Low Fun - The New Dictator (1983)

I've had today's post laying around for a bit, but due to the interest of an Italian buddy it's now ripped for your listening pleasure! The cover was enough to sell me on this Canadian obscurity, but it's one of those rewarding times where the tunes hold up nicely. 

To my knowledge, Low Fun were a duo from Victoria BC (Canada) headed by James Ross, perhaps better known as the former bassist of the band The Keys. James teamed up with songwriter Geoff Botting to create this 2 track single which sadly managed to slip under the radar - but you know me, I can't be having that! 

The title track is instantly catchy and probably should have found its way onto a movie soundtrack or something. The b-side is reminiscent of an early OMD style ballad, with just enough driving beat to keep you grooving throughout. Without further ado, enjoy!

Track List:

A - The New Dictator

B - Words We Left Behind

Download

Angie - Scheue Treue (1983)

Today we have a hard to find 7" from Austria by 'Angie', also known as Angie Mörth, who is probably most well-known as a member of the band Astaron. Our friend Goutroy provided a nice bio on that band, here. Well worth checking out, if you haven't already.

Angie provides us with 2 wonderful synth wave tracks on this record that I think will appeal to fans of Rive Gauche, Carol, Ann-ka, etc. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Scheue Treue
B - Goldfinger

Download

Dono Detti - Esplanade Hotel, Live 18 March 1983

Here's a very special treat from way down under (and way back when music was fresh and exciting). You may be familiar with this Aussie band by way of the compilation Signal To Noise Set, which contains their great track Flesh and Steel (wait till around the 1 minute mark). Here's what little info I know on the band itself:

Initiated in 1983 as an experimental project by Jandy & Joseph. They were joined by Wes on keyboards for a while before the line up settled with Jandy Rainbow on vocals, programming & keyboards, Julie McInnes on vocals, sax & cello, Joseph Sgro on electronic percussion & backing vocals and Ross Guy on synthesiser & backings vocals.

Well, as is usually the case with these bands, there is more (although often hard to find). In this case, we have a CD-r from 2004 that went almost entirely under the radar, containing a live set performed by the band in 1983. I'm not usually one for live material, but these are crystal clear and sound more like solid demos.

There are 2 other such releases to my knowledge, another from 1983 and one from 1984 as well. If anyone can help those surface, that would be amazing! For now, enjoy!

Track List:

01 - We Grow Old
02 - Stuffed Shirt
03 - Shallow Vessel
04 - Strange Fruit
05 - Automation
06 - Machines Are Taking Over
07 - Surrender To Your Kiss
08 - The Cat
09 - Flash

Download

 

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

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

Download (minus.com)
Download (direct)

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

Download

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

Download

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

Download

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)

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

Download

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

Download

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)

Vivante - Drömmaren (1983)

I swear, so much good stuff comes out of Sweden. This privately pressed gem is no exception. A wonderfully melancholic 7" with lots of synth, but plenty of guitar and *gasp* actual drumming (sorry to the machinists among you). Enjoy it while it lasts, I don't often present much of that!

Similar sound on both sides of this one. So much so, in fact, that when the b-side begins, if you're not paying attention you might think you're hearing the a-side again. That soon changes, however. Check it out & enjoy!

Track List:

A - Drömmaren
B - Angela

Download

Anti-Matter - 2 x 7inch (81-83)

This is what I believe to be the band's entire discography. If there were other releases, please let me know. Both records self-released in the US on Prehistoric Records, and feature 2 minimal synth gems a piece.

Infatuation was produced by Ian North, who made a great 12" EP called "Rape Of Orchids", which I will post... hmm, after this!


Anti-Matter - Industrial City (1981)


Track List:

A - Industrial City
B - Invisible Man

Download




Anti-Matter - Infatuation (1983)


Track List:

A - Infatuation
B - Digital Dance

Download



Enjoy!

K.A.D. (Rhythm Under Rod) - Shakin' All Over (1983)

This 7" is from the UK on Shooting Star records, and features female vocals with the occasional punch of male vox. Will do well for those with a sweet tooth for that pure analog, minimal electronics sound, while managing to be rather pop indeed. I prefer the b-side here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Shakin' All Over
B - Robotics

Download

Vogue - Sahara (1983)

Super scarce 12" from the US (I love when I can say that, however seldom). Nice dark minimal sound on this one. The title track is mostly an instrumental until near the end, when male vocals and female "ahh"s make a brief entrance. Not the case with the b-side, which takes the cake by a slight edge for me. Cold, haunting vocals littered throughout track's icey landscape. Check it out. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Sahara
B - Shattered Peace

Download

Réservé - Passe Moi Tes Vibrations (1983)

Got a pair of scarce 7"s from synth wave band Reserve to post up, the 2nd of which I'll post a bit later. A friend of mine is selling this one on eBay right now if anyone's interested. Might want to jump on it if you're a collector, definitely not easy to find! Don't have much time for a description tonight, so... enjoy!

Track List:

A - Passe Moi Tes Vibrations
B - Une Fille En Transe

Download

Partner Eins - Warum Müssen Autos Fahren? (1983)

Ah, first post since the holiday break. Hope everyone had a nice time, and Happy New Year! I've got a few things lined up for the blog, mostly of the French variety, so stay tuned for those.

As for tonight's post, it's a piece of German synth wave that has a nice smooth sound to kick off the new year. Female vocals and solid synth textures. Pretty great album art, too... Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Warum Müssen Autos Fahren?
B - So Verliebt

Download

Art Interface - This Day In History (CD-R) + Wardance Video

After the first Art Interface post, I had a request for the Wardance video. So, thanks to the generosity of AI's Douglas Vasey, I've received the video as well as a CD-R containing further works by the band. I hope you don't mind that I kept the mullet-sporting host in the video clip, I think it's a nice touch (hah!). Enjoy!


This Day In History (CD-R)

Track List:

01 - Secretaries From Heaven
02 - Chinese Takeaway
03 - Raygun Assassins
04 - This Day In History
05 - Commie Plot
06 - The Walls Have Ears
07 - Wardance
08 - Dance Hit
09 - Real Pretty-Like
10 - City Of Funk
11 - New Mood
12 - Joyride
13 - World's Happiest Person
14 - Cross That Line, Buddy You Die
15 - The Parable Of The Insane Leading The Blind
16 - Sermonette
17 - Secretaries From Heaven ('81 Demo w/ '09 Radio Overdub)

Download


Wardance Video (taken from UNDERGROUND U.S.A. #14 VHS)



Download

Vital Signs - Trading In Guilt (1983)

Here we have a very rare minimal synth 7" out of the UK -- I don't even think it has a discogs entry yet. In any case this isn't easy to come by and won't come cheap (not unlike many other posts here, but that's kind of the point of this blog!), so... Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Trading In Guilt
B - Miracles

Download