The Monochrome Set's New Album 'Spaces Everywhere' Out Now.

The Monochrome Set have released a brand new album 'Spaces Everywhere'. This is a follow up to their album 'Super Plastic City' which was released in 2013. This is how the record label described their sound: "A very particular humor. And a very unique sound, although this time banjos, Hammond organ, female backing vocals and even flutes can be heard on the new album, experts and laymen alike will recognize,...On one hand, the music is very melodic and cheerful. The lyrics, however, deal with death, decay." The album was released on Tapete Records on March 13th.

Retrovision: Inspiral Carpets- This is How it Feels

Twenty five years ago Inspiral Carpets released their seventh single "This is How it Feels" and the first one to reach the top 20 in the UK charts. The US music video for "This Is How It Feels" was inspired by the imagery of the British art duo Gilbert and George, making use of their signature "stained glass" and grid style and their standard iconography. The song was written by Clint Boon.

Shriekback Release Their 13th Studio Album

Shriekback have announced the release of their 13th studio album entitled 'Without Real String or Fish'. They have already revealed information about it on the social networks and there are also three video previews on youtube for your listening pleasure. The album can be ordered directly through 

http://shriekback.com/

Next Wave: Dinner

Danish producer and singer Anders Rhedin who records and produces under the Dinner moniker is our new Next Wave stars on Burning flame and one of the most anticipated stars for this year. Already in 2014 he draw a good deal of attention with his synth laden glam-pop tunes. Somewhere divided between LA, Berlin and Copenhagen he is taking influences from everywhere.This is how his music is described by his label: "Sometimes Dinner sounds like a long-lost mixtape from the local Dusseldorf pop scene in the early 1980s. Other times he sounds something like the soundtrack to David Lynch directing Miami Vice, or Genesis P-Orridge embracing Italian pop-infused Danish darkwave, or like a male descendant of Nico singing Eno-esque pop songs on discarded Julian Cope tracks." 

In April, Dinner will release the complete Three EPs Collection 2012-2014 and also support Mac DeMarco on his West Coast tour. In May and June he’ll embark on his first extended European tour. He’s currently in LA, where he’s working on his debut full-length.

WAW: Nedelle Torrisi - Double Horizon

Nedelle Torrisi is back with a brand new single "Double Horizon" which is taken from the album 'Advice From Paradise' which was released on February 17th and produced by Kenneth Gilmore. The video for this lead single was directed by Robert Schober and edited by Whitney Weir. As you can see some parts of the video are very much influenced by "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper and Grease a bit. 

The The to Release a Brand New Movie Soundtrack Album 'Hyena'

The The have announced the release of a brand recording material and the first in more than 20 years. The brand new album will be entitled 'Hyena' and it will be the soundtrack for the movie of the same name. Each release is published as a deluxe edition CD/Book, packaged in hardback form and filled with additional and exclusive material including photographs, interviews, stills from the films and notes from the directors. ‘Hyena’ was written and directed by Gerard Johnson and follows his critically acclaimed debut, Tony and it will be released in UK cinema’s on March 6^th.

Blancmange to Release a New Album this March

Blancmange have announced the release of a brand new studio album this year. The album will be entield 'Semi-Detached' and it is Blancmange’s 5th album to date, but the first without the involvement of Stephen Luscombe, Neils long term collaborator. As it is reported the album will retain Blancmange's characteristic humour but will also include some of the old ticks and mannerisms to create an edgy, pared down and deeply personal record, getting the balance absolutely right between grit and light, the domestic and the cosmic, despair and joy. 'Semi Detached' will be available on four formats – CD, Ltd Edition Deluxe Double CD, Vinyl LP and digital download and it will oficialy be released on March 23rd. on Cherry Red Records. 

  www.blancmange.co.uk

Dimension Gondry: Sinead O' Connor- Fire on Babylon

Another great excerpt from the Dimension Gondry series comes from one of our favorite Sinead O' Connor songs "Fire on Babylon". It was taken from her 1984 album 'Famine' which sadly did not manage to restore her fame of her mass appeal of the late 80's and early 90's. The song is about the effects of her own child abuse and expresses anger and rage through the lyrics. The video for the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

The Names Announce New Album for May

Factory Benelux have announced the release of 'Stranger Than You', the fourth studio album by Belgian post-punk outfit The Names. Having previously been associated with Factory Records and producer Martin Hannett, this album, as it is reported, sees the Names return to their original sound and the styles explored on their debut album 'Swimming'. Singer/songwriter Michel Sordinia and guitarist Marc Deprez are joined by new members Laurent Loddewyckx (drums) and Christophe Boulenger (keyboards and piano). The album is set for release on May 18th, 2015. 

Roxy Music Box Set with Complete Studio Recording out in March

Roxy Music have announced the release of Roxy Music box set which will include the complete studio recordings from 1972-1982. This 10 CD deluxe box set will feature all eight Roxy Music studio albums and every single they released. The audio has been flat-transfered from the original master recordings – so it sounds as the band intended it to. These iconic albums are housed in rigid gatefold style sleeves – mimicking the original vinyl releases. The compilation is set for release on March 16th.

Eternal Death's Debut Album out this Month

Eternal Death will release their self-titled debut album this month. You will probably remember them by the song "Head" which was released a year ago and which we played and played. Several singles followed through out the year and finally it comes in one package and will be released by the Swedish indie label Labrador Records.The official release date is set for February 24th.

Steve Strange (1959-2015)

“We are extremely saddened to announce that Steve Strange died at 11.15 local time on Thursday 12th February, in Sharm El Sheik International Hospital, Egypt. Steve died in his sleep, of Heart Failure. Steve’s family, band members and friends are all distraught at this sudden news of his untimely death. Steve’s family request privacy at this extremely difficult time.” 

 This is the official statement form Visage's Facebook page.

 It is really sad news to hear of Steve Strange's passing away. It seems the world has lost its true New Romantic. He certainly will be remembered as the pivotal figure in the New Romantic movement, The Blitz Kids spirit and the great music of Visage. Thanks for the avant-garde, the glamour and the weirdness.

"One man on a lonely platform
One case sitting by his side..."

 Rest in Peace
 Steve

And here the rare version on "Fade to Grey"...

WAW: The Soft Moon- Far

The Soft Moon have announced the release of their third album earlier this year. The album is entitled 'Deeper' and it will officially released on March 31st. As a warm up, here comes the first single/video release from the album. It's for the song "Far" and Powell Robinson was responsible for cienematography this time.

 

Retrovision: Cristina- Ticket to the Tropics

"Ticket to the Tropics" was the last single release for Cristina Monet-Palaci who recorded under the name Cristina. She released two albums and several singles in the first half of the decade. Her music was related to disco, funk and no wave and she certainly is one of the most underrated New wave stars. "Ticket to the Tropics" was released in 1984 and the video for the song is considered extremely rare. Thanks dear youtuber who shared this.

Next Wave: Viet Cong

Viet Cong is a Calgary based indie rock band from Canada. The group consists of two ex-members of the rock band Women, vocalist/bassist Matt Flegel and drummer Mike Wallace, as well as guitarists Scott Munro and Daniel Christiansen and it was formed around 2012. To this date they have released two EPs and two singles and this year finally they released their much anticipated self titled debut album which certainly is one of the top albums this year. Their musical style is described as Labyrinth post-punk and combines various influences and reflects in various music styles. Viet Cong invent new Post-punk instead making another Post-Punk revival. 

Lebanon Hanover- Beside the Abyss

Lebanon Hanover have announced the release of a brand new studio album entitled 'Beside the Abyss'. This will be their fourth album in three years. It has been written and performed by Larissa Iceglass and William Maybelline in Athens, May 2013 and it is produced by Chris Manolitsis. As it is announced the album will also feature guest musicians. The official release date is late February, early March.

Dimension Gondry: Massive Attack- Protection

Released in 1995 as the third single to be taken from the album of the same name. As you know this song featured Tracey Thorn from Everything but the Girl on vocals. It was the essence of trip hop with a loping breakbeat, guitar samples and angst-ridden female vocals. Like the previous videos, this one was also masterfully directed by Michael Gondry.

Gang of Four's New Album 'What Happens Next' out this Month

Following the release of 'Content' and some line up changes from few years ago. Gang of Four will release their eighth studio album entitled What Happens Next this month. The album features a number of guest vocalists and instrumentalists, including Big Pink’s Robbie Furze, Japanese guitarist Hotei, and German singer Herbert Grönemeyer. The most notable guest, however, is Alison Mosshart, who appears on several album tracks, including lead single “Broken Talk”. 'What Happens Next' will be out on February 24th via Metropolis Records. 

Best of 1985- The Album List

The year 1985 was the year of big charity concerts and records. Following up on the release of "Do They Know It’s Christmas Time" from 1984, the big Live Aid concert was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. The event was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, UK, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, US. Also inspired by Band Aid, USA for Africa band project released "We Are the World", a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. 

Among the best selling albums this year was Dire Straits’ album Brothers in Arms which at the same time was the first ever album to be released on CD. Jennifer Rush had the best selling single in the UK with "The Power of Love" while in the USA, Madonna and George Michael both solo and with Wham! ruled the charts. 

With 1985 New Wave completely faded, knocked out by guitar-driven rock most notably by the Jangle rock which in this period of time was popularized as College rock with R.E.M. and The Smiths paving the way. On the other hand, Electronic music was transforming into new rhythms with the emerging Chicago house and Detroit techno that would give hits in the years to come.

Twin Shdow's Third Album 'Eclipse' Announced for March

Twin Shadow is back with a brand new album this year. It was announced through his webpage that the new album will be entitled 'Eclipse' and that it will feature eleven brand new tracks. The first official single to be taken from the album will be "Turn me Up" which was recently premiered on his official page. Album's release date is set for March 17th.

Primavera Sound Festival Announced / Trailer to OMD's Enola Gay

The Primavera Sound Festival announced its full line-up yesterday. The line up will include OMD and many other interesting names like, Interpol, Einstürzende Neubauten, The KVB, Twin Shadow, Perfume Genius, Belle and Sebastien. Check out the trailer for this great festival to the sounds of great OMD's classic "Enola Gay" to see the rest of the line up. The festival will be held between 28-30th in Barcelona.

Giorgio Moroder Announces New Album with Possible Collaborations

News have spread about the new Giorgio Moroder album which is to be released this year. The album will be entitled '74 is the new 25' and it will be his first studio release in more than 20 years. This album will include collaborations with Sia, Charli XCX,  Kylie Minogue and others. Still waiting for the official release dates to be confirmed. Meanwhile check out the latest single "Right Here, Right Now" in collaboration with Kylie Minogue which is out this week.

Retrovision: Humpe & Humpe- Ya-Ma-Ha

The duo Humpe & Humpe already had a prominent music history in Germany before forming Humpe & Humpe in 1985. Humpe & Humpe were Annette and Inga Humpe who wrote and produced most of the songs released on two albums in two years time. This is a thirty years anniversary of their second single "Ya-ma-ha" which was a an imitation of Japanese song with some Asian-style and Lyrics composed of a variety of Japanese brand names.

Boys Say Go- Easy to Move Compilation

Dead Wax Records have released "Easy to Move" a compilation of previously unreleased material by Boys Say Go. During the 80's deaced the band recorded a whole array of new wave songs of which only two were released as singles. This new compliation will include ten songs including a great cover of Sylverster's "Do You Wanna Funk?". 

More info:
http://www.deadwaxrecords.es/band_boysaygo.php

Next Wave: Cult Club

Every year brings new excitement, great music, new bands and interesting collaborations. Here is a perfect kick off; a brand new project by Sally Dige Jørgensen whose music/videos we already featured on our blog. Sally has teamed up with Laslo Antal who has been the driving force behind the music of Sixth June since 2010. Both  multi-disciplinary artists and performers, share their passion for music, art and visual aesthetics. They have revealed several music videos up to know and 2015 looks promising for them. Stick around for more.

http://cargocollective.com/cultclub

Dimension Gondry: Stina Nordenstam- Little Star

Changing the course a little bit on DG with this video feature. It was quite normal and unusual for Gondry compared to other videos he directed. But we decided to feature this because we love the song. It was taken from her second album and the song gained wider popularity after it was featured in a Romeo and Juliet movie.

Kim Wilde and Talk Talk Triple Album Reissues

Parlophone Label Group (Plg) has announced a series of triple album collection reiusses for this month. Most interesting for us are the Kim Wilde and Talk Talk reissies. The label will release the first three studio albums by both artists. The Kim Wilde Reissue collection will include the albums 'Kim Wilde', 'Select' and 'Catch as Catch Can' released between 1981-1983 and as of for Talk Talk, their reissue collection will feature their synth-pop era albums 'The Party's Over', 'It's My life' as well as their more organic orientated third album 'The Colour of Spring' from 1986. More info about the The triple album releases through Amazon, out January 9th.

It's like, It's 1985

Happy New Year everyone. We are back on the track and hope that 2015 will be another great year in music. We will continue with the Dimension Gondry and are looking forward to new artists, great videos and exciting interviews. As you are already know every year we celebrate a 30 years anniversary from a particular year in our favorite decade. This year we will go back to 1985. Stick around for the album list poll coming soon. Meanwhile, a par excellence art pop from 1985.