Vasselli - Paura Del Sole (198x)

Here's a rather obscure 7" from Italy (naturally). It's been a long time since my last post, and even longer since my last italo-disco post, so I thought it high time I deliver. While this is certainly an italo-disco record, it might have some appeal for wave/minimal heads as well, as there are some elements to the songs that register it somewhere outside the typical italo sound -- at least, in my opinion. I can't be certain on the year, but my guess is somewhere around '83-'85. If anyone out there can confirm that'd be great! Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Paura Del Sole
B - Il Canto Di Agla

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In other news, on the label efforts with Medical Records LLC, we're making some great progress with a few artists featured on Crispy Nuggets, and I think you guys are going to love it! More news as things develop. Stay tuned!

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)

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Metropolis - See No Reason (1982)

I've had this one for a while, and I've seen the title track around on various comps, etc, but never seen the b-side anywhere. So, I figured I'd share it. Hot off the needle are the only 2 songs ever released by Metropolis, which is a shame as they created some quite catchy minimal synthpop.

Track list:

A - See No Reason
B - Russian Romance

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Svart Klovn - Queen Bitch / A-hhh (1986)

Some of you are probably familiar with Svart Klovn's "Knust Knekt" which appears on its own 7" as well as more recent comps like Maskidans. "Queen Bitch" is the English version of that track, so it'll sound familiar ;)

Svart Klovn is an alias of the artist Kid Death, who put together a band called "Kid D. & The Nightshades", which released a self-titled LP. Both of these tracks are from that LP, including a cover of Clockwork Orange's "Sensation Boys". There's also a cover of Velvet Underground's "Venus in Furs". I have the 2 cover tracks, but not a full rip of the LP, so if anyone could rip that for me, that would be wonderful!

I just got done ripping/scanning this one, and let me just say the b-side is one of my all-time favorite songs -- "A-hhh". It's certainly aptly named as you'll hear "Ohh" and "Ahh" frequently throughout the track. Pulsating analog synths and Kid Death's sensual crooning make for one crispy little nugget. See for yourself.

Track list:

A - Queen Bitch
B - A-hhh

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Lisfrank - Man Mask (1982)

Here we have another little nugget that will put a hurtin' on your piggy bank. A wonderfully dark 12" out of Italy that I think you'll enjoy, if you like dark minimal/synthpop -- and of course you do, or you wouldn't be here. Enjoy.

Track list:

A1 - It's Life
A2 - Night Calling
B1 - Violence In My Mind
B2 - I Still Believe In Love

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Lonely Boys - Hold Me (1986)

I have to say I really love this one. After he left Alphaville, Frank Mertens released this 12" with his girlfriend Martina on vocals. I am a huge sucker for his genius on the synths, with tracks like "Summer In Berlin" and "A Victory of Love". If you like those songs, you should also enjoy this record. Title track is just great... not much else I can say, check it out!

Track list:

A1 - Hold Me (Extended Remix)
B1 - Hold Me
B2 - Lonely Boy

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Mirrors - Two Tracks (2009)

Brand new and absolutely brilliant synthpop band out of the UK. I hope for and expect great things from them. They have no official release yet (that I'm aware of...), but they're releasing a 7" for which I will provide a purchase link below. Both of these tracks are great, I look forward to a full-length release. Check them out!

Look At Me

OrganSong (demo)

Order the Look At Me 7" here.

Plane of Section - Looking at Pictures of You (1984)

Been a while since I've posted something... So, how about this mlp from Netherlands. This is one you can just play and enjoy all the way through. Title track is great, and it's followed by a track that... for some reason, reminds me of the Legend OST in parts. A little saxophone and plenty of soothing synths. The rest of the tracks are good too! Enjoy!

A1		Looking At Pictures Of You (5:38)
A2		Live By The Night (6:01)
B1		The Girl (4:23)
B2		Hold (5:06)
B3		Moving On (3:53)

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Parade Ground - Dual Perspective (1987)

I recently purchased this 12" and I must say... it's quite good. The opening track is fantastic (as seen in the video below), and I'm also quite fond of "Moans", which features Colin Newman of Wire. It should also be noted that some production for this record was done by Daniel B. of Front 242.



A1 - Gold Rush
A2 - Snake
B1 - Moans
B2 - Action Replay

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Distant Drums - Perfect Eyes (1982)

This is a pretty scarce minimal synth 7" which was released in the UK. I can't help enjoying the bassline and flowing synths of "Halloween". Maybe you will too. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Perfect Eyes
B - Halloween

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Decadance - On and On (Fears Keep On) (1983)

I suppose this italo classic is pretty well-known, but it's worth posting for anyone who hasn't heard it yet. Easily one of my favorites from the genre. Fairly pricey, so save your pennies up.

A - On and On (Fears Keep On)
B - On and On (Dub Version)

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Filling a Few Requests...

While browsing Mr. Goutroy's wonderful blog: A Viable Commercial, I noticed that I do indeed have several of the items in his wantlist. So, why not post them here for everyone?

Modern Mannequins - Streets of Broken Glass (12") (1985)
Perfect Vision - Tongues Out (mlp) (1985)


Enjoy! I might have a few others from your list around somewhere, but I'll have to look.

Clockwork Orange - Sensation Boys (1985)

I'm fortunate enough to own this 7" as well, I really love this title track. Like Boxbury Beat (below), "Sensation Boys" is also featured on the Maskidans compilation, but it's the demo version (which I don't think is nearly as good). The B-side, although not quite as catchy, is also worth a listen.

A - Sensation Boys
B - Spellbound

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Boxbury Beat - Never Along With You (1985)

This is a great release, I definitely like the B-side the most, which is apparently on this release as well (not sure if a real release or not). The band also recently released the song "Thunder and Lightning" on the Maskindans - Norsk Synth 1980-1988 compilation. In any case, definitely add this one to your rotation if you haven't already.

A - Never Along With You
B - Windows

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3 Miles From Here - Heroes / Until Then (1989)

I'm fortunate enough to own this rare gem. I don't know much about this Swedish band, beyond the fact that they disappeared after making this brilliant Synth / EBM 7" which was (in my opinion) ahead of its time. The b-side track, "Until Then" is pretty well circulated, but you don't run into the A-side often. Both tracks are fantastic, so if you don't know it already, be sure to check it out.

Track List:

A - Heroes
B - Until Then

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