Friday, July 12, 2013

Soft Riot- Fiction Prediction Out Now

A London based Soft Riot is a project of Jack Duckworth a former Vancouverite who has clocked over fifteen years of musical output in various bands and projects. With origins from the mid-nineties in the vibrant art-punk/hardcore dominating the West Coast American/Canadian underground at the time, JJD followed a trajectory through to the revival of synthbased post-punk music just over a decade or so ago, which spawned a number of highly successful Canadian artists out of that scene. 

His new album is entitled 'Fiction Prediction' is a collection of songs selected for a first official LP release, these tracks being a confident advancement in the unique and engaging “Soft Riot” sound developed on prior releases. Drawing inspiration from synthesizer-based film soundtracks of yesteryear, drones, early EBM, minimal synth, a dose of psychedelic synthpop and a heavy dose of throbbing appregiated rhythms, Soft Riot is a science-fiction heavy soundscape that narrates the listener through today’s fractured, excessive landscape with hints of black humour Soft Riot, coming from a more punk rock pedigree, often places more focus than the norm on his lyrical content, bringing in detailed pictures and sometimes even linear narrative storylines to subjects such as modern living, technology, surveillance, environment, overpopulation, enlightenment, life elsewhere, forewarning about catastrophic events, vain people in gyms, and not having enough time. 
The influences come less from other musical artists but more so from written fiction and film —a future predicted by fiction. Where in past musical ventures the path would be aggression, stomp and noise; Soft Riot takes those energies and experiments more with anxiety of tension and unease. A number of these tracks were released in the spring/ summer of 2012 on the limited edition cassette “Hyperbolic Masses”, which was self-released is now completely out of print.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

xex' Changes out on Dark Entries

Dark Entries Records have released of xex' second album 'Change' as the final piece of our Americana Underground trilogy which comes from the state New Jersey, circa 1981. The album was recorded in the early 80's but the band did not have the funds to release the album and it sat in obscurity for over 30 years.
 All songs have been remastered from the original reel to reel tapes for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The vinyl comes housed in jacket created by Alex Zander for his senior art project in college in 1980. Each LP includes a double sided 11×11 cardstock insert with lyrics and photos. Also included is a full length DVD featuring a 9-song xex concert from 1981, recorded at Hurrah in New York. With the bonus DVD included in the new LP, more people will see xex perform than ever saw them play live. More than 30 years later xex:change finally sees the light of day and fits in today’s world all too perfectly. 

  www.darkentriesrecords.com/xex-change

Retrovision: Altered Images- Bring Me Closer

Thirty years ago, Altered Images released "Bring Me Closer". It was one of the several singles which were taken from their third album 'Bite' which was released during the same year. The first single "Don't Talk to Me About Love", reached UK #7, becoming one of the group's biggest hits, "Bring Me Closer" made it only to #29. Soon after the final single and the group completed a UK tour, they disbanded.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Mute Announces The Cabaret Voltaire Reissue Series

Mute are delighted to announce a series of Cabaret Voltaire releases, starting with the vinyl issue of Cabaret Voltaire’s iconic 1981 album 'Red Mecca' – out on 22 July 2013. Remastered and available here on vinyl for the first time since Mute’s reissue in 1990, Red Mecca features the line up of Richard H Kirk, Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson, and is Cabaret Voltaire’s third album, and the final full album with co-founder Chris Watson. 
 The series of Cabaret Voltaire releases will continue with a box set release on vinyl and CD in the autumn. #8385 (Collected Works 1983 –1985) will collate four of the Cabs’ classic mid-period releases, remastered – The Crackdown (1983), Micro-Phonies (1984), Drinking Gasoline (1985) and The Covenant, The Sword and the Arm of the Lord (1985) – alongside bonus CDs and DVDs.

Mote info about the first reissue:
http://mute.com/cabaret-voltaire

Monday, June 10, 2013

Out This Week: Lust For Youth- Perfect View

Lust for Youth are back with new album which is out this week. This is the third full length album by the Swedish producer Hannes Norrvide which is announced to be warmer and more inviting than any of his previous work. The new album is entitled 'Perfect View' and is composed of largely instrumental pieces, focusing more on beats, samples and general ambiance. 
 The band will embark on their first European and us tours this spring and summer, joining Chelsea Wolfe in Europe this April/May and touring the Us in late May beginning with the Chaos in Tejas festival and ending with Brooklyn’s Northside festival.


 

Sunday, June 9, 2013

The New Chameleons' Reissues Announced for June 17th

Blue Apple Music, the official store for the music of the Chameleons has announced the reissue 'Dreams In Celluloid' and 'Why Call It Anything?'. Both releases are available combined and separate. 'Dreams in Celluloid' is a collection of rare recordings and this two CD set features newly re-mastered versions of classic early recordings, plus the ultra rare Tony Fletcher EP. The second reissue is Chameleons' fourth album 'Why Call It Anything' which also features two CDs. The first CD is the original album reissue while the second features the Chameleons live in concert at Manchester Academy, a sold out hometown show recorded in 2001, during the band’s brief reunion. 
Both releases are announced for June 17th and they were re-mastered in Spring 2013. 

  http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/chameleondetails

Next Wave: Engines of Malice

Engines of Malice is a French duo consisting of Roxy (Contre Jour) on vocals and Chris (The Glow Inc) on keys, programming and guitars. Their musical style can be described as Industrial/ethnic and they deliver a high-energy melting-pot of electro, ethnic, industrial, orchestral and rock influences, the sound of a fierce heart going into battle. This year sees the release of their self titled debut EP which will be out on July 9th. "Surrender", one of the songs from the upcoming EP and one of our favorites was already released as a single in February. A must for Austra, Zola Jesus and iamamiwhoami fans.

https://soundcloud.com/enginesofmalic
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Engines-of-Malice

Friday, June 7, 2013

WAW: Vår - In Your Arms

The Danish group Vår, originally known as War and the Iceage offshot have released their debut LP 'No One Dances Like My Brothers' this year. Their music is a mixture of coldwave, post-punk, industrial, and ambient music, with few stylistic boundaries in sight. This is the video for their song "In Your Arms" which was directed by Kristian Emdal. Their LP is out on Sacred bones Records.

 http://sacredbonesrecords.com/releases/sbr088


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The Style Council's Classic Album Collection Announced for Release on July 15th

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Style Council formation and celebrates their first single releases. All put together the label Commercial Marketing will release 6 CD box set which will feature all the band's studio albums, from their debut "Introducing The Style Council' all the way underground motivated 'Modernism: A New Decade'. This new box set is going to be released on July 15th and it is available on pre-order. 
www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Album-Selection-Style-Council

Monday, June 3, 2013

May Singles Round Up

In Conversation: INHALT

 The gentlemen of the San Francisco based trio, INHALT, are currently locked away and hard at work on their upcoming EP titled "Occupations". This being the follow up to their "Vehicle" EP. A fine and entrancing four song vinyl collection of pulsing, vibrant, rhythmic, and sometimes a bit abstract electronic craftsmanship. I remember being absolutely smitten after just one listen to each of the one minute samples. I desperately needed to hear them in their full glory and finally got the opportunity  upon the official release. In fact, it was one that made it into our Top 20 EP's of 2012 list; rightfully so and well deserved.
Matia Simovich, Bryan Gibbs, and Philip Winiger incorporate the best bits and pieces of their early and current musical influences into their own songwriting. That said, they ultimately put their own personal spin on things. There is no blatant rehash to be heard here and that's something that's difficult to come by these days. The aforementioned three took some time out, from their recording, to answer a few questions i had. Here is what they had to say.


Sunday, June 2, 2013

Best of 1983 - The Singles List

The year 1982 was all about Michael Jackson's Thriller which became the best selling album of all time. The video for the song proved to be challenging for the MTV airwaves and it is also considered as one of the best videos of all time. Along with Michael Jackson's success other artists followed; David Bowie released Let's Dance, his most commercial album to date and ladies rocked too, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper released their debuts too exploring the weird and unconventional and Kim Wilde won the Brit Award for best British female artist. 
In 1982, the first compact discs were produced in Germany and were already sold in Japan during the third quarter of the same year. In 1983 they also went on sale in the USA and they will certainly revolutionize the music industry in the coming years. 
New Wave slowly faded into Pop and its biggest stars of the decade Michal Jackson, Madonna, Prince and George Michael will rule the charts for the rest of the decade and beyond.
 

The following Top 50 represents the result of the 'Best of 1983 - The Singles List' poll from 2013 together with our in-house votes. 

Updated: 06/2020


01. New Order- Blue Monday 

02. Depeche Mode- Everything Counts 
03. The Smiths- This Charming Man 
04. Michael Jackson - Thriller 
05. The Sisters of Mercy- Temple of Love 
06. Simple Minds- New Gold Dream 81-82-83-84 
07. Frankie Goes To Hollywood- Relax 
08. Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) 
09. The The- This is the Day 
10. Siouxsie and The Banshees- Dear Prudence 
11. Yazoo- Nobody's Diary 
12. Echo & The Bunnymen- The Cutter 
13. U2- New Year’s Day 
14. David Bowie – Let's Dance
15. Cyndi Lauper- Girls Just Wanna have Fun
16. Pat Benetar - Love is a Battlefield 
17. Talking Heads - Burning Down The House 
18. R.E.M.- Radio Free Europe 
19. Spandau Ballet - True 
20. PIL- This is not a Love Song 

Friday, May 31, 2013

Reissue: David Sinfield / League Of Nations - Oblique Strategy / Music For A New Depression

In less than 24 hours, the always brilliant Anna Logue Records will be releasing a collection of often sought-after synth tunes. I would go as far as saying that certain appendages were possibly lost in a quest to acquire the original releases. OK, so maybe that's a slight exaggeration on my part. Though, i think you get idea of just how urgent this is. I know i've been salivating over the months leading up to this glorious day. Not a great deal is known about David Sinfield. We do know that, in 1981, he released an eight song cassette titled "Oblique Strategy". Later, in 1984, he would release a six track, 12 inch vinyl titled "Music For A New Depression" This time under the name of League Of Nations. After that, nothing and we we're left wanting more.



This blow has been softened, a bit, with this beautifully packaged and remastered release that includes...

  • 180 grams vinyl with printed Hansaboard outer sleeve
  • Printed inner sleeves with lyrics
  • Double-sided DIN A3 poster
  • Double-sided maxicard
  • Double-sided DIN A6 postcard with credits

Now, pick your jaw up off of the floor, wipe the drool from your chin, and just say "Wow!" Lastly, this is a limited edition release that i'm sure won't be around for long. For more info and sound samples, please visit: Anna Logue Records @ SoundCloud and Anna Logue Records @ Facebook

 

 
 

 




Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Best of 1983- The Album List

The year 1982 was undeniably dominated by Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album "Thriller," which went on to become the best-selling album of all time. The accompanying music video for the title track presented a significant challenge for MTV airwaves but is now regarded as one of the greatest music videos ever created. Riding on the wave of Michael Jackson's success, other artists achieved notable milestones: David Bowie released "Let's Dance," his most commercially successful album up to that point. On the female front, both Madonna and Cyndi Lauper made their debut appearances, exploring unconventional and unique styles. Kim Wilde received recognition by winning the Brit Award for Best British Female Artist.
Meanwhile, in 1982, Germany produced the first compact discs, which were initially sold in Japan during the third quarter of the same year. These CDs were later introduced to the U.S. market in 1983, revolutionizing the music industry in the years to come.
As New Wave gradually transitioned into Pop, the decade's most significant stars—Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and George Michael—continued to dominate the charts for the remainder of the '80s and beyond.

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Retrovision: OMD- Messages

OMD released their third single "Messages" in May 1980 and the song entered the UK charts #31 and managed to climb to number #13. The song was taken from OMD's eponymous debut album and it was released as 7" and 10" record. The second version also featured the cover of Velvet Underground's "Waiting for The Man". Today the guys are still active as a duo and have released their 12th studio album "English Electric". Their latest single "Dresden" is out this month.

 

In Review: Red Fetish- Cardinal Synth

After creating at the early 80's "All The Madmen", Neale James Potts and Mike Richardson, have made a new project called Red Fetish. Neale and Mike are two visionaries of electronic music who have made one LP very amazing for 2013 under the name "Cardinal Synth" essential for the lovers of the minimal/synth. The consecration of Red Fetish was with "The Future Is Now In Your Hands" an EP that was released by the prestigious record label "Anna Logue Records". This EP, received great reviews and Red Fetish quickly became a cult group for the lovers of electronic music. 
Looking to the future, they discover new sounds more purists of the minimal/ synth, borning "Cardinal Synth" as album revelation. Everything is perfectly carefully from the presentation in red vinyl, and with wide range of sounds, ranging between the cutting-edge electronics towards the classic sound he has created school in the popular culture of electronic music. The mastering of the LP, has been done by Dave Hewson (Poeme Electronique/Twins Natalia) and LP design has been done by Steve Lippert. Cardinal Synth is configured as a classic where gems like "Let's Get This Started Parity" " I´m Jofef And I´m Not Ok" "Virtual Dystopia" " The Little Beat Girl" "The Future Makes No Senses" "Cafe Sugiyama" "Culture Of Deceit" and more songs that will make delights if you love the minimal / synth, and the first sounds analog electronics that was given in the early 80's a LP highly recommended. 

A review by Antonio J. Guerrero

A very special Thanks to Antonio!

Orders to Anna Logue Records or Neale James Potts. 

 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Dark Entries Release a Brand New Algebra Suicide Compilation

Dark Entries Records have released a new compilation by Algebra Suicide. The compilations is entitled 'Feminine Squared' and it is an 18 track song collection that collects all 8 songs from the first two EPs, 4 songs from the “Big Skin” cassette, 4 songs from “The Secret Like Crazy”, a song from the “Pas De Deux” compilation, and a previously unreleased song. Lydia and Don call their approach “Avant Garage” citing inspiration from Patti Smith, Frank O’Hara, Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed. All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. 
The vinyl comes housed in a glossy black and white jacket featuring the cut up faces of Don and Lydia from “An Explanation For That Flock Of Crows” EP. Each LP includes a newsprint zine with lyrics, photos, liner notes, and clippings. Also included is a full length DVD featuring a 12-song Algebra Suicide concert from 1984, recorded at the Noise Factory in Chicago. Though Lydia passed away in 2007, her genius lives on in these recordings. Please respect her decadence. 

More info and preview
www.darkentriesrecords.com/algebra-suicide-feminine-squared-lpdvd


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Factory Benelux Announces the Reissue of Section 25's Love and Hate Album

Factory Benelux presents a newly remastered edition of 'Love & Hate' - the fourth studio album by Section 25, originally issued by Factory Records in 1988. Recorded in 1986 by Larry and Jenny Cassidy after the original group splintered, the self-produced album explores both electronic and acoustic terrain. The 7 bonus tracks include both remixes of Bad News Week by Bernard Sumner of New Order, released as a Factory maxi single. Factory Benelux single Crazy Wisdom also features (produced by Sumner with Donald Johnson of A Certain Ratio), along with several previously unreleased demo tracks and remixes. The album will be out on May 20th.

http://news.factorybenelux.com/
 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Next Wave: Be Quiet

Be Quiet is a five piece group from Bordeaux in France. The group consist of Benjamin Grenier (Vocals/Guitar), Lou Whitechapel (Guitar) Pierre Graber (Bass), Quentin Whitechapel (Drums) and Matei Convard (Keyboards). The group was formed in 2009 and their music is 80's orientated with influences of My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and Joy Division and Interpol. Their music is both noisy and melodic coupling screeching guitars and rhythmic minimalist riffs. Their debut EP 'Primal' was released in April and you can preview the tracks via band's Bandcamp page. With the average age of 18 years, seems that future looks promising for the Bordeaux youngsters.

https://www.facebook.com/wearebequiet

 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

John Foxx' New Compilation Metadelic Announced for June 3rd

John Foxx returns with a brand compilation in June. Entitled 'Metadelic', this is a brand new 2 CD + DVD compilation and a companion volume to 2010’s 'Metatronic'. CD1 is a mix of psychedelic and lush dream-pop tracks, starting with his highly evocative “The Garden” album in 1981 and brought right up-to-date with some heavily 60s influenced electronic tracks by John Foxx And The Maths. The second disc features a selection of BBC radio sessions from 1983 and 1985, along seven 12” single mixes. Both the radio sessions and the 12” mixes appear on CD for the first time.The five promo videos appear on DVD for the first time, and the performance of “Europe After The Rain” from Top Of The Pops is released for the first time ever. The compilation will be out on June 3rd 2013. 

  http://www.spincds.com/cds/metadelic-2cd-dvd

Sunday, May 5, 2013

WAW: Girls Names - Hypnotic Regression

If you just so happened to miss out on the latest and greatest offering from Girls Names, here's your chance. The New Life, released back in February, is the Belfast quartets second LP and is packed full of melodic guitar-pop / post-punk goodness. Giving a nod to the 80's in the form of  Echo & The Bunnymen, hints of Joy Division, and early tunes by The Cure but instilling their own personal touch. It must be said that it's surely one of my personal favorites of 2013...so far. The album's first official video for the track "Hypnotic Regression" is a prime example. See and hear for yourself!

For more band info: Girls Names @ Facebook and Girls Names @ YouTube


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Retrovision- Fotostat- Fotostat

The robotic duo Fotostat sadly only released one single back in 1983. Back then like some of their contemporaries, they were quite futuristic and ahead of their time. Today their music videos can be watched on YouTube as rare material. This track is called "Fotostat", and was filmed at the Ultratech club in Glasgow in early 1983.


 

Mathematiques Modernes Debut Reissued on Medical Records

Another great shot form Medical Record that came out in February is the reissue of Mathemstiques Modernes seminal debut album 'Les Visiteurs Du Soir'. This album was released in 1981 on the famous Celluloid imprint, this masterpiece has been out of print since its initial pressing. Mathématiques Modernes was the project of keyboardist Claude Arto and vocalist/lyricist Edwige Braun-Belmore. Arto has also worked with French bands Artefact and Spions. Also, to note, the late French producer Jacno also worked on the Mathématiques Modernes record. This gem needs no introduction to the fans who have enjoyed the classics from this era. The record is a very diverse blend of new wave, almost progressive arrangement, baroque melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and plenty of so called “cold wave” sprinkled in. 
 The original tape masters have been restored and remastered by Gilbert Castro of Celluloid Records. The sound quality is unparalleled. This project has been the collaboration between Mathématiques Modernes, Gilbert Castro, and Medical Records. The jacket features original reproduction artwork on the front and back. This record will surely need to make a mandatory arrival in the collections of fans of French new wave, early synthpop, and lovers of all things late 70s/early 80s. Presented on 180gram grey opaque high-quality vinyl in a limited edition of 1000 hand-numbered copies. Bonus insert included as well with interview of Claude Arto by Dave Segal plus other interesting tidbits. 

 More Info

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Soft Metals Announce Their Second Album for July 16th

Soft Metals are back!! Los Angeles based duo have announced the release of their second studio album Lenses which will be released on Captured Tracks on July 16th. The album will be available on CD/LP and MP3. "Tell Me" will be the first single to be taken from the album and it can be streamed on YouTube. Artwork provided by Shaun Kardinal and Erin Frost.



Pet Shop Boys Announce New Album Electric for July 15th

Pet Shop Boys new album, 'Electric', will now be released worldwide on July 15th (international dates vary) and is the first to appear on their own label x2 through Kobalt Label Services. Produced by Stuart Price, "Electric" features nine tracks in total – eight brand new songs plus a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s "The last to die". The album was recorded in London, Berlin and Los Angeles over the last six months with one track, "Fluorescent", written and recorded within the last month. 
 The album's opening track, "Axis", can be heard and purchased online now. An accompanying video can be viewed now at the link below where you will also find pre-order links for "Electric".  



The albums full track-listing is: 
1. Axis 
2. Bolshy 
3. Love is a bourgeois construct 
4. Fluorescent 
5. Inside a dream 
6. The last to die 
7. Shouting in the evening 
8.Thursday   
9. Vocal

 

Monday, April 29, 2013

April Singles Round Up

The Teardrop Explodes' Wilder 2 CD Reissue in June

The Teardrop Explodes have announced the reissue of their second album 'Wilder' last week.'Wilder' was the second and final album by the band, originally released in November 1981. "Ambitious, colourful and catchy and with more ideas at play than most groups could conjure up in a lifetime, like so many great albums, it simply confused people in its audacity". soundsxp.com 
This new edition features the original album in all its glory, plus a second disc compiled and sequenced by Julian Cope containing all the related singles, b-sides and BBC radio sessions. Disc two is effectively an alternative version of the album, the BBC sessions presenting many key songs in a noticeably different form, closer to how the group used to play them live. 'Wilder' 2CD REissue is announced for June 24th.  

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Next Wave: Kubo

From MMA fighting to analogue synthwave, the Irish are nudging their way into scenes of various sorts. The fighting Irish indeed and not that they ever went anywhere. Far from being new to the musical rodeo, Aidan Casserly (Empire State Human, The Wazp) and Brian O'Malley (PolyDROID) have set out on a new adventure as Kubo. These two gents first began working together as ManSeries back in 1986. After going their seperate ways yet still collaborating on various projects over the years, together they rise again. Casserly's soulful and angelic vocals paired with O'Malley's heartfelt, melodic, and atmospheric synths and beats make for music to lose yourself in. You may not want to be found!


Kubo's debut single comes to us via Vocoder Tapes. It's a two track limited edition (50 copies) cassette which features "I Dream Electric" b/w "The Light That Blinds". Give it a listen and place your order at Vocoder Tapes Bandcamp before they're gone. In addition, there will be an EP released by the title of "Straight Lines". Kudos to Kubo and we wish them much success.

Please visit the follow for more info: Kubo @ Facebook and Kudo @ SoundCloud

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Gina X Performance- Nice Mover LP Reissue

Earlier this year Medical Records reissued the quintessential first album by Gina X Performance. The album was originally released in 1978 and featured the cosmic sequenced synth hit "Nice Mover" which also appeared on various compilations. This seminal work of electro/disco/wave comes in the original reproduction artwork which is preserved on the front and back and it is presented on high quality 180gram “bone” colored vinyl in a limited edition pressing of 1000 hand-numbered copies. To order 'Nice Mover' and to check out other great reissues on Medical records, check out the link.

http://medical-records.org/index.html

 

WAW: Soft Riot- Cinema Eyes

Soft Riot's video for the song "Cinema Eyes" has been premiered on Youtube this week. This track is an introduction to Soft Riot's debut LP "Fiction Prediction" which will be out in June 2013 on Other Voices Records (Europe) and Volar Records (North America). "Cinema Eyes" is also available on the Desire Records compilation "And You Will Find Them in The Basement" out April 2013.

 

Xeno and Oaklander Announce New EP, Single and European Tour

The Brooklyn based duo Xeno & Oaklander are back with a brand new EP. This is the follow up to their 2011's 'Set and Lights' LP and it will be entitled 'Par Avion'. This 6 track EP is announced for release in autumn this year and in anticipation to this, the new single "Sheen" will be released on May 15th. To promote the brand new released, the duo will embark on a full European tour. More info about that and the EP artwork after the official announcement. 

 http://xenoandoaklander.com/

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Retrovision: The Beloved- You've Got Me Thinking

Twenty years ago The Beloved released their double A side single "Celebrate Your Life"/"You've Got Me Thinking" which peaked at #26 in the UK. This was the follow up single to their biggest hit "Sweet Harmony". Duo recorded another version of the song in 2002 which features Neneh Cherry on vocals. 

 

Johhny Hates Jazz Return with a New Album in May

Johnny Hates Jazz will release a brand new album on May 6th. The album is entitled Magnetized and it is their first studio album since 1991. The album will be preceded by the single of the same name which will be released on April 29th. The duo recorded the album by teaming up with the fabulous folk at PledgeMusic. A percentage of the proceeds from this album will also go to our chosen charity cause, the World Society For The Protection Of Animals.

  www.johnnyhatesjazz.com



Sunday, April 14, 2013

WAW: Mirror Mirror- Nowhere

Mirror Mirror have revealed the video for the song "Nowhere" which is the cover of Snowy Red's original which appeared on the album 'The Right to Die in 1982. The song is taken from Snowy Red's tribute album "_ever Alive - a tribute to Snowy Red" and it is available via Weyrd Son Records in limited edition vinyl.

 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

WAW: Coves- Last Desire

After debuting last year with the Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", Coves have released their single "Last Desire" and brought some overall indie excitement to Burning Flame. The song was officially released on March 18th through 1965 Records.  Hope there is more to come...

 

Next Wave: Footprintz

Footprintz is a Canadian synth-pop duo from Montreal consisting of Addy Weitzman and Clarian North. A month ago the duo released their debut album 'Escape Yourself' which is a great collection of electro-pop songs influenced by decade's finest. From the steely dance floor grooves to the dreamy synth pop imagery, 'Escape Yourself' is there to put you in the right mood. 
The album is out now and it is available on Visionquest. 

www.vquest.tv/
https://www.facebook.com/Footprintz
https://soundcloud.com/footprintz

David Bowie- Zeit! 77-79, The Berlin Trilogy Revisited

After David Bowie's big comeback with 'The Next Day', EMI Records has announced a repackaging the existing versions of the Low (1977), “Heroes” (1977), Stage (1978) and Lodger (1979) CDs together in a cardboard slipcase, under the box set name of  'DAVID BOWIE – ZEIT! 77-79'. The three studio albums here were released between 1977 and 1979 and are generally referred to as the somewhat misleading Berlin Trilogy. A more unifying theme throughout the three recordings is the presence of Mr Bowie, Mr Eno and Mr Visconti.




Sunday, April 7, 2013

Phosphor's Youth and Immorality out on Desire Records

Desire Records have released the 'Youth and Immorality', the debut album by the London based group Phosphor. The trio which was formed in 2011, was influenced by the likes of Depeche Mode, Sixth June, Fever Ray, HTRK, Linear Movement, Slowdive and Cocteau Twins. The album was inspired by the confusion and desolation of living in the city, constant battles with the troubled mind and an obsession with beautifully dark sounding music. Creating a bitter, melancholy atmosphere whilst morphing menacing synths into something of great pop beauty. 
The album is available as the first pressing - limited edition of 300 copies - white vinyl.

phosphor-youth-immortality-dsr071


 

Exotic Club's Mixtape Out Next Week

French-American electro-punk duo Exotic Club will be releasing a digital mixtape next week and have been busy releasing all the songs as singles. Four singles are out and can be previewed via band's official soundcloud page. This Tuesday the band is releasing the fifth and final single which will complete the mixtape. Hit the like on their facebook/soundcloud page and stick around for the latest news.


Single 1: French Theory https://soundcloud.com/exoticclub/french-theory 
Single 2: American Zombies https://soundcloud.com/exoticclub/american-zombies 
Single 3: Lost In Music https://soundcloud.com/exoticclub/lost-in-music 
Single 4: Timely Fashin https://soundcloud.com/exoticclub/timely-fashio


 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Reissue: Near Paris

May 9th will see the release of a glorious reissue by Near Paris. A Columbus, Ohio based synthpop duo who, unfortunately, released only one 12" EP during their time together in the early 80's. The band consisted of Gerald F. Nelson and Dana Riashi who made quite a name for themselves around the Columbus music scene. In addition, they had the pleasure of opening for Section 25 as well as winning several local awards...not bad! Sadly, Gerald passed away in October of 2012. I'm more than positive he would have been proud and honored to see his and Dana's track given new life. Gratitude goes out to Medical Records in association with Crispy Nuggets Blogspot for making this possible.

Wait, because i'm not done yet! Did i mention that this release is to be housed on 180 gram oxblood opaque vinyl?! Oh but yes! Colored vinyl is always a serious bonus. Even more so when there isn't a bad track amongst the bunch. This just so happens to be the case here. The 11 tracks are comprised of the aforementioned 4 track EP as well as 7 previously unreleased others. This is to be a limited edition pressing of  650 copies. Slick, synthy, melodic atmosphere is what you're in for. Who in their right mind doesn't want that?


For a full listen and to order, please visit Medical Records Bandcamp.

Monday, April 1, 2013

March Singles Round Up

The Armoury Show's Waiting for The Floods to be Reissued on Cherry Red

Cherry Red Records have announced the reissue of Armoury Show's seminal album 'Waiting for the Floods'. Originally released in 1985 on Parlophone this reissue is the most complete collection available of the band's material. This 2CD, 29 track compilation includes the original album, plus 7" & 12" mixes and many b-sides. The CD booklet will feature many of the original sleeves and a full UK discography. 19 of the tracks appear on CD for the first time. This CD reissue is announced for April 29, 2013. For the complete track listing and more info go here.

 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Next Wave: The Woken Trees

The Woken Trees was formed in 2010. The band members, however, have known each other since their early teens as they all grew up together in a community around the desolate village, Tversted, in the north of Denmark. In 2010 the line up was completed with the 6th member, Mathias Riis. And what was now a 6-piece moved to Sealand where they overtook an abandoned, trashed-out villa outside Copenhagen. At this point their music began to change dramatically into something much more noisy, more dark.  
After the writing of a small handful of songs their debut album began to take shape. Entitled 'NNON', the album was written in 2011/2012 and recorded by the end of 1st half of 2012. In the summer 2012 the band signed with Pad & Pen Records and the mixing and mastering began. October 2012, the single "Yells" B/W Holy Water was released which is now followed up by the full album co-released by Fuzz Club Records and Pad & Pen Records on March 11, 2013.

www.facebook.com/thewokentrees


Retrovision: Orange Juice- Rip it Up

Orange Juice released "Rip it Up" thirty years ago in March 1983. The song reached number #8 in the UK charts and remained among the top selling songs Orange Juice have released. Good news is that Domino Records will be releasing a comprehensive seven-disc anthology which will include their entire studio recordings, live sessions and a DVD with videos and concert footage. In total, 'Coals To Newcastle' contains 16 previously unreleased tracks with another 23 tracks previously unavailable on earlier re-issues and it will be released on November 8th (UK) and November 9th (US).

 

Friday, March 22, 2013

Midge Ure's Greatest Hits to be Released on a 2CD Compilation The Works

Demon Music Group have announced the release of a brand new Best of compilation by Midge Ure. Midge Ure fronted Ultravox in the new Romantic Eighties – but his career, whether guesting for Thin Lizzy and Visage, getting Band Aid up and running with Bob Geldof or a string of superb solo albums, amounts to much more. This in-depth look at those solo releases runs from Eighties chart-topper ‘If I Was’ through Nineties big-seller ‘Breathe’ and also includes extended and live versions of songs.

http://www.demonmusicgroup.co.uk/Product.aspx?ProductID=6282

 

Simple Minds Announce November Tour with Special Guest Ultravox

Ultravox are proud to announce a series of joint shows with great friends Simple Minds in November 2013. The four UK arena shows will see the band sharing the bill for the first time in the UK after parallel careers spanning 30+ years. Tickets on sale from Weds March 20th. Also imminent is an HD, live concert from Ultravox's European tour in October 2012. This multi camera shoot will be available on Blu ray as well as DVD. A release date is yet to be finalised but it is planned to be released mid to late summer to coincide with the November shows.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Das Kabinette- Spy Thriller 2013 Reissue

Due to popular demand, Minimal Wave Records have decided to do a limited repress of Blackpool's band Das Kabinette release 'Spy Thriller'. They were known mainly for their underground hit "The Cabinet" which was originally released as a 7” single in 1983. This track and a couple of unreleased tracks were then released in January 2008 as 'Spy Thriller'. The record sold out quickly soon after. 
The new repress of 'Spy Thriller' comes on 180 gram ultra clear vinyl, limited to 500 hand numbered copies complete with a heavy weight die-cut matte jacket, with a printed inner sleeve which shows through the window. Lyrics included on the inner sleeve. Vinyl will be available in early March 2013. Digital release to follow.

 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Pet Shop Boys Announce New Album on a New Label

Pet Shop Boys have left Parlophone Records after a ground-breaking 28 years and have signed their forthcoming studio album “Electric” to Kobalt Label Services in a global deal. Their new album “Electric” is produced by Stuart Price and will be released in June 2013. Further information about the album will be announced soon. Kobalt Label Service’s first international album release, “Push The Sky Away” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds recently debuted at number one in seven countries and top four in thirteen other countries.


 

Soft Riot- No Longer Stranger LP Announced

Soft Riot is Jack Duckworth, a former Vancouverite now living in London who traces his musical beginnings to the vibrant underground art-punk/hardcore scene emergent across the Canadian and American west coasts in the mid-90s. Duckworth was among the fixtures in that community’s northern outpost before helping to consolidate the early outpourings of a larger pre-“synth/new-wave” revival with his band Radio Berlin alongside others like Black Mountain, Wolf Parade, Frog Eyes, etc, though his output has shifted at least a few degrees from that older sound. 
His move to London is at the heart of his ongoing personal maintenance; the new atmosphere and cultural dynamic giving fuel to Soft Riot, previously just a concept. Originally released as a shorter EP on Vancouver imprint Panospria, 'No Longer Stranger' has been expanded by the addition of two re-recorded contemporaneous tracks into an eight song LP for its appearance on San Diego’s Volar Records. 'No Longer Stranger' is not late night club music, but the soundtrack to dimly lit rooms and dark street corners. Its futurist outlook is paired expertly with his well-explored interest in film, making for a uniquely cinematic listening experience. Pulsating synths add layers of drama while less menacing, semi-ambivalent vocals narrate the sonic experience.
Coming later in spring, Soft Riot is releasing an album of all new material entitled 'Fiction Prediction' via Other Voices in Europe and Volar in the US. Duckworth has a track along with Linea Aspera, Mild Peril, Női Kabát and others on the recently released and highly anticipated 'And You Will Find Them In The Basement 12”' from Desire Records.

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