Chi-Pig

I've heard about these folks for some time now, and have been itching to get ahold of more material. The band is Chi-Pig, a female-fronted wave trio hailing from Akron, Ohio.

The band formed in 1977, though members Susan Schmidt and Deborah Smith had previously been involved in 60's girl group The Poor Girls. Chi-Pig got their curious moniker from a local barbecue joint and even curiouser, would take to wearing loud, Latin-inspired outfits, a style which had nothing in common with their jerky, post-punk sound. The band would come to some prominence in the wake of the success of similar-styled outfit Devo, but without securing a proper record contract, the band folded in 1982.

Until recently, only a handful of Chi-Pig tracks had been made available on various compilations and promotional discs. However, in 2004, the band released Miami, a full-length record consisting of 1979 recordings. From what I'm gathering from their official site, the band reunited for a one off-tour to promote a documentary honoring Akron's music scene, but it's unclear whether or not the band is still active.

For your listening pleasure, here's a duo of Chi-Pig tracks, both featured on various compilations:

download Chi-Pig- 'Apu Api (Help Me)'
download Chi-Pig- 'Ring Around the Collar'

And here's a few handy-dandy links for more on Chi-Pig:

Purchase Miami from Cdbaby.com
Official Chi-Pig site

Romeo Void

Another request to fulfill today, ladies and gentlemen. Today's featured band is San Francisco based post-punk/new wave act Romeo Void.

Formed in 1979 by a group of college art school chums, Romeo Void would stir up a slice of controversy with their sex-fused lyrics and fiery performances. However, this controversy would not stop the band, led by Debora Iyall, from scoring a few independent hits for Columbia Records over the course of six years.

Romeo Void would record three full length records and one EP before officially disbanding in 1985 due to an apparent slew of lineup changes. Debora would release one solo record in 1986 before forming a handful of bands (including current outfit Knife In Water) while other remaining members would soon do the same. The band reunited in 1992 for a handful of benefit gigs for a friend and have since performed a one-off show on Vh1's behalf in 2003. Though new material is rumoured to have been recorded since the band's demise, no new tracks have appeared. Instead, the band's legacy has sadly diminished to that unforgettable catchy chorus from the song 'Never Say Never.' The song features one of the most remembered lines of the 1980s- 'I might like you better if we slept together' and is to this date, a dancefloor favorite.

I've uploaded an extended (and far superior than the broadcasted version) mix of 'Never Say Never' plucked from the EP of the same name. The second featured tune is a personal favorite from their 1982 record Benefactor.

download Romeo Void- 'Never Say Never (12'' Single Version)'
download Romeo Void- 'Chinatown'

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a (somewhat low quality) video for the song 'Say No' from their first record, 1981's Instincts.



A few scattered links:
Debora Iyall's website
Romeo Void on Amazon.com

We've Got a Fuzzbox and We're Going to Use It

We've Got a Fuzzbox and We're Going to Use It formed in Birmingham in 1985 as an incredibly raw, all female post-punk act with a knack for outrageous dress and catchy hooks. Their initial style, a devil-may-care attitude fostered on punk rock fury and a dose of playful sexuality, initially caused a controversial buzz upon their debut.

After a double-a side single for the songs 'XX Sex' and 'Rules and Regulations' reached number 41 in the British charts, the band took to the studio and recorded their first full length record. Released in 1986, their self-titled record hit the charts, airwaves, and dance floors in England, but failed to make much of an impact outside of Europe, where their name was truncated simply to 'Fuzzbox' and the album retitled to Bostin' Steve Austin.

Their second record, 1989's Big Bang! featured a revamp of style and sound, the band trading in their punk rock ethics for a sound more in line with slick dance pop. Despite an attempt to adapt to the times, the band split almost immediately after the album's release, and lead singer Vickie Perks would form Vix And The Kix after a failed solo effort.

After a few listens, I'm not too keen on their second record, so with that being the case, I've instead uploaded two of the singles from their debut record, Bostin' Steve Austin for your consumption.

download Fuzzbox- 'Love is the Slug'
download Fuzzbox- 'Rules and Regulations'

The video for 'Love is the Slug' may very well be one of the most amusing, fun, and strange videos I've ever seen, so approach below with caution and perhaps a love for sheer wackiness.



Most of their output is seemingly out of print, but available on LP via various auction and second-hand sites. If you like it, seek it out!

Grauzone

A request fulfilled! A quick reminder to chime up in the comments if you'd like to see a specific band featured- whether you're involved, a fan, or trying to get ahold of more material or information.

That said, today's band is Grauzone, a Swiss wave band who released but a few singles and one LP before disbanding. The band was the brainchild of multilingual singer Stephen Eicher and formed in 1978 along with his brother Martin, G.T. on bass, Claudine Chirac on sax, and Marco Repetto on drums. Though of Swiss origin, the majority of Grauzone's songs were sung in German, breaking into a budding synth movement with their mild hit 'Eisbär' in 1981.

Soon after, their self titled full-length was released and Grauzone disbanded. However, Stephen's interest in French music sparked a successful solo career as an ever changing musician, his future (and current) work covering a broad range of genres.

I've uploaded a duo of tracks for your enjoyment. The first is 'Eisbär,' their initial buzz single (which has since been covered prominently by both the Dresdon Dolls AND Nouvelle Vague) and the second hails from Die Sunrise Tapes, a pressed to CD collection of Grauzone's work released in 1998.

download Grauzone- 'Eisbär'
download Grauzone- 'Schlachtet!'

Die Sunrise Tapes seems to be the only available and in-print CD available from Grauzone, though their vinyl is relatively easy to find on Ebay. For a link to nab Die Sunrise Tapes online, click below:

CD Universe.com

Audra

Today's band, gloom guitar-oriented Audra's origins are fuzzy at best. The brainchild of Helm brothers Bret (vocals) and Bart (guitars), Audra began writing and recording music as far back as 1993, soon after their relocation to Mesa, Arizona.

Alongside their trusty drum-machine (replaced by live drummer J. Dewolfe in 2002), the band would self-release a slew of cassette tapes and demos over the course of six years, eventually drawing the attention of Projekt's Sam Rosenthal, who signed the band and released their self-titled debut in 2000, a driving record with glam rock hooks, dark meandering lyrics, and heavy backbeats.

Their sophomore effort, 2002's Going to the Theatre improved upon this formula, adding more subtle and haunting beauty to their compositions. The record earned the band a series of favorable reviews and television spots on select MTv programs.

Though the band has yet to release their follow-up, it is said to be in the works. In the meanwhile, Audra has contributed Christmas tunes and cover songs to various compilations, and both Bret and Bart Helm have been regular members of neo-ambient act Black Tape for a Blue Girl since 2002.

For your listening pleasure, I've uploaded a track from both of their records, in reverse chronological order.

download Audra- 'There Are No Snakes In Heaven'
download Audra- 'In Hollywood Tonight'

Though it's no handy embedded youtube file, for a video of the band's cover of Joy Division's 'Walked In Line,' please click the following link:

Walked In Line on IFC Media Lab

Otherwise, both of Audra's recordings are available for purchase by visiting these links below:

Audra homepage
Audra on Projekt Records

Basking Sharks- Diamond Age 7''

Scouring the usual channels, I've come up with very little information about today's band, UK minimal wave act Basking Sharks. Origins and history otherwise undocumented, the band's output consists of two singles and a full length record, all three released in 1983.

I've uploaded both sides of the Diamond Age 7'' for your listening pleasure.

download Basking Sharks- 'Diamond Age'
download Basking Sharks- 'New Industry'

If you dig these tracks and are interested in Shark Island, their follow-up full-length, comment here and I'll happily zip it up for the weekend. Also, if readers have any more in-depth information to add about these guys, don't hesitate to post it below.

Silent Signals

Today's artist is one who's worn several different hats and fronted a slew of projects over a period of time. Dating back to the 1980s, German electronic artist Dirk Torben K. has released material under the names Echo West and Intensive Care Unit, but today's post will focus on his current work under the name Silent Signals.

Silent Signals appeared somewhat mysteriously in 2002 as a side project and has since released but one proper outing, a four track single entitled Walk on the Ladder. However, several Silent Signals tracks have appeared on various compilations and split singles, and the one-man outfit most recently appeared on NYC's Wierd Records collection.

Without any further ado, here are the downloads. The first is the lone appearance of Silent Signals from the aforementioned Wierd collection, and the second is the title track from the Walk on the Ladder 7'' single. Enjoy!

download Silent Signals- 'Exit Out'
download Silent Signals- 'Walk on the Ladder'

I'm not sure if Dirk has performed live under this moniker, but for a related visual treat, here's a video of his main outfit Echo West performing in 2006:




For other information, and to nab a copy of the Wierd Records collection, please inspect these following links:

Purchase the Wierd Records 3x LP collection
Echo West homepage (in German)

Swell Maps

Swell Maps are among the most influential and chaotic bands of an early post-punk movement. The band originally formed in the early seventies by brothers Nikki Sudden and Epic Soundtracks (Nicholas and Kevin Godfrey respectively) but waited until the punk explosion to become a full-blown force.

The band would further bastardize and obliterate the three-chord boundaries of punk rock, experimenting with expansive Kraut rock sounds, utilizing tape loops, and practically destroying synthesizers on tape. Both of their full length records include ambient soundscapes and short segments of noise in between shrill yet catchy lo-fi punk songs.

Though their tenure on record barely lasted over a year and change, the band would leave a spectacular trail of songs and sonic experimentation before their demise in 1980. Both brothers would join other outfits and pursue solo ventures, and compilations of single tracks and unreleased material would soon find their way to the market in the wake of the band's budding influence.

I've uploaded a duo of tracks, the first is a personal favorite, a sprawling, clanging instrumental piece featured on their second and final record, 1980's The Swell Maps In...Jane From Occupied Europe.. The second is a straightforward art-punk tune featured on 1979's A Trip To Marineville. Enjoy!

download Swell Maps- 'Big Maz in the Desert'
download Swell Maps- 'Blam!'

No real footage or videos of the band exist in full form, but I've come across a live version of 'Let's Build a Car From the Tyranny of the Beat' backed with assorted live bits and bobs.



Fortunately (and most refreshingly), the majority of this band's official (and unofficial) output is available for purchase by clicking the following link:

Swell Maps on Amazon.com

Our Daughter's Wedding

Our Daughter's Wedding were a quirky, New York City based wave outfit comparible to the likes of Devo and Suicide. The band formed in the wake of the initial New York punk movement in 1977, taking their name from a section of greeting cards found in shops.

By the time they would begin recording and releasing material, the original straightforward rock lineup would soon add synthesizers to the mix and slim down to a trio. Though they employed the techniques seen in a variety of new wave and synth acts, the band would stay more true to their punk upbrining, keeping their songs punchy and energetic and playing all of their instruments live without the aid of sequencers.

Their first single, 'Nightlife' was released in 1980 and failed to make any impact whatsoever, though their second attempt, 'Lawnchairs' made a splash in the college circuit. Alongside a few more 7'' singles, the band would cut an EP and a full length record, 1982's Moving Windows, but would soon split in 1983 without any further drive or mainstream success.

I've plucked two tracks for your listening pleasure. The first is a remix of their underground hit 'Lawnchairs' and the second is the opening track from the Digital Cowboy EP, released in 1981.

download Our Daughter's Wedding- 'Lawnchairs (Remix)'
download Our Daughter's Wedding- 'Target For Life'

Here's a live video of Our Daughter's Wedding performing their first single 'Nightlife' in NYC:



Though several collections of the band's material have been pressed to cd, they remain currently out of print. For more information about the band however, please visit these handy-dandy links.

Discogs.com
Myspace Page

Au Pairs

Formed in 1979 in the UK, the Au Pairs attacked gender, sexuality, and politics with their funk-based blend of female fronted post-punk.

More in line with James Brown than with Bauhaus, Au Pairs would record two full length records, a series of singles, and a handful of BBC Sessions before breaking up in 1983, just before they were slated to record with legendary post-punk producer Steve Lillywhite. Despite their brief splash, the band's gender-charged lyrics, scathing guitar hooks, and catchy dance rhythms would serve as a major influence for the Riot Grrrl movement in the 1990s.

After the band's demise, lead singer Lesley Woods would form an all-girl band called the Darlings, who split quickly. Lesley would leave the music industry all together soon after, and now practices law. Other members of the band joined jazz and funk outfits after their Au Pairs tenure.

For your listening enjoyment, I've plucked a track each from the band's two studio records. The first, 'We're So Cool' kicks off their first record, 1981's Playing With a Different Sex and the slower, more atmospheric dub track 'Sex Without Stress' hails from their sophomore effort, Sense and Sensuality, released in 1982.

download Au Pairs - 'We're So Cool'
download Au Pairs - 'Sex Without Stress'

Though the band remained a cult-classic before and after their run, they enjoyed a bit of buzz from the post-punk/underground music documentary Urgh! A Music War, featuring a series of captivating live performances. Here's their spot from the film, performing 'Come Again' live in London.

The (Hypothetical) Prophets

The (Hypothetical) Prophets were an ephemeral French coldwave band consisting of duo Bernard Szajner and Karel Beer. The band formed in 1980 and released a series of 12'' singles and one full length record before their quick demise.

Despite a short discography, the band's craft was unique. Singing in both their native tongue as well as English and alternating between male and female vocals, the the dozen or so songs recorded under this name are haunting minimal wave at its finest, a mixture of harsh electronic experimentation and catchy pulses of synth.

I've been trying to get a hold of their lone LP, 1982's Around the World With the (Hypothetical) Prophets, but in the meanwhile, I've uploaded two tracks, both appearing as their own respective A-side. However, these versions are plucked from the 2004 So Young, But So Cold: Underground French Music 1977-1983 compilation. Enjoy!

download the (Hypothetical) Prophets - 'Person to Person'
download the (Hypothetical) Prophets - 'Wallenberg'

I didn't think I'd be able to find any videos, but lo and behold, click below for the video for 'Person to Person.'



Since the band's split, Bernard Szajner would continue to record music under his own name until 1986, persuing other artistic ventures in theatre and the arts soon after. However, according to his official site, plans are in the works to release four (!) records and rehearse a band for future touring. For more information, news, and bits and bobs on Bernard, click below for his official site:

Official Bernard Szajner site
pick up So Young But So Cold through CDuniverse.com

Soft Cell

A bit of a nostalgic kick and a semi-request for today's post; another name known for but one splash song to many and for several classic recordings by those who followed them further.

Soft Cell were a sleazy electric music duo featuring singer Marc Almond and multi-instrumentalist David Ball. The band formed in Leeds in 1980, recording a few one off tracks for compilations alongside Depeche Mode, OMD, and The The. When the Daniel Miller produced single 'Memorabilia' hit the charts and the dance floors soon after, the band was given one last shot to fully break into the UK charts. Whereas most bands featured on these pages would fold or fail in the wake of such a challenge, Soft Cell would succeed; their cover of Gloria Jones-by-way-of Ed Cobb song 'Tainted Love' would become a smashing success. The song was then featured on their 1981 record Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which also caught fire in the US. Marc Almond would also appear in a video for Coil's dirge-tastic version of the song, and would contribute vocals to their following record The Horse Rotorvator.

Soon after the buzz, the band began a quick descent. Two records later, internal problems between the pair had forced the band apart, though each member would further record with new projects and under collaborative efforts. Though Marc would enjoy a fruitful solo career and David would form and re-form a band called the Grids, neither would reach the triumphs they shared with thier brief flirtation with chart success.

In 2001, the pair reunited for several well-received gigs and have since resumed recording, releasing a record in 2002 and several live records. A remix record is slated to be released this year.

I've uploaded two early Soft Cell gems for your listening pleasure. The first is their initial club splash 'Memorabilia' and the second, the sordid and debaucherous fan-favorite 'Sex Dwarf,' featured on Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret.

download Soft Cell- 'Memorabilia'
download Soft Cell- 'Sex Dwarf'

I could just as easily post the regular round of Soft Cell videos, but since the videos for 'Tainted Love' and 'Bedsitter' can be found from several immediate sources on Youtube, here's a special treat instead- a video of Soft Cell and Clint Ruin/Foetus/Jim Thirlwell performing a cover of Suicide's 'Ghost Rider' in 1983:



Ok, ok, and to watch the original video for 'Tainted Love,' click below:



More info and purchasing links here:
Marc Almond's homepage
Soft Cell on Amazon.com