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:
For those not as jazzed about the previous guitar-driven posts, here's something that should whet your appetite and offset the darkness a bit, courtesy of BX. I posted the a-side to this magnificent French minimal synth 7'' on the first Systems of Romance compilation, and suffice to say, the b-side is of similarly high quality. Also an instrumental, but some great grooves here.
This 1981 single is Theirry Meyer's only release, so not much more to tell about this one. Enjoy!
Apologies in advance for flooding your hard drives with music, folks. Two posts in store for today- mostly because I promised some Wierd party attendees I'd drop these records immediately for download!
First, we have some killer French synthpop, reminiscent of Depeche Mode with some slight italo leanings. The same track appears here twice in different forms, and I can't decide which one I like better. This 12'' appears on the Fan Club label, another Damned-inspired offshoot of New Rose records, which featured Taxi Girl, Metal Urbain, and Kas Product as well as some classic proto-punk material.
Not much else I can tell you about this one, so let's get right to it:
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:
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
Been dying to hear this one for quite some time, so a million thanks to bx59cppw for finally tracking it down. Killer French new wave hear, one of the best singles of the era, hailing from 1985. Both tracks are unstoppable, though the b-side has a more romantic edge.
The band released three more singles before disbanding in 1988. You can get the equally captivating Métropolis 7'' over at Dreams and Voices. Without any further ado, here's the info for this one:
Fatidic Seconde- Le Drakkar (Sidonie) 7'' 1. Le Drakkar (Sidonie) 2. Le Chemin D'Un Rêve
Here's the lone LP by French synthpop act Candidate, released in 1987. There's very little to be found about this two piece, but there are a few other releases of theirs kicking around, including a split K7 and a split 7'' with Gangrène. Would love to hear them, should anyone out there have a copy kicking around!
Otherwise, you can expect some killer minimal synth grooves, with a little bit of edgy guitar thrown in for good measure. a nice mix of tension and melody here. Sticking with today's theme, you can also find Strange Girl on one of the Tribute to Some Bizarre compilations... Here's the info:
Candidate- Side By Side LP 1. Strange Girl 2. Starway 3. On The Ice 4. Subterrateen 5. On//Off 6. Last Day 7. The Wound
EDIT: Turns out a different rip of this LP was already uploaded by bx59cppw, with extra information and links to the band's other material! Feel free to visit his blog and send some love!
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''.
Here's something a little more fun and bright for your summer weekend. Here we have the first major release by French new wave connoisseurs Indochine, released in 1982. Bright rhythms, pulsing synths, and shameless hooks to be found on each of these seven tracks.
The Indochine story began in 1981, but the band is still going strong to date, though only one original member remains in the band. According to a few sources, Indochine are the top selling band in France, and earned quite a cult following throughout Europe and Latin America. Unfortunately, like most non-English speaking bands, their music failed to find a proper audience in the US, despite fitting into the musical climate at the time. Well, let's see if we can't help turn a few heads around these parts, eh? Here's the info for this killer debut 12''.
Indochine- L'Aventurier MLP 1. L'Aventurier 2. L'Opportuniste 3. Leila 4. Docteur Love 5. Indochine (Les 7 Jours De Pékin) 6. Dizzidence Politik 7. Françoise (Qu'est-ce qui t'as pris?)
A few years ago, I featured French psychedelic-tinged coldwave band Mary Goes Round's second LP, the killer 70 Suns In the Sky. A few folks asked for their debut LP, but it must have slipped my mind for all these years, so this post will hopefully rectify this obvious oversight. As an added bonus, I've included the CD issue of Sunset, complete with five bonus tracks that follow the original 12'' LP.
Interested parties can read up a bit more about the band here, if you missed the original post. Otherwise, here's the info for this otherwise essential debut from one of the coldwave movement's best bands:
Mary Goes Round- Sunset LP/CD 1. Mary Sleeps Alone 2. Dark Times 3. The Night 4. The Promised Land 5. The Great Desire 6. Sunset 7. Teardrops Again 8. The Nightmare 9. Mary In The Sky 10. On The Sea 11. The Shelter 12. Another Sunset
Here's a one off coldwave single dating back to 1985. Little is known about Echo Prism, but judging from the artwork, it's safe to assume the band was a three piece, and self-released this without help from a label. You can expect some child-like synths, minimal drum machines, and some driving post-punk guitars from both sides of this 7''. Simple and primitive, but always effective. Enjoy!
Here's another French post-punk/coldwave release, dating back to 1981. Can't seem to dig up a ton of info on Panoramas, but this particular 12'' was released on Polydor. There's also a 7'' version of the record, which you can nab over at Dreams and Voices. However, this 12'' features two additional tracks! The real gem of the lot is the title track. While more romantic and less dark than many of their contemporaries, these tracks are catchy as hell.
Panoramas- Amanda 12'' 1. Amanda 2. Sinbad the Sailor 3. Les Secrets Du Pharon 4. Future Star
Here's one quick little burst of minimal synth to kick off your weekend. Clocking in at ten minutes total, here's the lone 12'' from French band Performance, released in 1982. "Pilotes" is the real winner here, a great midtempo, female fronted synth track. Afterwards, the record hits more experimental territories, with gloomy male vocals and short instrumental bursts. Bringing things full circle, the 12'' concludes with some midtempo female fronted synthpop.
Interestingly enough, this 12'' was released on Celluloid, the same label responsible for a handful of releases by Material, Tuxedomoon, Can, Yello, and Soft Cell. Quite an eclectic mix, if you check their releases page, and definitely a fitting label for this release. Here's the info.
A quick post today, ladies and gents. Here's a French 12'' from a band called Ice°. Four tracks of killer coldwave (edit: with slight pop leanings), straight from 1984. Lead-off track "Le Grande Guerre" has been featured on a handful of compilations, including the excellent Des Jeunes Gens Mödernes, which features dozens of other frozen cold French gems.
Otherwise, the sleeve lists only two members for the band: Jérôme on guitar and Bruno on bass. Both are credited with vocal duties. The record was released on Caapare records, which according to discogs, this is their only release. Not much more I can tell you about the band, so let's get to the tracks.
Ice°- Ice 12'' 1. Le Grande Guerre 2. Le Visiteur Du Rêve 3. Listen To Them 4. Amandine's Travel
I was just reminded about this killer album through a video posting on ye ol' Facebook, perpetual time waster and otherwise social networking site. With that in mind, I've uploaded a killer full length by French coldwave band Orchestre Rouge. Attached is their debut record, 1982's Yellow Laughter, a particularly driving guitar record released on RCA. The record was lovingly produced by Martin Hannett, famed producer for Joy Divison, Blue In Heaven, and a slew of other Factory Records bands.
As for membership, the band was a five piece, featuring Pascal Normal, who worked with both Tanit and End of Data after Orchestre Rouge's disbandment. Théo Hakola and Denis Goulag went on to form Passion Fodder, taking their name from Orchestre Rouge's second LP. As a quick aside, Passion Fodder also featured bassist Pascal Humbert, formerly of Tanit, now known for his work in both 16 Horsepower and Wovenhand. Pretty small world!
Anyway, I've also included the the 7'' of "Soon Come Violence," the band's first single, featuring an exclusive b-side. Without any further ado, here's the information:
Orchestre Rouge- Yellow Laughter LP 1. Soon Come Violence 2. Je Cherche Une Drogue (Qui Ne Fait Pas Mal) 3. Soft Kiss 4. Red Orange Blue 5. Hole In His Thigh 6. The Consul 7. Speakerine 8. Slugs 9. Crows
Orchestre Rouge- Soon Come Violence 7'' 1. Soon Come Violence 2. Kazettlers Zeks
Next up, we have the second End of Data LP, finally rescued from poorly-ripped hell. The only copy most folks have of this record in digital format are ripped at a low bitrate from a less than stellar LP copy, so here's a more crisp, solid copy. This second record is slightly more poppy and new wave-esque than their more abrasive and strange debut, available here, so feel free to compare and contrast, and read up on the band while you're at it. Otherwise, here's a more solid and consistent rip of this 1985 classic!
End of Data- Dans Votre Monde LP 1. Dans Votre Monde 2. Movie Drama 3. Quetzalcoatl 4. Symphonie 5. La Rive Asiatique 6. Atttrra (Vers Le Miroir) 7. Venice 8. D.M.C.
As mentioned in a post just over a year ago, French post-punk band Marc Seberg formed out of the ashes of Marquis de Sade, a similarly styled band who released two records in the late '70s/early '80s (their debut can be found here. After their split, vocalist Philippe Pascal and guitarist Anzia formed Marc Seberg, who released four albums (and one posthumous live record) the Virgin France label before dissolving as the nineties took hold.
Marc Seberg's style continued with the same jangly, yet gloomy guitar driven sound developed by Marquis de Sade, with more glamorous synth production at the helm. For your listening pleasure, here's the band's sophomore effort, 1985's Le Chant Des Terres LP, which was re-released on CD with the 1984 L'Eclaircie 7'' attached. Here's the info:
Marc Seberg- Le Chant Des Terres LP 1. L'Eclaircie 2. Le Chant Des Terres 3. Don't Fail Me 4. Si J'Avais Su Te Dire 5. Aurore 6. Recueillement 7. E. Rope 8. Les Ailes De Verre 9. L'Eclaircie (Version Maxi) 10. Une Dernière Fois
Fun fact: The lyrics to "Recueillement" stem from a poem written by French poet Charles Baudelaire.
After scouring youtube, I've discovered an interview with the band attached to the promotional video for "L'Eclaircie," so click below and give it a whirl if yr French is up to snuff:
As mentioned in a post just over a year ago, French post-punk band Marc Seberg formed out of the ashes of Marquis de Sade, a similarly styled band who released two records in the late '70s/early '80s (their debut can be found here. After their split, vocalist Philippe Pascal and guitarist Anzia formed Marc Seberg, who released four albums (and one posthumous live record) the Virgin France label before dissolving as the nineties took hold.
Marc Seberg's style continued with the same jangly, yet gloomy guitar driven sound developed by Marquis de Sade, with more glamorous synth production at the helm. For your listening pleasure, here's the band's sophomore effort, 1985's Le Chant Des Terres LP, which was re-released on CD with the 1984 L'Eclaircie 7'' attached. Here's the info:
Marc Seberg- Le Chant Des Terres LP 1. L'Eclaircie 2. Le Chant Des Terres 3. Don't Fail Me 4. Si J'Avais Su Te Dire 5. Aurore 6. Recueillement 7. E. Rope 8. Les Ailes De Verre 9. L'Eclaircie (Version Maxi) 10. Une Dernière Fois
Fun fact: The lyrics to "Recueillement" stem from a poem written by French poet Charles Baudelaire.
After scouring youtube, I've discovered an interview with the band attached to the promotional video for "L'Eclaircie," so click below and give it a whirl if yr French is up to snuff:
Here's a fun synthpop/wave record for the excellent weather at work here in the northern hemisphere. The band in question is Jo Lemaire + Flouze, primarily a two piece project formed as an outlet for Belgian singer Jo Lemaire and musician Philippe Depireux, who were married at the time. The band released a handful of records in the late seventies/early eighties, splitting soon after this record, released in 1981. Jo Lemaire divorced Depireux and began a solo career to some fanfare in Europe, recording new wave records sung in both French and English.
It was their final record, 1981's Pigmy World that set the stage for Lemaire's solo career, with the strong support of "Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais," a synthpop treatment of a prominent Serge Gainsbourg number. Though it is easily the highlight of the record, the remaining tracks keep the same summery synthpop vibe alive. Without any further ado, here's the information for Pigmy World.
Jo Lemaire + Flouze- Pigmy World LP 1. Shades Of Night 2. Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je Mén Vais 3. Satellites 4. Siamese Sister 5. Chameleon 6. Voices In The Silence 7. Inner Void 8. Escape 9. Outside The Hole 10. Claustrophobia
Here's a fun synthpop/wave record for the excellent weather at work here in the northern hemisphere. The band in question is Jo Lemaire + Flouze, primarily a two piece project formed as an outlet for Belgian singer Jo Lemaire and musician Philippe Depireux, who were married at the time. The band released a handful of records in the late seventies/early eighties, splitting soon after this record, released in 1981. Jo Lemaire divorced Depireux and began a solo career to some fanfare in Europe, recording new wave records sung in both French and English.
It was their final record, 1981's Pigmy World that set the stage for Lemaire's solo career, with the strong support of "Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais," a synthpop treatment of a prominent Serge Gainsbourg number. Though it is easily the highlight of the record, the remaining tracks keep the same summery synthpop vibe alive. Without any further ado, here's the information for Pigmy World.
Jo Lemaire + Flouze- Pigmy World LP 1. Shades Of Night 2. Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je Mén Vais 3. Satellites 4. Siamese Sister 5. Chameleon 6. Voices In The Silence 7. Inner Void 8. Escape 9. Outside The Hole 10. Claustrophobia
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 something a little more fun and bright for your summer weekend. Here we have the first major release by French new wave connoisseurs Indochine, released in 1982. Bright rhythms, pulsing synths, and shameless hooks to be found on each of these seven tracks. 
As mentioned in a post just over a year ago, French post-punk band Marc Seberg formed out of the ashes of Marquis de Sade, a similarly styled band who released two records in the late '70s/early '80s (their debut can be found here. After their split, vocalist Philippe Pascal and guitarist Anzia formed Marc Seberg, who released four albums (and one posthumous live record) the Virgin France label before dissolving as the nineties took hold. 
Here's a fun synthpop/wave record for the excellent weather at work here in the northern hemisphere. The band in question is Jo Lemaire + Flouze, primarily a two piece project formed as an outlet for Belgian singer Jo Lemaire and musician Philippe Depireux, who were married at the time. The band released a handful of records in the late seventies/early eighties, splitting soon after this record, released in 1981. Jo Lemaire divorced Depireux and began a solo career to some fanfare in Europe, recording new wave records sung in both French and English.
