Books: Electric Dreams: The Human League, Heaven 17 and the Sound of the Steel City

"Electric Dreams', the long awaited super book by David Buckley which tells the story of how a band, a city and a lot of synthesizers provided the ultimate soundtrack to the Eighties. David Buckley, the acclaimed author of 'Strange Fascination: David Bowie – The Definitive Story', charts the Human League’s unlikely rise from avant-garde veterans of the punk wars to international pop sensations and reveals how a small number of bands in Sheffield created the music that came to define an era: electro-pop. The release of the book also marks the thirtieth anniversary of 'Dare', the Human League’s seminal third album. Pre-order your book here.  

More about the Author: /www.david-buckley.com/

Mick Milk for World Citizens

One of the New York's multi-media underground acts known as Mick Milk has surfaced on the internet. Mick Milk was a one-man DIY synth-master and guitarist who played a mix of experimental synth pop and technology-inspired dance music. He has recorded one album 'Song for the Citizens', a single and a couple of unreleased tracks in 1982/83. The whole recording material has been considered as ultra rare, but thanks to this site, everyone has the chance to listen to the remastered versions of the songs. Let's hope the records get a proper reissue.

http://www.mickmilk.com/

Retrovision: Eurythmics- Thorn in My Side

25 years ago Eurythmics released "Thorn in My Side" and enjoyed some chart success around Europe. The single reached the top 10 in the UK, Sweden and Ireland. The song was written by both members of the group and it was by Dave Stewart.

Reissue: Shriekback- Oil and Gold

Cherry Red have released 'Oil & Gold', the third full-length Shriekback album, which is widely considered the band's best. The album was originally released in 1985 on Island Records and saw the band metamorphose from contemplative to rocking. This enhanced edition comes with a newly remastered bonus disc for B-Sides for the first time on CD, as well as a enhanced booklet with new notes.

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3027

Next Wave: Claps

Claps are St. Paul Minnesota trio who play exclusively analog synthesizers and provide a dark view into the world of minimal synth-pop. The analog instruments used on their records create a sound that may be reminiscent of the late 70's early 80's minimal synth and synth pop movements. Their second EP 'New Science' is more than just an homage to minimal synth; It's a modern yet classic take on the genre. They released their debut album 'Wreck' this August and  "Across The Floor", a song from the album is available on their site.

http://clapsus.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/CLAPS

Erasure- Tomorrow's World

Erasure have announced details about their new album which is set for release on October 3rd. The album will be called 'Tomorrow's World' and it will be available as as a regular CD & download and a special deluxe CD. Their new single 'When I Start To (Break It All Down)' will be available on September 26th, with a single-track download being made available on August 29th.Like all the essential Erasure releases, their new material is released on Mute.

  Erasure - When I Start To (Break It All Down) Steve Smart & WestFunk Main Room Mix (Edit) by Mute UK

80's Duets: Bronski Beat & Marc Almond

Bronski Beat who had huge international success with "Smalltown Boy" in 1984 were joined by Marc Almond, a year later and released their own version of Donna Summer's classic "I Feel Love". The full version of the song also featured parts of "Love to Love You Baby" and John Leyton's "Johnny Remember Me". It was a success and reached #3 in the UK.

 

The Waterboys- An Appointment With Mr Yeats

The long-awaited new Waterboys album 'An Appointment With Mr Yeats' will be released across Europe by Proper Records on September 19th. North American release will follow in 2012. The album was produced by Mike Scott and Waterboys' bassist Marc Arciero, and contains 14 new songs created from the lyrics of Ireland's greatest poet, WB Yeats. The first single from the album, "Sweet Dancer" is available for download NOW from iTunes. 

  www.mikescottwaterboys.com

Model Worker- Modern Luxury

Model Worker have released another great EP this summer. Their brand new EP is entitled 'Modern Luxury' and features three tracks which take you to a sonic trip through early 80's synth funk in a sea of neon lights. 'Modern Luxury' is available as a free download via www.model-worker.com.

Instant Hit: Furniture- One Step Behind You

"One Step Behind You" was the last single release for Furniture and the last record the band released. The song was released in 1990, both as 7" and 12" inch single on Arista. Three years, in 1993, later the song was covered by Marian Gold of Alphaville.