Ladytron Return with a New Single -Animlas- and Announce New Album

Ladytron are back! After five years of hiatus and some of them focusing more on their solo work, they have released a brand new single "Animals", which also announces their sixth studio album in partnership with Pledge Music, expected to release in the second half of 2018. The b-side single includes the remix of Vince Clark. More about Ladytron to come...

Soft Cell to Reunite as Part of 40th Anniversary

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Soft Cell, Marc Almond and Dave Ball will be joining forces once again to play one final show, A Wild Celebration! The show will take place at the O2 Arena and tickets go on sale on Friday. All links will be published ahead of time on the front and Live pages so keep an eye out and join Soft Cell for One Last Time, A Wild Celebration. More after the jump...

http://www.marcalmond.co.uk/news/index.html

WAW: U.S. Girls- Rosebud

U.S. Girls have released their seventh studio album this year. The album is titled 'In a Poem Unlimited' and has been released on 4AD on February 16th. "Rosebud" is the fourth single to be taken from the album and the video for it was directed by Alex Kingsmill and Edited by Meg Remy. Soon more about the album! 

    

In Review: MGMT- Little Dark Age

Back in 2008 MGMT was quite a discovery for us, in particular for the single "Time to Pretend" which was magnificent both in terms of visuals and sound. Their debut album 'Orracular Spectacular' was among the top 5 Album releases of the year and it turned out to be the ultimate summer soundtrack spawning a whole line up of hits including "Electric Feel" and "Kids". It was a spectacular blend of indie neo-psychedelia with the absolute highlight being back then seeing them live at the Sziget festival in Budapest.

Ten years have passed now since the release of their debut and in the meanwhile the band released two more albums which sadly did not live up to the standard of their debut. In late 2017 MGMT surprised the world with the release of their single "Little Dark Age" which saw them entering dark waters and adopting 80's visual and rhythms. The Album which takes the same title as the first single was officially released on February 8th and after few plays it is clear that the album features a whole variety of sounds and influences. "Little Dark Age" for example leads the dark 80's synthpop inspired section which is also evident on "One Thing Left to Try" and "Me and Michael". On the other hand there is also a strong influence by the LA music scene and in particular Ariel Pink which gives MGMT's indie neo-psychedelia new face by mixing the new sound with hypnagogic pop. The album unfolds a whole variety of sounds and moods from dreamy to rhythmic upbeat tunes all reflected by layered and well imagined concept with twists of liquid elements and quirky 80's midi patches.

So far, four songs have been released from the album and it seems that this will be an album of hits but also as a concept and a whole package. It echoes a good focus, energy and maturity in sound and definitely brings MGMT back in the spotlight by giving 'Orracular Spectacular' a huge challenge. 'Little Dark Age' certainly is the big opener for 2018 and I am sure it will have an impact on the days to come.

Instant Hit: The Legendary Pink Dots- Under Glass

“Under Glass” was released by The Legendary Pink Dots as single in 1988 on Play it again Sam Records and featured two other tracks. This song used to mix neo-psychedelia, elements of goth with vivid and dark Synth-pop. During the same year they also released their album Any Day Now. In 2001, when this album was reissued, beside the standard track listing, it featured all three tracks previously only released on single format.

Best of 1988- The Album List

In the 20th Century, the year 1988 was the year with the most Roman numeral digits, but more important, in science and technology, it was a year of the first Internet-based chat protocol between the USA and Europe.
On the music level, the charts were still dominated by the Stock- Aitken-Waterman hits who received the Brit Award for their music production skills. On the different floors, House music was slowly emerging, while Alternative and indie rock were even more diversified into various other musical sub-genres.

Retrovision: The Fall - Victoria

One last tribute and farewell to Mark E. Smith from the Fall who released "Victoria" thirty years ago. Throughout his impressive music career, Mark E. Smith remained as the only constant member of the Fall since its foundation in 1976 with a band that featured over 60 different members in forty years.

As the Fall, Mark released more than 30 albums, numerous EP and more than 50 singles. He died in the age of 60 after a long illness. RIP Mark!

The Damned Return with New Album 'Evil Spirits'

The Damned return 10 years after their last LP release ‘So, Who's Paranoid?’ from 2008. The new album will be entitled ‘Evil Spirits’. Propelled by an enormously successful PledgeMusic funding campaign and was produced with Tony Visconti who also worked with David Bowie and other popular musicians from 70’s up to date. The album is preceded by new single ‘Standing On The Edge Of Tomorrow’ which also announces band’s ‘Evil Spirits UK’ tour starting on 26 January. The album itself is set for release on April 13th through Search And Destroy/Spinefarm Records.

http://www.officialdamned.com

Next Wave: Beverly Girl

Beverly Girl is one of the finest new offering coming from Scandinavia. It is that type of music we would expect to hear from the production houses of Italy and Germany, but this time a very fine flavor of New Retro Wave comes from Northern Europe. Beverly Girl are Yohanna, Artur and Tracy based in Helsinki Finland. During 2017, they have released three singles where they reveal brilliant dance forms of synth electro lush in the setting of the Neon Light. The band is currently working on a special co-write release in LA, which will be released during the spring of 2018.

http://beverlygirl.com

WAW: Editors - Magazine

Editors have revealed the video for the first single "Magazine" on Youtube. The song also announces the brand new album 'Violence' which will be released on March 9th, through through 'Play It Again Sam'. The music video for Magazine was directed by Rahi Rezvani. 

Preoccupations Announce New Album for March

Preoccupations have announced the release of a brand new Album, simply called 'New Material' which will be a direct follow up to their marvelous self titled sophomore album which was our Album of the Year in 2016. The band released their debut album as Viet Cong in 2015.

The expectations are huge even for this new release. The first single from the album has been revealed as well and it is titled "Espionage". 'New Material' is announced to be released on March 23rd on Jagjaguwar.

http://preoccupationsband.com/

Inhalt's Part Time Punk Sessions Released

The San Francisco based synth trio Inhalt have released their debut album titled 'Part Time Punk Sessions'. This LP features the best of the band's signature synth-driven dark analog pop previously included on their EPs 'Vehicle' and 'Occupations'. This is both a live and a studio album, having been recorded in real time in collaboration with the Part Time Punks radio show in Los Angeles and now it has been released by Cleopatra Records.

Previously, both their EPs were featured on our year end EP lists in 2012 and 2013 respectively and one occasion, we also did an interview with Inhalt which is available through the link below. Thanks Ty Volatire and the band for this:

http://www.burningflame.net/2013/06/in-conversation-inhalt.html

Duran Duran's 'Girls on Film - 1979 Demo' Released

Cleopatra Records has released a rare debut recording by Duran Duran which was recorded in 1979. The four song EP is entitled 'Girls on Film - 1979 Demo' features the group's early frontman Andy Wickett alongside with the original members Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor. It includes the original version of the smash hit single “Girls On Film" plus “See Me Repeat Me,” which would later become “Rio,” and 2 other songs that the group shopped around to various labels, eventually signing with EM. The EP was released on December 29th 2017.

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.

Book of Love - The Sire Years Compilation Announced

The 80's synth pop stars Book of Love are set to release a compilation 'The Sire Years 1985-1993 in the second half of January. Note for Note Music has been licensed for this compilation and has been produced in conjunction with the band. To support this new release, Book of Love is also embarking on a 2018 The Sire Years Tour in which the band will visit cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The Sire Years 1985-1993 is released on 19 January 2018.

Simple Minds Reveal New Single from 'Walk Between Walks'

Simple Minds have announced the release of a brand new album titled 'Walk Between Walks'. This will be the 18 album release by the band which has gone through some line up changes. The first single from the album has been revealed and it is available on Youtube.

Retrovision: Neneh Cherry- Buffalo Stance

Hope you have had a nice festive season and in fact are enjoying it still. Happy 2018 and let's hope it will be another year of musical excitements and delights. In parallel with 2018, we will turn to 1988 and celebrate a thirty years anniversary with our Album and Singles charts. As part of this promo, we have picked Neneh Cherry' debut "Buffalo Stance" which was released during this year and which  reached #3 in the UK and and top positions in Netherlands and here home country Sweden.

 

Mute's Visual History Documented

Just before Christmas and during the last days of the running year, Mute has released a coffee table picture book 'MUTE: A VISUAL DOCUMENT FROM 1978 TO TOMORROW'. This 320 pages book puts on display 40-year history of one of the most influential labels in history. It includes cover artworks from some of the biggest Mute stars, including Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Wire, Erasure and much more, plus numerous short informative essays on the label history. Also along comes the complete Albums and Singles discography at the back of the book. The book has been compiled by Terry Burrows with contribution of Daniel Miller.

Best of 2017- Top 15 EPs

Time has come to enroll with the best EPs for 2017. From some of the well established veterans in music biz, all the way to the bandcamp pioneers. This year has been dominated by Post Punk and Darkwave, but there were also other musical sub-forms which all contributed to this whole variety of sound which are packed in 15 impressive EPs.

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. 

Felt's First Five albums to be Reissued

Chery Red has announced the reissue of first five albums by the English post-punk band Felt. This reissue includes all their albums from the debut release 'Crumbling the Antiseptic Beauty' (1982) to 'Let the Snakes Crinkle Their Heads to Death' (1986) and each album will be available either on 12-inch vinyl or as a CD plus seven-inch single boxset. All five albums were revisited and remastered by Kevin Metcalfe and Lawrence and they will be released on February 23rd 2018.

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/crumbling-the-antiseptic-beauty-remastered-12-vinyl-edition/

Next Wave: LEATHERS

LEATHERS is the anticipated collaboration between Vancouver visual artist/vocalist, Shannon Hemmett and producer/songwriter, Jason Corbett from Actors who we have been following since their formation and debut release "Nightlife" in 2012. LEATHERS took format in 2015 and by now they have released two singles. "Day for Night" is seductive, melancholic and the female vocals are beautifully delivered against the moody cold synths. "Missing Scene" reveals a bit different style where the guitars create a ground for very atmospheric shoegazing sound. It will be interesting to see in what direction their music will develop further. 

https://leathersmusic.bandcamp.com

Best of 2017- Singles and Tracks

Already last week we revealed our Albums list which will not leave much for imagination what the Tracks and Singles will mostly consist of. But besides the big heavy weights of 2017, there will of course will be some other delights that we liked a lot in 2017. This list will be revealed in six parts. Stay tuned!

01. Slowdive- Sugar for the Pill
02. Boy Harsher- Motion
03. Grizzly Bear- Three Rings
04. MGMT- Little Dark Age
05. The Horrors- Something to Remember Me By
06. The War on Drugs- Strangest Thing
07. Oren Lavie- ft Vanessa Paradis- Did You Really Say No?
08. Depeche Mode- Cover Me
09. Crimer- Brotherlove
10. Jessie Ware- Midnight
11. Slowdive- Star Roving
12. St. Vincent- Los Ageless
13. Alvvays- Dreams Tonite
14. Beach Fossils- Sugar
15. Sébastien Tellier - Lovely Blonde
16. Protomartyr- A Private Understanding
17.Perfume Genius- Die 4 You
18. John Maus- The Combine
19. Feist ft Jarvis Cocker- Century
20. Grizzly Bear- Neighbours

Instant Hit: Barbi and the Kens- I'm Not Your Stepping Stone

Barbi and the Kens was one of the several project of Bobby Orlando projects released in the early 80's. Under this moniker he released only one mini LP in 1980 which featured 4 track including the title track "Just a Gigolo" which even managed to enter the Billboard Club Play charts. Later throughout the 80's he even manage to become one of the most prolific Hi-Nrg produces which besides of producing his own acts, resulted in a collaboration with Divine and Pet Shop Boys. Even today he is still releasing albums. Here for you, the bouncy "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone" 

Pet Shop Boys 'Catalogue' Reissues Continue

Already in June this year, Pet Shop Boys announced the release of ‘Catalogue: 1985-2012’, a series of reissues of their Parlophone studio albums. This definitive edition features each album from the duo’s Parlophone discography, remastered and accompanied by ‘Further listening’ albums of master quality bonus tracks and demos created in the same time period as each album, as well as Pet Shop Boys own remixes of their tracks. Many tracks are being released for the first time. 

 The first three of the ‘Catalogue’ albums that were released in July are 'Nightlife/Further listening: 1996-2000', 'Release/Further listening: 2001-2004' and 'Fundamental/Further listening: 2005-2007’. The second pair of ‘Catalogue: 1985-2012’ reissues were released in October, including 'Yes/Further listening: 2008-2010' and 'Elysium/Further listening: 2011-2012'. 

The Catalogue’ reissue campaign will continue and this time going right back to the beginning and reissuing their first three albums, 'Please', 'Actually' and 'Introspective'. All three albums are going to be released in March 2018.

  www.petshopboysshop.co.uk

Retrovision: Prefab Sprout- If You Don't Love Me

Prefab Sprout released "If You Don't Love Me" 25 years ago, in 1992. It was a quite an unusual Prefab Sprout track, having this Anglo Dance rhythms with the touch of Pet Shop Boys and SAW. Back then, it was a brand new track on the 'A Life of Surprises: The Best of Prefab Sprout' compilation which was released during the same year. The song was produced by Stephen Lipson and it was covered by Kylie Minogue and released as b-side to "Confide in Me" on some Australia releases.

 

Din Release Debut album 'Real Dirt'

Din have released their debut album 'Real Dirt' on DKA Records. This new album follows up on their 'Saturate' EP which was released in April this year. The textures and structures of the minimal synth in Din's music sound very innovating and hypnotic, especially in the way how they managed to connect with their listeners by illustrating their visuals in their music videos. "Oils" seems to be the lead single from the album and the video for it was directed by Amanda Siegel and Benjamin Turner.

  https://dkarecords.bandcamp.com/album/real-dirt

Best of 2017 - The Album List

December always means fun time with the favorite albums and like every year, this year we have also been working hard to review what was best in terms of creativity, sound, visuals and what we enjoyed the most. If you only look at the top 10 out of this top 30 Albums, you will see a real illustration of music styles we appreciate the most on our site. We have a another high point with the Horrors again this year. What else was on for us and offered a musical delight, please find in the least below.

SSION is back!

SSION is back with a brand new single which was revealed yesterday through Fader. The new song is titled "Comeback" and it announces the new Album 'O' which will be released in early 2018. It will be the follow up to his album 'BENT' which was released in 2011. SSION has also directed the video for the song "Losing all Sense" by Grizzly Bear under his alias Cody Critcheloe. We hope for much more SSION excitement in 2018.

First Two Studio Albums by Data Reissued

Angel Air Records have reissued the first two albums by Data. Their debut album 'Opera Electronica' has been originally released in 1981 on Polydor records and featured Data's biggest hits "Fallout" and "Fever of Love". Their second album '2-Time' followed two years later and was released on different labels in different countries. Georg Kajanus, the musical mastermind behind Data and the founder has digitally remastered the original album adding bonus tracks as well. 

Both albums have been reissued on November 3rd and can be purchased here. 

WAW: Yan Wagner- It was a Very Good Year

The French electro-pop artist Yan Wagner has revealed a new video for the song "It Was a very Good Year", a Frank Sinatra cover. The song is taken from Wagner's album second album 'This Never Happened' released this year. The video was directed by Marco Dos Santos and show a quite unusual approach the the life circle. 

Next Wave: Kaade

Kaade is a Belgrade-born, Toronto-based electronic music producer and singer. Her debut release, 'Encounter with Power', explores themes of outsider culture, masculinity and power dynamics. Composed between Berlin and Toronto, the four track EP layers frosty synths over pulsing rhythms, crafting her own style of dark and danceable pop. Kaade made her live debut in 2016 and has since shared the stage with a wide range of artists; from Black Marble to Inga Copeland. 

https://kaade.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/clubkaade
 

Photo by Nadia Khashan

Instant Hit: Private Blue- She's Love

Private Blue was a short-lived German act that released only one single during their brief existence, titled "She's Love." This 12" single featured two versions of the titular song along with "Help Me Tonight." Genre-wise, it falls into the category of Synth Pop with a strong influence of Italo Disco, a style that was popular in Germany at the time. The single was released on the 80's label Westside Music, which also featured music by artists like Moskwa TV and Celebrate the Nun. While it may be considered an obscurity today, there's hope that it will find its place on music compilations that appreciate similar genres.

 

Group Rhoda Release third studio Album 'Wilderness'

Group Rhoda is back with a brand new album 'Wilderness' this year.‘Wilderless’ is Group Rhoda’s third full length and first for Dark Entries Records. As per Group Rhoda's Bandcamp, "Each of the these 7 songs draw forth tones of tropical darkwave and soft industrial; while negating the sound of conformity and control". All songs were written and produced by Mara Barenbaum alias Group Rhoda and it was released on October 10th through Dark Entries Records. 

  https://grouprhoda.bandcamp.com/album/wilderless

Dark Entries Release 'Afternooners' a third Compilation of Patrick Cowley's Songs

Dark Entries has once again teamed up with Honey Soundsystem Records for a third collection of instrumental songs which will be entitled 'Afternooners'. The songs were recorded between 1979 and 1982 and some recordings are demos from the album ‘Mind Warp’. This compilation also includes three bonus tracks found in the archives of fellow Megatone Records recording artist Paul Parker and the attic of teenage friend Lily Bartels. All songs have been remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. The vinyl is housed in a gatefold jacket designed by Berlin-based artist Gwenael Rattke, featuring black and white photos of Patrick in his studio that opens to a full color array of x-rated scenes from the Fox Studio vaults.

www.darkentriesrecords.com/store/vinyl/patrick-cowley-afternooners

 

Next Wave: Fragrance.

Fragrance is a music project Matthieu Roche from Paris, France. According to his Bandcamp, Matthieu has released two singles and one EP. The music of Fragrance is atmospheric dream pop with playful synth waves and mellow vocals. This year fragrance released the single "Heatwave" and the EP 'Dust & Disorders', both mastered by Hélène de Thoury who we remember from Minuit Machine and Hante. fame.

For more info follow the links:
https://www.facebook.com/thisisfragrance/
https://fragrancemusic.bandcamp.com

WAW: Geneva Jacuzzi- Macho Island

Geneva Jacuzzi has revealed a brand new video for the song "Macho Island". The song is taken from her 'Technophelia' which was released last year. The video was directed by Jennifer Juniper Stratford and produced by Telefantasy Studios.

Tears for Fears- Rule The World – The Greatest Hits + New tracks Announced

Virgin/EMI have announced the reissue of 'Rule The World: The Greatest Hits' in November. What is good about this compilation is that it will include two brand new songs including "I Love You But I’m Lost" which has been announced as the single to promote this compilation. Apart from the new songs, the compilation will include 16 tracks which are in fact single releases from all Tears for Fears albums. The compilation is set for release in November.

A Certain Ratio Reissues Announced

A Certain Ratio and Mute have announced the release of a long awaited series of reissues. The series will launch with the reissue of a selection of the Manchester’s band’s albums and will continue into 2018 with a compilation in April, followed by further releases and a rarities box set. The first albums set for release on 24 November 2017 include the band’s debut release, 'The Graveyard And The Ballroom', which originally came out on Factory Records in December 1979. In addition, albums 'To Each' (1981), and 'Force' (1986) will be released on coloured vinyl and CD. 

http://mute.com/mute/new-series-of-reissues
 

Sally Dige Releases her Second Album 'Holding On'

Danish-Canadian audiovisual artist Sally Dige has released a new album. We have been following her career from the early starts, with the Petroleum by Product and Cult Club fame and it was always interesting to see how her music corresponds with her art expression. 'Holding On' is Sally‘s second album, following her debut 'Hard to Please' from 2015. The album was created during the time of intense inner turmoil and the songs are written for dance floors, but are sung about loneliness, death and the meaninglessness of existence. The album was released on September 13th on Avant! in Europe and DKA in North America, with two separate cover designs.

https://sallydige.bandcamp.com

Retrovision: The Communards- Tomorrow

Thirty years ago the Communards released their seventh single titled "Tomorrow" which was taken from bands's second album 'Red' released during the same year. For reasons unknown the single only went to # 23 in the UK charts.  It is one of the songs in the run for the 1987 Top 40 Singles. Don't forget to add your list.

http://burningflameblog.blogspot.rs/2017/07/1987-singles-draft.html

WAW: Marc Almond- How Can I Be Sure

Marc Almond has revealed a brand new video for the song "How Can I Be Sure" from the forthcoming album 'Shadows & Reflections', out 22nd September. The music video reminds of the old 60's music video and was directed Directed & Produced by Paul Green.

Best of 1987 - Top 50 Singles

This fall we will continue with our 30-year anniversary of 1987 with the selection of Best single releases. As mentioned, an interesting year which was still sort of a crossover year in which some music styles from the first half of the decade started to transform into new genres, raising new musical opportunities and opening stages for new kids. The European market was mostly dominated by SAW releases while in the USA it was mostly Madonna, Whitney Houston, U2 who were holding top positions on the charts for several weeks.

Along the commercial level, creativity was also in bloom in all varieties of sounds, from Jangle Pop all the way to new trends in electronic music.

01. New Oder - True Faith

02. The Cure - Just Like Heaven

03. Pet Shop Boys- It’s a Sin

04. Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again

05. Prince - Sign O’ the Times

06. The Jesus and Mary Chain – April Skies

07. Siouxsie & The Banshees - The Passenger   

08. Depeche Mode - Strange Love

09. Black - Everything is Coming Up Roses          

10. U2 - With or Without You

11. The House of Love - Shine On

12. Pink Floyd - Learning to Fly

13. The Pogues - Fairy tale of New York

14. M/A/R/R/S- Pump Up the Volume

15. Suzanne Vega – Luka

16. INXS- Need You Tonight

17. The Smiths - Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

18. Madonna - La Isla Bonita

19. Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield ‎- What Have I Done to Deserve This?  

20. Sinead O’ Connor - Troy 

Instant Hit: Shoc Corridor- Travelling by Hand

“Travelling by Hand” was the final track on Shoc Corridor’s debut album Experiments in Incest which was released in 1983. In masterful way the album blends synth wave electronica with psychedelic oriental sounds and industrial acid. “Travelling by Hand” indeed catches and resumes album’s sound in one unique formula. Experiment in Incest was reissued in 2015 for the first time by Dark Entries.

New John Maus Releases Announced

John Maus has announced the release of a brand new album entitled ‘Screen Memories’. The album was written, recorded, and engineered by Maus over the last few years in his home in Minnesota and it will be his first album since 2011. ‘Screen Memories’ will be available on Limited Edition LP, Standard LP, CD and digitally and it will be out on October 27th on Ribbon Music. 

In addition to Screen Memories, a career-spanning six album box set is now available to pre-order, which includes the box set exclusive LP Addendum scheduled for delivery on April 20, 2018.