Zaine Griff Reissues

Zaine Griff's first two studio albums 'Ashed and Diamonds' and 'Figvres' have been reissued for the first time by Amplifier. The Auckland born singer who formed part of the English New wave scene and who was under a strong influence of David Bowie released these albums in the early 80's. 

His debut album 'Ashes and Diamonds' was produced by Tony Visconti, famous for his work with David Bowie. They met and re-recorded three songs with Zaine Griff's band. The album was issued in 1980 and featured the singles "Ashes and Diamonds" and "Run". Zaine's second album 'Figvres' was released two years later, in 1982 by Polydor. It was produced by Hans Zimmer and featured a great line-up of artist who collaborated on it including Warren Can, Yukihiro Takahashi and Kate Bush. The album featured the singles "Figvres" and "Flowers" the wonderful duet with Kate Bush. 

Zaine has released his third album 'Child Who Wants The Moon' in 2011 and currently, he is working on his fourth album which is expected to be released in winter 2012. 

http://www.zainegriff.co.uk/home.html 

Retrovision: Duran Duran- Save a Prayer

Duran Duran released their sixth single "Save A Prayer" thirty years ago. The song was the third single from the band's second album 'Rio'. It became Duran Duran's biggest hit to date Singles Chart reaching #2. The video was filmed by director Russell Mulcahy among the jungles, beaches, and temples of Sri Lanka in April 1982. Scenes were filmed atop the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, among the ruins of a Buddhist temple at Polonnaruwa and the island's southern coastline. 

Instant Hit: Hysterica Passio- Grey Over Life

Hysterica Passio, a NY downtown 4 piece group, released their only single "Grey Over Life" in 1982 for the Fire in Heart records. The band only lasted about 3 years but they managed to gain a good following playing at all the local venues such as Danceteria, The Pyramid Lounge, The Mudd Club & Maxwells. 

Retrovision: Kissing The Pink- Watching Their Eyes

Kissing The Pink released their third single "Watching Their Eyes" thirty years ago. This haunting synth pop classic was produced by Colin Thurston and it was issued in various formats in Italy, Germany and in the UK. Recently, we stumbled upon the original video on Youtube which is thrilling and somehow went unnoticed at the time of the original release. Take a look. 

 

Reissue: Drinking Electricity- Overload + Singles

Drinking Electricity's debut and only album 'Overload' has been reissued by Medical Records this August. The album was originally released by Survival Records which was founded by the band's members Anne-Marie Heighway and David Rome in 1981. This double LP collection showcases Drinking Electricity's full LP 'Overload' while the second LP contains the singles released during the 1980-1982 period. The LP is presented in a double gatefold jacket with custom Drinking Electricity inspired artwork. Inner gatefold jacket features a variety of pictures of the band during this period. The release also features a bonus 2-sided insert with liner notes and interview of the band by Dave Segal. 

For more info click here

Instant Hit: Felt- My Face Is on Fire

"My Face is on Fire" was the third single for British group Felt which was issued by Cherry Red in 1982. The single was issued as a double A-side and also featured "Trails Of Colour Dissolve". The songs were written and by the lead singer Lawrence whose surname was never listed in any credits or press. 

Best of 1982 - The Album List

The rise of synthesizers continued to shape the landscape of pop music, gaining dominance and emerging as a potential formula for future success. The Human League maintained their chart-topping presence and received the BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act, solidifying their status as pioneers of the synth-pop movement. Inspired by their success, other bands such as Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and Soft Cell adopted synthesizers as primary instruments, contributing to the launch of the Second British Invasion in the United States.

This musical invasion introduced new styles, rhythms, and stars to American audiences, with acts like Duran Duran, The Human League, Eurythmics, Billy Idol, and more making a significant impact. However, the era also saw the dissolution of some iconic bands from the late '70s and early '80s, including Blondie, Adam and The Ants, ABBA, and Japan, marking the end of their influential musical journeys.

Next Wave: Terror Bird

Terror Bird is a project by the Canadian artist Nikki Never which took shape probably in 2009 when she released her debut album Sociopaths Are Glam for 'Night People'. Since then, she has released another three albums for several different record labels including her latest album Secret Rituals which was issued by the German record label Adagio830. The music of Terror Bird was influenced by the Smiths, David Bowie, Kate Bush and many others and it is haunted and ethereal bedroom pop driven by wonderful piano and synth arrangements and guided by Nikki's powerful and affecting voice. Nikki is currently touring Europe with Bianka Karre.

http://terrorbirdzeband.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Terror-Bird

     

  

Instant Hit: Patrick Cowley feat Paul Parker- Right on Target

San Francisco based hi-NRG singer and performer Paul Parker released his second single "Right on Target" in 1982. This song was produced by Patrick Cowley and it remained his biggest hit to date. The single was issued as both 7" and 12" single and it was backed by "Pushin' Too Hard" which was written by Sky Saxon. "Right on Target" was released through several different record labels including Megatron Records and Polydor.   

 

Retrovision: Soft Cell- Torch

Thirty years ago Soft Cell reached number 2 in the UK charts with "Torch". The song was written by Marc and David and featured guest vocals by Cindy Ecstasy whom Marc and David met during their time in New York. She appeared in the video for "Torch" and they performed the song together on 'Top of the Pops'. 

Retrovision: Kim Wilde- View From The Bridge (Rare Video)

Thirty years ago Kim Wilde had a hit with "View Form The Bridge". It was the second single to be released from her second album 'Select'. The song was produced by Ricky Wilde and told a story of a girl committing suicide by jumping off a bridge. "View From The Bridge" reached the top ten in Australia and in several European countries including Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and Germany. 

Instant Hit: The Names- Calcutta

The Names released their last single "Calcutta" in 1982 on Factory Benelux. The song was written by M.Smordynia and produced by M.Hannett. The single was issued as both 7" and 12" with "Postcards" as a b-side. This song and other single releases were included on a remastered edition of the album 'Swimming' from 1982 which was reissued in 2000 by LTM Publishing. 

Retrovision: ABC- Poison Arrow

ABC released one of their biggest hits "Poison Arrow" thirty years ago. The song reached #6 in the UK charts and it was also included on their debut album The Lexicon of Love which was issued during the same year. The video features the lead singer Martin Fry in three roles, as a haughty upper-class opera patron, as a messenger boy at the opera, and as a bandleader at a 1960s-style swinging nightspot, in all three roles, unsuccessfully attempting to woo the leading lady, played by Lisa Vanderpump.

  

Instant Hit: Spectral Display- There's A Virus Going Round

"There's a Virus Going Round" was a first release for a Dutch group Spectral Display in 1982. This smooth synth pop gem which featured Arianne Kraak on vocals was released as 7" and 12" with "Hang Ups" as a B-side. Both songs were also included on their self titled debut album released in the same year. Their biggest hit "It Takes a Muscle to Fall in Love" was covered by M.I.A. on her last album. 

Retrovision: Depeche Mode- See You

"See You" was released on this date 30 years ago. It was the fourth single release for Depeche Mode which reached #6 in the UK Charts. The song was included on the band's second album 'A Broken Frame'. Martin Gore debuted here as a songwriter and Alan Wildler appeared for the first time in a DM video. The video was directed by Julien Temple. The band did not like, and it did not show up on the 1985 video compilation 'Some Great Videos', which included the band's videos up to 1985 except the 'A Broken Frame' singles and "Get the Balance Right".

Instant Hit: League of Nations- Fade

League of Nations was a Los Angeles based synth pop duo consisting of David Sinfield and Laurie Jean. They released one single and EP between 1982 and 1984. "Fade" was the title track of the only single release from 1982. Two years later, it was also included in the compilation Music For The New Depression with five other songs. 

Retrovision: Bow Wow Wow- Go Wild In The Country

Bow Wow Wow released one of their biggest hits "Go Wild in The Country" thirty years ago. The band really went wild in the country and the song reached #7 in the UK charts. It was their first top ten hit in the UK. The song was taken from the album 'See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang, Yeah. City All Over! Go Ape Crazy' which was produced by Malcolm McLaren and released in 1981. Enjoy their TOTP performance!

 

Instant Hit: Philip Jap- Total Erasure

Philip Jap enjoyed some brief success with his only album which was released in 1983 thanks to the singles "Save Us" and "Total Erasure" which reached the UK charts in 1982."Total Erasure", his third single, was released in 1982 through A&M Records. The song was available as 7" and 12" inch and featured "Brave Lights" as B-side. Both songs were produced by Tony Mansfield. 

Instant Hit: 'Lectric Workers- Robot is Systematic

'Lectric Workers were an Italian dance act consisting of Franco Rago, Gigi Farina, X. Monneret. They made their debut with "Robot is Systematic" in 1982. It was their only hit which was released in several different remix versions in 2001. It remained a dance floor classic in the clubs throughout Europe.

Welcome to 1982!

Welcome to 1982! The Gold Dream continues!