Steve Strange who has recently made a return to the music scene with his new band project Detroit Starrzz has announced on his Twitter page that he has been working on a new song with the 80's star Samantha Fox. The new song will be entitled "Dirty and Flirty" and that is all the news we got for now. Stay tune for more info or follow Steve directly on Twitter to get the latest updates.
The Phone is a retro-analogue synth project by Jonni Mogul and Steve Lippert paying homage to some of the old heroes namely Soft Cell, Kraftwerk and the likes but with a rather unique sound in the end. Their music is minimal synth-wave with Casio VL-1 sounds, rhythms and samples. To this date, they have released two singles on Attractive, “Discreet Affair” and a powerful uptempo dancefloor filler "Cabaret Noire" which features Sharon Abbout from Poeme Electronique on vocals. Their debut album is called 'Songs From This Nuclear Age' and it is out on August 20th via Attractive.
Detachments are back with a brand new EP entitled 'Fade' which is going to be Haçienda Records’ first release of the Autumn. This will be the band’s first new material since their self titled debut album in 2010. 'Fade' will officially be out on September 3rd on Haçienda Records before hitting all the major stores and download sites.
The “Fade” EP mixes Detachment’s trademark style across indie and electronic veins, taking in an early Eighties, post punk, coldwave sound and matching this to song craft and a poised, nonchalant sense of hip and classic production.
Repertoire Records have announced the release of a brand new Giorgio Moroder compilation entitled 'On The Groove Train Pop & Dance Rarities 1975 - 1993'. As the title says, this collection of songs features all the dance rarities released between the years 1975 and 1993 recorded Moroder’s Musicland Studios in Munich. Musicians featured include studio house band Munich Machine, Americans Marsha Hunt, Roberta Kelly and Paul Engemann, and Brit Keith Forsey. The compilation is due on September 24th.
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are officially over. This is our Olympic singles special. Kate Bush was rumored to be one of the performers during the closing ceremony at the Olympics, but instead of it, we only enjoyed the remix version of her major hit "Running Up That Hill" from 1985 which out as a single. George Micheal and Pet Shop Boys were among the performers at the closing ceremony. George made his comeback performing "Freedom" and his brand new single "White Light" while the Pet Shop Boys performed their classic "West end Girls". Their new single "Winner" was released this month and it announces the new album 'Elysium' which is out in September. Detroit Starzz led by Steve Strange have released their debut single which perfectly fits the olympic spirit with the title "Aiming for Gold". Nik Kershaw returned with the new album this summer and the first single from it is entitled "Sky is The Limit". Finally, the new single from Yellow Magic Orchestra "Fire Bird" which was first preformed live at World Happiness 2011, annual summer festival is out this month. Goodbye to the Olympic Games, goodbye London. See you in Rio!
All the other summer music highlights later this month. Stay tuned!
Hysterica Passio, a NY downtown 4 piece group, released their only single "Grey Over Life" in 1982 for the Fire in Heart records. The band only lasted about 3 years but they managed to gain a good following playing at all the local venues such as Danceteria, The Pyramid Lounge, The Mudd Club & Maxwells.
Demon Music Group have announced the reissue of all six albums from the Scottish indie-pop act Aztec Camera. The reissue pack includes six albums originally released between 1983 and 1995 which will be reissued in 2CD or in single-disc expanded editions, each featuring an assortment of bonus cuts including non-album singles, B-sides and remixes. The album reissues are announced for August 27th in the UK.
Dead Can Dance are back with a brand new album out this week. Their new album is entitled 'Anastasis' and it is their first studio output in sixteen years. The album will be released through a new record label 'Play it Again Sam' and it will be followed by a reunion World Tour which is scheduled to begin August 9, 2012 in Canada and end October 28, 2012 in Ireland. 'Amnesia', the first single from the album was released in June.
Kissing The Pink released their third single "Watching Their Eyes" thirty years ago. This haunting synth pop classic was produced by Colin Thurston and it was issued in various formats in Italy, Germany and in the UK. Recently, we stumbled upon the original video on Youtube which is thrilling and somehow went unnoticed at the time of the original release. Take a look.
After the successful reissue of Propaganda's second album 'Wishful Thinking' this year, one more record is to be released from the ZTT music factory. The brand new compilation is entitled 'Noise And Girls Come Out To Play: A Compact Introduction To Propaganda'. The compilation features classics, rarities and noise-shots from their essential records as well as Propaganda's studio sessions during the years spent taping at 'Sarm Studios', 1983 to 1986. The compilation is announced for release on September 3, 2012 and it is available on pre-order.
Nik Kershaw has released his eight studio album also entitled 'Ei8ht'. On this album he continues to deliver the adult contemporary sound which he has so cleverly mastered in his latter years. Different influences battle on this album, but it' basically a pop album, pop with a twist which also meets the olympic spirit. The album is out this week and available in all the major record stores.
Inhalt is a San Francisco based synth trio consisting of Matia Simovich, Bryan Gibbs, and Philip Winiger. Their music employs the best of vintage electronics and modern technologies and techniques and transforms it into the system of Inahalt's dark analogue beats and cold rhythms. Inhalt's debut EP 'Vehicle' was released through Dark Entries Records on May 8, 2012.All tracks were written, produced and mixed by the band at The Bunker Studio, San Francisco, California between 2009 and 2011.
Drinking Electricity's debut and only album 'Overload' has been reissued by Medical Records this August. The album was originally released by Survival Records which was founded by the band's members Anne-Marie Heighway and David Rome in 1981. This double LP collection showcases Drinking Electricity's full LP 'Overload' while the second LP contains the singles released during the 1980-1982 period. The LP is presented in a double gatefold jacket with custom Drinking Electricity inspired artwork. Inner gatefold jacket features a variety of pictures of the band during this period. The release also features a bonus 2-sided insert with liner notes and interview of the band by Dave Segal.
The Brooklyn based Sensual Harassment are back with a new dose of beat driven psych pop. Their latest video for the song "Disco Heart" was directed by Joel Fernando and it was premiered on August 2, 2012 on 'Vice'. It features sex blogger and Vice TV star Slutever (Karley Sciortino). The song is available as a free download via their official page. The band is currently working on a new album. Follow them on twitter to get the latest updates.
'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.
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.
"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.
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 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.
"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.
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.
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.
Pet Shop Boys topped the UK charts in June 1982 reaching No1 with "It's a Sin" which remained one of their biggest hits to date and one of the best selling singles of 1987. Written by Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant, "It's a Sin" was the lead single from the duo's second album 'Actually'. The video for the song was directed by Derek Jarman and it marked the experimental director's first of several collaborations with the band.
Blancmange have announced the release of their new greatest hist compilation 'The Very Best of ' for July 16, 2012. This bumper collection, which follows their recent sell-out UK tour, has been designed and compiled in consultation with Neil Arthur and Stephen Luscombe. It includes all their UK hits, plus some rare John Peel sessions and an airing of a track from a forthcoming project. The two CD compilation which also includes 12" versions of the songs will be out Music Club Deluxe.
Synth master John Maus is back with a brand new compilation which includes rarities and previously unreleased material and which spans eleven years of his creative output. 'A Collection of Rarities and Previously Unreleased Material' will be released by Ribbon Music on July 16, 2012 and it features songs which have appeared on previous compilations as well as songs that have never been released on any format, nor across any media. Songs on the compilation have been entirely remixed and remastered and the artwork and design was arranged by Turner Prize winning artist Wolfgang Tillmans.
LP version is a limited one time pressing of 3000 hand numbered copies and comes with a mp3 download card. Pre-order is only available for the CD and Special Edition Translucent Pink Vinyl LP (limited to 500) at present. The standard edition black vinyl LP (limited to 2500) will be available to pre-order shortly.
Terror Bird is a project by the Canadian artist Nikki Never which took shape probably in 2009 when she released her debut album Sociopaths Are Glam for 'Night People'. Since then, she has released another three albums for several different record labels including her latest album Secret Rituals which was issued by the German record label Adagio830. The music of Terror Bird was influenced by the Smiths, David Bowie, Kate Bush and many others and it is haunted and ethereal bedroom pop driven by wonderful piano and synth arrangements and guided by Nikki's powerful and affecting voice. Nikki is currently touring Europe with Bianka Karre.
A brand new Frankie Goes To Hollywood compilation is set for release this summer. Their record label ZTT and Salvo Music are set to release a new two-CD compilation which collects together rare and unearthed material from original cassette
singles, CD singles and shines a light on favourite B-side
material. The compilation is entitled 'Sexmix: Archive Tapes and Studio Adventures, Volume One' and features all seven of Frankie‘s UK singles in one form or another, from "Relax" to "Watching The Wildlife". The compilation also features some rarities such as the CD debut of the full 'Welcome To The Pleasuredome' cassette single and unique, remastered mixes of 'Rage Hard and Warriors of the Wasteland' which have been out-of-print for a quarter of a century.
'Sexmix' is coming on 6 August, and boasts this splendid front cover which perfectly captures the spirit of Frankie Goes To Hollywood circa 1984.
Piano Magic's brand new album is out now. The record is entitled 'Life Has Not Finished With Me Yet' and it was released by Second Language on Monday June 11th.
The album is available on CD in an 8 panel concertina wallet. Subscribers and those ordering from the Second Language website will also receive an exclusive ltd edition 4 track CD EP, 'Chemical' EP and 2 limited edition Piano Magic pin badges.
The long awaited new iamamiwhoami album 'Kin' is ready and waiting for you in the shops. This is the first full-length album by the Swedish singer-songwriter Jonna Lee.
'Kin' gained attention on the internet due to video chapters from the album being released online beginning since 2009. All the tracks from the album were previously released as singles from the first track "Sever" which was released in January all the way to "Goods" released a week before the actual album release. The album is available digital, Vinyl LP, CD and DVD and in the shops since Monday June 11, 2012.
Pet Shop Boys have announced the release of their brand new album Elysium for September. Their eleventh studio album was produced by Andrew Dawson and Pet Shop Boys in Los Angeles and it will be issued by Parlophone. To give an idea of the album’s sound, a short film for the album track “Invisible” can be viewed through their
official website.
Bananarama are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year with the release of '30 Years of Bananarama' CD/DVD.
The CD will feature their greatest hits including "What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)", "Cruel Summer", "I Want You Back", "Venus" and many more. The anthology will include a DVD of all 35 video clips of their extraordinary 30 years, released official for the first time. The compilation will be released in the UK on July 9th.
Samantha Fox topped the UK charts in June 1987 with "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" and reached #13. The song was produced by Stock-Atiken-Waterman and it was taken from her self titled second album. The music video was filmed in Marbella, Spain. Samantha Fox is shown using several forms of locomotion including a Sunseeker XPS 34 motorboat, a horse, an Alfa Romeo Spider, a Cessna Skymaster, and a BMX bike.
If you are a fan you might be interested in the newly announced Samantha Fox reissues which include the first four albums. Touch Me (1986), Samantha Fox (1987), I Wanna Have Some Fun (1989) and Just One Night (1991) have all been digitally remastered and they will be presented as double-disc sets featuring a heap of dance mixes and a generous amount of rare and unreleased material from the vaults. All four sets will be out in the U.K. on June 25, 2012 and they are available on pre-order through Cherry Red.
San Francisco based hi-NRG singer and performer Paul Parker released his second single "Right on Target" in 1982. This song was produced by Patrick Cowley and it remained his biggest hit to date. The single was issued as both 7" and 12" single and it was backed by "Pushin' Too Hard" which was written by Sky Saxon. "Right on Target" was released through several different record labels including Megatron Records and Polydor.
Paul Buchanan of The Blue Nile is back with his debut solo album. 'Mid Air' is a collection of short, slow songs, all featuring Buchanan's immaculate voice accompanied by a piano and some subtle strings. The was self-released on his own Newsroom Records on May 21, 2012. and it entered the UK charts at number 14. 'Mid Air' is available through Paul Buchanan's official site.
Soft Riot is back with a new promo video for the song "You Can't Please Everyone", taken from their debut EP 'Another Drone in Your Head' which was released earlier this year on Tundra Dubs. This song is also included on 'Hyperbolic Masses', a limited edition cassette released in May. The cassette will be available at live shows over the coming months as well by mail order through their official site. More info about the forthcoming live shows in June. here
David Hewson, a prominent British composer renowned for his exceptional scores in television and film, is equally recognized as the founder and creative force behind Poeme Electronique, a musical endeavor he established in the early 80s. While many associate Poeme Electronique with their debut "Echoes Fade" released in 1982, the resonance of their impact has endured, and now, Poeme Electronique makes a triumphant return.
In an exclusive interview, David shares insights into his early musical journey, the inception of Poeme Electronique, his diverse range of musical projects, and exciting plans for the future. Join us as we delve into three decades of music with David Hewson and discover the compelling story behind Poeme Electronique's enduring legacy. Enjoy the interview!
Marsheaux have released a compilation of unreleased material from their archives. The compilation is entitled 'E-Bay Queen Is Dead' and features some of the tracks for the first time released on CD, unreleased ones, demos as well as rejected tracks and unreleased cover versions. Among others, there are covers of "Regret" by New Order, "Empire State Human" by The Human League and "Eyes Without a Face" by Billy Idol.
The compilation will be available at their gigs and a very limited quantity will be sold through Undo Records store from June 1st.
Here comes the May music box packed with the selection of best singles released during this month. The Irrepressibles are back with a new single "Arrow" to be taken from their forthcoming album 'Nude' released on the October 1st. You will not have to wait that long for the new albums by Twin Shadow and Metric as of both album 'Confess' and 'Synthetica' are announced to be released in June. Their new singles, Twins Shadow's "Five Seconds"and Metric' "Youth Without Youth" were released on the May Day. "Kill" is just another chapter for iamamiwhoami on the road to the new album 'Kin' which is out next month. Saint Etienne and Niki and the Dove have both released second singles from their latest albums. Saint Etienne reveal cheerful synth-pop with"I've Got Your Music" while Niki and The Dove deliver electro harmony with "In Our Eyes". Men Without Hats release their first single after the re-release of "The Safety Dance" in 1995. The new single is entitled "Head Above Water" and it is featured on their latest album 'Love in The Age of War' out now. Dexy's Midnight Runners who shortened their name to Dexys return with their first single in ten years entitled "She Got A Wiggle". The Russian electro pop outfit issue "Fantasy", their first release since 2010 and the german dance-pop queen Sandra reveals her latest single "Maybe Tonight" which was produced by Blank and Jones. Last but not least, the finish group Pepe Deluxé release their second single and will certainly put you on your feet with the "Go Supersonic".
So much to dance to in May. Get on your feet!
See you in June with the new singles selection.
Kym Amps released "You Don't Know My Name" in 1981 through Diversion Records. The song was produced by David Watts and David Folster and remained her only release. The video for the song was directed by Hazel Chandler and featured one off wonder about a girl stalker.
In 2001 the song was revived, after it was featured on Minimal Wave's compilation 'The Hidden Tapes'.
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 futuristic 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.
More about Featureless Ghost, coming soon, stay tuned!
Honeydrum are a New Bro'nswick based lo-fi retro pop group consisting of Joseph Black (voice & guitar), Raymond “Ray” Schwab (guitar & keys), Erik ‘Dougal’ Sandberg (bass guitar)and Marc ‘Klein-Goldblatt’ Esterow (drums & magic act). They deliver joyfull sounds bursting with coconut and ananas smells diffusing behind a dimmed tv screen of forbidden nooks and alleys, that could have existed in plans of Cpt. Hook for his fellow mallrats in the destiny mall called Sunrisepolis. Their brand new vinyl Stranger Calls 7'' & 'Do U Party?' EP was released on May 9th as a limited edition on opaque pink vinyl with CD. All songs written, produced & recorded by Honeydrum.
B-Movie are back with a new single EP! This is their first single in thirty years and includes the tracks "So far Away", "Echoes" and "For the Dreamers". The songs are available on itunes but you can also listen to them on http://soundcloud.com/b-movie/sets/echoes-e-p. B-Movie are also about to embark on a Pledge campaign www.pledgemusic.com to raise funds to record a new album. The singer Steve Hovington has written ten songs for a solo album, tentatively entitled 51 to be recorded this summer.
Factory Records Ltd present a brand new vinyl edition of 'From The Hip' by Section 25, originally issued in the summer of 1984. The album was produced by Bernard Sumner of New Order an it marked band's bold step toward the mainstream, combining smooth synthpop with seamless electro beats. Digitally re-mastered, this deluxe double vinyl edition features the original FACT 90 album plus a bonus 12” 45 rpm single coupling two versions of seminal single "Looking From A Hilltop". The album will be out on May 28, 2012.
Chris Payne was one of the members of Gary Numan's backing band, later known as Dramtis, and he was also a co-writer on Visage's biggest hit "Fade to Gray". He released one single under the name The Electronic Circus in 1981. The 7 " single was entitled "Direct Lines" and was backed by "Le Chorale". It was recorded by Tony Nod Harris for Scratch Records.
The Durutti Column have announced that Short Stories For Pauline, the legendary shelved album is set to be released, complete with original FBN 36 catalogue number, on 18 June 2012. The album was originally recorded in Brussels in 1983 and was set to be the fourth album, after 'Another Setting', but was never released. The 14 tracks include "College", "Take Some Time Out" and "Duet". The latter was recorded with Blaine L. Reininger (Tuxedomoon viola player). New artwork has been prepared with the help of Crépuscule designer Benoit Hennebert and each purchase of the vinyl album comes with a free digital download.
Edsel Records have announced the brand new Bronski Beat/ The Communards reissues for this summer. The reissue package will include the first album by Bronski Beat, Age of Consent and Hundreds And Thousands as a remix album. It will also include both albums by the Communards, their self titled debut and Red and their live album Storm Paris, originally released on three 12” singles. The albums will be released as slip-cased 2 CD edition and some tracks will be available on CD for the first time. The booklet will contain the lyrics, photos, singles sleeves, and a note from Jimmy.
Saint Etienne are releasing their eighth studio album this week. The album includes the single "Tonight" which was released in January and it features collaborations from long-time Saint Etienne associate Ian Catt as well as producer Richard X and Nick Coler. The album will be available on CD, 2-CD deluxe edition and vinyl LP. It's officially out today, May 21st.
Thirty years ago Soft Cell reached number 2 in the UK charts with "Torch". The song was written by Marc and David and featured guest vocals by Cindy Ecstasy whom Marc and David met during their time in New York. She appeared in the video for "Torch" and they performed the song together on 'Top of the Pops'.
John Foxx & The Maths have collaborated with contemporary darkwave juggernaut The Soft Moon on a new track. The song is entitled "Evidence" and it will be released on 7″ by Brooklyn’s Captured Tracks label on June 26. John Foxx & The Maths will be performing live at London’s Cargo on September 5, and at Bestival on September 6. You can stream and download ‘Evidence’ free via the Soundcloud player above.
Donna Summer died this morning after a battle with cancer at the age 63. She was a five-time Grammy Award winner and was one of the most popular artists of the disco movement. Her collaborations with producer Giorgio Moroder helped define the genre, as well as having a huge influence on the synth pop sound. She had 29 UK top 40 singles during her career including the hits: "I Feel Love", "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls", "She Works Hard for The Money" and many more.
