Spiral Visions - Danse Macabre (1982)

Incredibly hard to find EP from this British synth wave band. Spiral Visions is an alias of the slightly more well-known Vision. As per usual, not a great deal of time to write about this one, but the a-side takes the cake for me. The chorus of "Despair" is wonderful, and "Voices" is a true gem! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Despair
A2 - Voices
B1 - Picture Portrait
B2 - Dance With Me

Download (re-up 10/08/13)





P.S. Happy holidays to everyone! I likely won't have a fresh post until the new year, but expect big things. January should see a few top-notch 7"s from France, and by way of popular demand: Crispy Nuggets vol. 4!

Most exciting of all, I'm planning to re-issue a band from this very blog. Here's your hint: The band is great. ;D

Various - 391 Umbria (1983)

Fantastic spread of artists on this Italian compilation. I can't say quite enough about each and every artist here. Unlike a lot of compilations, I can happily listen all the way through this one without missing a beat. You'll hear everything from minimal synth to post-punk on this scarce tape. Some favorites being the recently re-issued Aidons La Norvege, Syndrome, Die Crucis, Mengue, and of course X-Offender. Not 100% sure of the exact release year. Anyone? Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Brain Machine - Intro
A2 - Brain Machine - F.A.L.L.
A3 - Die Crucis - Flaming Desire
A4 - Aidons La Norvege - Ostaggi
A5 - Aidons La Norvege - Bellinz Lager
A6 - Plan K - Esecuzione
A7 - Plan K - Trottima
A8 - Warhead - Don't Vex The Dead
B1 - Syndrome - Don't Rustle
B2 - Syndrome - Rock New Life
B3 - Mengue - African Beat
B4 - Militia - Echi
B5 - X-Offender - Wehrmacht
B6 - Strange Militia - Ho Paura Dei Bambini
B7 - Choking Sensation - Nine

Download

Plastic Dolls - Don't Forget Me (1984)

What a fantastically rare Greek 7" we have here. There's almost nothing to be known about this one. At least, I don't have a clue (so if anyone out there knows something about this band, please speak up). I can tell you that it's one of the best unknowns from Greece you'll ever hear. The title track features drilling synth perfection, male and female vox, and a great chorus topped off by just the right amount of guitar. "The End" sets a much darker, desperately melancholic tone. And, of course, that is a good thing! Minimalist design and lack of cover helped bury this gem in a few bins, I'm sure. Keep an eye out while you hunt. In the meantime, enjoy!

Track List:

A - Don't Forget Me
B - The End

Download

Neurox - A Raving Night (1984)

This is easily one of my favorite dark Italian wave records. Both sides of this 7" do a perfect job of blending male and female vocals, as well as synths and guitars. Very catchy from start to finish. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - A Raving Night
B - Romantic

Download

Bizarre Unit - Dancing / Away From The Screaming Car (1981)

At long last, a brilliant and ultra scarce 7" from the UK by Bizarre Unit. I'd been hunting this little jewel for quite some time and it's been well worth the wait. I'd previously heard one song that had a rather rough sound to it, but now I'm led to believe all copies share that issue. However, with a little 'remastering' help, these songs are now more than listenable!

It may interest a few of you to know that Paul Nova was involved in this wonderfully obscure gem. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Dancing
B - Away From The Screaming Car

Download

Near Paris 12" (1985) - Re-uploaded!

Just a notification that the Near Paris 12" has been freshly ripped and re-uploaded. Get it here.

If you have the previous rip, you will notice how vastly superior the sound on this fresh copy is... I was very careful about getting the best sound out of it (aside from some tough to avoid pops here and there), and I think you'll like the results. Play it loud for the best effect ;D.

As a personal aside, I absolutely adore this band and its brilliant duo: Gerald F. Nelson and Dana Riashi. Two incredible people that I'm happy to call my friends.

Stay tuned, as there just may be further material showing up here soon...

Enjoy!

In Search Of Beauty - Disappointment After Hope (1988)

As promised, the follow up demo tape to match the 12" below. I have to say, as much as I am fond of the vinyl release, this tape takes the cake for me. The first song is the hauntingly dark clip that was posted on Facebook, that I can't seem to stop listening to... The rest of the tape follows in a similar fashion, really enjoyable throughout. Other favorites would be "In My Memories", "Beauty", and one that grew on me "A Happy New Year". I've ripped far fewer tapes in my day than I have records, so I hope the sound on this is ok! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - A Melancholic Day
A2 - Resurrection
A3 - In My Memories
A4 - Beauty
B1 - A Happy New Year
B2 - Ich Möchte Lieber Träumen
B3 - Venezianisches Ballett

Download

In Search Of Beauty - The Arise (1984)

If you caught the gloomy sample clip posted on the Facebook page, then you had a glimpse of what's to come in this post and the next. In Search Of Beauty were a Swiss band that released this 12" as well as a demo tape which I will post right after this. I'm not certain whether the year for this is '84 as I don't see one listed anywhere on the record itself or the sleeve, so I'm just rolling with the Discogs info. The demo tape does have a year on it (1988), so it's very possible this record is a few years younger, but that's neither here nor there -- the music itself is great! If you love your melancholic darkwave as much as I do, the very first track will grab you immediately. It does goes on a few softer interludes that keep it from being a 10/10 for me, but still really good. Demo tape coming up next... Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Love Is Colder Than Dead
A2 - Midnight
A3 - Haunting Anguish
B1 - Never
B2 - Incredible Lightness

Download

Moresque Foray - Long Distance Sex (1989) +

This is a pretty slick 12" from Germany with a very club-friendly sound to it. I know very little about the band, other than the fact that this is not their only material. You may have also heard this song (from 1986, I think) at a wave party/club. It's definitely the winner of the bunch for me. Anyway, like I was saying this one feels most at home in the club atmosphere, and hopefully you'll start hearing it there. Strange Shock is pretty nice and I definitely prefer the alternate mix of Real Command -- sick synths for the time. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Strange Shock
A2 - Real Command
B1 - Real Command (Long Distance Mix)

Download

Story Structure - I Told You (1989)

Here's an ultra-catchy synthpop 12" from my neighbor to the north, Canada! Finding a copy of this one (that isn't outrageously priced) is anything but easy, as only 200 copies were pressed and sent to DJs and radio stations. So, hopefully this will suffice in the meantime. For those of you less into the synth poppy stuff, stay tuned. I've got some real goodies lined up for you too. The hauntingly dark clip posted on the Facebook page was not just a tease. All this and more, soon. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - I Told You (Extended Mix)
B1 - I Told You (Instrumental Mix)
B2 - I Told You (7'' Single Mix)

Download

Detachments (UK) 2010

Been quite a while since I last commented on a contemporary band, usually because most of the current day acts I like are pretty well-known by most everyone (Xeno and Oaklander, Automelodi, IAMX, Spleen United, Led Er Est... the list goes on).

This band, Detachments, haven't been talked about too much, at least within my circle of friends. They've put out a a few singles starting in 2008, and released a full length album this year. Highly recommended, I might add. Here are two of my favorites from the band:

HOLIDAY ROMANCE



H.A.L.



So, anyway, just thought I'd mention it. Hope you dig it. Here's a link to the label which has a few other nice releases on it as well.

Allen Chaney - The Sound Of Musak (1982)

Here's a nice British synthpop 7" for the weekend. I have almost no time to say anything about this one, but that's ok because I don't really know anything about it. It's definitely a well-produced record with a clear aim at a commercial sound, but not in that bad sort of way, if you follow me. Have a listen. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - The Sound Of Musak
B - It Is Nowhere

Download

Various - De Wassenaarse Slag (1984)

Here's a nice Dutch compilation featuring a few artists that have become household names by now, along with a few unknowns. One of my favorite tracks from this record was recently included in CN3. Not surprisingly, the Störung and Ensemble Pittoresque tracks are genius, but other standouts for me include Risk and Scandalls, Final Unit, and Burma. Pretty great collection of songs altogether. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Final Unit - Hypocritical
A2 - Bell's Of Home - Fall Down
A3 - Burma - Chinese Lessons
A4 - Marge And The Marvellous - A Distant Dance
A5 - Lancaster - Tonight
B1 - Störung - Empire SX
B2 - Risk And Scandalls - Drizzle
B3 - Perfect Vue - They're Watching You
B4 - Ensemble Pittoresque - The Mouthshut

Download

Almost Alone - Blue City (1983)

This 7" was discovered relatively recently, unearthed in a UK shop (hats off to the lad I bought it from). I'd originally put it toward the back of the queue I had lined up for posting here, but you can thank bX for pushing me to post it sooner.

There's not a great deal to say about the band themselves, obviously, but one interesting thing to note is that this record was produced by John Fryer. A long-time favorite of mine, who I assume needs no introduction.

There was no actual date of release listed on this record, and I've only put '83 down because that's what the guy I bought it from "guessed". However, I suspect it may have been made a bit earlier given the time period of Fryer's tenure at Blackwing Studios. I'd like to find out for sure, if anyone out there knows.

In any case, the title track is a synth-heavy gem that wastes very little time before grabbing your attention. A truly great track! The b-side offers something more of an early OMD ballad sort of feel, which I happen to like quite a bit. Anyway, enough out of me. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Blue City
B - It's So Sad

Download

Shazam - Let's Get Together (1983)

Once again, the UK blesses us with an obscure minimal synth gem. This is truly one of the best to be had, and won't be found easily (or cheaply). Both sides of this 7" are gloomy, melancholic synth masterpieces, with just enough of an upbeat tone to keep you moving. You don't want to miss this one, I promise. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Let's Get Together
B - Memories

Download

Di Leva - The Single Man (1982)

Di Leva (also known as Thomas Di Leva) is an alias of Swedish musician Sven Thomas Magnusson who has had quite a few releases up to date. Most of what I've heard came from the early/mid 80s and is more or less pop-based, so I can't speak for the content of his modern material. This 7" single is the real treasure, for me, among all his releases. The title track, "The Single Man", is a cover of US poet and musician Rod McKuen who originally penned the song in the 60s. Needless to say, Rod didn't take the dark minimal synth approach, but that's ok because Di Leva did! He was kind enough to add a solid synthwave track to the b-side, as well. Great record, enjoy!

Track List:

A - The Single Man

B - Appear Of Need

Download

F-Systems - People (1980)

Here's a fun 7" from the southern United States. Austin, Texas of all places! Don't be fooled, however, as the sounds held within resemble something more like a British import. The standout track "People" is a catchy sort of synth-driven post-punk that I can't seem to get enough of... (see the video performance below). Shiny gold top and vocals with attitude for miles. The b-side is no slouch, either. Fits in quite well around here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - People
B - Naked Kiss

Download

Ann-ka - Note Coloré (198x)

Here's a long sought after 7-inch request that was graciously filled by my friend George "Hysteric". Entirely unsure of the release year (sounds about 81-85), so if anyone knows, please share. I was not at all disappointed when I finally got to hear this wonderous gem. It's just about everything you'd hope for and expect of French minimal synth. Female vox on top of infectious rhythm. What I found strange, though, is that the A-side is the instrumental, saving the vocal track for last. It is a nice instrumental indeed, but the vocals on "Storia" add a crisp, sexy edge that will have you returning for more. No hit it and quit it, here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Note Coloré
B - Storia

Download

Aaah...! - Unreleased 3rd Single (1984)

Here we have a set of songs that were intended to be released as a single (the band's 3rd), but unfortunately never quite made it there. You can get the 1st single here, and the 2nd here. I should note, this is not an official album art, as there never was one. For me the sound is just about in between the more serious approach of the first single and the playfully pop approach of the second. As with the Input:Output single, the vocal work here is done by Henry Kent, not Kez Stone. Both tracks are pretty slick, hats off once again to the Aaah...! boys. Enjoy!

Track List:

Love Torpedo
Love Toy

Download

Various Artists - Crispy Nuggets (Vol. 3)

It seems like with every passing day I have less and less time to post on this blog, but I enjoy putting these comps together, perhaps more than you enjoy listening to them, so here's another! A pretty decent spread of mostly unknowns here, with a few familiar faces if you caught volumes 1 & 2. I've posted the Calling Hearts track before, but didn't want it just floating around in space (although that seems appropriate, given its title) so it's getting a home on CN3. Big shouts to Kez Stone and Neale Potts for their contributions here. Two brilliant musicians if I may say so. Don't have much time for info, but I'll do my best to answer any queries in the comments later on. Have a good weekend, all. Enjoy!

Track List:

01 - Aaah...! - Sound Machine
02 - Artistic Control - Walking In Love's Shadow
03 - Chromagain - Ethnicbox
04 - Forêt Obscure - The Sun, The Sea
05 - Standing Ovation - What Meaning
06 - Passing Strangers - Pain & Passion
07 - Marge &The Marvellous - A Distant Dance
08 - Sam Rosenthal - The Return
09 - Leda Atomica - Delirium Tremens
10 - Calling Hearts - Cosmology
11 - Tres - Moving Her Hands
12 - Vox Zema - The Drop
13 - Liquid Eyes - Breath Control (title updated Feb. 26, 2013)
14 - Proximity - My Thoughts Correspond
15 - Tiger Club - Laugh Last

Download

Jessica Blue - The Dark Of Light (1985)

This one's for the italo-disco fans out there, as it's been a while for the genre to make an appearance on this blog. This is the only Jessica Blue release that I'm aware of -- Now, I could be wrong on this, but... I'm pretty sure there was a law enacted in Italy that restricted italo-disco artists to just one release, at which point it was mandatory for them to disappear into obscurity forever. Well, at least that's what it seems like sometimes.

In any case, this 12" features three takes on essentially the same song, but it's a good'n. You can find a copy of this record through the usual outlets for what I'd consider a reasonable price. Well worth it for a gem such as this. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - The Dark Of Light (Club Mix)

B1 - The Dark Of Light (Radio Mix)

B2 - Is Just A Memory (Snow Mix)

Download

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

Download

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?

Download

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)

Download

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
Download

Various Artists - Crispy Nuggets (Vol. 2)

Ok, you guys liked the first one, so here's the 2nd unofficial compilation of obscurities that I put together. Can't promise the same results, but I think these tracks are pretty great. Lots of unreleased stuff gathered here. I figure it's about time some things be heard.

Big thanks to my friend Kez, a former member/vocalist of Aaah...! who was kind enough to share some unreleased material as well as a few of his other works with me. I chose 2 from Artistic Control and 1 Ahhh...! demo for this compilation. Expect to hear more on Volume 3... I hear talks of an Aaah...! re-release on Dark Entries trickling through the grapevine. Each and every one of you should keep and eye out and add that to your collection when it drops.

Hope you guys dig this half as much as you did the first one. I'll see what I can do about CN3. Enjoy!


Track List:

01 - Artistic Control - Dance With Me
02 - Decode - Planet Of Youth
03 - The Trial - Terrible Scream
04 - Aaah...! - My World Inside
05 - Fizzy Scalps - Il y a Longtemps
06 - Bobby And Synthia - Dig That Space
07 - Siflèt - Rodger
08 - Tres - TV
09 - The Paradox - The Shadow Took Shape
10 - Sidewalk Cindy - Carry On
11 - David Sinfield - N.Y. Two
12 - Astrea Redux - Timemachine
13 - Caplo Banaal - I
14 - Paul Chambers - Take A Ticket
15 - Artistic Control - Fallen Angel

Download

Elegant Unease - Innervisions (1982)

Here's a really nice and totally unknown tape from the UK, kindly provided to me by Neale (All The Madmen). The band existed from 82-84, playing in the Stoke-on-Trent area. I'm told the lead singer passed away in his thirties from a heart attack. A sad story, but his involvement in a rather nice minimal synth outfit now lives on. Coincidentally, "Life's Tragedy" is my favorite from this tape. Check it out and enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Innervisions
A2 - Time
B1 - I See Ice
B2 - Life's Tragedy

Download

Cunning Toy - Searching (1987)

I'm quite proud to present one of my favorite 12" records ever. Outstanding German synthpop that feels way ahead of its time. These gems are brought to you by a few of the same guys that created the ultra great New Scientists LP and 12". You can grab those from my earlier post, here. Needless to say, this record is extremely rare.

This actually sounds quite similar to how DM sounded around the same time. Maybe it's just a coincidence... In any case, it really captures and defines the sound of German synthpop from the mid/late 80s into the very early 90s. Certainly amongst the best of the bunch. I promise, you don't want to miss this one. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Searching
B1 - My Submission
B2 - Kiss Of Life

Download

Decades By Night / The Sons Of Monkeys - Split (1981)

Sorry for my absence lately, life has been calling (I've been trying to respond)... I think what I may do is create another Crispy Nuggets compilation... a Vol. 2, if you will. We'll see... stay tuned.

I have to thank my friend Neale from All The Madmen (first track on CN1) for sending me a copy of this mega scarce 7" from the UK. It just so happens that he was also a member of the B-side band, my favorite from this record. There's a bit of clicking and popping here and there on my copy, sorry about that! I've reduced it as much as I can without destroying the overall sound. That sound, by the way, should appeal nicely to true minimal synth lovers.

As a side note, my other friend Stephen is releasing an All The Madmen record soon, so keep an eye out for that one, and buy it! Not to be missed! Enjoy.

Track List:

A - The Sons Of Monkeys - Me And Mr. Suzuki
B - Decades By Night - Life Spiral

Download

Various Artists - Crispy Nuggets (Vol. 1)

Well, there's really no rhyme or reason to this. It's just something I felt like doing. As you might have guessed, it's not an official release. Did the name give it away? I wasn't after any sort of cohesive structure or even smooth transition from track to track. Some of these bands are extremely obscure, and some of them I just really like. Either way, I think you'll dig it. I can't say whether the "Crispy Nuggets" series will continue or not, but I named it Vol. 1 in the event that I'm once again inspired to do this. I pulled a lot out of the UK for this, a few sprinkled in from various parts of Europe, and a few from North America. Do give it a try, and if I ever meant it before - enjoy!

Track List:

01 - All The Madmen - Living Is A Nightmare
02 - Mixed Feelings - Another Place (Like Home)
03 - Red Shift - This Is The Worst (Of Love)
04 - Incubated Sounds - Anne's Death
05 - Art Fact - Building
06 - Laugh Clown Laugh - Feel So Young
07 - Young Things West - Trans-Europa
08 - Negatives In Colour - Love Amongst The Buildings
09 - The Short Wave Mystery - Special Girl
10 - Tres - Break Your Body Down
11 - Games - Green Brigade
12 - Clair Instant - Le Bleu Des Choses
13 - Pas De Deux - Cardiocleptomanie
14 - Monty Cantsin - Blood & Gold
15 - Candide - Dreamers Never Talk


Download

Log 10 - You're Not There (1984)

Here's a very scarce 7" from the UK. The band had another single called "Step In The Dark" that is remotely well-known. You may have heard Veronica play it if you tune in to her wonderful show. You can get that here. Each track is a bit different from the next; each good in their own way. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - You're Not There
B - Freefall

Download

Tres - Smile On My Face (198x)

This is one of my personal favorites. A very obscure but brilliant band from Sweden, this 7" was the band's solo self-release. The band had written quite a few demos, but none of them ever made it to and official release (sadly). Their demos are amazing, btw. Stay tuned and one of them might pop up here... ;-)

As for this release, there are two solid synth-heavy tracks that I can't seem to get enough of... particularly "Operator", which may be fairly well-known by now. What a killer. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Smile On My Face
B - Operator

Download

Various Artists - VM Cinque (1986)

Here's a very nice collection of artists from Italy. A 2LP limited to 600 hand-numbered copies, which was included with VM fanzine "5". This will appeal to those who dig classic Italian cold, darkwave style. Suicide Dada is the standout for me by a slim margin, just see"Acque" for my explanation on that. What a track! Check it out and enjoy.

Track List:

A1 - Destijl - Il Vaso Di Pandora
A2 - Destijl - La Sfinge
A3 - Destijl - Taiga
A4 - Destijl - Assab
B1 - Suicide Dada - Acque
B2 - Suicide Dada - Grida!
B3 - Suicide Dada - Echi
B4 - Suicide Dada - Porto Sepolto
B5 - Suicide Dada - Waiting For September
C1 - Intolerance - Drugs
C2 - Intolerance - Terminal State
C3 - Intolerance - 24
C4 - Intolerance - Wait And Kill
D1 - Regard - The Empty Day
D2 - Regard - Happy Lifes
D3 - Regard - We Are Here
D4 - Regard - J'aine Le Noir

Download

Angela - Fantasy (1984)

I thought that if I were going to post one of the worst album arts ever (see last post), I might as well follow it with one of the best album arts ever.

Angela (Werner) had a few releases between the years 1981 and 1984, almost all of them being rather elusive. This being no exception. She was also involved in another project with a similarly simple title called "Jyl". You can check that out here. There's something really great about this woman's voice. I absolutely love it.

This particular single was released on 7" and 12", with 4 separate tracks scattered between them. I just ripped the 7" and so happen to have the other songs from the 12" on hand, and will post them below as well. The most well-known song here is "I Gotta Little Love", but I think you'll like all of them, as I do. Enjoy.

Track List:

A - Fantasy
B - Kites

Download



and the 2 extra tracks from the 12":

Painted Love and I Gotta Little Love (mp3s on request)

Janitors Animated - My God He's Terrible (1985)

Pretty nice Canadian mini LP with both hits and misses. The first miss being the album art. I know what you're thinking, but no, I didn't create that in MS paint, it's the real deal. The music inside the cover is thankfully a bit better. My favorites on this one are "Need To Go High" and "Drunkula". A few pops on my copy, but nothing too distracting. Check it out and enjoy.

Track List:

A1 - Need To Go High
B1 - In Synergy X
B2 - The Light
B3 - Drunkula
B4 - My God He's Terrible

Download

Dusk To Dawn - Places You Will Never See (Cassette) (1994)

I don't often dig up items from the 90s, but sometimes they're worth it. I know some of you want nothing to do with anything that falls outside of the decade beginning in 8, but bear with me on this... I'll get back to feeding your sweet tooth soon.

This is the 2nd and last cassette released by the band, I've never heard the first (if anyone wants to be a pal and share it --- UPDATE: Now posted here on Kentucky Fried Wave). These Germans make a brand of synth-driven, semi-goth rock that really appeals to me. The tracks "Fading" and "Far Places" are the standouts that I seem to keep coming back to on this particular release. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Separation
A2 - Fading
A3 - Out Of Sight
B1 - Deception
B2 - Hearts Lied Open
B3 - Far Places

Download

Pursuit Of Colour - Love Plays Ego (1984)

Another one bites the dust. You may have noticed this was formerly in my request list. Hell, this may have been in your very own request list. In any case, here it is. One of the scarcest minimal synth 7" records you can('t) find anywhere. This one was born in the UK and, if what I've been told is correct, was limited to 50 copies (no, I didn't forget to add another zero)! Two solid tracks of ace minimal electronics. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Can't Let You Go
B - Radomontade

Download

Caplo Banaal - Is This Love? (1983)

Super scarce minimal synth 7" from the UK that I don't know very much about, beyond what you can see pictured above. The record had no picture sleeve; the image above is an insert that came with it. Great synths and bass on the title track. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Is This Love?
B - She Loves My Money

Download

Videoclips - Roboter Ramona (1982)

Don't have a lot of time to say much about this. It may be fairly well-known, but less well distributed. Great 7" single from Germany that comes from the band's sought after LP. Which, if anyone out there owns, a rip would be more than appreciated! Enjoy.

Track List:

A - Roboter Ramona
B - Husky

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Portray Heads - Elaborate Dummy (1984)

This is quite a wild and fun minimal synthy single. I guess I'm just bouncing all over the globe these days. This flexi 7" comes from Japan and features some of the best pulsating synthetic beats you'll hear anywhere. A few of you might be happy to see this one, it's a bit sought after you could say. Check it out and see why. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Elaborate Dummy
B - Watch Your Scope!

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P.S. They have another 7" and I'd love to hear it if someone out there has it!

Vivante - Drömmaren (1983)

I swear, so much good stuff comes out of Sweden. This privately pressed gem is no exception. A wonderfully melancholic 7" with lots of synth, but plenty of guitar and *gasp* actual drumming (sorry to the machinists among you). Enjoy it while it lasts, I don't often present much of that!

Similar sound on both sides of this one. So much so, in fact, that when the b-side begins, if you're not paying attention you might think you're hearing the a-side again. That soon changes, however. Check it out & enjoy!

Track List:

A - Drömmaren
B - Angela

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Ian North - Rape Of Orchids EP (1982)

As I said in the previous post, Ian North has played the role of both the artist and the producer. This time as the artist. This is the last of his efforts, in the same era, at least. I believe he is currently promoting new music and you can probably find out more on his myspace page, if interested. In any case, "Sex Lust You" is the winner here, for me. Check it out. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Only Love Is Left Alive
A2 - Romance
B1 - Sex Lust You
B2 - White Gardens

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Anti-Matter - 2 x 7inch (81-83)

This is what I believe to be the band's entire discography. If there were other releases, please let me know. Both records self-released in the US on Prehistoric Records, and feature 2 minimal synth gems a piece.

Infatuation was produced by Ian North, who made a great 12" EP called "Rape Of Orchids", which I will post... hmm, after this!


Anti-Matter - Industrial City (1981)


Track List:

A - Industrial City
B - Invisible Man

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Anti-Matter - Infatuation (1983)


Track List:

A - Infatuation
B - Digital Dance

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Enjoy!

K.A.D. (Rhythm Under Rod) - Shakin' All Over (1983)

This 7" is from the UK on Shooting Star records, and features female vocals with the occasional punch of male vox. Will do well for those with a sweet tooth for that pure analog, minimal electronics sound, while managing to be rather pop indeed. I prefer the b-side here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Shakin' All Over
B - Robotics

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Various Artists - Cabbage Part 1 (Cassette) (198x)

Another super scarce tape from Belgium. The first in a series of... four, I think. Lots of recognizable names here, providing a good range of sounds. Everything from minimal synth, coldwave, experimental, and even one brief moment of punk/hardcore (not exactly my cup of tea). Great shows from Vita Noctis, Palais Des Bauzards, Unovidual, Absolute Body Control, The Misz, and Inflammable Liquid. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Mark Hanley - Rain Song
A2 - Vita Noctis - On A Day Like This
A3 - X-Ray Pop - Mama
A4 - Palais Des Bauzards - Going Under
A5 - Unovidual - Wardance Dub
A6 - Matthew Sommerville - 3000 Welds
A7 - S.O.D. - Tank Realistiskt
A8 - Absolute Body Control - Me And My Desire
A9 - Zanoisect - Exploded Cabbage Brain
B1 - No Unauthorized - Brain Cabbage Surgery
B2 - Pascal Massün - Silent Thoughts
B3 - The Misz - Het Is Geen Werk
B4 - Vita Noctis - Execution
B5 - Magthea & Unovidual - Cold Shadows
B6 - Inflammable Liquid - Teenage Wildlife
B7 - De Fabriek - Chibomptrompia
B8 - Narzisse - But That's For Later

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Pitch Yarn Of Matter - Discography (93-95)

I thought it was about time to upload something from the southern hemisphere, for a change. Who better than PYM, as you'll come to find (if you're not already familiar with them). The band was a project of the possibly more well-known Nude's Marcelo Gallo. Based out of Brazil, originally, they released a demo cassette in '93 called "Bounds", which naturally has more of a DIY feel to it than the later 2 CDs, which were produced in Germany in 1995. Listen to them in order and it'll seem like every song gets better and better and better. "Strange Body" is probably my favorite of the bunch. Barely. Excuse the particularly weak album art on SIOM, heh-heh. Lots of good stuff here, my friends.

Oh, and to further wet your palette, they were produced by Andreas Sippel who also produced Second Decay. The 2 CDs were released on Subtronic Records, which has released other mega greats such as: Zwischenfall, Data-Bank-A, Beborn Beton, Twilight Ritual, Advanced Art/Two Witches... to name a few....

So, without further ado...

Pitch Yarn of Matter - Bounds (demo) (1993)

Track List:

A1 - The Poet
A2 - Lips Of Tragedy
A3 - Make Part Of Nothing
A4 - Signs In Our Minds
A5 - Safe & Sound
A6 - Senseless
B1 - Merely Human
B2 - Full Of Nothing
B3 - High
B4 - Man
B5 - Brave's Tear
B6 - Alles Schwarz (Pym V1.0)

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Pitch Yarn of Matter - Signs In Our Minds (1995)

Track List:

01 - Sometimes (Intro)
02 - Pain
03 - Signs In Our Minds
04 - Flies
05 - Shadows Of Time
06 - Interchange
07 - Safe And Sound
08 - The Old Man
09 - Observer
10 - Inspired By Love
11 - Man
12 - These Eyes
13 - The Reason Right

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Pitch Yarn of Matter - Strange Body (1995)

Track List:

01 - Brother Sun, Sister Moon
02 - So Tired
03 - Rare And Real
04 - Looking For
05 - Lonelyness
06 - Strange Body
07 - Gray Scale
08 - Father
09 - Channel 6
10 - To Be Born Again
11 - Fairy Tale

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As a bonus, get a much cleaner version of "Alles Schwarz", here. Enjoy!