Story Structure - I Told You (1989)

Here's an ultra-catchy synthpop 12" from my neighbor to the north, Canada! Finding a copy of this one (that isn't outrageously priced) is anything but easy, as only 200 copies were pressed and sent to DJs and radio stations. So, hopefully this will suffice in the meantime. For those of you less into the synth poppy stuff, stay tuned. I've got some real goodies lined up for you too. The hauntingly dark clip posted on the Facebook page was not just a tease. All this and more, soon. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - I Told You (Extended Mix)
B1 - I Told You (Instrumental Mix)
B2 - I Told You (7'' Single Mix)

Download

Detachments (UK) 2010

Been quite a while since I last commented on a contemporary band, usually because most of the current day acts I like are pretty well-known by most everyone (Xeno and Oaklander, Automelodi, IAMX, Spleen United, Led Er Est... the list goes on).

This band, Detachments, haven't been talked about too much, at least within my circle of friends. They've put out a a few singles starting in 2008, and released a full length album this year. Highly recommended, I might add. Here are two of my favorites from the band:

HOLIDAY ROMANCE



H.A.L.



So, anyway, just thought I'd mention it. Hope you dig it. Here's a link to the label which has a few other nice releases on it as well.

Allen Chaney - The Sound Of Musak (1982)

Here's a nice British synthpop 7" for the weekend. I have almost no time to say anything about this one, but that's ok because I don't really know anything about it. It's definitely a well-produced record with a clear aim at a commercial sound, but not in that bad sort of way, if you follow me. Have a listen. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - The Sound Of Musak
B - It Is Nowhere

Download

Various - De Wassenaarse Slag (1984)

Here's a nice Dutch compilation featuring a few artists that have become household names by now, along with a few unknowns. One of my favorite tracks from this record was recently included in CN3. Not surprisingly, the Störung and Ensemble Pittoresque tracks are genius, but other standouts for me include Risk and Scandalls, Final Unit, and Burma. Pretty great collection of songs altogether. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Final Unit - Hypocritical
A2 - Bell's Of Home - Fall Down
A3 - Burma - Chinese Lessons
A4 - Marge And The Marvellous - A Distant Dance
A5 - Lancaster - Tonight
B1 - Störung - Empire SX
B2 - Risk And Scandalls - Drizzle
B3 - Perfect Vue - They're Watching You
B4 - Ensemble Pittoresque - The Mouthshut

Download

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

Di Leva - The Single Man (1982)

Di Leva (also known as Thomas Di Leva) is an alias of Swedish musician Sven Thomas Magnusson who has had quite a few releases up to date. Most of what I've heard came from the early/mid 80s and is more or less pop-based, so I can't speak for the content of his modern material. This 7" single is the real treasure, for me, among all his releases. The title track, "The Single Man", is a cover of US poet and musician Rod McKuen who originally penned the song in the 60s. Needless to say, Rod didn't take the dark minimal synth approach, but that's ok because Di Leva did! He was kind enough to add a solid synthwave track to the b-side, as well. Great record, enjoy!

Track List:

A - The Single Man

B - Appear Of Need

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

Aaah...! - Unreleased 3rd Single (1984)

Here we have a set of songs that were intended to be released as a single (the band's 3rd), but unfortunately never quite made it there. You can get the 1st single here, and the 2nd here. I should note, this is not an official album art, as there never was one. For me the sound is just about in between the more serious approach of the first single and the playfully pop approach of the second. As with the Input:Output single, the vocal work here is done by Henry Kent, not Kez Stone. Both tracks are pretty slick, hats off once again to the Aaah...! boys. Enjoy!

Track List:

Love Torpedo
Love Toy

Download

Various Artists - Crispy Nuggets (Vol. 3)

It seems like with every passing day I have less and less time to post on this blog, but I enjoy putting these comps together, perhaps more than you enjoy listening to them, so here's another! A pretty decent spread of mostly unknowns here, with a few familiar faces if you caught volumes 1 & 2. I've posted the Calling Hearts track before, but didn't want it just floating around in space (although that seems appropriate, given its title) so it's getting a home on CN3. Big shouts to Kez Stone and Neale Potts for their contributions here. Two brilliant musicians if I may say so. Don't have much time for info, but I'll do my best to answer any queries in the comments later on. Have a good weekend, all. Enjoy!

Track List:

01 - Aaah...! - Sound Machine
02 - Artistic Control - Walking In Love's Shadow
03 - Chromagain - Ethnicbox
04 - Forêt Obscure - The Sun, The Sea
05 - Standing Ovation - What Meaning
06 - Passing Strangers - Pain & Passion
07 - Marge &The Marvellous - A Distant Dance
08 - Sam Rosenthal - The Return
09 - Leda Atomica - Delirium Tremens
10 - Calling Hearts - Cosmology
11 - Tres - Moving Her Hands
12 - Vox Zema - The Drop
13 - Liquid Eyes - Breath Control (title updated Feb. 26, 2013)
14 - Proximity - My Thoughts Correspond
15 - Tiger Club - Laugh Last

Download

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)

Download