Archive for the synthpop Category

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Pretty Poison- No Tears 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, freestyle, new wave, pretty poison, synthpop on August 12, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Feeling feisty today, so here’s a quick second post, hot off the press. Contained within we have an early 7” (red flexi-disc!) from Philadelphia’s Pretty Poison, also covered here. You can expect the same (surprisingly and very pleasantly) dark sounds here, which should go without saying for those familiar with the excellent Tuxedomoon original. Seriously, this cover is BLISTERING, a nice take on the already great original, supplemented with a two minute percussive piece.

Pretty Poison- No Tears 7”
1. No Tears
2. Sakii

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED @ 320kbps on 2.15.17)

Just one more early Pretty Poison release to go. Drop a line if you happen to have a copy of this one!

6 Comments »

Two of China- Telk Mee 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, german, synthpop, westside music on July 20, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Contained within we have a classic slice of Westside Music synthpop, circa 1984, courtesy of Jeffo!, a fellow NYC DJ.

Generally known as a vehicle for Andreas Tomalla (Moskwa TV, Bigod 20, MCL), Two Of China released three 12”s in total (2 if you’re not counting the Axodry collaboration), including a rather straightforward cover of “Los Niños Del Parque” by Liasons Dangereuses. This particular 12” can still be found for dirt cheap (that can also be said about most Westside releases), but we all know that just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s good, don’t we?

Just noticed the back of this sleeve comes with the potent quotable: “If you don’t listen to this record you cannot enjoy the essence of future music.” Well, what are you waiting for, kids!

Two of China- Telk Mee 12”
1. Telk Mee (Wild Version)
2. Telk Mee (Strange Version)

*download it here*

For another great Westside Music release, see this post from the archives.

If you dig this post, please be sure to support the label and the artist by purchasing these tracks via iTunes!

2 Comments »

The Trial- Pictures LP

Posted in 1980s, 1990s, 1991, Czechoslovakia, new wave, synth, synthpop, the trial on July 7, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s one that’s been kicking around in some form or another for some time, but never complete, or never at tremendously great quality. You may be familiar with this band via the Crispy Nuggets VA compilations, one which featured a loose track from this LP and another the b-side off the band’s debut 7”. I’ve been playing this LP out a lot lately at the Wierd party, so for those who have been asking about this one, here it is!

Released in 1991, here we have the debut LP from The Trial, a six piece (!) Czechoslovakian synth band. Fans of the heavy synthpop sound of the late 80s (Depeche Mode, Camouflage, Xymox’s “Obsession”) should find lots and lots to love on this LP. A few of the songs haven’t aged so well, but the majority of this LP (especially side B) is phenomenal and I can’t stop listening to it. Don’t take my word for it though, see for yourself!

The Trial- Pictures LP
1. The Bodies Of Evenings
2. Terrible Scream
3. Television Liar
4. Make-up
5. Shut Up!
6. Yourself
7. Sky Of Secrets
8. Anybody
9. In The Fiction Press
10. My Bed
11. What Do You Say?

*download it here*

If you’d like to read more about the band, click HERE for a page run by a devoted fan. Unfortunately, the main history of the band has yet to be translated to English, but still plenty of info to be had. Be sure to click here to check a few video clips of the band, all three which hail from the band’s pre-LP era. Lots of photos here!

4 Comments »

Hawaiian Pups- Split Second Precision 12” & Spook Opera 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, new wave, new york city, synthpop, US on June 29, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s another record from Greg’s personal stash. Some unexpectedly excellent new wave to be found on this 12”. Playful and strange melodies to be found left and right, with a slightly dark edge and plenty of pop veneer to keep things grounded. My favorite track here is the sultry and moody “Trash” though “Baby Judy” attracted a fair amount of college radio attention in its heyday. It appears here in two forms, as a single mix and extended mix. That particular track kind of reminds me of Berlin Express’ “The Russians are Coming” with a little bit of Devo mixed in for good measure.

The three piece band was from New York City (hometown represent). This 1983 single (which can still be had at a reasonable price, for all aspiring collectors) was preceded by a scarce promo-only 7”, released on Halloween in 1982. I’ve included that track below as an added bonus.

Hawaiian Pups- Split Second Precision 12”
1. Infinite Roads
2. Trash
3. Young Boys
4. Baby Judy
5. Baby Judy (Extended Version)
6. Overture To Young Boys*

Hawaiian Pups- Spook Opera 7”
1. Spook Opera

*download both here*

*Tracks 5 & 6 bleed into each other, so I’ve ripped them as one long track.

7 Comments »

Samedi- Between Two Hearts 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, new wave, Samedi, swedish, synthpop on June 22, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

I’m pleased to offer the first Samedi 7”, a true Swedish synth masterpiece. You may have heard the a-side on the Retronics compilation, chock full of similar gems. I also posted their 1989 full length almost two years ago. However, the b-side to this 7” has remained unheard until now, and is a nice, short and energetic synthpop track that should please quite a few ears.

Without any further ado, here’s the info:

Samedi- Between Two Hearts 7”
1. Between Two Hearts
2. World

*download it here*

1 Comment »

Classified Info- Drug Called Love 7”

Posted in 1984, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synth, synthpop, uk on May 31, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a quirky little minimal synth/new wave gem from the UK, released in 1984. Reminiscent of Home Service/Tone Set. Virtually no information available, as even the label seems off the radar. So, with that in mind we’ll keep this one short and sweet! Here’s the details:

Classified Info- Drug Called Love 7”
1. Drug Called Love
2. Drug Called Love Dub

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Absolute- Demo K7

Posted in 1980s, absolute, demo, minimal synth, new wave, reset records, synth, synthpop on May 9, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s an extra special rarity in demo form. Here we have a series of cassette demos recorded by Absolute, known for their handful of tracks on Vince Clarke and Eric Radcliffe. You can hear their officially released tracks over yonder, as part of the Reset Records collection that has been unofficially compiled. A handful of those Reset Records tracks appear here in demo form, so it’s interesting to see how they differ from their studio counterparts. I’m also quite fond of the exclusive tracks here, especially “Take Her Away,” a killer synthpop gem that should feel right at home for fans of mid-period Depeche Mode.

That said, I still can’t seem to find much in the way of information about Absolute (aside from a little connection to the great John Fryer, who produced their second 7”), but someone uploaded what seems to be a promotional photo of the band on discogs. If the above image is correct, that might shed a skint of light on the subject. If there’s anyone out there that can chime in with more, please don’t hesitate! Otherwise, here’s the info:

Absolute- Demo K7
1. Take Her Away
2. Can’t You See
3. Does Anybody Want Me
4. T.V. Glare
5. Love In My Heart
6. Friend or Enemy
7. Club Boys
8. Only Time Can Tell
9. Doofa on 45
10. Merry Go Doofa

*download it here*

14 Comments »

Berlin- The Metro 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, berlin, LA, los angeles, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop, US on May 3, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Stick with me on this one folks. Any fan of new wave should already be familiar with Berlin, the Los Angeles based band led by Terri Nun and John Crawford. If you are unfamiliar with the band, please direct your attention here. While it’s their later ballads and more commercial wave tracks that seem to be remembered, it’s prudent to note that the band’s first few releases were fantastic and rare entries to the US minimal synth scene. Information, the band’s first LP, was the closest thing to Ultravox in the west coast scene, while songs like “The Metro” and “Sex (I’m A)” from 1982’s Pleasure Victim were fast paced, sexually driven synth tracks that still remain classics to date. It’s the kind of sound also explored on the SSQ LP, another personal favorite female-led new wave smash. Fun fact: Both Berlin and Q/SSQ shared labels throughout their tenure, and Jon St. James of the latter outfit is credited as an engineer for Berlin’s Pleasure Victim LP. Incestuous!

I had originally purchased this 1981 issue of The Metro to DJ, not just for the foxy picture of Terri Nun on the back, but also figuring it’s far easier to pack a 7” than a 12”. When it comes to wax, real estate is key, so it just made sense to purchase, spatially. Just yesterday, I needed a fix for “Tell Me Why” and went for Youtube, only to be presented with a much more raw and driving mix than I remembered. Lo and behold, it’s the same version on this 7”, released a year before the EP cut! A little bit of research quickly told me that this Berlin single I purchased ages ago was actually quite the rarity in their catalog, as both tracks appear in an earlier form. The differences are most notable in “Tell Me Why,” though “The Metro” also features a different intro and what seems to be a different drum track. Either way, I’m happy to include this single here, and hope you kids enjoy it!

Berlin- The Metro 7”
1. The Metro
2. Tell Me Why

*download it here* (re-ripped 5.30.13)

Also, for those who want to try to own this obscurity, there are currently a few copies for sale via discogs. Buyer beware, wink wink!

15 Comments »

Wet- That’s The Game (Continental Megamix) 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, Belgian, buzz records, new wave, synthpop, wet on April 21, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a killer 12” I picked up in Chicago this past weekend. Shameless synthpop grooves ripe for the dancefloor here- three versions of the same track. The A-side is the club favorite, though those inclined towards instrumental mixes will find two on the flip.

This particular 12” dates back to 1984 (the original version of the track from 1983), and is the first of three from this Belgian duo. Jan Van Den Bergh would achieve success as a major techno/house mixer, as well as the head of the highly influential Buzz label, a mysterious label who released several groundbreaking Detroit techno records in an overseas market.

This particular track should feel right at home for fans of Few Boys, Nightmoves, and any darker tinged italo (Amin-Peck/Fockewolf 190 etc.) Here’s the information:

Wet- That’s The Game (Continental Mega Mix) 12”
1. That’s The Game (Continental Mega Mix)
2. That’s The Game (Instrumental)
3. That’s The Game (Instrumental)

*download it here*

There’s also a 7 minute version of the track kicking around on a 12”, released around the same time. The b-side is the same (though the original 12” lists the second instrumental here as the “Dynamic Mix”), while the a-side appears in its original, non-remixed form. I believe that version has been uploaded here, so check it if you want the complete experience!

1 Comment »

Data 3- Heartful of Soul 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, canadian, new wave, synth, synthpop on April 13, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a tasty synthpop single from 1984. This is the band’s only release, a three piece female fronted group from Canada who remind me a bit of The Flirts crossed with The Bangles. Pure dancefloor energy on both tracks, though I tend to favor the A-side (which is a clever rendition of The Yardbirds classic). The 12” was issued via Telescope Records, while a 7” was released in Europe via Dureco Benelux, which features slightly shorter mixes.

This one has been on constant loop since discovering it, and it can still be had for reasonable prices if you know where to look! Not much more I can say about this one, other than: ENJOY!

Data 3- Heartful of Soul 12”
1. Heartful of Soul
2. Who’s That?

*download it here* (re-ripped 4.17.17)

6 Comments »

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