Part one of the great Bandcamp / Sideroom Singles linkfest:
Pel Mel - No Word From China
Pop Mechanix - Jumping Out A Window
Stephen Cummings - Speak With Frankness
Tactics - Coming In On My Coat Tails
Seven Ballerinas - Sometimes I Feel
Look Blue Go Purple - Cactus Cat
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Bandcamp Down Under
I've been getting a lot of downloads of my Camras In Paris single which is good, after focusing mostly on UK and US bands over the last few years I've finally gotten around to buying a few Aussie singles and so this month I've decided to try and highlight a few good bands I've come across.
To help with this endeavor (finding Australian pop/new wave music is like looking for US made TVs in China I've decided) I have combined two of my music sources, the excellent Aussie blog - currently on hiatus perhaps - Side Room Singles which I'm sure I've mentioned before, and my current music download site of choice, Bandcamp.
If you've looked at Bandcamp at all you might notice that it's freakily difficult to find specific things unless you have the exact name. I found a private new wave release on there a few years ago, forgot to wishlist it, and could never find it again. This is because the description/search tags are provided by the artists themselves and you can only search one at a time. So I can look up "new wave", or "80's" or even "80's new wave" but I can't combine the tags to look for both together. The work around is to use multiple tags in a Google search. It also doesn't help that the release date might be the original release date or the date it became available on Bandcamp so sometimes putting in a year itself doesn't help.
Anyways, my point is there is a lot of music on the site if you dig around for it, so I will be posting a bunch of links throughout the month. My username on there is fiftypercent so you can check out what I have wishlisted or have in my collection.
Side Room (Bruce Dale) has a great collection perhaps slightly more leaning towards the indie pop/twee area and going back further than I usually do, to the late 70's even. But I've been listening to the playlists in the car and found a lot of good stuff.
Send me any recommendations chaps!
To help with this endeavor (finding Australian pop/new wave music is like looking for US made TVs in China I've decided) I have combined two of my music sources, the excellent Aussie blog - currently on hiatus perhaps - Side Room Singles which I'm sure I've mentioned before, and my current music download site of choice, Bandcamp.
If you've looked at Bandcamp at all you might notice that it's freakily difficult to find specific things unless you have the exact name. I found a private new wave release on there a few years ago, forgot to wishlist it, and could never find it again. This is because the description/search tags are provided by the artists themselves and you can only search one at a time. So I can look up "new wave", or "80's" or even "80's new wave" but I can't combine the tags to look for both together. The work around is to use multiple tags in a Google search. It also doesn't help that the release date might be the original release date or the date it became available on Bandcamp so sometimes putting in a year itself doesn't help.
Anyways, my point is there is a lot of music on the site if you dig around for it, so I will be posting a bunch of links throughout the month. My username on there is fiftypercent so you can check out what I have wishlisted or have in my collection.
Side Room (Bruce Dale) has a great collection perhaps slightly more leaning towards the indie pop/twee area and going back further than I usually do, to the late 70's even. But I've been listening to the playlists in the car and found a lot of good stuff.
Send me any recommendations chaps!
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Camras In Paris - Visions Of You
Camras In Paris - Visions Of You (A-Side)
I don't know much about Camras In Paris, an Australian new wave band that released one single on Centre Records in 1986.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
The Muzak of the Wastelands
This week I've been pondering a minor musical mystery. While digging around for Faith Brothers tracks and some Debut magazine compilations I have, I saw a track by Messengers, the touring band that supported Ultravox around the time of Quartet, and it got me thinking about Concrete Scheme by Modern Man, which is one of those (many) LP's I bought on eBay a few years ago and never paid much attention to. The history, as I understand it, is that around the time Midge Ure joined Ultravox in 1980, he discovered Modern Man playing locally in Scotland and offered to produce them. The band released the album and a couple of singles and then broke up, with the drummer Colin King and guitarist Danny Mitchell then forming a duo called Messengers which subsequently released a couple of singles through Chrysalis and supported Ultravox - most famously receiving a shout-out on the Live Ultravox LP, Monument - The Soundtrack.
When I pulled the album out of storage I was reminded that the last track on side A was "Wastelands", which would later pop up on Midge's solo album The Gift and it is this particular track that I find mysterious.
I began listening to Ultravox in 1985 - all my friends had a copy of The Collection compilation which came out at Christmas 1984 - and Midge Ure was my first musical hero, looking so cool in all the group photos and doing Live Aid. Then he released "If I Was" which I found easy to like - even if the video with Midge wielding his 'axe', 'dancing' with voluminous trousers and 'acting' like the poet, painter and sailor he was singing about seemed to be faintly ridiculous. So the album release in October 1985 was a big deal for me. The cover was great, all moody matinee idol, there was a free poster, and then I got the album and played it quite a lot. It never hit the heights of the Ultravox albums I was familiar with, but it was mostly enjoyable - if a little slight in places. For example, several of the tracks were instrumentals, there was a Jethro Tull cover, and a 'reprise' version of the title track which was a lengthy and bombastic piece in the first place. Several of the tracks were credited to Midge and Danny Mitchell, who had become his significant songwriting partner for the project. I bought the second single "That Certain Smile" and the third which came out in January 1986, which was the aforementioned "Wastelands".
In hindsight there was always something about that song which seemed out of place. The lyrics seemed at least pseudo-autobiographical - 'The boy is listening to the records from the past, he wants to make them last, for they make him feel alive'. The tone is angry, even political - 'a martyr's blood is nourishing the wastelands'. Also, the turns of phrase are striking, odd even - 'For them he'd take the test'. What test? A test of loyalty perhaps, maybe a gang initiation. Midge's version credits the track to himself and Danny Mitchell, just the same as the other singles from the album. In fact, in an interview on the Old Grey Whistle Test, he specifically mentions that Danny co-wrote the song with him. So far, so what?
Here's the mystery. The original version of the track makes much more sense to me. The arrangement is sparse, with heavy guitar patterns, and the Modern Man vocalist (Jim Cook) attacks the song in a plaintive, unadorned fashion. It's the sound of young Scottish punks, in other words, not a warm, indulgent mid-career release by an established star. And like all the tracks on the Modern Man LP, Danny Mitchell receives sole songwriting credit. So is Midge's version a cover version in the truest sense? Why change the credits five years later when it's obviously the same song in terms of lyrics and structure? After so much time, do I really want to believe that Midge took a co-writing credit on a song that had never been his at all? Or is it fairer to say that potentially he co-wrote at least some of the Modern Man material, but could not take any credit on the album due to contractual issues with the record labels (Midge was with Chrysalis in 1980, and Concrete Scheme came out on the more obscure MAM Records).
At the very least it suggests to me that Danny Mitchell's involvement with Midge's solo career should not be underestimated. Midge would go on to develop into a thoughtful and communicative songwriter on his own terms - that's for certain. Which makes this earlier spell all the more fascinating and just a little bit mysterious, at least to me.
And here's the Modern Man version by way of comparison:
Modern Man - Wastelands
When I pulled the album out of storage I was reminded that the last track on side A was "Wastelands", which would later pop up on Midge's solo album The Gift and it is this particular track that I find mysterious.
I began listening to Ultravox in 1985 - all my friends had a copy of The Collection compilation which came out at Christmas 1984 - and Midge Ure was my first musical hero, looking so cool in all the group photos and doing Live Aid. Then he released "If I Was" which I found easy to like - even if the video with Midge wielding his 'axe', 'dancing' with voluminous trousers and 'acting' like the poet, painter and sailor he was singing about seemed to be faintly ridiculous. So the album release in October 1985 was a big deal for me. The cover was great, all moody matinee idol, there was a free poster, and then I got the album and played it quite a lot. It never hit the heights of the Ultravox albums I was familiar with, but it was mostly enjoyable - if a little slight in places. For example, several of the tracks were instrumentals, there was a Jethro Tull cover, and a 'reprise' version of the title track which was a lengthy and bombastic piece in the first place. Several of the tracks were credited to Midge and Danny Mitchell, who had become his significant songwriting partner for the project. I bought the second single "That Certain Smile" and the third which came out in January 1986, which was the aforementioned "Wastelands".
In hindsight there was always something about that song which seemed out of place. The lyrics seemed at least pseudo-autobiographical - 'The boy is listening to the records from the past, he wants to make them last, for they make him feel alive'. The tone is angry, even political - 'a martyr's blood is nourishing the wastelands'. Also, the turns of phrase are striking, odd even - 'For them he'd take the test'. What test? A test of loyalty perhaps, maybe a gang initiation. Midge's version credits the track to himself and Danny Mitchell, just the same as the other singles from the album. In fact, in an interview on the Old Grey Whistle Test, he specifically mentions that Danny co-wrote the song with him. So far, so what?
Here's the mystery. The original version of the track makes much more sense to me. The arrangement is sparse, with heavy guitar patterns, and the Modern Man vocalist (Jim Cook) attacks the song in a plaintive, unadorned fashion. It's the sound of young Scottish punks, in other words, not a warm, indulgent mid-career release by an established star. And like all the tracks on the Modern Man LP, Danny Mitchell receives sole songwriting credit. So is Midge's version a cover version in the truest sense? Why change the credits five years later when it's obviously the same song in terms of lyrics and structure? After so much time, do I really want to believe that Midge took a co-writing credit on a song that had never been his at all? Or is it fairer to say that potentially he co-wrote at least some of the Modern Man material, but could not take any credit on the album due to contractual issues with the record labels (Midge was with Chrysalis in 1980, and Concrete Scheme came out on the more obscure MAM Records).
At the very least it suggests to me that Danny Mitchell's involvement with Midge's solo career should not be underestimated. Midge would go on to develop into a thoughtful and communicative songwriter on his own terms - that's for certain. Which makes this earlier spell all the more fascinating and just a little bit mysterious, at least to me.
And here's the Modern Man version by way of comparison:
Modern Man - Wastelands
Saturday, May 5, 2018
National Euphoria - Danceability
7" Single, released in 1983
National Euphoria were Nicky Ager on bass and vocals, Paul Tempest on guitar, and Steve Sinclair on drums. This was, I believe, their only single release. On the Amidisque label.
National Euphoria - Danceability (A-Side)
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Random 80's Wednesday
Secret Steps - Confidential (from Confidential, 1985)
West Of Eden - I'll Follow You (Disorientation Mix) (12" Single, 1987)
November Group - The Promise (from Work That Dream, 1985)
Short Romans - White Sails (from Short Romans, 1987)
The Faction - Grey Little Girl (from 2 x 2, 1985)
West Of Eden - I'll Follow You (Disorientation Mix) (12" Single, 1987)
November Group - The Promise (from Work That Dream, 1985)
Short Romans - White Sails (from Short Romans, 1987)
The Faction - Grey Little Girl (from 2 x 2, 1985)
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Reckless Sleepers - One More New Year's Eve
A very rare b-side track I found on the flip of a promo single "This Heart" dating from 1988 which I don't think was ever released commercially.
Reckless Sleepers - One More New Year's Eve
By the way, isn't it time someone reissued Big Boss Sounds? A very underrated album in my opinion.
Happy New Year everyone!
[Update] I was pretty sure I had previously posted the only other non-album Reckless Sleepers B-Side previously, but no I had not - just mentioning it on the New Wave Outpost forum one time. So here's the B-Side to the only single released by the band, "If We Never Meet Again".
Reckless Sleepers - When You Get That Look
And here's their Christmas track, seeing as it's the holiday season.
Reckless Sleepers - Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Random 80's Wednesday
The Lucy Show - Wipe Out (from Undone, 1985)
Beyond Words - On The Moon (from Beyond Words, 1986)
In Pursuit - No Way Out (from City Without A Subway, 1986)
Techniques Berlin - Scarlet Woman (not sure if it was released but it was recorded circa 1985-1986)
To Heaven A Jet - Airfields (7" Single, 1981)
I should have some new rips up shortly. In the meantime, subscribe to my spotify playlist to keep up with new stuff as I find it available.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Random 80's Wednesday
Here's the second part of my La Folie Du Jour tribute.
Other Voices - Another Tuesday (7" Single, 1983)
22 Beaches - Dust (from the compilation cassette Another Spark, 1984)
The Another Spark compilation, an independent release, also included rare music by Microdisney, In Embrace, 1000 Mexicans, Perfect Vision, and many others.
Steve Lake - Life Of Riley (12" Single, 1987)
This is my second post of a Steve Lake track lately. Clearly an overlooked talent. His website is at www.stevelake.co.uk
Datblygu - Tu Allan (from Fi Du, 1984)
I couldn't find the track from the Datblygu single referenced on LFDJ, so here's a track from a very limited cassette released a couple of years earlier.
Captain Sensible - The Ballad Of Mark And Shula (from the "Come On Down" 12" Single, 1985)
My own find, this. A typically bizarre B-Side from the Captain, containing bits of his hit "It's Hard To Believe I'm Not" and what appears to be some factory boss bemoaning the fundamentally lazy British workers who clock in and read newspapers in the loo.
Frontier Scouts tracks can be found at the Chapter Music page on Bandcamp.
Other Voices - Another Tuesday (7" Single, 1983)
22 Beaches - Dust (from the compilation cassette Another Spark, 1984)
The Another Spark compilation, an independent release, also included rare music by Microdisney, In Embrace, 1000 Mexicans, Perfect Vision, and many others.
Steve Lake - Life Of Riley (12" Single, 1987)
This is my second post of a Steve Lake track lately. Clearly an overlooked talent. His website is at www.stevelake.co.uk
Datblygu - Tu Allan (from Fi Du, 1984)
I couldn't find the track from the Datblygu single referenced on LFDJ, so here's a track from a very limited cassette released a couple of years earlier.
Captain Sensible - The Ballad Of Mark And Shula (from the "Come On Down" 12" Single, 1985)
My own find, this. A typically bizarre B-Side from the Captain, containing bits of his hit "It's Hard To Believe I'm Not" and what appears to be some factory boss bemoaning the fundamentally lazy British workers who clock in and read newspapers in the loo.
Frontier Scouts tracks can be found at the Chapter Music page on Bandcamp.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Suburban Sprawl - Borders
7" Single, released in 1986
Suburban Sprawl - Borders (A-Side)
Suburban Sprawl - Album Excerpts (B-Side)
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Random 80's Wednesday
Hello and thanks for stopping by today. Something a bit different this week, and moving forwards also. I've been meaning to comment on the slow pace of updates recently. My fiancee and I recently took on the full time care of two boys, one aged 8 and the other just a year. With my daily commute, three dogs, and living in a small house, it's been difficult to find the time and space to set up and use my turntable. For one thing, everything has to be kept out of baby's reach! So, like the Imajinca single I just posted, I'll do a few here and there but for the time being I'm largely restricted to music I've already recorded or obtained digitally elsewhere. So bear with me.
I was researching an album I saw on Discogs.com when I came across a very interesting, but old blog, namely La Folie Du Jour. It's been inactive for four years but the breadth of music showcased was quite impressive. Anyone who puts a Screen 3 B-Side in a compilation is o.k. with me! Sadly all the links were expired, but it did inspire me to go look for some of the music mentioned, so I'll be posting some here as a tribute to a great blog. I'll also try to comment on the bands as I go.
Yeah Jazz - Julie And The Sealions (7" Single, 1984)
Yeah Jazz were from Uttoxeter and released a handful of cassettes and albums. You can buy some of them at Smalltown Records.
The Turquoise Swimming Pools - Burst Balloons (from the Zoo compilation To The Shores of Lake Placid, 1982)
The sort-of supergroup TSP were Troy Tate and David Balfe from Teardrop Explodes, and producer/engineer Hugh Jones.
Bamboo Zoo - Submarine (from Look! Listen! Consume!, 1981)
Bamboo Zoo were a Manchester post punk band. They have a Facebook page. They have also posted new music on Reverbnation.
What To Wear - The Robbery (from Casual But Smart EP, 1980)
The Procession - Secret Love For Dinosaurs (from Haunted By Memories, 1987)
In addition, several of the tracks I saw posted are now available through legal channels:
Shiny Two Shiny, a Liverpool synth band, had the bulk of their material reissued on the compilation When The Rain Stops, in 2014.
Eton Crop have their own Bandcamp page.
Matthew Young also has a Bandcamp page.
New Zealand band Front Lawn also have a Bandcamp page.
The Brotherhood of Lizards album Lizardland, with bonus tracks, is also available at Bandcamp. English pop whimsy at it's finest.
I was researching an album I saw on Discogs.com when I came across a very interesting, but old blog, namely La Folie Du Jour. It's been inactive for four years but the breadth of music showcased was quite impressive. Anyone who puts a Screen 3 B-Side in a compilation is o.k. with me! Sadly all the links were expired, but it did inspire me to go look for some of the music mentioned, so I'll be posting some here as a tribute to a great blog. I'll also try to comment on the bands as I go.
Yeah Jazz - Julie And The Sealions (7" Single, 1984)
Yeah Jazz were from Uttoxeter and released a handful of cassettes and albums. You can buy some of them at Smalltown Records.
The Turquoise Swimming Pools - Burst Balloons (from the Zoo compilation To The Shores of Lake Placid, 1982)
The sort-of supergroup TSP were Troy Tate and David Balfe from Teardrop Explodes, and producer/engineer Hugh Jones.
Bamboo Zoo - Submarine (from Look! Listen! Consume!, 1981)
Bamboo Zoo were a Manchester post punk band. They have a Facebook page. They have also posted new music on Reverbnation.
What To Wear - The Robbery (from Casual But Smart EP, 1980)
The Procession - Secret Love For Dinosaurs (from Haunted By Memories, 1987)
In addition, several of the tracks I saw posted are now available through legal channels:
Shiny Two Shiny, a Liverpool synth band, had the bulk of their material reissued on the compilation When The Rain Stops, in 2014.
Eton Crop have their own Bandcamp page.
Matthew Young also has a Bandcamp page.
New Zealand band Front Lawn also have a Bandcamp page.
The Brotherhood of Lizards album Lizardland, with bonus tracks, is also available at Bandcamp. English pop whimsy at it's finest.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Imajinca - The Very First Video Kiss
7" Single, released in 1984
Imajinca - The Very First Video Kiss (A-Side)
Imajinca - All In A Moment (B-Side)
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Random 80's Wednesday (and some other decades as well)
Steve Lake - In Every Life A Little Rain Must Fall (from Murder Violence Sex Divorce, 1985)
Geoff Byrd - Tale Of The Rain And The Moon (from Candy Shell, 2003)
Last Gentlemen - Grey Rain (from Last Gentlemen, 1985)
Casey Stratton - Past The Rain (from Standing At The Edge, 2004)
Merge - Ocean Rain (from Lost Heroes, 2001)
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