Monthly Archives: April 2010

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 04-27-10

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Ed started off a smashing set with Echo & The Bunnymen in honor seeing them in concert in Toronto last Friday. He reported that Ian McCulloch was in rare form and the show was nothing short of awesome. Lucky Ed – truly some show memories to treasure for all time. And, we benefited from the 80’s music afterglow – the treats from Ed were plentiful.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “we can never get enough obscurity” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/Post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

CFRC-FM Playlist April 27, 2010

Basement of Carruthers Hall in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario
ED-FM ~ Retrospect
80’s Music That Doesn’t Suck
If the “Listen Live” link on the CFRC Website doesn’t work, copy and paste this URL into your Windows Media Player: http://sunsite.queensu.ca:8000/
Join us in the Chat Room during the show – either click the link on the right menu under the Rave and Roll graphic, or here.
To listen to any shows that you may have missed, go to the CFRC website and look up the archives under the “Programming” drop-down menu. You can enjoy Ed’s previous shows in one-hour increments.

1.      Echo & The Bunnymen – Lips Like Sugar
2.      Nails – Hotel For Women (12”)
3.      Spoons – Symmetry (extended)
4.      Specials – Ghost Town
5.      Teenage Head – Let’s Shake
6.      The Thought – Rapture
7.      Moral Support – Living With Passion (extended)
8.      Bongos – Numbers With Wings
9.      The Dominatrix – Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight
10. Cult Hero (Robert Smith) – I’m A Cult Hero
11. Talk Talk – Such A Shame
12.  Sons Of The Desert – Love Slave
13. Flash & The Pan – Down Among The Dead Men
14. Chalk Circle – This Mourning (extended)
15. The The – Perfect (12”)
16. The Hawaiian Pups – Infinite Roads
17. Martha & The Muffins – Swimming
18. Public Image Limited – Rise (extended)
19. The Hush – Dancing In East Berlin
20. Crown Of Thorns – World Radio (12” – extended crown mix)

80’s Music Rules ~ Impending Loom ~ CHLY 101.7 FM

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In the comments section of my latest post about Ed-FM’s Retrospect Show, I received an invitation (challenge perhaps? <insert smiley here>) to listen to Impending Loom from 5-8 pm PDT (8-11 pm EDT) Friday evenings on CHLY 101.7 FM. The author, DJ Doc, described the playlist as heavy funk, ska, and alt-80’s, which I consider to be an interesting mixture indeed.

I checked out the station’s website and discovered it broadcasts from Malaspina University in Nanaima, British Columbia, Canada. Ed-FM’s Retrospect from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario is a winner in my book, so naturally I was curious about CHLY’s Impending Loom. My searches led me to the Impending Loom blog lovingly maintained by DJ Doc and MC Mic Control that provides the playlists from each show. After reading through them, I decided to give the show a listen.

I tuned in last night for most of the show, as technical issues precluded me from listening to the very beginning. In order to stream the show live using the .pls file, I finally had to acquiesce and download WinAmp – on both my laptop and PC. For some strange reason, neither computer’s Windows Media could play from the URL provided on the website. Being technically challenged, rather than diagnose the problem, I circumvented it by downloading WinAmp, which promised to open .pls files. It worked.

The show provided an excellent, vibrant backdrop to a thriller mystery that I’m currently reading. Although I am not a fan of hip-hop, rap, or funk, the selections that DJ Doc and MC Mic Control played were high quality creations by gifted artists. I hit my groove when the show took a turn to ska and alt-80’s, but the best part of all was the mash-ups.

For those of you that are unsure of what a fabulous mash-up is, it’s when someone with a great ear mixes two seemingly unrelated songs together and they mesh flawlessly. Unfortunately, I did not take the time to write down the humorous-yet brilliant mash-up combinations on last night’s show, but I am sure that they will show up on the blog’s playlist sometime today.

Do yourself a favor and check out the playlists posted at the Impending Loom blogsite. Then, tune in next Friday night for something different, engaging, and entertaining. DJ Doc and MC Mic Control serve up an outstanding buffet of eclectic tuneage that will leave even the most voraciously hungry music fan feeling perfectly sated.

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 04-20-10

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In an uncanny coincidence, the opening thunderclap on Psyche’s “Thundershowers In Ivory Towers” echoed a live one here in Florida. What can you expect when the set is so smoking hot it imitates reality? That’s what, along with some of the best, rare, and obscure 80’s tunes your ears have never heard.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “wow, I’ve never heard that before” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/Post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

CFRC-FM Playlist April 20, 2010
Basement of Carruthers Hall in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario
ED-FM ~ Retrospect
80’s Music That Doesn’t Suck
If the “Listen Live” link on the CFRC Website doesn’t work, copy and paste this URL into your Windows Media Player: http://sunsite.queensu.ca:8000/
Join us in the Chat Room during the show – either click the link on the right menu under the Rave and Roll graphic, or here.
To listen to any shows that you may have missed, go to the CFRC website and look up the archives under the “Programming” drop-down menu. You can enjoy Ed’s previous shows in one-hour increments.

1.      Arkitex – First World Calling
2.      When In Rome – The Promise
3.      Hawaiian Pups – Overture To Young Boys
4.      Cottage Industry – ESP
5.      Psyche – Thundershowers In Ivory Towers (extended)
6.      Siouxsie And The Banshees – I Promise
7.      Men Without Hats – I Got The Message
8.      The Clash – The Magnificent Seven
9.      Tear Garden – Ophelia
10. The Extras – Circular Impression
11. Yello – The Race
12. West India Company – Ave Maria
13. Echo & The Bunnymen      – The Killing Moon (up all night mix)
14. Images In Vogue – Every Time
15. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Electricity
16. Dalek I Love You – Heaven Was Bought For Me
17. Tears For Fears – Pale Shelter
18. Sexbeat – Sexbeat
19. Thompson Twins – Make Believe (U.S. version)

80’s Music Rules ~ Angelic 80’s Voices ~ Part Two

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In August 2009, I featured five of what I considered “angelic voices” from the 80’s – Morten Harket, Bryan Ferry, Iva Davies, David Sylvian, and Freddie Mercury. Continuing that theme, I would like to add five more singers to that list, with a slight twist.

This list is purely subjective, 100% male, and comprised of singers that I feel should be showcased for their power, range, and creativity. One singer is not from the 80’s era, but encompasses all that made David Bowie and Iva Davies outstanding 80’s vocalists, and whose music is definitely retro. Let’s start with him.

Colin Troy – I have previously featured his group, Slave To The SQUAREwave, along with manager and keyboardist, Rob Stuart. Colin’s voice has incredible range. Bowie-esque and emotive, Colin far surpasses Bowie in style and technique. S2TSW, as a whole, is a formidable contemporary group, and Colin’s voice catapults them out of the park and into the stratosphere.

“Sinners of Saint Avenue” via YouTube user Sparksmusic:

Peter Murphy – Known for his work with 80’s goth band Bauhaus, Peter Murphy struck out on his own and established himself as an extraordinary vocalist. Love Hysteria is a solid collection of Peter Murphy songs and a great primer for those not familiar with his music. When work is overwhelming, Murphy is a favorite iPod selection to take me away from harsh reality and into more bearable surroundings.

“Indigo Eyes” via YouTube user sweating fretboards:

Rude Van Steenes – Frontman for the criminally underrated and heartbreakingly short-lived Canadian band Vis-A-Vis, Rude’s voice is a strong and compelling instrument. Both of my fave Djs, David Marsden and Ed-FM have done their best to keep this important sound alive on the airways. Check out the very few Vis-A-Vis offerings on YouTube and you, too, will fall under Rude’s spell.

“Shadow Play” via YouTube user RudeVanSteenes:

Darryl Kromm – Lead singer for another criminally underrated Canadian band, Strange Advance, Kromm provides vocals that are soothing, lush, and a treat for your ears. In addition to a backing band that nails every Strange Advance song we were lucky to hear, Kromm’s voice set an 80’s standard that most heavily-rotated singers could only aspire to.

“Worlds Away” via YouTube user mysweeteventhorizon:

Paul Humphrey – Blue Peter is one of my all-time favorite criminally underrated Canadian bands. Humphrey gave (and still gives) a first-rate performance somewhat reminiscent of David Byrne on steroids. As with all the bands and artists that never received the recognition they were due, it makes me wonder what Byrne had that Humphrey did not. In my mind, the answer is, “Nothing.”

“Don’t Walk Past” via YouTube user johnmcboston:

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 04-13-10

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Tonight was a perfect opportunity to recognize a great icon of 80’s style and music – Malcolm McLaren, who passed away last week. Ed opened the show with three outstanding examples of the depth of McLaren’s talent and influence. And that was only the start of a superior set. You deserve a safe 80’s refuge, so why not treat yourself to the fastest and most satisfying two hours of your week? We had a couple of first-timers in the chat room; perhaps you, too, will consider joining us there.

 Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “Tuesday night will make you forget that awful Monday feeling” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/Post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

 CFRC-FM Playlist April 13, 2010

 Basement of Carruthers Hall in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario
ED-FM ~ Retrospect
80’s Music That Doesn’t Suck
If the “Listen Live” link on the CFRC Website doesn’t work, copy and paste this URL into your Windows Media Player: http://sunsite.queensu.ca:8000/
Join us in the Chat Room during the show – either click the link on the right menu under the Rave and Roll graphic, or here.
To listen to any shows that you may have missed, go to the CFRC website and look up the archives under the “Programming” drop-down menu. You can enjoy Ed’s previous shows in one-hour increments.

1.     Malcolm McLaren & The Bootzilla Orchestra – Waltz Darling (extended)
2.     Bow Wow Wow – Orang Outang
3.     Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant
4.     Men Without Hats – On Tuesday
5.     Martha & The Muffins – By The Waters Of Babylon
6.     Echo & The Bunnymen – Rescue Me
7.     Peter Murphy – The Line Between The Devil’s Teeth (12 inch)
8.     Gary Numan – Jo The Waiter
9.     Yello – Si Signor The Hairy Grill
10. Maurice & The Cliches – Soft Core
11. Blue Peter – Don’t Walk Past
12. Cassandra Complex – God John
13. Data Bank A – Etiquette Of Travel
14. John Foxx – Europe After The Rain
15. The Voice – Lime
16. Moral Support – Strange Day for Dancing
17. Comsat Angels – Will you Stay Tonight (12 inch – live)
18. The Hush – Now Reality
19. Soft Boys – Kingdom Of Love
20. New Order – Blue Monday
21. My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult – Devil Bunnies
22. The Spoons – No Electrons

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Mission UK

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So many 80’s bands claimed six degrees of separation; that is, bands that morphed into other bands, and band members that floated from one group to the next. Mission UK is no exception. It started from the remnants of another criminally underrated band, the Sisters of Mercy.

Founding members were Wayne Hussey (lead vocals), Craig Adams (bass), Mick Brown (drummer), and Simon Hinkler (guitar). Hussey and Adams hailed from the Sisters of Mercy, while Brown came from Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Hinkler had appeared with Artery and Pulp. There was some drama over Mission’s first name, The Sisterhood, because Andrew Eldritch, frontman for Sisters of Mercy, claimed that name for SOM’s fans. After some wrangling back and forth, Eldritch released an album titled The Sisterhood, and the the band of the same name changed to Mission. The “UK” portion was added for recognition in the US.

Mission UK released its first album, God’s Own Medicine, in 1986, the same year it formed. They were plagued with personnel changes, similar to any number of gifted 80’s bands. It seems that creativity brings with it a whole set of personality issues and clashes, leading to temporary break-ups and out-and-out reformations. Mission UK continued to rise from the ashes over the years, completing a 22-year run in 2008 when Hussey finally called it quits.

Mission UK music is available in abundance. Check out their catalog here. I have listed out only the band’s 80’s discography below, but they continued to release albums up until 2008.

“Serpent’s Kiss” via YouTube user paralisisync:

“Severina” via YouTube user michelpedo:

“Deliverance” via YouTube user VampireHiram666:

 Official site: http://www.themissionuk.com/

80’s Discography

God’s Own Medicine (1986)

The First Chapter (1987)

Children (1988)

Carved in Sand(1990)

Grains of Sand(1990)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 04-06-10

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It’s so easy to respect your ears. All you have to do is give them what they yearn for, what makes them tingle, what makes them warm and fuzzy…..well, skip the fuzz, you know what I mean. Two hours of obscure 80’s and your ears will be humming happy tunes all night. Trust me, I have awakened on many a morning with an obscure tune wonderfully stuck in my head. What a way to start the day!

 Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “obscure is like a box of chocolates for your ears” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/Post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

CFRC-FM Playlist April 6, 2010

 Basement of Carruthers Hall in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario
ED-FM ~ Retrospect
80’s Music That Doesn’t Suck
If the “Listen Live” link on the CFRC Website doesn’t work, copy and paste this URL into your Windows Media Player: http://sunsite.queensu.ca:8000/
Join us in the Chat Room during the show – either click the link on the right menu under the Rave and Roll graphic, or here.
To listen to any shows that you may have missed, go to the CFRC website and look up the archives under the “Programming” drop-down menu. You can enjoy Ed’s previous shows in one-hour increments.

1.     Echo & The Bunnymen – Lips Like Sugar
2.     Martha & The Muffins – Black Stations/ White Stations
3.     Shriekback – Whistles
4.     Psyche – Uncivilized
5.     Art Of Noise/Max Headroom – Paranoimia (12”)
6.     Men Without Hats – I Know Their Name
7.     Spoons – Nova Heart
8.     Flash And The Pan – Lady Killer
9.     Stranglers – No Mercy (12” cement mix)
10. Rational Youth – I Want To See The Light
11. Visage – Moon Over Moscow
12. Slow Children – Spring in Fialta (12”)
13. Armoury Show – Castles In Spain
14. Clash – Bank Robber (robber dub mix)
15. The Box – Dancing On The Grave
16. Department S – Is Vic There?
17. Sons Of The Desert – Best Things
18. Siouxsie & The Banshees – Dazzle (glamour mix)
19. Chalk Circle – This Mourning (rock edit version)
20. Frank Zappa – Valley Girl

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ (Much More Than) One-Hit Wonders

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It’s time to go on a rant about extraordinarily gifted artists and bands who were unfairly labeled “one-hit wonders.” Oftentimes, these artists were not properly promoted after charting; although they continued producing incredible music, the powers that be at the record companies and radio stations turned a deaf ear in order to promote the next flavor of the month. We, the listeners, were the big losers.

So much fantastic music from the 80’s has since been unearthed, that it’s not even necessary to listen to the contemporary repetitive swill out there. My iPod has 10 days’ worth of obscure 80’s listening gems. Each week, when I listen to the champions of the little guys, David Marsden and Ed-FM, I am treated to even more music that wasn’t promoted, that should have been, and that absolutely rocks.

This week will showcase three wrongly identified “one-hit wonders.” I urge you, if you haven’t already done so, to explore and enjoy their music. You will discover music your ears have been longing for, that will soothe your soul, and make you fall in love with your speakers all over again.

Gary Numan

Numan’s first group, Tubeway Army, scored big hits with “Cars” and “Are Friends Electric” back in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Since then, Gary Numan has been a very busy man, working hard to reinvent himself and finally finding success with a move to a decidedly Goth/Industrial/Dark Wave genre. Starting in the mid-90’s, Numan hit his stride with the albums Sacrifice, Exile, Pure, Hybrid, Jagged, and the latest, Dead Son Rising (sheduled to be released later in 2010). Never heard of them? If you enjoy Dark Wave, do yourself a huge favor and check them out. Both Trent Reznor and Marilyn Manson have cited Numan as an influence. Exile and Hybrid are personal favorites of mine. Gary Numan has transcended Tubeway Army in a huge way and deserves much more than the limited success of the past 15 years.

 

“Absolution” via YouTube user Patrickingham21:

“Exile” via YouTube user MollyClark4430:

“Haunted” via YouTube user Industrial82:

Modern English

Modern English scored a big hit in the 80’s with “I Melt With You.” If you haven’t taken the time to listen to any other of their eclectic 80’s tunes, you are cheating your ears out of pure pleasure in a big way. Their four 80’s LPs were Mesh and Lace (1981), After the Snow (1982), Ricochet Days (1984), and Stop Start (1986). My personal favorite is “Someone’s Calling” from the After The Snow LP. Definitely take the time to go back and check out any Modern English music you may not have heard the first time around. This band deserved to be more than a “don’t blink or you’ll miss them” phenomenon.

“Someone’s Calling” via YouTube user ealdrett:

“Ink and Paper” via YouTube user delahuerta:

Blue Peter

Virtually unknown outside of Canada, Blue Peter enjoyed a couple of hits with “Don’t Walk Past” and “Radio Silence.” The band, led by Paul Humphrey, continues to play in and around Toronto to this day. If you like the style of David Byrne, front man of Talking Heads, you’ll love Blue Peter. Humphrey embodies all that is great about Byrne, with a little David Bowie and Bryan Ferry thrown in for fun. Criminally underrated doesn’t even begin to describe Blue Peter’s talent. Even if you were lucky enough to have heard either of their hits back in the 80’s, chances are you missed out on gems such as “Falling,” “Take Me to War.” “All Your Time,” “Unchained Heart,” and “Video Verite.”

 

“Don’t Walk Past” via YouTube user johnmcboston:

“I Walk Alone” via YouTube user orbitalpopdog:

“Video Verite” via YouTube user orbitalpopdog: