Phosphor's Youth and Immorality out on Desire Records

Desire Records have released the 'Youth and Immorality', the debut album by the London based group Phosphor. The trio which was formed in 2011, was influenced by the likes of Depeche Mode, Sixth June, Fever Ray, HTRK, Linear Movement, Slowdive and Cocteau Twins. The album was inspired by the confusion and desolation of living in the city, constant battles with the troubled mind and an obsession with beautifully dark sounding music. Creating a bitter, melancholy atmosphere whilst morphing menacing synths into something of great pop beauty. 

The album is available as the first pressing - limited edition of 300 copies - white vinyl.

phosphor-youth-immortality-dsr071

 

Retrovision: Missing Persons - Words

Epitomizing the early 80's L.A. New Wave scene, Missing Persons released their debut EP, "I Like Boys" in 1980. Fronted by vocalist Dale Bozzio and rounded out by Terry Bozzio and Warren Cuccurullo, the line up would later expand with the addition of Patrick O'Hearn and Chuck Wild. The first single and MTV staple, "Words", peaked at #42 on the US Hot 100 Singles Charts and went to #9 in Australia. The band would go on to release three studio albums and a string of singles while gaining a loyal following all along the way. They ended their run in 1986 as the members moved on to other projects. Most notably, Cuccurullo would land in the midst of Duran Duran as the replacement for the departed Andy Taylor.

We've Got A Fuzzbox And We're Gonna Use It to Reissue Bostin' Steve Austin

The mighty We've Got A Fuzzbox And We're Gonna Use It!! makes its Compact Disc debut on Cherry Red Records. The all-female quartet also known simply as Fuzzbox first made their mark on the nation when their debut single "XX Sex/Rules and Regulations" stormed the UK indie charts reaching #1. 

This 2CD/AA Sided "Splendiferous Edition" of the bands seminal classic "Bostin' Steve Austin" is set for release on January 28th. "Side A" features the original 12 track studio album, digitally remastered from its original analogue master tapes, whilst"Side AA" offers a comprehensive insight into the formative Fuzzbox years compiling 22 of the bands most rare and sought after recordings. The deluxe CD booklet features sleeve notes from the bands drummer Tina, complete with original and expanded artwork, featuring: single sleeve art, lyrics and rare promotional materials. 

 http://www.cherryred.co.uk
 

Label Spot: Other Voices Records

Other Voices Records is a Russia based independent record label dedicated to releasing works by ambitious and creative artists from the past, present and future. The label concentrates on genres that originated in the 80's like new wave, minimal synth, electropop, post punk, cold wave, darkwave and shoegazer, but it isn't deaf to other music styles like indie rock, krautrock, goth rock, post rock, indie pop,electronica, trip-hop, ambient etc. 

The label was founded in 2007, out of the ashes of Russian pioneering post-industrial/ambient label Tantric Harmonies and till 2009, it existed as Intuition Records after which it changed the name to the Cure inspired Other Voices Records. From 2007 to date the label has issued and reissued albums and released compilations by artist such as Eleven Pond, Tobias Bernstrup, Parade Ground, Lust for Youth and many more. 

 Their most recent release is a compilation called 'Distant Noises' which collects fourteen artists from nine countries and two centuries. Upcoming and something we really look forward to is Soft Riot's debut LP 'Fiction Prediction' which is available on pre-order. More news on that soon.

More about the releases and updates:
http://www.othervoicesrecords.com/index.html

Flash and The Pan- 12-Inch Singles

Repertoire Records have announced the release of Flash & the Pan's 12-inch singles compilation. This compilation combines 18 dance mixes of 11 tracks that appeared in their original form on Flash & The Pan’s six albums. Highlights are ‘Waiting For A Train’ which reached Number 7 UK in the summer of 1983, and ‘Walking In The Rain’ – a club classic since being covered by Grace Jones. This compilation will be officially released on December 3rd and it is available on Amazon. 

http://www.repertoirerecords.com/?p=6277 

Spoons- 'Arias and Symphonies'- 30th Anniversary Edition

Arias and Symphonies, the second album by the Canadian new wave/synth pop pioneers Spoons has been reissued for the first time. 'Arias and Symphonies' was originally released in 1982 and it was one of the ground breaking records for the Canadian music industry. To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, Sparks Music/Ready Records have created a special edition of the album - available now for sale on iTunes. This special iTunes exclusive version features a complete one hour live concert which was recorded at the El Mocambo in Toronto back in 1982. 

http://www.sparksmusic.com/spoons 

WAW: Actors- Nightlife

Actors is a five piece New Wave band from Vancouver. The group was formed around the core of the singer Jason Corbett earlier this year and they have released several singles including "Post Traumatic Love"/"​Nightlife" that was released in October. We thought that "Nightlife" would be perfect way to start with the music of Actors. You will love this tune, especially if you are a Gary Numan and Roxy Music fan. The video for the song was directed by Richard Pyra and the single is available as a free download via http://actors.bandcamp.com. We hope to have more on Actors soon.

Next Wave: Cargo

Despite its countless evils, I just can't tear myself away from the internet. Time and time again it has proven to be a very resourceful tool in my never ending quest for new music. Without it I would miss out on so much. Though I'm not a fan of the majority i stumble upon, I do find a handful of bands who really do hit my musical sweet spot. Recently, this was the case with Cargo. They're based in Bordeaux, France and comprised of Marc and Fabien (ex Chateau Marmont) and turn out some very melodic, new wave tinted tunes by way of electronics. Yes, you could say that there are many doing just that but i would tell you not everyone does it right. These men have a real knack for their craft and deserve some attention. From what I know they've been together for close to a year, perform live in support of the music, and will be releasing a track called "Dual" on a limited edition compilation by the Function Operate label. They are in the process of making an EP and I'm very much looking forward to it. In the meantime, I'll get my fix with the tracks posted on their SoundCloud page. Give them a listen and see what you think.

Sounds and info available @ Cargo @ SoundCloud  and Cargo official @ Facebook

Author: Ty Voltaire

Wall of Voodoo Reissues

Raven is back with another set of album reissues by the Los Angles based New Wave stars Wall of Voodoo. Already in 2009, the label reissued the first two albums by Wall of Voodoo, Dark Continent and Call of the West on one CD. The new reissue set features three albums which completes Wall of Voodoo's body of work which was released during the 80's decade. This includes Seven Days in Sammystown (I.R.S., 1985), Happy Planet (I.R.S. 1987) and The Ugly Americans in Australia (I.R.S., 1988). 

Third album Seven Days in Sammystown yielded the hit single "Far Side of Crazy" while the fourth 'Happy Planet' boasted a demented re-working of the old Beach Boys fave "Do It Again". The band was particularly popular in Australia which is where the rambunctious live album 'The Ugly Americans in Australia' was recorded while they were on tour. Also available on Raven Stan Ridgway solo 'Mosquitos'... 

 More info:
http://ravenrecordscomau.melbourneitwebsites.com

In Conversation: Detachments

Detachments is the creation of London-based musician and songwriter, Bastien Marshal. Along with drummer, Peter Dawson, and a cast of musicians and producers, Marshal has been the driving force behind the band since the mid-2000's. The sound is an intoxicating blend of 80's post-punk, synthpop, new wave, and even hints of darkwave in some places. Not to be clumped in with the wave of bands recreating these sounds as of late, Marshal and company do it very well and with an ultramodern feel in tow. The listener is mentally, physically, and rhythmically drowned in mood, atmosphere, and all that tugs at the heartstrings. Following a string of singles, the band released their self-tilted debut LP in September of 2010. 
Largely produced and performed by Marshal, Dawson, and producer James Ford ( Simian Mobile Disco), it offered more synth driven reworkings of previous singles as well as new and unheard tracks. Since that release, Marshal and Dawson have been touring, intermittently, to further promote the album and band while gaining many a new fan along the way. On September 3, 2012 the digital release of the "Fade EP" saw the light of day on UK-based Hacienda Records. The label has mainly been a vehicle for the output of Peter Hook (New Order / Joy Division) and are now taking on the task of releasing the work of new and established artists. With a follow up LP in the works, where will we see the band go from here? Who better to ask than Marshal himself? He kindly agreed to answer a batch of questions that i happily whipped up for him.

Instant Hit: Vogue- Sahara

Vogue was a Los Angeles based group consisting of Aret Michel Madilian, Julie Kubat and Teresa Kubat. They released their only single, a wonderfully synth driven and very atmospheric "Sahara" in 1983. The song was issued as 12" for Aret Records and featured "Shattered Peace" on a B-side. The song appeared on A.A.V.V. Your Silent Face compilation which was released in 2010.  

 

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 

Instant Hit: Fatal Charm- Paris (1981)

"Paris" was the first single for Fatal Charm which was released in 1979. The song was written by the lead singer Paul Arnall who also sang the original version. In 1980, Sarah Simmonds joined the band and a year later "Paris" was re-released. Sarah's voice and Midge Ure production skills gave the record a whole new feel. The record featured "Christine" on a B-side and it was released by Ariola. 

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

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

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

Instant Hit- Vivabeat- Man From China

"Man from China" was a first single for Vivabeat released in 1980. Thanks to Peter Gabriel this record saw the light of the day as he passed Vivabeat's demo tape along to his record label. It is reported that the staff was singing and whistling along to this track. They later signed a five record deal with Charisma Records.

Instant Hit: Cowboys International- Aftermath

"Aftermath" was among the first single releases for the British group Cowboys International. The song was released in 1979 with "Future Noise" as a B-side. Both songs appeared on their debut album The Original Sin released in the same year. The album was reissued in 2003 with a title Revisited. It included songs from The Original Sin as well as other single releases form 1979 and 1980.

Instant Hit: Romeo Void- "Girl in Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing)"

"Girl in Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing)" was a minor hit for the American group Romeo Void in 1984. Earlier, in 1982 they had their biggest hit with the song "Never Say Never". Both singles were recorded for Columbia Records. "Girl in Trouble" appeared on the album Instincts which was released in 1984. The song was written by D. Iyall and P. Woods and it was produced by David Kahne.

Instant Hit: Split Enz- I Hope I Never

"I Hope I Never" is a notable song by Split Enz, featured on their album True Colours, released in 1979. Despite being from the late 1970s, it carries the essence of 80s music. Interestingly, the song has been covered several times, and some listeners have noted a resemblance to "If I Know You" by the Presets, a more recent release. Additionally, the single release of "I Hope I Never" featured two different B-side tracks and artworks for the Australian and international markets.