Figures on the Beach

Figures on a Beach was a musical band from Detroit, Michigan, formed in the early 80's out of the ashes of the dada-ist electronic art band Razor 1922. The group was formed by the vocalist Anthony Kaczynski and guitarist John Rolski and the group's line up was almost completed after keyboardist Christopher Ewen, bassist Perry Tell and drummer, multimedia designer, animator, and illustrator Michael "Smitty" Smith joined the group.

From the beginning, Figures On A Beach played in an artistic New Romantic/angular techno-pop style that belied their Detroit roots, and stood out from the thriving and predominantly guitar-driven local punk/underground scene at the time. Their first record, an obscure four track EP release titled 'Swimming', was released through the Metro-America label in 1983. Then a year later in 1984, FOTB released their debut single "Breathless" which brought new styles into New wave marking the beginning of Detroit house and techno. Soon after, bassist/guitarist Perry Tell completed the line-up, and the band recorded the double A-sided EP 'Paradise/In Camera Obscura' in early 1985.

In the late 1985, Figures on the Beach moved to Boston and they were signed by Seymour Stein of Sire Records. They released their first full length LP 'Standing on Ceremony' in 1987 with the emphasis track and video for "No Stars", but the group’s sound was a little late for the 80’s party and a radio campaign & tour to support the record weren’t very rewarding. The self-titled LP & CD 'Figures On A Beach' followed in 1989. It contained the popular club-scene hit "Accidentally 4th Street (Gloria)" and a tongue-in-cheek cover of Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet", which became a minor radio hit. The band continued to play live, write and record new material, but disbanded in 1991 before completing a third album.

Today, Figures on a Beach are available for download. Every song and album recorded on the Sire/Warner record label is now available for download at iTunes. They are currently building a thorough and comprehensive web site to help inform you of all things Figures on a Beach. Check out the link for additional information.

http://www.figuresonabeach.com/intro.htm

Dali's Car- The Second Album

Former Bauhaus vocalist Peter Murphy has announced via Facebook that he will be reuniting with ailing ex-Japan bassist Mick Karn to record a second Dali's Car album, the follow up to their 1984 debut "The Waking Hour".

“It’ll be the first time that we’ve seen each other since ‘83, and it’s going to be a pleasure. We’ve been talking and it’s been great.”

Earlier in this year in June Mick Karn official announced that the singer was diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. Visit the www.mickkarn.net/index to donate money to the Mick Karn appeal.

http://burningflameblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/japan-and-self-existence.html

http://burningflameblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/dalis-car.html

Martin L.Gore News

Great news for all Matin L. Gore fans. He will team up with his former band mate Vince Clark to record and produce a 'techno-ish track' called "Zaat" as it is reported. The track will be included on the forthcoming Erasure album. Martin will also be appearing as DJ at an after show DM/Recoil party at the Recoil's event at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, CA on 24th October.Gore will be spinning a collection of his favourite tracks. Last but not least, the song "Milakia" which he has produced in collaboration with Bomb The Bass is out today. The song is available on the recent Bomb The Bass album 'Back to Light'.

http://www.side-line.com/

Groove Armada - History

"History" will be the fourth single release from the fantastic Groove Armada album "Black Light" released earlier this year. As you already may have heard, "History" is is this brilliantly atmospheric, 'Smalltown Boy'-esque number which features  Will Young on vocals. The single is out August 24, 2010.

Next Wave: Model Worker

Model Worker is a new 4 piece band based out of Chicago. Created with an array of analog synthesizers, drum machines, and guitars, the sounds fall into the the New Wave / Synth Pop genre. Watch out for a new self produced EP to be released in early fall. Check out Myspace and bandcamp artist page for more information and some free downloads.

www.myspace.com/modelworker

modelworker.bandcamp.com

Until December- The 415 Sessions

San Francisco's 415 label has reissued Until December's only album which was released in 1986. This 2 CD set pretty much encompasses their entire recorded work. Disc 1 features the full album plus a bunch of non-LP singles. Disc 2 features their 12" remix versions of their best tracks. Most of this material is making its worldwide CD debut.

http://idealcopy.american-data.ne

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Section 25- Retrofit

LTM are delighted to present the seventh studio album from cult Factory Records group Section 25, titled 'Retrofit'. The album was recorded before the untimely death of Larry Cassidy in February 2010, and sees the group revisit 10 key tracks from their estimable back catalogue, remade and remodelled using new technology, and closing with a compelling remix of "Looking From A Hilltop" by New Order member Stephen Morris. The album is going be released on September 13, 2010. Visit the official page for additional info.

www.section25.com

WAW: Crocodiles- Sleep Forever

Automelodi- Automelodi

Following the release of their debut EP last year, the Canadian outfit Automeldodi have released their self titled debut album. The album is out this summer, released through Wierd Records and it was produced by Xavier Paradis. The songs are mostly sung in French and influenced by the music of the early 80's French New Wave scene as well as by the examples of the early Mute Records like Fad Gadget.

http://myspace.com/automelodi

Shadowplayers: The Rise and Fall of Factory Records

'Shadowplayers: The Rise and Fall of Factory Records' celebrates the life of Factory Records and it was released earlier this year in May. The Author of this book is James Nice, a journalist and record-label owner. He once worked for Factory Benelux and now administers much of the former Factory catalogue. Based on both archive and contemporary sources, the book tells the full story of Factory's heroic struggles, its complex web of inventive, idiosyncratic and tragic personalities, and ultimately, the acclaimed and much-loved music it produced.