2019 - The EP list

The EPs have been growing in diversity more and more and sometimes they even tend to be more interesting than the actual full length releases. The following ten marked an effect on us.

It's time for a debrief on 2019, and as per tradition, we are excited to unveil our favorite albums of the year. Moreover, with 2019 being the conclusion of the decade, we've had the opportunity to draw comparisons with previous years, setting the stage for our upcoming Top 100 singles and albums of the 10's.

This year has been a showcase of musical artistry, genre fusions, and influences from the past decade, evident in many of the albums on our list. Notably, female artists took center stage, with Lana Del Rey, FKA Twigs, and Weyes Blood paving the way with their distinct styles. Surprising comebacks were also witnessed, including the unexpected reunion and new material release from Shakespeare Sister. On a somber note, the music world bid farewell to Mark Hollis of Talk Talk, Keith Flint of the Prodigy, and most recently, Marie Fredriksson of Roxette.

Our album presentation for this year features 40 albums spanning various genres and sub-genres, exploring diverse musical forms and venturing into new territories.

WAW: MGMT - In the Afternoon

MGMT have revealed the video for the song "In the Afternoon" which could also be the first single from their upcoming album to be released in 2020. So far we only know that the album will be released on their own label MGMT records. It seems that Tame Impala will have a strong competition in 2020.

Year in Review - 2019

Thirty one days divide us from the end of the year 2019 and this also the last year in the 10's decade. As every year, we are in the process of preparing the year end lists which will include Top 40 Album List, Top 50 singles list, Top 10 EP List and Top 20 Videos list. Starting off from today, we will feature the countdown of our favorite releases.

Pet Shop Boys Announce New Album for January 2020

Pet Shop Boys today announced details of their highly anticipated new studio album, 'Hotspot', which will be released on January 24th 2020 on x2 Records/Kobalt. The album was mostly recorded in Hansa Studios, Berlin, and mixed in The Record Plant, Los Angeles. It was produced and mixed by Stuart Price and features ten brand new Tennant/Lowe tracks including the single “Dreamland” featuring Years & Years, which was released in September. Another of the songs, “Burning the heather”, features Bernard Butler on guitar and was recorded at RAK Studios in London. A radio edit of “Burning the heather” is available to buy/stream now from the link below.

WAW: Moses Sumney - Virile

Written & Directed by Moses Sumney

Next Wave: Riki

Contracted through DAIS records and sharing the label with the likes of Body of Light, Cold Cave and many more in the similar vein, Riki is one of the new additions to this already exciting roster of artists. Based in Los Angeles, Riki has been around in the LA scene as visual artist and musician before she went on to launch her own career and started experimenting with rhythm and sound. Also known as Niff Nawor, when she started her solo career in 2017, she released a Hot City Cassette tape and also toured with Light Asylum and Black Marble. Her official self-titled debut album is announced for release in DAIS in 2020. According to some info from the artist presentation on the label, the album will be modern electro-pop with lot of influences from NDW, Italo disco, ZYX and classics from Kate Bush, Madonna and Pat Benetar. this week she has premiered the video for the possible first single from the album "Napoleon" which can be watched below.

WAW: Meg Myers - Running Up That Hill

This certainly is the best cover version released this year and one of the best from the running decade. In particular the idea behind the video is great and features hand-colored frames by 2,130 children from all over the United States and Canada set in animation. The video was directed by Jo Roy.

October Singles Round Up

CHVRCHES - Death Stranding

Rufus Wainwright – Trouble in Paradise

The DMA’s- Silver

Golden Features x The Presets – ‘Paradise’

Pond - Hand Mouth Dancer

Låpsley - My Love Was Like The Rain

Allie X- Rings The Bell

Beck - Uneventful Days

Steven A. Clark - Happiness

La Roux Reveals New Single and Announces New Album

La Roux is back after more than five years break with a new single "International Woman of Leisure". Her third studio album 'Supervision' is set for release in February 2020.

OMD Release a Career-Spanning Boxset

Orchestral Manouvers in the Dark have released their first singles compilation since 1998. this one is very special as it also marks the 40th anniversary and this comprehensive collection includes OMD's hits from four decades, from "Electricity" to "What Have We Done", plus a brand new 40th single, "Don’t Go".

A limited edition 5CD+2DVD career spanning boxset will also be released. Discs 1 and 2 are the same as the 2CD format – the 40 singles in chronological order. Disc 3 is a collection of 22 unheard and unreleased tracks from the OMD, Disc 4 is a full live recording from the Mermaid Theatre in London, February 2011. Disc 5 is a newly discovered full live recording from the Hammersmith Odeon in May 1983 in support of the Dazzle Ships album. Disc 6 is a DVD featuring 23 OMD performances on the BBC. Disc 7 is a DVD featuring a live recording from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in December 1981 in support of the Architecture & Morality album.

Accordingly the compilation is entitled 'Souvenir - The Singles 1979- 2019' nd it was released on October 6th.

More details here.

WAW: Pond - Hand Mouth Dancer

The Australian band Pond have premiered the video for a song "Hand Mouth Dancer" which is potentially a new single. The song is taken from their album 'Tasmania', released earlier this year and the video was directed by Elliott Arndt.

Tame Impala Officilly Reveal Their Fourth Album

After a long wait, Tame Impala have finally announced the official release date for their fourth studio album titled 'The Slow Rush' which will be released on February 14th 2020. Following the release of "Patience" and "Borderline" Tame Impala revealed the third single from the album "It Might Be Time"which can be streamed below.

Next Wave: Earth To Mickey

You will hardly find any info about this Minimal synth act on the internet which sounds as it could also be one of the obscure bands coming from the early 80's. As per debut EP which has been released this year, the duo comprised of Delroy Edwards and Mickey van Seenus, might be new to the scene but very much striking forward with their unique cold wave formula. Their debut EP is titled 'Brace&Beat'and it has been released through L.A. Club Resource this summer.

Retrovision: The Beloved - The Sun Rising

This end of October is a perfect time for another flash back to out themed anniversary year, 1989. Beloved release one of their biggest and memorable singles to date, "The Sun Rising" which reached number 26 on the UK charts. In 1997 the song was reissued in several remix versions.

September Singles Round Up

WAW: elbow - Empires

Elbow - Empires Director : BWTV Editor : Dan Davies

August Singles Round Up

Angel Olsen - All Mirrors

Alex Ebert - Hands Up

Swim Deep - Sail Away, Say Goodbye

Spector - Half Life

Johnny Marr – The Bright Parade

Pixies- Catfish Kate

Kim Gordon - Sketch Artist

Jenny Hval - High Alice

Poolside – Can't Stop Your Lovin'

WAW: Alex Ebert - Hands Up

Alex Ebert - Hands Up
Directed by Tao Ruspoli

Debbie Harry to Release 'Face It', a new Autobiography

A newest autobiography by Debbie Harry, 'Face It' has been announced and it is going to be released in October. The 368-page hardcover book showcases Debbie as multi-disciplined artist and it includes an introduction by Chris Stein, “rare personal photos, original illustrations, fan artwork installations and more” and features everyone from bands Blondie came up with on the 1970's music scene. This release will probably coincide with the already announced Blondie box set that Universal Music are working on.

July Singles Round Up

Black Marble - One Eye Open

Friendly Fires - Silhouettes

Phantogram - Into Happiness

Bat For Lashes - Kids in the Dark

Electric Youth - ARAWA

sir Was ft Little Dragon - Deployed

Belle and Sebastian - Sister Buddha

Heaven -Truth or Dare

TR/ST - Iris

WAW: Cate Le Bon - Home to You

Cate Le Bon - Home to You
Directed by Phil Collins Produced by Shady Lane Productions, Berlin

Best of 1989- Singles

Time to put the year 1989 on display and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the year that was closing the 80s decade. Known as the year of revolutions that swept through the eastern block countries in Europe as well as the year of innovations which brought the first commercial internet services. Musically the charts were still dominated by Stock-Aitken-Waterman hits also introducing Donna Summer to their hits factory.

The second half of 1989 was also dominated by a growing House music genre led by Inner City and S'Express and Italo-disco which evolved into Euro dance. Even though the 1989 chronologically belonged to the 80s decade, it clearly sensed the 90s spirit in all terms and the music styles that started in late 90s eventually reached their peak points in the 90s and beyond.

01. The Cure- Lullaby

02. Chris Isaak- Wicked Game

03. Madonna – Like A Prayer

04. The Stone Roses- Fool’s Gold

05. The Cure- Love Song

06. Depeche Mode- Personal Jesus

07. The KLF- 3 A.M Eternal

08. Pixies- Monkey’s Gone To Heaven

09. Madonna –Express Yourself

10. Tears for Fears –Sowing The Seeds of Love

11. Xymox- Imagination

12. Pixies- Here Comes The Man

13. Malcolm McLaren- Waltz Darling

14. Lightning Seeds- Pure

15. Simple Minds- Belfast Child

16. U2 –All I Want Is You

17. Shakespeare’s Sister –You’re History

18. Cher- If I Could Turn Back Time

19. The Stone Roses- She Bangs The Drums

20. Technotronic- Pump of the Jam

May Singles Round Up

Σtella - Samba

Hot Chip - Melody of Love

Sufjan Stevens - Love Yourself

The Ocean Blue - Kings and Queens

Tessa Violet - I Like

Foals - In Degrees

Swimming Girls - 1 2 Many

The Marias - Baby One More Time

Alex Cameron - Miami Memory

WAW: Alex Cameron - Miami Memory

Alex Cameron - Miami Memory

Director: Alex Cameron

Next Wave: Dark Water

Dark Water is a three piece based in Birraranga (Melbourne) whose music is mainly inspired by 80's darkwave and synthpop. Lead by vocals of singer, synth player and guitarist Jack Siren, driven by dark bass lines of Dettie Sebastian and reverb drenched drums by V. the band manages to create very atmospheric darkwave sound. The band have released their self titled five track EP (digital/cassette) which features the magnificent and so far outstanding track "Wasteland".

Retrovision: The Ocean Blue- Between Something and Nothing

The Ocean Blue Announce New Album

The Ocean Blue will return with a new studio album in June. The album will be entitled 'Kings and Queens' and it will be their seventh album with single of the same to be released as the lead single. This album also marks the 30th anniversary since the release of band's eponymous debut which included the singles "Between Nothing and Something" and "Drifting, Falling". The album is out On June 21st.

http://www.theoceanblue.com/

Shakespears Sister Reunion

Shakespears Sisters are back. It seems that the ladies have patched up their differences which are dating back to the early 90's when they were having a career peak and broke up shortly afterwards. After 25 years the duo have reunited and written music together and to mark this occasion the duo will release a compilation entitled 'Singles Party (1988 – 2019)', which rounds up all their 45s together. Two new tracks are included in this compilation- ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ and ‘C U Next Tuesday.’ The band are also touring the UK this winter.

https://shakespearssister.tmstor.es/

April Singles Round Up

Tame Impala - Borderline

Hatchie - Stay with Me

TR/ST- Gone

Patience - Living Things Don't Last

The Drums - Body Chemistry

Yeasayer - Kiss You All Night

Robyn - Between the Lines

These New Puritans - Where the Trees Are on Fire

Fat White Family - When I Leave

WAW: The Marias - ABQ

The Marias - ABQ
Directed, produced, written and edited by María and Ian Lipton

Best of 1989- The Album List

Let's step back into 1989 and celebrate its 30th anniversary, a year that served as both the culmination of the '80s decade and a precursor to the changes that would define the '90s. It's renowned as a year of revolutions, witnessing sweeping changes in Eastern Bloc countries in Europe, and a year of technological innovations with the introduction of the first commercial internet services.

Musically, the charts were still under the influence of Stock-Aitken-Waterman hits, which also welcomed Donna Summer into their hits factory. However, the latter part of 1989 saw the emergence of new sounds. House music, spearheaded by acts like Inner City and S'Express, gained prominence, while Italo disco evolved into the Euro dance genre. While 1989 may be chronologically associated with the '80s, it undeniably encapsulated the spirit of the impending '90s, with music styles that would reach their peaks in the following decade and beyond.

March Singles Round Up

April Singles Round Up

Lighthouse Family - My Salvation

Patience - The Girls Are Chewing Gum

The KVB- Violet Moon
<

MorMor - Outside

SOAK - Deja Vu

Automelodi featuring Liz Wendelbo - Les Métros Disparus

Cold Showers - Faith

Bananarama - Stuff Like This

Shura - BKLYNLDN

Next Wave: Pale Moon

Pale Moon is an Icelandic/Russian Psychedelic group which consists of Natalia Sushchenko and Árni Guðjónsson who met in Barcelona and decided to start making music together. Their music was primarily inspired by the Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac and the Shins and delivers captivating melodies and lush Neo-Psych textures in the vein of the 70’s sound. Both Natalia and Arni were having a musical experience prior to forming Pale Moon and Arni already has had a great track record with music which is most notable for his work with “Of Monsters and Men”. Natalia on the other hand decided to take road with design.

This month they released their debut EP titled ‘Dust of Days’ with three songs. Each song tickles different themes and even musical genres, the unique voice of Pale Moon glues together into familiar yet fresh sound. Both Arni and Natalia are providing vocals in their songs where Arni masters the instrumentation and musical arrangement. You can preview their music on Spotify now.

https://www.palemoonmusic.com/

WAW: Cold Showers - Faith

Cold Showers - Faith -Motionless
Directed & Edited by Chris Slater

Heaven 17 to Release a Ten CD Compilation This Week

The British synth pop legends Heaven 17 have announced the release of 'Play To Win: The Virgin Years', a brand new 10 CD compilation deluxe set which will feature all five albums issued in the 1980s, along with over 100 bonus tracks, including demos, B-sides, non-album singles and remixes. It will also be released as a 5LP coloured vinyl box set called Play To Win: The Virgin Albums. Both the CD and vinyl variants of Play To Win will be released on 29 March 2019 via Edsel and Demon Records respectively.

http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/heaven-17-play-to-winthe-virgin-years-10cd-deluxe-5lp-vinyl-box/

Lighthouse Family Return with a First New Release After Almost Two Decades

One of the finest bands of the 90's era, the Lighthouse Family will return this year with a brand new compilation album and first new release since 2001. The album will be entitled 'Blue Sky in Your Head and will include all of the bands classic songs remastered and a new song "My Salvation". This record also sees them reunite with their original label Polydor on which they scored their biggest hits. This album also marks 25 years of band's existence and will also be followed by a UK tour. Th album is out on May 3rd.

include all the band’s classic songs remastered to celebrate their 25 year recording history.

Read more at: https://www.bexhillobserver.net/whats-on/music/new-album-from-lighthouse-family-bringing-upcoming-tour-to-bexhill-1-8864750

lue Sky In Your Head is released on May 3 and will include all the band’s classic songs remastered to celebrate their 25 year recording history

Read more at: https://www.bexhillobserver.net/whats-on/music/new-album-from-lighthouse-family-bringing-upcoming-tour-to-bexhill-1-8864750

Retrovision: Jesus Loves You- After The Love Has Gone

"After The Love Has Gone" was the first single release for Jesus Loves You which Boy George formed after Culture Club and his solo releases when he wanted to explore new musical styles. He released few more singles in the early 90's and the album 'The Martyr Mantras'.

WAW: Automelodi featuring Liz Wendelbo - Les Métros Disparus

Automelodi -Les Métros disparus- Mirages au futur verre-brisé
Video Art by Kaspar'89

Fragrance Release Debut Album 'Now I'm Not Real

Fragrance. a French project led by Matthieu Roche whom we introduced last year on our page, has released his debut album 'Now That I’m Real'. His music remains on the edge between melancholic synthpop and dancing electronics, where his heady soft vocals meet catchy beats and sharp synths.

Where his previous EP, 'Dust & Disorders', was a claustrophobic « huis-clos », turned on inside fears, Fragrance.’s debut album is a first step towards the outside. Semi-dreamed stories, relationship spirals and a thirst for liberation and relief are the themes haunting the 11 original tracks of 'Now That I’m Real'.

That’s why Matthieu Roche naturally opens his world for the first time to collaborations with different artists — both visually, with the participation of parisian clubkid artist Tiggy Thorn and photographer Marie Rouge, as musically, with Canadian musician Maya Postepski (aka Princess Century, known for her work within Austra and TR/ST) and with Hélène de Thoury (from Hante. & Minuit Machine).

Now That I'm Real will be available on Gold Vinyl (limited to 200 copies) and digipack cd (limited to 300 copies).

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/thisisfragrance/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQewyYCrKxTzhAhAgfZ_EGg
https://www.instagram.com/fragrance.music/
https://open.spotify.com/album/1eI45qyMkm9O4OdOQnxQRr?si=OT4o8YmjSQ6I9-jmw7kt3Q

In Review: Pond- Tasmania

The Australian band Pond have returned this year with their eighth studio album titled 'Tasmania'. It has been announced as the sister album to their previous release 'The Weather' from 2017. Both albums and like all the others, have been produced by Kevin Baker of Tame Impala fame with whom the band also shares band members and they also tour together.

For their eight studio long player the band is taking us to the Island of Inspiration, or so to say, it feels that the band managed to draw a great deal of inspiration from their native Australia and Tasmania. Like the previous album and most of their releases, this one is in the Psychedelia vein and it explores the new topics with the well kept music formula. It tackles some political and environmental issues, without getting too heavy and remaining on the pop ground. The album opens with "Daisy" and "Sixteen Days", both previously released as singles. "Daisy" is perfect for spring break and a start of new concept, the Geneve inspired "Sixteen days" follow and gets us some French lines and another highlight comes with "Tasmania" and the wonderful chorus "I might, I might go shack up in Tasmania, Before the ozone goes, And paradise burns in Australia" where the synth elements play very well with the proggy guitars. By reaching the middle of the album, the songs get more elaborated, thicker and less immediate, with "Goodnight P.C.C." and "Burned out Star" eventually closing with the apocalyptic "Doctor's In" track. Here and there are nice sound accessories which contribute to the layering of the sound including, retro vocoders, colourful guitars and glitchy forms on "Shame". Another interesting feature is the inviting album cover which seems to be Poloroid inspired and it implies that based on the single released so far that each colour will represents one song on the album.

Colourful as it comes, this psychedelic cocktail will give a nice intro to a Spring start, wherever it may hit, and might also be the preparation for the new Tame Impala album which will hopefully be ready for this summer.

Retrovision: Bel Canto - Birds of Passage

"Birds of Passage" was the third single release for the Norwegian multi instrumental dream pop trio Bel Canto and was taken from their second album of the same name. The single was released in Canada in 1989 and in some of the European countries in 1990.

February Singles Round Up

February Singles Round-up

C'mon Tigre- Behold The Man

Spellling- Under The Sun

These New Puritans - Inside The Rose

Ora The Molecule - Sugar

Fat White Family - Feet

Chromatics- Time Rider

Vampire Weekend- Harmony Hall

Cold Cave- Promised Land

Negative Gemini- You Weren't There Anymore

WAW: Ora The Molecule - Sugar

Ora The Molecule - Sugar
Video by: Nora Schjelderup + Sju Smatanova