in the early 80`s and released several tapes at the time.

Limited edition of 100+/- copies (it is not clear how many copies were pressed exactly).
Two different names of the label are indicated on the sleeve: Takahara and Takahama.
The compilation contains a selection of tracks from the four known "Ich" tapes.
This bootleg did not become mastered correctly.
The labels are hand-stamped with a japanese motive (geisha) and writing.

Tracklisting:
A1 123234
A2 Much Better
A3 Was
A4 Anelpos
A5 Unfall
B1 Kraftfahrt
B2 Speicher 8
B3 Aberglaube
B4 Zeittransfer/Aufbruch

Takahara XXX

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3 Teens Kill 4 - No Motive LP 1984












3TK4 (3 Teens Kill 4) was a musical group based in the East Village of New York City in the 1980s. They are most notable for featuring David Wojnarowicz, a famous artist, as a member.

Has an inserted booklet in fanzine style 'Information Et Divertissement N°3

Tracklisting:
A1 Circumscript
A2 Hold Up
A3 5/4
A4 Crime Drama
B1 Tell Me Something Good
B2 Hut
B3 Bean Song
B4 Hunger

L'Invitation Au Suicide ID3

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The Laughing Mothers - Tunnel / Cats Cradle 7'' 1985













Laughing Mothers were an UK dark / post punk act from Corby - Midlands.

Band members were Karen Hay (voice / tambourine), Robert Fowler (bass), Andy Duroe / Simon Smith (guitar), Erik (drums)

Soon very nice news about them..

Tracklisting:
A Tunnel
AA Cats Cradle

Motherkare Records MUM1

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Science Patrol - Bandit Ducks From Outer Space 7'' 1981












This is the only release by Science Patrol, also included in the great Reminiscent Box by Genetic.

Science patrol is:
Christopher M. Pitman
Andrew L. Finkle
Rick Cuevas
Michael Brian 'Dad' Calder
Mark C. 'Spike' Bracewell

Tracks on B-Side are mixed,
ending in a locked groove

Edition of 2000 with numbered insert

Tracklisting:
A Bandit Ducks From Outer Space
B1 Pop A
B2 Pop B
B3 Pop C
B4 Pop D

Zero Risk Records ZR001

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domenica 19 aprile 2009

F:A.R. - Frammenti K7 1986













Italian industrial prime-movers, led by Mauro Guazzotti (later known as MGZ).

Tracklisting:
A1 Possibilità Infinite (I & II)
A2 Encomio Di Cordelia (Live)
A3 Touching Litte Girls
A4 Il Natale
A5 Percorsi
A6 The New Massacre (Live)
B1 Obsession
B2 Brabanconnes
B3 Splendour
B4 Povero Piccolo Pastorello Nella Neve
B5 Rainbow Dance (II)
B6 Hint

Label: Technological Feeling

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Central Unit - Contaminazioni - live 16-7-1982, Palazzo D'Accursio - Bologna/Italy











Central Unit were simply one of the greatest new wave band in Italy during the 80's. Here their live set for Contaminazioni multimedia festival, in 1982.

Tracklisting:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Rehearsal - Pt. 1
Rehearsal - Pt. 2
Rehearsal - Pt. 3
Rehearsal - Pt. 4

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Pro Memoria - Elegeia 12'' 1990












French band from Lyon, active from 1987 to early 90's, often compared to Cocteau Twins but with a little jazz influence on their last works.

Tracklisting:
A1 Hannah
A2 Le Temps D'Un Voyage
A3 Utopie
B1 Le Jugement Dernier
B2 Trop Rêvé

Aspect D'Une Certaine Industrie ACI5

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Pseudo Code - Moon Effect 7'' EP 1981












Active between 1980 and 1982, this Belgian experimental group comprised Alain Neffe, Xavier Stenmans and Guy-Marc Hinant. Around Midnight was recorded in rehearsal, and thus the sound is slightly imperfect. Sandwich Records released two Pseudo Code EPs during 1980/81 (Far Away From My Own Land, Moon Effect) and two cassette albums (Potlatch Music I and II). Other recordings from this period include the albums Europa (Pseudo Records) and the 10" EP Light. Neffe ran the prolific cassette label Insane Music, and also records as BeNe GeSSeRiT, among many other guises. Guy-Marc Hinant is a partner in the Sub Rosa label. Xavier Stenmans works for Belgian national radio and television

Tracklisting:
A1 Moon Effect (4:50)
A2 Memories (2:55)
B1 No Desire (1:55)
B2 Slow Defeat (4:50)
B3 Real Action (2:05)

Sandwich Records SR10

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venerdì 20 marzo 2009

Martin Dupont 4CD + T Shirt BOX (Infrastition)

Martin Dupont was without a doubt one of the biggest cult bands of the French New Wave scene of the early 80s! They were New Wave, dreamy electro, and coldwave yet completely accessible. Originally from Marseilles, Martin Dupont formed in 1981 and went on to release a single, a cassette, several albums, and played several live shows, supporting big acts such as Siouxsie & the Banshees and countless others.
The group consisted of Alain Seghir, Brigitte Balian and Beverley Jane Crew, with Catherine Loy in the original line-up. Their music style was classified as minimal synth mixing both male and female vocals.

This box includes their three albums plus an exclusive cd gathering unreleased tracks from 1981 to 1987, plus a Tshirt and a booklet.

CD 1 : Just Because + bonus
CD 2 : Sleep is a Luxury + bonus
CD 3 : Hot Paradox + bonus
CD 4 : Other Souvenirs











Mannequin Mailorder is taking the pre orders for the Martin Dupont BOX that will be out on the 21 March 2009 on Infrastition.

orders@​mannequinmailor​der.​com

please, specify also the t-shirt size (M or XL)

Thank you

mercoledì 4 marzo 2009

Linear Movement - On The Screen LP 2008


Coming on January 9th, MW will release On The Screen an LP from the Belgian band Linear Movement originally slated for release in 1983. Linear Movement is mastermind Peter Bonne (A Split-Second, Twilight Ritual, Autumn) joined by Peter Koutstaal, and Lieve Van Steerteghem on vocals for several tracks. Some tracks appear on the exquisite Pulse Music cassette while the rest are previously unreleased. Linear Movement was featured on V/A The Lost Tapes compilation LP with their highly acclaimed The Game, described as an "unstoppable pop song". Linear Movement have been called "a more primitive, cold wave Visage", and have been compared to the Human League. Peter differentiated LM from his other projects TR and Aut by the distinct sound of the compositions: they were poppier.

Originally slated for release in 1983. Some tracks appear on the exquisite Pulse Music cassette while the rest are previously unreleased. 180 gram vinyl, with postcard insert.

Tracklisting:
A1 Way Out Of Living
A2 Cytogenetic Movement
A3 In My Head
A4 Five Faces
B1 The Game
B2 Due To You
B3 I Think I'm By You
B4 To Another Soul
B5 On The Screen


http://www.minimal-wave.org

Orders: orders@mannequinmailorder.com


The Tweezers - You Got Me With Your Tweezers 7'' 1981












The Tweezers were around from 1980 to 1985 and released 2 records; You Got Me With Your Tweezers, a four-song, 7” EP in 1981, produced by Dan Van Patten, drummer with Berlin; and in 1984-85 a six-song 12” EP titled Loveable & Fearless. The band was based in Orange County, Southern California and played constantly at clubs in the LA/OC area, having shared the bill with artists such as Tom Verlaine, 20/20, Gary Myrick, Robert Stoddard, The Nu Beams, the Surf Punks, and the Bangles.

You Got Me With Your Tweezers received airplay on KNAC radio, at the time very supportive of local bands, on KROQ via Rodney Bingenheimer, and on many college radio stations.

Members of The Tweezers:

Dorothy Zink: Vocals
Bob Brasier: Guitar, vocals
Tim Davis: Bass
Mike McKelvey: Drums*

* By 1983 or thereabouts, Alan Sweet took over on drums

Contact Bob with any questions:

thetweezers@punchconcepts.com


http://thetweezers.blogspot.com
http://thetweezers.org

giovedì 19 febbraio 2009

Sudeten Creche - Are Kisses Out Of Fashion? 12'' Reissue 2009













The fourteenth release on Minimal Wave is a 12" EP by UK band, Sudeten Creche. The EP includes their cult song Are Kisses Out Of Fashion? (originally released on the 1982 compilation EP Europe in the Year Zero ), as well as an unreleased version of Kindergarten (the original version was released on Illuminated Records in 1983). The songs are from their original tape reels, and they're pure electropop bliss. Release limited to 500 hand-numbered copies pressed on 180 gram vinyl.

Tracklisting (click for audio samples):

A1
Are Kisses Out Of Fashion?
A2
Dance
B1
Kindergarten
B2
Asylums



www.sudetenecreche.com

www.minimal-wave.org

orders: orders@mannequinmailorder.com

www.mannequinmailorder.com

mercoledì 18 febbraio 2009

Little Nemo Re-releases

Out now on Infrastition 2 double cd compilations of this great french cold wave / dark pop band.

Little Nemo - Vol. 1 1987-1989

This 2CD set is presented in a 3 panels digisleeve with 6 page poster-booklet.

This first volume offers you to get this complete first period with for the first time on CD the “Past and future” tape.


Little Nemo - Vol. 2 1990-1992

This 2CD set is presented in a 3 panels digisleeve with 6 page
poster-booklet. 

This second opus of the Little Nemo adventures starts with their second album “Turquoise fields” released on Lively Art in 1990, backed with the “Cadavre Exquis (Howard Song)” Touching Pop summit, plus bonus and continues with their last album “The world is flat” followed by maxis “Bio-logic” kind of first electro approach, and “Au milieu du ciel” great pop act.

Orders at Mannequin Mailorder: info@mannequinmailorder.com


Here's their official biography:

1983-1986 : THE BLUE YEARS

Little Nemo was born in 1983 as the result of the musical encounter between Olivier Champeau and Vincent Gallo in the Paris area. The name stems from Windsor McCay's comic strip, dating back to the early 20th century and telling the oniric adventures of a little boy during his sleep. That sets the tone for the many arty references in the group's history. The duet asserts this psychedelic ascent while quoting Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd as their influence. Their music mixing keyboards (mainly Olivier), a drum machine and guitar/bass by Vincent is influenced by the new wave of Cure and Joy Division, as well as by the French groups Taxi Girl and Marquis de Sade.

Vincent then moves to Lyons for his studies. There, he meets Nicolas aka Bill. He starts with him and two others students another band, Stain of Sin. This post-punk combo includes guitar (Vincent), bass (Bill), the two others taking in charge drums (Philippe) and vocals (another Olivier). The poppier song of Stain of Sin, " The fall ", will be covered by Little Nemo in 1990.

1987 : FUTURE IS NOW

In 1986 they release the 7 song tape Froide as a very confidential edition. In 1987 they release 500 units of an auto-produced 10 title tape Past and Future (republished in 1990).

The tape is meant to be conceptual. It features on the " Past " side a song about the passing of time (A day out of time), the sung adaptation of the poem by Baudelaire " A une passante (To a passerby) ", " Empty House " the story of a haunted house in the style of Edgar Allan Poe, " Old Age " about the loneliness of old age and ends with a waltzing version of " La Balade des Pendus (the dance of the hanged) " from Villon. All this reminds of the 19th century. The " Future " side begins with " Seconds ", referring to the clock counting down to the year 2000 set up at the Beaubourg Center in Paris. The time theme comes up again on " Counter-Clock World " (the pendulums start turning back), followed by a song about the TV series of the 60's " The Prisoner ", " Be Seeing You " with an organ sound reminding of the Stranglers. It ends with " Future is now " and is artificially linked by the character of Alan who appears in several songs.

Musically, this tape features addictive songs and already defines the trademarks of each musician, the most synthetic and energetic titles for Olivier, Vincent revealing his taste for ternary rhythms, the piano and cursed French poets. Little Nemo already shows a marked personality.


1988 : A GOOD OMEN ("PRESAGE" IN FRENCH)

Little Nemo becomes a trio with the arrival of bass player and former Stain of Sin member, Bill (the two others choosing the anglophile pseudonyms of Vince and Holyvier!). In 1988 the Presage label releases a mini-LP, Private Life, illustrated by a splendid photograph of Eric Mulet, photographer from Les Inrockuptibles. The monochrome cover with a tree and its reflection in the water reflects the feeling of nostalgia and the romanticism of the six titles. The songs recorded in studio are very pop with addictive refrains, the singing divided between Olivier and Vincent according to the titles is more self-assured.

The Blue years gives the tone of this mini-LP for which " A day out of time " was re-recorded. The theme of the passing of time is taken on again on " A handful of sand " while " My eternal Friend " and " Precious Days " continue majestically in this nostalgic vein. This record is distributed by New Rose, the Parisian independent label founded by Patrick Mathé and Louis Thévenon. It takes advantage of the support of Ouï FM, an independent Parisian radio, specializing in indie music of the time. " The Blue Years " and " My eternal friend " will be played regularly.

The french rock magazine Best, where the independant new wave scene is taken in charge by Emmanuelle DEBAUSSART, Myriam LEON and others , also contributes to make the band known by its articles.


TRIBES OF THE " TOUCHING POP "

Louis Thévenon decides to create within New Rose a label specialized in new wave, LivelyArt (of which the name is like that of the mother label taken from a song from the Damned). The decision is very arty (it is the catalogue reference for the releases of the label) and in the beginning, the covers of the vinyls are printed on inside out paperboard, i.e. the outside of the cover has a raspy grain and the smooth face is inside. This label will release a compilation of And Also the Trees to set the tone but also other French groups having affinities with Little Nemo. Asylum Party and Mary Goes Round also function on the basis of duet, a structure of guitar/bass/synthetizer/rythm box and play at that time a melancholic and melodic new wave with assumed and digested influences.

This music takes advantage of the mainstream explosion of The Cure, which will see the courts of highschools filling with " crows ". Simultaneously, at the time, the French alternative rock'n'roll is in full bloom with Bérurier Noir and Boucherie Productions and the rock'n'roll press writes a lot about these punks groups singing in French. Little Nemo and their fellow label members, through their musical references and their choice of English as main language are in the margin of this indie movement.

The idea to give a label to this music to facilitate its mediatization is born in a fortuitous way. The synthesis of the melancholic new wave side and the melodies will lead to the term of TOUCHING POP, which is taken over by the rock'n'roll press (Best, Rock' N Folk, Inrockuptibles) and of course the fanzines which flourish. This name, which will appear in the long run as a yoke has at least the advantage of helping these three groups to make themselves known.


1989: THE VIEW IS WIDE(R)

A full length album is recorded in Belgium with Luc Tytgat, producer of the Belgian groups The Neon Judgement and Siglo XX and of the French group Kat Onoma. Here again, the references of Little Nemo led them to choose to record abroad. In response to Private Life, turned towards nostalgia and its melancholic pop songs, Sounds in the attic introduces more diversity and energy in the universe of Little Nemo.

The opening title, " New Flood " and its devastating bass in the Sisters of Mercy'style is an indication of this change of tone. Other titles more rock'n'roll like " Sandcastle " distillate all over this album the energy, which cohabits harmoniously with the psychedelic " Fear in Color " and " The Joker " (a hit on Ouï FM) and the works of Vincent, " La Passante (the Passerby) " from Baudelaire rerecorded as well as a splendid song with the piano inspired by the book Johnny Got His Gun about the horrors of the war. Vincent also delivers his first French text, " Marine ", confirming the bilingualism of the group (at the time groups being able to allow themselves to sing in French without sounding ridiculous were very few). The album closes on " Tales of the Wind ", a long title mixing arpeggios and a catchy chorus. Little Nemo successfully passes the test of the long format.

A video clip is filmed to promote New flood. It describes the adventures of a clone of the young Little Nemo followed by a clown in a striped costume beating on a drum the relentless rhythm of the song. A photograph of this clown illustrates the single New Flood, which features on its B-Side a waltz in French by Vincent, " Berlin ". It is also time to promote this album though a concert tour. The trio performs on stage with a drum machine and is not yet familiar with this exercise. Several concerts with their Touching Pop fellow bands are organized. A super group going by the name of Teepee (the initials of touching pop) is created and the song " Tribes are meeting ", cowritten by Olivier and Thierry Sobezyk from Asylum Party is played at the end of the concert. A project of a maxi is considered but will fail to materialize.

In the autumn the maxi City Lights is released, revealing a new face of Little Nemo. The title piece of synthetic industrial inspiration is the work of Olivier. It is accompanied on the maxi by a re-recorded version of " Old Age " at the piano. " City lights " appears again on the compilation 13 from the Lively Art label, with the famous " Tribes are meeting " by Teepee.

1990 : THE TURQUOISE YEAR

In 1990 the album Turquoise Fields is preceded by the very pop single " You again ", for which a clip is filmed. Its recording is divided between Belgium with Luc Tytgat and France at the Val d'Orge studio with Jean Taxis. This new album reveals a group with an even more varied register and harmoniously mixing the contributions from everyone. Thus, it opens with " Turquoise Fields ", a true "cadavre exquis" since the piece is introduced by the organ of fun fair, followed by a noisier and more distressing tune before ending with a folk song, to some extent a concentrate of the studio recording of Ummagumma by Pink Floyd in only one song! Then, " L'Heure d'hiver " confirms the ease of Little Nemo for songs in French as well as " Cadavres Exquis ", whose singing is shared by the three boys. The remainder of the album mingles the instrumental titles " Promise of Storm " and " Quiet Fluid Roses " with more frankly rock'n'roll titles such as " Electric Jive ", a profession of faith for Olivier. The album ends on a new jazzy tune, " Overprose ", a crossing between " Lovecats " from Cure and Gainsbourg songs of the 50's.

On stage, the band does not include Vincent any more, who is not fond of concerts, and leaves his place as guitarist to Philippe Planchon from Asylum Party for shows at the Fnac stores and a session in Bernard Lenoir Radio program. There the group plays its first cover, " the 15th " by Wire, from the album 154 (1979). The guitar is then played by George Remiet, reinforced by Ronan Lesergeant at the keyboards and Yves Charreire on drums for the tour that follows.

The album is followed by the maxi Cadavres Exquis comprising 5 titles among which " the 15th " and the epic " That was No Martian ". A clip of " Cadavres Exquis " is filmed at the castle of Pierrefonds.


1991 : IN SEARCH OF A LOGIC

In 1991, changes take place at the Lively Art label. Louis Thévenon gives up New Rose, the label and the sub-label Lively Art to his associate Patrick Mathé and takes over the Parisian store. He creates the label Single K.O. of which the name is this time inspired by a song from Wire (also from the album 154) and is followed by Little Nemo and most of the groups from Lively Art. Like other independent labels, Single K.O will be distributed by the Labels division of Virgin.

The first record released by Single K.O. is a new maxi of Little Nemo, Bio-Logic. It reflects the change in the musical environment with the arrival of the house wave and Madchester. After having considered releasing songs closer to this new trend under the name LN, Olivier finally releases it on the maxi BIO-LOGIC in 1991. The eponymous track is his work with programming and samples (including some notes from the bass line of Third Uncle by Bauhaus) in a song close to the rock'n'roll-dance crossover that the Shamen did. To remain in the same more dancing spirit, the maxi includes " Nice Drift ", written by Bill and Olivier, with a sound very close to Wire and a more playful refrain in New Order style, with the new group members playing the guitar and the keyboards but without Vincent. The latter records only the last track, " Dancing all the days ", not really dancing but of a lighter spirit than his usual productions.

Everything seems to indicate that each one wants to follow a different orientation and that Little Nemo tries to renew itself.


1992 : TAIL COAT AND BERMUDA SHORTS

1992 see the projects abounding: the new album of Little Nemo in full ranks, " The World is Flat " must be followed in the year by Vincent Le Gallo's solo album, " Soleils de Miels "(Honeysuns). For the first time, the members of the group appear on the cover and they are six: the basic trio and the second guitarist, the second keyboarder and the drummer. The World is Flat, recorded at the Val d'Orge with Jean Taxis, takes the opposite course to the synthetic options of Bio-Logic.

The album begins with " Railways and Roads " and its acoustic or slide guitars, the drums following the powerful climaxes and quieter moments of the song. The tone is resolutely more optimistic and hedonistic as well in the topics as in the music, which loses its new wave sound and pays a tribute to the pop-rock'n'roll of the late 60's, with a vintage cover of " Thougths and words " from The Byrds. The spirit is still " dance " but in a more classically rock'n'roll fashion than Bio-Logic. The members share the songwriting, which mixes pop songs like " Au milieu du ciel " and " Pray for the great day " and its mandoline gimmick with rock'n'roll titles like the dancing " Rubber Hearts " or the vibrating " Hearts Burns ". This evolution takes place at the expenses of the French language since " Au milieu du ciel " is the only French sung title.

The tour that follows will see the return of Vincent on stage, where he even plays a few solo titles at the piano, dressed in a tail coat and accompanied by a woman singer for the opening of the concerts. The new formation is well trained and revisits the Little Nemo repertory, from " A Une Passante " to the newest titles. The group will play in concert at the Eurockéennes festival in Belfort, dressed in bermuda shorts. The image of the young men with sunglasses and perfectos is gone!

Unfortunately, this beautiful adventure ends with the bankruptcy of the label Single Ko. Vincent's solo album will not be released and Little Nemo splits after 10 years of existence.