Friday, December 30, 2011

Best of 1981 - Top 50 Singles List

Following the tragic death of John Lennon in December 1980, the world was still in mourning after the loss of one of the most influential musical masterminds of all time. All this did also had impact on the charts as where his biggest hits "Woman" and "Imagine" could be found again. Even Roxy Music paid tribute to him by covering "Jealous Guy".
Apart from this, the charts were still dominated by the rising stars of 1980, Adam and the Ants while The Police had more hits. Human League re-formed this year exiting the dark phase and releasing "Don't You Want Me Baby" which together with Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" helped to emblem the music style which would in the coming years be known as Synth-pop.
Along with the increasing popularity of synth driven music, the New Romantic movement slowly grew to fame as new kids adopted synths and started wearing lipstick. Perhaps the biggest event of the year was the launch of MTV which aired "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles. The song became a huge hit and a symbol for the new platform which would give the music industry a new face and dimension.
 
 During our 30 year anniversary of 1981 in 2011, the following album were voted Top 50 singles by Burning Flame friends and readers including in-house votes.

Updated: 05/2020


01. Ultravox- Vienna 

02. The Cure- Charlotte Sometimes 
03. The Human League- Don't You Want Me 
04. Siouxsie and the Banshees- Spellbound 
05. New Order- Ceremony 
06. Soft Cell- Tainted Love 
07. Talking Heads- Once in a Lifetime 
08. Duran Duran- Planet Earth 
09. Ultravox-The Voice 
10. Japan- Quiet Life 
11. Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough 
12. Simple Minds- Love Song 
13. Kraftwerk- Computer Love 
14. The Specials - Ghost Town 
15. Heaven 17 -We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang 
16. David Bowie - Up The Hill Backwards 
17. Kim Wilde - Kids in America 
18. Depeche Mode- New Life 
19. Men At Work - Down Under 
20. Soft Cell - Memorabilia 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Pet Shop Boys Announce a New B-side Compilation Album

Pet Shop Boys will release a brand new b-sides compilation on February 6th, 2012, on Parlophone. Entitled 'Format', it celebrates the duo's prolific song-writing and recording by collecting 38 b-sides and bonus tracks originally released on singles from 1996 to 2009.The album will be available digitally and on double-CD. All tracks have been remastered and the CD booklet features an interview with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe by Jon Savage.

http://www.petshopboysshop.co.uk/petshopboys/petshopboys/Format

Section 25 Art Exibition

As part of the’2011 Blackpool Art Fair’ at The Grundy Art Gallery Blackpool.The Grundy will be featuring a special' foyer'exhibition of Section 25’s back catalogue including album artwork by Peter Saville,band memorabilia and a history of the band from early days up to the present.The show will also include a tribute to the art of Larry Cassidy, a founder member of the band who sadly passed away in 2010.The exhibiton will run from 19/11/11 until 14/01/12. 

http://www.section25.com/
http://primaryschoolteachersartforum.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 22, 2011

80's Duets: Yello feat. Shirley Bassey- The Rhythm Divine

Back in 1987, Yello approached Shirley Bassey for a possible collaboration on one of their song which written specially with her voice in mind. She agreed to do the duet and so "The Rhythm Divine" was released during the same year and it also appeared on Yello's album One Second. Billy MacKenzie, lead singer of The Associates, who had previously worked with Yello on several occasions, also contributed on this song and he provided the backing vocals. 

 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

In Conversation: The Silent Section

The Silent Section is a three piece group from Denmark consisting of Nicolas Calrsen, Morten N. Carlsen and Morten Møllebjerg. Their music is balancing between sensitive and fragile expression to powerful and noisy rhythms. They are one of the finest acts on the Danish label Tryghed & Tristesse through which they released their debut album in 2009. Their brilliant new album entitled 'Contour of A Passing Dream' was released this Autumn. In an exclusive interview for our blog the lead singer Morten N. Carlsen reveals more information about the musical background of the Silent Section, the influences and further plans in music.



Monday, December 19, 2011

Best of 2011- The Album List




01. Duran Duran- All You Need is Now [S-Curve/ Edel]
02. John Maus- We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves [Upset the Rhythm]
03. Lykke Li- Wounded Rhymes [LL]
04. The Horrors- Skying [XL]
05. PJ Harvey- Let England Shake [Island]
06. Crystal Stilts- In Love With Oblivion [Slumberland]
07. Mirrors- Lights and Offerings [Skint]
08. SSION- BENT- digital
09. Cut Copy- Zonoscope [Modular]
10. Austra- Feel It Break [Domino]

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Instant Hit: Section 25- Je Veux Ton Amour

Thirty years ago Section 25 released their third single "Je Veux Ton Amour", a french version of the track "Friendly Fires" which appeared on their debut album Always Now. "One True Path" appeared on a flipside, and for this release it was translated in Hawaiian becoming "Oyo Achel Ada". It was produced by Martin Hannett and released through Factory Benelux. 


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Vince Clarke and Martin L.Gore Announce Details of VCMG collaboration

After 30 years working on their respective ongoing music projects, Vince Clarke (Erasure / Yazoo / Depeche Mode) and Martin L. Gore (Depeche Mode) come together for the first time since 1981 as VCMG to release a brand new album preceded by a series of EPs.VCMG is the fruit of initially tentative discussion and subsequent enthused collaboration where Vince and Martin, both influential as pioneers in electronic music, get to exercise their lifelong love of the genre as the techno inspired VCMG. 
The writing and recording of the album was done in a typically unique way with the pair working alone in their respective studios, communicating only via email, exchanging files until the album was ready. It was in May 2011 that the pair met for the first time to discuss the project when they both performed at Short Circuit presents Mute festival in London.
The first VCMG EP 'Spock EP1'is available now! 

 More info: http://mute.com/vcmg

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

WAW: Scratch Massive feat Jimmy Sommerville - Take Me There

Jimmy Sommerville has a brand new website and currently, he is finishing a new EP which will be released at the start of 2012. In the meanwhile check out this great collaboration with Scratch Massive from Paris for the song "Take Me There". The first video clip from their new album "Nuit de Rêve" which is out now.   

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scratch-Massive/
http://www.jimmysomerville.co.uk/Jimmy_Somerville/Home

   

Monday, December 5, 2011

Next Wave: Space March

Space March is an Australian synth-pop project of Craig Simmons, an artist and designer who has released three solo albums as Space March. His debut album was ranked #1 by music critic Ann Sterzinger in the Chicago Reader's 'The Best Music of 2004' year-end feature. This time Space March has teamed up with legendary producer Mark Saunders whose production and mixing credits include artists like Erasure, Depeche Mode, A-ha, David Byrne, Freezepop, Pnau and also includes seminal albums such as Tricky’s ‘Maxinquaye’ and The Cure’s ‘Wish’. 
The new Space March album 'Monumental' is out now.You can listen to the new album 'Monumental' on SoundCloud in full: 

http://www.facebook.com/spacemarch
http://www.spacemarch.com

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November Singles Round Up

November Singles Round up is here. What was hot? Little Boots has returned with her first official release since 2009. The new single is called "Shake" and it's also announcing a new album, yet untitled, for 2012. Erasure have released a seven track CD single "Be With You" which includes five different remixes of the song. The Fall have issued "Laptop Dog", the first song from their new album released this month too. Closing this round up, comes Amanda Lear with her latest single Hi-NRG style "I Don't Like Disco", new album for her again next year.




That's it for this year.
Next Round up in January!
Stick Around!


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Howard Jones announces 2012 UK Tour and radio series‏

Howard Jones will embark on a nationwide UK tour on Wednesday 11th April at the O2 Academy Bristol. This will be the first time that Howard will perform his first two studio albums 'Human’s Lib' and  back to back, live in their entirety, on a full-scale nationwide UK tour.




Tickets for what promises to be an unforgettable tour of ground-breaking, classic electronic pop, will go on sale to the general public on Friday 2nd December at 10am by booking online from www.ticketweb.co.uk or calling the 24 hour ticket hotline 0844 477 2000.

Fans that can’t wait for the general ticket on-sale date on Friday December 2nd will be able to take advantage of a special “Ticket Pre-sale” with Absolute 80’s radio at 10am on Wednesday 30th November via the following web links – www.absolute80s.com andwww.absoluteradio.co.uk/tickets.

Rational Youth and YUL Records Are Back!

The original YUL Records is back and celebrating it's 30th Anniversary with the return of Rational Youth whose original three members Tracy Howe, Bill Vorn & Kevin Komoda are back together and recording again. Back as well are Monty Cantsin, in the flesh and as a virtual apparition, Cham-pang. These are the three artists that started a Montreal electro-pop revolution! Joining them are new artists Derek Falls and Truth Division. The label YUL (aviation code for Montreal) is also back with original (d)istributor UNIDISC, who were incredibly instrumental in our success during the 80s.



 In early 1981, it only took a call from Tracy Howe armed with a freshly recorded demo, played over the phone to local scene maker & record store owner Marc De Mouy, to officially launch the YUL Records brand. Along with the self proclaimed motor mouth Pyer Desrochers, and disco producer Pat Deserio, this group of renegades carved out a slice of Montreal musical history by releasing such influential records as Rational Youth's debut LP "Cold War Night Life", Monty Cantsin's "Neoist Songs" and Cham-pang's "Tantum Ergo" which are all now regarded as 80's classics and vinyl collectables.

Now 30 years later we are putting together a series of very special limited edition extended play "CD EPs" priced as CD Singles all with 6 or more tracks and bonus tracks never previously available and brand new recordings. To complete the set of releases a full-length debut CD album from Truth Division. Later in 2012 we will start issuing special vinyl products such as a Collectors 180 Gram Audiophile 30th Anniversary Edition of "Cold War Night Life" and more vinyl 7 & 12 inches form our 80's vault and new recordings from the 21st century.

Follow the link to find out more about the first batch of releases will be available at the finest record stores across Canada, USA and Europe.

http://www.yulrecords.ca/merchandise.php

Monday, November 28, 2011

In Conversation: Claps

Claps are back! After two great EPs from last year, they have released their fantastic debut album entitled 'Wreck'. They might be the next Experimental Products singing and producing music for modern living in the 00's. A modern take on classic minimal synth. Let's hear what Pat, Sara and Jed said about their music, their influences and more.


Monday, November 21, 2011

Kate Bush- 50 Words For Snow

Today (Monday 21st November) marks the release of Kate’s 10th studio Album “50 Words For Snow”. It is the second album to be released on her own label, Fish People. It is her first all-new studio album since 'Aerial' from 2005, and marks the first time since 1978 that she has released two new albums in one year. The album consists of seven songs "set against a backdrop of falling snow" and has a running time of 65 minutes. The first single from the album, "Wild Man" was released on October 11, 2011.


80's Duets: Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush- Don't Give Up (version 2)

"Don't Give Up" was written by Peter Gabriel and recorded as a duet with Kate Bush for Gabriel's album 'So'. The single was released in 1986, peaking at number nine in the UK charts. It describes the despair of a man who feels isolated and defeated by the economic system, and the support and wise counsel sung in the refrain. There were two videos for this song directed by Godley & Creme. The first consisted of a single take of the singers in an embrace, as the sun enters total eclipse and re-emerges. The second featured Gabriel and Bush's faces superimposed over film of a town and its people in disrepair.

 

Friday, November 18, 2011

Reissue: The Cure: Classic Album Selection (1979-1984)

The Cure will release a five box CD set entitled "The Cure: Classic Album Selection (1979-1984)" this month. This 5CD box set includes mini-LPs housed in an attractive slipcase and provides the perfect album anthology of The Cure's career spanning the classic period 1979-1984 and includes:'Three Imaginary Boys', 'Seventeen Seconds', 'Faith','Pornography' and 'The Top'. The Box Set will be released in the UK on December 5, 2011 and it is available on pre-order.

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Album-Selection-1979-1984-Cure

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Instant Hit: Perfect Strangers- My Kind of Love

Perfect Strangers were a duo consisting of Martha McGowan and Roderick Syers. During their brief existence, they released two singles in 1983 for Chrysalis. Their debut single "Without You" with a wonderful "My Kind of Love" as a b-side was produced by Anne Dudley of Art of Noise, who in the same year produced "The Entertainer" by the Belle Stars. 

Perfect Strangers- My Kind of Love
Perfect Strangers- Without You


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

New Order- Lost Sirens

The recently reunited New Order is set to release their first LP since "Waiting For The Sirens Call" this December. The new album which is entitled "Lost Sirens" will include all the tracks from the "Waiting for The Sirens Call" Session which were not included on the album. The album is out on December 14, 2011 and it is available on pre-order. They have also announced that they will be playing three concerts in South America this December. 

  Pre-Order
  Tour Dates


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Duranies, Supermodels and Glamour

The new exclusive video by Duran Duran for the song "Girl Panic" has arrived. It features model superstars Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Yasmin Le Bon, Cindy Crawford and Eva Herzigova role-playing as different Duran Duran band members. This is also the first video to see all the supermodels reunited in one video since George Michael's "Freedom" and "Too Funky" in the 90's. The video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and it is their second promotional video for one of the songs from their big comeback album "All You Need is Now" released in December 2010.

 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Retrovision: Ultravox- The Voice

Thirty years ago, Ultravox had a huge hit with "The Voice", their second single which was taken form the album 'Rage in Eden' released in the same year. The song was recorded in Conny Plank's Studio in Cologne, Germany and it reached the top 20 in the UK peaking at # 16. There were two different videos made for the single. One has the band miming a performance in a slanted room with the band members appearing to be standing at an unnatural angle. The other video is more elaborate, contains war imagery, single-word slogans in knock-out text, features Billy Currie appearing as a radio announcer, and Midge Ure as a soldier.


Next Wave: Azure Blue

Azure Blue is a new side project by Tobias Isaksson, an established artist, talented songwriter and a colorful profile on the Swedish pop scene. His musical project is named after the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean as a paraphrase of Dennis Wilson's 'Pacific Ocean Blue'. Supplementing the blue colour come the summery, gentle and sentimental tones of his music. His debut album 'Rule of Thirds' will be released on November 17th 2011. "Catcher in The Rye" is one of the first single releases from the album.





The Catcher in the Rye by Azure Blue

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Soft Moon- Total Decay EP

The Soft Moon have released a follow-up to their self titled debut LP this week and as their previous record, the new EP was released on Halloween. The EP is entitled "Total Decay", features four brand new tracks and it is out Captured Tracks.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Fall- Ersatz G.B.

The Fall are releasing releasing a new album this November. Their new album will be called 'Ersatz G.B.' and it will be their 29th studio album and their first release for Cherry Red Records. 'Ersatz G.B.' will be issued on CD, LP and digital formats, and will be proceeded by a new 7” single, featuring an exclusive B-side track. The Fall will be playing several dates to promote the album’s release, including a UK tour in November and an appearance at All Tomorrow’s Parties in December. The album is out on November 14, 2011.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Words and Facts, Morrissey and The Smiths in Mozpedia

Steven Patrick Morrissey, one of the most original musicians of all time and his former band The Smiths, one of the most influential bands of all time are a subject of a book called 'Mozpedia' which was released a year ago. The summation of years of interviews and meticulous research has been arranged and written by acclaimed music journalist Simon Goddard. His book 'Mozipedia' is the most in-depth and exhaustive book about the man, the myth, and the music that's ever been published. Bringing together every song, every album, every collaborator, and so much more in over 600 entries, this is a unique and sensational find for music fans and a must-have for Morrissey's legions of devoted admirers.


Friday, October 28, 2011

WAW: Chromatics- Kill for Love

Chromatics have recorded a new album 'Kill for Love' which will be out in January next year. Until then, as a warm-up, here is the video for their latest single "Kill for Love" which was released this month. It is out on iTunes. The video for the song was directed by Alberto Rossini.

 

Reissue: Dalek I -Compass Kum'pas

Dalek I's first album "Compass Kum'pas" is going to be released on vinyl for the first time since its original release date in 1980. Medical Records in collaboration with Dave and Alan are proud to present this seminal work on vinyl for the first time in over 30 years. LP includes all the tracks,  a bonus insert with early photos and a special written piece on the band by Kurt B. Reighley. As an extra to the LP, a bonus flexi-disc is included that includes the B-sides “Happy” and “This Is My Uniform”. Presented with much love on high-quality 180gram hot pink vinyl in a limited edition of 1000 hand-numbered copies. 

http://medical-records.org/releases

More about the group:
Dalek I (Love You)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Morten Harket's New Solo Album Confirmed

A-ha's lead singer Morten Harket is working on a new solo album scheduled for release in March 2012. The album will be produced by Steve Osborne who has previously worked with New Order, Placebo and a-ha. The album will also feature special contributions by Pet Shop Boys and  Kent and it will be promoted during the full worldwide tour which will start in May 2012.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Next Wave: Montage Populaire

Montage Populaire is a Southampton based indie pop group whose music is an electric vintage box packed with lots of diverse musical influences. Freewheeling dance beat and seductive rhythms which gets you on your feet. Their debut EP "Nothing Serious" was released on October 11, 2011. 
Find out more about the group by clicking the links below.

  Montage Populaire Facebook
  http://monpop.bandcamp.com

Monday, October 24, 2011

Instant Hit: The Monochrome Set- The Ruling Class

"The Ruling Class" was a big hit for The Monochrome Set in 1984. A year before this song appeared on a compilation Volume, Contrast, Brilliance... (Sessions & Singles Vol. 1) with several other Monochrome Set hits. In the recent years the band mostly released compilations including Early Recordings: 1975-1977 "White Noise released last year. 


Magazine - No Thyself

Magazine are back with the new album and tour this autumn. Their new album is entitled 'No Thyself' and it is their first studio album in 30 years which features new recording material. The album is out on October 24, 2011 and it is available on CD and digital worldwide. The band will also embark on the UK tour to promote new album during November. Find out more through Magazine's official website.

http://www.wire-sound.com/

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Section 25-Invicta

Section 25 have released a new EP entitled 'Invicta'. This is the first new material from the band since the passing of Larry Cassidy in February 2010 and sees Larry’s daughter, Beth Cassidy, take over on vocals. "Invicta" is a four track EP, released by Haçienda Records and features two new tracks, 'Colour, Movement, Sex And Violence' and 'Inner Drive' with a additional remix of each track.

http://www.section25.com/

Saturday, October 22, 2011

October Singles Round-up

October seems to be black and white with some great singles lined up. Our single of the months is the new Ropes single entitled "The Lack of Technology Made Me A Killer", available digital with three more tracks. Xeno & Oaklander have released "Sets and Lights" their second single from the album of the same name, also released this month. "Blood, Tears and Gold" is the sixth single  for Hurts from their debut album and one of their best so far. Kate Bush returned with the snowy "Wild Man" which announces the new album for November. Last but not least, REM have split, everyone knows by now. They officially say goodbye with their last single "We All Go Back to Where We Belong".

Friday, October 21, 2011

Heaven 17/BEF- "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" Live

Here is brilliant performance of the song "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by Heaven 17/ BEF during the two day music festival "Music of Quality and Distinction" live at London's Roundhouse. The song appeared on The Human League's album 'Reproduction' and was performed by Philip Oakey. Righteous Brothers' original was released in 1965.

 

Reissue: Beograd-TV

One of the first synth-pop acts of the former Yugoslavia Beograd, named after the capital Belgrade has been reissued on CD for the very first time. Their debut  EP features the title track "TV" and three other minimal style synth-pop tracks and it is out on Anna Logue Records. This year also marks the 30 year anniversary of its original release.

  www.annaloguerecords.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

Next Wave: Selebrities

The reason why every great musical movement has its revivial is because of the great bands whose music takes us back years and decades back. One of the bands which gives New Wave a new glamour is the Brooklyn based group Selebrities. The band consists of Maria Usbeck (vocals/synth), Jer Robert Paulin (guitars/synth) and Max Peterson (production/synth/drum). Along the New Wave style, their music delivers dark enchantment and artful melancholy with catchy synth pop beats, sinister guitar chords and dark and dreamy vocals. Their debut record 'Delusions' was released earlier this year and it is available on Cascine Records.

http://selebritiesmusic.com
www.facebook.com/Selebrities



Class Actress- Rapprocher

'Rapprocher' the debut album by from Elizabeth Harper's Class Actress is out this week. The album is out on 'Carpark Records' and features among others the songs "Keep You" and "Weekend". 'Rapprocher' is where Harper's sexy voice meets the synth-pop beats and catchy melodies. The album is a follow-up to their 2010 EP release 'Journal of Ardency' which was released by 'Terrible Records'

 http://classactress.tumblr.com/

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Retrovision: Laurie Anderson- O Superman

Laurie Anderson released "O Superman" thirty years ago and entered the UK charts unexpectedly at number 2. Half-sung, half-spoken and in minimal and experimental style, it brought something new to the music world. The songs was later covered by David Bowie and elements of this song also inspired Army Lovers to record "Obsession", one of their biggest hits.

.

Kraftwertk 3D Static in Munich

Kraftwerk have recently played three 3D concerts in Munich which was a small introduction to their 3D video Installation exhibition in the Kunstbau at the Lenbachhaus in Munich. Kraftwerk’s programmed world of images and sounds, an immersive total work of art, will for the first time be experienced outside the concert hall. A multi-channel 3D video installation specially developed for the Kunstbau will make for a worthy presentation of Kraftwerk’s unique and influential position within the history of the fine and the performing arts. The exhibition will be opened from October,15 till November 13, 2011. 

Kraftwerk@ Lenbachhaus


Images source: Kraftwerk@ Lenbachhaus

Saturday, October 15, 2011

This Mortal Coil- HDCD Box Set

4AD will be issuing a boxset of all three This Mortal Coil albums on November 8th (US) / 14th (UK). Each record has been re-mastered from the original analogue studio tapes by John Dent at Loud Mastering, to achieve the best digital sound available today. Additionally there is a fourth album, Dust & Guitars, that compiles all the singles, including an unreleased one that was to have been part of the Rough Trade Singles Club and features the otherwise unavailable recording of Neil Young's 'We Never Danced'. 
Click for more info! 

http://4ad.com/news/19/9/2011/4adlauncheswebstorewiththismortalcoilboxset

Thursday, October 13, 2011

80's Duets: Dusty Springfiled and Pet Shop Boys- Nothing Has Been Proved

Pet shop Boys had two collaborations with the female singer Dusty Springfiled. Their first hit "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" was released in 1987 and became a huge hit in the UK and USA as well as Springfield's biggest hit in the US. The song's success helped revive Springfield's career and led to a resurgence of interest in her music. Following the duet the Pet Shop Boys wrote and produced the singles "Nothing Has Been Proved" and "In Private" for Springfield, both included on her 1990 album 'Reputation'. The song prominently features an orchestral arrangement by Angelo Badalamenti and a tenor saxophone solo by Courtney Pine.
 "Nothing Has Been Proved" was composed specifically for the 1989 film 'Scandal' and the music video shows Springfield in the studio along with a Christine Keeler lookalike being interviewed with camera flash bulbs going off. Along with these come short reels from the film Scandal starring Joanne Whalley, John Hurt, Sir Ian McKellen, Britt Ekland, and Bridget Fonda as well as original news footage from 1963. The Pet Shop Boys play journalists interviewing Christine.

 

Xeno And Oaklander- Sets and Lights

Xeno and Oaklander's new album 'Sets and Lights' is out this week. This is their second release for the New York based label Wierd Records. Their latest single is also entitled "Sets and Lights" and it was released in September. You can stream the whole album here. Xeno and Oaklander will be joining John Foxx And The Maths for two shows on the forthcoming UK Tour – at London XOYO on 27 October, followed by Holmfirth (near Sheffield) on 28th October. 

  http://xenoandoaklander.com

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Next Wave: Soft Riot

Soft Riot is a one man band and a musical creation of Jack Duckworth also known as JJD and a member of the post-punk outfit Savage Furs. The concept of his music is ambient punk with elements of drone-y post-rock, minimal wave electronics and synthesizer-based cinema soundtracks. Soft Riot made a debut in 2010 with "No Longer A Stranger" on the Panospria label which featured six minimal, pulsing pop songs, the lyrics drawing from science fiction, isolation, politics, romance and psychedelia with an element of wry black humor. JJD is currently working on new material which will be released soon. Stay tuned for more info!

http://www.facebook.com/softriot
http://softriot.com



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Instant Hit: Valerie Dore- The Night

Italian star Valerie Dore had her debut in 1984 with the melancholic synth-pop tune "The Night" which also became her biggest hit in Europe. The song was produced by Lino Nicolosi and Roberto Gasparini and it was released as both 7" and 12" inch record. Between 1984 and and today it has been released seven times on several different record labels. It also remained as one of the influential Italo-disco tracks which has been covered and remixed ever since the original release. 




The Manchester Connection Art Exhibition

The Movie Poster Art Gallery is pleased to announce a fascinating exhibition of original and rare music posters entitled “The Manchester Connection”, a celebration of Manchester's legendary renaissance in musical and design creativity that exploded in the wake of the Sex Pistols' legendary 1976 Free Trade Hall gig.


Highlights include rare original music posters from The Smiths, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, The Haçienda, plus an ultra rare poster of Joy Division's debut album “Unknown Pleasures,” rare sleeve proofs of The Smiths, A Certain Ratio, New Order, and a unique Morrissey hand-annotated sleeve proof for his album "Your Arsenal," plus rare artefacts including the original FAC51 embosser used at the HAÇIENDA, the original "Gay Traitor" bar menu poster from the HAÇIENDA.
The exhibition runs from 12th-25th November at the Movie Poster Art Gallery, 1 Colville Place, London, W1T 2BG.



Monday, October 10, 2011

The Golden Filter- Syndromes

The Golden Filter's new album 'Syndromes' is out today. This is the second album for the duo from NYC who released their debut last year. This album has been done in in collaboration with Norwegian Grammy winning director Kristoffer Borgli and as a result came a ten-minute short film titled 'Syndromes'. The first single from the album is entitled Mother and it was released on September 11th.

  www.thegoldenfilter.com

WAW: Future Islands- Before The Bridge

The Future Islands are releasing their third studio album 'On The Water' this week, on October 11th. The album is available as a CD and LP via Thrill Jockey. Below is the video for the first single "Before The Bridge" which was released in July. The video for the song was directed by Abe Sanders.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Bill Nelson's Forty Years Anthology out in November

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bill Nelson's recording career. To celebrate this occasion Esoteric Recordings/ Cocteau Discs will release 'THE PRACTICE OF EVERYDAY LIFE Celebrating Forty Years of Recordings'. This is the most extensive and detailed anthology of Bill's astoundingly creative career to date.
All tracks are listed by Bill himself and this deluxe anthology gathers together more than 150 tracks over Eight CDs. The set begins with his earliest recordings and includes previously unreleased material by Be Bop Deluxe, along with examples from Bill's extensive solo catalogue, exploring a wide range of styles. The anthology also includes a selection of material from his more recent albums, self-released by Bill on his Sonoluxe label. The set is rounded off by the inclusion of a bonus CD featuring two previously unreleased BBC Radio One sessions from 1981 and 1983 respectively.
The record is out on 21st of November and it is avilable on pre-order. For more info click the link below.

  http://www.cherryred.co.uk

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Diogenes Club's Debut Out Now

The debut album by The Diogens Club is out today. Their self titled debut is available as digital download via bands official bandcamp page. It features 11 track written, recorded and produced at home by the Diogenes Club. Their musical style is cheerful synth pop with elements of house and micro electronica.

  http://thediogenesclub.bandcamp.com

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Thomas Dolby- The Map of The Floating City

Thomas Dolby's latest release is almost completed. Following the release of 'Americana' and 'Oceanea' EPs which were released in 2010/11, it is expected that the third part 'Urbanoia' will complete the new album trilogy 'The Map of The Floating City'. The songs from 'Urbanoia' were premiered online as part of the Floating City game. 
'Map Of The Floating City' game is a multiplayer online game that shares a title with the full-length album release planned to follow after the game's conclusion. The game included elements of trading, mystery, competition, and cooperation where players earned free song downloads. The completed new album will be his first one in twenty years.

  Wikipedia edit

Monday, October 3, 2011

Retrovision: Visage- Visage

Thirty years ago Visage had a hit with "Visage", not as big as its predecessor "Fade To Grey" from 1980, but the video was a soundtrack the New Romantic generation introducing the Blitz Club.
 

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Erasure- Tomorrow's World

Erasure have released their fourteenth studio album entitled 'Tomorrow's World' this Friday, September 30th. The album was written in New York, London, and at Vince Clarke's cabin studio in Maine, between January and June 2011 and it was produced by Frankmusik and mixed by Rob Orton, who has previously remixed other well-known electronic artists such as Lady Gaga and Pet Shop Boys. The first single is titled "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" and was released on 23 September 2011. Like all the previous records, this album is out on Mute Records.

http://www.erasureinfo.com/

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Eleven Pond's 'Bas Releief' on CD

A Rochester based darkwave electro band Eleven Pond will see their only album 'Bas Relief' reissued on CD for the first time. The album was originally released as 500 copies limited edition in 1986 and it was reissued on vinyl by Dark Entries in 2009. Find out more about the latest release by clicking on the link below. 

  www.othervoicesrecords.com/pages/vox10.htm

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

WAW: Sally Dige- Immaculate Deception

Sally Dige from the band Petroleum by Product which we already featured on Burning Flame has recorded her first demo single. Her song "Immaculate Deception" gives you an instant dive into analogue beats and synthetic rhythms. Complemented with living-room taping, it displays a radiant act of 80's sound and vision. 

Monday, September 26, 2011

September Singles Round Up

With September almost over, here come the singles highlights of the month. We start with Twin Shadow's "Changes" which is a cover of an old Bagarre hit "Circus is Gone" put in a new arrangement. Duran Duran have released "Leave A Light On" which is widely considered as "Save A Prayer" for new generations. Snow Patrol went pop on their fantastic new single entitled "Called Out in the Dark" which also announces a new album "Fallen Empires" for November. Coldplay have released a second single "Paradise" from their new studio album 'Mylo Xyloto' which is going to be released in October. Manic Street Preachers have covered The The's "This is The Day"The video for the song  features retrospective images and videos from their musical career. Austra have returned with the third single "Spellwork" taken form their debut album 'Feel it Break'. Last but not least, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti have returned with his epic new single “Witch Hunt Suite for World War III” a 16-minute synth opus which marks the ten year anniversary since the terrorist attacks of September 11.

The Smiths Deluxe Remaster Boxset Available on Pre-Order

Rhino Records UK is proud to present ‘Complete’, eight albums by The Smiths lovingly reworked by Johnny Marr and Rhino UK and packaged together for the first time - the ultimate The Smiths remasters collection.
 The collection includes all four of the band's studio albums – ‘The Smiths’ (1984), ‘Meat Is Murder’ (1985), ‘The Queen Is Dead’ (1986), ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ (1987) and their sole live album ‘Rank’ (1988) as well as firm fan favourite compilations ‘Hatful Of Hollow’ (1984), ‘The World Won’t Listen’ (1987) and ‘Louder Than Bombs’ (1987). Each has been taken back to original tape sources and remastered by Johnny Marr and Frank Arkwright at the world famous Metropolis Studios in London. 

  http://www.rhino.co.uk/the-smiths-complete-deluxe-collectors-boxset

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Instant Hit- 2 Belgen- Lena

"Lena" was a hit for the Belgian group 2 Belgen in 1985. Before the song got its high energy arrangement, it was released as B-side single in 1982. Their 1985 version which was written and produced by Rembert De Smet became a club hit around Europe, bypassing the '82 original version.


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Friday, September 23, 2011

Analogue Shape of Things with John Foxx and the Maths

John Foxx and the Maths have completed their second album which is the follow-up to "Interplay" which was released earlier this year. The album, entitled "The Shape Of Things", will be a limited edition special package accompanied by a bonus disc of remixes. It is reported that the album is a lot rougher around the edges and more experimental than "Interplay" - with songs and stark, minimal sketches mixed in with some instrumental interludes. All of the tracks were recorded at Benge's studio in London. 
  http://blog.thequietman.co.uk

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