Stigma - Last Japan Dream (1981)

So it's been quite a long time since a new post has been made here, sorry about that! You know, the usual every day life excuses. In any case, here we have a really fun 7" flexi from Japan, featuring the track "Last Japan Dream", which you may be familiar with from a recently released compilation LP called "Various Distractions". I've been digging Japanese stuff more and more lately, and this record did not disappoint. Plenty of drum machine driven angst that should satisfy any lover of early post-punk / coldwave sound. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Last Japan Dream
A2 - Kinzoku Bat
B1 - Sodai Gomi

Download

Next up on Medical Records LLC: Laugh Clown Laugh

With Near Paris on the books (and hopefully on your turntables), it's time to announce the next release coming out on Medical Records in conjunction with Crispy Nuggets -- Laugh Clown Laugh! You may remember their minimal synthpop gem "Feel So Young" from the very first Crispy Nuggets compilation. We have collected the best of their unreleased tracks and compiled a full LP for your listening pleasure! Sam and Dominic of LCL have painstakingly remastered these tracks to perfection. They really do sound amazing, trust me on that!

If you need your memory refreshed, or if this is your first time hearing about the band, check the aforementioned track below, along with a video made by Tyler of Medical Records featuring one of the unreleased tracks. This release is expected to be available by (approximately) Sept 19th. Don't miss it!





More news coming, so stay tuned and please continue to support this great label. So many good releases on the horizon! Last but not least, you can expect to see Crispy Nuggets Vol. 6 here in the next few weeks... ;-)

Passing Strangers - Nightdreams (1982)

Here's a rare 4-track 7" emerging from the early UK synth scene, a mere 30+ years later. You may remember the song 'Pain & Passion' from CN vol. 3, posted here. The band were, as you can see, a 4-piece, featuring Steve Deakin, Steve Long, Ian Davies, and the last member known simply as 'Flash'. The record was produced by Ken Patten who also had his hands on releases by Naughtiest Girl Was a Monitor, Vice Versa, and Spiral Visions. This one should appeal to fans of Soft Cell in particular as I can't help but think of Marc Almond on a few of these tracks. In any case, enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - I Don't Like The Way You Talk To Me
A2 - Shattered Glass
B1 - Pain & Passion
B2 - Nightdreams

Download

Various - 391 Marche (1983)

Today's post features an impossibly scarce tape compilation, provided to me by an Italian friend from the very Marche region the tape is named after. From what I understand, this is a twin compilation to 391 Umbria which I had previously posted here. The lead-off track is a winner (see below), but great obscure sounds from beginning to end that I think will touch every palette. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - 3B Unit - Tango In The Rain
A2 - Know How - - Horizon Sales
A3 - The End - Tears In My Eyes
A4 - The End - This Man
A5 - Evitaxal - Untitled
B1 - Modi - Stay Underground
B2 - Celery Price - The C. of the X.
B3 - Marylin's Pills - Marylin's Pills
B4 - Aut Aut - Lusitania
B5 - Aut Aut - For You

Download

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

Download



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!

Noël Nickel - Madeleine (1981)

Here's a lovely self-release 7" from France. Certainly hard to find, as I've been after it for quite some time, but everything surfaces eventually! Expect classic early synthpop sounds with a touch of guitar littered in the mix. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Madeleine
B - 120 BT/Mn

Download

The Klingons - Analog-Digital (1982)

So, probably by now you've looked at the cover image and thought to yourself, "I don't give a damn what he has to say, this tape looks awesome". And actually that's a fair assessment, but just lend me a minute of your time to read on. Great news to follow.

Yes, this impossibly obscure tape from the UK is indeed awesome. Ironically named, as what was once analog will now be presented to you digitally. Catchy minimal synth throughout, the kind that only the early 80s can deliver.

What's even more exciting, however, is that Marc from Anna Logue Records has reached out to the artist and will be re-issuing this tape on LP! More info here. Update: this and more is now reissued through Vinyl On Demand in an amazing Scottish Minimal Synth compilation, more info here.

A few quick notes: Track A7 here is not listed on the tape, it's just a 30 second instrumental bit at the end of the A-side. Also, the very last track "Trad. Arr." will not be making it to the re-issue, so that's a special treat in your download below. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Society
A2 - R.A.M.
A3 - Analog-Digital
A4 - Confusion
A5 - P.C.M.
A6 - A. Survivor
A7 - Untitled
B1 - Outcry
B2 - Vortexian Fall
B3 - Trad. Arr.

Download

Mixed Feelings - Another Place (1982-1984)

Tonight's post is the kind that doesn't happen often, and I'm very excited to be sharing this with all of you. I hope you'll enjoy the contents as much as I have.

If you've been following the Crispy Nuggets compilations, you'll probably remember one of the standout bands from Vol. 1, Mixed Feelings, and their instantly catchy minimal synth diamond "Another Place (Like Home)". Well, I've had the pleasure of meeting the song-writer of the band, Mr. Sean Cooper, and he's been kind enough to make the band's other recordings available.

Aside from the fact that I really think these songs are great, I'm most impressed by how young they were at the time (which you can see clearly in the photos). The band was from Basildon, which if you think hard enough might bring another synthpop band to mind... I'm going to quote Sean directly here, because he tells it better than I ever could:

"We started in the band in 1981 whilst still at school, Nicholas Comprehensive in Basildon which is the same school that the Mode boys went to...i recall seeing their first gig at our school disco ( i hassled martin about his synth after the "gig") and quite often we would watch them rehearse in one of the school classrooms. I had wanted to be a synth player in a band for some time cos as a young kid i was into early League, Numan, Kraftwerk and had "auditioned" with a couple of "new romantic" and even a rockabilly band (armed with only a cheap electric organ), but it wasn't until a childhood friend said "lets start a band" that I really took the idea seriously....so we asked a couple of other mates to join, saved up some money, bought a couple of cheap synths and a drum machine and off we went...

We were (and i still am!) heavily influenced by Mode. And yeah I got to meet them numerous times, I would often bump into Martin and he was always interested to see how the band was going (somehow he knew that i had been expelled from school...)...we also knocked on Daves front door one night and invited him to a gig we were doing just down the road from him..."

photo taken on the same street where Fletch lived

As a huge DM fan myself, I found that story to be absolutely amazing. If you like this blog, you probably like DM too, which will come in handy as a few of these songs are DM covers :-)

Most of these tracks were recorded in 1982 under the main core group, but roles varied out through '84. Sean Cooper always on the task of song-writer and synths, Mark Robinson was the vocalist, but unfortunately suffered a voice break later on. Pete Reynolds and Alan Stone also took on synth duties, while Geoff Conner manned the drum machine. Last and certainly not least is Lorraine Olson, who provided guest vocals on tracks 01, 05, 06, and 08.


I can honestly say there isn't a song here I don't like, this is a prime example of pure DIY minimal synth, at it's best. I hope you'll feel the same. Enjoy!


Track List:

01 - Another Place (Like Home)
02 - Because Of You
03 - Fate
04 - Final Demand
05 - Fun
06 - The Captain
07 - Told You So
08 - Stand Up High
09 - Holding On
10 - Ice Machine (Cover)
11 - Photographic (Cover)

Download

Joy Before The Storm - Silence Ever After (1985)

This LP has got to be one of the best US minimal synth obscurities. The album art represents the sound rather accurately, like looking through the window of a sad loner, just him and his analog instruments. Hah. The best track is most definitely "We're All Alone", but there are a few other gems littered in there as well. It's been extremely difficult to find any useful information regarding this record, I found some miscellaneous info on another US band by the same name, but there's no evidence they are linked. Info always appreciated. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Attic Window
A2 - We're All Alone
A3 - These Things Happen
A4 - We Should Be Closer
A5 - Cheerleader
B1 - Shadow Of A Radio Tower
B2 - Walking On Air
B3 - Quiet Past
B4 - Westchester Siren

Download

Mosfets - The Great War (1982)

Here's a 7" from none other than, you guessed it, the UK. Plucked from the ranks of the very best obscure minimal synth acts, to be sure. It doesn't show up often, and when it does it won't come cheap. "But Crispy, I have bills to pay, and I just spent my last paycheck on Obscure Identities releases, including the Aspect Ratio tape! I can't afford this record!" Not to worry, my friend! Just click the download link below and have a listen -- for free! Enjoy.

Track List:

A - The Great War
B - Power Games

Download

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

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

Spiral Visions - Danse Macabre (1982)

Incredibly hard to find EP from this British synth wave band. Spiral Visions is an alias of the slightly more well-known Vision. As per usual, not a great deal of time to write about this one, but the a-side takes the cake for me. The chorus of "Despair" is wonderful, and "Voices" is a true gem! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Despair
A2 - Voices
B1 - Picture Portrait
B2 - Dance With Me

Download (re-up 10/08/13)





P.S. Happy holidays to everyone! I likely won't have a fresh post until the new year, but expect big things. January should see a few top-notch 7"s from France, and by way of popular demand: Crispy Nuggets vol. 4!

Most exciting of all, I'm planning to re-issue a band from this very blog. Here's your hint: The band is great. ;D

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

F-Systems - People (1980)

Here's a fun 7" from the southern United States. Austin, Texas of all places! Don't be fooled, however, as the sounds held within resemble something more like a British import. The standout track "People" is a catchy sort of synth-driven post-punk that I can't seem to get enough of... (see the video performance below). Shiny gold top and vocals with attitude for miles. The b-side is no slouch, either. Fits in quite well around here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - People
B - Naked Kiss

Download

Ann-ka - Note Coloré (198x)

Here's a long sought after 7-inch request that was graciously filled by my friend George "Hysteric". Entirely unsure of the release year (sounds about 81-85), so if anyone knows, please share. I was not at all disappointed when I finally got to hear this wonderous gem. It's just about everything you'd hope for and expect of French minimal synth. Female vox on top of infectious rhythm. What I found strange, though, is that the A-side is the instrumental, saving the vocal track for last. It is a nice instrumental indeed, but the vocals on "Storia" add a crisp, sexy edge that will have you returning for more. No hit it and quit it, here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Note Coloré
B - Storia

Download

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

Download

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

Download

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

Download