Reissue: Nuvo West- Nuvo West

The Italian record label Synthetic Shadows has reissued the rare and obscure debut album by the American group Nuvo West. Their debut album 'Scary' was originally released in 1983 through West Records Inc. This new compilations features the remastered edition of 'Scary' plus their unreleased Cassette 'Twankin'' from 1984. The release is out today and it is available in 500 copies.   

Marc And The Mambas- Three Black Nights Of Little Black Bites on DVD/CD

Cherry Red Records will release the long awaited video recording and CD of the legendary Marc And The Mambas live performances given at The Duke Of York’s Theatre in London’s West End in 1983. Mastered and restored from the original VHS tape recordings made by the late Peter Christopherson (Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV), these remain the only recordings that exist of Marc And The Mambas performing live. 

This limited collector’s edition is intended for Marc Almond’s dedicated fan-base as a souvenir of a renowned and legendary run of concerts and is testament to pivotal moment in the development of his artistry and the direction his post Soft Cell career would take. This DVD and CD Digi-Pak comes with an eight page booklet containing an extensive reminiscence by Marc Almond himself. The release is announced for November 12th.

 http://www.cherryred.co.uk

 

Simple Minds - Greatest Hits + UK Tour 2013!

Following a summer of festival appearances and their hugely acclaimed 5X5 tour, Simple Minds will be performing their Greatest Hits Live next year on a huge 28 date tour of the UK. Tickets will go on general sale at 10.00AM 26th OCTOBER 2012, but there will be a special ticket pre-sale beforehand for fans at the new Simplemindsshop.com starting Wed 24th October. 

Expect to hear songs from their extensive back catalogue including "Alive and Kicking", "Don’t You (Forget About Me)", "Waterfront" and more. The show will be in two halves with an interval and no support - a whole evening of Simple Minds, who will be releasing their greatest hits collection ‘Celebrate’ in March to coincide with the tour (and which will include 2 new tracks).

SIMPLE MINDS GREATEST HITS TOUR

March 2013

• Thu 28 BELFAST WATERFRONT 02890 334 400
• Fri 29 CARLISLE SANDS CENTRE 01228 633 766
• Sun 31 NEWCASTLE CITY HALL 0191 277 8030

April 2013

• Mon 01 ABERDEEN MUSIC HALL 0844 499 9990
• Tue 02 DUNDEE CAIRD HALL 0844 499 9990
• Thu 04 LLANDUDNO VENUE CYMRU ARENA 01492 872 000
• Fri 05 LEICESTER DE MONTFORT HALL 0116 233 3111
• Sat 06 WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALL 0870 320 7000
• Mon 08 BRIGHTON DOME 01273 709 709
• Tue 09 PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS 0845 146 1460
• Thu 11 LINCOLN ENGINE SHED 0844 888 8766
• Fri 12 NOTTINGHAM ROYAL CONCERT HALL 0115 989 5555
• Sat 13 LEEDS O2 ACADEMY 0844 477 2000
• Mon 15 BOURNEMOUTH O2 ACADEMY 0844 477 2000
• Tue 16 MARGATE WINTER GARDENS 01843 292 795
• Wed 17 SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION 01702 351 135
• Fri 19 BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE 0844 856 1111
• Sat 20 LIVERPOOL EMPIRE 0844 871 3017
• Mon 22 CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE 01223 357 851
• Tue 23 GUILDFORD G LIVE 0844 770 1797
• Thu 25 READING HEXAGON 0118 960 6090
• Fri 26 SHEFFIELD CITY HALL 0114 278 9789
• Sat 27 HULL CITY HALL 01482 226 655
• Mon 29 BRISTOL COLSTON HALL 0117 922 3686
• Tue 30 PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL 023 92824 355

May 2013

• Thu 02 OXFORD NEW THEATRE 0844 871 3020
• Fri 03 NORWICH UEA 01603 508 050
• Sat 04 IPSWICH REGENT 01473 433 100

Retrovision: Tears for Fears- Mad World

Thirty years ago Tears for Fears released "Mad World" which became one of their best selling singles of all time. The song was written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith. The song reched Number #3 in the UK charts and it would eventually become Tears for Fears' first international hit, reaching the Top 40 in several countries between 1982 and 1983. The promotional clip for "Mad World", filmed in late summer 1982, was Tears for Fears' first music video that was directed by Clive Richardson. 

Two decades later, the song was covered in a much slower, minimalist style by composers Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack to the movie 'Donnie Darko' in 2001. 

Depeche Mode European Tour Dates 2013 Announced

Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher will play 34 must-see shows in 25 European countries to an audience of more than 1.5 million fans, before taking the tour to North America. The part of the tour kicks off with an open-air stadium show in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on Tuesday May 7th and it will end in Minsk on July 29th. 

MAY 7 - Tel Aviv - Hayarkon Park
MAY 10 - Athens - Terra Vibe
MAY 12 - Sofia Georgi - Asparuhov Stadium
MAY 15 - Bucharest - National Stadium
MAY 17 - Istanbul - Kucukciftlik Park
MAY 19 - Belgrade - USCE Park
MAY 21 - Budapest - Puskas Ferenc Stadium
MAY 23 - Zagreb - Hippodrome
MAY 25 - Bratislava - Inter Stadium
MAY 28 - London - O2 Arena
JUN 1 - Munich - Olympic Stadium
JUN 3 - Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz Arena
JUN 5 - Frankfurt - Commerzbank Arena
JUN 7 - Berne - Stade de Suisse
JUN 9 - Berlin - Olympic Stadium
JUN 11 - Leipzig - Red Bull Arena
JUN 13 - Copenhagen - Parken
JUN 15 - Paris - Stade de France
JUN 17 - Hamburg - Imtech Arena
JUN 22 - Moscow - Locomotive Stadium
JUN 24 - St Petersburg - SKK Arena
JUN 27 - Stockholm - Borlange Peace & Love Festival
JUN 29 - Kiev - Olympic Stadium
JUL 3 - Dusseldorf - Esprit Arena
JUL 7 - Belgium - Rock Werchter Fest
JUL 11 - Bilbao - BBK Festival
JUL 13 - Lisbon - Optimus Alive Fest
JUL 16 - Nimes - Antic Arena
JUL 18 - Milan - San Siro Stadium
JUL 20 - Rome - Olympic Stadium
JUL 23 - Prague - Synot Tip Arena
JUL 25 - Warsaw - National Stadium
JUL 27 - Vilnius - Vingus Park
JUL 29 - Minsk - Arena

Out This Week: The Irrepressibles- Nude

The Irrepressibles have have released the long awaited follow up to their 2010 album 'Mirror Mirror'. The new album is entitled 'Nude' features the songs "New World" and "Arrow" which were previously released as singles. The album is out this week in the UK, Australia, South America and Japan and China. Check out Irrepessibles' official Facebook page for other release dates and and album details. 

Instant Hit: Lisa- Rocket to Your Heart

The American singer Lisa who was mostly known for her Hi-NRG, Synth-pop and Disco style outputs, made her debut in 1982 with "Jump Shout". A year later in 1983, she released one of her biggest hits "Rocket To Your Heart". The song made it to number #2 in the American Billboard Dance/Disco top 80, was released in many countries around the world as an import and went platinum in Mexico, a country where Lisa's music was, and still remains, incredibly popular. 

Next Wave: Cargo

Despite its countless evils, I just can't tear myself away from the internet. Time and time again it has proven to be a very resourceful tool in my never ending quest for new music. Without it I would miss out on so much. Though I'm not a fan of the majority i stumble upon, I do find a handful of bands who really do hit my musical sweet spot. Recently, this was the case with Cargo. They're based in Bordeaux, France and comprised of Marc and Fabien (ex Chateau Marmont) and turn out some very melodic, new wave tinted tunes by way of electronics. Yes, you could say that there are many doing just that but i would tell you not everyone does it right. These men have a real knack for their craft and deserve some attention. From what I know they've been together for close to a year, perform live in support of the music, and will be releasing a track called "Dual" on a limited edition compilation by the Function Operate label. They are in the process of making an EP and I'm very much looking forward to it. In the meantime, I'll get my fix with the tracks posted on their SoundCloud page. Give them a listen and see what you think.

Sounds and info available @ Cargo @ SoundCloud  and Cargo official @ Facebook

Author: Ty Voltaire

WAW: October Dance- House Falling

October Dance is a musical project by Hans Tolford in collaboration with three Danish musicians. The music is meant to interpret his art illustrations into music and give new sense to the Tolfordian universe. This is the official video for the fist single entitled "House Falling" which is out now. 

Next Wave: Group Rhoda

Group Rhoda is electronic music project from San Francisco. The group behind this project is Mara Babenheim who has previously been busy with other musical project before starting her own. The music of Group Rhoda is analogue synth-pop combined with tropical darkwave. Her debut album is out 'Out of Time, Out of Touch' is out now on Night School Records. Group Rhoda is currently touring and opening for Soft Riot. Check out her Soundcloud page for the tour dates and song stream. 

http://grouprhoda.com/ 

Wall of Voodoo Reissues

Raven is back with another set of album reissues by the Los Angles based New Wave stars Wall of Voodoo. Already in 2009, the label reissued the first two albums by Wall of Voodoo, Dark Continent and Call of the West on one CD. The new reissue set features three albums which completes Wall of Voodoo's body of work which was released during the 80's decade. This includes Seven Days in Sammystown (I.R.S., 1985), Happy Planet (I.R.S. 1987) and The Ugly Americans in Australia (I.R.S., 1988). 

Third album Seven Days in Sammystown yielded the hit single "Far Side of Crazy" while the fourth 'Happy Planet' boasted a demented re-working of the old Beach Boys fave "Do It Again". The band was particularly popular in Australia which is where the rambunctious live album 'The Ugly Americans in Australia' was recorded while they were on tour. Also available on Raven Stan Ridgway solo 'Mosquitos'... 

 More info:
http://ravenrecordscomau.melbourneitwebsites.com

Retrovision: Space- Magic Fly

"Magic Fly" is turning 35 this year! The French electronic music band from the city of Marseille enjoyed huge international success with their space disco anthem back in 1977. The song reached #2 in the UK charts and it has been re-released and remixed several times since its original release. It has always been considered as one of the most influential records in the history of electronic music. This is the official video version, remastered with the new audio and presented in hi-res for the first time. 

Medical Records October Releases

Medical Records have two new singles out this month. Both are rarities and celebrate the early 80's minimal-wave DIY culture. The first one is  Disco Volante's single "No Motion" which was originally released in 1982 as 7" on Catalyst Box Records. Presented on high-quality thick transparent green 7” vinyl in a limited edition of 500 hand-numbered copies. 

The second single is a Christof Glowalla's "Erde 80" 10", a four track single, originally released in 1980. This first Medical Records 10" issue features "Erde 80" and three more singles which were recorded in collaboration with Ingolf Kurkowski, but were never released before. This collection is released on high-quality heavyweight 10” opaque mustard colored vinyl in a limited edition of 600 hand-numbered copies. Both singles are also available digital.

To find out more info about the releases and how to order go to medical-records.org.

The Blue Nile Expanded Reissues on EMI

EMI Records is pleased to announce the release of the first 2 albums by The Blue Nile, A Walk Across The Rooftops and Hats as expanded 2CD 'Collector's Editions'. Both albums come with a bonus disc of rare and previously unreleased material chosen by Paul Buchanan and Robert Bell, who also oversaw the remastering of the original albums with their long time Blue Nile engineer Calum Malcolm. 

The debut album ‘A Walk Across the Rooftops’ was originally released in 1984 on Linn Records- a label set up specifically to release the album and featured the hit single "Tinsletown in The Rain". The follow up album 'Hats' was released five years after and it often described as a cinematic experience.

Sparks' 'Two Hands, One Mouth' - New Single and Tour

Sparks' 'Two Hands One Head' tour (European Leg) kicked off this week as the duo was playing their first dates in the Baltic Region. The tour which was officially started in London, on June 13th, will see them deconstruct and reinterpret songs from their own extensive and unique catalogue. Their brand new single "Two Hands One Mouth" is out this week.

WAW: Errors- Relics

Errors are back with a brand new album released this week. The album is entitled 'New Relics' and it was issued by Rock Action Records and it is available as CD/LP and even VHS. This is a video from the 'New Relics' VHS for the title track 'Relics' which was directed by Sally Sibbet. The band is currently touring. Check out http://www.weareerrors.com/ for more info.

Tracey Thorn Announces New Cover Album for October 30th

Tracey Thorn is back this autumn with her fourth studio album. Her new Christmas album is entitled 'Tinsel and Lights' and it features ten seasonal cover versions by the likes of White Stripes, Joni Mitchell, Sufjan Stevens, Scritti Politti and many more. The album also features two brand new songs and a duet with Green Gartside. The album was produced Ewan Pearson and it will be released on October 30th on 'Strange Feelings'. The new single "In The Cold Cold Night" is out now. 

 http://www.traceythorn.com/

Label Spot: Dark Entries

Dark Entries was born in the spring of 2009 to release out of print and unreleased underground 80's music as well as contemporary bands referencing that sound. The project was named after the first Bauhaus' 7" and the man behind this project was Josh Cheon, a vinyl-focused DJ and collector. 

Dark Entries takes great care in preserving sound quality and respecting the aesthetics of its artists. All of their releases reflect the DIY days of the 1980's independent record labels. The label entrusts all of their projects with the best engineer in California, George Horn at Fantasy Studios, who has remasters each release using his 50+ years of knowledge in the industry. 

The label founder Josh Cheon has had a rich musical background and music was always part of his life. He grew up in New York, enjoyed the dance in the clubs with dark synthesizer driven sound. He was working for several different record labels and radio stations and when he moved to San Francisco he started a night called 'Radio Lines' at the Transfer. Sharing the decks with another avid minimal synth collector, Phil Mailer who ran the blog 'A Viable Commercial', Josh learned about the band Eleven Pond, whose debut LP was going for $500 on Ebay. Luckily Jeff Gallea from Eleven Pond left a comment on the blog post: “If people are interested in a re-release I would love some feedback? I’ll dust off the Masters and see what could happen?” Josh contacted him and eventually obtained a copy of the master tapes, had the songs remastered for vinyl and released the LP in July 2009 with a silk screened cover like the original LP had. This is how things stated to roll on Dark entries Records. 

From its foundation in 2009, the label has reissued music by artist such as Dark Day, Second Decay, The Neon Judgement, Parade Ground, Starter and many more and released new material by Linea Aspera, Inhalt and many more.

www.darkentriesrecords.com 
https://www.facebook.com/DarkEntriesRecords
 

Instant Hit: 3rd Man- Oral Pleasure

3rd Man was a Norwegian minimal-synth duo who release their only single "Oral Pleasure" thirty years ago. The group consisted of Bjørn Sorknes and Morten Sjøberg who was also a member of one of the finest Norwegian post-punk outfits Fra Lippo Lippi. The single was issued as 7" on Unition Records and featured "Pleasure Recycled" as B-side. The song appeared on the compilation Maskindans - Norsk Synth 1980-1988 which was released in 2009. 

 

Next Wave: Xiu

I feel a chill coming on and her name is Xiu. Known as Oksana Rodionova to family and friends, she unleashes her official label debut, with the help of [aufnahme + wiedergabe], on Oct. 12th. This release is a limited edition (55 copies) cassette with a digital download version available as well. Born in Estonia and now based in Milan, Oksana crafts a mesmerizing arsenal of tracks. The sound is synthy, icey, and probably the lost sountrack to your lonliest of dreams. The vocals soothe you and guide you home in comfort and contentment. This is not to be missed! Pre-orders and audio samples are available at Xiu Bandcamp.

Additional info, sounds, and visuals are available at the following: Xiu @ Sound Cloud and Xiu (official) @ Facebook

Author: Ty Voltaire

Reissue: The House of Love

November will see the release of The House of Love's 1988 Creation Records debut LP, remastered and supplemented with extra tracks. Cherry Red Records proudly does the honors in bringing forth this 3CD set which includes non-album tracks, b-sides, and previously unreleased demos. Disc 1 features the original 10 track album as well as the demo versions of "Christine" and "Shine On". Disc 2 is to include 19 non-album singles and b-sides while Disc 3 features 19 previously unreleased demo versions all remastered from an original demos cassette. For more info, you can visit Creation Records and Cherry Red Records.

Nico Re-imagined and The Final Report Electrospective on 2 CDs

Industrial Records is proud to announce the much anticipated two album release 'Desertshore' / 'The Final Report' , a unique collaboration by Chris Carter, Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson and Cosey Fanni Tutti.

'The Desertshore' project is a 're-imagined' cover version of Nico's seminal 1970 album first conceived by the late Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson in Berlin 2006. In 2010 at his home in Bangkok, he refocussed his approach readying to record guest vocalists while Chris and Cosey prepared material in their UK studio for his return there in December. Sadly, Sleazy unexpectedly died in his sleep on the 25th November in Bangkok.Chris and Cosey made a commitment to Sleazy to complete the Desertshore project picking up from where they left off just prior to his untimely passing. With enthusiastic support and contributions from so many who were close to Sleazy, especially the guest artistes whose work he admired; Antony, Marc Almond, Blixa Bargeld, Sasha Grey and Gaspar Noé, the project is now complete.

'The Final Report' is a result of a 36 year friendship between Chris Carter, Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson and Cosey Fanni Tutti. The Album has been completed from their final 2009/2010 sessions together at Chris and Cosey's studio in Norfolk. This album stands as the final report; a celebration, a loving remembrance of their unique partnership.

http://www.industrial-records.com/ 

Available from 26th November 2012 in the following formats: 

Double Vinyl - Gatefold cover with 12" booklet. 

Double CD - in bespoke CD packaging, 12 page booklet, postcard & bonus track. 

Digital Download - with pdf booklet and bonus track. - aac, mp3, flac etc.

Bananarama, New EP, Pinktober Tour and more...

Bananarama are back with a brand new digital EP entitled 'Now or Never'. Your dancing shoes should be ready for this new four track EP which is out now. To promote this EP and to celebrate their 30th Anniversary Sara and Karen will tour in the US as part of Hard Rock International’s 'Pinktober' series, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer. 

http://www.bananarama.co.uk/ 

Deacon Blue Are Back

Deacon Blue are back with their first album in eleven years. This release also marks the 25 anniversary of their debut release 'Raintown'. The album is ironically titled 'The Hipsters' and its release is preceded by the title track, as the lead-off single, with its brilliant accompanying promo-video. The band will be undertaking a nationwide promotional campaign and will be on a 15-date tour from 4th-22nd October, with two additional concerts in Scotland in December. 

 http://www.deaconblue.com
 

Out This Week: Clockwork Orchestra- Friends Without Names

'Friends Without Names' is the exciting debut album by Clockwork Orchestra (aka Irish songwriter Paul Mangan) set for release on White Label Music, an independent record label based in Windsor which is co-run by Ann Shenton, a founding member of art rockers Add N To (X). 

A chocolate box of melodic treasures, the album was recorded entirely within the confines of Mangan's bedroom studio and demonstrates his love of nursery rhymes, vintage keyboard instruments and lyrical storytelling. 'Friends Without Names' takes the listener on a unique journey through a frenzied world of vibrant colours, songs within songs, eccentric characters and chronic symphonies. 

The live incarnation of Clockwork Orchestra have recently returned from performing a series of shows in Germany and have an album launch set for November 3nd at the Twisted Pepper in Dublin to celebrate the release of Friends Without Names on compact disc. The digital album is released this week. 

http://www.clockworkorchestra.com/ 

John Taylor- In The Pleasure Groove- New Book

New item for the Duran Duran fans is out now, in particular for John Taylor fans. His latest book is entitled 'In The Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran' and in his frank, compelling autobiography, John recounts the highs and troubles during his career with Duran Duran. Told with humour, honesty and hard-won wisdom, and packed with exclusive pictures, 'In the Pleasure Groove' is a fascinating, irresistible portrait of a man who danced into the fire... and came through the other side. 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-The-Pleasure-Groove-Death

 

In Conversation: Detachments

Detachments is the creation of London-based musician and songwriter, Bastien Marshal. Along with drummer, Peter Dawson, and a cast of musicians and producers, Marshal has been the driving force behind the band since the mid-2000's. The sound is an intoxicating blend of 80's post-punk, synthpop, new wave, and even hints of darkwave in some places. Not to be clumped in with the wave of bands recreating these sounds as of late, Marshal and company do it very well and with an ultramodern feel in tow. The listener is mentally, physically, and rhythmically drowned in mood, atmosphere, and all that tugs at the heartstrings. Following a string of singles, the band released their self-tilted debut LP in September of 2010. 
Largely produced and performed by Marshal, Dawson, and producer James Ford ( Simian Mobile Disco), it offered more synth driven reworkings of previous singles as well as new and unheard tracks. Since that release, Marshal and Dawson have been touring, intermittently, to further promote the album and band while gaining many a new fan along the way. On September 3, 2012 the digital release of the "Fade EP" saw the light of day on UK-based Hacienda Records. The label has mainly been a vehicle for the output of Peter Hook (New Order / Joy Division) and are now taking on the task of releasing the work of new and established artists. With a follow up LP in the works, where will we see the band go from here? Who better to ask than Marshal himself? He kindly agreed to answer a batch of questions that i happily whipped up for him.

Yazoo and Duran Duran Release Late Summer Best ofs

The brand new Yazoo collection of hits has been released by Music Club Deluxe. It marks the 30th anniversary of hits such as "Don't Go" and "Situation" which filled the 80's dance floors. This two CD compilation features Yazoo's biggest hits as well as 12" versions and stunning dance remixes. 

 Duran Duran have also released a new best of compilation entitled Duran Duran 'The Biggest And The Best'. This 2CD collection focuses on the period 1981-1990 and features some key album tracks, alongside 20 Top 40 hits and twelve Top 10 hits. 

Retrovision: Boy George- The Crying Game

Boy George hit the charts twenty year ago with "The Crying Game". The song was originally performed by Dave Berry and it reached #5 in the UK charts in 1964. Both songs appeared in the movie of the same name which was directed by Neil Jordan. Boy George's version of this song was produced by Pet Shop Boys and entered the charts at #22. The song was also covered bu the Associates and Kylie Minogue. 

Daybehavior- Follow That Car

The Swedish electro-pop trio Daybehavior are back with their third album 'Follow That Car'. This time they have chosen to do all by themselves, in full control and no obligations to other record companies. The album is described as suggestive and cinematic and features 12 brand new tracks including the single releases "It's a Game" and "Silent Dawn". The album was officially released on September 14th through Graplur.  

www.daybehavior.com
 

Instant Hit: Microdisney- Pink Skinned Man

"Pink Skinned Man" was the second single release for the Irish indie pop group Microdisney. It was released in 1983 through Kabuki and featured the wonderful and acoustic "Fiction Land" as a b-side. Perfect soundtrack to the late summer. 

 

Next Wave: Glitter

Glitter is a Philadelphia based indie pop group fronted by Jaymie Guokas. The music of Glitter was influenced by the carefree swing of the pastels and Aussie love songs of the Go Betweens. Their songs are the soundtrack to strange science fiction dreams where love and heartbreak are filtered through the AM radio of subconscious. Their brand new album 'WYLD HRTS' is out now. 

More about the band and their music:  

http://glitter.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/glitterphiladelphia
 

Out This Week: The Raveonettes- Observator

The Danish indie rock duo The Raveonettes have released their sixth studio album this week. The album is entitled 'Observator' and it was issued on Vice Records. It features three singles, "Observations" and "She Owns The Streets" were released earlier this summer, while their third single "The Enemy" is due on September 24th. 

http://www.theraveonettes.com/splashpage/ 

Heaven 17- 'The Luxury Gap' Reissues and Tour

Heaven 17 have announced the reissue of their second album 'The Luxury Gap' in October. This will be another expanded reissue which will feature three-disc (2CD and DVD). The original album from 1983 will be on one CD along with a second CD of remixes and a DVD of promo videos and live performances. 

The band will also go on tour and perform the classic album in its entirety including the hits "Temptation" and "Let Me Go". Several tour dates have been confirmed for October, November and December in the UK and Germany. 

More info via Heaven 17 official

 

WAW: Trust- Dressed for Space

Trust is back with a brand new video for the song "Dressed for Space" from the debut album 'TRST'. This clip recalls some of the best videos from the late 80's and early 90's choreographed with neon lights. It was premiered on Pitchfork TV today.

Bill Nelson's 'Trial by Intimacy' to be Reissued

A limited edition reissue of Bill Nelson's 4 disc ambient boxed set 'Trial By Intimacy (The Book of Splendours)' has been announced for reissue. Originally released on Bill's Cocteau Records label in October 1984, 'Trial By Intimacy' comprised recordings made by Bill at his Echo Observatory home studio. Containing around eighty pieces of music, the work presented examples of Bill Nelson's Ambient experiments. 

This newly re-mastered Cocteau Discs edition restores the original elements of the 'Trial By Intimacy' box and is an exact facsimile, reproducing the 48 page book and eight art postcards that featured in the original set. Available on pre-order for 29th October.  

www.burningshed.com
 

Factory Dance Series Continue with 'Factory. Dance 02'

Strut records will release the second album in the ‘Fac. Dance’ series bringing together sought after 12” versions and rarities from Manchester’s revered Factory Records imprint. Revisiting the peerless studio work of Martin Hannett, Be Music and ACR drummer Donald Johnson, among others, Fac. Dance 02 fleshes out Factory’s varied early forays into dance territory, widening the spectrum yet further from Volume One. The CD and LP packages feature detailed track notes by Factory biographer James Nice, together with rare photos and they are officially out on September 17th. 

http://www.strut-records.com/ 

Label Spot: Anna Logue Records

Anna  Logue Records is an independent record label based in Germany. It was founded by Marc Schaffer in March 2005 in order to release previously unreleased material by original early 80's bands that made a special kind of electronic music generally described as "Electropop", "Technopop", "Synth-pop", "Minimal Electronics" or "Cold Wave" spanning a period from 1979 to 1984. Label's intention is not commercial, their goal is to satisfy the small amount of passionate music fans and collectors who love such music.

Anna Logue Records releases include: Camera Obscura- 'Horizons of Suburbia' LP, Poeme Electronique 'The Echoes Fade' LP/CD, Car Crash Set 'Join the Car Crash Set' LP and many more.

For all the info about the past and upcoming releases and all the contact details check out this site. 

Deux- Golden Dreams EP Out Soon

Minimal Wave has announced the release of 'Golden Dreams' EP by the French duo Deux. This is the their second release for this label. Already in 2010 Minimal Wave released 'Decadence', a compilation of previously unreleased tracks. This follow up EP features four previously unreleased newly remastered studio and demo tracks, pressed on 180 gram gold vinyl. 'Golden Dreams' is due for release on October 6th while the highly sought 'Decadence' compilation is going to be repressed and released in 2013.

http://minimalwave.com

 

WAW: Sally Dige- Doppelgänger

Sally Dige is back with a brand new video for a German titled "Doppelgänger", a b-side of her debut single which is due for release this autumn. This is her second video and a follow up to "Immaculate Deception" which was also featured here a year ago. The single will be issued as a limited 7" on Fabrika Records.

David Bowie's Retrospective Art Exhibition to Open in London Next Year

The Victoria and Albert museum have announced the opening dates of the first international retrospective David Bowie exhibition entitled "David Bowie is" The exhibition will feature handwritten lyrics, original costumes and set designs alongside the 65-year-old star's own instruments.The V&A said it would explore Bowie as a musical innovator and cultural icon. More than 60 stage costumes will be on display, including original Ziggy Stardust bodysuits from 1972 and outfits designed for his Aladdin Sane and Thin White Duke characters. Bowie distanced himself from the show and added that he will not participate in any decisions relating to the exhibition. 'David Bowie Is' is due to open early next year from March 23rd to July 28th. 

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts

Next Wave: Ice Choir

A Brooklyn based musician Kurt Feldman, originally a member of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, has a new band project called Ice Choir. Ice Choir's smooth and glossy retro synth-pop reminds of Scritti Politti, late OMD and even Johnny Hates Jazz. Just close your eyes to their music and you will dream of 1985.  

Ice Choir is from Brooklyn, it was formed in 2010 and consists of Kurt Feldman, Raphael Radna, Avery Brooks and Patrick South. Their debut album 'Afar' was released on July 31st and it is available on CD and LP.

More info here:
www.icechoir.com
http://www.facebook.com/theicechoir
 

Wired for Sound- The New Book About 80's Music Childhood

This summer Simon & Schuster Ltd have released 'Wired for Sound' by Tom Bromley who is know for his mixture of fiction and non-fiction, mainly with a pop culture slant. 

'Wired For Sound' chronicles the rise and fall of eighties music, from the Band Aid highs of Duran Duran, Wham! and U2 to the Band Aid II lows of Bros, Jason Donovan and Wet Wet Wet. In loving detail, it explores the themes that defined the charts of the time: from music videos to VW badges, synthesisers to stadium rock and from Radio One to Frankie saying "Relax". 

Tom Bromley captures, too, the experiences of the small town boys and girls who grew up listening to the music: a generation of 'Smash Hits' readers and Sony Walkman owners, 'Top of the Pops' viewers and C90 cassette compilers. Evoking an era when it really mattered who was number one, Wired for Sound is an affectionate celebration of both a musical youth and the decade when young guns really went for it.  

www.tombromley.co.uk
 

Instant Hit: Vogue- Sahara

Vogue was a Los Angeles based group consisting of Aret Michel Madilian, Julie Kubat and Teresa Kubat. They released their only single, a wonderfully synth driven and very atmospheric "Sahara" in 1983. The song was issued as 12" for Aret Records and featured "Shattered Peace" on a B-side. The song appeared on A.A.V.V. Your Silent Face compilation which was released in 2010.  

 

Retrovision: Marquis de Sade- Wanda's Loving Boy

French post punk group Marquis de Sade fronted by singer Philippe Pascal and guitarist Franck Darcel released "Wanda's Loving Boy" in 1981. The song was the last release for the group in the early 80's before they split. The song appeared on their second album 'Rue de Siam', released during the same year.

Out This Week: Wild Nothing- Nocturne

The American dream pop duo Wild Nothing fronted by Jack Tatum have released their second album entitled 'Nocturne' this week. This is a follow up to their debut album 'Gemini' which was released two years ago, both out on Captured tracks. Their latest single 'Paradise' is also out this month. 

Summer Singles Round Up

Summer singles round-up is here! The best single releases from the previous two months lined up.

1.The Irrepressibles- New World

2.The xx- Chained

3.The xx- Angels 

4.Bat For Lashes- Laura 

5.Grizzly Bear- Yet Again

6.Wild Nothing- Paradise

7.Washed Out- A Dedication 

8.Blur- Under The Westway 

9.dEUS- The Soft Fall 

10.Lamb- Butterfly Effect

John Foxx and The Maths to Release 'Evidence'

Following the success of their previous two albums, John Foxx and the Maths have teamed up for yet another electronic experience. Their third album is going to be entitled 'Evidence' and it will include collaborative tracks with The Soft Moon, Xeno & Oaklander, Gazelle Twin, Matthew Dear and Tara Busch. The album release is announced for September 10th. More info via Metamatic.

http://www.metamatic.com
 

Zaine Griff Reissues

Zaine Griff's first two studio albums 'Ashed and Diamonds' and 'Figvres' have been reissued for the first time by Amplifier. The Auckland born singer who formed part of the English New wave scene and who was under a strong influence of David Bowie released these albums in the early 80's. 

His debut album 'Ashes and Diamonds' was produced by Tony Visconti, famous for his work with David Bowie. They met and re-recorded three songs with Zaine Griff's band. The album was issued in 1980 and featured the singles "Ashes and Diamonds" and "Run". Zaine's second album 'Figvres' was released two years later, in 1982 by Polydor. It was produced by Hans Zimmer and featured a great line-up of artist who collaborated on it including Warren Can, Yukihiro Takahashi and Kate Bush. The album featured the singles "Figvres" and "Flowers" the wonderful duet with Kate Bush. 

Zaine has released his third album 'Child Who Wants The Moon' in 2011 and currently, he is working on his fourth album which is expected to be released in winter 2012. 

http://www.zainegriff.co.uk/home.html 

Retrovision: Duran Duran- Save a Prayer

Duran Duran released their sixth single "Save A Prayer" thirty years ago. The song was the third single from the band's second album 'Rio'. It became Duran Duran's biggest hit to date Singles Chart reaching #2. The video was filmed by director Russell Mulcahy among the jungles, beaches, and temples of Sri Lanka in April 1982. Scenes were filmed atop the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, among the ruins of a Buddhist temple at Polonnaruwa and the island's southern coastline.