Modern Eon

Modern Eon was a band from Liverpool. They were among the bands and artists that sprang of in the New Liverpool scene in the late 70’s around Eric’s club. The band consisted of Alex Plain, Bob Wakelin, Cliff Hewitt, Danny Hampson, Tim Lever.

The bands beginnings are a bit unclear. The founding member of the group was Alex Johnson- Alix who teamed up with Danny Hampson to form Luglo Slugs. They went through several name changes until Modern Eon was born in the late 70’s.

Their music of Modern Eon is moody, melodic and always leaves a certain mysterious impression. It defies the routine by occasionally adding odd analog electronics and saxophone with a definite influences from Joy Division and Echo & the Bunnymen.

Their first release appeared on a compilation ‘Street to Street’: A Liverpool Album and the first self released single ‘Pieces’ followed. In 1980, they recorded the single 'Euthenics' for Inevitable Records and in early 1981 a re-recorded version of 'Euthenics' was released on DinDisc which also brought some lineup changes. They recruited Bob Wakelin and also Tim Lever for guitar and Saxophone and a 17 year old Cliff Hewitt on drums.

In the early 1981, they released a single on DinDisc label as well as their debut album ‘Fiction Tales’. A tour with the Stranglers was arranged but during rehearsal sessions Cliff Hewitt critically injured his wrist. He did contribute to scheduled appearances for the John Peel, Richard Skinner and In Concert Radio One radio shows, but it soon became apparent that the rigors of a tour would be too much for him and a suitable replacement was not easily found. The solution was that they toured with Cliff's drum tracks on a tape machine and let Cliff operate it.

The end of 1981 found Modern Eon at work on demos for a second album and Cliff back on his drum stool but sadly, Modern Eon faded away, never to release a follow up album.

Source:
http://www.soulsaw.com/modern-eon/

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Sinner's Day Festival

A newcomer festival from Belgium comes with its second edition this year. This indoor festival which already hosted the greats from the New wave and Punk world will open its gates again. The date is October 31, 2010, during the All Saints weekend. Check out the official page and Facebook fan page for more information.

http://www.sinnersday.com/

Mirrors' New Single

Mirrors have announced details of the release of a new single plus details of a European tour with OMD. ‘Ways To An End’ will be released on Monday August 23rd 2010 via Skint, available on 7” and mp3 plus features another brand new track, "Broken By Silence". Full details of the band’s support shows with OMD in November are below.

hangout.altsounds.com

Dave Ball's New Formation

Dave Ball the former member of the Soft Cell has a new band which is a collaboration between him and the female singer Celine Hispiche entitled Celine and Nite Wreckage. Their first release is scheduled in the UK this August 2010, with singles remixed by Martin Rushent. Check out the official band website for more freebies and info about the band.

http://www.celineandnitewreckage.com/

Bryan Ferry- You Can Dance

The new single by Bryan Ferry entitled "You Can Dance" has been released on August 9, 2010. The single also announces the release of the new album 'Olympia' which is set to be released in October. Stay tuned for more info about the album and the Roxy Music reunion dates and check out the official website for the exclusive music video.

http://www.bryanferry.com/

Future Islands- In Evening Air

The Baltimore based group Future Islands has released a new album earlier this year in May through Thrill Jockey label. They simply describe their music as 'Post Wave', a brilliant combination of Post punk and New wave mostly synthesizer driven with drums and a minimization of electric guitars.

www.myspace.com/futureislands

Instant Hit: Cristina- Ticket to the Tropics

"Ticket to the Tropics" was the last song by Cristina which she released during the 80's era. The song appeared on her second album Sleep it off released in 1984. The single was released through Mercury Records with "What's A Girl To Do" as a b-side.

30 Seconds of New Duran Duran

There is exclusive new material preview by Duran Duran. Mark Ronson was the first to debut 30 seconds of Duran Duran’s “Blame the Machine” on his East Village Radio show. Listen to the clip here !

Propaganda's 'A Secret Wish' Reissued

The highly influential debut album from German synthpop outfit Propaganda 1985’s 'A Secret Wish' has been reissued again, this time appearing in a 25th anniversary 2CD edition featuring six previously unreleased tracks plus the rare 20-minute cassette mix of “Duel.” The deluxe edition of 'A Secret Wish' features the original nine-track album plus six cassette- and vinyl-only mixes on one disc, and a second disc with 11 more tracks, including previously unreleased mixes of “Dr. Mabuse” and “Sorry for Laughing” by label chiefs Trevor Horn and Paul Morley, respectively.

Read more about it plus the track listing:
http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2010/07/06/propaganda-a-secret-wish-reissue-tracklist-ztt-records/

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WAW: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Bright Lit Blue Skies

Best of 1980- The Album List

The year 1980 marked a fascinating intersection, straddling the influences of the 1970s while gradually embracing the emerging trends of the new decade. Chart-toppers like Blondie, ABBA, The Police, and The Jam continued to dominate the music scene. Notable achievements included David Bowie securing his second number one hit, and Kate Bush becoming the first British female artist to claim a No.1 album.

However, amidst the musical successes, 1980 also witnessed tragic losses that left an indelible mark on the industry. Ian Curtis of Joy Division tragically took his own life just before the band's scheduled US Tour, while John Lennon, an iconic figure in music, was shot dead outside his New York City apartment. These losses left families and legions of fans grieving.

The year concluded with John Lennon's posthumous release, "{Just Like) Starting Over," topping the UK charts, serving as both a poignant farewell and a herald of the new decade.

Kim Wilde- New Single and Album

Kim Wilde will release her 11th album this Summer on August 13, 2010. The album is entitled 'Come Out and Play' and it will be preceded by a new single "Lights Down Low" which is currently promoted on various radio stations.

Stay tuned for more info!

Kim Wilde Reissues

Cherry Red continues to release albums from Kim Wilde catalog. After the release of the first three albums, they will relase 'Teases and Dares' from 1984 and 'Another Step', originally released in 1986.

'Teases and Dares' comes complete with an incredible 16 bonus tracks including many ultra rare 12 and Extended mixes. Alongside the original LP artwork this release includes lyrics to all the songs. 'Another Step' gets the deluxe 2CD treatment and comes with 17 bonus tracks including many hard to find 12 , 7 , Club and Extended versions, all re-mastered by Tim Turan.

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/

Brendan Perry- Ark

'Ark' is the second solo album by Brendan Perry, previously the male half of the band Dead Can Dance. It is Perry's first studio album in 11 years. It was officially released worldwide on 7 June 2010, both as CD albums and MP3 download. Check out Brendan Perry official for more info and the tour dates.

http://www.brendan-perry.com/

Grace Jones- Slave To the Rhythm

The music video for the title track 'Slave to the Rhythm' was directed by Nick Hooker in 1986 and featured scenes from the 1986 series of French television advertisements for the futuristic Citroën CX GTi Turbo automobile. The spots also featured Ms. Jones and other models in rear nudity or semi nude in various poses.

Instant Hit: Data- Fallout

Thirty years ago Data debuted with their first single release "Fallout" which was written and produced by Georg Kajanus . The song was released in several European countries during 1980 and 1981 through different record labels with the song "Politics" as a b-side. The song also appeared on their first album Opera Electronica.

OMD's New Website

OMD have launched a new official website. The site features the lastest album announcements and  blog postings from Andy and Paul. It is also officialy confirmed that their album 'History of Modern' will be released on September 20, 2010. with the following track listing. 

1.New Babies: New Toys

2. If You Want It

3.History Of Modern (part I)

4. History Of Modern (part II)

5. Sometimes

6. RFWK

7. New Holy Ground

Side Two

8. The Future, The Past, and Forever After

9. Sister Mary Says

10. Pulse

11. The Night

12. Bondage Of Fate

13. The Right Side?

Check out the website for more updates and announcements and the limited edition box set.

http://www.omd.uk.com/

Daybehavior- City Lights

Daybehavior is back! After 7 years of waiting, the band today release their first new song, called "City Lights". The band is now in the studio mixing their forthcoming album and as a taste of what's going to come, you can now listen to one track in full, "City lights" , and extracts from two other tracks will be online soon. The songs are available for listening on Facebook, Myspace and on this site for free download as well.

http://www.daybehavior.com/

WAW: Zola Jesus- Night

Laurie Anderson- Homeland

Laurie Anderson will release her first studio album since 2001. The album is entitled 'Homeland' and it is scheduled for release on June 22, 2010. The record was produced by Anderson, Lou Reed and Roma Baran. At 66 minutes, it is to be Anderson's longest studio album.

A-ha's Last Hurrah

"Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah)" is officialy the last single release by   a-ha as they have previously announced that the will split after finnishing their worldwide concert tour. The song will be sold digitally in Norway from July 5. It will be included on “25″, a new best-of compilation to be released on July 19, 2010.

http://a-ha.com/news/articles/link-to-listen-to-new-single/

Mick Karn Appeal

A message from mickkarn.com official:

"With great sadness we regret to inform you that Mick has recently been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. Mick is currently in a positive mood and undergoing further tests and treatment. His family and friends are close with him, supporting him in practical ways, and surrounding him with their love, friendship and care.

Mick has been struggling financially for some considerable time now and we are hoping that this appeal may help to raise funds for any necessary treatment and perhaps go some way towards providing a small degree of financial support whilst Mick's immediate family provide the care and comfort we would all wish for him. Quite aside from the sheer brunt of daunting medically-related costs, Mick's clear and major concern is for the security and well being of his wife and young son."

If you purchase any portrait from his website collection and state that you are purchasing as a means of donating to the Mick Karn appeal the funds will be be donated to the fund. Any Mick Karn portrait purchased will automatically be donated to the fund.

http://www.mickkarn.net/

http://www.stevejansen.com/imageshop/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20100611_midge.shtml

Daniel Miller / The Normal / Silicon Teens

Daniel Miller is one of the most influential figures in the history of British electronic music. Inspired by Krautrock and early electronic music of the 70’s as well as the 60's rock 'n' roll, he began to experiment with the sound of the synthesizers. In the late 70’s, he was working as a DJ and started his first band projects The Normal and Silicon Teens. Around that time he decided to found his own record label, 'Mute' records, which would eventually release his own music. During the 80’s Mute expanded and Daniel worked as a producer, managing among others Yazoo, Fad Gadget, Depeche Mode and Erasure.

Miller was born February 14, 1951 in London and was attracted to the wild rock 'n' roll of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry and Beatles from a very early age. In the early-'70s he was turned on to the electronic music of German groups like Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Neu, Faust, Amon Duul, Can, and the like, affectionately known as "Krautrock."

During the punk explosion, he began listening to punk because of the energy and excitement of the music. He liked the whole do it yourself attitude that came with the style of music. This do it yourself attitude had spilled over into the electronic music scene. Synthesisers were becoming cheaper to buy and new bands were appearing such as Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire. This inspired Miller to create his own music. Making some money from film editing and working ridiculous hours he gathered enough money to buy a cheap Korg 700S synthesiser and a four track tape recorder. This led to the creation of The Normal.

Miller recorded two songs, 'Warm Leatherette' and 'TVOD' (Television Overdose). The former was inspired by J.G. Ballard's novel Crash. Not knowing anything about retail or distribution he approached 'Rough Trade Records'. They loved the recording and helped him press 2000 copies of the single. "Warm Leatherette" was released in May 1978 and sold out very quickly. After receiving critical acclaim for the project, Miller decided to explore further. After returning from the live tour, Miller found a pile of demo tapes on his doorstep. Because he had included an address on the ‘Warm Leatherette’ single cover, people had wanted to do a similar small scale deal with Mute. The turning point for Mute Records came when Miller listened to a tape by an artist called Fad Gadget and liked what he heard. In 1979 Mute Records began releasing singles by Fad Gadget including "Back to Nature", the follow up to "Warm Leatherette".

Another early 'Mute' signing was the synthpop band, Silicon Teens; Comprising of four imaginary band members Darryl, Jacki, Paul and Diane. The Silicon Teens were produced by Larry Least (Daniel Miller). The recordings were all recorded by Miller himself and engineered by Eric Radcliffe, who would later work on many other Mute releases. An album was recorded titled ‘Music for Parties’ it consisted of classic rock’n’roll songs like 'Memphis, Tennessee' and ‘Just Like Eddie’. The album became a cult classic with some major record labels approaching Miller with offers for a band that didn’t actually exist. The Silicon Teens gave an insight into Miller’s idea of an all-synthesizer, teenage pop group.

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In 1982 Daniel teamed up with Graham Lewis and Bruce Gilbert of Wire to record an album titled ‘Or So it Seems’. All three had been friends for a long time. They had all been using Blackwing Studios, and had shared the same engineer, Eric Radcliffe. Duet Emmo was an anagram of Mute and Dome.

Alongside being involved in his own musical projects, he continued to run 'Mute Records' which  grew in stature, especially with the growing popularity of Depeche Mode around the globe. In 2002 EMI acquired Mute Records and still today, Daniel Miller is responsible for all of the company’s global activities.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Miller_(music_producer)

daniel-miller-godfather-of-technopop

Bow Wow Wow- See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang Yeah, City All Over! Go Ape Crazy!'

Cherry Red Records will reissue the second album by Malcolm Maclaren managed group Bow Wow Wow. The album 'See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang Yeah, City All Over! Go Ape Crazy!' which was originally released in 1981, will be reissued as a double CD and features the album and b sides and rarities from the Bow wow Wow song catalog. The album is released on June 21, 2010.

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/

Next Wave: Terminal Twilight

Terminal Twilight is a Los Angeles based duo which comprises of Molly Frances (vocals, synthesizer) and M Frohman (vocals, synthesizer, guitar, drums). Their music combines heavy disco beats with minimal dark wave forming the unique sound which the duo like to call teardrop electro.

Earlier this year, in March they released the three song digital single, among which is the famous "The Fire of Love" originally performed by Jody Reynolds’ in 1958. Check out other promotional sites for more info about Terminal Twilight.

http://www.infinitesoundtracks.com/pressings/fire.html
http://www.myspace.com/terminaltwiligh

Marc Almond- Varieté

Marc Almond is up to release a new album this June on Cherry Red Records. The album is entitled 'Varieté' and it is released on June 7, 2010. 'Varieté' is Marc's first complete album of self-written songs since 'Open All Night', over a decade ago. In this, Marc's 30th year as a recording artist, 'Varieté', revisits the eras of Marc's personal and musical life providing an eloquent and sometimes nostalgic, insight into what defines him as a performer.

Follow the link for more information on the album release

http://http//www.cherryred.co.uk/sfe/product.php?display=marcalmond

R.E.M.- Pop Song 89

"Pop Song 89" was a third single from the album 'Green' released in 1989. The video was shot in black and white and featured the singer Michael Stipe and topless girls dancing in the background. MTV asked Stipe, who directed it himself, to censor the three topless women with whom he was dancing in the video. Instead, Stipe superimposed black bars on the chests of all four dancers, himself included, and stated, "a nipple is a nipple."

In Conversation: Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17

Enjoy “30th Anniversary Penthouse And Pavement Tour”  exclusive interview for the Burning Blame Blog with Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17.

1. Which band or musician was your major influence at the beginning of your career?

I would have to say the early influences of Heaven 17 are very eclectic. Strangely enough I think I can speak for the three of us, as we were all pretty much into the same types of music. There was Glam… Hurrah loved it! Bolan, T Rex, Roxy Music, Jobriath , David Bowie even Slade and The Sweet - all of these bands touched our lives growing up both musically and stylistically.

I wish I had a photograph of Martin in his green fun fur bomber jacket and his skin tight white trouser tucked into his silver platform boots… oh he looked great!

Then there was early electronic music… Kraftwerk, Can, Faust, Gong (hippy Electro), Tangerine Dream… even Pink Floyd and maybe a bit of Emerson Lake and Palmer…

And then there was Black Dance music, Soul and Northern Soul. It was all going in being mixed together and coming out as something else!

Crystal Castles- Crystal Castles II

The second album by the Crystal Castles entitled 'Crystal Castles II' has been released today. The album is out on Fiction Records and it was produced by Ethan Kath. The first single from the album "Doe Deer" was released in April.

http://crystalcastles.com/

OMD- History of Modern Tour

OMD have announced the new tour this autumn. 'The History of Modern' tour will feature the original line up of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes.

The guys are in the studio putting the finishing touches to the new album this week, the appropriately entitled ’History Of Modern’. Andy McCluskey has called it ‘their best album since 'Architecture and Morality’.

Check out thir official site for ticket info and tour dates.

http://www.omd.uk.com/

WAW: The Kissaway Trail- Beat Your Heartbeat

Andy Bell- Non Stop

'Non-Stop' is the second solo album Andy Bell from Erasure. The album is scheduled for release on May 24, 2010 on Mute Records. The album was co-written and co-produced by Bell and Pascal Gabriel who worked with S'Express, Debbie Harry and Little Boots.

Prior to the release of 'Non-Stop', two songs were released as stand-alone singles under the pseudonym Mimó: "Running Out" and "Will You Be There?".

The third single "Call on Me", scheduled for release on May 31, 2010.

http://www.andybell.com/

Devo- Something For Everybody

More than three decades after the release of their visionary debut, 'Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo', and a full 20 years since their last studio album, Devo are back with the aptly titled 'Something for Everybody'. The long rumored, wildly anticipated album  features the band's classic line-up—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale—joined by drummer Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails, Guns n' Roses).

Though the 12 songs on 'Something for Everybody' are built on Devo's signature mechanized swing, the recording and presentation of the album saw the band experimenting with an entirely new approach. Greg Scholl was brought in to serve as COO for Devo, Inc., and—working with the advertising agency Mother LA—conducted a series of studies through the www.clubdevo.com site to help the band with its creative decisions, from color selection to song mixes.

UK release date for the album is Monday June 14th, followed by North American release on Tuesday 15th June. Check their official site for more information.

http://www.clubdevo.com/

Twice A Man- Everything Is Possible

Promo video for the song "Everything is Possible" from the latest album "Icicles" by Twice A Man released on April 30, 2010.

http://burningflameblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/twice-man-circles.html

Heaven 17- The 30 Years Anniversary Show

Heaven 17 has announced the 30th Anniversary November UK Tour of their critically acclaimed 1981 concept album ‘Penthouse And Pavement’ which they will perform in its entirety. Featuring original members Glenn Gregory (lead vocals) and Martyn Ware (synthesizers, vocals) and a full six-piece band, Heaven 17 starts their UK tour at the Edinburgh HMV Picture House on November 22nd. The tour follows the ultimate super-luxury edition of Penthouse And Pavement, released by EMI in the autumn.

Dates include Edinburgh HMV Picture House (Nov 22), Glasgow O2 ABC (Nov 23), Manchester Ritz (Nov 25), Birmingham HMV Institute (Nov 26), London HMV Forum (Nov 28), Oxford O2 Academy (Nov 29), Brighton Corn Exchange (Nov 30), Bristol O2 Academy (Dec 1)

http://www.heaven17.com/

Images in Vogue- Prototypes

Earlier this year Images In Vogue have released a compilation album entitled 'Prototypes' which contains new versions and remixes of some IIV songs and demos as well. The 13 track compilation is available on amazon.com and iTunes.

http://www.imagesinvogue.ca/flash_content/flash_content.html

Next Wave: The Disappeared

The Disappeared is a four piece, indie guitar band form Manchester. The Disappeared reflect the sound of bands like The Clash, Bloc Party and The Cribs. They write songs about the world as they see it – a good, bad, ugly and beautiful place.

More info:http://www.thedisappeared.info/

The National- High Violet

The National have released their fifth studio album this week. The album is entitled 'High Violet' and as the previous two, it was produced by the band in their own studio with Peter Katis. The first single release from the album is the song "Bloodbuzz Ohio" which was performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

The Lotus Eaters- No Sense of Sin Reissue

'No Sense of Sin', the debut album by the British group the Lotus Eaters has been reissued by Cherry Red. The album was originally released in 1984 and featured the hits "The First Picture of You" and "You Don't Need Someone New". The band are still very active, having given an extremely well received performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Theatre in 2009 and currently putting the finishing touches to a new album.

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/cherryred/artists/lotuseaters.php#cdmred433

Peter Godwin- Images of Heaven

In 1982 Peter Godwin released his biggest hit "Images of Heaven" which was promoted with two different video versions of a video. The provocative version of the video showed nude women poses kissing and touching each other. Enjoy the polaroids, the silhouettes and images of heaven.

The Fall- Your Future Our Clutter

The Fall have released their 28th studio album, their first for independent record label 'Domino'. The album was produced by Ross Orton and Mark E. Smith and it is entitled 'Your Future Our Clutter' It's out in the UK since April 26, 2010. Just click on the link to listen to the album.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/apr/21/fall-album-your-future-our-clutter

Instant Hit: Alan Burnham- Music To Save The World By

Rolling back to the year 1980 again. We settle with Alan Burnham and his only single release, a seven inch single "Music To Save The World By". The song was released in 1980 through Cherry Red with "Science Fiction" as a b-side. The song also appeared on record label's compilation Singles Collection (1978-1983) which was released in 2008.

John Foxx- Metatronic

John Foxx will celebrate the 30 years anniversary of his debut solo album release 'Metamatic' by releasing a new compilation entitled Metatronic. Metatronic focuses on the darker, electro material from his 30 year solo career, including the new mix of 'Underpass'. This three disc set includes promo videos for 'Underpass', 'No-One Driving' and 'He's A Liquid' on DVD for the first time, along with a rare performance of 'The Noise' filmed by VH1.The album is available to preorder through John Foxx's Official Shop and it will be released on May, 3 2010.

http://www.townsend-records.co.uk/artist.php?artist=John+Foxx&pType=6
www.myspace.com/foxxmetamatic

Twice A Man - Icicles

Twice a Man will release a follow up to their 2008 release 'Clouds' in this month, April 30, 2010. Their new release is entitled 'Icicles' and the record was produced in the last two years. The band describes it as dark and gloomy reflecting the cold winter melancholy of the time it was produced. For more Information about the album, check the link.

blogs.myspace.com

WAW: Complicated Universal Cum- I Can Hardly Wait

"I Can Hardly Wait" is the obvious hit-ballad from Frederik Valentins solo debut. He is from Denmark and releases under a name Complicated Universal Cum. This Videoconcept was arranged by Kasper Bjørke.

Complicated Universal Cum - I can hardly wait from Fake Diamond Records on Vimeo.

Next Wave: Mirrors

Mirrors are the sharp-dressed Brighton quartet which supported Delphic at London's The Garage during the NME Radar show. Their music reminds of early 80's synth-pop electronica. You might notice some OMD reference. The simply like to call what they do, 'pop noir'.

Mirrors- Look At Me
www.myspace.com/mirrorsmirrorsmirrors