Frankie Goes To Hollywood- 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome' Reissue

Frankie Goes To Hollywood have released a Deluxe Edition of their debut 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome' which was originally released in 1984 and produced by Trevor Horn.The first CD contains the LP version of the original album and the second CD which features rare and previously unreleased material.

Malcolm McLaren- Madam Buttterfly

We continue our Skin Deep series this month with Malcolm McLarens who sadly passed away on April 8, 2010.  His song 'Madam Butterfly' was released in 1984 and it was a fusion of opera arias and electronic music. The song was produced by Stephen Hague. It remains as one of the best works of Malcolm McLaren and one of the most erotic videos ever recorded. There is no explicit frontal nudity in the video, it shows couple of female models in hot, wet steam bath, leaving the impression as they were naked.

Trevor Herion/ The Fallout Club

Trevor Herion, born John Trevor Herion, (1959 – 1988) was an Irish singer who was a member of few music groups in the late 70’s and early 80’s New wave scene, including The Civilians and The Fallout Club. He later went to release one solo album which also defined the end of his musical career. He died in October 1988.

Herion's musical career starts in the late 70’s when he was a member of an unsigned local band which was dealing with name changes. They started with the B-52’s and changed their name to The Puritans after discovering the existence of the similarly named US band. After the dissolution of the band Trevor joined the Post punk band called The Civilians with Paul Simon from Neo and Radio Stars and Mark Scholfield on guitar and Michael French on bass. They released two singles, “Made For Television”/”I See My Friends” and “In America”/”In Search Of Pleasure” before disbanding, Scholfield and French went to form Academy One, while Trevor formed a new band with the old band mate Paul Simon under the name The Fallout Club.

The Fallout Club was formed out of the ashes of the Civilians and was joined by the future star Thomas Dolby as a producer on keyboards and member Matthew Seligman on bass, both former members of the Camera Club. The band only released three singles during their short existence. They debuted with their minimal beat driven “The Falling Years”/ “Beat Boys” in 1980 and continued with softer, melancholic synth-pop sound, releasing the singles “Dream Soldiers” and “Wonderlust”.

In 1981 the Fallout Club fell apart. Simon went to work with Glen Matlock, Seligman joined the Thompson Twins and Dolby and Herion began their solo careers. Thomas Dolby already released his first solo singles including “Europa and the Pirate Twins” in the same year while Trevor Herion continued to record music and released several singles including his solo debut “Kiss of No Return”. All his songs appeared on his only album Beauty Life which moved the sound more towards pop, funk and soul. It was released through Interdisc in 1983 but didn’t gain any major success.

In the late 80’s, during the year 1988, Trevor began to suffer from severe depression which eventually overcame him leading to his tragic suicide on the 1st of October 1988. The songs that were released as singles in during the 80's recorded as Fallout Club were reissued on CD for the first time in 2017 on a compilation entitled Dangerous Friends while Trevor Herion's solo album was reissued twice, in 2016 and 2023.

Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Herion
http://www.trevorherion.com/

MGMT- 'Congratulations'

MGMT's second album 'Congratulations' has been released today on April 13, 2010. This is a follow up to their debut album 'Oracular Spectacular' from 2007. The first single from the album "Flash Delirium" was released on March 9, 2010 as a free download.

Instant Hit: Digital Dance- Faulty

Digital Dance released the self-produced 7" single "Faulty" as their second single on their own Digital label in January 1980. In the same month, they opened for Joy Division at their second Plan K show. During their gigs in Paris they were billed as 'New Rock de Bruxelles'. Their music was reissued on the  Treatment compilation through  LTM Publishing in 2007.

Malcolm McLaren 1946-2010

Malcolm McLaren former manager of the Sex Pistols has died at the age of 64. He also managed the New York Dolls and Bow Wow Wow and was involved in his own musical projects. He died today suffering from cancer.His body will be flown back to England to be buried in Highgate Cemetery, North London.

RIP Malcolm.

Ultravox's Vienna No.1 Campaign

Please join in the final push on the last 2 days until midnight this Saturday; Friday 9th & Saturday 10th April. Buy the Vienna single MP3 download a few times if you can - gift them to friends, ask friends and family to buy you copies as an early birthday present, tell everyone in your address book, etc.
Find the download links on this page:
http://www.ultravox.org.uk/facebook.shtml

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Gang of Four 'Content' Fund

The post punk veterans Gang of Four are preparing a new album which will be entitled 'Content'. This time the band are asking for donations to aid the process of their newest record. The album will be funding through Pledgemusic.com - where users can contribute cash to the process and be rewarded with album-related products, including the vials of blood, in return.

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/gangoffour

Tears For Fears- Us Tour Dates Added

Tears For Fears are currently supporting the reformed 80s pop group Spandau Ballet on their 7-date tour of Australia and New Zealand, before a 4-date headlining tour of their own in South East Asia.They will also tour the United States in August. Check the link for the latest information from their offcial site.

http://www.tearsforfears.net/tears-for-fears-us-tour-dates-info/

Glass Candy- Feeling Without Touching

Glass Candy have returned with a new EP 'Feeling Without Touching' earlier this year, in February. They have also recorded their first ever official video for their new song entitled "Feeling Without Touching". The video was directed by Travis Peterson. Scroll down to watch it!

(All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright owners)

Glass Candy - 'Feeling Without Touching' from Travis Peterson on Vimeo.

Duran Duran and Seven And The Ragged Tiger to be Reissued

Following the recent expanded reissue of Duran Duran’s 'Rio' album, Capitol/EMI will release their self-titled debut and 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger' albums. The release is scheduled for March 29, 2010 in Europe and May 18th in the US in limited edition 2CD/DVD and digital audio packages. Expanded limited special editions feature remastered original albums, plus b-sides, 12-inch mixes, live recordings, music videos, and radio & TV performances, including previously unreleased material.
http://www.duranduran.com/

Lost Videos: Depeche Mode- New Life

Goldfrapp- Head First

Goldfrapp fifth studio album 'Head First' is released today, 22 March 2010 by Mute Records. The album was recorded during 2009 and has a heavy 80's music influence. The lead single,"Rocket" , was released on iTunes Stores around the world on January 24, 2010 and on March 8, 2010.

http://www.goldfrapp.com/

Next Wave: Class Actress

Class Actress is Elisabeth Harper with her new band. She was already recoding under her name until she hooked up with producers Scott Rosenthal and Mark Richardson to form Class Actress. The band were influenced by very early Madonna, Depeche Mode and some Human League. They play lush 80's synth beats and disco influenced disco pop. Their debut EP 'Journal of Ardency', on Terrible Records, the new label run by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor.

http://www.myspace.com/elizabethharper

David Bowie- China Girl

The third video labeled as Nude Wave is a clip for David Bowie's song "China Girl". The music video was directed by David Mallet’s and mainly shot in the Chinatown district of Melbourne, and on a houseboat on Sydney Harbour, Australia. It featured the actress and model Geeling Ng lying and David Bowie naked in the surf. Since the video was too explicit for the MTV early years it got slightly censored for the airplay.

Instant Hit: Siouxsie & The Banshees- Happy House

"Happy House" was the first single Siouxsie & The Banshees released from their third album Kaleidoscope. It was released in March in 1980, and became their second top 20 hit in the UK. The songs intorduction was sampled by Italian dance act Cappella in their song "U got to Know" during the 90's when Cappella was sued by the band and lost. The original celebrates the 30 years anniversary.

Vice Versa

Vice Versa was a synthpop group from Sheffield, England. The band was formed in 1978 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. Their record label ‘Neutron Records’ played an important role in Sheffield’s late 70’s music scene. The group later transformed their sound into pop after Martin Fry joined the band and became a lead singer.

Vice Versa were formed in 1978 in Sheffield. They founded their own record label ‘Neutron Records’ and succeeded in gaining public attention with their blend of electronic which was inspired by Cabaret Voltaire and The Human League. In September 1979, they released their first record on ‘Neutron Records’, an EP called ‘Vice Versa Music 4’, including the 4 songs "Riot Squad", "Camille", "New Girls/Neutrons" and "Science - Fact". Their record label made sharp and intelligent statement with their music announcing the new decade in music. Vice Versa also won a NME’s famous song of the week. In 1980 the label released ‘The First 15 Minutes’ EP which featured unsigned, local bands of Sheffield including Vice Versa and Clock DVA. The group also supported the Human League during their first Sheffield gig.

Martin Fry who was running the fanzine ‘Modern Drugs’ interviewed the group and joined the group after David Sydenham left. Vice Versa made two more releases before they changed their sound. They released a cassette only '8 Aspects of' followed by their only single release “Stilyagi/Eyes of Christ”
During their Holland tour Martin started improvising on vocals and soon became a new lead singer after, while Mark White took over the song writing. The new concept was born. Vice Versa went pop. The rest of the history is ABC.

The Face - The Very Best of Visage

Visage celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the bands biggest hit "Fade To Grey". The compilation album is entitled 'The Face - The Very Best of Visage' and features several different versions and remixes of the song "Fade to Gray" and all the single releases except the "Beat Boy". It's out on Universal from March 1, 2010.

The Face - The Very Best Of Visage

New Young Pony Club- The Optimist

The second album by the British group New Young Pony Club is released in the UK on March 8, 2010. 'The Optimist' is the follow up to their debut album 'Fantastic Playroom', released in 2007. You can listen to the album exclusively streaming on their official Myspace page. "Lost a Girl" is unofficialy released as the first single.

http://newyoungponyclub.com/

B-Movie's 30 Year Anniversary Tour

The British synth-pop group b-Movie have announced their 30 Year Anniversary Tour. London is confirmed among the live dates and they will also play two venues in Spain, Barcelona on April 16, 2010 and Madrid on April 17, 2010. Check out the last.fm and other pages for more details.

b-Movie Live
http://www.b-movie.co.uk/bmovie/bmovie/trailers.html
www.myspace.com/bmovieuk

WAW: Bananarama - Love Don't Live Here

Bananarama's second single "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" from the Album 'Viva' is out on April 12, 2010. This is the official video for the song.

Scritti Polliti's 'Absolute'

Scritti Politti have announced the release of their best of compilation which will be out at the end of March. The compilation will also feature two new recorded songs 'A Place We Both Belong' and 'Day Late and a Dollar Short'. The album compilation will take the title ‘Absolute best of album’.

http://bibbly-o-tek.com/

Next Wave: Parallels

Parallels is an electronic-pop trio consisting of Cameron Findlay (drums), Holly Dodson (vocalist) and Joey Kehoe (live synths). Parallels has developed a loyal following and critical acclaim internationally as well as in their hometown, Toronto, since their formation in October 2008. Visionaries is their first full-length release composed of 12 songs, written, recorded and produced by Findlay and Dodson at Marigold studios in Toronto. They will be releasing the album independently on Marigold Records and Koch/E1 Entertainment. Visionaries is currently available online (Amazon/iTunes) and in stores in April 2010.

www.myspace.com/parallelsfm

Stream the album

Groove Armada- Black Light

The sixth album by London based duo Groove Armada is now officially released around the globe. Their latest release date is March 2/3, 2010 in the US. Their album 'Black Light' is more pop orientated with influences by Fleetwood Mac and Gary Numan. It also features several collaborations including Bryan Ferry and Will Young. Their second single "Paper Romance" is out now.

Elisabeth Frazer Returns With "Moses"

Elizabeth Fraser has returned to the music scene with the new single "Moses" which is her first solo release in many years. The former Cocteau Twins singer has recorded this song some time ago with Massive Attack's drummer Damon Reece, and close friend Jake Drake-Brockma.

You can download this single from her official website, or you can buy a vinyl version of it on Amazon, that site also sells the tracks as mp3 downloads.

http://www.elizabethfraser.com/
 

Ultravox- Vision of Blue

In 1983, Ultravox released their song "Visions of Blue" and recorded a video for the MTV airplay which contained brief nudity. It two showed topless women with bare breasts, draped in towels washing themselves beside a fireplace. This video was banned by the BBC and MTV due to nudity exhibition. An edited version was later provided for broadcast on Top of the Pops. Since this form of nudity has become quite harmless, the original version of the video can also be found on YouTube.

Instant Hit: Kid Monatana- Spooky

"Spooky" is a well known song from the late 60's which has been covered by many artists. One of the most popular cover version is probably Dusty Spingfield's. During the 80's "Spooky" has been covered by less known bands like Vicious Pink and Kid Montana in 1986. Kid Montana's version of the song was released in 1986 through the Belgian independent label 'Les Disques du Crépuscule'.

Devo Fresh at The Olympics

Devo are offering fans a glimpse of their new album, their first in 19 years, which will be released in May. A new track, "Fresh", is available for a free download at the band's official site. They are among the acts who preform during a Victory Ceremony at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver (Feb 22, 2010).

http://www.clubdevo.com/

The Stranglers- Retro Rockets

The Stranglers have prepared two new songs for the potential single release. The first track is the Leamington-debuted "Retro Rockets" and the second is "I Don’t See the World Like You Do". After deliberation "Retro Rockets" has been chosen as the download only single.Both tracks should now be included on the forthcoming 'Decades Apart' compilation as well. The release dates through EMI, for the single and album are tentatively February, 22 and March, 1 2010 respectively although these dates may change.

http://www.stranglers.net/Home.html

Andy Bell- Mimó

Andy Bell the frontman of the British duo Erasure has returned to the music scene under a new name. He recorded a new single "Will You Be There" under the name Mimó. Sadly had to change his name because there is already a musician working as Mimo who has legally challenged Andy's right to use a variation of that name for this project. From this point forwards all further releases will be come out under Andy's own name. The track was produced by Pascal Gabriel and features several other remixes. This song and the single "Running Out" are streaming on the official Andy Bell website.

http://www.andybell.com/

The Buggles- Adventures in Modern Recording 2010

"Adventures in Modern Recording", was the second album by the British synthpop duo the Buggles which was recorded in 1981.The album was mostly produced by Trevor Horn with the assistence of Bruce Woolley. The album was re-issued for the first time in 1992 by Japanese label Jimco Records and completed with bonus tracks in 1997. Their latest reissue contains 10 bonus tracks and it's out on Salvo Records.

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Lost Videos: Antena- The Boy From Ipanema

Peter Gabriel- 'Scratch My Back'

is the eighth studio album by the English musician Peter Gabriel, set to be released on February 15, 2010 in the UK and March, 2 2010 in the U.S. The album, recorded at Air Lyndhurst and Real World Studios during 2009, consists of Gabriel covering twelve songs by various artists, using only orchestra and voice rather than normal rock instruments.

http://www.petergabriel.com/
tour dates

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The Specials celebrate 30 Years

The Specials' 30-year career is set to be marked at the Shockwaves NME Awards as part of a special link-up with the Teenage Cancer Trust. The Coventry band will be honored at this year's ceremony on February 24. They will also headline this year's Big Gig, which will take place as the Royal Albert Hall in conjunction with the charity.

http://www.nme.com/news/the-specials/49511

Next Wave: LoneLady

LoneLady, AKA Julie Campbell is a self-styled writer, vocalist and tight guitarist. Inspired by post-punk legacy of her hometown, Manchester, England, as well classic college rock of the '80s and early '90s, LoneLady began her forays into lo-fi art punk by making four-track recordings with her guitar and drum machine in 2004. Her first single, "Hi Ho Bastard"/"Fear No More", was released by Filthy Home Records in summer 2005. In 2007, LoneLady connected with two musicians, drummer Oid and keyboardist China Tom, and the project became a trio.

On 22 February 2010 new WARP signing Lone Lady is to release her debut album. Titled "Nerve Up", the album follows 2009’s limited edition ‘Immaterial’ ... (more) 7", which is now available as a free download from www.lonelady.co.uk. The album will also be preceded by the release of a second single, "Intuition", which is set for a 11 January release.

LoneLady Bio
http://www.myspace.com/hiholonelady
http://www.lonelady.co.uk/

Yeasayer- Odd Blood

Yeasayer have released their self produced second album 'Odd Blood'. The album was recorded in New York ans is out on February 8/9, 2010 in Europe and North America. Two singles have already been released so far,"Ambling Alp" in 2009 and "O.N.E." preceded the album release.

Duran Duran- Girls on Film

Nude Wave is a new label on the Burning Flame Blog which will feature music videos which have caused controversy during the 80's musical era. Most of them have been banned, censored or edited due to the explicit content of of nudity, sexuality or violence which they showed.

The first video ever that caused such controversy was by Duran Duran a very famous band at that time. The video for their song "Girls on Film" featured topless women, mud wrestling and other depictions of sexual fetishes. It was directed by fellows Godley and Creme. The video was instantly banned by BBC and heavily re-edited for the MTV airplay. Here is the original version of the video. Enjoy!

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/

Instant Hit: The Chameleons- Tears

The Chameleons released their single "Tears" in 1986. This song was a highlight on their album 'Strange Times' which was released in the same year on Geffen Records in UK and USA. Both, the single and the album were produced by Dave Allen and Mark Saunders. The song exist in two different versions and is known as "Tears"(the original arrangement) and "Tears" (the full arrangement). "Paradiso" was the b-side single.

Heaven 17 & La Roux Clash

Electro legends Heaven 17 and breakthrough electro artist La Roux join forces at the BBC's Maida Vale studios for a very special session, presented by Steve Lamacq. The artists play some of their own songs, perform on each other's material and also collaborate on a cover. Next on 6 Music live!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qbw9y

CEREMONY - A New Order Tribute

Florida independent record label, '24 Hour Service Station', has assembled a tribute album honoring the music of New Order entitled 'CEREMONY - A New Order Tribute'. The double CD plus bonus disc and digital album are scheduled for release on February 20, 2010. Proceeds from record sales will benefit the Salford Foundation Trust’s Tony Wilson Award, established in memory of Tony Wilson, the founding father of landmark independent record label Factory Records, who died of cancer in 2007. Artists who have contributed their own cover versions of New Order Songs are: Rabbit In The Moon, DETACHMENTS, Pocket, SUNBEARS!, Kites With Lights, John Ralston and many more.

http://newordertribute.com/

Track list: Ceremony: A New Order Tribute (2CD version)

Vampire Weekend- Contra

Vampire Weekend have released their second album 'Contra' on January 11, 2010. This is their second album and a follow up to their self titled debut album which was released in 2008. The first single "Cousins" was already released in October 2009. The album has few references on Joe Strummer and his band Clash. The album's title also refers to the 1987 video game 'Contra'.

http://www.vampireweekend.com/

Ian North- My Girlfriend's Dead

A pioneering synth-pop gem by Ian North 'My Girlfriend's Dead' has been reissued by Cherry Red label in the UK. At its time of the release of 'My Girlfriend’s Dead' there were only a handful of other artists such as John Fox, OMD, The Human League and The Normal who were working in the same field of electronic music.

More info and track listing:
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/rpm/artists/iannorth.php

Spandau Ballet in Space

The British New Romantic outfit which has recently reformed for a new album and tour has signed a deal to become the first band which will play in space. The billionaire Richard Branson has retained the recently reunited group’s services as in-flight entertainment in space. Reportedly the band will give a five-minute performance to fewer than a handful of gazillionaires planning to go up as part of Branson’s Virgin Galactic space program. The flight is said to be tentatively scheduled for mid 2011.

http://www.boston.com/ae/music/

Lost Videos: Snowy Red- The Long Run