Archive for the darkwave Category

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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 »

In Trance 95- Desire to Desire 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1988, darkwave, greece, greek, In Trance 95, minimal synth, synthpop on February 18, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Yesterday’s posts focused on the darker edge of the post-punk/electronic spectrum, so today’s goal is to bring you two dancier recordings. First up, we have In Trance 95’s debut 7”, the elusive and hypnotic Desire to Desire. While the A-Side is a catchy piece of synthpop, it’s the B-side that especially grabs me, with its deep repetitive grooves. Both tracks have a bit of a Cabaret Voltaire vibe going for them, without being as abrasive.

The band formed in Greece and released this 7” in 1988 via Wipe Out! Records. In Trance 95 split for several years, but the main duo has reappeared as a band called Itenef, re-recording several of their classics and writing several new tracks with a female vocalist at the helm.

In Trance 95- Desire to Desire 7”
1. Desire to Desire
2. Brazilia

*download it here*

10 Comments »

Dobri Isak- Mi plačemo iza tamnih naočara K7

Posted in 1980s, 1986, darkwave, dobri isak, lo-fi, post-punk, serbian on February 17, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Contained within this post is Dobri Isak’s lone record, released on cassette in 1986. This Serbian darkwave/post-punk band drew heavy inspiration from Joy Division, so this is definitely a must for fans of dark, furious, and somewhat lo-fi post-punk and goth rock.

There seems to be an abundance of information about the band, despite their relative obscurity. The band, whose name translates to “Kind Isaac,” originally formed in 1983. After three years and a handful of lineup shifts, they dropped their first and only release. The cassette (which translates to “We Cry Behind Dark Glasses) was limited to 100 copies, which quickly sold out. The record contains an Arnold Layne song, the band several members were active in alongside Dobri Isak.

Though the record came out in 1986, Dobri Isak remained together until 1996, playing their last gig with Arnold Layne and splitting soon after. In 2009, PMK Records re-released their cassette, tacking on a few extra bonus tracks at the end. However, here’s a rip of the original cassette, as donated by a generous last.fm user. Be sure to purchase the reissue if you dig these tracks!

Dobri Isak- Mi plačemo iza tamnih naočara K7
1. Ona Se Igra Nožem
2. Sinoć Si Sanjao Da Si Pas
3. Mi Plačemo Iza Tamnih Naočara
4. Čekamo Te (Na Istom Mestu)
5. Ja Znam Da Ću Propasti
6. Nepoznata
7. Feniks
8. Plakati Su Ikone
9. Dozvoli Mi Da Ostanem U Tvome Krevetu
10. Mrzim Te
11. Tu U Uglu (Tada Sam Te Poslednji Put Video)

*download it here*

Note: My upload of the cassette seems to have an extra track inserted in the middle, one which does not appear on the official discogs/reissue listing. According to the cassette artwork- “Nepoznata” does not appear on the release, but might very well be a hidden track. Any information welcome!

8 Comments »

Calculated X- Four Windows 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, american, Calculated X, darkwave, minimal synth, new wave, post-punk, US on January 23, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Not much is known about Calculated X, aside from their American (Tennessee) origins, and contributions by the late Bobby Bowie (no relation to David, I’m afraid). That said, this particular 12”, released in 1982, is one of the very best dark synth records of all time. All three tracks are pure class, especially the driving “Dream Affair,” one of my favorite tracks to spin here in New York.

It seems as if the band has also released a full length record, but I can’t seem to find much information on it. That all said, if anyone’s able to fill in the gaps and tell more of the Calculated X story, feel free. Otherwise, here’s the info for this killer 12”.

Calculated X- Four Windows 12”
1. Four Windows
2. Girl Like You
3. Dream Affair

*download it here*

17 Comments »

Beautiful Pea Green Boat- Still Life CD

Posted in 1980s, 1989, 1990s, beautiful pea green boat, darkwave, ethereal, heather wright, ian williams, post-punk, uk on October 5, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post features a collection by UK ethereal/post-punk band Beautiful Pea Green Boat, released on CD in 1989. Taking their name from The Owl and the Pussycat, a classic children’s poem written by Edward Lear, the outfit were primarily a two piece, consisting of Ian Williams and Heather Wright. The band released a handful of 12” and two full length recordings in the mid-1980s, splitting at the turn of the decade. Their material is often downtempo, melodic, and moody, with several repetitive synths grounding the material with an electronic/darkwave edge.

This collection is comprised of the band’s best moments from their two prior LPs (1987’s Obsessions and 1988’s Get Religion). Perhaps I’ll upload them too, should anyone be interested. Otherwise, here’s the info for the compilation:

Beautiful Pea Green Boat- Still Life CD
1. The Powerhouse
2. Hammers Of Islam
3. Too Much
4. When Dreams Moved In
5. The Vase
6. Among The Ruins
7. Paper House
8. Danielle
9. Mirror Of Souls
10. The Screw
11. Nostalgia
12. And She Laughed Too

*download it here*

11 Comments »

Invisible Limits- A Conscious State CD

Posted in 1980s, 1989, 1990s, darkwave, german, Invisible Limits, synthpop on September 21, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Invisible Limits were a German synthpop/darkwave band who formed in 1985. The band was originally the brainchild of Thomas Lüdke, who departed after releasing two 12” singles to form the Invisible Spirit. The band shed their then darker edge and employed a more poppy approach, releasing material well into the ’90s.

Though the band seemingly split, an unreleased “final” album appeared in 2005, self-released by the band through their official site. The band has also issued a five disc box set comprising their entire discography and a handful of single remixes, so any curious parties might do well to pick one up via Amazon import. Otherwise, here’s the information for their second full-length record, 1989’s A Conscious State.

Invisible Limits- A Conscious State CD
1. Golden Dreams
2. No Tears
3. Love Will Tear Us Apart [Joy Division cover]
4. No Doubts
5. In A Dream
6. Kill Me Dearly
7. I Want You
8. Power To Survive
9. Natalie’s
10. Kill The Remix [CD-only bonus track]

*download it here*

5 Comments »

Choir Invisible- Choir Invisible LP

Posted in 1980s, 1981, Choir Invisible, darkwave, LA, los angeles, new wave, post-punk, punk, US on September 1, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Choir Invisible were a four piece post-punk band hailing from Pasendena/LA area, California. The band formed in the wake of the Flyboys, a first wave LA punk band, who split after the death of bassist/keyboardist David Wilson. Singer John Curry also played bass in The Plugz, and drummer Danny Benair would join jangle-pop band The Three O’Clock.

Lisa Fancher, head of Frontier records (who released the lone Flyboys 12” in 1980), essentially pieced Choir Invisible together after the Wilson’s death. The band grew to local prominence, opening for the likes of Romeo Void, Depeche Mode, and Christian Death in the early 1980s, before releasing their debut record in 1981.

Though the band split shortly after their 1981 tour, a few straggling members recorded a follow up in 1982, which was released two years later on Passport records. I shall upload this one for my next post, but in the meanwhile, here’s the info for the band’s 1981 self-titled debut.

Choir Invisible- Choir Invisible LP
1. Quiet Place
2. Fatal Dream
3. The Other Room
4. Fixation
5. Chameleon
6. Side To Side
7. Private Life
8. The Key
9. Playing Cards
10. Portrait Of Charles
11. The Distance From…

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Weimar Gesang- THE REST!

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 1987, darkwave, italian, minimal synth, Weimar Gesang on July 13, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

After some insight on some rare and otherwise unreleased Weimar Gesang material, I am pleased to offer the last of their uncovered gems, once and for all! Thanks a ton to all who have uploaded some of the harder-to-find material and offered extra information on the band.

Included in the zip file below are three releases. The first two are respective sides of a 1983 demo cassette, the A-side being early demos of familiar tracks and the B-side featuring a rare live set from the band’s early incarnation, recorded in October of 1983. This release predates the previously uploaded Our Silent Growth cassette. The third and final release attached is a 1987 rough mix of what was to be the fourth WG record, never officially released and given to the band’s closest friends just before they split up. Very rare materials, all three, and thanks to allelimo for encoding them!

Otherwise, here’s the nitty gritty:

Weimar Gesang- Demo 1983 (Cassette side A)
1. Frail Moments
2. Along The Walls
3. Locked In My Castle
4. Refusing
5. Show Me
6. Motionless Dance
7. Incomprehension

Weimar Gesang- Live 1983 (Cassette side B)
1. Motionless Dance
2. Refusing
3. Locked In My Castle
4. Torn Souls
5. One Sweet Night

Weimar Gesang- It is a Crime
1. It is a Crime
2. Place to Be (Nick Drake cover)

*download them here*

Thanks again to all who have contributed to the Weimer Gesang posts! Should you have missed them, their remaining discography can be downloaded from these back pages by clicking here and here.

4 Comments »

Weimar Gesang- Supplemental Materials

Posted in 1980s, 1984, darkwave, italian, minimal synth, Weimar Gesang on July 2, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Thanks to two generous and anonymous donations, I’m pleased to upload the remaining tracks in Weimar Gesang‘s discography, including tracks from a split cassette with Plastic Trash.

I’ve unzipped, tagged, and reuploaded the files from the original Rapidshare files to keep everything together and circumvent Rapidshare’s waiting period. As an added bonus, I’ve included the live bootleg, entitled . Even in it’s low-quality, it may serve interesting to fans and otherwise completists.

Without any further ado, here’s the final batch of Weimar Gesang tracks!

Weimar Gesang- Our Silent Growth Cassette (1984)
1. Frail Moments
2. Torn Souls
3. The Play
4. Show Me
5. Motionless Dance
6. Frail Moments (Second View)

Weimar Gesang- VM Due Cassette (year unknown)
1. Our Silent Growth
2. Remaining Years
3. Gesang The Dragging
4. Light-Tight Place

Weimar Gesang- Live at Back Out, Roma 12.04.1985
1. Deceit
2. Melt Your Sight
3. Held Inside
4. Chantal’s Secret
5. Like in a Mirror
6. Worn Out Prayer
7. Du Bist/Light-Tight Place

*download all three releases here!*

More goodies to come in the near future, but thanks again to my anonymous benefactor for helping to complete the discography!

4 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 »

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