Archive for the 1985 Category

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The Essence- Purity CD

Posted in 1985, coldwave, netherlands, new wave, post-punk, sad lovers and giants, snake corps, The Essence on November 17, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop


I’ve got a pair of early Essence records to upload for you folks. Here’s the first of the lot, the band’s 1985 debut, Purity. The band originally formed as a three piece in 1984, hailing from Rotterdam, a region in the Netherlands. Over the course of time, the band grew in both popularity and personnel, releasing four full length LPs and several 12” singles before their demise in the mid-nineties. Most of the band’s material was released on Midnight Music, the label who also were responsible for Sad Lovers and Giants and The Snake Corps, two of the band’s closest sonic peers.

Speaking of which, it’s difficult to avoid comparing The Essence to The Cure, as the band walk similar sonic territory, straight down to the melodies, lyrics, and even the chimes in the instrumentation. For those who can’t avoid the comparison, the touchstones are close enough to consider it a lost record from The Top/Head on the Door era! Otherwise, it’s a rather solid guitar record from the mid-80s, with a hint of gloom and doom thrown in for good measure.

A surprising fun fact about this record: It was recorded in Alaska, of all places! Perhaps it was the allure of the near darkness and hopes of bringing the state’s icy edge to the record. Did they succeed? You decide. Here’s the information below.

The Essence- Purity CD
1. The Last Preach
2. A Reflected Dream
3. The Cat
4. The Blind
5. Never Mine
6. Endless Lakes
7. Forever in Death
8. Salivation
9. The Waving Girl
10. Purity
11. Confusion*
12. From My Mouth**
13. The Swaying Wind**

*bonus track from The Cat 12”, 1986
**bonus track from Endless Lakes 12”, 1986
both bonus tracks included on the 1996 CD reissue of Purity.

*download it here*

Stay tuned for the band’s sophomore record, which I will be uploading shortly!

11 Comments »

Various Artists- Reset Records 1983-1985 Comp.

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 1984, 1985, absolute, alison moyet, depeche mode, erasure, eric radcliffe, hardware, mute, peter hewson, reset records, synthpop, twilight, Vince Clarke, yazoo on September 29, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop


Uploading this one for a friend and figured I’d toss it up here as well. This particular release is an unofficial collection/torrent comprising of all the Reset Records 12 and 7 inches. For those unaware, Reset Records was formed by Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure) and Eric Radcliffe, a collaborator and famed Mute Records producer. The releases are synth-based, as one might expect from the interests of the label’s founders.

Now for the contributors. Robert Marlow (real name Robert Allen), who released seven different slabs of wax for Reset, has a long history with Mute/Sire records. He played guitar with Alison Moyet in a punk band in ’77, and also appeared alongside Vince Clarke and Martin Gore in French Look, before Depeche Mode was officially formed. Marlow still makes music today under various monikers, including Marlow.

Peter Hewson, who released but one 7”, was a member of seventies glam/pop band Chicory Tip.

Hardware is a pseudonym for Radcliffe’s own music, and not much is known about Absolute, but I would love to hear more about them if anyone is in the know.

The compilation also contains a rare 12 and 7 inch release by Twilight. Twilight featured Erasure’s tour manager Andrew Mansi and future Nitzer Ebb tour manager Steev Toth. Though the record was released on Polydor, makes sense to collect it here due to Clarke’s production. Otherwise, without any further ado, here’s the tracklisting for the compilation:

CD 1
1. Robert Marlow- The Face Of Dorian Gray (Extended)
2. Robert Marlow- The Tale Of Dorian Gray (Extended)
3. Robert Marlow- I Just Want To Dance (Extended)
4. Robert Marlow- No Heart (Extended)
5. Robert Marlow- Claudette
6. Robert Marlow- This Happy World (Extended)
7. Robert Marlow- The Face Of Dorian Grey
8. Robert Marlow- The Tale Of Dorian Grey
9. Robert Marlow- I Just Wanna Dance
10. Robert Marlow- No Heart
11. Robert Marlow- Claudette
12. Robert Marlow- This Happy World
13. Robert Marlow- Calling All Destroyers
14. Robert Marlow – In Retrospect

CD 2:
1. Peter Hewson- Take My Hand
2. Peter Hewson- Her
3. Absolute- T.V. Glare
4. Absolute- At The Thirdstroke
5. Absolute- T.V. Glare (Extended)
6. Absolute- At The Third Stroke (Extended)
7. Absolute- Can’t You See
8. Absolute- Love In My Heart
9. Hardware- Dance
10. Hardware- Hey
11. Hardware- Dance (Extended)
12. Hardware- Hey (Extended)
13. Twilight- Just Me Alone
14. Twilight- Talk To You
15. Twilight- Just Me Alone (Extended)
16. Twilight- Talk To You (Extended)

*download it here*

9 Comments »

Bérurier Noir- Concerto Pour Detraqués LP/CD

Posted in 1980s, 1985, 2000s, Bérurier Noir, france, punk, reformed on September 16, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s something a little different for you folks today… Up on the slab is a classic record by French punk band Bérurier Noir, a dirty, politically charged cult band who formed in 1983. Though the band went through several lineup shifts throughout the 1980s, adding and detracting members, the rhythm section remained a cheap, driving drum machine, giving them a more thin and aggressive edge.

The band, who refused to make any sort of profit during their tenure, split in 1989, reforming in 2003 to release a DVD. Since then, the reactivated Bérurier Noir has played several shows in Europe, and released a brand new record in 2006.

This particular release is the band’s second album, hailing from 1985. This version was released on CD just a year later, tacking on the Joyeux Merdier 12” at the end, and kicking off with a previously re-recorded single version of early standout “Nada,” the original which appears on their debut record, Macadam Massacre. It would be the fourth version the band had recorded. Here’s the breakdown:

Bérurier Noir- Concerto Pour Detraqués LP/CD
1. Nada 84
2. Petit Agité
3. Vivre Libre Ou Mourir
4. Conte Cruel De La Jeunesse
5. Le Renard
6. Les Rebelles
7. Porcherie
8. Commando Pernod
9. Les Éléphants
10. Fils De…
11. Hélène Et Le Sang
12. Il Tua Son Petit Frère
13. La Mère Noël
14. J’Aime Pas La Soupe
15. Vive Le Feu
16. Salut À Toi

*download it here*

Track 1 from Nada 84 7” (1984)
Tracks 2-12 from Concerto Pour Detraqués LP (1985)
Tracks 13-16 from Joyeux Merdier 12” (1985)

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Turning Shrines- Face of Another 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1985, boston, experimental, minimal synth, new wave, psychic tv, synthpop, turning shrines on August 6, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Phew, sorry for the delay folks. Life’s been a whirlwind.

To make up for my absence, I’ve since acquired and ripped the first Turning Shrines 12” record, released in 1985 on Psychic TV’s Temple Records. These four tracks are a bit more catchy than the full length EP I posted a few entries back, but are no less enjoyable, through and through. Click here for the release and more info on Turning Shrines, but otherwise, here’s the scoop on this particular gem.

Turning Shrines- Face of Another 12”
1. Face Of Another
2. 1/4 Circle Black
3. Dirt Test
4. Waking Up In The Dirt

*download link removed by request*

8 Comments »

Various Artists- Offering of Isca LP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, Circuit 7, minimal synth, post-punk, Prowler, Renegade Angel, The Outfit, V.o.K. on July 24, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Not just one, but two recent requests up for your listening pleasure for the weekend. This first post contains the elusive Offering of Isca compilation, which was produced by Circuit 7 member Martyn Good and released in 1985. The Circuit 7 tracks are repeated, but the compilation also features rare tracks from V.o.K., The Outfit, Prowler, and Renegade Angel, most of which are more guitar driven post-punk outfits. Most (if not all) of these tracks encompass the band’s entire discography, to boot.

The compilation was a limited pressing to begin with, and most unsold copies were either destroyed or forgotten, so a hard copy of this one is extremely rare. If you’re loaded, there’s even one on sale on discogs for 450 beans right this second. Meanwhile, us poor souls can nab the digital compilation by clicking below:

Various Artists- Offering of Isca LP
1. Circuit 7- India
2. Renegade Angel- Hell’s Let Loose
3. The Outfit- Reckless
4. V.o.K.- Lonely Boys, Lonely Girls
5. Prowler- Murder & Revenge
6. Renegade Angel- Classic Offender
7. Prowler- Sanctuary
8. Circuit 7- Beat Tonight
9. The Outfit- Stealing With The Boys
10. V.o.K.- Nukes Of Terra

*download it here*

Enjoy, ladies and gents, and stay tuned later this evening/early tomorrow for a rare Outer Circle 12”!

5 Comments »

Circuit 7- Discography

Posted in 1980s, 1984, 1985, minimal, minimal synth, uk on July 22, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

UK’s Circuit 7 is a 2-piece minimal synth collective who recorded only six tracks throughout their short tenure. Can’t seem to find a slew of other information about the band, but the two members were Martyn Good and Andy Partington, and this seems to be their only musical venture. Sleeve scans show additional organic contributions from various folks, but no songwriting or official member status credits.

The zip below contains all six of Circuit 7’s tracks, including two 7” records (one on blue and one on red vinyl!) and two tracks from the Offering of Isca compilation, produced by Martyn Good and released on Micro Records in 1985. Without any further delay, here’s the information.

Circuit 7- Modern Story 7” (1984)
1. Modern Story
2. Eastern Dream

Circuit 7- Video Boys 7” (1984)
1. Video Boys
2. The Force

Offering Of Isca compilation (1985)
1. India
8. Beat Tonight

*download link removed*

EDIT: Good news for fans of the Circuit 7 material, as Minimal Wave is planning a CD/LP release of all of these tracks (and more) in the near future! So for those who wish to support both a fantastic label and the original artist, stay tuned to this space, as I’ll replace the download link with a purchase link when the LP goes live!

PURCHASE THE CIRCUIT 7 REISSUE LP HERE!!!

On a related note, I’ve included “Video Boys” within my latest mix-making venture. Due to the nudging of a few readers, I’ve created an 8tracks account to upload songs and mixes for friends and readers. I’ve made a twenty-one track long minimal wave mix with a dash of italo and coldwave for good measure. A few of these tracks should be familiar to Systems of Romance regulars, some are favorites, and some may appear here in the future, if demand is high and there isn’t any overlap. Anyway, click HERE to give the mix a spin, and enjoy! I’ll be making more of these as time progresses, and will be sure to update when the next one is live.

3 Comments »

Weimar Gesang- 12” Discography

Posted in 1980s, 1984, 1985, 1986, darkwave, italian, minimal synth, Weimar Gesang on June 30, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

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 as of yet.

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.  Recommended heavily for fans of the Cure/New Order/Victrola.  So many favorite songs here, including “Chantal’s Secret,” “Light-Tight Place,” and “Worn Out Prayer.”

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* (RE-RIPPED 7.23.13)

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.

16 Comments »

Voice- Anno Di Voce 12” (+Bonus Tracks)

Posted in 1983, 1985, canadian, Dwayne Goettel, synthpop, voice on June 9, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Apologies for the disappearance, ladies and gents, been off the radar for most of last week. To make up for it, here’s a generous donation from a contributing member, which collects rare tracks and one 12” by Canadian synthpop act Voice. There’s little information to be found about the band (as it tends to be in matters like this), but otherwise, Voice featured contributions from Dwayne Goettel, who would join Skinny Puppy soon after their demise in 1986. Goettel also played keyboards in likeminded act Psyche, who would open for Skinny Puppy’s earlier incarnations.

Otherwise, seven tracks can be found in the file below. Four hail from the band’s 1985 Anno Di Voce 12”, released on Switch Records. The other three hail from an 1983 cassette release. An alternate version of “Lime” exists on this release, but the other two tracks are exclusive. The lineup on the cassette release was Malcolm Swann, Dwayne Goettel, Sherri Iwaschuk, and Jeff Sawatzky. Jeff would depart before the recording of the 12” single.

Without any further ado, here’s the info!

Voice- Anno Di Voce 12”
1. Lime
2. Business As Usual In Beirut
3. Wake Up Dreaming
4. I Am the Walrus [Beatles cover]

Bonus Tracks:
1. Holiday
2. Lime [Alt.]
3. Smile

*download both here*

Jeff has also been kind enough to include two bootlegs recorded in 1983 with the original lineup. The info:

Voice- Live @ Primetime
1. Awake
2. Birthright
3. Smiling
4. Broken Chains
5. Lime
6. Mellow Yellow
7. Holiday
8. Dangerous

Voice- Primetime Again
1. Awake
2. Birthright
3. Dangerous
4. Holiday 1
5. Holiday 2
6. Kaleidoscope

Thanks again to Jeff for all the information and donations!

13 Comments »

Fiat Lux- Commercial Breakdown VHS

Posted in 1980s, 1985, fiat lux, new wave, synthpop, uk on May 13, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

I’m pleased to offer this generous donation, a complete (audio only) Fiat Lux concert stripped lovingly from a VHS cassette and passed my way just a few days back. Entitled Commercial Breakdown, the show dates back to 1985, featuring a nine song set, with the studio version of “Secrets” being played both before and after, in video form.

The entire show is viewable in three parts on youtube, by searching for “Fiat Lux- Commercial Breakdown,” but for those interested in the audio, here’s the breakdown:

Fiat Lux- Commercial Breakdown VHS
1. Intro
2. Secrets (Video)
3. Blue Emotion
4. Photography
5. No More Proud
6. Sleepless Nightmare
7. The Moment
8. Comfortable Life
9. Embers
10. Splurge
11. House of Thorns
12. Secrets (Reprise)

*download it here*

Thanks to Craig for the donation! Otherwise, stay tuned today for another post to follow.

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Marc Seberg- Le Chant Des Terres LP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, 1990s, french, marc seberg, marquis de sade, new wave, post-punk on April 24, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

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. 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

*download it here*

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:

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