Babel 17- Shamanic Tales LP

Babel 17 were among the touching pop giants on the infamous Lively Art label (and one of my personal favorites of the era). The band released one full length LP and 10'' EP before disbanding. A third record was recorded and was meant to be released in 1992, but Lively Art went bankrupt and folded, leaving the album in limbo.

...Until now!



Babel 17- Shamanic Tales LP
1. Ghostdance
2. Jouvence
3. Kiss of Storm
4. Ring on the Bells
5. Kiddie's Gone
6. Shamanic
7. The Nightmare Goes On
8. Sense of Life
9. Virtual Vision
10. Watch 2 (Intercosmik Version)
11. Ghostdancer (Long way Remix)
12. Sense of Dub
13. Ring On... (Instrumental Mix)

*download it here*

Various Artists- Unreleased Vol. 1 K7

Since it seems like all links for the original Unreleased cassette are dead in the water or at a very low bit rate, here's a fresh 320 kbps, fresh from the cassette! This one is arguably the most orthodox of the series, featuring several "household names" from the French coldwave/touching pop scene, many making their first or second recorded appearance here. Every band here hails from France, with the exception of The Cultural Decay (Belgium), and a rare track from Factory darlings Section 25.

Interesting how each of these compilations appear on a different medium, huh? I wonder if a fourth compilation will ever surface on 8 track...



Various Artists- Unreleased Volume 1 K7
1. Section 25– Human Puppets
2. Asylum Party– Where Have You Gone My Friend?
3. Brigade Internationale– Memories And Break
4. Clair Obscur– Wreck
5. Mary Goes Round– The Shelter
6. Odessa– Trouble
7. Brigade Internationale– Silence Of My Brain
8. Orchestre Rouge– 1980
9. Art Remains Tangible– Numéro 32
10 Little Nemo– Future Is Now
11. Norma Loy– Ghost Parasites
12. Brigade Internationale– Eyes On The Volcano
13. Complot Bronswick– Panem And Circences
14. The Cultural Decay– I Never Loved You

*download it here*

PLEASE NOTE: If you grabbed this one last night, please grab it again. I upgraded the rip from a fresh copy of the cassette at 320kbps, so no errors and all is complete. Enjoy!

Housekeeping

Sorry guys, some errors on the Unreleased Vol. 1 tape I posted last night. Some as simple as tagging, and one has a track out of order. I had to pull the plug on the post for the time being, but you can expect it back up ASAP (most likely tonight or very early tomorrow).

In the meanwhile, most of the backlogs have been reuploaded. Just a handful more to go. Stay tuned!

Various Artists- Unreleased Vol. III CD

Here's one for the romantics. Contained within we have the final installment of the Unreleased series, a strictly coldwave compilation from Présage records with many repeat offenders providing exclusive tracks. You can get volume I here and my own rip of volume II here. The only release outside of these compilations is the first Little Nemo 12''. Strange that the label didn't do much else outside of these four releases, but hey.

This installment of the unreleased series is the most curious of the lot, as the tracks are (mostly) instrumental. In fact, the entire disc is very classical and baroque influenced, with myriads of piano and strings making up the majority of the instrumentation. Some modern sounding synths and the occasional drum machine & bass romp kick in, but for the most part, it's a relaxing and atmospheric affair.

A few of the artists that appear here aren't much of a surprise, especially In the Nursery, who have always flirted with a more modern darkwave take on classical music in their later incarnations. Curiously absent is Collection D'Arnell~Andrea, but this is definitely a must for fans of that sort of sound. There's a short piano contribution from Little Nemo founder Vincent Legallo and an exclusive Asylum Party track as well as several cuts from No Words and Rise And Fall Of A Decade, who comprise the majority of this collection. This one may not be for everyone, but it's definitely one I enjoy very much.



Various Artists- Unreleased Volume III CD
1. No Words- Futile Research
2. Vincent Legallo- Helioneiros N° 1
3. No Words – Silent Call
4. Asylum Party- Wet Button
5. Rise And Fall Of A Decade- Unity Mitford
6. Trees Dance- Fracture
7. Rise And Fall Of A Decade- Theme Kurland
8. No Words- Classical Side
9. In The Nursery- Seraphic
10. Trees Dance- Lust In Holy Dust
11. Rise And Fall Of A Decade- Galdhöppigen Glittertind
12. Trees Dance- No Access
13. Vincent Legallo- Orgues Allemands
14. No Words- Prémonition
15. No Words- Hommage A Gaétan Blondeau

*download it here*

The Wild Flowers- Melt Like Ice & Things Have Changed 7''

Many thanks to Jeffo for ripping these early singles from The Wild Flowers. If you aren't already familiar with this UK based post-punk band (most famous, perhaps, thanks to Mighty Lemon Drops guitarist Dave Newton's involvement), grab their first LP over at Phoenix Hairpins. I listen to that LP at least once a week, and I'm not one to get too repetitious with my listening habits, so that's saying something...

The version of "Melt Like Ice" was released in 1983, and is rather different than the version we've all come to know and love. I can't rank one over the other, but folks seem to prefer the 7'' version. The second A-side is the same as the LP version, so you won't find it zipped up here. However, both B-sides, two excellent slices of post-punk bliss, are contained within. Dig it:



The Wild Flowers- Melt Like Ice 7'' (1983)
1. Melt Like Ice
2. The Chosen Proof



The Wild Flowers- Things Have Changed (Which Should Have Stayed The Same) 7'' (1984)
1. Things Have Changed (Which Should Have Stayed The Same)
2. Second Thought

*download both here*

EDIT: I obtained a test pressing of the Melt Like Ice 7'' and decided to make a follow up rip, as the one previously posted here has a little bit of sibilance issues on the first 7'' only. You can either re-download the Melt Like Ice 7'' here or use the original link to get both releases (with the improved version) together as before.

Thirteen At Midnight- Other Passengers 7''

A donation from Jason, much appreciated!

Here we have a highly coveted single from Thirteen At Midnight, known for their work on Survival Records. Many readers should already be familiar with the disco rave up recording of this track (originally released as the b-side to Climb Down), with female vocals and pounding electronic percussion, but few know of this version, which has a more post-punk style to it. Reminds me a lot of early, minimal synth tinged Simple Minds, if you're one for touchstones. Almost unrecognizeable outside of the sweeping synths, but equally awesome.

No year listed on this one, but it likely predates the b-side recording from 1982, released on the same Pure label. If I had to guess, I'd say 1981, but almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades...



Thirteen At Midnight- Other Passengers 7''
1. Other Passengers
2. Other Passengers (2)

*download it here*

New Age– All The Monkeys Aren't In The Zoo, Maryloo

Here's a fresh high quality rip of a top shelf post-punk LP from 1982 that you may or may not already be familiar with. Hailing from the UK, there's some excellent guitar and synth work here, highly energetic and vital. Reminds me a lot of The Sound atimes, really emotive and passionate vocals (with a sly sense of humor) mixed with buzzing synths, sax, and the incisive guitars we all know and love. Released on the same label as Naughtiest Girl Was a Monitor, Kan Kan, and Normil Hawaiians, to name a few.

This is one of three releases from the band, my favorite being the Livin For Now 12'' (an alternate version of the title track appears on this LP as well). Standouts here include the hard-hitting "Ideals" and "On the Inside," a proper post-punk rave-up. Through and through, a great album that really takes a few listens to click, but well worth the effort!



New Age- All The Monkeys Aren't In The Zoo, Maryloo LP
1 Sense
2 Acception
3. On The Inside
4. At The End Of The Day
5. Ideals
6. Progression
7. Moving The Mountains
8. Living For Now
9. Talking Heads

*download it here*

The Alphabet- This Strange Love 7''

Here's an extremely rare and rather unknown 7'' from the UK. Judging from the cover, you'd expect some dark post-punk, aggro hardcore sort of thing, but instead we're treated to two emotive minimal synth gems. I had to triple check the record to make sure it wasn't some mixup!

I know very little about this one. The band hails from the UK and this is their only release, despite some misinformation over at their discogs page (the split listed with Invisible Hands is a newer release from the US, band with the same name, apparently). As for this release, it's private press and doesn't have a year listed on it anywhere, though I did come across 2 reduced price coupons for a hometown gig the band played back in the day, included in my copy. No year listed on those either. Perhaps someone out there knows the real story about this one- don't be shy.

Otherwise, as I mentioned, there are two great minimal synth/new wave tracks here, the standout being the B-side, at least to my ears. A little acoustic guitar tossed in there, with some comparisons to Psychedelic Furs at times but with a ton of catchy electronics. Check it out:



The Alphabet- This Strange Love 7''
1. This Strange Love
2. The Handsome Beast

*download it here*


EDIT: I have some reason to believe that these guys are connected to the second lineup of Zero Le Creche, judging from their discogs entry. Seems like both Richard Thorne and vocalist Jamie Lord were involved with both projects, which sounds likely given the vocal similarties between the two. With that in mind, that probably puts this around 1983-4, from my humble guessing.








Reuploaded over the past week (mostly from 2008):
Baroque Bordello, Blue In Heaven LPs, The Happy Family, Norma Loy, Opera De Nuit, Clair Obscur, Resistance, Schleimer K, Testcard F, Shoc Corridor (x2), Venus in Furs (x2), Comix, B-Movie's Forever Running, Bunnydrums 12'', Experimental Products, Mass, Neutral Project, and 1000 Ohm. Also re-ripped and cleaned up Feu Ma Mere from 2010, with improved results!

Lemme know in comments or at systemsofromanceblog@gmail.com if there are any out of date links.

BALTIMORE GRAB BAG: Immortal- Paradigm 12'' & Mission- When Thunder Comes LP

I've been hearing some rumblings about Mediafire as well, and though various articles claim that Mediafire won't be changing its service plan, I've heard some contradictory reports and have seen some accounts deleted over the past few days. So with that in mind, I'm going to post a few things over the next few days to get them off my chest just in case something goes down between now and then. Call me paranoid, but why hoard this stuff!

Here we have two post-punk records from Baltimore, Maryland.

First up, we have an immaculate rip of Immortal's Paradigm 12'' from 1988, previously featured on the always excellent Return to the East blog. Very Danse Society/Killing Joke-esque tribal post-punk here, with plenty of ghosty hooks that make it an essential listen. Not to be confused with the Dutch band of the same name.



Immortal- Paradigm 12'' (1988)
1. Scale
2. Solvent
3. Print
4. Morning

*download it here*

Secondly, here's an LP that's flown under the radar over the years, and is still rather affordable for those interested in acquiring a copy. I recently included the title track from this LP on Systems of Romance vol. 5, plucked from the 8 Essential Attitudes compilation, but I've since tracked down the LP of the same name, and it's more impressive than I expected. Almost a more new wave/pop take on Bauhaus, or if that analogy doesn't work for you, a harder-hitting version of the VHF album. You can get their first LP here, if the link is still up and running. Not to be confused with the post-Sisters of Mercy band of the same name! Apparently, the band changed its name to When Thunder Comes to avoid confusion with those guys, and are still active to date, with a more heavy sound. You can read more about that here.



Mission- When Thunder Comes LP (1986)
1. When Thunder Comes
2. Broken Promises
3. Underground
4. River
5. Long Way Back
6. Lost Religion
7. The Bell Tolls
8. We Were There
9. This Train
10. Make The Man

*download it here*

Stay tuned for more over the next few days!

Various Artists- I'd Rather Be In Philadelphia LP

Well, with megaupload's recent demise, it's no shock that the blog world is currently reeling. My condolences to those whose hard work was flushed down the drain in one fell swoop. Not sure if mediafire, my preferred hosting of choice, will be targeted in the near future, but with this in mind, I'd say now's a good time to catch up on the archives of this blog and others, while the getting's good! Also, lemme know if any of the zshare archives are outdated, and I'll reupload as I can. I'd like to keep a tight ship here for as long as possible.

That said, I'm sure you've all noticed that there's been some overlap posts here as of late. While I'm still dead set on unearthing long lost gems, the wantlist dwindles by the day. With that in mind, I've been acquiring copies of some all time favorites for the DJ bag and re-ripping them at solid bitrates and de-popping them as best as I can before playing them out. I've also passed a few clean rips over to A Viable Commercial (1, 2, and 3) and more shall be appearing throughout the blogosphere. I've also been revisiting some of my own posts from the past, the most recent being the first Sanity Plexus 12'', which I've cleaned up to the best of my ability (it's still a rather poor pressing, so there's only so much one can do). I'll update at the end of new posts with any archival developments in lieu of making a new post. Don't get me wrong, new and unheard material will still appear here as I get my hands on it, but I hope you guys enjoy the higher fidelity posts as well.

Ok, so all that aside, here's another record that's been shared before, though it appears to be offline at the moment. Here we have an elusive comp from 1983, featuring artists the Philadelphia area. Fantod's original post hints at a poor quality pressing of this record, and while I had in my hands what appeared to be a near-mint copy, the same flaws existed. There's a long-standing crackle throughout the entire record, very difficult to remove through standard means. I tried noise removal as per usual, but I was left with little audio to work with on the second track, even at lower settings, so I kept an even hand and did my best. I did go through and attempt a click-by-click removal, but I was only able to remove the major and isolated offenses before losing my mind completely. Also, it seems like some of the tracks were poorly recorded to begin with, most noticeable on the Sensory Fix track, which sounds foggy right off the needle.



Despite these flaws, this record is still surprisingly rare and worth checking out, as it features early and exclusive contributions from some of Philly's finest. Pretty Poison appears here, in their earlier and more abrasive incarnation, and offer one of the best tracks on the comp. There's also a transitional Book of Love track about dye, recorded soon after their stint as Head Cheese. It's a curious track, nowhere near the synthpop smash of their debut LP, but more in line with the no wave-influenced Jungle Jam tracks. Another standout is Bunnydrums, the psychedelic post-punk band that's been covered many times in the past, and who I believe are still active to date. While "Sleeping" also appeared on the PKD LP (same version for both releases), it's one of their finest tracks. We also have a cut from Executive Slacks, who I presume need no introduction.

As with any compilation, there are a few tracks that aren't too interesting to me, but your mileage may vary. For me, the real diamond on this comp. is the smoldering Girls Downstairs cut, an unsuspectingly nightmarish track with female vocals and steady percussion. Sadly, it appears to be the only thing they ever recorded. Story of my life.

I feel like I had more to say about this one, but since this is likely my longest post to date (tl;dr), I'll end it here and offer up the tunes for anyone still with me. Here's the info for this comp:



Various Artists- I'd Rather Be In Philadelphia LP
1. Bunnydrums- Sleeping
2. Pretty Poison- Secrets
3. Sensory Fix- Last Match
4. Impossible Years- Flower Girl
5. Mother May I- When Children Play
6. Book of Love- Henna
7. Red Buckets- Something Else Again
8. Stickmen- Duraflame Dog
9. Girls Downstairs- Steam Rises Off the Jungle Floor
10. Executive Slacks- Sexual Witchcraft

*download it here*

Kevin O'Neill- Omega 8 & A Hostage to Fortune CD-Rs

Here's some goodies from the Remote Viewing files. Here we have two CD-Rs from Kevin O'Neill, one of the more prolific artists from the compilation. Kevin was also the man behind Network 23, the label who released both volumes of Remote Viewing. I'll let John Costello's own words tell a bit of Kevin's story:

"Kevin founded N23 and as well as creating his own music he worked hard to promote independent electronic music in the UK. He played live at the UK Electronica in London in 1988 and organised this successful concert in his home city on March 18th the following year. The full billing was Kevin, Steve & Linda Hillman, myself and Greg Truckell. I'll always be grateful to Kevin for liking my music enough to include it, as it's a bit different from most synthambient and sequencer/progressive N23 artists."

Fans of the Remote Viewing cassette, Costello, and various synth-heavy ambient acts (Deca, Tangerine Dream, Carl Matthews, Black Tape For a Blue Girl, Klaus Schulze, Coil etc.) will certainly find lots and lots to love on these two CD-Rs, which were graciously donated by Kevin. Omega 8 is a collection of tracks from the 1988 Omega cassette, with the final two tracks missing. A bonus track, "Islands Suite" appears in its stead. "Islands Suite" originally appeared on the Islands K7, while an edited version appears on Remote Viewing Volume 1, released in 1986. The second CD-R collects all tracks from 1993's A Hostage of Fortune K7, though the title track appears in edited form from its cassette counterpart.

All in all, there's roughly an hour and a half's worth of incredible ambient music contained within! Here's the info:



Kevin O'Neill- Omega 8 CD-R
1. Another Morning
2. Eye Of The Storm
3. Guernica
4. Blodwen (The White Rose)
5. Speaker
6. Prometheus
7. Islands Suite



Kevin O'Neill- A Hostage to Fortune CD-R
1. Indefinite Divisibility
2. P-M H
3. Piano No. 4
4. Flutecho
5. Tetapi Itu Kesenian (For Leif & Rukmini)
6. Reminiscence (For Michael Neil)
7. Ghosts
8. The Massing Of The Shades (For Norman Jope)
9. A Hostage To Fortune Pts 3-6


*download both here*

Many thanks to Kevin for his blessing in posting these! I'll leave you with some amazing video footage of Kevin's performance of "Island Sweet," sourced from the infamous Network 23 concert in Cardiff, 1989. Enjoy!

Epitaphe- Syndrome 12''

You may have seen this one posted in the past, but I've just acquired a great sounding copy and felt the need to re-rip it at 320kpbs for everyone's listening pleasure.

This limited edition, 1983 mini-LP is a true coldwave masterpiece, brought to you by members of Norma Loy and Résistance, you can expect the same sort of brilliance here over the course of six tracks. My favorite is "La Joie," but there really isn't a weak track to be found on this 12''.

Obviously for fans of the French coldwave sound, as well as of early Modern English, Seventeen Seconds, Joy Division, etc. But why are you still reading this? Do yourself a favor and grab this one now now NOW!



Epitaphe- Syndrome 12''
1. L'Ecume De Mes Regrets
2. In The Castle
3. La Joie
4. Appear
5. Afraid To Die
6. Out Of Time

*download it here*

Plann- Elektra Elektra LP

Let's kick off this year right, with a generous donation of a rare Norweigan synth pop record from 1982 from the duo of Kikkan Fossum and Lillie-Ane. The former's credentials include The Cut, who appear on the excellent Maskindans compilation as well as on A Viable Commercial.

While these two are credited as the brainchildren of the band (errr, though I'm not sure who the third guy on the album cover is), there were quite a few notable (and also several unknown) contributors credited on the LP. Arne Lund of The Cut was one of three drummers who contributed to the LP, while Andrej Dziubek Nebb (De Press, Holy Toy) provides backing vocals on a few of the tracks. There were also three bassists and several other backing vocalists on the LP. In short, it seems like this two piece had a lot of help from their friends, and almost feels like a Norweigan supergroup of sorts.

The plethora of contributors on this LP leads to a diverse collection of songs, held together by the duo's musical vision. This is one of the more interesting (and therefore, more satisfying) synth-based LPs I've heard in some time, where every track sounds different, yet all are enjoyable. Try it on for size and see for yourself:



Plann- Elektra Elektra LP
1. Cherokee
2. Lillie
3. Cabriolet
4. Er Virkelighet Drøm
5. Cûda Barracûda
6. Liv Liv
7. Sûg
8. Ato Signal
9. Hvit Løgn
10. Til Evig Tid

*download it here*

Diastereomer- Mothersun 7''

This will likely be my last post until after the holidays, so why not end this year (my fifth) with an extremely rare and extremely top shelf 7'' from Japan!

I first discovered this Japanese duo through a Youtube clip, and have been playing their tracks almost nonstop at the weekly Wierd records party ever since. This particular 7'' dates back to 1989 and was released on Puppets records, a private press label that was also home to Sect Commune, co-producer of this gem. High school friends Yoshio Fukumitsu and Katsuya Shoman took turns singing on these tracks (Fukumitsu sang and contributed lyrics to the A-side, while Shoman wrote the music to both tracks and is responsible for the vocals and lyrics of the flip). Both played synths, with Fukumitsu also contributing bass and Shoman on piano.

Fans of Xymox, Depeche Mode, OMD, and various darkwave legends both big and small will find lots to love on this record. Many thanks to Katsuya Shoman for the extra info and generous permission to upload these for you all to enjoy!



Diastereomer- Mothersun 7''
1. Mothersun
2. Place

*download it here*

While I'm here, I just wanted to thank everyone for the wave of support over the years. This blog wouldn't exist without the camaraderie and interaction of friends, fans, and the musicians who have chimed in with their support and kindness. See you all in 2012!

The Pollen- Factory Hours 12'' & Contrasts CD

For those who enjoyed the Pollen LP posted a few entries back, here's a post that is both supplemental and one which renders the previous post obsolete. Contained within we have the band's 12'' release, Factory Hours, as well as the CD issue of Contrasts, complete with several bonus tracks plucked from the band's 12'' releases from the era. So if you dug the mini-LP, be sure to download this one as well, for additional songs and higher fidelity! "Factory Walk" is also a killer track, complete with that Touching Pop sound we all know and love, with poppier and more celtic inspired b-sides. Your mileage may vary on those.

That said, still a plethora of enjoyable tracks to be found here, so have at it!



The Pollen- Factory Hours 12''
1. Factory Hours
2. (In Your) Head
3. Bushes and Briars



The Pollen- Contrasts CD
1. Nurturing Desire
2. Passionate Reading
3. Military Tactics
4. Dream
5. Like the Wind
6. Killer
7. Heathen World
8. Peel the Skin
9. Faraway
10. Hard Times
11. Breaking Out

*download both here*

Luxembourg- La Cible 7''

Fresh from the heart of France, here's a joyous and upbeat coldwave single (an oxymoron, perhaps?) from 1985. This limited edition single is the band's only release, a private press with little-to-no information out there in the ether. The b-side is what really does it for me here, as it reminds me quite a bit of The Sound's "Sense of Purpose," with a lighter touch.

I could make a rather educated guess about which city this band was from, but that would be all too easy, wouldn't it? About as easy as clicking the link below and downloading this little treasure!



Luxembourg- La Cible 7''
1. La Cible
2. Le Secret De L'ombre

*download it here*

Pink and Black- Sometimes I Feel... 12''

Here's one that's been posted elsewhere in the past, but I've given my own copy a once over. High quality, click removal, the whole works.

This 1984 single hails from the UK and is pure synthpop bliss. The main track appears twice here, in both extended and single form, and both versions are just ripe for the dance floor. There's also a Spanish promo issue of this single from 1985, but I believe it's nearly identical to this one, with the radio version appearing on side A. Also, there's a rumour out there that one of the members of this project was also in Sex Gang Children (Illuninated Records also featured several Sex Gang related releases, as well as Portion Control & Poison Girls), but I can neither confirm nor deny this for sure. However, what I *CAN* say is you're all gonna love this one.



Pink and Black- Sometimes I Feel... 12''
1. Sometimes I Wish (Dramadance USA Mix)
2. Sometimes I Wish (Radio)
3. Miss Fortune

*download it here*