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Friday, December 7, 2012

Hot Club - It Ain't Me Girl


7" Single, released in 1983

Hot Club - It Ain't Me Girl (Night Version) (B-Side)

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Hot Club was an interesting short lived project, originally founded by Glen Matlock, Steve Allen (vocalist with Original Mirrors) and James Stevenson. Recording for RAK Records, when Steve Allen dropped out he was replaced by Clark Datchler and Calvin Hayes was also drafted in. "It Ain't Me Girl" was the sole single release with this lineup as Matlock and Stevenson wanted to perform live but there was no touring budget.

Clark would release a couple of solo singles before reuniting with Calvin in Johnny Hates Jazz.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Wishful Thinking - Wishful Thinking


7" Single, released in 1983

Wishful Thinking - Wishful Thinking (A-Side)
Wishful Thinking - On Line (B-Side)

And Indians - Opera of Love


7" Single, released in 1984

And Indians - Opera of Love (A-Side)
And Indians - Life In Luton (B-Side)

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Add to my singles collection

If you spot a family resemblance, that's because one half of the duo And Indians was Lisa Climie, sister of Simon Climie (of Climie Fisher) and who also recorded briefly as Tootsie Roll.

"Opera of Love" was, sadly, the only release for And Indians but you can read much more about Lisa's interesting career here.

One O'Clock Gang - Carry Me


7" Single, released in 1984

One O'Clock Gang - Carry Me (A-Side)
One O'Clock Gang - You Are On My Side (B-Side)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Bolland - The Domino Theory


When Status Quo released the single "You're In The Army Now" in 1986 I had no idea that it was a (carbon copy) cover version of a 1981 track by two Dutch brothers who recorded under their family name, Bolland. Much as I like the dynamics of the song (slow build up, sound effects, slightly obscure lyrics) it goes some way to explaining why I did not care for any other Quo singles they released around that time, and when I discovered that it's original place was as part of this concept album called The Domino Theory, it made much more sense.

When I ripped this album from vinyl, I found that in true concept LP fashion there was no satisfactory way to cut up the individual tracks as they blend so well into each other. For that reason, my rip simply features two tracks, Side 1 and Side 2. Perhaps this is an anomaly in this day and age, but the album is not overly long and is all the better for being enjoyed as a single piece. It was also released on CD at a later point, but again the decision to cut up the album into individual tracks in that format lost something from the original presentation and concept.

The Domino Theory (1981)

Side One:
Overture - You're In The Army Now - The Dogs of War - Heart of Darkness - Cambodia Moon

Side Two
Heaven Can Wait - To The Battleground - Long Day's Journey Into The Night - Let's Help A.R.V.I.N. Out - Rendez-Vous With Radiation - Finale

Download

Alternate download

Personnel:
Rob Bolland
Ferdi Bolland

Incidentally, I also liked the appearance of the Royal Air Force Yearbook on the front cover. As a kid I loved that magazine and collected them for several years.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Freeze Frame - Foxhole


7" Single, released in 1984



Burlitz - A Woman Like You


7" Single released in 1984

Burlitz - A Woman Like You (A-Side)
Burlitz - Shooting Star (B-Side)

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Strange Talk - Cast Away

I just love random music discoveries. I found this while I was looking for a book on Talk Talk. The single was just released last month, with a debut album anticipated early in 2013.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Eugenie Arrowsmith - Promises


7" Single, released in 1986

Eugenie Arrowsmith - Promises (A-Side)
Eugenie Arrowsmith - Try (B-Side)


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Figures - The Gateway

Figures was a band from Minnesota, USA. They released a handful of albums through a local label, Twin Tone Records. The Gateway was released in 1986.

"Anton Fier produced The Gateway, organizing Figures' sound into a clear and brisk (although drums are slightly too prominent) vehicle for Waryan's heartfelt songs. Tasteful rock underpinnings and sharp lead solos offset the ringing acoustic guitars and doubled harmony vocals, making songs like "Word s Unsaid," "In the House of Welcomes" and a folky rendition of Lowell George's "Easy to Slip" highlights of an altogether agreeable record." (Trouser Press)

Figures - The Gateway (1986)

1. Words Unsaid
2. Dear Lee
3. In Five Days I'm Leaving Here
4. Heard You Laugh
5. It's All Quite Clear
6. Lyndon Station
7. Heard You Laugh
8. Easy To Slip
9. Twilight Bark
10. In The House of Welcomes

Download 

Alternate download

Personnel:
Steve Brantseg
Steven Fjelstad
Jay Peck
Jeff Waryan
Harvey Ginsburg
Vicky Williams

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Get Rhythm - Cairo Romance


7" Single, released in 1988


Tanh Chi - Rhythm

7" Single, released in 1986


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sense - Jamie


7" Single, released in 1985

Sense - Jamie (A-Side)
Sense - No More Games To Play (B-Side)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Le One - In Communique

-->
7" Single, released in 1983


Sunday, September 16, 2012

Burning Sensations


Here's another of those US "Mini-LPs" they seemed to like in the early eighties. Burning Sensations was a Los Angeles band fronted by Tim McGovern, formerly of the Motels.

This EP included 4 tracks, but only the single Belly Of The Whale was included on the subsequent album which was also self-titled.

The band broke up in 1987.

Burning Sensations Mini LP (1983)

1. Belly Of The Whale
2. Check Your Mail
3. Carnival Of Souls
4. Jokenge

Download

Personnel:
Tim McGovern
Rob Hasick
Barry Wisdom
Morley Bartnof
Jeff Hollie
Michael Temple

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Record Collecting In the USA Part #32, or What We Did On Our Holidays, or Obviously This Post Is Turning Into A Paul Simon Title

I just returned to Angleterre after a couple of weeks at home in the US which if nothing else proved that I am seriously wacked when it comes to my music obsessions. It occurred to me while I was wondering through Gatwick Airport clutching a plastic bag with 9 LP records that collecting CDs, while obsessive enough, still didn't wear on the hands and fingers quite as much. 9 albums are heavy to carry and hard to protect while boarding and unboarding and all that other travel malarkey.

Even more interesting, none of these LPs have been listened to yet. So, they could all be rubbish, or at least a bit underwhelming. So as I got to thinking about just why I chose to haul them around with me when I could perfectly well have stored them and waited for another time to get to know them, I thought I would document what they were here, before trying them out.

Din - Great Tradition (1983)
This one has been on my radar for a while and I finally bought it on eBay. There are no keyboards or synths so I am expecting something quite organic. The album is on Rocshire Records which is an interesting story in itself.

Twenty Twenty - Self Titled (1985)
I found this in a dollar bin and it had some great 80's sounding titles plus lots of Linn drums and keyboards listed. I'm expecting a typical 80's sound although it looks like its on a small label from Nashville so it might not be much.

The Brandos - Honor Among Thieves (1987)

I read a positive review of this album when I was looking for info on another band called The Breaks. Found it for a couple of bucks right after that during a flying visit to The Great Escape Superstore in Nashville. 

David Lasley - Raindance (1984)
This one is a summary of my sometimes obsessive nature. I was flipping through some 99c records and I saw this one and thought, "What an odd looking guy". I ignored it and carried on browsing. However, I often go on the internet after the fact and look up albums that caught my eye just in case I might have missed something. And for a week, I couldn't find it. I could not remember the name or the title, and lots of searches failed to turn it up. So my choice was either to forget about it or make a point of looking for it if I had a chance to go back. It's the first time I had "Funny face 99c guy?" written down on a record list! Once I found it I figured it had intrigued me so much it deserved some attention.

The Effect - American Design (1982)
Another eBay purchase, this is an EP released on a private label by a male/female duo and I liked the look of it. Plus, it seems quite obscure.

Wotzat - Self Titled (1984)
I've owned this one for a few years now but for some reason I had never dug it out. It's an obscure release by a trio on a private label in England. It was mentioned at the New Wave Outpost so when I saw a signed copy on eBay I went for it..

Leap of Faith - Self Titled (1985)
I don't know anything about this New York four piece but it was cheap and from my favorite music year so I figured I would take a chance. On another obscure private label.

Fabulous Poodles - Mirror Stars (1978)
A bit older than the records I usually buy, but it was cheap and came in delightful pink vinyl. I got it at the same time as a couple of others on the list so it made the trip by default really.

The Flaming Hands - Self Titled (1984)
A fairly well documented Aussie band. I liked the cover and from what I read figured I would like this.

I imagine a mixtape will be taking shape fairly soon.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Mechanical Man - Say The Word



7" Single, released in 1986



Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Beijing Spring - We Can Keep This Together


7" Single, released in 1992



Saturday, August 25, 2012

FX - Personal


FX was a new wave band from Melbourne, Australia. They released one album, Personal, in 1986.

Tracklist:

1. Maybe
2. Will It Always Be (This Way)
3. It's Over
4. Getting Better
5. Only You
6. I Hate The Night
7.  Wouldn't Believe
8. Hide Myself Away
9. Neighbours
10. Children of the City

Download Side 1
Download Side 2

Friday, August 24, 2012

Zerra I - Mountains and Water



7" Single, released in 1984



Saturday, August 18, 2012

Frontier Theory - No Waltz In The Meadow



Frontier Theory was an alternative band from Washington DC who released an EP Atlantic in 1987 followed by the full length No Waltz In The Meadow in 1988 on Top Records.

This was a find at the memorable Haggle Vinyl record shop in Islington, London.

Tracklist:

1. Don't Walk Away
2. One More Season
3. The One That Got Away
4. We're So Cool
5. Whirlybird
6. Summertime (a cover version)
7. Madeline
8. Call

Download

Personnel:

Michael Kelley (vocals)
Tim Kelley (guitars, vocals)
Kevin Kelley (bass guitar, vocals)
Robert Kelley (drums, vocals)

If you like this one, please let me know in the comments!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Picnic At The Whitehouse - Success


7" Single, released in 1987



The curiously named Picnic At The Whitehouse was a short lived collaboration between Liverpudlian Edward Hind, previously the vocalist and songwriter for Virgin Dance, and keyboardist Ilfo from Germany. They released three singles and one album, The Doors Are Open.

My copy of the single has a crack in it unfortunately, so these are rips from the CD and the 12" single obtained elsewhere.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Last Gentlemen - A Kiss For All Seasons EP


I've previously mentioned the Last Gentlemen  before - a very popular independent Illinois band. This is an EP which I think came out in 1985 after the debut album and showcased their move from a four piece to a larger, more organic unit.

I'm not sure if they released anything else before their CD for Zoo World Behind Your Backcame out in around 1992.

Tracklist:

1. Everyday (Your Love Wears A Different Face)
2. A Gift and A Promise
3. The Perfect Summer
4. A Kiss For All Seasons
5. It's Too Late

Download

Last Gentlemen on Facebook


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Spools Paradise (Record Mirror)


Most music magazines these days give away CD's occasionally, although in my opinion it's usually a case of finding one or two things you like. Usually there's some sort of record label promotion involved. Back in the '80s giveaways were rare except for the occasional flexi-disc usually with some wobbly Christmas greeting from the talentless one from Wham or the drummer from Duran Duran.

Record Mirror gave away this tape in 1985, but there were some conditions. First, you had to collect consecutive coupons from the magazine, and then send off for the tape. The slight catch was the full tracklisting was not provided, with each week instead two or three of the artists being revealed. The promotion was designed to highlight the tape itself, a 60 minute cassette from Maxell (Type I, not the other Type II Chrome thingy). Obviously the tape product was pretty good, because it played quite nicely 27 years later so I could digitize the tracks.

Quite a good compilation for it's type, we have several RM favourites (Lizzie Tear - who never seemed to release anything at all, Del Amitri, Hipsway, Win, Virginia Astley). We also have the original version of "Opportunities" by The Pet Shop Boys, before they achieved chart success later in the year. Several tracks were exclusive to this release at the time.

1. Win - You've Got The Power
2. Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities
3. Lizzie Tear - Kima (Hey Ma Ma)
4. Brilliant - Ruby Fruit Jungle
5. Colourbox - Arena
6. Chakk - Turn The Sound Out
7. The Pogues - A Pair of Brown Eyes
8. Animal Nighlife - Love is Just The Great Pretender (Undressing Mix)
9. James - Just Hip
10. ABC - Fear of the World (In Cinemascope)
11. Tippa Irie - Complain Neighbour
12. Virginia Astley - I Live In Dreams
13. Hipsway - Forbidden
14. Del Amitri - Heard Through A Wall
15. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Rattlesnakes (Live)

Download

Monday, August 6, 2012

Kick City - Still Life

12" Single, released in 1986


Kick City was a Bristol band and this single was a private pressing. I don't have any further information on them.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Two People - This Is The Shirt


7" Single, released in 1987 (and 1985)



Two People were Mark Stevenson and Noel Ram, who released four excellent singles between 1985 and 1987. Chart success eluded them however, and no album was ever released.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Mischievous Deeds - Wishing You Well


7" Single, released in 1982



I recently bought a half dozen "new wave" records on eBay for a couple of quid. I'll probably post all of them in the coming weeks, however this one is the strangest. When tagging the files I don't usually have a problem coming up with a genre description but this time all I could think of was "cheeky". I'm not very familiar with Safari Records except that they had English Evenings and Toyah on their roster in the early 80's, but I've no idea about this lot. This is a record that could only have been made by a British artist, in the tradition of the Kinks or Small Faces - just like the typical British cartoon postcard on the cover, this is a tongue in cheek paean to windswept English beaches, ice creams, bikinis and 'avin a larf. It certainly put a smile on my face. Maybe you will enjoy it too.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Passions - The Swimmer


7" Single, released in 1981


The Passions were a London band active during the late seventies and early eighties and were most famous for their Top 30 hit "I'm In Love With A German Film Star".

Quite an appropriate single with all the Olympic swimming shenanigans at the moment.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Clark Datchler - I Don't Want You!



7" Single, released in 1984

Clark Datchler - I Don't Want You! (A-Side)
Clark Datchler - No Want, No War (B-Side)

[Link updated April 2015]

Flip Me!

This is a request for David Robinson over at the New Wave Outpost.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Angel Chorus - Devil On My Shoulder


7" Single, released in 1985


Angel Chorus was a one-off collaboration between Mark Ferda and Glynnis Thomas, who had previously been in the highly regarded Savage Progress.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Positive Noise - Change of Heart LP (1982)


Positive Noise - Change of Heart (1982)

Positive Noise was a new wave band from Scotland. Change of Heart was their second release and their most commercial effort.

This was an album I picked up for 99 cents at The Great Escape in Nashville last Christmas.

1. Feel The Fear
2. Get Up and Go!
3. Inhibitions
4. Obsession
5. Hanging On
6. Positive Negative
7. Waiting For The Seventh Man
8. Out of Reach
9. Tension
10. Change of Heart

Personnel:
Russell Blackstock (Guitar, Vocals)
Frazer Middleton (Bass, Vocals)
Graham Middleton (Keyboards, Vocals)
Les Gaff (Drums)

Wikipedia Entry

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Wild Life - The Power To Win


7" Single, released in 1989 (I think?)


Sunday, July 15, 2012

Cabaret Voltaire - Just Fascination


7" Single, released in 1983

Cold Fish - Love Me Today



7" Single, released in 1982

Cold Fish - Love Me Today (A-Side)
Cold Fish - Strange Boy (B-Side)

Flip Me!

Add to my singles collection



Love Me Today was the only single release by Canadian band Cold Fish, also known as Corect Spelling in their homeland and, apparently, as Sushi in Europe. The A-Side was produced by Midge Ure and he also played guitar.

This was a new find for me as I had never heard of the group before seeing the eye catching sleeve on eBay last week. Lead singer was the rather lovely Michelle McAdorey who went on to form Crash Vegas in the late 80's and was still performing fairly recently. Her MySpace page is here.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Sharks In Italy - Time (Is Ours)


7" Single, released in 1984

Sharks In Italy - Time (Is Ours) (A-Side)
Sharks In Italy - Dancing (B-Side)

Delta - Touch The Earth


7" Single, released in 1986

Delta - Touch The Earth (A-Side)
Delta - Touch The Earth Instrumental (B-Side)

Flip Me! 

Add to my singles collection

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Typhoon Saturday - What Do I Do


7" Single, released in 1982

Typhoon Saturday - Fascination (B-Side)

Sheffield band Typhoon Saturday was most notable for featuring drummer Anthony "Tich" Critchlow, who went on to form Living In A Box with Marcus Vere and Richard Darbyshire.

Monday, April 9, 2012

The Quick - Touch


7" Single, released in 1982

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Zu Zu Sharks - Eyes of the World


7" Single, released in 1984


Zu Zu Sharks were a short lived band featuring front man Richard Darbyshire who later went on to chart success with Living In A Box, along with Gary Tibbs who used to be in Adam & The Ants.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Sherry Kean - Mixed Emotions


Mini-LP released in 1983

1. Mixed Emotions
2. I Want You Back
3. You're So Minor
4. Universe of Two
5. Sever The Ties


As promised here is another US mini LP I picked up. Sherry Kean used to be in a band called The Sharks, before releasing this mini album and then a full length album a little while later.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Illustrated Man


Illustrated Man Mini-LP
Released in 1984

1. Head Over Heels (Single Mix)
2. Just Enough
3. Fall From Grace
4. Moving Forward
5. Day Without End
6. Head Over Heels (Double Mix)
7. Songs Of The Heart (Bonus Track)

Download

Here's a "mini LP" I found in the USA a few years ago now. It's interesting to me how the Americans often used this format as opposed to releasing two or three different singles - mainly because pop charts were airplay based and not based on individual sales as was the case in the UK. I have several of these to share over the next few weeks.

Illustrated Man were a so-called "supergroup" featuring two Britons and two Aussies. Hugo Burnham played drums and had been a member of Gang of Four. Rob Dean had played guitar with Japan, and Philip Foxman and Roger Mason had played with groups in Australia and had backed Gary Numan. They released two singles in the UK but despite an excellent sound had little commercial success and disbanded later in 1984.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Indoor Games - All of Your Lies



7" Single, released in 1983

Clark Datchler - Things Can't Get Any Worse


7" Single, released in 1984

Clark Datchler - Where Do We Go From Here (B-Side)

[New links April 2018]

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Red Bamboo - Dance of Love

-->

7" Single, released in 1986

Red Bamboo - Dance of Love (A-Side)
Red Bamboo - On The Line (B-Side)

Flip Me!

 
Red Bamboo were Ivor Reed, Peter Hemsley, Graham Ingram and Lawrence Barry. "Dance of Love" was their only single release.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Future - War of the Roses



7" Single, released in 1986

Vicious Pink - Take Me Now



7" Single, released in 1986