Paul Haig

Paul Haig is a multifaceted Scottish artist recognized as the frontman of the early 80s Post-punk group Josef K. Following the band's dissolution, Haig transitioned into a solo career, where he established himself as a composer, producer, and singer. Throughout the 80s, he released numerous albums and singles, all while nurturing his enduring Rhythm of Life organization, which continues to thrive today.

Haig's early career starts are connected to Edinburgh's independent record label Rational which released his early work. This included his first singles, as well as the experimental album Drama. The album was released in 700 copies as limited edition cassette only set of home recorded electronica featuring Franz Kafka texts set to music.

In the early 1982, Haig teamed up up with the Belgian independent record label Les Disques du Crepuscule and relocated to Brussels for an intensive recording schedule. This resulted in two new singles, showcasing a departure from the sound associated with his previous work with Josef K. 

Later this year Haig signed the deal with Island Records for a new album, the first recorded in a studio, in New York. His first Island single was a newly arranged "Heaven Sent" announcing the new album Rhythm of Life and a short tour promotion. The album sold respectably, but the Josef K. fans could not follow here anymore. Simple bad luck seems to have prevented all three singles providing solid hits which might have allowed Haig to cross over to a new, wider audience. Inexplicably 'Island' failed even to release the album or the singles in the US, the very market to which they had been tailored. While Haig stayed in the USA Les Disques du Crepuscule went on releasing his music around Europe. 

In 1984 Haig teamed up with Alan Rankine in London to produce a new album. The first and only single from the album was the song "The Only Truth" co-produced with Bernard Sumner and Donald Johnson. It failed to chart which led to disconnection between Island Records' and Les Disques du Crepuscule, resulting in a shelved  album. Rather than release the cancelled set on Crepuscule, it was decided to combine half the album with new songs recorded throughout 1985. Haig launched his fightback later in the year with a powerful single, "Heaven Help You Now", and the excellent album The Warp Of Pure Fun. 

Unhappy with Crepuscule, Haig left seeking a new record deal. During 1986 he mostly spent time writing new songs and recording with Billy Mackenzie, the other Associate. In the early 1988, Haig financed recording of a new new album Chains himself on the Virgin offshoot Circa. The album featured the song "Something Good" one of the highlights of Haig 80's era songs. Both the album and the song broke commercially and no tour followed.

In the early 90's, Circa financed the recording of another album that was dance orientated with Curtis Mantronik and Lil Louis as producers. During the 90's he also released Cinematique, an instrumental set of imaginary film themes as well as Memory Place, an album compiled by the songs Billy Mackenzie and Paul Haig recorded. In 2001 Haig released another two volumes of Cinematique on his ROL Imprint.

In 2007 Haig released his first album and single in 14 years. The album Electonik Audience was influenced by Kraftwerk and Cabaret Voltaire. Another album followed in 2008, Go Out Tonight. It marked Paul returning to his roots and tracks such as "Trouble Maker" which are very reminiscent of early solo recordings such as "Chance". Haig also embarked on his first tour since 1989 when he promoted both old and new tracks. 2009 saw the release of the critically-acclaimed album, Relive, during December. The album marked a return to form with some songs such as "Ambition" and "Trip Out The Rider" evoking the energy displayed on earlier albums.

Going through the ups and downs of his career which last for almost 30 years. Haig has never released a record with his own face on the front cover. For me personally, remaining as one of the most underrated artists of all time.

The main source: 

wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Haig
http://www.rolinc.co.uk/

Landscape

Landscape was a British group which remained best known for their hits "Einstein A Go Go" and "European Man". The group was led by Richard Burgess who was previously a member of soft rock group Easy Street. In the mid 70's, he left the group to form Landscape. He also remained as one of the best record producers of the 80's era.

In 1976 Burgess left Easy Street to form a group that would eventually play some fusion of slick synth-op music mixed with funk and jazz. Landscape was formed and already in the 70's they released few singles and toured. The group compromised of Andy Pask on bass, Chris Eaton on keyboards, John Walters on keyboards and woodwinds, Pete Thomas on trombone and keyboards and the master himself Richard Burgess on drums and vocals. Not like other popular New wave groups they employed both electronic and traditional instruments. The band released their self titled debut album 'Landscape' in 1979. The album was produced by Greg Walsh with a big jazz/funk influence. It sold rather poorly and so Landscape decided to accent the synthesizers more in their music.

 

In 1981 they produced their second album in a collaboration with Colin Thurston. The album was titled 'From the Tea-rooms of Mars ... to the Hell-holes of Uranus'. They scored their first top ten hit in the UK with the catchy tune "Einstein A Go-Go" and two more songs followed, "Norman Bates" and "Shake The West Awake". Landscape released their last album 'Manhattan Boogie-Woogie' in 1982. This album was also produced by Lanscape and this time they were a trio also know under the moniker Landscape III.

Landscape broke up for good in 1984. Burgess started to concentrate more on his producing career. While he was still a member of Landscape, he produced Shock and the first two albums by Spandau Ballet and many other popular artists of that time including Adam Ant, Kim Wilde and Visage. He also used the pseudonym Caleb Kadesh for his production skills. Burgess is also credited with coining the term New Romantic encompassing the early 80's British music, club and fashion scene and with conceptualizing and designing the first electronic drumset the Simmons SDS-V. The first two albums by Landscape were reissued on CD in 1992.

 

Torch Song

Torch Song was a British synthpop and dance band of the early 80’s. The band consisted of William Orbit, Laurie Mayer and Grant Gilbert. They released two albums and several singles during the 80’s. In the 90’s they teamed up with Rico Conning to record their last one in 1997.

Torch Song as a trio were already writing and recording since 1981. In 1983, they were launched by IRS Records and they released their first single "Prepare to Energize”. Their debut single was a surprise hit which was played in nightclubs and discos. It also appeared in the Tom Hanks movie ‘Bachelor Party’. Their debut album ‘Wish Thing’ was released a year later in 1984. The singles “Don’t Look Now” and “Tattered Dress” followed. There were also rumours that Torch Song would eventually produce next Sting album.

In 1985, William Orbit co-produced Sting’s song "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free", Torch Song released their third single “Ode To Billy Ray” which was followed by their second album ‘Ecstasy’ in 1986. In the same year Orbit continued remixing and producing music for other artists including his first famous remixes on the chart-topping singles by Belinda Circle “In the Sand” & “Mad About You” The Torch songs released two more songs this year including the “White Night” which appeared on the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre III’ soundtrack.
After the release of the compilation album ‘Exhibit A’, Torch Song disbanded in 1987. William Orbit retained contract with I.R.S. records and launched his solo career. He released two albums and few singles and continued remixing and working with Erasure, the Human League, Gary Numan and Jimmy Sommerville.

Torch Song were reformed in 1995 and joined by Rico Conning for the third album release which was entitled "Toward The Unknown Region". Orbit’s career was radically put in the public eye with the production of a long-awaited Madonna album "Ray of Light" in 1997. Today William Orbit still does the remixing as well as producing his own music. The female vocalist Laurie Mayer released her first solo album in 2006 entitled 'Black Lining' which was co-produced by Rico Conning.

Henry Badowski

Henry Badowski is known as the British songwriter and composer as well as a multi-instrumentalist. At the beginning of his career he used to play in many Punk and New wave bands. In the early 80's he released a few singles and recorded one LP, after which he withdrew from music and public life.

Photo courtesy of  https://www.thisismyjam.com/artist/Henry+Badowski

Henry's career started in a punk band, Chelsie, where he was a bassist. He later joined Wreckless Eric's band as a drummer, he sang and played keyboards with short-lived King a punk/psychedelic group. He also played briefly with Alternative TV. Before launching his solo career he a was temporary member of the Damned off-shoot, the Doomed, playing bass guitar.

Badowski's solo career began in the summer of 1979, with the release of "Making Love With My Wife" on Deptford Fun City label.The single drew favourable reviews and within a month he had signed a contract with A&M Records, releasing a further two singles "My Face" and "Henry's In Love", closely followed by the album 'Life Is Grand...', His album displayed strong 60's and 70's influence and Henry himself played the most of the instruments except the violin and the guitar. After his album release and no new follow-up Henry has withdrawn from music and public life. His album has never been remastered.

Propaganda

Propaganda was a German New Wave group from Düsseldorf which was formed in 1982. During 1984 and 1985 they released three singles and one album. Beside Kraftwerk, Aplhaville and Nena they are one of the few German New Wave groups that have gained commercial success outside Germany.

Propaganda was formed in Düsseldorf in the early 80’s by a former Krupps member Ralf Dörper. He decided to go on with new musical ventures and left his group. Ralf’s new project also involved new musical partners, Andreas Thein, a part- time DJ and their mutual friend Suzanne Freytag who was recruited as a vocalist. Propaganda was born and as a trio they began recording music. Their first musical venture was the cover of a song “Disziplin” which was originally performed by Throbbing Gristle which also gave them a TV airing. “Disciplin”, tough was never released as a single because Gristle refused to allow it.
Following the whole “Disziplin” project the band took new members, musician and composer Michael Mertnes and 19 year old vocalist Claudia Brücken. The band moved to UK and it was signed to ZTT records label. The new Propaganda line up was marketed as a twisted hellish version of Abba leaving Mertens in the background as the invisible fifth member. "Dr.Mabuse" was released in 1984 and short time after Thein left the group not satisfied with the record company which delayed the release of the Propaganda material.

1985 saw the release of Propaganda’s most successful single “Duel” which reached no 21 in the UK charts as well as the release of their debut album “A Secret Wish”. After their second appearance on ‘The Tube’ things went quiet for Propaganda, Claudia Brücken left the group in 1986 and the remaining members of the group took ZTT to court to release them from their contract.

In 1988 a new Propaganda line up gathered and began recording new material. Alongside Michael Mertens were the new line-up vocalist Betsi Miller, bassist Derek Forbes and drummer Brian McGee. The result was a new contract with Virgin and a new album release. The album ‘1234’was released in 1990 as well as the single “Heaven Give Me Words” which actually sounded more like Wilson Phillips than the old Propaganda material. It did not get much airplay either.

 

The original line-up of Propaganda met once more in 1998 with a new deal to record a new album which was never released until some songs from the album leaked via file sharing networks. In 2005 Mertens and Freytag resurrected the name Propaganda again while Claudia Brücken teamed up with Paul Humphreys of OMD for the Onetwo musical project.

November Group

November Group was a synth-pop group from Boston which was previously known as Wunderkind. The band was confronted by two women, the husky voiced guitarist Ann Prim and keyboardist Kearney Kirby. The name of the band was taken from a group of German expressionist artists from early 20th century.

Even though dance oriented as many groups of that time, the November Group found their own formula of a new dance which was influenced by early dark dance groups like New Order and A Certain Ratio. It was powerful rhythm section which provided a great militant sound which was for both dancing and marching and it was probably coming from a factory hall. The central figures of the band were the lead singer Ann Prim and Kearny Kirby on synthesizers. Ann Prim’s vocal were modern and slick while her image showed 30’s and 40’s imagery.

Between 1982 and 1985 they released three albums on three different record labels: their s/t debut album in 1982 on Modern Method Records, ‘Persistent Memories’ in 1983 which also featured the song “Put Your Back To It” for which the video was made and "Work That Dream" which was released in 1985 on A&M Records. Their songs also appeared on several compilations and there is also an unofficial release of ‘Working That Dream’ which features songs from all three LPs.

Nancy Nova

Carol Holness, better known by her stage name Nancy Nova, is a singer songwriter from London, UK, largely active from 1978 to 1983. She is the daughter of Bob Holness and sister of Ros Holness of  Toto Coelo. She was a founder member of Toto Coelo, but left before they achieved popularity due to her signing a worldwide contract with EMI.

Nancy started her career at the age of fourteen playing guitar and singing in clubs in North London. She then studied for three years at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.She initially found success as a songwriter for Jesse Green, writing the single "Flip". She was a featured artist on Italian TV Show "Non Stop" for six weeks and her single "Akiri Non Stop" was used as the theme tune. She also wrote songs and sang on albums for other artists including Lena Zavaroni and Cleo Laine.

After working in theatre and television for a while Nancy committed herself full time to her recording career, signing to Ritz Records. She made a name for herself in Europe fronting a TV show for two months in Italy and appearing on Radio and TV promoting her album. Back in the UK she received massive radio play for her single, "The Force", which became a huge disco hit. More hits followed including "Made in Japan" and "No No No" before it became quiet for Nancy. 

In 2004 Nova released a compilation of her 80s songs on CD as 'The Force'. A year later an album of new material in the Jazz style called 'Nancy Sings Jazz'. The latest album "Blowout" is currently only available through iTunes. Now, after a long break from public appearances largely spent on her farm in Devon, Nancy continues to sing and still writes prolifically. She has a huge catalogue of self-penned songs and is recording a new album.

Source:
http://nancynova.com/biography.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Nova

Peter Godwin

Peter Godwin was a German musician who was musically active from the late 70's till the mid 80's. His breaktrough hit was the song "Images of Heaven" released in 1981/82. After his last single release somewhere in 1983 he has written for other musicians and produced music. He produced Ronny's "To Have and Have Not" and Tik & Tok's version of "Summer in the City"

Peter Godwin has previously been a member of a less known group Metro which was active in the seventies. Metro recorded its self-titled debut in 1976 which was originally available in Germany only but they split after their second LP release 'Future Imperfect' in 1980. Later, "Criminal World" was covered by David Bowie on the album 'Let's Dance'. After the split of the Metro, Godwin went solo and had his first hit with "Images of Heaven". The song was produced by Georg Kajanus and it was released twice, in 1981 and a year later again. There were also two videos made for this song. Th first one was an adult interpretation of the lyrics and it was deemed not suitable for television, the second one featured a girl in a cereal box that Peter was looking at coming to life.

In 1998, several songs from the Metro era and his underground hits were released on a best of compilation entitled 'Images of Heaven: The Best of Peter Godwin'. The record was released on Oglio Records. It also included his: "Rendezvous", "Torch Song for The Heroine", "Emotional Disguise" among others.

Šizike (Shizike)

Šizike (Shizike)was a female trio, a band from Begrade, Serbia which was formed in the early 80's. In 1984 they released their only album 'In The Wonderland' from which the single "Don't Stop" was taken. The album was released on PGP RTB and it was produced by Zoran Jeftic. Their sound was combination of early Bananarama and Tom Tom Club, minimal synth with breakbeats, scratching and vocoder inputs.The songs were mostly sung in Serbian

Voice Farm

Voice Farm was a San Francisco electronic music band in the Synthpunk genre formed in 1981. The duo consisted of vocalists/keyboard players Myke Reilly and Charly Brown. They released two independent singles and 3 albums. The group earned national attention in 1990 as the opening act on Depeche Mode's U.S. concert tour.

The history of Voice Farm can be traced back to the chance meeting of Charly Brown, an artist and musician from Portland, Ore and Myke Reilly who served a three month prison sentence in Berlin for experimenting with pirate television there. The circle was complete when former baseball player Ken Weller was added. Their first singles "Double Garage" and “Modern Things” were released in 1981, one year before the release of their debut album ‘The World We Live In’. The album was released on Optional/Systematic label and it was produced by David Kahne. The record featured mostly synthesizer driven sound with some ominous bass tones.

As a duo they released their self titled album ‘Voice Farm’ in 1987 which was radically different than the previous one. They added guitars and backing vocals to their danceable sound and combined dance beats with synthesized effects, found sounds. In 1991, they added Ken Weller to the group and released "Bigger Cooler Weirder" on Morgan Creek Records. They had some dance chart success with the songs "Free Love" & "Seeing Is Believing" but the label didn't take advantage of the momentum and let the band die even after landing a spot opening for Depeche Mode during their "Violator" tour and playing at Madison Square Garden and the Cow Palace. One of the last releases from the band was an independent release in 1995 called "The Love Experiment". Myke and Charly later found success in the music business: they produce music for television commercials.

B- Movie

B-Movie formed in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire during 1978 from the ashes of local punk band The Aborted. The band consisted of Steve Hovington (vocals/bass), Paul Statham (guitar) & Graham Boffey (drums). They quickly changed their name to B-Movie following Steve's discovery in an art book of the Andy Warhol painting of the same name.

After they recorded the first four songs, they used to play the first demo gigs including The Cornhill Vaults in Lincoln where they played several times. In order to develop their sound they recruited the keyboard player Rick Holiday. This brought the whole new dimension to their sound and they moved form three minutes New wave songs to much more grander outfits. B-Movie released their first EP, 'The Take Three EP' on July 1980 which also included the first ever recording “Remembrance Day”. The next chapter in B-Movie history was marked through the meeting with Stevo, the local DJ who would eventually sign B-Movie to his own record label 'Some Bizzare'.There was also a plan for a compilation album which would take the same name.Twelve acts were assembled and they each sent in one track. The B-Movie offering was a newly recorded song called “Moles” which had become a live favorite. It was by far the rockiest track on the album and had very little in common with the other acts except maybe a willingness to experiment. The Some Bizarre Album was scheduled for release in February 1981 and would feature the vinyl debuts of Depeche Mode, The The, Soft Cell & Blancmange. All of these acts went on to considerable success so the album could be viewed as the musical equivalent of the Dead Sea Scrolls!

In 1981 they had their biggest UK commercial success when their single “Remembrance Day” reached 61 in the UK charts narrowly missing out on a crucial Top Of The Pops TV appearance. The single was receiving unanimously good reviews but was being ignored by daytime radio - it seemed that the record company did not have a strategy to get the record into the upper reaches of the chart. The follow up single 'Marilyn Dreams' failed to chart. In 1982 they released "Nowhere Girl" which made the Top 10 in many European countries and reached 68 in the United Kingdom, but there was no follow up and no sign of an album.

Keyboard player Rick Holliday left in 1983 to form Six Sed Red with Soft Cell associate Cindy Ecstasy. The rest of the band re-surfaced in 1984 with the single “A letter From Afar” produced by John "Jellybean" Benitez but this failed to chart. Towards the end of 1985 they finally released an album with Sire Records called 'Forever Running' containing re-recorded versions of the two hits but both it and the single "Switch On Switch Off" were flops despite a tour to promote them.

The band broke up soon after. The members of B-Movie were involved in different solo projects more or less successful and after a long hiatus, in March, 2006 B-Movie performed at the club The Metro in London. The videos of these live performances were already featured in this blog.

John Foxx

John Foxx is the stage name of an English musician Dennis Leigh. Originally he was the lead singer of the first Ultravox lineup, before starting a solo career in 1979. Primarily associated with synthesizer music, he also pursued a parallel career in graphic design and education.

John Foxx began early to experiment with tape recorders and synthesizers. In 1973 he formed a band that would eventually be called Tiger Lily. The band played frequently around London in the mid seventies. After few name changes Tiger Lily was transformed in Ultravox! with an exclamation mark. Ultravox released three albums with Foxx as the lead singer including 'System of Romance', often regarded as the first synth pop album. In the beginning of 1979 Ultravox was dropped by their record label and the band came to parting of the ways during their tour. John announced his plan to go solo.

“The band thing is a phase – like being in a gang. You can’t really be part of a gang all your life; it begins to feel undignified and it stunts your growth, unless you want to be a teenager forever. Some do. Some don’t. The benefits were the Gestalt - where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, a very powerful experience - and working in a closed society with people who have the same aim”.Foxx for barcodezine.com

After signing to Virgin Records Foxx achieved minor chart success with his first solo single “Underpass”.This single was the third track on Foxx' all-synthetic sounding debut album 'Metamatic', released in the same year. The next LP 'Garden' followed in 1981 and this recording saw a departure of the electronic sound we were used to listen to on 'Metamatic'. 'Garden' was bearing a greater resemblance to Foxx' swansong with Ultravox' 'System of Romance'. The Garden's starting point was in fact a song called "Systems of Romance", written by Foxx for the earlier album but not released at the time. His third solo album 'In Mysterious Ways' was released in 1985 and it did not bring any commercial success and neither did it bring any progression in the music of John Foxx. Compared to the career of the new Ultravox, Foxx' career always remained in shadows. After 'In Mysterious Ways', Foxx gave up his public career in pop music. He sold his recording studio and returned to his earlier work as graphic artist, working under his original name.

In the early 90's Foxx made some brief appearances in the music scene by doing some collaborations and writing music for computer games. In 1997 Foxx made a return to the music scene with the simultaneous release of two albums, 'Shifting City' and 'Cathedral Oceans'. 'Shifting City' was a collaboration with Manchester's Louis Gordon, an updated stylistic return to Foxx' Metamatic synth pop sound that also displayed the influence of 1990s underground dance music and the 'triphop' style. 'Cathedral Oceans', on the other hand, was a solo John Foxx record, an ambient return to his Catholic youth and his love of the cathedrals of England and Europe. Its roots included traditional evensong, Gregorian Chant, Brian Eno, Harold Budd, and German band Cluster.

In April 2005 Foxx guested on Finnish DJ Jori Hulkkonen's album 'Dualizm', where he provided vocals for "Dislocated" which Hulkkonen had written especially for him. Two years later, in December 2007, Foxx exhibited some of his photographic works in an exhibition called Cinemascope at the Coningsby Gallery in West London. The works were part of three collections, "Grey Suit Music", "Tiny Colour Movies" and "Cathedral Oceans".

Annabel Lamb

Annabel Lamb is a British singer-songwriter. She has released six albums to date (including a Top of The Pops performance in 1983, with her cover version of The Doors "Riders On The Storm", her only hit on the UK Singles Chart). She has been diverse at times, her earlier albums showing decidedly new wave, synth-pop, experimental rock, jazz and ethnic influences.

In 1983 she released her debut album "Once Bitten" The U.S. version of the album differed from the UK release and as well as different cover artwork, contained the single "Riders On The Storm" which was not present on the original UK issue.

Lamb has also been a session singer and musician for the likes of Toni Basil and Tina Charles.As well as her recording and touring career, Lamb has co-written songs with many other artists, notably the song "Amazed Are We" for Maxi Priest. Amongst her influences, she lists James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jane Siberry, Fairport Convention and Paul Brady.

Comateens

The Comateens were originally a New Wave duo formed in 1978 in New York City by bassist/vocalist Nic North and guitarist Ramona Jan. Soon after, Lyn Byrd joined on vocals and synthesizer, and the duo became a trio. When Jan departed in 1980, North's brother Oliver joined on guitar, completing the final lineup. The band was one of the first in the world to record solely with a drum machine, joining the ranks of the burgeoning electro-pop avantgarde along with bands such as Suicide, Kraftwerk and Soft Cell.

This New York trio played a bouncy brand of dance rock rooted in chintzy '60s Farfisa organ pop and spooky horror movie soundtrack music. The group first gained recognition in 1979 with a homemade single that featured a stripped- down version of Bowie's "TVC 15," which they re-recorded for their first LP. They contributed two tracks to the influential Marty Thau Presents 2x5 compilation and their debut album, the self-titled Comateens, (1980) featured the band's bizarrely original compositions alongside covers of "Summer in the City" (The Lovin' Spoonful), "TVC 15" (David Bowie), and the theme song from TV's The Munsters.

After they were signed to Virgin Records they released the second album, 'Pictures On A String' which diverges into rock quirkiness and danceable commercialism, pushing a powerful disco beat on "Get off My Case" "Cinnamon" and other numbers. In 1984 the band released their final album, 'Deal with It', which featured live drums played by Chuck Sabo. The band also rode the New Wave by appearing on the then new and innovative MTV in several videos, and in interviews with pioneer VJs Mark Goodman and Martha Quinn.

The band split up in 1985. Oliver North died in 1987 of asthma-related heart failure. In 1988 Nic North (now Nicholas West) and Lyn Byrd recorded an album, West & Byrd, together. In 1990 the duo, again under the name Comateens, recorded the song "A Place For Me" which became a European hit. Virgin Records released a retrospective compilation of their music in 1991 called "One By One: Best Of Comateens" which has become a rare and much sought-after record among collectors of New Wave music.

Microdisney

Microdisney was an Irish group which began recording in their native town of Cork, Ireland, producing a muted, heavily melodic, atmospheric sound. The group consisted of: Cathal Coughlan, vocals/keyboard, Sean O'Hagan, guitar, Jon Fell, bass and Dave Galvin, drums. They released several albums and singles during the mid and late 80's.

Their first few singles, including 1983's "Pink Skinned Man" were produced by Dave Feeley and released on small indie labels like Kabuki. After relocating to London, they signed to Rough Trade and tapped John Porter (producer of The Smiths) to produce their debut album, 'Everybody's Fantastic'. At this time the band became acquainted with John Peel, who championed their music and gave them the first of several Peel Sessions which also gave Microdisney a wider audience.

Soon after, bassist Jon Fell and drummer Tom Fenner were added as a permanent rhythm section, Microdisney's sound gradually became more commercial and chart oriented, as heard on their 1985 release, 'The Clock Comes Down the Stairs', and its corresponding single "Birthday Girl". Despite this stylistic shift, Coughlan's lyrics grew increasingly sardonic and scathing. They wrote about people- the people who let it all happen. They peered deep into the human soul and found fear, insecurity, ignorance, greed, apathy. Sometimes they still even had time to laugh. They wrote about love, about sex, about lifestyle, about politics and usually it took just one 3 minute song to cram it all in. A song about nuclear war "Town to Town" was a rock-along sing song about yuppies attempting to live normal lives amid a nuclear holocaust. Their 1987 single "Singer's Hampstead Home" is often described as an attack on Boy George (of Culture Club fame) and the media circus that surrounded his post Culture Club years.

In 1988, with chart success and mainstream acceptance having continually eluded them, Microdisney disbanded. After they disbanded Coughlan formed The Fatima Mansions and O'Hagan formed The High Llamas, retaining Jon Fell. Post break up two further compilations were issued of previously released material - 'Big Sleeping House' a Collection of Microdisney's Finest Moments, and the 'Peel Sessions' which has most of their collected BBC John Peel sessions apart from the last one.

The Reels

The Reels were formed in the late 70’s after few name changes. The major figures of the group were David Mason (lead vocals, keyboards), Craig Hooper (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Colin 'Polly' Newham (keyboards), John Bliss (drums), Paul Abrahams (bass) Karen Ansell (keyboards, vocals), Stefan Fidock (drums). They released four albums, two EP’s and several singles between 1979 and 1991.

The Reels went under few name changes in their early career and when they signed the first record contract with Australian branch of Mercury records, they then changed their name into The Reels and released their debut single “Love Will Find A Way”. Another single followed and their self-titled album was released the same year, in 1979.
In 1980 the Reels added a second keyboardist and released their third single “After The News”. This song marked a transition in their music both in the songwriting as well as in the sound. They began using synthesizers as the main instrument. In May 1981 the Reels released ‘Quasimodo Dream’ which is considered as their best album today.

After few line up changes the Reels signed a new record contract with RCA Records in 1982 and they scored their first international hit with a cover of the song “The Guys In Love With You”
In mid-1980 the group undertook the innovative "Reels By Rail" tour, which saw them using rail transport to travel to all the destinations on their tour. At the end of the year, returning to their roots as a covers band, they released a five track Christmas EP, Five Great Gift Ideas From The Reels, produced by Bruce Brown and Russell Dunlop, which included versions of Jim Reeves' "According To My Heart", and Freda Payne's "Band Of Gold". "According To My Heart" was very successful and featured a folksy music video filmed at the ranch of Australian country music star Smokey Dawson. In 1986 the Reels were signed with Regular records and continued to record cover songs. Even their 1987 tour was called ‘Reels by Request’ and audience called out for the songs they wanted to hear.

In 1989 Mason appeared in the acclaimed Australian feature film Ghosts... of the Civil Dead, in which he co-starred with Nick Cave. In September 1991 the Reels issued their first original single in five years, "I Don't Love You Anymore", followed by what proved to be their last single, a remix by Filthy Lucre of "Bad Moon Rising" . The group officially disbanded to coincide with the release of the compilation CD Requiem.

In May ‘07, Dave Mason released his first album in more than 15 years, ‘Reelsville’, an acoustic celebration of The Reels hits re-recorded by the original artist. In August ‘07 ‘Reel To Reel’ was also released - a compilation of The Reels classic tracks with new liner notes as written by Dave.Dave Mason, John Bliss and Colin ‘Polly’ Newham have resurrected themselves in their former guise ‘The Reels’ and plan to play shows in May 2008.

Gang Of Four

Gang of Four are an English post-punk group from Leeds. Formed in 1977 by Leeds University students Jon King (vocals), Andy Gill (guitar), Dave Allen (bass), and Hugo Burnham (drums). Along with the Fall, Mekons, and Liliput they produced some of the most exhilarating and lasting music of the early English post-punk era of 1978-1983. They re-emerged twice in the 1990s with King and Gill. In 2004, the original line-up reunited.

In fact the term "Gang of Four" refers to the "big four" Structuralist theorists: Claude Lévi-Strauss, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, and Jacques Lacan, not to be confused with the Maoist Gang of Four in China. They play a stripped-down mix of punk rock, with strong elements of funk music, minimalism and dub reggae and an emphasis on the social and political ills in society. Song titles sounded like the titles of radical political essays: "At Home He's a Tourist", "Damaged Goods", "It's Her Factory", "Love Like Anthrax," "To Hell With Poverty," all of it openly challenging the audience's preconceived notions about rock music, performance, the cult of celebrity, and the nature of politics.

Their musical work was heavily influenced by a university-funded trip to New York, where they saw Television and the Ramones at CBGB. The Gang's debut single, "Damaged Goods" b/w "Love Like Anthrax" and "Armalite Rifle", was recorded in June 1978 and released on 10 December 1978, on Edinburgh's Fast Product label. It was produced by the Gang and Fast Product honcho Bob Last. It was a #1 indie chart hit and John Peel radio show favourite. Later, they were then signed by EMI records. The group's debut single with this label, "At Home He's a Tourist", charted in the British Top 40 in 1979.After three consecutive sensational albums, as well as a handful of EPs and singles including "I Love a Man in Uniform" and "Call Me Up" , Allen left in 1982 to form the more danceable and less overtly political Shriekback, while Gill, King, and Burnham recorded the misguided "radical soul/R&B" record Hard with veteran American producers Ron and Howard Albert.

Gang of Four experienced a mini-renaissance in the early '90s with the release of two excellent collections (A Brief History of the Twentieth Century and The Peel Sessions Album). King and Gill put together a new Gang of Four and released the tepid but not disgraceful Mall in 1991. The original lineup reconvened in 2004 to tour extensively and release 2005's Return the Gift, featuring re-recordings of their early material. They have always remained, to the ears of those opened wide by punk rock, an extremely important band.
Great news is that the guys are working on a new album which is scheduled to be released in June this year. They will also be playing few gigs in Europe. Belgrade and Zagreb are already confirmed for the 9.-10. of May 2008.

Miro Miroe

Miro Miroe, pronounced "ME-ROE ME-ROE" was born in Cricklewood, England in the early when Ian Ritchie met Miss Bee. Ian has a chemistry degree from Liverpool University, and Miss Bee started her entertainment career with Thames Television as a lavatory cleaner. Miss Bee was doing Blonde impersonations with "the most mediocre band in the world" and Ian was looking for a singer/lyricist. Evidently they met one night in a pub where Ian was performing jazz with a Texas guitarist, and Bee requested Wagner's "Ring Cycle." Bee sang "Die Walkure" while Ian played "Ornithology" in accompaniment.

Miro Miroe were signed on CBS and released three singles including “Nights Of Arabia”, the first single which did do fairly well. Unfortunately this was a massive surprise to CBS, who did not have enough copies made to properly service the record. The sales and chart position faded away as there was no re-stocking of the single in the shops. No promotional video was ever made. Two more singles were released. “Islands” from the Colin Thurston sessions and “Ready, Steady” which was produced by Steve Levine. Again, limited copies were pressed, insuring no possibility of chart success.

Later Ritchie went on to produce Pete Wylie, Roger Waters, Hugh Cornwell and Laurie Anderson amongst others.
in 2014, after more than thirty years, all their recording material has been released on CD under the title 'The Face'. This record is available on CD Baby.

Martin Dupont

Martin Dupont was French group from Marseilles formed in the early 80’s. The group consisted of Alain Seghir, Brigitte Balian, Beverly Jane Crew. The first single “Your Passion” was released on Turquoise and later LP were released on the Facteurs D'Ambience label, formed by Alain Seghir and Alain Arnaud. Their music style was classified as minimal synth darkwave mixing with both male and female vocals. They released three albums between 1982-1987 and one single, after what they split in 1987.