Instant Hit: The Electronic Circus- Direct Lines

Chris Payne was one of the members of Gary Numan's backing band, later known as Dramtis, and he was also a co-writer on Visage's biggest hit "Fade to Gray". He released one single under the name The Electronic Circus in 1981. The 7 " single was entitled "Direct Lines" and was backed by "Le Chorale". It was recorded by Tony Nod Harris for Scratch Records. 

The Durutti Column Announce The Release of 'Short Stories For Pauline' for June

The Durutti Column have announced that Short Stories For Pauline, the legendary shelved album is set to be released, complete with original FBN 36 catalogue number, on 18 June 2012. The album was originally recorded in Brussels in 1983 and was set to be the fourth album, after 'Another Setting', but was never released. The 14 tracks include "College", "Take Some Time Out" and "Duet". The latter was recorded with Blaine L. Reininger (Tuxedomoon viola player). New artwork has been prepared with the help of Crépuscule designer Benoit Hennebert and each purchase of the vinyl album comes with a free digital download.  

news.thedurutticolumn.com
 

Edsel to Reissue Albums by Bronski Beat and The Communards

Edsel Records have announced the brand new Bronski Beat/ The Communards reissues for this summer. The reissue package will include the first album by Bronski Beat, Age of Consent and Hundreds And Thousands as a remix album. It will also include both albums by the Communards, their self titled debut and Red and their live album Storm Paris, originally released on three 12” singles. The albums will be released as slip-cased 2 CD edition and some tracks will be available on CD for the first time. The booklet will contain the lyrics, photos, singles sleeves, and a note from Jimmy. 

www.demonmusicgroup.co.uk/Artist/Communards
www.demonmusicgroup.co.uk/Artist/BronskiBeat
 

Out This Week: Saint Etienne- Words and Music

Saint Etienne are releasing their eighth studio album this week. The album includes the single "Tonight" which was released in January and it features collaborations from long-time Saint Etienne associate Ian Catt as well as producer Richard X and Nick Coler. The album will be available on CD, 2-CD deluxe edition and vinyl LP. It's officially out today, May 21st. 

Retrovision: Soft Cell- Torch

Thirty years ago Soft Cell reached number 2 in the UK charts with "Torch". The song was written by Marc and David and featured guest vocals by Cindy Ecstasy whom Marc and David met during their time in New York. She appeared in the video for "Torch" and they performed the song together on 'Top of the Pops'. 

John Foxx, The Soft Moon and The Evidence

John Foxx & The Maths have collaborated with contemporary darkwave juggernaut The Soft Moon on a new track. The song is entitled "Evidence" and it will be released on 7″ by Brooklyn’s Captured Tracks label on June 26. John Foxx & The Maths will be performing live at London’s Cargo on September 5, and at Bestival on September 6. You can stream and download ‘Evidence’ free via the Soundcloud player above. 

Donna Summer Dies at 63

Donna Summer died this morning after a battle with cancer at the age 63. She was a five-time Grammy Award winner and was one of the most popular artists of the disco movement. Her collaborations with producer Giorgio Moroder helped define the genre, as well as having a huge influence on the synth pop sound. She had 29 UK top 40 singles during her career including the hits: "I Feel Love", "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls", "She Works Hard for The Money" and many more. 

R.I.P. Donna, you will be missed. 

Lost Videos: Combo Audio- Romanticide

"Romanticide" is one of the alternative New Wave classics by Combo Audio which was released in 1981 through Secret Records. It was their only single release which featured two videos. The first was played on the RockAmerica cable music subscription service while the second went into MTV rotation in early 1983. During the same year the song was issued as EP by EMI America. 

New Encyclopedia of New Wave for Your Bookshelf

The successful Encyclopedia series has the brand new addition. The new book celebrates the hugely influential New Wave musical movement of the late 1970s and 80s. Originating as a less-aggressive sister movement to punk, New Wave encompassed a wide range of styles, from Brit pub-rock to electronica, synth-pop, and even ska. 'The Encyclopedia of New Wave' which was written by Daniel Bukszpan comprehensively captures this eclectic music. With its tendency toward romantic minimalism, dark dance beats, and gender-bending antics, New Wave changed the course of popular musical history, as well as fashion and art which is one of the main subjects of the book. The book was released on May 1st and it is available on Amazon.