Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Durutti Column- Chronicle

The Durutti Column mark a return to live activity with a special one-off show at the "Bridgewater Hall" in Manchester on Saturday April 30, 2011. On this occasion they will premiere their long-awaited biographical album 'Chronicle'. The album itself contains fourteen tracks and comes with a booklet of Vini Reilly's photographs. The sleeve design is by Trevor Johnson and Haider Mundi. The album will initially be sold exclusively at the Bridgewater Hall as a special pre-release CD available with a ticket at the show.

http://thedurutticolumn.com


Monday, April 25, 2011

Retrovision: Ten Pole Tudor- Swords of Thousand Men

Thirty years ago, on this date, Ten Pole Tudor rocked the charts in the UK with this medieval punk gem. "Sword of Thousand Men" remained their biggest selling single and reached number six in the UK charts. The single was also featured in the TV promotional spots in both Europe and the United States for EA's FIFA 11 soccer video game.

The Hidden Tapes

A Compilation of Minimal Wave from Around the World ‘79-‘85 has been announced via Minimal Wave to be released soon. 'The Hidden Tapes' features rare, unreleased, and licensed tracks from as far as Japan and the former Yugoslavia. The sounds on this record range from raw proto-industrial to naive danceable Belgradian new wave, to filmic synthesizer music to more complex, vocal-driven melodic synthpop.
This is a limited edition of 999 numbered copies, pressed on 180 gram vinyl, and housed in heavy printed jacket accompanied by printed inner jacket with photos and info.
Check Minimal Wave for artist info and sound samples.


Friday, April 22, 2011

In Conversation: Clockwork Orchestra

Clockwork Orchestra is a quirky electronic band from Dublin led by Irish oddball Mango. His songs sound something like broken toys, miserable old men, vintage children’s TV shows, rotting fish, burning plastic and digital clown nightmares. Since August 2010, Clockwork Orchestra have released a series of songs accompanied by animated videos created by a variety of artists and plan to release their debut album later in 2011. In an Interview for Burning Flame Blog, he tells us more about his music, influences and his musical style. 


1. What is the origin of your band name, who is Clockwork Orchestra?
The name comes from the mechanical orchestra depicted in the 1971 film “The Abominable Dr. Phibes” which stars Vincent Price. It also relates to the nature of the music itself and my frequent use of orchestral sounds and samples.
Most of the music released so far was written and produced by me. After I record a song, my collaborator Paul O’Byrne and I drive around the streets of Dublin in the middle of the night mulling over the mixes and other musical ideas. In general I prefer to work alone but we are currently composing a song together for a change.

2. In what way is your music related to your art?
We’ve released a series of animated music videos to accompany the songs created by a variety of artists including two that I made myself. I had a frustrating time in art college which discouraged me from pursuing a career as a traditional artist. Instead, I try to work artistic elements into Clockwork Orchestra whenever possible. I have also created several illustrations to accompany some of the songs which can be found in the artwork section of the Clockwork Orchestra website.

3. Who do you consider as a major influence at the start of your musical career?
Many different things have influenced me from old children’s TV show theme tunes to early computer games. As for musicians, my greatest influences tend to be the new wave and no wave artists of the late 70s early 80s. The film/soundtrack “Urgh! A Music War” had a big impact on me as it introduced me to lots of interesting bands and artists such as Wall of Voodoo, Pere Ubu and Klaus Nomi.

4. What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Main themes and topics of your songs…
I try to avoid genre classification. As the music is largely electronic it tends to be referred to as electro or synthpop but in truth I don’t think that it fits in comfortably with these styles.
Some of my lyrical themes are fairly straightforward while others are more abstract. For instance, the song “Talking To The Flowers” deals with ageing and loneliness whereas a track like “Tragic Roundabout” hints at topics (in this case temptation and corruption) without expressing anything too directly.

5. How do you promote your live shows and your music?
So far we have not played live as Clockwork Orchestra but with our growing fan base it is gradually becoming an inevitability. Thankfully it is relatively easy to promote music online these days whereas in the past, playing live would have been essential. The downside of the popularity of the Internet is that it has become very difficult to make a living from music these days.

6. Who are you trying to address and entertain with your music?
Ideally I want to reach people who like to think about music as well as simply listen to it. My friends and I are what you might call outsiders and oddballs so maybe I’d like to appeal to people like that.


7. What do you miss in today’s music the most?
Personality. It seems to be a crucial element sorely lacking in much of the music being produced nowadays. A lot of the so called “quirky” bands of the last decade sound very forced in my opinion.

8. What is your all time favorite record, song, album?
This is extremely difficult to choose but it would probably be something by The Stranglers. I think the post-punk albums that they released between 1978 and 1983 contain some of the most interesting music ever recorded.

9. What do you listen to these days?
In terms of modern music, I have recently been listening to Dominique Leone (a former critic who started releasing his own music in 2007) and a highly unique band from Finland called Kompleksi.

10. Any further single releases in the near future, album plans?
I am currently working on several tracks that will appear on the first full length Clockwork Orchestra album which I hope will be completed by the end of 2011. In the meantime, there will be several animated music videos to accompany some of the existing songs that have already been released.

11. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
The best way to hear the music or watch the videos is to visit the official site: www.clockworkorchestra.com
I also regularly post updates on the Clockwork Orchestra Facebook and Twitter pages and if anyone feels like parting with their money in exchange for songs they should search for Clockwork Orchestra on Bandcamp.   



Top 10 albums that inspired Clockwork Orchestra

1. The Stranglers - La Folie
2. Sparks - A Woofer In Tweeter’s Clothing
3. Brian Eno - Here Come The Warm Jets
4. Yello - Claro Que Si
5. Wall Of Voodoo - Dark Continent
6. Suicide - The Second Album
7. Was (Not Was) - Was (Not Was)
8. Lars Hollmer - XII Sibiriska Cyklar
9. The Residents - The Commercial Album
10. The The - Soul Mining

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Depeche Mode's "Ghost" - Fan Retrospective

Hundred Depeche Mode fans from Poland have once again gathered around The Project 'Shadows om Masses' to record a tribute video for the the song "Ghost", one of the bonus tracks of the “Sounds of The Universe” album. The brilliant video was shot in Warsaw, Poland and features a retrospective script which is based on typical themes and motives from about 50 original Depeche Mode videos. As already mentioned, the project was prepared by a group of Polish fans, who, having no budget, organized a professional crew and technical support to shoot the video.

Source:
http://shadows.dmuniverse.pl

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

April Singles Round-Up

April's singles pack is here: PJ Harvey's has released the second single from her brilliant new album 'Let England Shake' and her song "The Glorious Land" is the pick of the month April. Kate Bush is also back with a new compilation album and the reworked and updated version of the song "Deeper Understanding". Fleet Foxes have returned to the music scene after two years and the successful  s/t debut album with the new single "Helplessness Blues" and The National are back with the fourth single from their latest album entitled "Exile Villify". Other Highlights include the second single for Cold Cave entitled "Villains of the Moon", Deerhunter's fantastic "Memory Boy" song, the third single from their album 'Halcyon Digest' and Interpol's new single which also comes as a limited edition EP "Try it On" and which is released as a celebration of  the Record Store Day in Europe. We close this round-up with a new single for Amanda Lear who takes a "Chinese Walk" and tries to impress us with virtual color shapes in her new video.


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

WAW: The Soft Moon- Circles

This is the official video for the song "Circles" directed by Ron Robinson and taken from their self titled debut album. Welcome to the Twilight Zone!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Personal Jesus 2011

Depeche Mode are to release a single package from their forthcoming album 'Remixes 2: 81-11' featuring all-new remixes of their iconic track 'Personal Jesus' on May 30th on Mute. Originally featured on the classic 1990 album 'Violator', "Personal Jesus" has been reworked by some of the dance world's most innovative acts, including Stargate, Eric Prydz and Alex Metric.
Already covered by Johnny Cash, Marilyn Manson, Tori Amos and Nina Hagen, 'Personal Jesus' is one of music's most renowned tracks.

www.depechemode.com/news


Next Wave: Savage Furs

Savage Furs is a London based trio consisting of Del Jae(Vocals), JJD and Chris Flatline. Their music is described as a combination of avant-garde synth arrangements, guitar soundscapes and compelling rhythms play out against the provocative lyrical content and hook laden vocals. It displays the image of shadowy eroticism melting with the music’s synthpop vanguard and industrial tones.
Their debut EP is now available for purchase through their site and it will also be available through selected stores and distribution soon. Check ot their official site for more information.

http://www.savagefurs.com


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Bron Area

Bron Area was a British duo formed in 1979 in Nuneaton in England. Originally the group consisted of Martin Packwood and Steven Parker who had been involved in a number of bands before starting Bron Area. Steven had been playing piano for 4 years and sang in a punk band Addix through ’77. Martin had played 'My Way' to drunks in social clubs on the organ for some time. They recorded their debut cassette album for Ambivalent Scale Recordings in 1980 with the title 'One Year'. The album featured experimental sound mixing raw electronic collages with post punk sound.


The band's first official Single EP 'Fragile Sentences' was released in 1981 with the wonderful "Green Avenue" as a b-side. David Barker of 'Glass Records' approached the band after having heard 2 songs from the Alternative Sounds fanzines compilation tape Facet 1 and asked them to appear on his 'Wonderful World of Glass Vol. 1 LP'. Bron Area were signed to 'Glass' at the beginning of 1982. The first vinyl was a 12” Ep entitled "Different Phrases" released in March ’82 and later released as a 7” on 'Posh Boy Records' in the USA. With the release of their second record few more musicians were recruited which changed their music and gave the their following LP 'The Trees and the Villages' which appeared in 1982 a fresh new sound.


The founding members of Bron Area Martin Packwood and Steven Parker both released new material after the split of  Bron Area. Steven Parker recorded another cassette album with Kevin Harrison in the same year, while Martin Packwood was credited for playing bass on Martyn Ware's solo LP released in 1987.
Bron Area's recording material has never been reissued on CD.

Source: http://www.eyelessingaza.com/bron.html

Suede Remaster Series

The British group Suede will start a whole series of album reissues this summer. All five studio albums will be remastered and expanded. They will include the original disc, demos, b-sides plus the DVD with singles videos, live performances and bonus features. The albums are going to be released in June kicking of with their debut studio album released on May 30, 2011. Roll to Suede official for additional info and track listings.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Girl Panic on Record Store Day

Yet another internationally celebrated Record Store Day is here. Hundreds of recording and other artists are  participating in the day by making special performances and issuing of special vinyl and CD releases along with other promotional products to mark the occasion. And on this occasion Duran Duran has made another track form their latest album available. Long time rumored as a second single, the song "Girl Panic" has not yet been officialy confirmed as a second single but the release features artwork, the album version of the song as well as the remix by David Lynch.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Instant Hit: Days of Sorrow- Wild World

Days of Sorrow was minimal Post punk group from Germany. By the time they were releasing their single "Wild World", they were a five piece band with William D.Lennox on vocals. The song was released through Rough Trade Germany in 1986 with "Mysterious Eyes" as a B-side, produced by Frank Becking.


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

80' Duets: The The & Sinead O'Connor- Kingdom of Rain

The English group The The was involved in many various musical projects and have recorded many duets during their existence. Collaborators and contributors list includes among others: Thomas Leer, Neneh Cherry, Marc Almond, Anna Domino, Lloyd Cole and many more. Their song "Kingdom of Rain" which features Sinead O' Connor on vocals was taken from the album 'Mind Bomb' and it was released in 1989.

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TV on The Radio- Nine Types of Light

The fourth studio album by TV on the Radio entitled 'Nine Types of Light' has been released this week.The band recorded 'Nine Types of Light in Los Angeles', the first time they have recorded outside of Brooklyn. The first single from the album "Will Do" was released in February this year. TV On The Radio are starting an extensive tour, they will headline Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 13, the day after the album's release.

www.tvontheradio.com


Sunday, April 10, 2011

Dirty Beaches- Badlands

'Badlands' is the new album by Dirty Beaches which was released on March 29, 2011 on Zoo Music. The man behind Dirty Beaches is Alex Zhang Hungtai, solo performer and musician born in Taiwan, Hungtai who has made Canada his home. In an interview for Pichfork he said that the influences for 'Badlands' came from three David Lynch movies: Wild at Heart, Blue Velvet, and Lost Highway. The concept of the music is Suicide's minimal synth-punk with influences of rockabilly and lo-fi.

Friday, April 8, 2011

The Actor- Exploded View 2012

The Dutch duo the Actor will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original release of their debut LP 'Exploded View'. The album was originally recorded as a tape and it is integrally going to be released as a vinyl album, later this year. It will also a feature all of their demo songs for the 'Exploded View' tape – never before published. They are also planning a release of a new album with re-recordings of old songs, together with some new material. More about the Actor soon...

http://theactor.nl


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WAW: Pure Instinct feat Ariel Pink- Stilyagi

Pure Instinct previously known as Pearl Harbor consisting of Piper and Skylar Kaplan are back with a new name, new album and new single "Stilyagi" which features Ariel Pink.

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Sounds- Something To Die For

The Sounds have released their fourth stdio album entitled 'Something To Die For'. The album is out on SideOneDummy Records and features the singles "Better Off Dead" and "Something To Die For" both released earlier this year in February. The worldwide release date for the album is March 29, 2011.

http://the-sounds.com


Saturday, April 2, 2011

Retrovision: Spandau Ballet- Musclebound TOTP

Thirty years ago Spandau Ballet had their second Top ten hit when the song "Musclebound" which reached the UK charts at number ten in 1981. It was the third single release from their debut album Journeys to Glory and  this is their brilliant performance on 'Top of the Pops'.

Next Wave: Clockwork Orchestra

Clockwork Orchestra is a quirky electronic band from Dublin led by Irish oddball Mango. His songs sound something like broken toys, miserable old men, vintage children’s TV shows, rotting fish, burning plastic and digital clown nightmares. Since August 2010, Clockwork Orchestra have released a series of songs accompanied by animated videos created by a variety of artists and plan to release their debut album later in 2011. Their latests release "Heaven Or Helsinki" which is accompanied by an animated music video created by Stefan Evans was officially released earlier this week.

http://clockworkorchestra.com

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