The Toy Shop - The Maze (1981)

Here's a rather scarce minimal synthpop release from the UK that, for reasons unknown to me, sells for a lot of money on eBay. Last I saw it went for almost $300. Who are you people out there willing to pay that for a 7-inch? Wouldn't you prefer a nice vacation or something? Just kidding of course, I've wasted my fair share on plenty of dusty presses. In any case, as there may be a few out there wanting to hear this one, here it is! Synthy fun in the vein of early DM, etc. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - The Maze
B - Live Wires Kill

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Silent Ambition - Untitled (1986)

Might recognize the b-side track on this one if you're familiar with the None Night of Flexipop compilations. This totally obscure 7-inch slipped into the hands of very few British folk back in '86 and now it's cruising to your ears, and I hope you'll like it as much as I do. For those familiar with "Remember", the a-side is an emotional, melodic minimal synth gem that compliments it's counterpart perfectly. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Demon & The Dog
B - Remember?

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Pas De Deux - Axe Ends (1983)

Not much time for a description today. I assume the band needs little introduction as it is, after having other released posted on several blogs already! This is a wonderfully rare german-released LP by the Belgian group, and features my favorite PDD track, "Cardiocleptomanie" which was featured a while back on Crispy Nuggets Vol. 1.

Tracks A4 and A5 are connected by "lock groove" and were ripped as one mp3. Enjoy!


Track List:

A1 - Rendez Vous
A2 - Lits Jumeaux
A3 - Take A Cigarette 1
A4 - A5 - Cold Turkey / Axe Ends
B1 - A Million Miles
B2 - Little Danny
B3 - Cardiocleptomanie
B4 - Lonely Guys
B5 - Wavin'

Download (link removed by request, due to upcoming Minimal Wave release)

Factual - For The Song (1984)

Here we have the last release from Tennessee-based synth band, Factual. You can get the earlier 2 records here on Goutroy's blog to complete the discography. A while back I posted another Robb Earls project called Warm Dark Pocket, which you can get here. Mr. Goutroy did most of the work on the bio, so I'll just say this ones right about in line with the rest of Factual's material. The title track is a truly great blend of guitar and synth work that shouldn't disappoint. It reminds me of Epitaphe, a bit. The b-side is of course a remix of the title song taken from a previous 12", also quite nice! Enjoy.

Track List:

A - For The Song
B - Psychotic Romance (Remix)

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Friends Of The Maid - Friends Of The Maid (1984)

It's been quite a long time since I've posted anything here, and I'm sorry for that! I've been in between homes, and finally getting settled down again. Hopefully I'll be able to post a bit more often now!

This DIY 12" was made in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA! A great obscure synthwave record for your listening pleasure. The main line-up involved in recording this record had a split after the record was released, although Brett Edgar and Carl White supposedly continued on and recorded more music as Friends Of The Maid (I have no further knowledge of this). The obvious stand-out track here is "Love Turn Around", which really could have been a hit with a bit more exposure. Enjoy!


Track List:

A1 - Love Turn Around
A2 - My Love For You Is Gone
B1 - Waiting For A Chance
B2 - Carolina Called
B3 - Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
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