Here's a long lost 12'' from Jih, a new wave band from the UK. While their full length LP was shared here, there also are a few 12'' singles kicking around. This one was released in 1986, the same year as the LP.
In true 12'' fashion, the version of "This Gift" on this record is different than the LP version, extended by a few minutes or so. I do believe the version of "The Shadow to Fall" is identical, though. Here's the rundown:
Jih- This Gift 12'' 1. This Gift 2. This Boy 3. Shadow to Fall
Here's a series of releases that haven't been posted yet, to my knowledge, but are certainly worth hearing. Fans of dark synth music should be familiar with this French coldwave/synth band, for their track "Anyway" is a genre staple. The track also appeared on last year's Cold Waves and Minimal Electronics compilation, and the remaining 7'' tracks can be found here or here.
However, here's the band's other two releases- the 1986 Purge An Urge LP and the vocal version of the Mr Schumaker 7'', released in 1984. You can expect the same strange, yet danceable edge on all of these tracks. Here's the rundown:
Hot on the heels of this morning's post, here's a very nearly complete discography of French synthpop band Goûts De Luxe. Some of you may already be familiar with the band, as a few of their a-sides were prominent, though now obscure, new wave hits- some of the best of the era. I also included one of the band's finest moments (the killer minimal synth-esque b-side "Last Train") on the most recent installments of the Systems of Romance loose tracks compilations. Since I haven't seen their work shared out there, I figured it was due time to organize it and sort it all out for everyone's enjoyment.
The band's origins date back to the mid 1980s in Brest, a city in northwestern France. The band's lineup changed a handful of times throughout their short time together. After recording (or, in actuality, NOT recording) on the first single, original guitarist Jean-Éric Montfort left the band and was replaced by Marianna Kliska, wife of vocalist Jacques le Honsec. They released two more singles before calling it a day.
With the exception of the instrumental version of "Les Yeux de Laura," and the promo mixes of the track, this zip file ocntains all the tracks recorded by Goûts De Luxe during their time together, including all three singles and respective b-sides. I hope you all don't mind missing out on the instrumental mix, as I've never found them to be very necessary, but I should be able to track it down (in time) if needed. However, as a consolation, I have included a different extended mix of "Omaha Beach" that I can't quite place on either single, with a different running time and everything! If anyone knows where it belongs, do chime in! Otherwise, let's get to the details:
Goûts De Luxe- Les Yeux de Laura 7'' (1986) 1. Les Yeux de Laura
Goûts De Luxe- Les Yeux de Laura 12'' (1986) 1. Les Yeux de Laura (Extended Mix)
Since the band enjoyed some relative success throughout Europe, there are a few promo videos floating around. Here's a clip for "Omaha Beach."
Also, if your French is fluent, you can read more about the band (including lyrics, I believe) on their official website. There are also a slew of photos, and a demo recording hidden in the site, so be sure to explore:
Another excellent Italian release from 1986 up on the slab today, a true gem and rarity. Absolutely no info to be found about these four mysterious fellows, but their label, Urgent Records, also issued early singles by Litfiba and Neon. The band only issued one futher track, called "Wehrmacht," which appears on the 391 Umbria K7 with Aidons La Norvege, another Italian band.
You can expect some gloomy synth here, with excellent bass grooves and melodic vocals. Definitely essential, especially for fans of bands like Storung and Into a Circle. Two different sounds, I know, but let's see what you all make of it... Here's the details:
X-Offender- Dreaming 12'' 1. Dreaming 2. What Is Smile? 3. Help To Helpless 4. The Stone Wood
As a brief aside, I've recently constructed two DJ mixes for various publications. The first, for VESSEL, features a more synth-driven sound while the second, for Zaptown mag, is of the coldwave/post-punk variety. Here they are, for your listening pleasure:
Here's a virtually unknown 12'' from UK post-punk band Blue Siege. Definitely a must for fans of Sad Lovers and Giants, For Against, The Chameleons, etc., and also for those who like something a little more jangly (Winter Hours, early R.E.M.). Melodic singing, driving post-punk tracks, and a nice, punchy atmosphere. Prominent use of organ on here, if that's your thing!
Can't find a ton of information about this one, though I do believe it's from 1986. The band released a 7'' just before via Pride Communications, the same label who issued this recording. The 7'' features production from Chris Layhe of the Icicle Works, another touchstone for the band's sound. As for obtaining a copy of this one, there's a few kicking around on ebay and various online record outlets, so snap one up!
Blue Siege- Ruins No Longer Remain 12'' 1. Ruins No Longer Remain 2. Stolen Daylight 3. Like Red Rags To the Bull (Soweto) 4. Hollow Man 5. River Has Gone 6. Drifting Apart
Unfortunately, our Halloween eve's plans have been dashed by a case of the plague, so instead, I've been spending the day uploading a slew of rare releases to include over the next few days. For those reading along on this otherwise glorious Sunday, expect a few treats coming your way.
First up, we have a rare (and rather expensive) Italian 7'' from Paranoja, released in 1986. Some nice mid-tempo post-punk grooves contained within. Pleasant and bouncy, with gloomy vocals and atmospheric synths to keep the track grounded. Definitely a treat for those obsessed with the Italian tradition!
Here's a generous donation of a rare Italian 7'' by Colour Moves. This is their only major release, though it seems as if a few loose tracks were released on compilations up until 1990. This particular 7'' hails from 1986.
Fun fact- the label responsible for this 7'', Supporti Fonografici, is also home to some of the best and rarest Italian synth records, many of which have been posted here before. This 7'' joins the ranks of Chromagain, Weimar Gesang, Faded Image, and XNO, to name a few! Not too shabby!
I dig both of these gloomy, romantic post-punk tracks quite a bit, but the real standout here is the b-side, which is a little more driving and catchy! Here's the details:
Colour Moves- Trees 7'' 1. Trees 2. Over Falling Skies
Here's a triple threat of 12'' recordings by Buzz, an underrated, synth driven act from the heart of France. The band released their first cassette in 1985, soon signing with Danceteria records (A Wedding Anniversary/In the Nursery, etc.) The band released four 12'' records over the course of the 1980s, splitting soon after. However, the band has since reactivated, re-releasing several older cuts and issuing new material during the latter half of this past decade.
I've included three of the band's 12'' records on Danceteria, leaving behind the 25th anniversary edition of "Kennedy," the band's best known track. For those who want a more complete snapshot of Buzz's '80s material, be sure to pick up their extremely limited CD compilation, entitled Buzz 1984 - 89. Not only does the compilation include superior quality versions of these recordings, it also tacks a few killer live tracks at the end. You can nab a copy here and listen the band's new sounds via their myspace page. Without any further ado, here's the details for these releases:
Buzz- Kennedy 12'' (1986) 1. Kennedy 2. Picaso
Buzz- Marinetti 12'' (1987) 1. Marinetti 2. Lo Sai 3. Marinetti (Extended Mix)
*My rip of this 12'' has the more sparse intro to "Lo Sai" separated from the main track, most likely done for DJ purposes.
Buzz- Sexe 12'' 1. Sexe 2. Berlin 3. 12 Inch Allah 4. Sexe (Fire Mix)
You guys asked for it, and here it is! Contained within this post are four releases by Irish post-punk band Blue In Heaven, including both their debut single and the elusive Rock 'N' Roll R.I.P. EP. You can nab their two full length records in these back pages: here and here.
According to Wikipedia, this doesn't complete the entire Blue In Heaven discography (as much as I'd like it to0. Their 1983 debut single The Lights Go Out (the same track Bono praised upon its release) is nowhere to be found, and the site also lists a final single in 1988, simply entitled Track 01. I'm also looking for a live track entitled "Tell Me," plucked from the Live For Ireland complilation, but that may just be a video only release, as a clip exists on Youtube. If anyone has any more information for these releases, feel free to chime in and sling them my way! Otherwise, here's the information for the remaining discography.
Blue In Heaven- Julie Cries 12'' (1984) 1. Julie Cries (12'' Version) 2. The Message
Blue In Heaven- Across My Heart 12'' (1984) 1. Across My Heart 2. A Whiter Day 3. Across My Heart (Martin Hannett Version)
Blue In Heaven- I Just Wanna 12'' (1986) 1. I Just Wanna (12'' Mix) 2. Beating In My Head (Little Flower)
Blue In Heaven- Rock 'N' Roll R.I.P. 12'' (1988) 1. She Is Everything 2. Swinging 3. Feel So Good 4. Loose (live) [originally by The Stooges] 5. On and On
Contained within this post is Dobri Isak's lone record, released on cassette in 1986. This Serbian darkwave/post-punk band drew heavy inspiration from Joy Division, so this is definitely a must for fans of dark, furious, and somewhat lo-fi post-punk and goth rock.
There seems to be an abundance of information about the band, despite their relative obscurity. The band, whose name translates to "Kind Isaac," originally formed in 1983. After three years and a handful of lineup shifts, they dropped their first and only release. The cassette (which translates to "We Cry Behind Dark Glasses) was limited to 100 copies, which quickly sold out. The record contains an Arnold Layne song, the band several members were active in alongside Dobri Isak.
Though the record came out in 1986, Dobri Isak remained together until 1996, playing their last gig with Arnold Layne and splitting soon after. In 2009, PMK Records re-released their cassette, tacking on a few extra bonus tracks at the end. However, here's a rip of the original cassette, as donated by a generous last.fm user. Be sure to purchase the reissue if you dig these tracks!
Dobri Isak- Mi plačemo iza tamnih naočara K7 1. Ona Se Igra Nožem 2. Sinoć Si Sanjao Da Si Pas 3. Mi Plačemo Iza Tamnih Naočara 4. Čekamo Te (Na Istom Mestu) 5. Ja Znam Da Ću Propasti 6. Nepoznata 7. Feniks 8. Plakati Su Ikone 9. Dozvoli Mi Da Ostanem U Tvome Krevetu 10. Mrzim Te 11. Tu U Uglu (Tada Sam Te Poslednji Put Video)
Note: My upload of the cassette seems to have an extra track inserted in the middle, one which does not appear on the official discogs/reissue listing. According to the cassette artwork- "Nepoznata" does not appear on the release, but might very well be a hidden track. Any information welcome!
Today's post contains a handful of selected tracks by British darkwave act Nagamatzu, essentially a two piece featuring Andrew Lagowski (Legion, Terror Against Terror) on synths, guitar, and drum machines and Stephen Jarvis (aka Terraform) on bass, synth, and projections. Andrew Fleck also contributed keyboards from 1982-1983.
A good portion of these tracks appear on the band's debut cassette release, 1986's Sacred Islands of the Mad, a true minimal synth classic. In fact, all of the tracks are represented here, except "Lift Off," the first track on the cassette. To make up for it, this collection contains three other tracks, including "Crackle Black," "Op-Dead Post A," and "Shroud," only one whose origin is known. All tracks sound nice and crisp, as loud and clear as can be.
Without any further ado, here's the info:
Nagamatzu- 1986-1998 CD-R 1. 150 Murderous Passions 2. Carmine 3. Crackle Black 4. Der Gute Kamerad 5. Ioneso 6. Magic 7. Op-Dead Post A 8. Roma Distruta 9. Schlaggefahr 10. Shakedown 11. Shroud 12. Taraiky 13. Watch + Waste
Tracks 1, 2, 4-6, 8-10, 12, and 13 from Sacred Islands of the Mad K7 Track 7 from Total Recess 3 comp.
You can also nab the killer Space Shuttle Shuffle 12'' (which also features the missing K7 tape) as high quality AIFF files via The Nagmatazu Archive, a collection of free tracks Lagowski made available online. Here's direct links to the tracks (which are about 70-80mb each), for your downloading pleasure! Just right click and "save as."
I've seen this one on several wantlists across the blogosphere. Through a generous donation from Herr Pieter Schoolwerth of Wierd Records, who has leant the wax to me, I was able to rip and upload it here for you. Especially rare treat here today, folks! So rare in fact, that very little information exists about this Italian post-punk/gothic band. Their sound walks a fine line between early Christian Death with a few synth influences.
Until ripping this record, I had only heard "Cosa Domani," a particularly excellent track that's good for an aggressive dance floor. Released in 1986, this is the band's only proper full length release. Just a year later, however, the band released a split 12'' with Gronge. I should be able to convert this one soon as well, so stay tuned for that. In the interim, here's the information for Move's s/t full length.
Move- Move LP 1. Any Move 2. Cosa Domani 3. Lei 4. Lo Scoglio 5. Still Smoking 6. When I'm With My Self 7. Quattro E Tre/Quarti
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
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
To celebrate our upcoming independence day, well...here's something straight from the heart of Germany. In short, this is the complete discography of minimal synth/post-punk band Days of Sorrow.
According to sleeve information, the band featured a four piece lineup for their first 12'', changing drummers and expanding to a five piece for the second, which followed two years later. Not much else is known about the band outside of their origins, and their records fetch incredibly impressive prices, so let's get straight to the nitty gritty, shall we? Here's the information for their two 12'' releases, zipped up for your minimal electronic pleasure.
Days of Sorrow- Remembering the Days 12'' (1984, Tollhaus Records) 1. Wild World 2. War 3. Travel 4. Don't Leave Me Drowning
Days of Sorrow- A Thousand Faces 12'' (1986, Rough Trade Germany) 1. Wild World 2. A Thousand Faces (Night-Time) 3. Mysterious Eyes
There also exists a 1986-released 7'' for Wild World, but I'm gathering it's simply the A Thousand Faces recordings of both "Wild World" and "Mysterious Eyes," minus the eponymous 12'' track. I reckon the zip otherwise contains their complete discography. Enjoy!
Though a few demo cassettes and live material are circling around in rather incomplete and poor quality, here's the official recorded output of Italian darkwave/minimal synth band Weimar Gesang, which amounts to three 12'' releases. There are also a handful of compilation appearances alongside the live/demo cassettes, but I've been unsuccessful in tracking them down.
Not a lot of information about the band to be found otherwise. The band consisted of four members: Donato Santarcangeli, Fabio Magistrali, Giuseppe Tonolini, and Paolo Mauri, a few of which went on to play in various other Italian bands over the years. If anyone has some concrete info about these fantastically gloomy fellows, feel free to contribute below.
That all said, here's the information for there three 12'' releases.
Weimar Gesang- Even Stone Pales 12'' (1984) 1. Held Inside 2. Annual Ring 3. Chantal's Secret 4. Held Inside Again
Weimar Gesang- The Colours Of Ice (1985) 1. Deceit 2. Like In A Mirror 3. Melt Your Sight 4. One Promise Less 5. Torn Envelope
Weimar Gesang- No Given Path 12'' (1986) 1. Du Bist 2. The Secret Us 3. Light - Tight Place 4. When The Moon Splits The Gloom 5. Worn Out Prayer 6. Mother Of Nothing
EDIT: A comrade over at the Krupnik blog has featured the Afterglow compilation, which features three further Weimar Gesang traxx, none of which appear on these 12 inches! Click here to nab it.
Otherwise, as previously mentioned, I do have a really shoddy live recording from 1985 kicking around. I can't really recommend it, but if anyone's dying to hear it, shout below and I'll upload it separately.
Here's a horse of a different color compared to the usual sounds posted here as of late. Screams For Tina formed in Los Angeles in 1985, a twisted, dark post-punk band consisting of four like-minded members. They released one 12'' mini-album (uploaded below) just a year after their formation, generating a bit of college buzz with their heavy, glam-infused brand of twisted, dark rock. The band toured for four years straight, playing with the likes of Human Drama, Ex-Voto, and various other players in the late eighties post-punk scene.
However, the original lineup of Screams for Tina split in 1990, but while various members departed, others quickly joined the ranks and the band soldiered on, attracting the attention of Cleopatra records, who released a full-length record in 1993. The band split once more in 1997, however, significant re-exposure and the continued friendship of members Warren Mansfield and Billy Budd led to a reformation of Screams For Tina in 2007. They are currently working on a full length record! In the interim, give a spin to the record that started it all, 1986's Strobelight Funeral 12''. Fun fact: This particular record inspired Strobelight Records, home to Frank the Baptist, the reformed Pink Turns Blue, Black Ice, and The Last Days of Jesus, to name a few
The reformed Screams For Tina has a new website up, with t-shirts available for purchase. If you're a fan of the shirt, nab one and support the band's reactivation! Keep your eyes peeled for a new record in the works.
Here's a horse of a different color compared to the usual sounds posted here as of late. Screams For Tina formed in Los Angeles in 1985, a twisted, dark post-punk band consisting of four like-minded members. They released one 12'' mini-album (uploaded below) just a year after their formation, generating a bit of college buzz with their heavy, glam-infused brand of twisted, dark rock. The band toured for four years straight, playing with the likes of Human Drama, Ex-Voto, and various other players in the late eighties post-punk scene.
However, the original lineup of Screams for Tina split in 1990, but while various members departed, others quickly joined the ranks and the band soldiered on, attracting the attention of Cleopatra records, who released a full-length record in 1993. The band split once more in 1997, however, significant re-exposure and the continued friendship of members Warren Mansfield and Billy Budd led to a reformation of Screams For Tina in 2007. They are currently working on a full length record! In the interim, give a spin to the record that started it all, 1986's Strobelight Funeral 12''. Fun fact: This particular record inspired Strobelight Records, home to Frank the Baptist, the reformed Pink Turns Blue, Black Ice, and The Last Days of Jesus, to name a few
The reformed Screams For Tina has a new website up, with t-shirts available for purchase. If you're a fan of the shirt, nab one and support the band's reactivation! Keep your eyes peeled for a new record in the works.
Fulfilling a quick request for another classic Sleep Chamber release. I have a donation post to follow tomorrow, but first, a quick blurb about this particular record:
I've already covered Sleep Chamber in a previous entry (though the link is still dead for this one- I still beg your patience, ladies and gentlemen), so peek over there for a few tidbits of info on the collective. Otherwise, I've uploaded Sleep Chamber's 1986 Babylon 12'' single for your listening pleasure. This particular release features vocals by both John Zewizz and one Mariea Foster. Otherwise, here's the roll:
Sleep Chamber- Babylon 12'' 1. Her Second Skin 2. Babes Ov Babylon 3. Dreams While Drowning 4. Babylon Babes
Fulfilling a quick request for another classic Sleep Chamber release. I have a donation post to follow tomorrow, but first, a quick blurb about this particular record:
I've already covered Sleep Chamber in a previous entry (though the link is still dead for this one- I still beg your patience, ladies and gentlemen), so peek over there for a few tidbits of info on the collective. Otherwise, I've uploaded Sleep Chamber's 1986 Babylon 12'' single for your listening pleasure. This particular release features vocals by both John Zewizz and one Mariea Foster. Otherwise, here's the roll:
Sleep Chamber- Babylon 12'' 1. Her Second Skin 2. Babes Ov Babylon 3. Dreams While Drowning 4. Babylon Babes
Hot on the heels of this morning's post, here's a very nearly complete discography of French synthpop band Goûts De Luxe. Some of you may already be familiar with the band, as a few of their a-sides were prominent, though now obscure, new wave hits- some of the best of the era. I also included one of the band's finest moments (the killer minimal synth-esque b-side "Last Train") on the most recent installments of the Systems of Romance loose tracks compilations. Since I haven't seen their work shared out there, I figured it was due time to organize it and sort it all out for everyone's enjoyment. 
Here's a triple threat of 12'' recordings by Buzz, an underrated, synth driven act from the heart of France. The band released their first cassette in 1985, soon signing with Danceteria records (A Wedding Anniversary/In the Nursery, etc.) The band released four 12'' records over the course of the 1980s, splitting soon after. However, the band has since reactivated, re-releasing several older cuts and issuing new material during the latter half of this past decade. 
Contained within this post is Dobri Isak's lone record, released on cassette in 1986. This Serbian darkwave/post-punk band drew heavy inspiration from Joy Division, so this is definitely a must for fans of dark, furious, and somewhat lo-fi post-punk and goth rock.
Today's post contains a handful of selected tracks by British darkwave act Nagamatzu, essentially a two piece featuring Andrew Lagowski (Legion, Terror Against Terror) on synths, guitar, and drum machines and Stephen Jarvis (aka Terraform) on bass, synth, and projections. Andrew Fleck also contributed keyboards from 1982-1983. 
Here's a horse of a different color compared to the usual sounds posted here as of late. Screams For Tina formed in Los Angeles in 1985, a twisted, dark post-punk band consisting of four like-minded members. They released one 12'' mini-album (uploaded below) just a year after their formation, generating a bit of college buzz with their heavy, glam-infused brand of twisted, dark rock. The band toured for four years straight, playing with the likes of Human Drama, Ex-Voto, and various other players in the late eighties post-punk scene. 
