Radio Berlin Re-Uploaded

Had a few requests to re-up the dead link for Radio Berlin. Sorry it took me so long, but you can get it again now, here.

Let me know if you encounter any other dead links. Thanks!

NU-FX - I Believed You (198x)

Today we have a 7" from the UK that should satisfy all lovers of minimal synthpop. For me this record easily joins the ranks of the best. Great sound and DIY aesthetic, what more could you ask for? Well, I suppose a bit more information wouldn't hurt. This self-release is rather cryptic, listing no release year (although seemingly in the 81-85 range). The 2 member names "Latin Cogan" and "Marc Nufx" aren't too telling, either. As always, further information is welcome, if anyone has something to add. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - I Believed You

B - Power & Unity

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Yön - I Dream (1987)

Here we have a 7" that I consider to be one of the 'holy grails' of US minimal synth/wave. I know that term gets thrown around a lot, but this dark-tinged gem sure seems to qualify. It's extremely rare and I'm not sure too many people are aware of its existence yet. There's no cover sleeve version that I'm aware of, and the band members are listed as "Mr. M/Britain", which for me wasn't very telling. The record was released on Tekno-Wave Records in Texas, which has also been a dead end in my search for further info. I've been quite curious about this one so if anyone out there knows anything please speak up! I'll let the sound speak for itself here, instant winners on both sides. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - I Dream
B - Knowledge

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Leidenschaft - Leidenschaft (1986)

If I'm honest about it, this is perhaps one of my favorite discoveries to date. Every aspect of this obscure tape leaps out and tugs on each of my musical heartstrings. Leidenschaft were a short-lived but highly undervalued duo from France. I don't know very much about the members, other than their first names: Thierry and Denis. I'm completely unsure if either of them ever were involved in any other projects, but they certainly contributed 3 gems here. The best way I can describe this is if you took the best aspects of Xymox and Echo, then added a drop of French coldwave in the mix. That comparison is best noticed in "The Cities Of The Red Night", an immediately club-ready jam. It's tough, but the hit for me has to be "Who Cares?", which thankfully has a video to go along with it (see below). The last track settles down into a slower but quite beautiful ballad. You're going to love this one. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Who Cares?
A2 - The Cities Of The Red Night
B1 - A Long Way

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Chanson Deux - Hinter Den Dingen (1986)

Here we have a long sought-after LP from Germany. It contains the well-circulated track "Der Staat" and, not surprisingly, a few other gems. Unfortunately this isn't the best rip, but I tweaked it as well as I could... so it'll have to do for now. Other faves from this one would be "Où", "To Je Pravda", "Je Suis Seule", and "Masse Mensch". I've gotta run for now, have a nice Sunday, everyone. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Masse Mensch
A2 - To Je Pravda
A3 - Der Staat
A4 - Mirrors
B1 - Je Suis Seule
B2 - Play For Love
B3 - Où
B4 - Hinter Den Dingen

Download (minus.com)
Download (direct)

Picture Book - Laughing In My Hand (1984)

Ok, so it's been kind of a while. I've had a few different requests lately. Everything from, "Hey, can you post the b-side of Picture Book?"... to... "Hey, where the hell did you go? Post more shit, asshole!". Yes, I admit, I've been absent for a long time. Sorry about that. The personal life has kept me quite busy, but I should also mention that hidden 80s gems, although plentiful, have for the most part been uncovered. Very few diamonds left to uncover, I wager. Not to suggest there's nothing left to find. There is. I just have much less time on my hands to hunt them down. What's more, I've wanted to keep the quality of this blog's posts at (what I consider) a very high level. I never intended this to be endless. A new post every week just for the sake of posting. So that you can download it, skip through it, yawn and/or roll your eyes, and never listen again. There are a lot of blogs out there that can serve that need. I will probably never shut down this blog altogether, but posts will be much more sporadic and random. I do have a completely badass tape from France planned at some point in the not too distant future. You'll love it. Ok, enough out of me, I've wasted enough time.

You've heard the title track of this 7-inch on CN4 but as I said above, the b-side has been requested... so here it is! Pretty slick record and extremely rare, that's for sure. There happens to be a copy of it up on eBay at the moment, so bring your A-game if you plan to be the new owner. By A-game, I mean a lot of money. Anyway, Picture Book were a UK trio: Steve A, Lesley, and Steve B. They appear on the excellent Subtle Hints compilation, as well as another compilation called "Against The Tide". I haven't heard the song featured there, but I surely would like to. It's called "Scarlet Everywhere", so if anyone out there can help, please do! The band has a Facebook and are very friendly, go give them a like and say hello. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Laughing In My Hand
AA - Reflex Action

Download (minus.com)
Download (direct)

P.S. You can here an alternative version of the song, here.

All Fall Down - Arecibo (1983)

Here we have yet another hidden wave gem from the UK. This one was instantly catchy from the second I dropped the needle. After a couple rounds of chorus I assumed I'd gotten everything the song had to offer, but then it dropped a bit of female vox into the mix -- a pleasant surprise. The b-side isn't as upbeat, but a quality track indeed. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Arecibo
B - A Changing Face

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Download (direct)

Académie - Rendez Vous (1985)

Here's a 7" from France that should feel a bit familiar if you've been following the blog for a while. This was another project of Odile Arias of the band Vienna (which I've shared here and here). The sound is very similar, as there's almost no difference between the bands other than name. So, if you liked Vienna you'll like this too.

Other things of note: Two unreleased songs by the bands posted on CN5, and another Académie song here along with other great videos by both bands.

Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Rendez-vous
B - Rendez-vous (Instrumental)

Download (minus.com)
Download (direct)

Cry - Looking To The Future (1983)

Looking for a fix of that melancholic, DIY minimal synth sound? Well strap up, here comes an injection. The UK, land of so many nuggets, is responsible yet again for this one. The title track is a true gem of driving, pulsing synth and just the right touch of guitar mixed in. The b-side is a sleepy guitar-only ballad, but you won't mind when you go back to the a-side for another listen.

The band was supposedly going to release an LP, although I'm "fairly" certain that never happened (I hope I'm wrong). Maybe it was recorded, though. Maybe someone out there knows. Maybe a band member will see this and let us know. Maybe.

For now, Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Looking To The Future
B - Alone

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Various Artists - Crispy Nuggets (Vol. 5)

I was going to say this could be the last compilation I'll ever post, but I thought I wouldn't do another after vol. 1, so who really knows! I don't want to sacrifice quality at any time in the series, so if these start to get lame, don't be afraid to tell me. That being said, this is one of my favorites of the bunch. Hope you'll agree.

Quite a bit of never released material this time, just over half I think. Don't have much time for commentary this morning, need to get to work! I'll be more than happy to answer any queries as best I can, later on. Enjoy!


Track List:

01 - Form - One Is One
02 - City 19 - Heart (Subtle Hints Mix)
03 - Fantasia - Pictures In My Mind
04 - Aaah...! - She Melts And Flows
05 - Final Program - Phase One
06 - Vienna - Six Pieds Sous Terre
07 - Kremlyn - Misterios En La Tierra
08 - Clä-Sick - Every Night
09 - The Trial - Sex Story
10 - Imago - Going Through The Motion
11 - Academie - Push Me Down
12 - First Aid - The Train
13 - Corps Diplomatique - Cnossos
14 - Artistic Control - So Long Love (Live in Studio)
15 - Endless Nostalgia - Dance Of The Pessimism


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Collage - Mit Den Puppen Tanzen (1984)

Oh my, I've really been slacking haven't I? [Yes, you have, what kind of crappy blog is this?] Sorry about that! Lots of nice things right around the bend, I promise.

I finally had enough time to drop the needle on this 12" tonight. Deutschland: the gift that keeps on giving! This one is particularly interesting to me as it involves members of Stahlnetz and Schwarze Bewegung. Up-tempo tanz beats throughout, lots of synths and female vocals. A great Friday night record. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Mit Den Puppen Tanzen
A2 - Schwarze Nacht
B1 - Niemals Zurück
B2 - Harter Film

Download (updated 7/17/2013)

L'An III - Les Internés De La Raison (1990)

Ultra obscure self-released tape from France. Very dark and upbeat throughout, with a mix of male and female vocals (always a plus). This is the 2nd (and last?) release by the band, the first of which you can get over here. The discogs entry for this tape has an extra track (hand-written in on the image). Not sure if it was intended to be included, but my copy doesn't have it. Maybe someone can shed some light on the matter. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Les Vatours
A2 - No
A3 - Ciel Bleu
A4 - Grida
A5 - Raison
B1 - Mister G
B2 - Place Chinée
B3 - Pas De Ce Monde
B4 - Interdire
B5 - Artistes

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Ulrich - Message Pirate (1980)

Consider this a hold-me-over until I have a bit more free time. I've got some tapes and the like, which require a bit more attention, but they are coming rest assured! And so is Crispy Nuggets Vol. 5!

Here we have a French 7" that should appeal to fans of bands like Nuit Des Stars, Partenaire Particulier, etc. The title track is instantly catchy (check out the injection of echoing female vox). Unfortunately, the b-side is a total snoozer. Maybe save that one for right before bed. I have his LP and it's just as bad, otherwise I'd post that too. But yeah, Message Pirate! Check it out. Enjoy!

P.S. I didn't bother with scans, and just stole the image from discogs, but if you want higher quality images, just shout.

Track List:

A - Message Pirate

B - Il Neige Sur Paris-Nord

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The Parapluies - The Parapluies (1984)

Excellent tape from Germany, on one of the best labels for German minimal synth: P.A.P. I would like very much to hear all of the releases from that label, wink wink, nudge nudge. Here's one of them. You won't regret checking out that gem, trust me on that. As for this little nugget, you are likely familiar with the brilliant track "Necessities", which is by no means the only worthwhile song on the tape. It's quite good throughout, with female vox flowing across waves of bass and synth. The lead-off track starts out a bit on the corny side, so soldier through that and you'll hear the goodies that follow it. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Bruno
A2 - Fallen Dream
A3 - Necessities
B1 - Heart And Facts
B2 - Stranger In Paradise
B3 - Leaving You

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The Impolight - Oh Baby Oh (1983)

Here's an ace 12" by The Impolight, a predecessor to the Israeli group "Siam", which have an LP posted here by Frankie T. I'm pretty sure this record came without a picture sleeve, but I decided to use this image I stumbled across anyway. "Changing" was later featured on the aforementioned Siam LP, and if you already know it, you already love it. If "Oh Baby Oh" is new to you, then you're in for a treat. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Oh Baby Oh
B - Changing

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Calendar Crowd - Listen In To The Heart (1985)

Here's a tasty little number from the UK that I'd been tracking for quite some time, until stumbling upon it for a price that I'd consider irresistable. Well, as a result, here it is for your listening pleasure. The first 2 tracks are nice in their own gloomy, droning right... but the real gem from this one is "Perfect Hideaway Dub". There's a 7inch for that track, but unfortunately I don't have that one, as it is spaced out, icey minimal goodness. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Listen In To The Heart

B1 - Questions Answers

B2 - Perfect Hideaway Dub

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Body and Soul - Something's Going On Here (1983)

Here's a very rare and unknown piece of US wave history. Update: Some info has been found. It seems this was a solo effort by "Rob Watson" and was pressed to 800 copies. More than I would've expected. Mr. Watson has had his hands in quite a few other things as well, it seems. I'll have to do a bit more investigation on that. As for this record, the a-side is a nice upbeat, club-friendly track... but I think I prefer the gloomy, mellow b-side. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Something's Going On Here
B - The Graylands

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Mørkelagt Bevegelse - A View X Another Victim (1983)

An ultra obscure tape from Norway is what's on the menu for today. This dish is quite tasty on it's own, but has been known to have been served with a side of Lister. That meal may be coming out of the kitchen soon, so save room for more. I think you'll enjoy the flavor, which starts out subtly, but picks up rather nicely around bite 4 and never looks back. Don't try to swallow it all at once, give it time to digest properly. And remember, this is a dish best served cold. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Cheers From The Crowd
A2 - Under The 2nd Bridge
A3 - Til De Tvilende
A4 - Every 15 Seconds
A5 - Retrospective
A6 - The Stairs
A7 - Veins
B1 - Another Victim Pt. I
B2 - The Pray
B3 - The Chamber
B4 - The Survival
B5 - The Return
B6 - Four Walls, Too Many People
B7 - Another Victim Pt. II

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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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Project Four - Life After Life (1980)

Here's a pretty interesting 7" from the UK. I'm not entirely sure what genre I'd toss it under, as it's a little bit of a melting pot. A bizarro accumulation of sounds that blend into a rather accessible little gem. Really cool sound for 1980, I think you'll dig it. The sleeve is a foldout and I did my best to scan and piece it together, so don't forget to have a look. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Life After Life
B - Still Life

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Lister - Aber Das! (1982)

They asked for minimal synth; minimal synth hath been received.

Track List:

A1 - The Bugaloo
A2 - Could I Have Your Autograph?
A3 - The Brown Shoes Incident
A4 - Rapuntzel
A5 - From The Love Nest
A6 - Walk On Water
A7 - Lipstick Moon
A8 - Another Pedestrian
A9 - I Wonder (Dub)
B1 - The Crawling Contest
B2 - Stains
B3 - The Real Star Of The Movie
B4 - I Wonder
B5 - The Third Person
B6 - Rapuntzel (Dub)
B7 - Maybe The Jokeman

Download



P.S. Stay tuned / Keep it locked / Don't touch that dial

Metropolitan - Bara Du (1982)

A little Swedish synthpop never hurt anyone, so here's a healthy dose. As per usual, almost no info at all to be found about the band. This 7" was released on the Humlan label, which also released this compilation that someone out there should share :-). Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Bara Du
B - La La La

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Modern Jazz - The Nude (1986)

Wonderful band from Australia that I'm sure most everyone is familiar with by now. You may remember them from the excellent Signal To Noise Set compilation which was posted by Goutroy, and their "Bubble Head Breakdown" tape was posted on Mutant Sounds. Both are highly recommended. This LP was released on Cleopatra Records which featured such bands as The Metronomes, Cybotron, and Second Glance. Speaking of, if anyone out there has Second Glance's "Tomorrow", I'd love to hear it! Oh, there's a copy of this record on eBay right now, just in case anyone out there is interested in picking it up while they have the chance. Doesn't come around too often! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Whole Lot Of Shakin' Goin On
A2 - Daddy-O
A3 - Neon Tubes
A4 - She Engine
B1 - The Night The Good Boy Lost His Crown
B2 - Industry
B3 - The Great Outdoors
B4 - Baulderstein

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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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Velvascurge - Human Element (1985)

If you caught Goutroy's recent compilation of excellent obscurities then you probably noticed the excellent Velvascurge song "...In The Numbers". For me it's the standout track on the record (honorable mention to "Shadow (Reprise)"), but since I know many of you are just like myself and like to hear the whole thing... here it is! Velvascurge were a US trio from Miami, FL with only one other release in 1989, a CD called "Wiggley Snake" (thanks to Vinyl Obscurity for that info). Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Only The Shadow Knows
A2 - ...In The Numbers
A3 - Shadow (Reprise)
B1 - Wild Western World
B2 - Syndicated Life

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Die Idole - Self-titled (1982)

Check out that sweet pants & boots combo! Ahem, sorry, the music inside this cover is pretty great as well. One more from Deutschland before I retire for the weekend. Really great NDW that was summarized perfectly by the legendary bX when he said, "like Abwärts going synth". No other releases that I'm aware of outside of a 7" single that contains 2 tracks already found on this LP. They have one other song called "Neue Zeit" on an unofficial v/a CD-r from 2003 that I wouldn't mind hearing, if anyone happens to have it. Enjoy!

Tracklist:

A1 - Alles Oder Nichts
A2 - Nova Kultura
A3 - Hautnah
A4 - Sorglos
B1 - Grossstadtleben
B2 - Pfahl Im Fleisch
B3 - Helden
B4 - Langeweile

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Fix & Fertig - Wie Der Lichte Tag (1984)

Really nice minimal weirdness from Deutschland. Both male and female vocals set against droning, pulsing minimal beats and clashing percussion. Plenty to enjoy about this peculiar obscurity. There's a band by the same name on Discogs, but nothing other than coincidence would lead me to believe they're related, as the style and sound surely aren't... I suppose it's possible they changed their sound from uber kalt awesomeness to corny garbage, though. Who knows? Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Cube Carrelage Blanc
A2 - We Shall Overcome
A3 - Les Gammas
B1 - Eingesperrt
B2 - Duck Duck

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Pop Negatif Wastad - Self-titled (1989)

Things got a bit light and pop there for a minute, didn't they. Let's go dark. Here's an excellent mini-LP from the UK, layered in darkness from beginning to end. The record kick-starts with "Valium", a brilliant track with drilling synth and male/female vox. Maybe my favorite, but hard to say. You may be familiar with "Iawn", which has gotten some play on them youtubes. See the bizarre video below. Enjoy!



Track List:

A1 - Valium
A2 - Pop Negatif Wastad
A3 - Kerosene
B1 - Iawn
B2 - Pop Negatif
B3 - ''Helo Rhywbeth Newydd''

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Teai Benet - 2:00 Love (1983)

Really nice US wave 7" from Texas! Female vox and wonderful synth & guitar play. Don't have much to say about this one so I'll let the video below do the talking. Enjoy!

RPFTRP!



Track List:

A - 2:00 Love
B - Bend Me, Shape Me

Download (link removed by request of copyright owner)

Royalty - Lycklig? (1986)

Calling all minimal synthpop fans. Here's a fantastic 7" from Sweden that hasn't received nearly enough attention. Another lone release (as far as I know). Nice classic synthpop sound accompanied by a superb b-side with a slight NDW edge. Super catchy. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Lycklig?
B - Kom Kom!

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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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Various Artists - Crispy Nuggets (Vol. 4)

You know the drill by now. Quick notes: There's a slight bit of cutting in/out on the Tres track. Mostly minor, nothing I could do about it. Threw in an unknown for kicks, hopefully one of you will know what it is... Enjoy!

Track List:

01 - Mastic - The Judgement
02 - Futurisk - Change In The Tide
03 - Aaah...! - Trace Me
04 - Daemon Deluxe - Rumors
05 - The Product - Almost Afraid Of It
06 - Unknown - Ice On Fire
07 - Just A Visitor - A Special Place
08 - Nejet Nok - ilust
09 - Standing Ovation - Times Of Fun
10 - Picture Book - Laughing In My Hand
11 - Tres - Rumours
12 - Plant Bach Ofnus - Gwastraff
13 - Ann Summer - Ann Summer III
14 - Sequence - Child In The City
15 - Artistic Control - Bless It All

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Remote Start - Automated Man (1982)

Some of you may recognize this one from the None Night of Flexipop compilations, which featured the title track. If you haven't heard the b-side, you should definitely check it out. I prefer it to the title track, but both are minimal synth classics. This obscure 7" was made in the UK and produced by Steve Coe of Monsoon (although rather different sounds, indeed). Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Automated Man
B - Debutante

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Ivy's Day - In Another Time (1985)

For those of us who search high and low for the next hidden synth gem, it's often easy to feel discouraged, as though all the truly worthwhile items have all been found by now. That may be at least partially true, but every once in a while you discover something that renews your hope and keeps you in the hunt. This record represents that very experience for me.

Another French masterpiece (a true weakness of mine), this 7" has all the right elements for dark-tinged minimal synth wave greatness. I'd only discovered it at the end of last year, having never even heard of it before, so I'm fairly certain there aren't many copies of this kicking around. Have to say I love the artwork done by French cartoon artist Enki Bilal, as well. Hope you dig this one. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - In Another Time
B - In Another Time (Instrumental Remix)

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Responding To Treatment - Self-Titled EP (1982)

So it took me a few days to get 2011's first post up, but I think you'll find it worth the wait. If the cover art for this one doesn't tell you everything you need to know, then I just can't help you (but I'll try anyway). This 12" was made in the US of A and delivers top notch minimal synth wave that the whole family can enjoy (How's that?). Clean, crisp synthesizers cruise from track to track on drum machine perfection. The harmonic, quasi-surf vocals only add to the fun. For fans of the darker tinged tunes, like me, "The Look In Your Eyes" steers in that direction a bit. Really great record, guys & gals. A true gem from beginning to end. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Change My Mind
A2 - The Look In Your Eyes
B1 - Designer Genes
B2 - The Movies

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