Archive for the 2000s Category

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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!

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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*

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Twice a Man- Works on Yellow CD

Posted in 1980s, 1986, 1990s, 2000s, swedish, synth, synthpop, twice a man, wave on November 10, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Yet another icy piece of Swedish minimal/coldwave for you, as this post features another solid Twice a Man record. We’ve already covered this glorious band several times over, so click here and here for more info and music. Otherwise, this particular LP sees the band experimenting with more atmospheric and ambient textures, all while keeping their signature synth-perfection intact. This particular record also features “Girl,” one of the band’s best known tunes, also featured on the Retronics compilation. Get that here, if you’re in need.

The LP was released in 1986, and was re-released on CD in 1993 with an extra bonus track added. This is the version uploaded below. Here’s the info:

Twice a Man- Works On Yellow CD
1. Brave New World
2. Happy Life
3. Lapwing Territory
4. Girl
5. Back On Venus
6. Left
7. Backward Mode
8. Time
9. Africa

*download it here*

6 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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Lustans Lakejer- Uppdrag i Genève LP

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1990s, 2000s, lustans lakejer, new wave, reunited, swedish, synth on June 26, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Lustans Lakejer (aka Lustavision and Vanity Fair) were a Swedish new wave band originally formed in 1978 with a punk informed approach, not unlike the likes of Magazine and Ultravox. The band issued several 7 and 12” singles and a debut record before releasing today’s download, Uppdrag i Genève in 1981. At that point, the synthesizer became a main component of the band’s sound.

After a handful of following releases and lineup shifts, the band split in 1986. Reissues of the band’s catalog, expanded with bonus tracks and expanded booklets, followed. The band reunited in 1999 for a festival appearance. Another record followed and the band is currently active as both a recording and touring entity to date.

The CD reissue of Uppdrag i Genève is available for purchase via http://www.hotstuff.se/, for a pretty reasonable price. The record includes five extra bonus tracks, including a 7” and live tracks. Since the record is still available for those willing to import it, I’ve only uploaded the main program for listening purposes. Give it a spin, and if you dig it, be sure to pick up the CD. Here’s the info:

Lustans Lakejer- Uppdrag i Genève LP
1. Rendez-Vous I Rio
2. En Lång Natts Färd Mot Dag
3. Sista Tangon I Paris
4. Segerens Sötma
5. Stilla Nätter
6. Man Lever Bara Två Gånger
7. Män Av Skugga
8. Unga Moderna
9. Öppna Städer
10. Paradisets Portar

*download it here*

For more information about Lustans Lakejer, check out the band’s official myspace page, run by singer Johan Kinde.

Lustans Lakejer on Myspace

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Screams For Tina- Strobelight Funeral 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1986, 1990s, 2000s, deathrock, LA, los angeles, post-punk, reformed, screams for tina, US on April 23, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a horse of a different color compared to the usual sounds posted here as of late. Screams For Tina formed in Los Angeles in 1985, a twisted, dark post-punk band consisting of four like-minded members. They released one 12” mini-album (uploaded below) just a year after their formation, generating a bit of college buzz with their heavy, glam-infused brand of twisted, dark rock. The band toured for four years straight, playing with the likes of Human Drama, Ex-Voto, and various other players in the late eighties post-punk scene.

However, the original lineup of Screams for Tina split in 1990, but while various members departed, others quickly joined the ranks and the band soldiered on, attracting the attention of Cleopatra records, who released a full-length record in 1993. The band split once more in 1997, however, significant re-exposure and the continued friendship of members Warren Mansfield and Billy Budd led to a reformation of Screams For Tina in 2007. They are currently working on a full length record! In the interim, give a spin to the record that started it all, 1986’s Strobelight Funeral 12”. Fun fact: This particular record inspired Strobelight Records, home to Frank the Baptist, the reformed Pink Turns Blue, Black Ice, and The Last Days of Jesus, to name a few

Screams For Tina- Strobelight Funeral 12”
1. Nightmare
2. Fool’s Gold
3. Simple Addictions
4. Future Of Romance
5. Strobelight Funeral

*download it here*

The reformed Screams For Tina has a new website up, with t-shirts available for purchase. If you’re a fan of the shirt, nab one and support the band’s reactivation! Keep your eyes peeled for a new record in the works.

Screams For Tina dot com

2 Comments »

Anything Box- Peace LP

Posted in 1980s, 1990, 1990s, 2000s, anything box, california, new wave, synthpop, US on March 20, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Before we begin, I’m headed to London and Paris for the next week and change, so please excuse my absence in advance. I’m leaving you with a fantastic seminal synthpop record, released in 1990 and cherished to date. The band is Anything Box, a three-piece synthpop band based out of Caliornia, who are still active to date.

Anything Box began their recordings in 1989, based out of a small New Jersey town (fun fact- the band played some of their first gigs at Passaic’s Loop Lounge, a stage I played on just a few years ago). The band signed to Epic Records and relocated to Orange County, California, immediately beginning work on their first album (uploaded below). Since then, the band has released several EPs, singles, and records over the years, and the last dates to 2008. However, Peace, their stunning debut, remains one of their most popular, and boasts the single “Living In Oblivion,” their biggest chart success. The record’s success, as well as all subsequent releases, helped keep synthpop alive in the 1990s.

Without any further ado, here’s the info:

Anything Box- Peace LP
1. Living In Oblivion
2. When We Lie
3. Kiss Of Love
4. Jubilation
5. Soul On Fire
6. Our Dreams
7. Carmen
8. Lady In Waiting
9. I Felt The Pain
10. Hypocrites
11. Just One Day
12. All These Days Undone

*download it here*

It seems both youtube copies of the video have embedding disabled by request, but click here to give it a spin. Otherwise, catch you kids when I’m back on home soil, and perhaps I’ll have found some rare minimal records to rip and share whilst I’m abroad!

Edit: Since this stellar debut, each Anything Box record has been self-released on the band’s own label. Click below to visit their site and purchase more Anything Box records!

Anything Box Homepage

9 Comments »

Anne Clark- Changing Places LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 1990s, 2000s, anne clark, experimental, new wave, poetry, spoken word, uk on February 27, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Anne Clark is an UK-based experimental musician and poet, who began her career in 1982 and still records to this day. Her work combines spoken word, experimental music, and minimal synth electronics in a rather successful manner, adding a bit more introspection to the dancefloor.

I’ve been especially into her second record these days, 1983’s Changing Places LP, which features the successful single “Sleeper in Metropolis,” which appeared in remixed form in 1985. The record’s A-side [trax 1-6] was recorded and composed by David Harrow, while the second side [trax 7-11] were written and performed by Vini Reiley of the Durutti Column, giving each side a distinctively different tone. Without any further ado, here’s the info for the record:

Anne Clark- Changing Places LP
1. Contact
2. Sleeper In Metropolis
3. Poem For A Nuclear Romance
4. Wallies
5. Lovers Audition
6. Poets Turmoil No. 364
7. Echoes Remain Forever
8. All Night Party
9. Pandoras Box
10. Feel
11. The Last Emotion

*download it here*

For yr viewing pleasure, here’s a clip of Anne Clark performing “Sleeper in Metropolis” live in 1992:

2 Comments »

Excès Nocturne- 7” & 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1985, 1989, 2000s, coldwave, Excès Nocturne, french on February 10, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Two frozen coldwave treats for you folks today, both early releases by Excès Nocturne, who formed in 1984 and split in 1989. At their peak, Excès Nocturne were a five piece, with alternating male and female vocals, but began and concluded as a quartet.

Excès Nocturne would reform in 2006, seventeen years after their initial demise, and remain active to this day. The band currently consists of Remy Lozowski (guitars), Richard Horon (bass), and Ariane-Corine Zimny (vocals). An EP of new material appeared just last month.

Uploaded below are the band’s original vinyl releases. The first, the Evacuation Immédiate 7”, was released in 1985, while their second, a self-titled 12”, appeared in 1989. These two releases were supplemented by several cassette releases (including a separate self-titled cassette, not to be confused with the 12”). The band’s entire discography has remastered and re-released by Infrastition, which coincidentally led to the band’s reformation, so be sure to click below to pick up a fresh CD copy. Meanwhile, here’s the info for these two fine vinyl releases:

Excès Nocturne- Evacuation Immédiate 7”
1. Evacuation Immédiate
2. L’ennemi

Excès Nocturne- Excès Nocturne 12”
1. L’Echo Des Lumières
2. L’Or A…
3. La Passion Des Jours
4. Le Soleil S’Est Noyé

*download both here*

Also, click below for the official video for ‘Cauchemars Blafards,’ the lead-off track from their self-titled 1988 cassette:

Again, be sure to pick up a copy of 86-06, Excès Nocturne’s full discography (excluding their 2009 release) on Infrastition.com! Click below for ordering info:

Purchase 86-06 on Infrastition.com
Excès Nocturne on Myspace.com

5 Comments »

Sequins and Spandex (parts 1 & 2)

Posted in 1980s, 2000s, disco, italo disco, mixes, new wave, sequins and spandex, synth on January 30, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a slight deviation from the standard Systems of Romance fare to end the weekend. Though it’s a mere stone’s throw away from minimal wave as it is, my interest in Italo and Space Disco has been on the rise over the past six or seven months, and has culminated in two mixes of classic tracks both old and new. I created the first Sequins and Spandex collection in November of ’08 (and forgot to post it here during the blog’s forced downtime). Otherwise, I just finished the second mix last night, and am pleased to offer them both for your listening pleasure. The first is a little more glitzy, polished, and modern, while the second is a little more gritty and of-the-era. Here’s all the info:

Sequins and Spandex: An Introductory Disco Compilation
1. Friday Nights- Diamond Vampires
2. Hands in the Dark- Chromatics
3. Destiny- Vivien Vee
4. Veronica’s Veil- Fan Death
5. Digitally- Plastic Mode
6. Esc Hatch- Mount Sims
7. Pillow Talk- Lustt
8. Lady Operator- Mirage
9. 1991- Crystal Castles
10. Beatific- Glass Candy
11. No Regrets- Black Devil
12. Automatic Amore- Patriza Pellegrino
13. I’m an Indian Too- Don Armando’s 2nd ave. Rhumba Band
14. How Do You Dance?- Telex
15. Speakerphone- Kylie Minogue
16. Movie Star- Roisin Murphy
17. The Night (Original Mix)- Valerie Dore
18. Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (Mirage Mix)- Indeep

*download it here*

Sequins and Spandex 2: Electric Boogaloo
1. Spacer Woman- Charlie
2. Chase (Dub Version)- Sun La Shan
3. What Did He Say- Nite Jewel
4. Hide It- The Golden Filter
5. Somewhere in the Night (Extended)- Stereo
6. Main Theme From ‘Christine’- John Carpenter
7. Moscow Discow (Single Version)- Telex
8. Ikeya Seki- Kano
9. Magic Fly- Ecama
10. You- Boytronic
11. Into the Night- Tobias Bernstrup
12. Pulstar- Hipnosis
13. Baseball Furies Chase- Barry de Vorzon
14. Polaris- Cyber People
15. La Nuite Blanche- Munich Machine
16. Don’t Lose Control- Material
17. Flashing- Goblin

*download it here*

I hope to make a habit of these, so if you dig ’em, please speak up! Happy Friday, ladies and gents!

27 Comments »

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