Archive for the 2000s Category

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Absolute Body Control- Numbers K7

Posted in 1980s, 1982, 2000s, absolute body control, Belgian, minimal, new wave, the klinik on April 4, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s some classic cream-of-the-crop minimal synth to wrap up this week, especially relevant as this band has just reactivated and is playing in the US this very moment.

I’ve uploaded a rare cassette release by Belgian act Absolute Body Control, whose origins date back to early 1980. The band featured a slightly rotating lineup throughout their early years, driven by Dirk Ivans. Pairing down from a three piece, the main contributors are Dirk and Eric van Wonterghem, a fan who joined shortly after the band released its first single. Absolute Body Control were among the first wave of Belgian electronic acts, and they developed a substantial cult following both on record and on stage.

In 1984, Dirk formed the Klinik, yet Absolute Body Control continued releasing cassettes until 1993, which saw the release of their lone compact disc, Eat This. The band was mostly inactive even before that and officially folded just after its release. However, demand in the new millennium led to several reissues of the band’s back catalog as well as several live festival appearances. Just recently A.B.C. took to the studio to re-record 13 of their best tracks, released as the Wind(re)Wind LP. An EP of new material was also released this year, and both will be available to purchase through iTunes and Amazon by June, though CD copies are now for sale through various outlets.

This featured release dates back to a 1982 cassette issue. Unlike the majority of their output, Numbers is exclusively instrumental, and each track is simply titled in numeric order (though original tracklistings are simply labeled “part one” and “part two” respectively). On that note, pardon the obvious lack of tracklisting. Without any further ado:

Absolute Body Control- Numbers K7

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* – reissued as a digital release via Bandcamp!

I’m ashamed to admit that I’ll be missing tonight’s NYC gig, as I’ll be playing one of my own, but if you’re hip to it, drop on by the Music Hall of Williamsburg, if you aren’t coming to see us, that is. Otherwise, The band will be playing Saturday, April 5th in Los Angeles before flying back to Europe for some appearances. For all relevant information, click below:

Absolute Body Control on Myspace

and finally, a quick heads up: starting late next week, Systems of Romance will be offline for a spell while I’ll be kicking around New Orleans. However, this coming Wednesday, I will make it a point to upload another A.B.C. release with vocals to sweetly make up for the inactivity…

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Weep- Never Ever demo

Posted in 2000s, nyc, post-punk, shoegaze, weep on March 26, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Now, listen up kids, this one is something brand-spanking new, and certainly special. I’m pleased to bring you five tracks from a prolific and multi-talented gentlemen who you may remember from such multimedia projects as the Venture Brothers, Mors Syphilitica, and Requiem in White.

Doc Hammer’s newest musical endeavor, simply entitled Weep, is his best yet, and instead of relying on operatic female vocals, his own voice graces these tracks and adds a new and exciting element to the already stellar, driving music. This demo was completely self-recorded, and each track is passionate and gripping without being overwrought and overbearing. It calls to mind the best epic swirls of shoegaze, the heaviest percussion of early post-punk, and tosses dozens of unforgettable hooks in for good measure. Weep was just unveiled this year, and will soon develop into a full-fledged live band, as these songs are simply a taste of what’s to come. A damn fine taste.

Here’s the tracklisting:

Weep- Never Ever demo
1. The Weep
2. Lay There and Drown
3. The Hole
4. One Lock, One Key
5. Can’t Be True

*download link removed*

Otherwise, for more information about Weep, visit the official myspace page, linked just below. Also, I’ve reviewed the demo for Post Punk dot com, so take a peek if you’re so inclined.

Weep on myspace
Post-punk myspace

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Pink Turns Blue- If Two Worlds Kiss LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, 2000s, darkwave, german, new wave, pink turns blue, post-punk, reformed on March 24, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

German post-punk band Pink Turns Blue is a recent discovery of mine, a band who are enjoying a bit of a renaissance these days as a reactivated unit. The band originally formed in 1985, and combined the playful edge of new wave with the dark undertones of the post-punk movement. Sources claim they are one of the pioneering darkwave bands, ushering in a new faction of post-punk inspired music. The band would release six full lengths and a series of seminal singles before splitting in 1995.

Due to high demand, Pink Turns Blue briefly reformed in 2003 to release a best-of compilation, appearing live at various festivals throughout the year. The reformation led to further collaborations between members, and the band has since released two full length records, 2005’s Phoenix and 2007’s Ghost.

However, jumping back 20 years, I’ve uploaded their debut record, 1987’s If Two Worlds Kiss. The details:

Pink Turns Blue- If Two Worlds Kiss LP
1. I Coldly Stare Out
2. After All
3. Walking On Both Sides
4. State Of Mind
5. When It Rains
6. If Two Worlds Kiss
7. That Was You
8. Missing You
9. A Moment Sometimes
10. When The Hammer Comes Down

DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED- digital files for all of Pink Turns Blue’s work can be found on iTunes!

Feels like it’s been ages since I’ve posted a video…but here’s a clip of the band performing the equally amazing “Your Master is Calling” from their 1988 sophomore effort, Meta.

Last but not least, for more information on Pink Turns Blue as well as pictures, bits and bobs, and links to nab their newer records, please click below:

Pink Turns Blue dot com
Myspace

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Norma Loy- Romance 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 2000s, coldwave, french, minimal synth, norma loy, post-punk on February 25, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post is the very first 12” single by classic French coldwave band Norma Loy, one of the first bands of the genre, and one of the few to get significant exposure outside of their home country. Though original members Usher and Chelsea first met and collaborated in 1977, Norma Loy properly formed in 1981, dubbed so by Alan Vega of Suicide. Heavily drawing on the intensity of post-punk, the cold buzzing synths of minimal synth, and the theatrics of performance art, the band released several singles and full lengths with various lineups before disbanding in 1993. Usher and Chelsea continued their collaborations sporadically while each explored solo projects and various other art experiments in alternate mediums. In the meanwhile, the band’s influence grew, as several compilations and reissues sprung up from the band’s ashes.

After a thirteen year hiatus, Norma Loy reformed for a series of hometown shows, original members Chelsea and Usher joined by Lol (bass), Yann Reversat (guitar), Guillaume (drums), and Helene (buto dance). The band is seemingly still active, most recently appearing in Prague, yet no new material has surfaced.

I’ve uploaded their very first release, 1983’s Romance 12”. Without any further delay, the details:

Norma Loy- Romance 12”
1. Romance
2. Crazy Soul
3. Glance In Your Eyes
4. Tragic Venus

*download it here*

For your supplementary viewing pleasure, here’s a video clip for the band’s most well known tune, ‘Power of Spirit.’

For more info on Norma Loy, please visit their myspace page below. Also, Infrastition has reissued several of the band’s classic records, including the four tracks above (as part of an early singles compilation). Pick ’em up if you’re hip to it!

Norma Loy on myspace
Infrastition dot com

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Camera Obscura- Horizons of Suburbia LP

Posted in 1980s, 2000s, 2005, camera obscura, minimal, synth, uk, wave on February 20, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Thanks for all the requests over the past few weeks, ladies and gents…I’ve been uploading them slowly but surely over the past few posts, and ideally, I shall attend to each one of them in the very near future. Today’s request was for Camera Obscura’s Horizons of Suburbia LP, a synth/wave gem from 1983. Well…not quite. These ten tracks were recorded fifteen years ago but remained unreleased until 2005. Previously, the only documented Camera Obscura releases were a 7” single and a lone compilation appearance.

For the record, there seem to be several bands bearing the same name, including a rather prominent indie pop group. This particular Camera Obscura, however, consisted of Nigel James and Peter Oldroyd and hailed from the UK. The band formed in 1982 and soldiered through record label hardships until 1987, when the band when on indefinite hiatus. In 2005, however, Nigel and Peter dusted off their old material and took to playing shows throughout Europe, meanwhile releasing this lost classic as well as a live record and re-recorded single material. All recent Camera Obscura material has been released by German label Anna Louge Records.

Details:

Camera Obscura- Horizons of Suburbia LP (2005)
1. Escape From The City
2. Horizons Of Suburbia
3. The Mandarin Man
4. Fever Pitch
5. Vincent Van Gogh
6. Destitution
7. Circular Waves
8. Scarlet Vixen
9. Mystery Box
10. Race In Athens

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED BY REQUEST*

To purchase Camera Obscura’s material through Anna Logue Records, please click below! Also, see the following link for the band’s official homepage:

Anna Louge Records
Clan Camera dot com

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ADN’ Ckrystall- Jazz’ Mad LP

Posted in 1980s, 1982, 2000s, adn ckrystall, french, minimal on February 11, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Before I begin today, my apologies for the dead massmirror links…I have no idea what happened with those, but I’m currently switching everything back to zshare. I have about four more posts to reupload (Clint Ruin, Boytronic, Mary Goes Round, and Baroque Bordello), and that should all be sorted out within the evening…

Secondly, thanks for all the requests that have been pouring in this weekend! I’m aiming to upload all I can get my hands on, but stay tuned soon for Siglo XX, Babel 17, Camera Obscura, Pavillon 7B, etc. and some local treats. I’ll attack all that as soon as I can.

Otherwise, today’s post is on ADN’ Ckyrstall, a French minimal artist who’s given name is Erick Moncollin. Erick took on his moniker as early as 1977, playing an experimental brand of rock music infused with primitive synthesizers. Throughout the late seventies, he developed his craft alongside members of the like-minded act GonG. The first ADN’ Ckryrstall release appeared in 1982, and until 2005 it was the lone full-length, though one other single followed in 1984. Afterwards, Erick added other members to the project, renamed ADN’ La Catastrophe,. Both outfits dropped off the radar in 1992 as Erick would delve into the techno/ambient scene under the name Dr. Strange, only to reappear in 2005 with a new LP, entitled Synthesizers And Other Electronic Masturbators.

I’ve uploaded ADN’ Ckrystall’s debut record Jazz’ Mad for your listening pleasure.

Details:

ADN’ Ckrystall- Jazz’ Mad LP
1. Cocaina Vitamina
2. Pour L’Amour D’Un Cygne / Puckies’ Power
3. Le Blues De La Fille Aux Jambes De Jeans
4. Haschisch T’Es Pas Cap!
5. Dragons’ Caravan / Spanik Elektronik
6. Tam Tam Samba

DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED: The album has been lovingly reissued by Dark Entries records!  Please purchase a copy and support the artist and label!

In 2005, underground label Minimal Wave uncovered a handful of copies of Jazz’ Mad on LP and are offering them through their catalog. Click below for a link to purchase it if you’re so inclined. Also included- a link to ADN’ Ckrystall’s myspace page, for those interested.

Purchase Jazz’ Mad via Minimal Wave
Myspace page

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Clair Obscur – Play. LP

Posted in 1980s, 1988, 1990s, 2000s, french, minimal, synth on February 6, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Clair Obscur are a classic French minimal wave/synth act who began in 1981 as a three-piece collective. Throughout their expansive tenure, members have come and gone, though two core members, vocalist Christophe Demarthe and guitarist Nicholas Demarthe, have always been present.

In the 80s, Clair Obscur developed some success and a bit of cult following for mixing their blend of bleak minimal wave music with expansive visuals, and earned spots on prominent local festivals and an opening slot with Killing Joke. Though the band has gone through several lineup shifts over the years (and has recorded as CO2 during bouts of inactivity), Clair Obscur is still active to date, playing sporadic gigs throughout Europe.

I’ve uploaded the entirety of their full length, Play. Though the record was released in 1988, Play. comprises several earlier releases, including the 1984 Dansez 12” and the 1982 La Cassette Noir cassette release. When the record was pressed to CD, the tracklist was chronologically rearranged, resulting in the version I’ve uploaded. Also, four separate covers were issued with the original LP.

Details:

Clair Obscure- Play. LP
1. Sequence
2. The Last Encounter
3. Blume
4. K.G.
5. Pessimiste Combattif
6. Revol Dub
7. Vivant
8. Hibernation
9. Kriegs Opera
10. The Pilgrim’s Progress
11. Zeda
12. Die Kinder Sind Allein
13. Tremendous

*download it here*

For your viewing pleasure, here’s a clip of Clair Obscur performing ‘La Ballade des Gens Heureux ‘ in 1986. The song is originally featured on the 1986 Smurf In The Gulag 12”.

CD copies of Play. are available through Infrastition. Otherwise, for more on Clair Obscur, including full discography, bio, pictures, and fun facts, click below:

Clair Obscur dot net

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Opus Finis- Opus Finis CD-R

Posted in 1986, 2000s, florida, minimal, US, wave, wierd records on January 31, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Opus Finis is a currently active two piece minimal synth outfit hailing from Miami Beach, Florida. They are part of the recent upsurge and rekindling of the minimal movement, and in cahoots with NYC’s Wierd Records. Ramiro (synths) is also active as Staccato Du Mal.

The band’s discography consists of one recent 7” single, two tracks on the vinyl-only Wierd Compilation, and one extremely limited CD-R from 2006, the latter which I’ve uploaded for your listening pleasure.

Details:

Opus Finis- Opus Finis CD-R

1. Fortress
2. Ad Pondus Omnium
3. Psychological Carousels
4. Adjust
5. Malacoda
6. Scrying Formation

*download it here*

If you’re of the myspace generation, drop the band a note:
Opus Finis on myspace

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Boytronic- The Working Model LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 2000s, boytronic, german, synth, wave on January 22, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Thanks to Glenn, I just discovered today’s band, German wave/electro/boy band act Boytronic, this long weekend, and have acquired and uploaded their first record, 1983’s The Working Model, for your listening pleasure.

Boytronic formed in 1983 and released two seminal synthpop records (in the vein of Visage and early Depeche Mode) before running into troubles, as their label claimed ownership to the band’s name, and re-assembled Boytronic with a completely different lineup which lasted into the mid-90s. Funnily enough, the band reunited in 2002, but this incarnation featured Holger Wobker from the first lineup, and Hayo Panarinfo from the second, and continues to this day, releasing records and performing live.
Details:

Boytronic– The Working Model LP
 1. Recycled
2. Luna Square
3. Diamonds and Loving Arms
4. Red Chips
5. You
6. (I Want To Live) In Harmony
7. My Baby Lost Its Way
8. You’re the One Who Stays
9. At Last
Here’s the video for ‘Diamonds and Loving Arms’:

For any curious parties:
Boytronic dot com

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Trisomie 21- Million Lights LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, 1990s, 2000s, coldwave, france, trisomie 21 on December 19, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop


I believe I’ll stick to French coldwave classics for the remainder of this week, just in time for the holidays! Today’s post features Trisomie 21, an on again-off again act consisting of brothers Philippe and Hervé Lomprez. The band formed in the early 1980s and takes its name from the condition known as trisomy 21, an chromosome imbalance that causes down syndrome.

Though the band is still active to this day, I’ve always preferred their earlier wave material- especially their first two records, which have been previously uploaded by curious guy of Phoenix Hairpins. They can be found here, and here, and an early EP can also be downloaded here. However, it would be amiss not to mention their 1987 record Million Lights among their more classic material, though they pursued a more distinctive coldwave sound during this era, with slight EBM leanings (released on Play it Again Sam, mind you).

Without any further ado, here’s the details proper:

Trisomie 21- Million Lights LP
1. The Hazy Ridge
2. Sunken Lives
3. There’s A Strange Way This Morning?
4. Sharing Sensation
5. The Rickshaw
6. The Fairylike Show
7. Some Twenty One Miles From The Coast
8. Magnified Section Of Dreams
9. The Clencher
10. Million Lights

*download link removed* – most of the band’s releases are now available digitally! Please support them!

For more info on the band, including a comprehensive discography, videos, pictures, and some exclusive recordings, click below for the band’s webhub.

Trisomie 21 dot com

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