DRESS FOR SUCCESS – Self Titled LP (1985)

There’s not much to know about this American new wave foursome other than their penchant for pumping out polished MTV friendly synth pop new wave tunes. Vocals are mixed with male and female turn taking. Although the entire set is consistent, check out “Love From Afar” and “Now Is The Time” for a slick up-tempo synth wave groove. The synth pop German band The Other Ones comes to mind after hearing the lush female vocals and playful lyrical content on Dress For Success. This one definitely warrants multiple spins. Also, it doesn’t seem to be the easiest wax to track down, but there are a couple out there for modest prices. A fun unknown album with hip grooves and nifty hooks throughout. Out of print private pressing via Dress For Success and Paragon Artists.

SIDE ONE
no no
have you heard
blood jungle
i’m on fire
love from afar

SIDE TWO
now is the time
love is the victim
do it for you
eyes
monsta movie

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THE ELEVENTH EPISODE – Excuses 7” (1983)

Here we have the quite rare debut 7” single by Boston band The Eleventh Episode. An electronic new wave duo consisting of Tom Dube and J. McGill Winston.

“Excuses” is an electro-trance number with female spoken vocals that are from a CB radio transmission. Listen carefully, it quite humorous and inventive. “In Broken (Sometimes I Speak)” picks up the pace and provides synth melodies, double tracked vocals and guitar.

The 7” is packaged in an artwork adorned large thick envelope, which makes for a nice change from the standard packaging fare. Out of print private pressing via Playtime Records.

SIDE A
excuses

SIDE B
In broken (sometimes I speak)

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MALABOLGE – Trajedy Cells EP (1985)

Malabolge was a post punk new wave band consisting of five members who hailed out of Southern, CA. The lead off track “Rain Comes Down”, which I would rate the stand out, starts with a subtle guitar bass line coupled with a haunting male vocal treatment. About halfway through the track suddenly picks up strength with a masterful female vocal, additional guitar sounds and well placed keyboard touches. The track “The Faster You Go” has a driving BPM rate and intense female vocals. Although it’s a quick four song affair here, it provides a pleasing listen. Out of print private pressing via Toi Bachs Records.

SIDE A
rain comes down
when you see her

SIDE B
the faster you go
just when you think you’re cool

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THE SENSES BUREAU – Love And Industry EP (1986)

Every now and then I get a pleasant surprise from my crate digging efforts, and this would be one of them. As soon as I put this obscurity on the turntable it caught my attention. The band was from Washington, DC and had a previous incarnation known as RJ/8. Their music combines perceptive social commentary with pleasing rhythms and intelligent arrangements. From the moody melodies of the title track, “Love And Industry”, to the compelling dance beats of “Dress For Sex”, the Senses Bureau show their ability to integrate diverse musical styles into their own individual sound. These six songs show a wide variety of influences, which range from Roxy Music to XTC to a mix of British progressive indie bands of the early – mid 80’s.

An innovating band lost in obscurity…A scarce out of print private pressing via EuroAmerican Records.

SIDE 1
dress for sex
love and industry
big brother

SIDE 2
push & pull
belle du jour
lost for words

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FADED FILMS – Self Titled EP (1986)

Here’s a self produced new wave synth record with virtually no info to be found. If someone knows something, please contact. This Canadian band consisted of five members who were from Windsor, Ontario. Faded Films successfully fuse their post punk roots with a new romantic style to create this haunting four song extended player. Their synthesizers are matched with a rush of acoustic and electric guitars, which results in an atmospheric infectious gem. A very rare and obscure vinyl that doesn’t seem to pop up often. Out of print private pressing via Faded Films.

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UNIVERSAL MUSIK NOISE – Schizophrenia LP (1987)

Universal Musik Noise was a female fronted indie band that functioned out of San Francisco in the early-mid 80’s. The band consisted of six members, who centered their attention on their vocalist leader - Lela. It looks like the enterprising Lela even had her own record label, which issued this LP in a limited fashion. The band plays with edge and carries a post punk influence throughout. At times Schizophrenia holds true to name and runs through quirky experimentation tangents with over the top vocals, but all and all - it’s what you would expect from a private press independent offering. Some above par post punk highlights – “Our Land” and “Come Sleep With Me”….More information can be found on Discogs…An intriguing set of 11 songs…Out of print via Lela’s Lovely Label, San Francisco.

SIDE 1
think about it
i’m old enough
don’t lie to me
our land
broken song
allein

SIDE 2
depression
come sleep with me
you get on my nerves
out of my mind
who do

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ROOMATES – Rhetoric EP (1989)

Roomates were I assume three roommates that were all musically inclined in some form or fashion and decided to create this little obscure incarnation. They sound more like a mid 80’s alternative new wave outfit with lots of shimmering guitars, an emotive vocalist and a competent independent production. Guitar new wave rock sounds were very prevalent with the myriad of alternative bands in the 80’s…Roomates embraced this formula with success and add some of their own distinction along the way… A promising band that was overlooked for sure….Out of print, private pressing via Roadtrip Records..

SIDE ONE
the natural way
marilyn don’t cry

SIDE TWO
don’t stop the rain
the cold wind blows

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