Retrovision: Secession - The Magician

Secession's release of "The Magician" in 1987 stands as one of the few singles from their active period between 1983 and 1987. Today, it's regarded as a gem of rare 80s material, a testament to the band's contribution to the era's underground landscape. 

Retrovision: Blue Peter - Don't Walk Past

Blue Peter's video for the song "Don't Walk Past" has been remastered in 2021, and the new version is now available on YouTube. Originally released in 1983, the song was part of their second album, Falling. Interestingly, this video marked the first appearance of a Canadian indie label video on MTV in the U.S.

Kim Wilde's Classic Era Hits to be Reissued as Part of Special Disco Mixes (Record Store Day)

 The Record Store Day has announced releases for this year as part of their celebration on April 20. One standout release is Kim Wilde's Special Disco Mixes compilation, featuring her early 80's hits from the RAK catalogue specially extended and reinvented in the spirit of the 80s.

This double LP channels vibes of electro, disco, synthwave, and Hi-NRG, packaged in era-authentic gatefold artwork with stunning photography. The compilation features an impressive roster of UK hit singles including "Kids in America," "Chequered Love," "Cambodia," "Dancing in the Dark," and others. See the full track list of the mixes below.

https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/17847

Retrovision: Boys Brigade - Melody

 "Melody" was one of the two single releases for the Canadian New Wave band Boys Brigade. It was released in 1983 and it was also featured on the band's debut and only album which was never reissued.

7_Songs: Bow Wow Wow

Bow Wow Wow, an English New Wave band, was formed in 1980 by Malcolm McLaren, who recruited members from Adam and the Ants to support 13-year-old Annabella Lwin as the lead vocalist. The original lineup featured Leigh Gorman on bass, Matthew Ashman on guitar, and Dave Barbarossa on drums. Their debut single "C’30, C’60, C’90 Go" and the EP 'Your Cassette Pet' were released in 1980, but the band achieved international success with "I Want Candy" in 1982.

Despite their early successes, Bow Wow Wow faced internal tensions, leading to the departure of Annabella Lwin in 1983. This decision was abrupt, and Lwin discovered her dismissal through an article in NME. The band had planned a world tour after the release of their last single, "Do You Wanna Hold Me?"

The band reformed in 1997 for a 'Barking Mad' Tour. Their songs "Aphrodisiac", "I Want Candy" and "Fools Rush In" were included on the soundtrack of the 2006 Sofia Coppola film Marie Antoinette.

In December 2012, Gorman began performing under the name "Bow Wow Wow" without original lead singer Lwin's consent, hiring a new singer, whereas Annabella performs billed as "Annabella Lwin of the original Bow Wow Wow". On 25 May 2018, Cherry Red Records released the three-disc set Your Box Set Pet (The Complete Recordings 1980–1984)

C’30, C’60, C’90 Go

Bow Wow Wow released their debut single “C’30, C’60, C’90 Go" in 1980, and in fact, it was the first single ever to be released on a cassette, paying a little tribute to the format itself at the same time. It was dealing with piracy and home taping. The latter was popular in the 80's and that everyone sure did at a certain age and time.

Chihuahua

As you may remember when the lead singer Annabella Lwin started with Bow Wow Wow she was 13 years old and their marvelous song "Chihuahua" could have been a bit biographical and telling her story in music. It was also the first single to be taken from their debut album See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang Yeah, City All Over! Go Ape Crazy!.

Baby, Oh No

In 1982 Bow Wow Wow released “Baby, Oh No” in Australia and the USA. This song was not under such strong influence of the Burundi beat and tribal rhythms which was the band’s trademark, but more sort of could have been a New Wave classic in a Blondie manner.

Go Wild in The Country

In 1982, the band also released their most successful hits to date. One of them was “Go Wild in The Country” which was written by Malcolm McLaren in collaboration with the band. The single sleeve was the same as for their debut album and caused controversy as Lwin was posing nude on it and she was just 14 years old at the time. The single was a success in the UK and went silver.

I Want Candy

“I Want Candy” followed during the same year and Bow Wow Wow gave new life to a song that was originally performed by the Strangeloves and released in 1965. Although this song did not have a huge impact on the charts outside the UK, it remains as one of the true New Wave classics. To this date, this is the band’s biggest success where the cover version certainly has outlived the original.

Mario
In 1983, Bow Wow Wow released their second album When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going which in a way also changed the band's musical direction more into surf rock but still remaining New Wave. "Mario" one of the songs from the album had great bass, cool guitars but remained as one of BWW obscurities in every sense and it was only released in the Netherlands.

Do You Want to Hold Me?
In 1983 Bow Wow Wow released two more singles before disbanding. Their last single was "Do You Want To Hold Me" proved to be a mad catchy farewell that could have been a bigger hit, but New Wave itself was already in the fade out. Besides "I Want Candy", this one certainly remains as band's biggest hit to date.

Below is the YouTube playlist with the above mentioned singles, plus the complete discography of single releases, in chronological order, as documented by their music videos and live performances.

Instant Hit: Pink Military- Did You See Her?

"Did You See Her" was the second single for Pink Military, released 38 years ago in 1980. The songs was also included on their debut album Do Animals Believe in God. There were two different version of the songs, the Album and Single version. Although this songs has huge potential, being in the same league with the some of the biggest hits from Siouxie and The Banshees and Echo & The Bunnymen at that time, it only remained a hidden gem. The group split soon after and Jayne Casey went on to form Pink Industry.

WAW: Blondie - Doom or Destiny

Blondie have recently revealed a video for the songs "Doom or Destiny" from their brilliant come back album which was released this year. It features Debbie Harry and Joan Jett in an apocalyptic news broadcast. The video was directed by Rob Roth. 

Retrovision: Jyl- Mechanic Ballerina

Even today in the era of reissues and remasters this act remains quite enigmatic. The project was fronted by by American female vocalist Jyl Porch while the production matters remained in the hands of Ingo Werner. The video is produced by Joachim Ballon and features footage of Jyl from 1985. The song was featured on Jyl's only album released in 1984.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFV15M8Agiw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFV15M8Agiw

ABC Announce the Release of 'Lexicon of Love 2'

ABC have a announced the release of possible sequel of their most successful and best selling album 'The Lexicon of Love'. The album was originally released in 1982 and featured the hits "Poison Arrow" and "The Look of Love". It is announced to be an 80's album with the modern twist to it. The band have also announced the release of the first single "Viva Love" which will have a promotional video to it. The album is set for release on May 2nd through Universal Records.

Retrovision: Cristina- Ticket to the Tropics

"Ticket to the Tropics" was the last single release for Cristina Monet-Palaci who recorded under the name Cristina. She released two albums and several singles in the first half of the decade. Her music was related to disco, funk and no wave and she certainly is one of the most underrated New wave stars. "Ticket to the Tropics" was released in 1984 and the video for the song is considered extremely rare. Thanks dear youtuber who shared this.

Retrovision: Humpe & Humpe- Ya-Ma-Ha

The duo Humpe & Humpe already had a prominent music history in Germany before forming Humpe & Humpe in 1985. Humpe & Humpe were Annette and Inga Humpe who wrote and produced most of the songs released on two albums in two years time. This is a thirty years anniversary of their second single "Ya-ma-ha" which was a an imitation of Japanese song with some Asian-style and Lyrics composed of a variety of Japanese brand names.

Mad World- A Brand New Oral History of New Wave Out Now

A little bit of something to get back on our 80's track. A brand new New Wave book is out. It is entitled Mad World and it is a highly entertaining oral history that celebrates the New Wave music phenomenon of the 1980s via new interviews with 35 of the most notable artists of the period. Each chapter begins with a discussion of their most popular song but leads to stories of their history and place in the scene, ultimately painting a vivid picture of this colorful, idiosyncratic time. Mixtape suggestions, fashion sidebars, and quotes from famous contemporary admirers help fill out the fun. Participants include members of Duran Duran, New Order, The Smiths, Tears for Fears, Adam Ant, Echo and the Bunnymen, Devo, ABC, Spandau Ballet, A Flock of Seagulls, Thompson Twins, and INXS. Authors are Lori Majewski and Jonathan Bernstein with an foreword by Nick Rhodes and afterword by Moby.

 madworldbook.com

Next Wave: People At Parties

People at Parties is a self produced bi-costal trio based out of brooklyn ny and San Fransisco California and is made up of LK Naps (Vocals) Kelly Harris (drums) and Becky Kupersmith (synths). They have been creating their brand of 80's synth-low-fi for over 2 years now. They first made waves in the underground dance scene with melodic synth-pop Flexi-Disc EP on Project Infinity Records featuring sing-along-drum heavy anthem ”Say” that resonated with new listeners who appreciated the cross-genre influences the band evokes.

 The bands first official full length self titled release came out November 22nd 2013 in digital form with official vinyl to be pressed in February 2014. The LP was a self release, offered to fans on a sliding scale donation basis. The record was preceded by a remix by producer/performer André Obin. The bands decision to put the album on a sliding scale basis is part of their goal to promote creativity get closer to fans and create a community of people that will gain access to more than just the music, but items the band finds inspiring.

You can buy the album now on gumroad or through the website http://peopleatparties.net/ on a sliding scale basis The band's website and facebook has new music, news, and press photos.you can find the website at:

http://peopleatparties.net
https://www.facebook.com/peopleatparties

WAW: Wampire- The Hearse

The American indie group Wampire have released their debut album 'Curiosity' last year. The lead single from the album entitled "The Hearse" made us more curious to find out more about the band because of the retro styled 80's video which was directed by Raphaël Pfeiffer. Some say video of the year 2013, some recall Sweet Dreams and we think a great compilation of various 80's vids influences that really lights the New wave flame.

More great videos past, present, future in our Music box.

http://www.burningflame.info/2006/01/burning-flame-tv.html

Dead Wax Records to Release Kinetic Ideals' This Face EP

Deadwax Records have announced the release of Kinetic Ideals "This Face" 12" EP. Recorded after almost 30 years, the EP will feature the three session tracks, plus an additional song recorded at Toronto's Manta Sound studios later in the winter of 1985. They have been digitized from the original master tapes by Peter J. Moore of Cowboy Junkies' The Trinity Session fame, carefully remastered by Nicolás Zúñiga of Dead Wax Records and sound just great with all their original analogue glory. Patrick Duffy plays the drums here but has also designed the whole artwork for the release, which is presented in gorgeous clear vinyl, housed in a heavy matt finish sleeve with printed inner sleeve. A short run of 420 copies for worldwide distribution.

http://www.deadwaxrecords.es/releases_kineticideals_this_face.php

Bananarama Box Set to be Released in September

Edsel Records will reissue eighties girl group Bananarama‘s first six albums on 30 September 2013. There are still no official announcements from Edsel, but according to Amazon UK, the box set will be released on September 30, 2013. The series of deluxe editions starts with their debut – 1983′s 'Deep Sea Skiving' – and works through to the post Siobhan Fahey era, with 1991′s 'Pop Life' (featuring Jacquie O’Sullivan) and 'Please Yourself' from 1993 when Bananarama became a duo (Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward).   

 http://www.superdeluxeedition.com

Naked Eyes' Fuel For The Fire Reissue Announced for Late August

A much requested reissue of synth-pop pioneers Naked Eyes' 2nd album 'Fuel For The Fire' plus bonus tracks. This comes after our well received reissue of the band's debut album 'Burning Bridges' that was released late 2012. 'Fuel For The Fire' was released in 1984 and featured 1 single "(What) In The Name Of Love" that reached the top 40 in both the U.S. Hot 100 and U.S. Dance charts. This special edition contains ten tracks from the original album plus seven essential bonus tracks which appear on CD for the first time in the UK. 

Available 26/08/2013

More Info

Retrovision: Altered Images- Bring Me Closer

Thirty years ago, Altered Images released "Bring Me Closer". It was one of the several singles which were taken from their third album 'Bite' which was released during the same year. The first single "Don't Talk to Me About Love", reached UK #7, becoming one of the group's biggest hits, "Bring Me Closer" made it only to #29. Soon after the final single and the group completed a UK tour, they disbanded.

In Conversation: INHALT

 The gentlemen of the San Francisco based trio, INHALT, are currently locked away and hard at work on their upcoming EP titled "Occupations". This being the follow up to their "Vehicle" EP. A fine and entrancing four song vinyl collection of pulsing, vibrant, rhythmic, and sometimes a bit abstract electronic craftsmanship. I remember being absolutely smitten after just one listen to each of the one minute samples. I desperately needed to hear them in their full glory and finally got the opportunity  upon the official release. In fact, it was one that made it into our Top 20 EP's of 2012 list; rightfully so and well deserved.

Matia Simovich, Bryan Gibbs, and Philip Winiger incorporate the best bits and pieces of their early and current musical influences into their own songwriting. That said, they ultimately put their own personal spin on things. There is no blatant rehash to be heard here and that's something that's difficult to come by these days. The aforementioned three took some time out, from their recording, to answer a few questions i had. Here is what they had to say.

Next Wave: Be Quiet

Be Quiet is a five piece group from Bordeaux in France. The group consist of Benjamin Grenier (Vocals/Guitar), Lou Whitechapel (Guitar) Pierre Graber (Bass), Quentin Whitechapel (Drums) and Matei Convard (Keyboards). The group was formed in 2009 and their music is 80's orientated with influences of My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and Joy Division and Interpol. Their music is both noisy and melodic coupling screeching guitars and rhythmic minimalist riffs. Their debut EP 'Primal' was released in April and you can preview the tracks via band's Bandcamp page. With the average age of 18 years, seems that future looks promising for the Bordeaux youngsters.

https://www.facebook.com/wearebequiet