Velveteen- After Hours 12''

You may have seen this one over at Capa Nostra Syndicate, but not sure what's up with the rip there, as it's pretty unlistenable. What we have here is some pretty solid new wave from hometown NYC, with a slight commercial edge to some of the tracks. Some of the songs fall a little flat for me, but some are unexpected synthpop killers. I'll let you all decide which tracks are which, but either way, this one's definitely worth a listen or two.

Here's the info for this 1983 release:



Velveteen- After Hours 12''
1. Nightline
2. Combo Boys
3. Nothing to Do
4. Wild Rain
5. Preoccupied
6. Get Wild

*download it here*

Swiss Navy- Back to the Wall 12''

Rolling right along, here's a recent dollar bin snag that's every bit as good as I was hoping. Pulled this out of a bin based on the date (1983) and cover art alone, threw it on to preview, and was pleasantly surprised. It's nice to know there are still plenty of undiscovered (and affordable) gems out there!

Not much I can tell you about this one, though. I've been told that the label, Phonogram Ltd., was not a true label, but instead, a company responsible for licensing tracks to smaller labels. I have to take another glance at the sleeve to confirm, but a few listings claim that this record was released on Mercury in the UK. Either way, Swiss Navy had a mind to create a dancefloor smash all over the world, and they damn well succeeded with this one, in my book. I don't care much for the third track, a quirky earworm that while charming, can't hold a candle to the title track. However, the two mixes of "Back to the Wall" more than make up for it. Here's the details:



Swiss Navy- Back to the Wall 12''
1. Back to the Wall (Marine Mix)
2. Back to the Wall
3. Cool-De-Jack

*download it here*

The Intensive Care Unit- Skull Trans Fracture LP

I have a few more Russian treats in store, as well as one of the rarest synth records to post over the next few days, but today's posts come from mr. BX. First up, we have some killer minimal synth from Israel.

Released on CBS in 1983, this is Intensive Care Unit's lone LP. Not quite sure how many people were involved in total, but one of the band members was Hadar Goldman, also involved in Siam and the Impolight. Jerky minimal synth grooves here, recommended for fans of Borghesia, Max & Intro, and even some of the Russian greats we've been talking about lately! Here's the info:



The Intensive Care Unit- Skull Trans Fracture LP
1. Intensive Care Unit
2. Do# (C Sharp)
3. Yum-Yumi
4. No1
5. Normal Game
6. Opposite Man
7. Plastic Garden
8. Tikon
9. Atra
10. Train

*download it here*

Testcard F- Bandwagon Tango 7''

This one's a little less pristine, but I'm still pleased to have a vastly improved rip of Testcard F's first 7'', released in 1983. I originally uploaded an inferior (and potentially out of phase) version of the single back in 2008, with the remaining discography and several tidbits about the UK band. Unfortunately, it was the best copy of the tracks kicking around, and it's taken me years to track down a better copy without paying a small fortune for it.

There's a few cracks and pops on this copy (the a-side seems fairly well loved) but I hope you'll all agree that it still makes for a cleaner, clearer, and more solid listen. Here's the rundown:



Testcard F- Bandwagon Tango 7''
1. Bandwagon Tango
2. Unfamiliar Room

*download it here*

Industrie- H LP

One of my favorite tracks from the first Systems of Romance compilation is Industrie's "Secret Affair"- a playful synth jam with solid female vocals. Imagine my delight when I came across a pristine copy of their lone LP. I just received it yesterday, and I've already ripped and uploaded it for you all today.

This particular LP is the Australian band's only release, hailing from 1983. While a handful of people contributed to the recording, only two appear in the photo on the back of the LP, so I reckon there were studio musicians involved. Not sure if the band ever performed live, so if anyone has any more info, please pass it along!

As for the LP, you can expect more of the same catchy new wave jams here, with only a few slower, less-interesting ballads. Everything else is pure new wave/synthpop heaven (for fans of Moev, early Berlin, etc.), so without any further ado, here's the information:



Industrie- H LP
1. Heartbeat
2. Neon Neon
3. Second Death
4. Nothing Lasts Forever
5. Stay With Me
6. "H"
7. Secret Affair
8. You're the One
9. Bedroom Eyes
10. Found You

*download it here*

Intro- 12'' discography

Up next we have two donated singles by UK-based synthpop project Intro, both released in 1983. While these two rips were donated by bx59cppw, I just recently found the first 12'' kicking around for a mere $5, so this one should be easy enough to track down for those who would like to own it for themselves. Definitely an affordable piece of synthpop heaven!

Some of you may recognize the track "Haunted Cocktails" from the Return of Flexi-Pop series, so you can expect more of the same female fronted dance grooves on the rest of these tracks. Great production, catchy hooks, and all the works are on display here. As for the parties responsible, Jimmie O'Neill was involved as a producer with several projects, including Fingerprintz and The Silencers, while Jackie Brookes was part of the original 4AD lineup, providing vocals for the Shox 7'' (one of my first uploads). She also released a solo LP in 1984, which features a few alternate mixes of these tracks.

This should definitely hit the spot for fans of U-BahnX, Kim Wilde, Moev, November Group, etc. Here's the info:



Intro- Haunted Cocktails 12''
1. Haunted Cocktails
2. Haunted Cocktails (Haunted Mix)
3. Departures



Intro- Lost Without Your Love 12''
1. Lost Without Your Love
2. Lost Mix (Muzak Superior)
3. Epic

*download both here*

Beograd- Discography

Here's the entire discography for Beograd, a killer Serbian minimal synth project formed in 1981. Beginning as a four piece, the band would most often appear as a trio, who recorded the majority of the band's output, including one 7'' and one full length LP. Surprised I haven't seen either of these posted through the usual channels, as each of these releases are essential, in my opinion.

The band didn't stay together very long, splitting up in 1983. One of the members would then release a 12'' with Haj'mo, which I'd love to hear if anyone has a copy kicking around. That all said, here's both of the band's releases, zipped up for yr enjoyment!



Beograd- Sanjaš Li U Boji? 7'' (1981)*
1. Sanjaš Li U Boji?
2. T.V.

*My donated copy has the a-side and the b-side switched, with T.V. as the a-side. Hope you kids don't mind too much...



Beograd- Remek Depo LP (1983)
1. Opasne Igre
2. Ulice Su Noćas
3. Ko Si
4. Japan (Made In East)
5. Mrak
6. Kontrolori
7. Modni Kroj
8. Soba
9. Beg

*download both here*

I have a few more posts lined up for the week, but a lot on the slate. Maybe I'll toss another one or two up today to keep you all satiated for now! Either way, stay tuned for more goodies to come follow.

Movement- Perfect Day 7''

I know I promised the Systems of Romance vol. 2 compilation, and that will definitely be coming later in the week, possibly as soon as tomorrow, so stay tuned for that! For now, I'd like to kick off my favorite month with a 7'' I've been meaning to post for some time. Contained within we have the debut single by French coldwave act Movement, released in 1983.

Generally a three piece band (with rotating members until their split in 1987), Movement released two full length LPs, a cassette, and two 7'' records before their demise. You can get their first untitled record on Contorsion (Baroque Bordello, Bonaparte's, Opera Multi Steel) over at Dreams and Voices. You can expect more of the same synth-driven guitar wave tracks as the full length, a familiar treat for fans of that Coldwave sound! Here's the info:



Movement- Perfect Day 7''
1. Perfect Day
2. Disfiguration

*download it here!*

Figures on a Beach- Swimming 12''

Here's the debut 12'' by new wave/new romantic band Figures on a Beach, released in 1983. A little more poppy than I usually go for, but there's tons of great hooks and melodies here, especially in the title track.

The band formed in Michigan (relocating to Boston) and released three LPs and a handful of singles before splitting in 1991. Their tracks are generally cult staples of the era, and can still be heard in some clubs to date. After splitting, Chris Ewen went on to play with Stephin Merrit in the Future Bible Heroes project, a more new wave offshoot of The Magnetic Fields. Ewan provided the new wave/disco backdrop for the band.

Though I do enjoy the majority of the band's discography (including the Don Was-produced track- "Breathless"), this 12'' is my favorite. Here's the information:



Figures on a Beach- Swimming 12''
1. Swimming
2. Feel Like Glass
3. Decay
4. Everything But Heaven

*download it here*

Vibø- One To Many 12''

Here's something I've seen kicking around a few wantlists, and rightfully so. Killer minimal synth meets dark post-punk guitarwave tracks here from this Belgian band. This is their only release, though I'm sure most have heard of this band via the Tribute to Some Bizarre series. They remind me quite a bit of bands like Siglo XX and the previously uploaded Bildenzone LP.

Not much more to be said about this one, so if anyone else has any information to share, please do! P.S.- the grammatical error in the title seems to be intentional.



Vibø- One To Many 12''
1. Clinical Death
2. The Game
3. Clinical Death (Proloog)
4. Machine
5. World Is Ours
6. Grandma

*download it here*

New Buildings- Discography

Second on the slab for this weekened is the complete discography of Spanish band New Buildings, who come across as a hybrid of minimal synth and dark, gloomy post-punk. Kind of reminds me a bit of Q4U, or perhaps a more subdued version of Xmal Deutschland. Not a lot of information to be found about the band, but I believe this original lineup parted ways in 1983, reforming four years later as simply Buildings. Three releases followed in 1987/8. Not sure if the change in name also signified a change in sound, so perhaps someone out there can shed a little light on the subject. With that in mind, here's the two New Buildings releases for your listening pleasure.



New Buildings- Le Dernier Homme 12'' (1983)
1. Le Dernier Homme
2. Humo
3. Longues Avenues



New Buildings- Your Message 12'' (1984)
1. Your Message
2. Historias Para Largos Recorridos
3. New Buildings

*download both here*

New Buildings- Discography

Second on the slab for this weekened is the complete discography of Spanish band New Buildings, who come across as a hybrid of minimal synth and dark, gloomy post-punk. Kind of reminds me a bit of Q4U, or perhaps a more subdued version of Xmal Deutschland. Not a lot of information to be found about the band, but I believe this original lineup parted ways in 1983, reforming four years later as simply Buildings. Three releases followed in 1987/8. Not sure if the change in name also signified a change in sound, so perhaps someone out there can shed a little light on the subject. With that in mind, here's the two New Buildings releases for your listening pleasure.



New Buildings- Le Dernier Homme 12'' (1983)
1. Le Dernier Homme
2. Humo
3. Longues Avenues



New Buildings- Your Message 12'' (1984)
1. Your Message
2. Historias Para Largos Recorridos
3. New Buildings

*download both here*

Oberkampf- Linda 7''

Just played this track at Wierd last night and got a few responses, so tossing it up as a favor to those interested attendees. Classic French coldwave contained within, released in 1983. It's one of the band's earliest releases, preceding a handful of LPs before their inevitable split in 1985.

According to a few sources, the band was generally known for their anti-nationalist politics, oftentimes burning the French flag during live performances. As of 2000, the band has reformed, and released an LP in 2003. I believe they're still together to date, but not sure, as their official website (http://www.oberkampf.net/) won't load for me... With that in mind, here's the information for this killer 7''.



Oberkampf- Linda 7''
1. Linda
2. Irréelle

*download it here*

Pretty Poison- Laced 12'' & Expiration 7''

Here's a pair of early releases by Philadelphia-based new wave band Pretty Poison. Many of you folks may remember this band from the freestyle hit "Catch Me I'm Falling," but their earlier, less successful releases had a far darker edge, from the gloomy, yet danceable music to the stark black covers featuring gothic imagery. Though these tracks became minor college radio singles, it would take four years and a stylistic re-invention for the band to take off.

This pair of releases dropped in 1983. Dying to hear their first release, a 1982 flexi cover of Tuxedomoon's "No Tears." If anyone has that one kicking around, please pass it our way! Otherwise, here's the information for these two releaes.



Pretty Poison- Laced 12''
1. Seal It With a Kiss
2. Let Freedom Ring
3. Expiration
4. Tempest Nightmare



Pretty Poison- Expiration 7''
1. Expiration
2. The Realm of Existence

*download it here*

For curious parties, the two versions of "Expiration" here are completely different. The band would go on to re-record "Let Freedom Ring" for their first full length record in 1987, with a far glossier edge.

Klein & M.B.O.- First LP

Second on the slab is this fantastic LP from Klein & M.B.O. It's a little more disco-tinged than what I usually post around these parts, but there's still some great minimal synth grooves kicking around here, combined with some classic italo production. As it stands, the project was not only successful in its native land, it also inspired the budding Chicago house movement.

The project was conceived by Tony Carrasco (USA) and Mario Boncaldo (Italy), two standout musicians in the disco scene. Vocals were performed by Italian jazz singer Roosanna Casal and a US singer named Naimy Hackett, while Davide Piatto lent a hand with some of the arrangements.

Despite the misleading title, this isn't the band's first release. However, it contains nearly all of the tracks released on various 12'' singles, including the vocal version of "Dirty Talk" from 1982, their most famous track. In fact, it seems as if this release is simply a reissue of De-Ja-Vu, released a year prior on another label. I haven't heard this LP, so I can't be sure if the mixes are exactly the same, but my guess is that this LP is a clever reissue, released to capture the project's growing influence in the US.

With that in mind, here's the breakdown:



Klein & M.B.O.- First LP
1. The Big Apple
2. The MBO Theme
3. Wonderful
4. Dirty Talk
5. De-Ja-Vu
6. I Love You

*download it here*

The Puppets- The Way of Life 12''

Here's a pretty killer dance/disco 12'', released in 1983. The Puppets were a New York/Long Island based dance group, who earned quite a bit of airplay from their lone 12'' single. The 12'' was released on Quality Records, a Canadian label, and came with generic brown sleeve. You can still find this one kicking around certain record stores if you have the patience to sift through coverless singles. Worth the time!

Rumor has it that The Puppets disbanded while recording a follow up full-length. Would love to hear any unreleased material!

Here's the breakdown for the single:



The Puppets- The Way of Life 12''
1. The Way of Life (Dance Mix)
2. The Way of Life (Vocal)
3. The Way of Life (Instrumental)

*download it here*

On a separate note, I've re-ripped the first Choir Invisible album, as I've found a second, and far less scratched copy. If you dug it before, check it out again, cleaner and brighter!

Dave Ball- Rare Tempo 12''

This one comes as a generous donation, and supplements Dave Ball's full length LP, which you can nab over at Mutant Sounds.

For those unfamiliar, Dave Ball was most famous as the second half of Soft Cell, but also was a member of The Grid as well as an esteemed producer. Though Soft Cell didn't split until 1984, Ball released a solo record and a string of 12'' singles in 1983, collaborating with the likes of Gavin Friday (Virgin Prunes) and Genesis P-Orridge (Psychic TV, Throbbing Gristle, etc.). In fact, this particular 12'' features each of the three collaborative tracks, with Friday on the first and P-Orridge on the remaining two. The version of "Man In the Man" on this 12'' is slightly different from the LP version (mostly clipping ten seconds of strange sounds at the beginning), but it looks like the other two songs are identical to their album counterparts, but might be a bit cleaner and crisper than the album provided above. Either way, it's a nice additional nugget to any self-respecting synth collection! Here's the information:



Dave Ball- Rare Tempo 12''
1. Strict Tempo
2. Man in the Man
3. Sincerity

*download it here*

Trans-X- Living on Video CD

Trans-X were a two piece disco/synth outfit from Canada, who made quite the name for themselves in their home country with a handful of catchy electro-pop singles. Laurie Ann Gill (formerly a backup vocalist for Nudimension) and ambient musician Pascal Languirand comprised the duo for their first (and most prolific) run, which concluded in 1986 due to frustrations and lack of success outside of Canada.

Languirand returned in 1994 with a revamped version of the band, reissuing and re-recording several key singles with new vocalist Nadia Sohaei. As of 2010, Languirand has been living in Mexico, hard at work on the next Trans-X release.

Without any further ado, here's the information for the band's Living on Video LP, released in 1983. A compilation of sorts, the LP collected many of the band's earliest singles and b-sides. This particular rip hails from the CD issue, which dropped ten years later and featured a handful of appropriate bonus tracks. Here's the details:



Trans-X- Living on Video CD
1. Living On Video
2. Message On The Radio
3. Nitelife
4. 21st Century
5. Josee
6. Digital World
7. Eyes Of Desire
8. 3D-Dance
9. Monkey Dance
10. Through The Eyes Of The 90's
11. Ich Liebe Dich (I Love You)
12. Living On Video (Re-Recorded)
13. Message On The Radio (Remix)
14. Vivre Sur Video

*download it here*

For your viewing pleasure, here's the video for the title track, released in 1981:

Svart Klovn- Knust Knekt 7''

Here's the 1983 debut single from Norweigan minimal synth artist Svart Klovn, otherwise known as Kid Death. The title track was featured on the fantastic Maskindans compilation that dropped last year, while the b-side is a fast and furious piece of minimal synth.

The only other Svart Klovn release is the 1986 Queen Bitch 7'', featured over at Crispy Nuggets, with some additional information about Kid Death and Svart Klovn. Check it out.



Svart Klovn- Knust Knekt 7''
1. Knust Knekt
2. Macho Manifest

*download it here*

Play- You Don't Look The Same/In My Mind 12''

Sorry for the barrage, but here's a second post for this weekend. Before I begin, might I draw your attention to the original Der Deutsche Adel post, which has been updated with a 320kpbs, clean-as-a-whistle rip, for any fans of that fantastic record.

With that in mind, here's a pair of singles by Play. In a previous post, I had uploaded their Red Movies LP, which was donated with a few bonus tracks tacked on to the end. These extra remixes were ripped at low quality, so I've rectified that not once, but twice with these following two releases! Even the band's initial 12'' is represented here, so that should bring us up to speed with a complete discography!



Play- You Don't Look the Same 12''/MLP
1. This Little Girl
2. Deeper Than Blue
3. You Don't Look the Same (Remix)
4. Erase the Memory
5. Chasing the Sun
6. In My Mind (Remix)
7. Red Movies



Play- In My Mind 12''
1. In My Mind
2. Red Movies
3. In My Mind (Remix)

*download both here*