Featured: Talk Talk- Such a Shame

"Such A Shame" was one of Talk Talk's biggest hits in continental Europe and the second single from the the album It's My Life. The songs was written by Mark Hollis and he was inspired by Luke Rhinehart’s cult novel The Dice Man. The novel tells a story of psychiatrist who begins making life decisions based on the casting of dice. The song was reissued twice, in 1990, when it became a hit in the UK and in 2004.

Jean Michel Jarre- Essential and Rare

Jean Michel Jarre will release a two CD compilation album 'Essentials and Rarities' which will feature Jarre's most essential work as well as tracks made before his ground-breaking album 'Oxygène'. Most of the tracks on Rarities were never officially released on CD before. The album is released in memory of Francis Dreyfus, who was the founder of Jarre's first record label 'Disques Dreyfus' and who died in the previous year. The compilation is out on May 30, 2011.

http://jarreuk.com/ 

May Singles Round-Up

Time to reveal the best singles released in the month of May. We begin with one of my favorite songs for this spring by the Swedish band Daybehavior who have just released a wonderful single "Silent Dawn". The band will release a new album during this summer and reveal more info about that in the upcoming interview. The French group Indochine have recorded a tribute song "Un Ange à ma Table" which is inspired by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Stranger Station have released their first single in thiry years, "Cynthia", a direct follow up to their only single "Minutes to Silence". Ladytron were all in the news with the first single from the new album entitled "White Elephant", the album is out later this year. Austra have released the second single "Lose It" from their much anticipated debut album 'Feel it Break' and Austin based Boy Friend make their debut with the dreamy "Lovedropper". Finally, the long awaited Blondie album is out this month as well as the title track and lead single "Mother".

80's Duets: Sparks & Jane Wiedlin- Cool Places

As a big fan of Sparks in the early 80's Jane Wiedlin recorded a duet with Ron and Russel in 1983. The song "Cool Places" was taken form Sparks' album "In Outer Space" which remained their biggest hit in the USA. Wiedlin also helped promote the album on tour and appeared at a few gigs to perform the duets.

Next Wave: A Terrible Splendour

A Terrible Splendour are a New Romantic Synthesiser Cabaret outfit from London. Their songs weave tales of blackmail and despair, of cruelty and of heartbreak. They draw their inspiration from the drama of faded silver screen stars, imprisoned dissidents and espionage. Having built a following around their blood and cake stained live performance, ATS are set to release their debut single "The Russians" / "Slaves to the City" on June 17th, whilst continuing to work on their debut album 'An Evening in the Company of A Terrible Splendour'. 
Check out their Facebook band page to listen to their latest single. 

http://www.aterriblesplendour.com/

Instant Hit: Dhuo- Walkin'

Italian producer Bruno Bergonzi and Mike Logan recorded several songs and one album under the name Dhuo in the first half of the 80's. "Walking" was the first single which was released from their only album Overflow in 1984. The band released two more singles in 1985 before disbanding.

In Conversation: Sensual Harassment

 The Reptilian Humanoid alliance is back! The New York based trio Sensual Harassment have released their debut album in April and have stopped by for an interview in which they tell us more about their influences, live music, their future plans and how they developed their specific music style.  

Sensual Harassment Q-A

WAW: Blondie- Mother

Blondie have recorded an official video for the first single "Mother" from the album 'Panic of Girls'. Both, the single and the album are set to be released this month. The video for the song "Mother" was recorded by Laurent Rejto.

Psyche- Insomnia Theatre Box Set

This month VOD Records will release 'Insomnia Theatre' - the original Canadian Edition of Psyche's 1985 debut. Now as a beautifully redesigned and remastered 3 LP Boxset including the recordings from "Tales From The Darkside" & early vintage tracks from '83 - '86. Added to the package are a 7" single with extended mixes of "Misery" & "Goodbye Horses". Plus a bonus DVD including the complete "Beyond Sensation" videos and a few more extra surprises!

http://www.psyche-hq.de/

Spoons- Static in Transmission

The Canadian band Spoons have returned with a new album this year. Their new album 'Static in Transmission' was released in March on Fontana North/Universal Music Canada and it is their first album after 'Vertigo Tango' from 1988. "Static In Transmission" CD release party will be held on June 1, 2011 at the Revival 783 College Street in Toronto. To promote their new album they will also be doing few live shows. More info about that via Spoons official.