Sparks' Greatest Hits (1979-1984) to be Featured on 'Sparks Shortcuts' and 'Sparks Extended' Compilation

'Repertoire' have announced the release of a brand new Sparks compilation set which includes their greatest hits released from 1979 to 1984. 'Sparks - Shortcuts' is the title of the first two disc sets and it includes A & B-sides from early hits like "Beat The Clock" and "The Number One Song In Heaven" through to their biggest American hit single "Cool Places" performed with Jane Wiedlin. The second set of discs is entitled 'Sparks - Extended' and it is a collection of 12-inch versions of Sparks’ work which features the best versions from the various labels Sparks inhabited and the countries in which they were released. 

The compilation is announced for August, the purchase links coming soon. 

 www.repertoirerecords.com
 

In Conversation: Featureless Ghost

Featureless Ghost is an Atlanta based synth-pop duo consisting of Matt Weiner and Elise Tippins. Performing and recording music together since 2007, Matt and Elise relocated from Brooklyn to Atlanta and spontaneously formed "Featureless Ghost. The music of Featureless Ghost gives a new landmark to the dark electronic synth-pop with their retro futurstic sound driven by analogue synthesizers and electro beats complemented with visual aesthetics and vintage collages.
The prolific duo has released 2 full lengths, 3 singles, and an EP. They have releases on Crash Symbols, Ruralfaune, and Double Phantom Digital and just released a cassette EP on Night-People. This will be followed by a vinyl LP this summer (2012), also on Night-People records.
Find out more about Featureless Ghost and hear what Elise and Matt said about their musical influences, live performances and future plans in music in the Q-A below.

Instant Hit: Felt- My Face Is on Fire

"My Face is on Fire" was the third single for British group Felt which was issued by Cherry Red in 1982. The single was issued as a double A-side and also featured "Trails Of Colour Dissolve". The songs were written and by the lead singer Lawrence whose surname was never listed in any credits or press. 

Best of 1982 - The Album List

The rise of synthesizers continued to shape the landscape of pop music, gaining dominance and emerging as a potential formula for future success. The Human League maintained their chart-topping presence and received the BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act, solidifying their status as pioneers of the synth-pop movement. Inspired by their success, other bands such as Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and Soft Cell adopted synthesizers as primary instruments, contributing to the launch of the Second British Invasion in the United States.

This musical invasion introduced new styles, rhythms, and stars to American audiences, with acts like Duran Duran, The Human League, Eurythmics, Billy Idol, and more making a significant impact. However, the era also saw the dissolution of some iconic bands from the late '70s and early '80s, including Blondie, Adam and The Ants, ABBA, and Japan, marking the end of their influential musical journeys.

June Singles Round Up

June is monthly round up is up and here are the highlights. Little Boots has released the second single this year entitled "Headphones" which will be included on her second album to be released this year. Mirrors have returned with a new single "Hourglass", album in the making. Rufus Wainwright has released the second single from his Mark Ronson produced album 'Out of the Game', the single is called "Jericho". "Drifting In And Out" is the second single for Porcelain Raft taken from their/his debut album 'Strange Weekend'. The Vancouver based Petroleum By-Product have released their debut single "Convenient and Cheap/ Rip Apart" for Happy Burro Records. Marsheaux and Twins Natalia have teamed up for a special double cover version 7" disc. Twins Natalia have covered Marsheaux's "Radial Emotion" and Marsheaux have done a version of Twins Natalia's "When We Were Young". It is out and available via Anna Logue Records. And last but not least, Cyndi Lauper is back with a new dance pop hit "Sex is in the Heel" for her new broadway show, Kinky Boots. 

Thanks for keeping up with us. 

Lost Videos: Front 242- U Men

"U Men" was one of the tracks from Front 242 debut album Geography which was released in april 1982. The single was issued by New Dance and it was backed with "Ethics". Sadly there is not much info about this great rare Front 242 video which is available on YouTube. 

Out This Week: Parallels- XII

Toronto-based electro pop outfit Parallels have released a follow up to their debut album "Visionaries" which was issued in 2010. The new album announces lighter italo pop sound with synth starlight which is a result of the split between Cameron Findlay and Holly Dodson who were working together on their debut album. The album release was preceded by 'Time Will Crawl' EP which was released in May. The new album is available on vinyl and CD and it is out on Marigold Records.  

www.parallels.fm
 

New Collaborative Album by David Byrne and St.Vincent 'Love This Giant' Announced for September

4AD have announced the release of 'Love This Giant', an album which is a collaboration between David Byrne and Annie Clark (St. Vincent). David and Annie started working on this album round the fall of 2009 after being approached by Housing Works to write and perform a night of new music for charity. The concept of the album is centered around a brass band and it is announced for September 10th. It will be followed by 24-date tour starting September 15th. 

 
http://lovethisgiant.com