Word Verification/Spam Filtering

As a brief aside, my apologies to all readers for the word verification system I've placed here on the blog. I've been getting far too many spam comments lately, and would like to put a right stop to it.

Now back to yr regularly scheduled programming...

The Essence- A Monument of Trust LP

Real quick post today, folks, but here's the second Essence record, released in 1987 via Midnight Music. The band were still a three piece at this point in time, featuring the same lineup as their debut, so the sound doesn't stray too far. I do happen to prefer this record to Purity though, by a hair!

Otherwise, this particular upload contains two bonus tracks plucked from the A Mirage 12'' (the extended mix and "Lollipop"), as well as "The Happiness" another b-side from the This Cat 12''. Perhaps the band couldn't fit these tracks on one LP record, but it's nice to have them in a cleaner format, for sure! On that note, here's the information for the record. Enjoy!



The Essence- A Monument of Trust LP
1. A Mirage
2. Drifting
3. In Tears
4. Nothing...
5. The Waves of Death
6. The Happiness
7. Lollipop
8. Years of Doubt
9. Fire
10. The Death Cell
11. A Monument of Trust
12. A Mirage (Extended Version)

*download it here*

The Essence- Purity LP

I've got a pair of early Essence records to upload for you folks. Here's the first of the lot, the band's 1985 debut, Purity. The band originally formed as a three piece in 1984, hailing from Rotterdam, a region in the Netherlands. Over the course of time, the band grew in both popularity and personnel, releasing four full length LPs and several 12'' singles before their demise in the mid-nineties. Most of the band's material was released on Midnight Music, the label who also were responsible for Sad Lovers and Giants and The Snake Corps, two of the band's closest sonic peers.

Speaking of which, it's difficult to avoid comparing The Essence to The Cure, as the band walk similar sonic territory, straight down to the melodies, lyrics, and even the chimes in the instrumentation. For those who can't avoid the comparison, the touchstones are close enough to consider it a lost record from The Top/Head on the Door era! Otherwise, it's a rather solid guitar record from the mid-80s, with a hint of gloom and doom thrown in for good measure.

A surprising fun fact about this record: It was recorded in Alaska, of all places! Perhaps it was the allure of the near darkness and hopes of bringing the state's icy edge to the record. Did they succeed? You decide. Here's the information below.



The Essence- Purity LP
1. The Last Preach
2. A Reflected Dream
3. The Cat
4. The Blind
5. Never Mine
6. Endless Lakes
7. Forever in Death
8. Salivation
9. The Waving Girl
10. Purity
11. Confusion*
12. From My Mouth**
13. The Swaying Wind**

*bonus track from The Cat 12'', 1986
**bonus track from Endless Lakes 12'', 1986
both bonus tracks included on the 1996 CD reissue of Purity.

*download it here*

Stay tuned for the band's sophomore record, which I will be uploading shortly!

Twice a Man- Works on Yellow LP/CD

Yet another icy piece of Swedish minimal/coldwave for you, as this post features another solid Twice a Man record. We've already covered this glorious band several times over, so click here and here for more info and music. Otherwise, this particular LP sees the band experimenting with more atmospheric and ambient textures, all while keeping their signature synth-perfection intact. This particular record also features "Girl," one of the band's best known tunes, also featured on the Retronics compilation. Get that here, if you're in need.

The LP was released in 1986, and was re-released on CD in 1993 with an extra bonus track added. This is the version uploaded below. Here's the info:



Twice a Man- Works On Yellow LP/CD
1. Brave New World
2. Happy Life
3. Lapwing Territory
4. Girl
5. Back On Venus
6. Left
7. Backward Mode
8. Time
9. Africa

*download it here*

Cortex- Souvenir/Souvenirs K7

For my second post of the day, I've tracked down a request from a few weeks ago. This particular post contains a rare cassette from Belgian experimental band Cortex, collecting their output from 1975-1982. The cassette was released on two different labels in 1984, and essentially contains electronic experiments with French poetry spoken over top.

Cortex is also one of many projects featuring contributions from experimental mastermind Alain Neffe, also active in Bene Gesserit, Human Flesh, and Pseudo Code. Vocalist Nadine Bal also worked with Neffe in Bene Gesserit, who formed after the Cortex project came to its end.

Without any further ado, the particulars:



Cortex- Souvenir/Souvenirs cassette
1. Cortex E
2. Cortex F
3. Cortex G
4. Cortex H
5. Cortex I
6. Cortex J
7. Cortex K
8. Cortex L
9. Cortex M
10. Cortex N
11. [Unidentified]
12. Cortex O

*download it here*

Though it's not mentioned on either discogs listing, my particular rip of the cassette features an extra, unnamed track before the final 20+ minute piece. Not sure if it belongs there or not, but I've included it for your listening pleasure.

As for the remainder of their discography, Cortex have contributed many more tracks to various compilations over their tenure, most with similar alphabetical titles. Haven't been able to track 'em down, but I will post them if I ever do!

ExKurs- Fakten sind Terror LP

Here's a particularly dark gem I stumbled upon in my travels. This post contains the lone LP from German post-punk band ExKurs, released in 1981. Though this is the band's lone release, members of ExKurs have a rich history in the vast world of early 1980s synth. Michael Hirsch was previously active in Alexander Hacke's P1/e, while Allan Rae Smith also released a record with Modern Entertainment, his previous punk outfit.

Otherwise, the sounds on this LP feature post-punk rhythms and buzzing electronics, chock full of energy. A true New Deutsch Welle gem, the opening track is a treat in and of itself. Let's get to the details, shall we?



ExKurs- Fakten sind Terror LP
1. Warten
2. Fakten
3. Bewegung
4. Steril
5. Natur
6. Angst
7. Friedhof
8. Ausblick

*download it here*

The band also have a website, consisting of a disography and brief history, but it's entirely in German. If you're up to snuff on the language, feel free to click HERE and check it out.

Meanwhile, to make up for my absence, I have two more posts in store for today, as time allows, so stay tuned for a few requests!

The Passage- Degenerates LP (Reissue)

I just had the pleasure of being turned on to this record at this week's local Wierd Records party, and I've already spun it twice this morning. Why not upload it, n'est-ce pas?

The band in question is The Passage, a UK-based experimental synthpop band that formed in 1978. The band's first two records are truly dark, minimal records, but for their third, 1982's Degenerates, the band added a more polished synth shine to their shuffling experimental backdrop, a perfect marriage of both the catchy and the challenging. Some tracks remind me of Public Image Limited or latter-day Scott Walker (which makes sense, given that Tony Friel, founding member of The Fall, was a member), while other tracks are true synthpop masterpieces.

Though Degenerates was originally released by Cherry Red, this particular upload features several 7'' bonus tracks added to the limited CD re-release, which dropped via LTM Publishing in 2003. I believe the CD version is also out of print.

There's more to the Passage story kicking around online, so click here to check out an extensive tribute page to the band, complete with a full discography, lush bio, and a slew of goodies. Otherwise without any further ado, let's get to the details.



The Passage- Degenerates CD
1. XOYO
2. Fleck
3. Revelation
4. Love Is As
5. Born Every Minute
6. (Ourselves)
7. Go To Seed
8. Armour
9. Time Will Tell
10. Empty Words
11. XOYO (7")
12. Animal In Me
13. Born Every Minute (Flexi)
14. Taboos
15. Taboodub

*download it here*

*LINK UPDATED TO INCLUDE FINAL MISSING TRACK--> MY APOLOGIES!*

Otherwise, I still have a few requests and donations to tackle, sorry for the delay! Otherwise, in case I don't check back in beforehand, happy Halloween to those who celebrate!

Zwischenfall- Gestern Und Heute CD

As promised, here's a CD compilation of German new wave/minimal band Zwischenfall, who wrote some of the most underrated tracks of the '80s. Several of the cuts on this collection are dance floor destroyers, especially "Sandy Eyes" (more of an italo cut), "Sacred Time," "Atemlos," and two versions of "Flucht."

From what I gather, the Gestern Und Heute CD collects the band's entire discography, including a rather '90s sounding remix of "Flucht." The collection was released in 1995, and fetches a rather high price, even for a CD. I can't seem to find anything concrete on the band aside from the band members involved (Martin Urban, Michael Sass, & Stephan Kraemer), but google tells me that a prominent European club takes their name from the band.

Perhaps their legacy (like most of the bands featured here) is stronger overseas. On that note, let's get to the music.



Zwischenfall- Gestern Und Heute CD
1. Atemlos
2. Heimatlose
3. Millionen
4. Flucht '82 (German Version)
5. Sandy Eyes
6. Flucht '84 (English Version)
7. Polar Magazine
8. Sacred Time
9. Katastrophe
10. Tausend Jahre
11. Atemlos (Remix '93)
12. Flucht (Remix '94)

*download it here*

Teenage Brain Surgeon- Fatal Day 7''

I don't tend to buy into the whole "holy grail" aspect of the minimal synth/new wave genre, but I'm tempted to make an exception for today's post. In short, I was first clued in to Teenage Brain Surgeon's existence by fantastic fashion guru and DJ Jeralyn, who runs I'll Wear Any Color as Long as It's Black. We were only able to track down 2/3rds of their sparse discography, but I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the final, elusive track in my late-night travels. Huzzah!

There's virtually no information available about this German band, as this is their lone release. The limited edition 7'' (1,000 copies are said to be in existence) was self-released in 1988. Extremely rare, but extremely solid, all three of these tracks are ripe for the dance floor, chock full of infectious electronics and a stomping beat. The title track is especially choice, and never fails me in a DJ set.

If anyone out there has any information whatsoever regarding this band, feel free to chime in! Otherwise, let's get to the good stuff, shall we?



Teenage Brain Surgeon- Fatal Day 7''
1. Fatal Day
2. Years Gone By
3. Cold

*download it here*

Next up, we have a rare compilation of Zwischenfall as well as another generous donation from Jeff! Stay tuned for more over the next few days.

Fiction Technology- Mega/Phase EP

A friend of mine was recently requesting more from Fiction Techonology, so I've uploaded their entire EP for everyone's listening pleasure. Little is known about this particular minimal synth band, as this is their only release. No band credits, no info outside of its German label release in 1986. Coincidentally, it's the same label who released the coveted Nine Circles disc, another coveted slice of minimal synth, but that's all we've got. A shame, seeing as "In the City" is a perfect dancefloor gem.

Does anyone out there in the ether have any more light to shed on this particular band or release? Feel free to drop a line. Otherwise, on to the music!



Fiction Technology- Mega/Phase EP
1. Time In Vision
2. Delta X
3. Mega / Phase
4. In The City
5. Dancing Puppets

*download it here*

Bastion- Bastion LP

Here's a curious anomaly from Yugoslavia. As far as I'm aware, this particular eponymous LP, released in 1984, is Bastion's only release. A little schitzophrenic new wave/synthpop, in the vein of Pas De Deux, Sizike, and Borghesia.

I can't seem to find a ton of information about the band outside of a small blurb on Discogs, so if anyone knows more, feel free to chime in. Otherwise, here's the info:

Bastion- Bastion LP
1. Hollywood
2. Deca Sunca
3. A Hot Day In Mexico
4. Mesec U Šolji
5. Mister Kompleks
6. Lica U Ogledalu
7. Molitva
8. Boja

*download it here*

Beautiful Pea Green Boat- Still Life CD

Today's post features a collection by UK ethereal/post-punk band Beautiful Pea Green Boat, released on CD in 1989. Taking their name from The Owl and the Pussycat, a classic children's poem written by Edward Lear, the outfit were primarily a two piece, consisting of Ian Williams and Heather Wright. The band released a handful of 12'' and two full length recordings in the mid-1980s, splitting at the turn of the decade. Their material is often downtempo, melodic, and moody, with several repetitive synths grounding the material with an electronic/darkwave edge.

This collection is comprised of the band's best moments from their two prior LPs (1987's Obsessions and 1988's Get Religion). Perhaps I'll upload them too, should anyone be interested. Otherwise, here's the info for the compilation:



Beautiful Pea Green Boat- Still Life CD
1. The Powerhouse
2. Hammers Of Islam
3. Too Much
4. When Dreams Moved In
5. The Vase
6. Among The Ruins
7. Paper House
8. Danielle
9. Mirror Of Souls
10. The Screw
11. Nostalgia
12. And She Laughed Too

*download it here*

Various Artists- Reset Records 1983-1985 Comp.

Uploading this one for a friend and figured I'd toss it up here as well. This particular release is an unofficial collection/torrent comprising of all the Reset Records 12 and 7 inches. For those unaware, Reset Records was formed by Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure) and Eric Radcliffe, a collaborator and famed Mute Records producer. The releases are synth-based, as one might expect from the interests of the label's founders.

Now for the contributors. Robert Marlow (real name Robert Allen), who released seven different slabs of wax for Reset, has a long history with Mute/Sire records. He played guitar with Alison Moyet in a punk band in '77, and also appeared alongside Vince Clarke and Martin Gore in French Look, before Depeche Mode was officially formed. Marlow still makes music today under various monikers, including Marlow.

Peter Hewson, who released but one 7'', was a member of seventies glam/pop band Chicory Tip.

Hardware is a pseudonym for Radcliffe's own music, and not much is known about Absolute, but I would love to hear more about them if anyone is in the know.

The compilation also contains a rare 12 and 7 inch release by Twilight. Twilight featured Erasure's tour manager Andrew Mansi and future Nitzer Ebb tour manager Steev Toth. Though the record was released on Polydor, makes sense to collect it here due to Clarke's production. Otherwise, without any further ado, here's the tracklisting for the compilation:

CD 1
1. Robert Marlow- The Face Of Dorian Gray (Extended)
2. Robert Marlow- The Tale Of Dorian Gray (Extended)
3. Robert Marlow- I Just Want To Dance (Extended)
4. Robert Marlow- No Heart (Extended)
5. Robert Marlow- Claudette
6. Robert Marlow- This Happy World (Extended)
7. Robert Marlow- The Face Of Dorian Grey
8. Robert Marlow- The Tale Of Dorian Grey
9. Robert Marlow- I Just Wanna Dance
10. Robert Marlow- No Heart
11. Robert Marlow- Claudette
12. Robert Marlow- This Happy World
13. Robert Marlow- Calling All Destroyers
14. Robert Marlow - In Retrospect

CD 2:
1. Peter Hewson- Take My Hand
2. Peter Hewson- Her
3. Absolute- T.V. Glare
4. Absolute- At The Thirdstroke
5. Absolute- T.V. Glare (Extended)
6. Absolute- At The Third Stroke (Extended)
7. Absolute- Can't You See
8. Absolute- Love In My Heart
9. Hardware- Dance
10. Hardware- Hey
11. Hardware- Dance (Extended)
12. Hardware- Hey (Extended)
13. Twilight- Just Me Alone
14. Twilight- Talk To You
15. Twilight- Just Me Alone (Extended)
16. Twilight- Talk To You (Extended)

*download both discs here!*

Invisible Limits- A Conscious State LP

Invisible Limits were a German synthpop/darkwave band who formed in 1985. The band was originally the brainchild of Thomas Lüdke, who departed after releasing two 12'' singles to form the Invisible Spirit. The band shed their then darker edge and employed a more poppy approach, releasing material well into the '90s.

Though the band seemingly split, an unreleased "final" album appeared in 2005, self-released by the band through their official site. The band has also issued a five disc box set comprising their entire discography and a handful of single remixes, so any curious parties might do well to pick one up via Amazon import. Otherwise, here's the information for their second full-length record, 1989's A Conscious State.



Invisible Limits- A Conscious State LP
1. Golden Dreams
2. No Tears
3. Love Will Tear Us Apart [Joy Division cover]
4. No Doubts
5. In A Dream
6. Kill Me Dearly
7. I Want You
8. Power To Survive
9. Natalie's
10. Kill The Remix

*download it here*

For your previewing pleasure, here's an old dusty "live" clip of "Golden Dreams," a favorite track and DJ staple of mine. Though the clip gives you an idea of what the song sounds like, it doesn't hold a candle to the crispness of the original track.

Bérurier Noir- Concerto Pour Detraqués LP/CD

Here's something a little different for you folks today... Up on the slab is a classic record by French punk band Bérurier Noir, a dirty, politically charged cult band who formed in 1983. Though the band went through several lineup shifts throughout the 1980s, adding and detracting members, the rhythm section remained a cheap, driving drum machine, giving them a more thin and aggressive edge.

The band, who refused to make any sort of profit during their tenure, split in 1989, reforming in 2003 to release a DVD. Since then, the reactivated Bérurier Noir has played several shows in Europe, and released a brand new record in 2006.

This particular release is the band's second album, hailing from 1985. This version was released on CD just a year later, tacking on the Joyeux Merdier 12'' at the end, and kicking off with a previously re-recorded single version of early standout "Nada," the original which appears on their debut record, Macadam Massacre. It would be the fourth version the band had recorded. Here's the breakdown:



Bérurier Noir- Concerto Pour Detraqués LP/CD
1. Nada 84
2. Petit Agité
3. Vivre Libre Ou Mourir
4. Conte Cruel De La Jeunesse
5. Le Renard
6. Les Rebelles
7. Porcherie
8. Commando Pernod
9. Les Éléphants
10. Fils De...
11. Hélène Et Le Sang
12. Il Tua Son Petit Frère
13. La Mère Noël
14. J'Aime Pas La Soupe
15. Vive Le Feu
16. Salut À Toi

*download it here*

Track 1 from Nada 84 7'' (1984)
Tracks 2-12 from Concerto Pour Detraqués LP (1985)
Tracks 13-16 from Joyeux Merdier 12'' (1985)

Noel- Noel LP

Here's a little classic and somewhat shameless synthpop record that's been a fun-filled favorite of mine for some time. The record in question is the debut album from Noel (Noel Pagan), a Cuban-born New Yorker with a powerful voice and some street smart credibility. Debut single "Silent Running" was released in 1987, but it took almost a year for his self-titled debut to appear in more readily available form on 4th and Broadway Records.

On listening, the record recalls mid-period Depeche Mode and various New Beat one-offs, with a more New York freestyle vibe. Though Noel would release a handful of dance mix singles into the '90s, his proper sophomore effort, Hearts on Fire failed to capture the same energy as the debut. He currently collaborates on recordings with the likes of Eddie Arroyo and Eddie Baez.

Without any further ado, here's the details for Noel's self-titled debut.



Noel- Noel LP
1. Silent Morning
2. Fire To Ice
3. To Be With You
4. Out Of Time
5. Change
6. Like A Child
7. Fallen Angel
8. City Streets
9. What I Feel For You

*download it here*




Though I can't embed the official video for "Silent Morning," here's a live performance of the track from 1988.

Choir Invisible- Sea to Shining Sea LP

As promised, here's the second, final, and posthumous record from Choir Invisible, recorded in 1982, but not released until 1984. It's far more bright and synthy then their debut record. I tend to prefer it, but it depends on your take on buzzing synths vs. brooding guitars. Opposite sides of a similar coin, if you will.

Let's cut to the chase, shall we?



Choir Invisible- Sea to Shining Sea LP
1. Grey At Present
2. Questions Never Spoken
3. With Dreams
4. I Walked Away
5. Shared By A Voice
6. Devoted To A Memory

*download it here*