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.

The Durutti Column- Love In The Time Of Recession

The Durutti Column follow-up 2007’s 'Idiot Savants' with a brand new album, 'Love in the Time of Recession', due for release on March 2nd 2009. Written and played by Vinni Reilly, with drums and percussion from the Guru himself, Bruce Mitchell keyboards by Keir Stewart and Vocals by Poppy. The album opens with the "In Memory of Anthony" which is inspired by Reilly's long friendship with Factory Records impresario, Tony Wilson who died in 2007.

Listen to the tracks here:
http://www.myspace.com/thedurutticolumnmcr

Instant Hit: Anything Box- Come Away

Anything Box was an American synth-pop band that was formed in 1986 in Peterson, NJ. The band's name was an inspiration from a collection of short stories The Anything Box written by Zenna Henderson. They released their first albums in the 90's and their second album Worth featured this wonderful synth-pop tune "Come Away". The album was released in 1994 through Orangewerks and it was produced by Gareth Jones.

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

WAW: Animal Collective- My Girls

A video for 'My Girls' from Animal Collective's new album 'Merriweather Post Pavilion'. Out now on Domino.

Lost Videos: Winston Tong- Report From The Heart