Monthly Archives: March 2010

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 03-30-10

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With the specter of Spring upon us, what better way to heat up the night than with some obscure 80’s? What’s more appropriate for Easter week than with some Echo & The Bunnymen? And for all of you wordsmiths out there, Abecedarians – Ed knows what we need to spice up our week, and he supplies it in short order.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “nothing is too obscure for me” 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 March 30, 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.     Kid Creole And The Coconuts – Endicott
2.     Ledernaken – Amok
3.     Xymox – Blind Hearts
4.     The Box – My Dreams Of You (extended)
5.     Echo & The Bunnymen – Silver
6.     Torch Song – Moth Doom Ecstasy
7.     Richard Strange & The Engine Room – Damascus (extended)
8.     Sideways Look – Unlock The Capital
9.     Vis-A Vis – I Am The Night (Colour Me Black)
10. Abecedarians – Soil
11. Screaming Bamboo – Lifelike
12. Payola$ – China Boys
13. Ege Bam Yasi – Circumstance
14. Victims Of Pleasure – Jack & Jill
15. Chalk Circle – 20th Century Boy
16. Eight Point Five – Mary
17. King Trigger – The River (12”)
18. Yukahiro Takahashi – Connection
19. Benjamin Russell – Miracle
20. The Thought – The Rise And Fall
21. Winston Tong – The Quotidian
22. Captain Sensible – The Russians Are Coming

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ The Nails

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So many of the artists and bands featured in this series have been named “one-hit” wonders. Although this title may hold up from a statistical viewpoint, in many instances the artist/band did indeed have more than one “hit” (maybe just not a top-10 chart topper), and/or ultimately produced a much better body of work than the declared “hit.”

The Nails falls into the latter category. Formed in the mid-seventies in Boulder, CO, the group originally started out with Marc Campbell (vocals), George Kaufman (bassist, RIP 2009), Douglas Guthrie (saxophone), Mike Ratti followed by Dennis McDermott (drums), Dave Kaufman (keyboards), and Steve O’Rourke (guitar).

The Nails languished on the club circuit for several years before moving to New York. There, they recorded an EP in 1981 that contained the song they are most well-known for: “88 Lines About 44 Women.” Even though it contains unmistakable (and hilarious) double-entendres, “88 Lines” enjoyed widespread airplay, bringing the band well-deserved attention.

The problem is, The Nails have other New Wave gems that most of us have never heard. Thanks to airplay on such obscure-80’s focused shows as Ed-FM’s Retrospect , and David Marsden’s twice-a-week broadcast on 94.9 The Rock, some incredibly great Nails songs have surfaced. Ed-FM’s show has aired such nuggets as “Home of the Brave (Apocalyptic Bepop),” “Juanita Juanita,” “Hotel For Women,” “Things You Left Behind,” and “ Every Time I Touch You.” David Marsden keeps the infamous “88 Lines” alive, more importantly, fueling the band’s memory.

The band recorded three albums, only two of which were released in the 80’s. The third album, “Corpus Christi, decorated a shelf for 5 years before finally seeing the light of day in 1993. Fortunately, these collections are still in print and can be found here.

Again, the lesson here is if you loved a song that a band/ artist was noted for, or even if you think of a solid group/ artist that has been deemed a “one-hit wonder,” dig a little further. Chances are, there are songs that received no promotion for a multitude of reasons (corporate hubris), and that outshine the ones that were in heavy rotation.

“Home Of The Brave” via YouTube user dak8844:

“Let It All Hang Out” via YouTube user NormN354:

“Things You Left Behind” via YouTube user disident666:

 “88 Lines About 44 Women” via YouTube user Fronic:

Discography

Mood Swing (1984)
(1986)
(recorded 1988, released 1993)

Dangerous Dreams

Corpus Christi

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 03-23-10

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Ed-FM was, as he put it, “rip-roarin’ and ready to go.” And, there was no finer way to start off a set of obscure 80’s than Strange Advance’s “Worlds Away.” How about Magazine singing parts of “The Light Pours Out Of Me” in French? If that doesn’t put you in the mood, check your pulse; you just may find out that you are not amongst the living and breathing.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “every show is a brain-teaser” 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 March 23, 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. Strange Advance – Worlds Away
  2. Magazine – The Light Pours Out Of Me (live 1980)
  3. Echo & The Bunnymen – Over The Wall
  4. The The – December Sunlight (Cried Out)
  5. Ohama – Lonely Heart Dance
  6. Ramm – Sail Away
  7. English Beat – Mirror In The Bathroom
  8. 54-40 – Standing In The Way
  9. Figures On A Beach – Delirium
  10. The Nails – Home Of The Brave (Apocalyptic Bebop)
  11. Patrick Coutin – J’aime Regarder Les Filles
  12. Fad Gadget – Swallow It
  13. Martha & The Muffins –  Paint By Number Heart
  14. The Clash – Charlie Don’t Surf
  15. The Fall-Out Club – Wunderlust
  16. Tubeway Army – We Have A Technical (ext.)
  17. Toby Swann – Somewhere Over The Rainbow
  18. Hawaiian Pups – Spook Opera
  19. Spoons – No Electrons
  20. Malcolm Burn – Humans Can Talk
  21. Henry Badowski – My Face
  22. The Adventures – Another Silent Day
  23. Simple Minds – Waterfront (12”)

David Marsden Birthday Cotillion ~ 3-14-2010

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In honor of the annual David Marsden Birthday Cotillion held at Andy Poolhall in Toronto ON, Canada Sunday March 14, 2010, today’s feature is a video montage of the event.

Sistahmar, Roving Ambassador and founder of the Marsbar Theatre Chat Room, outdid herself with this festive occasion. Not only did most of the members of the chat room attend, so did alumni from the infamous CFNY radio station and also from 94.9 The Rock, where David currently broadcasts each Saturday and Sunday night from 7 pm until midnight.

Many sincere thanks to Dan Hurley, Felix029 (Bruce), and Warrlock (Randy) for sharing your photos to make this production possible. Also, a huge thank you to Rob Stuart and Slave to the SQUAREwave for so graciously allowing me to use their fantastic music again this year as a backdrop for the montage. And, Andy Poolhall, Toronto, ON once again was kind enough to open their doors on a usual day off to provide a gathering place for the party. Hats off to you, too.

“David Marsden Birthday Cotillion ~ 3-14-2010” via YouTube user MissParker0106:

View video footage and interviews from the party by clicking here: http://www.torontonews24.com/video/viewvideo/97/behind-the-scene-at-toronto-news-24/marsbars

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 03-16-10

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It was a glorious spring-like day in Ontario and to celebrate, Ed-FM started out the evening with an XTC two-fer. For the next two hours the obscure hits-that-should’ve-been just kept on rolling non-stop out of the speakers. Imagine St. Patty’s Day Eve even more festive, decked out with tunes that our 80’s-hungry ears thanked us for.

 Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “better than a St. Patty’s Day celebration” 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 March 16, 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. XTC – Summer’s Cauldron
  2. XTC – Grass
  3. Norman Iceburg – Be My Human Tonight
  4. Breeding Ground – This Time Tomorrow
  5. Dalek I Love You – African Express
  6. Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Welcome To The Pleasuredome
  7. Blancmange – Blind Vision (12”)
  8. Chain Of Fun – Paisley Girls
  9. Echo & The Bunnymen – The Cutter
  10. Martha & The Muffins – Come Out And Dance
  11. Data Bank A – Stress Factor
  12. Yello – Sometimes Dr. Hirsch
  13. The Glove – Like An Animal (ext. mix)
  14. Darkroom – San Paku
  15. Spoons – Symmetry
  16. Hush – Now Reality (ext.)
  17. Camouflage – The Great Commandment
  18. Maurice & The Cliches – Soft Core

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Breeding Ground

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Formed in Toronto in 1980, Breeding Ground’s original line-up included John Shirreff (vocals), Hugh Gladish (and later Chris Wardman – guitar), Jonathan Strayer (bass), and Ken Jones (drums). Similar to last week’s featured band It’s Immaterial, Breeding Ground released several singles, two EPs and one LP throughout the entire 80’s decade.

Breeding Ground garnered airplay on college campuses, which gave them a large, loyal, yet limited following. In the mid-80’s, two of the original band members, Strayer and Jones, were replaced by Gary Quinn (bass) and Kevin Hunter (drums). In 1986, the band made a strong attempt to hold onto their popularity with the release of their second EP. Their one and only full-length album, ironically titled Obscurity and Flair, and featuring Alta Moda singer Molly Johnson along with Chalk Circle’s Tad Winklar on saxophone, did not make its debut until 1989. By that time, unfortunately, Breeding Ground was essentially defunct.

One Breeding Ground single,”Happy Now I Know,” is a satiric send-up of Christian Rock. It also is so reminiscent of the style and sound of another criminally underrated 80’s (and beyond) band, James. Another single that is available via YouTube, “Ceremony of Love,” evokes the style of a fellow homegrown Ontario band, Chalk Circle. Finally, Joy Division/New Order influences abound in “Reunion.”

The band’s music is kept alive today by DJs of exceptionally good taste. Both David Marsden and Ed-FM play Breeding Ground selections on their shows, which is how I became familiar with them. It’s a shame their popularity did not exceed the boundaries of college campuses, because Breeding Ground was one of those criminally obscure bands that should have enjoyed more far-reaching success.

Unfortunately, I am not able to find Breeding Ground music for sale. If someone knows of a source, please leave a comment.

“Happy Now I Know” via YouTube user BREEDINGGROUND1:


“This Time Tomorrow” via YouTube user BREEDINGGROUND1:


“Ceremony of Love” via YouTube user BREEDINGGROUND1:


“Reunion” via YouTube user Packager:

Discography

Singles:
Reunion/ Slaughter (12”) (1983)
Happy Now I Know/ This Time Tomorrow (1986)
Ceremony of Love (1989)

EPs:
Breeding Ground (1982)
Tales of Adventure (1986)

LP:
Obscurity and Flair (1989)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 03-09-10

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Ed-FM from Retrospect on CFRC will be away on business this evening (3-9-10) and will not be broadcasting live. Please join us next Tuesday night (3-16-10) from 8-10pm (EST) for the best 80’s music your ears have never heard.

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ It’s Immaterial

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Frequently heard on Ed-FM’s Retrospect show, but rarely heard anywhere else, It’s Immaterial was a vital 80’s band. Formed in 1980 in Liverpool from three members of another little-known band, Yachts, the original members were John Campbell (vocals), Martin Dempsey (guitar), and Henry Priestman (keyboards). Paul Barlow (drums) also joined up with the ex-Yachts trio, rounding out the first line-up.

It’s Immaterial released several singles over their first two years. In 1981, they recorded four sessions for legendary John Peel. One of the songs, “A Gigantic Raft,” was featured on the soundtrack of the 2004 remake of the movie “Manchurian Candidate.”

The band’s debut album, curiously, was not released until 1986, after It’s Immaterial was reduced to a duo consisting of founding member Campbell, and Jarvis Whitehead (guitar, keyboards). Titled, Life’s Hard and Then You Die, the tracks included the single hit “Ed’s Funky Diner.”

It’s Immaterial went on to release one more album commercially in 1990, titled Song. Although a critical success, it did not fare so well in sales. There was eventually a third, unreleased album. This from Wikipedia:

The group also recorded a third full album with the working title of “House for Sale.” According to John Campbell it is finished and still in the vault. They shopped it around but could not find a label to release it. He said they were told it was too “dark.”

To my ear, the best way to describe It’s Immaterial’s style is a dash New Wave, a dollop of New Romantic, and a healthy dose of the unique style which underscores such wonderful groups as Big Country and Simple Minds. Amazon has It’s Immaterial music for sale here.

As is true with most bands featured in “Criminally Underrated,” if you have not availed yourself of It’s Immaterial music, it’s still not too late. This was another band that helped form the best music decade ever and definitely worth a listen. Lucky for us Ed-FM thinks so, too.

“Ed’s Funky Diner” via YouTube user jmj321:

“Rope” via YouTube user sebaaastian13:

“Driving Away From Home” via YouTube user parkhill62:

“Space” via YouTube user dendekedekedeke:

“New Brighton” via YouTube user jmj321:

Discography:

Life’s Hard and Then You Die (1986)
  

Song (1990)

 

House For Sale (unreleased)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 03-02-10

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Ed promised us a few surprises – and he was true to his word. Even if we had heard of the artist, or the song, he managed to deliver an obscure, rare version. The extended mixes and remixes were flowing freely, giving new life to songs that deserved more exposure back in the day. That’s what Ed-FM and Retrospect are all about – giving us another chance to enjoy what we should have been listening to during the best music decade ever. Join us again in two weeks (Ed is off next Tuesday) for the best 80’s songs you’ve never heard.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “bet you never heard this version” 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 March 2, 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.     Moral Support – Insanity
2.     Boys Brigade – Saigon
3.     Wall of Voodoo – The Passenger
4.     Moev – Took Out The Lace (12”)
5.     The Nails – Juanita Juanita
6.     Godley and Crème – Cry (extended dance mix)
7.     King Trigger – The River (extended mix)
8.     Hipsway – Honey Thief
9.     Triffids – Bright Lights Big City
10. Spandau Ballet – To Cut A Long Story Short (extended mix)
11. Mama Quilla – Mama Quilla
12. Human League – Open Your Heart
13. Cowboys International – Thrash
14. Johnny Analog – Agent Provocateur
15. Neon Judgement – Tomorrow In Papers
16. Voice – Lime
17. Echo & The Bunnymen – Never Stop
18. Joy Division – She’s Lost Control (the Peel session)
19. This Fear – Soldier Of Fashion
20. Vital Sines – Rhythm Of Dark
21. Pete Wiley – Sinful (Tribal Mix)