Minutes After...- Minutes After... LP

Been meaning to post this one for a while, but finally got around to ripping it. Random purchase, made a few months ago for a few dollars, based on the year (1988) and the cover artwork, and found it to be pleasant enough to rip and share with you all. Here we have the lone LP by a band called Minutes After..., a darkwave/post-punk band with a more melodic tone.

The closest touchtone I have for the band is a sadly defunct NYC band called Bell Hollow, who were in turn influenced by the likes of For Against, The Chameleons, and Sad Lovers and Giants. A few piano chords thrown in for good measure, as well as soaring vocals on every track. A few songs miss the mark here and there, but generally, a solid listen for fans of the more dreamy/ethereal side of post-punk. Here's the information:



Minutes After...- Minutes After... LP
1. Cracks Of Dawn
2. White Ceiling
3. Raining On Earth
4. Cradle To Crypt
5. Her ~ A Dream Without Sleep
6. The View From The Park

*download it here*

The Arms of Someone New- Every Seventh Wave 12''

This one, while potentially well known inside this circle, is a recent favorite of mine, and while the majority of their work appears elsewhere in the blogosphere, I haven't seen this 12'' around.

The Arms of Someone New (primarily a collaborative project between Mel Eberle and Steve Jones, also involved with Area) formed in Champaign, Illinois in 1983, releasing their first 7'' the following year. At first, their sound had a biting, synth-driven edge to it, which eventually gave way to the growing ethereal scene into the late 1980s. I happen to dig the majority of their recordings in both spectrums, but this one falls more on the biting, danceable side of the band's catalog. We have two remixes of the single here (both drastically different from the version that appeared on their 1984 12''), with two slower, but no less stellar tracks taking up the b-side. Here's the breakdown:



The Arms of Someone New- Every Seventh Wave 12''
1. Every Seventh Wave (Intermix)
2. Every Seventh Wave (Album Mix)
3. The Sense of an Ending
4. Everything at Once

*download it here*

For those interested in the rest of the band's discography, get it here, here, here, and here. Pretty sure this is the last piece of the puzzle!

Cathedral of Tears- Cathedral of Tears 12''

Moving right along, here we have a 12'' by Cathedral of Tears, a US-based darkwave band with a danceable edge. This is the band's only record, released in 1984 on Enigma Records, which was generally known for dark, sleazy punk (The Cramps, Dead Milkmen, TSOL etc.).

Though the record does flirt around with a more new wave sound, the project was primarily an outlet for Jack Grisham, of TSOL, which explains the 'odd man out' style of this record. Either way, expect some good darkwave grooves here.

Also, I believe there were several muscians involved with the project, including Mike Patton (Adolescents/Middle Class) on bass. I've stumbled upon some choice words about this 12'' from Jack himself:

"This is one of those mistakes you make that you can't take back. My dad died, I was going through a lot of shit...I stole the tapes. We had a record...we wrote a bunch of new songs, went in the studio & I stole the tapes. Our record company had said, 'There's no song here that will get radio play,' & I was like 'Bullshit, there is.' So I stole the tapes from the record company, took it to the radio station, & they were playing our song (Black Emotion) while I was driving away. (laughs) & it turned out to be the number four requested song on the station that year. With no record out. & then Enigma finally put it out. They finally put it out, but it was too late. I had already done the damage by the time it came out."

Neat, though I must disagree that this record is a mistake! Don't take my word for it, though- here's the info for 12''.



Cathedral of Tears- Cathedral of Tears 12''
1. Trap
2. A Situation Of...
3. Calm Storm
4. Black Emotion
5. Ballet
6. Whisper From The Deadland

*download it here*

Calculated X- Some Change/No Change 12''

Last but not least, we have the second 12'' by Calculated X- released in 1983. Taking over where their first 12'' (uploaded here, for those who missed it) left off, there's more of the same infectious new wave/post-punk grooves present here, with a slightly poppier edge. Let's dive right into this one, shall we?



Calculated X- Some Change/No Change 12''
1. Some Change No Change
2. Cool The Water
3. You Will Know Us
4. Don't Look At You

*download it here*

Don't forget- there is a CD-reissue of all these tracks available on X-Tracked records. You can grab a copy here, which I highly recommend if you enjoy these two 12'' records as much as I do! There's a few bonus tracks and live cuts as an extra incentive, so be sure to nab it while the getting is good!

Nightmoves- Transdance 12'' & Remixes

Going to be stepping away from the blog for a week, so I plan to leave you all with not one, but TWO stellar releases of the dancier, club-oriented variety. First on the slab, I've uploaded several different issues of Nightmoves' (a.k.a. Night Moves) classic "Transdance"- a killer darkwave dance track that many should recognize. Unfortunately, this song never received the credit it was due, but is easily one of the best tracks of the '80s. I've attached several different versions of the track, one under the guise of the reissued 1984 12'' Robot Rock release (including a handful of alternate tracks) and a remixes 12'', which might just be a fan-made collection of mixes. If you're not completely sick of the song by the time you're through listening, I've also included the significantly shorter edit of the song, plucked from the 7'' and included on the None Night of Flexipop Vol. 4 comp.

The UK-based project formed in the wake of Gary Numan's chart breakthrough in 1979, when vocalist Michael Guihen placed an ad in NME looking for synth players. The original three piece lineup (known then as Oblong Mauve) folded after a few practice sessions, leaving Michael to form a new band. He struck an interesting partnership in 1980, meeting and developing tracks with Denis Haines, Gary Numan's keyboard player. In exchange for providing the backing track for Numan' "Love Needs No Disguise," Michael received help in developing "Transdance," the standout track from the original lineup's demos. It was recorded in 1981, and since then, has seen several different versions as lineups changed and technology improved. The infamous UK mix even featured backing vocals from Eve Goddard, Adam Ant's wife. The band eventually called it a day in 1984, as public tastes shifted dramatically.

Of course, this is only part of the Nightmoves story. The rest is viewable (along with some amazing photos) on the band's official Myspace page, so click for the full story and some additional visuals. Without any further ado, here's the info for this zip.



Nightmoves- Transdance 12'' (1984)
1. Transdance (UK Club Mix)
2. Transdance (New York Disco Mix)*
3. You Can Take My Love
4. Beat This
5. Nightdrive

Nightmoves- Transdance Mixes 12''
1. Transdance (Edit)
2. Transdance (NYC Mix)
3. Transdance (UK Mix) --> same as UK Club Mix
4. Transdance
5. Transdance
6. Transdance (Remix)

bonus track- Transdance (7'' Version)
*not on original 12''.

*download the lot here*

Feu Ma Mere- Seasons of Mournful LP

Here's an obscure German darkwave record dating back to 1989. The band was a two piece, centering around the efforts of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Joelen Mingi and Alexander Klaffke. While discogs claims this is their only release, a youtube clip hints at a handful of earlier releases.

The band split just a year after releasing this LP. Mingi continued on with The Angina Pectoris, which aimed to update Feu Ma Mere's electronic sound with a more fleshed out lineup.

As for the record at hand, it's a curious blend of Sisters-gloom, simple driving drum machines, and layers of romanticized keyboards, definitely a good listen for fans of the more wistful darkwave sound. You kind of get a good idea of what you're in for by simply looking at the cover. Here's the info:



Feu Ma Mere- Seasons of Mournful LP
1. Eyesore
2. The Agony After
3. Remain
4. The Coldest Sea
5. Confession
6. Fashion Dance
7. Searching
8. The Hiding Place

*download it here*

Entertainment- Gender CD

I have a handful of synth/coldwave updates to keep you kids salivating throughout the week, but first things first, I have a newer LP from a fantastic underground artist to whet your appetite. Uploaded with permission of the band, here's Entertainment's debut LP in its crisp, intense glory.

I've been honored to share the stage with these boys in the past, and am pleased today to bring you a digital upload of the 2008 CD, currently out of print last I've heard. A handful of copies of the CD can still be found on Amazon, but you can get your hands on a limited edition remastered LP via Duchess Archive by clicking here. Otherwise, astute listeners can expect buzzing synths, unforgivable rhythms, and incisive vocals, coming at you from Athens, Georgia. You can read a little more about the record on Post-Punk dot com (click on "reviews" and scroll down for initial take on this hard-hitting latter day classic). Otherwise, here's the information:



Entertainment- Gender LP
1. Romance in a Rain
2. Swing Movements
3. A Seduction Walks
4. Patroness
5. New Joys
6. The Nervous Walk
7. Confusion of Senses
8. Flesh

*download it here*

Stay tuned for LPs by Feu Ma Mere and Bugger West to follow in the next few days!

Eyes of God- Eyes of God 12''

A few months ago, a friend and fellow DJ turned me on to Eyes of God, a four piece San Franciso-based darkwave band, filled with catchy electronics, blaring saxophones, and religious lyrics. Little information was available on the net, and at the time, it seemed as if the band only had the one release. The 12'' I was given has also been uploaded on A Viable Commercial, one of the best blogs around these parts. That particular 12'' was released in two formats, with different covers but the same basic tracklisting.

However, I stumbled upon what I believe to be the band's only other release, a 12'' dating from 1984 and containing four proper studio tracks (not remixes). Naturally, I freed it from the confines of the dollar bin and am pleased to upload it for your listening pleasure.



Eyes of God- Eyes of God 12''
1. Love Letters
2. Secret Life
3. Sin Twist
4. Cruel Party

*download it here*

U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 12''

Just snagged this killer 12'' from a shop in Brooklyn, so figured I'd kick the week off with a fresh rip. This 1985 single seems to be this German band's only release, and this particular 12'' hails from 1985 and consists of two killer dance remixes and an exclusive track, also remixed. Think Clan of Xymox, early Ministry, and other big beat classics.

A 7'' containing the original versions of both tracks does exist, but I haven't tracked it down just yet. In the interim, here's the 12'' version, complete with an exclusive remix plucked from the Tribute to Flexi-Pop series.



U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 12''
1. Young Hearts of Europe (Essential Mega-Mix)
2. Young Hearts of Europe (Valkyrie Mega-Mix)
3. Kiss of Death (Punishment Mix)

Bonus Track- Young Hearts of Europe (Valhalla Mega-Mix)

*download it here

In Trance 95- Desire to Desire 7''

Yesterday's posts focused on the darker edge of the post-punk/electronic spectrum, so today's goal is to bring you two dancier recordings. First up, we have In Trance 95's debut 7'', the elusive and hypnotic Desire to Desire. While the A-Side is a catchy piece of synthpop, it's the B-side that especially grabs me, with its deep repetitive grooves. Both tracks have a bit of a Cabaret Voltaire vibe going for them, without being as abrasive.

The band formed in Greece and released this 7'' in 1988 via Wipe Out! Records. In Trance 95 split for several years, but the main duo has reappeared as a band called Itenef, re-recording several of their classics and writing several new tracks with a female vocalist at the helm.



In Trance 95- Desire to Desire 7''
1. Desire to Desire
2. Brazilia

*download it here*



PS- Trying out this Mediafire thing. Might eventually migrate everything over there, but it will take time.

Dobri Isak- Mi plačemo iza tamnih naočara K7

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)

*download it here*

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!

Calculated X- Untitled 12''

Not much is known about Calculated X, aside from their American (Tennessee) origins, and contributions by the late Bobby Bowie (no relation to David, I'm afraid). That said, this particular 12'', released in 1982, is one of the very best dark synth records of all time. All three tracks are pure class, especially the driving "Dream Affair," one of my favorite tracks to spin here in New York.

It seems as if the band has also released a full length record, but I can't seem to find much information on it. That all said, if anyone's able to fill in the gaps and tell more of the Calculated X story, feel free. Otherwise, here's the info for this killer 12''.



Calculated X- Untitled 12''
1. Four Windows
2. Girl Like You
3. Dream Affair

*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*

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.

Choir Invisible- Choir Invisible LP

Choir Invisible were a four piece post-punk band hailing from Los Angeles. The band formed in the wake of the Flyboys, a first wave LA punk band, who split after the death of bassist/keyboardist David Wilson.

Lisa Fancher, head of Frontier records (who released the lone Flyboys 12'' in 1980), essentially pieced Choir Invisible together after the Wilson's death. The band grew to local prominence, opening for the likes of Romeo Void, Depeche Mode, and Christian Death in the early 1980s, before releasing their debut record in 1981.

Though the band split shortly after their 1981 tour, a few straggling members recorded a follow up in 1982, which was released two years later on Passport records. I shall upload this one for my next post, but in the meanwhile, here's the info for the band's 1981 self-titled debut.



Choir Invisible- Choir Invisible LP
1. Quiet Place
2. Fatal Dream
3. The Other Room
4. Fixation
5. Chameleon
6. Side To Side
7. Private Life
8. The Key
9. Playing Cards
10. Portrait Of Charles
11. The Distance From...

*download it here*

Weimar Gesang- THE REST!

After some insight on some rare and otherwise unreleased Weimar Gesang material, I am pleased to offer the last of their uncovered gems, once and for all! Thanks a ton to all who have uploaded some of the harder-to-find material and offered extra information on the band.

Included in the zip file below are three releases. The first two are respective sides of a 1983 demo cassette, the A-side being early demos of familiar tracks and the B-side featuring a rare live set from the band's early incarnation, recorded in October of 1983. This release predates the previously uploaded Our Silent Growth cassette. The third and final release attached is a 1987 rough mix of what was to be the fourth WG record, never officially released and given to the band's closest friends just before they split up. Very rare materials, all three, and thanks to allelimo for encoding them!

Otherwise, here's the nitty gritty:

Weimar Gesang- Demo 1983 (Cassette side A)
1. Frail Moments
2. Along The Walls
3. Locked In My Castle
4. Refusing
5. Show Me
6. Motionless Dance
7. Incomprehension

Weimar Gesang- Live 1983 (Cassette side B)
1. Motionless Dance
2. Refusing
3. Locked In My Castle
4. Torn Souls
5. One Sweet Night

Weimar Gesang- It is a Crime
1. It is a Crime
2. Place to Be (Nick Drake cover)

*download them here*

Thanks again to all who have contributed to the Weimer Gesang posts! Should you have missed them, their remaining discography can be downloaded from these back pages by clicking here and here.

Weimar Gesang- Supplemental Materials

Thanks to two generous and anonymous donations, I'm pleased to upload the remaining tracks in Weimar Gesang's discography, including tracks from a split cassette with Plastic Trash.

I've unzipped, tagged, and reuploaded the files from the original Rapidshare files to keep everything together and circumvent Rapidshare's waiting period. As an added bonus, I've included the live bootleg, entitled . Even in it's low-quality, it may serve interesting to fans and otherwise completists.

Without any further ado, here's the final batch of Weimar Gesang tracks!



Weimar Gesang- Our Silent Growth Cassette (1984)
1. Frail Moments
2. Torn Souls
3. The Play
4. Show Me
5. Motionless Dance
6. Frail Moments (Second View)



Weimar Gesang- VM Due Cassette (year unknown)
1. Our Silent Growth
2. Remaining Years
3. Gesang The Dragging
4. Light-Tight Place

Weimar Gesang- Live at Back Out, Roma 12.04.1985
1. Deceit
2. Melt Your Sight
3. Held Inside
4. Chantal's Secret
5. Like in a Mirror
6. Worn Out Prayer
7. Du Bist/Light-Tight Place

*download all three releases here!*


More goodies to come in the near future, but thanks again to my anonymous benefactor for helping to complete the discography!

Weimar Gesang- 12'' Discography

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

*download it here*

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.

East Wall [full discography]

Today's post contains the entire discography for Italian minimal/electro/disco act East Wall, featuring the efforts of Fabrizio Chiari (previously involved with Kirlian Camera) on synthesizers and electronics and Wilma Notari on synths and vocals. Their initial 12'', 1985's Eyes of Glass is a perfect slice of jagged minimal synth, while their 1991 lp Silence is a bit darker, though just as catchy in spots.

Without any further ado, here's the download information for both releases. Enjoy!



East Wall- Eyes of Glass 12''
1. Eyes of Glass (vocal)
2. Eyes of Glass (instrumental)



East Wall- Silence
1. Silence
2. Ice Of Fire
3. Twenty Five Sunsets Before Dawn
4. Angelo
5. Blue
6. Privacy
7. Twenty Seven

*download both here*

East Wall [full discography]

Today's post contains the entire discography for Italian minimal/electro/disco act East Wall, featuring the efforts of Fabrizio Chiari (previously involved with Kirlian Camera) on synthesizers and electronics and Wilma Notari on synths and vocals. Their initial 12'', 1985's Eyes of Glass is a perfect slice of jagged minimal synth, while their 1991 lp Silence is a bit darker, though just as catchy in spots.

Without any further ado, here's the download information for both releases. Enjoy!



East Wall- Eyes of Glass 12''
1. Eyes of Glass (vocal)
2. Eyes of Glass (instrumental)



East Wall- Silence
1. Silence
2. Ice Of Fire
3. Twenty Five Sunsets Before Dawn
4. Angelo
5. Blue
6. Privacy
7. Twenty Seven

*download both here*