Rive Gauche - Friends are Friends (1984)

This is a personal favorite from Belgium, one of the best countries for minimal synth wave gems. Perhaps the best part about this 7" is that the vocals are performed by Carol, who you'll remember from the Breakdown/So Low 7" that I posted a while back here. I don't really know who else was involved other than the names listed on the sleeve, which are: Luc, Olivier, Didier, Bernard, and Dimitri. Well, in any case, hats off to the lot of them. The title track is pretty well-known via Tribute To Some Bizzare, but it's mislabeled "Friends and Friends", and frankly mine sounds a lot better. The b-side is certainly no slouch and is not to be missed! Enjoy.

Track List:

A - Friends are Friends
B - Back

Download (link updated: 10/3/2013)

Secret Life - Searching (1985)

How about a 2nd post for the day to make up for the 10-day hiatus. Probably you've heard of Secret Life by now, as they're featured on a handful of ace compilations, including the recent (and great) Underground Belgian Wave Vol 2 on Walhalla Records. Most everything I've heard by them is good, and this 7" hasn't changed that one bit. Sound is something similar to Invisible Limits / Invincible Spirit. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Searching
B - Aggression

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Silent Creatures - Should I Stay (1986)

Here's a nice Belgian 7" that's heavy on the synth with a slight (at least by my ear) Robert Smith influence. Nothing distracting, but you can sense it. I only know of one other release by the band, a 7" in 1988 which supposedly has a more alternative/punk leaning. Can't speak to that, though. Seems instantly less interesting to me :). Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Should I Stay
B - The Sun

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Tangible Joy - Movement (1985)

This is one of the best Belgian tapes you'll ever hear, I promise. Very hard to find self-released cassette that is perfect from beginning to end. You can get 2 of these tracks on the new Underground Belgian Wave Vol. 2 compilation. Both volumes recommended by the way! Don't want to miss this one. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - I Know It (I Read It In The Papers)
A2 - Move
B1 - Silent Adoration
B2 - Some Say I'm Drunk (But I'm Only In Love)

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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)

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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Rudy - Homme Mecanique (1984)

Mega scarce 7" here. I heard it through the grapevine that the artist was contacted as to whether he had any spare copies laying around, and he apparently wants nothing to do with that part of his life or the music industry in general, and destroyed everything he had left... How unfortunate! I'd have liked to find out whether he had some unreleased material... Oh well, enjoy!

Track List:

A - Homme Mecanique
B - Destinee

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Line Line - Vision (1984)

Another rare 7" out of Belgium on New Dance records, which also released a few Arnold Lane, Parade Ground, and Front 242 records. This is the only release by the band, a nice little nugget, I say. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Vision
B - Moments

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Organized Pleasure - Ah! (1981)

Pretty rare 7" out of Belgium. Admittedly, I don't think too much of the b-side, but "Ah!" is a nice little upbeat piece of wave for you to enjoy. Vocals sometimes remind me of Parade Ground a bit. Check it.

Track List:

A - Ah!
B - Tropical Stumble

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