Saturday, October 30, 2010

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

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Friday, October 29, 2010

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

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

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

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Friday, October 22, 2010

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

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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

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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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

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