Archive for the 1980s Category

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A Primary Industry- (Mostly Full) Discography

Posted in 1980s, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, a primary industry, dreampop, ethereal, industrial, post-punk, shoegaze on August 7, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Got an email request for the early material of A Primary Industry, an incredibly underrated UK band who walked a fine line between the avant ghetto of SPK, 23 Skidoo, and A Certain Ratio and the ethereal textures of Cocteau Twins and Operating Theatre. While their lone LP Ultramarine was released in 1986, there are quite a few tracks that point heavily towards the shoegaze genre that was barely a glimmer across a pedalboard at the time.

That all said, A Primary Industry released most of their material on Sweatbox, an excellent label also responsible for the like-minded In the Nursery during their earlier and more experimental phase. The label also released a handful of Meat Beat Manifesto records, so you get an idea of some of the wildly oscillating moods and textures that can be found across all three bands. Otherwise, once A Primary Industry ran its course, the band morphed into Ultramarine (sharing the name with API’s lone LP), who released a series of more electronic/downtempo records in the 90s, and one in 2013. While Ian Cooper and Paul Hammond stayed on board for both projects, vocalist Jemma Mellerio left after Ultramarine’s first LP, Folk.

A Primary Industry’s work has been shared before, but at low bitrates that have since been scrubbed from the internet blogosphere. As their work is some of my very favorite, it was due time to dust off my copies of these records and share them across the board. Thanks also to Jeffo! for supplying a great rip of the band’s first 7”. I’ve uploaded the band’s four main singles and excellent LP from fresh rips, but have also included a handful of compilation tracks. I can’t take credit in any way for the lower bitrate comp rips, with the exception of the exclusive track from Bark, an excellent compilation from the Sweatbox label that also features The Anti Group, Perennial Divide, Meat Beat Manifesto, and In the Nursery. Just wanted to include the other comp tracks (minus Life at the Top, as the version of “Perversion” is identical to the 7” b-side, as is the mix of “Heart of Glass” from Bark) to complete the discography, more or less.

That said, if anyone has the elusive Real Time 6 compilation (or the exclusive track “Under Western Eyes”) I’d love to hear it, as that’s all we’re really missing here… Otherwise, enjoy!

A Primary Industry- At Gunpoint 7” (1984)
1. At Gunpoint
2. Perversion

Various Artists- Heures Sans Soleil LP (1985)
11. From This Prospect

A Primary Industry- 7 Hertz 12” (1986)
1. Cicatrice
2. Obeah
3. Biting Back
4. Bled Dry

A Primary Industry- Ultramarine (1986)
1. Body Blow
2. Beacon Hill
3. Shear
4. Sans Orange
5. Cicatrice
6. Watchword Weal
7. Gush
8. Raw Umber
9. Silesia
10. Rose Madder

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Various Artists- Suck (A Soundtrack For Everyday Living) LP (1986)
5. Rose Madder (Edit)

Various Artists- Abstract Magazine Issue 6 – Audio Visual LP (1986)
10. They’re Biting

A Primary Industry- Heart of Glass 7” (1987)
1. Heart of Glass
2. Where Is Your Vortex

A Primary Industry- Heart of Glass 12” (1987)
1. Heart of Glass A
2. Heart of Glass B

Various Artists- Vinile No. 1 7” (1987)
5. Fokker Bomb-Shit

Various Artists- Perdurabo LP (1987)
1. Watchword Weal (Remix)

Various Artists- Bark LP (1988)
9. Merde Alors

*download everything here*

When’s the last time we had a video here?! With that in mind, there’s a video for “Cicatrice” (the first track of theirs I heard, and the winner among winners). Enjoy!

15 Comments »

The Whittingtons- The Whittingtons K7

Posted in 1980s, 1989, an april march, canadian, dreampop, indie, jangle on July 5, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve been meaning to share this one for some time, and it’s certainly the season for some dreamy, jangly guitars. Here we have the lone tape by The Whittingtons, a band from Canada who would become An April March, shared previously here. I’d like to thank Danella, vocalist of both bands, who sent over a copy of this tape a few months back.

This particular cassette was released in 1989 and features the original lineup of An April March (including original drummer Joe Walsh, who would play on a handful of tracks on Impatiens). The six songs here are all exclusives, and a few of them, such as opening track “Sylvian,” and closing track “When the Sky Falls” especially point to the lush dream pop sound that An April March would encapsulate just a few years later. Others, like “Beatrice” and “Craving Wakes” are more firmly rooted in the jangle/indie/C86 sound, with a little bit of the folk vibes of bands like The Innocence Mission.

However, we all know the lines can get a bit blurred between shoegaze, dream pop, and indie pop, so hopefully there’s plenty to enjoy here for everyone. With that in mind, here’s the details:

The Whittingtons- The Whittingtons K7
1. Sylvian
2. Antiguos Muros (Sylvian Part II)
3. Beatrice
4. Craving Wakes
5. When the Sky Falls

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Royal Depeche- Reality 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, german, goth, post-punk, royal depeche on June 5, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

This one is FRESH off the needle, ladies and gentlemen. Just got home to find this waiting in my mailbox, and couldn’t wait to rip and share it with y’all.

Some folks may recall hearing the guitar and hook driven b-side on a previous Systems of Romance compilation, but I’ve always wanted to hear the lead track. I feared the worst, for usually when only one track surfaces from a highly coveted single, chances are that the other track isn’t really worth it. Happy to report that the a-side might be even better, though the two tracks are very similar sounding overall. Chances are the b-side originated from this excellent compilation of German goth and post-punk tracks, as this single appears to be extremely rare.

If you’re not already familiar with this band, Royal Depeche were a German post-punk band who released this one single in 1987, and were never heard from again. Though it was released much later, there are definitely 81-84 vibes all over this one, especially in the Chameleons-esque guitar lines that can be heard throughout both tracks. There are hooks galore and strong female vocals to bring the tracks home. With that in mind, hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!

Royal Depeche- Reality 7”
1. Reality
2. Your Return

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Relèvement ’82- Red Hair 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, Dutch, netherlands, post-punk, Relèvement '82, u2 on May 31, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s an incredible (and rare) one-off 7” from the Netherlands, released in 1984. The four-piece band formed in 1981, and apparently remained together until 1995, even though they don’t seem to have released anything else. Most famously, however, the band were asked to perform a U2 tribute set in 1995, which led to them changing their name to U2PIA. They appear to still be active to date.

As for this single, there are definitely heavy traces of Unforgettable Fire/War-era U2 on display here (amusing as the former record was also released in 1984). The A-side is a driving slice of fast-paced post-punk bliss. The flip is no less essential, but a bit moodier and bass-driven, with an excellent whistle breakdown at the halfway mark. Both tracks are stellar, and it’s a shame that this appears to be their only official release…

Relèvement ’82- Red Hair 7”
1. Red Hair
2. Glad Song

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Various Artists- Young Blood LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, minimal, minimal synth, peninsula records, post-punk, power pop, synthpop, uk, young blood on April 9, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Many, many thanks to Thomas for fulfilling one of my all-time top must-hear compilations. I’ve been obsessed with The Enter’s “The Contract” for many years now, working the song into early esoteric DJ sets. I’ve been dying to hear more from the project, and while sadly no other tracks seem to exist (please correct me if I am wrong), I’ll settle for hearing the rest of the compilation this minimal synth dirge hails from. This compilation was released in 1984 in the UK on Peninsula Records, who only released a handful of 7” singles, a prog rock LP, and another similarly themed (but less rare/expensive) compilation, if Discogs is to be believed…

Normally, synth gems like “The Contract” are often the only listenable track on a compilation, but I’m beyond ecstatic to find that this compilation is hit after hit after hit, with only a handful of lesser moments that even still, are enjoyable. Other favorites include the arpeggiated post-punk rave-up “Dance Feat,” the early Berlin-esque “Neon Nightlife,” the jangly/power-pop “Passion Call,” and the excellent post-punk track “Warrior.” With the exception of Hurt, these are the only known tracks by each of these bands. One and done, so they say…

Hope y’all enjoy, and thanks again to Thomas for providing this rip!

Various Artists- Young Blood LP
1. Passion Call- Colourtime
2. Warrior- If
3. Dance Feat- Gettysburg Address
4. Spring Comes Early- Oh! For 1821
5. In the Glade- Hurt
6. L’Espirit D’Avignon
7. Neon Nightlife- Urutu
8. The Contract- The Enter
9. It’s a Different Kind of Heaven- Vincent Vevil Vald
10. Soldier Sailor- John Brown
11. Catch the Wind- Turbo Chariot
12. Look Through a Window- Chris & Diane Jones

*download it here*

5 Comments »

Decades- Just Another Dream & Hell 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1982, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, uk on March 28, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a mysterious pair of 7” singles from UK-based post-punk/minimal synth band Decades. Not to be confused with the French band of the same name (though these singles were pressed in France), this particular project released only two 7”s in the early 1980s on the equally unknown Emperor label.

All four tracks feature glacial drum machine rhythms (most likely DR-55), deep bass, eerie synth lines, and hypnotically stark guitar. The vocals float on top, adding a sense of dread to an already gloomy cocktail. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but an amazing listen that calls The Cure’s incredible Carnage Visors soundtrack to mind.

Since I can’t seem to find much else to share, let’s let the music speak for itself. That said, there HAVE been a few copies of these extremely scarce singles being leaked out on discogs, so you know what to do if you want one of these for yourself at a reasonable price (for now)… Otherwise, here’s the info:

Decades- Just Another Dream 7” (1981)
1. Just Another Dream
2. China Doll

Decades- Hell 7” (1982)
1. Hell
2. Enderlein

*download both here*

3 Comments »

The Blush- A Look From Outside 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, post-punk, the blush, uk on January 9, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

No matter how much I try, I keep coming back to that early 1980s post-punk sound time and time again. Icy string synths, detached vocals, heavy driving bass, and razor sharp guitars. Nothing piques my interest more than those early Factory/4AD vibes.

With that in mind, this particular 7” falls well within that category. This is the lone release by UK band The Blush, who self-released this 7” in 1982. The lineup on the back of the sleeve lists five members – two guitars, bass, drums, and of course, synths. According to another blog, there may be some Associates connections, though it’s hard to tell if the original lineup changed or adopted pseudonyms before this single was recorded. Even without confirmation, this single should definitely please fans of early Associates material, as well as bands like The Names, Acute Logic, etc. Especially love the thick bass! Both sides of the single are incredible, but the catharsis on the second song is fantastic.

The Blush- A Look From Inside 7”
1. A Look From Inside
2. Skipping

*download it here*

 

5 Comments »

Moulin Rouge- Essentials K7

Posted in 1980s, 1986, minimal, minimal synth, synth, synthpop on December 7, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Any self-respecting minimal synth fan should be more than familiar with the Orgelvärk compilation by now. Originally released on cassette in 1986 and reissued on wax in 2011 by Minimal Wave, this compilation boasts some killer cuts by underground Swedish artists. One of the highlights is the lo-fi dirge stomp of Moulin Rouge’s “Silence” – a track that has been near and dear to my heart ever since hearing it. That said, any additional material by the band was hard to come by.

With that in mind, I’d like to thank Thomas for the rip of this cassette, which collects nine tracks from Moulin Rouge (aka Anders Wikholm, aka Moulin Noir), including the version of “Silence” we all know and love. Curiously enough, the rest of the material is a bit more romantic, less gloomy, but still quite excellent. Reminds me a bit of a DIY version of Midge Ure-era Ultravox, but your comparisons may vary.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact release date, as there is no date listed on the cassette artwork, but I’d wager it was 1986 or nearby considering both the sound and proximity to Orgelvärk’s release. Interestingly enough, Moulin Rouge also has a self-released cassette which has a little overlap, but a few additional tracks as well. If anyone happens to have a copy of that one, please chime in! Otherwise, here are the details and download link. Enjoy!

Moulin Rouge- Essentials K7
1. Welcome Home
2. Pamela
3. Sense
4. Silence
5. It Makes No Difference
6. Living In Cities
7. The Battle Of The Green Hills
8. Never Say Hello
9. The Golden Apples Of The Sun

*download it here*

8 Comments »

Nervous Germans- Summer of Love LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, german, goth, goth-rock, nervous germans, post-punk on September 27, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Much to my bitter chagrin, there’s a heatwave in NYC at the moment, so here’s an aptly titled record for those who aren’t ready to say farewell to the summer.

Loose weather-related connections aside, I picked this LP up earlier this year and somehow tossed it in the get-rid-of pile on the same day. Fortunately, I don’t move quickly when it comes to purging, for occasions like these. Some pals were over this past weekend and we picked through the pile, dropped the needle, and were all suitably impressed with the sounds we heard from the speakers. Let’s just say that if I had a nickel for every time I snap judged something, I’d be able to afford the scarcest of minimal synth classics…

That all said, this is the second LP by this German quartet, who were able to score some cult success outside of their native country thanks to a Peel Session in 1980. Their early material flirts with some art-punk leanings, but this LP lands more squarely on the post-punk spectrum, with some new wave-esque synths added for good measure. Definite shades of early Gene Loves Jezebel and some of the percussion-heavy moments on The Cure’s Pornography (especially in penultimate track “No Will to Resist”) as well.

The LP was released in 1983 and was the last release by the band for 30 years. The band has since reunited and has released two records, both of which can be heard on streaming media services, if that’s your bag. In the interim, here’s the deets:

Nervous Germans- Summer of Love LP
1. Summer of Love
2. Water Into Wine
3. When I Look Into Your Eyes
4. European Heart
5. Unconditional Surrender
6. The End of the Affair
7. Blood and Lace
8. No Will to Resist
9. Vanishing Point

*download it here*

Brief note- The ending of “European Heart” is meant to end abruptly, as the beat continues into the dead wax!

2 Comments »

Various Artists- Subtle Hints LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, subtle hints, uk on September 14, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

This one was already featured on Mutant Sounds forever ago, but it’s due time for a new rip and a new light to shine on this excellent electronic compilation from 1983. It’s gotten quite rare and pricey over the years, but remains a legendary entry into the UK’s minimal electronics and post-punk underground. Legend has it that most of these tracks were demos, and with a handful of exceptions (Art Interface, My Pierrot Dolls, a reissue of Chain of Command, and rare 7”s by Ad Astra and Picture Book), this compilation features their only released tracks.

I’d like to thank Thomas for his time and effort in providing the amazing rip here, and thanks as well to all the folks I was in touch with who offered to rip this one as well to put it back into the world. This one is for you guys, from you guys <3.

Various Artists- Subtle Hints LP
1. Always There- Squid Diddley
2. Some Aspects- Chain Of Command
3. Always Tomorrow’s Rain- Mon Amour
4. My Pierrot Dolls- My Pierrot Dolls
5. Hidden Pleasure
6. Witchcraft- This Side Of Paradise
7. A&R- Ad Astra
8. Statue of the Night- Time Statues
9. Success- Picture Book
10. If It Happened to You- Ind-X
11- Pseudo Rich- Synchronization
12. Follow Careers in Modern Love- New Vices For The Jaded
13. Beneath the Calm- Art Interface
14. Picture In Oils- My Pierrot Dolls

*download it here*

9 Comments »

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