Archive for March, 2010

Bugger West- Don’t Say It LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, bugger west, D. Phillips, minimal, minimal synth, new wave on March 30, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a rare and quirky minimal synth gem. This one’s so obscure, in fact, that I can’t find a single stitch of information about it, except for what comes on the sleeve.

Bugger West seems to be a one man project, helmed by D. Phillips. Mr. Phillips is credited with writing all of the songs contained within. Steve Zero and Nick Madaloni contribute guitar to a handful of the tracks. This 1984 album was released on Llist records, which I’ve also never heard of. The only other relevant information is a message left by West/Phillips himself, which states that “this album is dedicated to Kathy (my wife) and Chelsea (my daughter) with all my love.”

Perhaps some more astute readers can shed some light on this project, and any other related work by D. Phillips?   I reckon it’s not the same Swiss hardcore vocalist Dave Phillips…but stranger things have happened.

EDIT: There is a follow up 7” from 1987, but after having owned it for a short period of time, I sadly must report it’s not of the same vibe as this LP at all.

Anyway, here’s the album credits!

Bugger West- Don’t Say It LP
1. Water
2. Inside your mind
3. Don’t say it
4. Fine hine
5. Spiral
6. Superior man
7. Right between the lies
8. Broken hearts
9. 102752

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 5.21.12)

17 Comments »

The Twins- Passion Factory & Modern Lifestyle LPs

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1982, 1990s, german, minimal synth, synth, synthpop, the twins on March 29, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post contains two classic LPs from German synthpop/minimal band The Twins. A duo at heart, consisting of Sven Dohrow and Ronny Schreinzer (not related, naturally), the band released several albums over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, issuing several live, remix, and rarities records into the new millennium. While their last proper LP was released in 1993, the band has reactivated for several live performances in their homeland over the past few years.

Inspired primarily by bands like Depeche Mode, OMD, John Foxx, Devo, and The Human League, their earliest works were dance floor fillers, adding a little italo-esque edge for good measure. Astute club-goers may recognize tracks as “The Desert Place” and “Face to Face – Heart to Heart.”

As a proper introduction to the band’s oeuvre, i’ve zipped up the band’s first two LPs, 1981’s Passion Factory and 1982’s Modern Lifestyle. Expect catchy synth lines, steady drum machine rhythms, and shameless hooks throughout both records. Here’s the breakdown:

The Twins- Passion Factory
1. The Passion Factory
2. X-Ray Eyes
3. Satellite City
4. Runaway
5. Electric Bats
6. The Desert Place
7. Night, Lights and Shadows
8. Younger Days
9. Wet Season
10. Synthetic World

The Twins- Modern Lifestyle
1. Modern Lifestyle
2. Face to Face – Heart to Heart
3. Regret
4. Knights of Old
5. Automatic Man
6. New Days, New Ways
7. Gilded Cage
8. I’m Staying Alive
9. Birds and Dogs
10. N 4

*download both here*

7 Comments »

Feu Ma Mere- Seasons of Mournful LP

Posted in 1980s, 1989, coldwave, darkwave, Feu Ma Mere, german, goth-rock, The Angina Pectoris on March 25, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

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. This is their only LP, though the band seem to have a cassette release from the same year, which I’d love to hear if anyone happens to have a copy of it!

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 gloom vocals, simple driving drum machines, and layers of dreamy, ethereal 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, but other touchstones may include Xymox, And Also the Trees, and Breathless. 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* (RE-RIPPED by Adrian on 5.19.23)

8 Comments »

Entertainment- Gender CD

Posted in 2008, coldwave, darkwave, deathrock, Entertainment, georgia, post-punk, US on March 22, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

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
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!

9 Comments »

Panoramas- Amanda 12”

Posted in 1981, coldwave, french, Panoramas, polydor, post-punk on March 17, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

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

*download it here*

8 Comments »

Revel Hotel- The Beating of the Wings EP

Posted in 2000s, 2010, nyc, post-punk, Revel Hotel, synthpop on March 15, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Allow me to deviate slightly from this blog’s usual course to announce the release of my band Revel Hotel’s debut studio EP, The Beating of the Wings. In true Systems of Romance fashion, I’ve uploaded it for free download for any and all interested parties.

Revel Hotel formed as a three piece in ’06, playing our first show at Wierd soon after. Since then, we’ve changed our name, added a guitar player, and have been carving out our own niche here in New York City. While this is our first studio release, we’ve also issued a downloadable EP of a recent radio session, as aired on 91.5FM and mixed by JennaX. Alongside two tracks that appear on the studio EP, we cut two newer songs, as well as a rather faithtful cover of B-Movie’s “Nowhere Girl.” Those sessions can be downloaded here.

Our studio debut was recorded in March ’09, lovingly mixed and mastered over the course of a year. Without any further ado, here’s the info:

Revel Hotel- The Beating of the Wings EP
1. Purify
2. 1,000 Dreams
3. Terminission
4. Dark Naked
5. Before I Disappear

*download it here*

For anyone interested in purchasing the EP (no obligations, please!), the record is currently available on CDBaby, iTunes, and Wierd Records.

Otherwise, please feel free to spread the record around at will! Systems of Romance will soon resume regular activity, but in the interim, thanks for listening, and hope you enjoy!

Visit us at these hubs:
Webpage
Myspace
Facebook

10 Comments »

Eyes of God- Eyes of God

Posted in 1980s, 1984, darkwave, eyes of god, san francisco, synth, US on March 9, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

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 heavy guitars, blaring saxophones, powerful female vocals, 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 originally 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 track listing, likely released as a label cash-in.

However, I stumbled upon what I believe to be the band’s only other release, a debut 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* (RE-RIPPED 10.9.17)

6 Comments »

Various Artists- Synthetic Romance LP

Posted in 1982, compilations, Dark Entries Records, minimal synth, uk on March 9, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I have a new post waiting in the wings, but before I unveil it, allow me to draw attention to this great donation from Josh of Dark Entries Records. Astute synth fans should already be familiar with the efforts of Dark Entries, who not only has reissued the killer Eleven Pond and Second Decay LPs, but is also focusing on several new minimal synth artists, including the likes of Death Domain and an upcoming release from NY’s own Further Reductions.

As if this wasn’t enough, Dark Entries is one of the few US distributors of the Anna Logue Records catalog, and carries several of their more prestigious releases. So what are you waiting for? Click on over to their site, place some orders, and embrace both the new and old.

Speaking of upcoming Dark Entries releases, Josh has been kind enough to rip upload the 1982 Synthetic Romance compilation, which among others, contains a rare Those Attractive Magnets track. You can snag the band’s lone release here on Crispy Nuggets for now, and whet your appetite for Dark Entries’ upcoming Those Attractive Magnets release, which collects these tracks and more. As for the rest of the tracks, there should be a few familiar faces and quite a few new treats in store, so be sure to check this one out.

The LP comes complete with this message on the back:

Synthetic Romance- for people wanting a collection of modern and futuristic music. The groups are varied, from all parts of the country and all walks of life, with one thing in common – the synthesizer – perhaps the most sophisticated instrument of our century. This album is intended to promote the best new groups performing their own material. It also demonstrates the imagination and foresight of these little known musicians.

All tracks were produced by Darryl Johnston for Ebony Records, which required each band to re-record their tracks using state of the art gear and arrangements. This, as Josh points out, resulted in several forced arrangements and curious alternate versions. A blessing and a curse, perhaps. Anyway, without any further ado, the info:

Various Artists- Synthetic Romance LP
1. Johnny Dee- Stargazer
2. The Truth- System Thinking
3. Those Attractive Magnets- Fade Into Silence
4. Stranger Station- Welcome to the Night
5. Roman Holiday- Waste of Time
6. Liar- Oriental Lady
7. Low Profile- On the Run
8. Factor 10- Ever Since You Went Away
9. Biofeedback- As Pure as the Cloth
10. Motifs- Camera
11. D.H.S.S.- Together

*download it here*

8 Comments »

U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 12” + 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1985, darkwave, german, synth, synthpop, U-Bahn X on March 7, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

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.  The original “Essential Mega Mix” was remixed in part by Pete Waterman, 1/3 of Stock Aitken Waterman, who were responsible for penning a series of club friendly tracks over the years.

I’ve uploaded both the 7” and 12” versions here, though both versions of “Kiss of Death” are the exact same, despite the alternate title.  I’ve also included an alternate mix from a rare 12” that was also compiled on 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)

U-Bahn X- Young Hearts of Europe 7”
1. Young Hearts of Europe
2. Kiss of Death

Bonus Track from alternate 12”: Young Hearts of Europe (Valhalla Mega-Mix)

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 1.14.14)

 

UPDATE- Rexx Arkana, NYC DJ and remixer extraordinaire, has created an extended remix of “Kiss of Death”- the flip side of these singles. I’m pleased to offer it here as an additional download:

*download it here* (right click to “save as”)

For more on Rexx Arkana’s work, please click here and here!

11 Comments »

Various Artists- Strange Sounds Vol. 1 & 2 LP

Posted in 1980s, 2000s, absolute body control, bene gesserit, compilations, experimental, german, league of nations, minimal synth, Strange Sounds on March 3, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a curious treat to kick off the month of March. Contained within this post are both volumes of the Strange Sounds compilations, two unofficial releases containing some ultra rare minimal synth music. Expect a few familiar classics, rare gems, and as the title implies, some strange sounds indeed.

These two compilations hail from Germany, compiled by a studious collector. The second collection was released in 2006, but not sure about the first. Here’s the rundown:

Strange Sounds Vol. 1
1. Modern Art- Still Life
2. Solid Space- 10th Planet
3. Burlesque- Collision Of Sex
4. Minny Pops- Island
5. Transparent Illusion- Demented
6. Portion Control- Across The Fence
7. Ian Elms- The Street Enters The House
8. Cinema 90- In Ultra-Violet
9. Stephen Spera- Sound Of The Crowd
10. Absolute Body Control- Is There An Exit?
11. PSY 231- Rockin Rollin’ Rhythm
12. Exhibit A- Platform 6
13. The Metronomes- A Circuit Like Me

Strange Sounds Vol. 2
1. Bene Gesserit- Mickey Please
2. League Of Nations- Thin Ice Door
3. Dicky Design- Echofields
4. Erste Weibliche Fleischergesellin Nach 1945- Ich Fress Dir Aus Der Hand
5. Sudeten Creche- Are Kisses Out Of Fashion
6. Transparent Illusion- Is There Hope
7. Nocturnal Emissions- Don’t Believe It’s Over
8. Vita Noctis- Hade
9. Kabelbrandt- Endsieg
10. Vorgruppe- Mensch Im Eis
11. Telegraph- Telegraphic
12. Kein Mensch- Kein Mensch

*download both here*

7 Comments »