Monthly Archives: September 2009

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 9-29-09

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I knew it was going to be a great night when Ed-FM opened the show with Armoury Show. We were also treated to a taste of Goth in honor of this week’s Criminally Underrated feature about the Sisters of Mercy, plus some fabulous barn-burners such as Cassandra Complex’s “Def Con One” and Data Bank A’s “Waiting Room.” Don’t recognize any of the tunes? Then consider joining us next Tuesday night at 8 pm.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “obscure is like a box of chocolates” 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 September 29, 2009

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.      Armoury Show – Castles In Spain
2.      Chain Of Fun – Paisley Girls
3.      Spoons – Smiling In Winter
4.      The Smiths – There’s A Light That Never Goes Out
5.      Men Without Hats – Unsatisfaction
6.      Siouxsie And The Banshees – Killing Jar (lepidopteristic mix)
7.      Simple Minds – Today I Died Again
8.      Skinny Puppy – Choke
9.      Bauhaus – Ziggy Stardust
10. Breeding Ground – Reunion (12 inch)
11. Data Bank A – Waiting Room
12. Cassandra Complex – Def Con One
13. Fad Gadget – Collapsing New People (the Berlin mix)
14. Mittageisen – Wir
15. Sex Gang Children – Beasts (12” single)
16. Happy Birthday – Altered Images
17. Cult Hero – I’m A Cult Hero
18. Victims of Pleasure – Jack And Jill
19. Paul Hardcastle – 19
20. Berlin – Sex (extended)

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Sisters Of Mercy

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SOM_a

[Author’s edit: I see that the greedy suits at Warner Music Group are sticking it to the people that pay their elaborate salaries – they have taken down the “This Corrosion” video from YouTube. Someday the music companies will realize what a mistake they made when they no longer benefit from the free advertising that fan videos give them. Feh!]

As many of you know, I missed out on a lot of vital 80’s Post-punk and New Wave because during that time, life very much got in the way. It was more than a decade later, with the encouragement of several 80’s-philes, that I became totally enthralled and immersed in the best music that the 80’s had to offer.

The first time I recall hearing Sisters of Mercy was a few years ago. At that time, I was driving down US Highway One in Ft. Lauderdale, listening to Sirius-22 First Wave. This song came on that jolted me like an electric shock. Of course, no one back-announced the band/song name, and knowing that they probably wouldn’t, I had found a slip of paper and a pen in my purse and was madly scribbling lyrics as I drove. Later that evening, I Googled the lyrics, looked the results up on YouTube, and thus began my late-in-life love affair with Goth rock. The song was “This Corrosion,” and the band was Sisters of Mercy.SOM_b

Sisters of Mercy began life in 1980 in Leeds, UK with Andrew Eldritch (vocals, keyboards, guitars), Gary Marx (guitars), and Doktor Avalanche drum machine. The band went through many line-ups, break-ups and assorted other drama throughout the decade. At one point, American bassist Patricia Morrison joined the group and added a strong visually appealing component to the band’s gothic theme with her sultry Mistress of the Dark, vampiric beauty. The band’s history reads like a soap opera and the details can be found here.

I confess that much like Barry Andrew’s (Shriekback) deep, throaty singing, Andrew Eldritch’s baritone sends tingles down my spine. It is not overdone. In fact, my biggest complaint with groups such as Type O Negative and 69 Eyes is that the deep lead voices are so overplayed that they become obvious caricatures, rather than plausible and vital parts of the music.

The bottom line is, Goth rock gained a strong foothold alongside the New Wave and Post-punk scenes of the 80’s. Fueled by early Post-punk talent such as Bauhaus, The Cure, and Sisters of Mercy, the genre grew its followers and enjoys great popularity even today. Sisters of Mercy was an important part of this cycle of birth and evolution, and remains a top influence for current Goth bands.

The following videos will give you a sense of the music, but try to keep an open mind. Forget the Michael Jackson-esque shades and the legions of undead. Forget the campy costumes and the very 80’s hair. Close your eyes, if need be, and just soak in the energy of pure, cutting edge Goth. Back then, no one did it better.

“Lucretia, My Reflection” via YouTube user rhubarbcream:

“This Corrosion” via YouTube user MilenaSartoratti:

“More” via Youtube user rhubarbcream:

 “Dominion” via YouTube user MilenaSartoratti:

Purchase Sisters of Mercy music here.

Discography

SOM1First and Last and Always (1985)

 

SOM2Floodland (1987)

 

SOM3Vision Thing (1990)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 09-22-09

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Ed started off this latest Tuesday night a bit on the mellow side, but that was just to get us warmed up. Serious chair-dancing commenced with Human League and spiraled out of control with Yello’s “The Race,” and “Infected” by The The. There was even some belly-dancing in the chat room – but you didn’t hear that here.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “there’s plenty more where this came from” 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 September 22, 2009

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. The Box – Friends
  2. Men Without Hats – On Tuesday
  3. Chris & Cosey – October Love Song
  4. Human League – Voice Of Buddha (Being Boiled)
  5. The Passions – I’m In Love With A German Film Star
  6. Yello – The Race
  7. The Glove – Mouth To Mouth
  8. Arkitex – First World Calling
  9. Rational Youth – Freeze
  10. The Creatures – Standing There (the Andalusian mix)
  11. Monsoon – Ever So Lonely (Hindi Mix)
  12. Art Of Noise – Peter Gunn (ext. mix feat. Duane Eddy)
  13. Shriekback – Hand On My Heart (12” single)
  14. Boys Brigade – Melody
  15. Neo A4 – Say This To Me
  16. The Coconuts – Did You Have To Love Me Like You Did
  17. Nina Hagen – New York New York (German Version)
  18. The The – Infected
  19. Mittageisen – Automatten

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Shriekback

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SB_aMy attraction to this band is my unabashed love for the deep, sexy, croon-in-your-ear voice of Barry Andrews. The band’s dark, moody instrumentation accompanied by Andrews’ equally mercurial and pensive singing sets the stage for a mind-bending excursion into the inner reaches of your soul. 

The band originally formed in 1981 and, like many 80’s bands, morphed through several line-up changes, sustaining them up until their most recent release in 2007. The core members were Barry Andrews, Dave Allen (bass guitar) and Carl Marsh. Andrews’ previous musical experience included performing with the bands XTC and League of Gentlemen. Allen’s pedigree included bassist for the group Gang of Four. 

Shriekback enjoyed mild success in the UK, but remained virtually unknown here in the states. Michael ManSB-bn (producer of “Miami Vice,” “Manhunter,” and “Band of the Hand”) took a liking to the ethereal, atmospheric sounds that set Shriekback apart from the crowd, much like his own TV and movie creations. Mann featured several of Shriekback’s songs in his productions, thus gaining some US traction for the group.

My personal favorites are the LPs Care and Oil and Gold. These two collections highlight all that was and is still good about this unique band. I also purchased Cormorant a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised to hear a band that had managed to not compromise their signature talent and sound over the years.

Check out the band bios and more of their music on MySpace. If you are in the mood for music that will pique your intellect while shaking your soul, you won’t be disappointed.

 “Nemesis” via YouTube user universalmusicgroup:

 “Underwaterboys” via YouTube user cloud74buster:

“Hand On my Heart” via YouTube user groovedigger00:

“Accretions” (Monstrous Dance Mix) via YouTube user Ox51D:

 
Purchase Shriekback music here.

80’s Discography

SB1Tench (EP – 1982)

 

 

 

SB2Care (1983)

SB3Jam Science (1984)

SB4Oil and Gold (1985)

SB5Big Night Music (1986)

 

 

 

SB6Go Bang (1988)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 09-15-09

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Ed-FM set the tone for the evening with a fantastic classic Payola$ tune. Of course, there was also a truly ironic tip of the hat to the newly departed Jim Carroll, RIP. It was such an exciting evening that I somehow added in an extra song to the list (sinced removed by “Eagle-Eyes Ed”), although no addition was necessary. There was no shortage of obscurity extraodinaire last evening as the fastest two hours in the week zipped by leaving us all feeling sated but looking forward to more.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “you only think you know obscure” 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 September 15, 2009

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. Payola$ – I’ll Find Another (Who Can Do It Right)
  2. The Glove – Perfect Murder
  3. Psyche – Insatiable
  4. Cottage Industry – The Point On A Hill
  5. Dead Can Dance – Mesmerism
  6. Jim Carroll Band – People Who Died
  7. Yeah Yeah Noh – Another Side Of Mrs. Quill
  8. Yello – Vicious Games
  9. Danielle Dax – Bed Caves
  10. Chalk Circle – Believe In Something
  11. Captain Sensible – Damned On 45
  12. Martha & The Muffins – Obedience
  13. Shriekback – Accretions (the monstrous dance mix)
  14. Data Bank-A – Etiquette Of Travel
  15. Fad Gadget – I Discovered Love
  16. Johnny Analog – Agent Provocateur
  17. The Alarm – The Stand (12” single)
  18. Big Supreme – Don’t Walk
  19. Annabel Lamb – Riders On The Storm
  20. Echo & The Bunnymen – Bring On The Dancing Horses (extended)
  21. Visage – Moon Over Moscow (12” mix)
  22. Jona Lewie – Always In The Kitchen At Parties

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

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church_aThe Church began its existence in Canberra, Australia in 1980. The original band members were Steve Kilbey (bass, lead vocals), Marty Willson-Piper (guitar), Peter Koppes (guitar), and Tim Powles (drums).  The line-up has changed over the ensuing nearly 30 years, but the core members of Kilbey, Willson-Piper, and Koppes have remained the same. (**Author’s note: please see “Don’s” comment below for the accurate drummer line-up and info for a forthcoming Church release).

Almost everyone who listened to the radio or watched MTV in the early 80’s remembers The Church’s most successful song, Under The Milky Way. It was a staple of nearly every current-music playlist and a very worthy hit. Dreamy, instrumentally profound, and chock full of mind-bending crescendos, it was followed by a lesser-known hit in Australia-only called Reptile. Both singles are from the band’s fifth (and superb) album release, Starfish.church_b

I’ve taken the time – and I am encouraging you as well, if you already haven’t – to delve more deeply into this extraordinary band’s discography. As usual, the focus of this entry is on what the band produced in the 80’s or thereabouts; in this case, they even continue to record into the 00’s. The reason I say “or thereabouts” is because for The Church, I would like to make an exception and recommend Priest-Aura, released in 1992.

Many bands age like fine wine and The Church is true to form. If you take the time to listen to their LPs in order of release, they show a remarkable ability to evolve and grow from album to album. My personal favorite, next to the very well- crafted Starfish, has become Priest=Aura. The song Chaos is a wonderful cacophony of sounds and rhythms that evoke pictures of being lost in the universe, closely pursued by prey, the hounds nipping at your heels. Evidence of the early 90’s burgeoning style known as shoegaze can be heard in the hazy feedback of guitars and thrumming bass-line, but in a subtle and most appealing way.

The Church proved themselves a more-than-capable 80’s post-punk/New Wave/Prog band that managed to survive through the 90’s and beyond. If your only awareness of The Church begins and ends with Under The Milky Way, stop depriving yourself and start listening to all that this amazing Australian band has to offer.

“Reptile” (Live) via YouTube user stevekilbey2:

“Under The Milky Way” (Live) via YouTube user mitch547:

“Chaos” via YouTube user artman8764:

“Ripple” via YouTube user Apocryphile:

Purchase The Church music here.

Discography (1980-1992)

church1Of Skins and Heart (1981)

 

church2 The Blurred Crusade (1982)

 

church3 Séance (1983)

 

church4Heyday (1986)

 
church5 Starfish (1988)

church6 Gold Afternoon Fix (1990)

  

 

church7  Priest=Aura (1992)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 09-08-09

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What a night for chair-dancing! Ed-FM successfully accomplished some serious vinyl hunting, and lucky for us, decided to share the wealth with his listeners. From the opener, a fantastic extended version of “This Mourning” by Canada’s own Chalk Circle, we knew we were in for a priceless walk through 80’s obscurity. In fact, the first four selections were rare extended mixes. Ed sure knows how to keep us spoiled and coming back for more.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “lube up your chair and rock in your seat” 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 September 08, 2009

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.    Chalk Circle – This Mourning (extended)
2.    Pete Shelley – You’re On Your Own (extended)
3.    Shriekback – Mercy Dash (extended)
4.    Way Of The West – Don’t Say That’s Just For White Boys (12-inch)
5.    M+M – Come Out And Dance
6.    Nina Hagen – Zarah
7.    Simple Minds – Here Comes The Fool
8.    Chas Jankel – Johnny Funk
9.    Benjamin Russell – Miracle
10. Nails – Things You Left Behind (un-edited)
11. Ohama Meets Dania – Lonely Heart Dance
12. The Mission – Tower of Strength (Bombay mix)
13. Fad Gadget – Lemming Stomp (12”)
14. Ranking Roger – Roger & Pato (ago)
15. BB Gabor – Simulated Groove
16. The Cure – One Hundred Years
17. Hawaiian Pups – Baby Judy
18. Ledernacken – Rhythmus Rauch
19. Ministry – All Day (12”)
20. Hush – Dancing In East Berlin

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Big Country

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BC_ALast week’s Criminally Underrated entry featured a little-known band from Scotland called Sideway Look who is often compared to another Scottish band known as Big Country. Personally, I don’t think there is that strong of a similarity, perhaps because I am just a bit biased.

Big Country began life in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland in 1981. The original line-up was comprised of Stuart Adamson (formerly with Richard Jobson and the punk band Skids, vocals, guitars, keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar, mandolin, sitar, vocals), Tony Butler (bass, vocals), Mark Brzezicki (drums, percussion, vocals), and for a short time Peter Wishart (keyboards).

Quite a few years ago, a coworker burned some tunes to a CD that she wanted me to listen to. Two songs grabbed me tightly and just refused to let go; they were “In A Big Country” and “Porrohman” from a group I had never heard before. Sure, I knew that some good music had come BC-Bout of Scotland – who hadn’t heard of Simple Minds, for instance? But Big Country’s interweaving of guitars, rhythm, keyboards in building a crescendo that is reminiscent of a train leaving the station, gaining velocity and barreling through the countryside at a breakneck speed that leaves the listener breathless – can you ask for anything more stimulating and gratifying from your music? It just doesn’t get any better than this.

The chart positions reported at Wikipedia are very telling. Big Country was wildly popular in the UK, but after their first release, they dropped off the radar in the US. My pet peeve is the non-promotion of deserving 80’s-era bands here in the states in favor of immersing us in the musical cesspool of Madonna, Cher, metal bands and their ilk.

Big Country continued to record and tour up until 2000. Their extraordinary live show thrilled millions of fans worldwide. In December 2001, any future plans of touring and recording came to an abrupt end when Stuart Adamson was found dead in a hotel room in Honolulu, HI of apparent suicide.

I challenge anyone to listen to just one song – Porrohman – and not want to hear more from this amazing band. It’s like eating potato chips or peanuts; can you honestly feel sated after eating only one? Can your love of 80’s post-punk and New Wave be truly satisfied without embracing Big Country and welcoming their music into your collection? I think not.

“Porrohman” via YouTube user josesirjose:

“In A Big Country” via YouTube user universal music group:

“Fields Of Fire” via YouTube user neilfunn:

“Steeltown” via YouTube user kevseabass:

 

Purchase Big Country music here.

80’s Discography

BC1The Crossing (1983)

  

  

  

  

BC2Steeltown (1984)

 

 

 

 

BC3The Seer (1986)

 

 

 

 

 

 

BC4Peace In Our Time (1988)

 

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 09-01-09

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Ah, technology. Gotta love it – especially when you are hearing two songs simultaneously, or Ed-FM echoing over himself on time delay. These are just a few of the challenges that we all weathered (successfully) last night. Once the CFRC tech (our hero – thank you!) got things cleared up, Ed-FM rocked our socks off. Nothing like a little kick-butt obscurity to overcome a few glitches in the system.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “we don’t need no steenkin’ technology” 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 September 01, 2009

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. Moev – Wanting
  2. Simple Minds – New Gold Dream/Take Me To The River/Light My Fire
  3. Monty Python – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life
  4. Danielle Dax – Bed Caves
  5. Rough Trade – Deca-Dance
  6. Vital Sines – Rhythm of Dark
  7. Department S – Is Vic There
  8. Yello – Haunted House
  9. Robbie Rox – Let’s Get Dirty
  10. Rubber Rodeo – Need You Need Me
  11. Barbie And The Kens – I’m Not Your Stepping Stone
  12. The Wedding Present – Take Me
  13. Fun Boy Three – Our Lips Are Sealed
  14. Gazebo – Trotsky Burger
  15. Martha & The Muffins – Swimming
  16. Two People – Mouth Of An Angel
  17. The Neats – Ghosts
  18. It’s Immaterial – Gigantic Raft (tempest mix)
  19. Strange Advance – Love Games
  20. Two Men, A Drum Machine & A Trumpet – Tired Of Getting Pushed Around
  21. Sandro Carlos Camerin – London Derriere
  22. Way Of The West – Drum (the social mix)