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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