THE TALK – New Language LP (1984)

Here’s the second album by an American new wave outfit from MT. Their first album from 1982 was called “Not Just Hearsay”, and was a more power pop rock slanted affair. For their sophomore effort, the band took it up a notch and produced a melancholic new wave synth gem with just the right amount of edge. If you can score the vinyl, which pops up from time to time at good prices, buy it on sight…A highly recommended vinyl obscurity… The download version below was remastered to CDr and sounds great. Out of print private pressing via Seal Pup Records, MT.

SIDE ONE
fools for fashion
can’t live on love
dream time
waiting for the rain

SIDE TWO
out my window
pretender
hearts beating
mile away

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BITTER PLEASURES – Eat The Monument EP (1983)

When I first put this on the turntable and started to hear the strumming guitar, I thought..Ah, this is going to be average at best, but to my surprise it gets progressively better throughout the six song play list. Bitter Pleasures was a Madison, Wisconsin band who fit squarely into the indie power pop classification with their incorporation of strong melodies, guitar riffing and tight vocal treatments. There’s a combination of up-tempo and mid-tempo numbers with “Respect For Silence” and “The Collision Within” being the standouts…A point of interest on this one - Butch Vig of later Garbage fame was one of the recording engineers on this obscurity…Private pressing…Out of print…

SIDE ONE
my my my
respect for silence
idler’s lament

SIDE TWO
the collision within
guilt reaction
for a little while

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SCREEN 3 – City Of Souls EP (1983)

Screen 3 formed in 1980 and started out as a post punk clan, but their sound would change to a more indie pop – new wave influence as they produced more singles. There is a decent amount of information found on Wikipedia right >>
HERE

This obscure extended player is upbeat indie pop wave with an abundance of harmonies.

SIDE A
city of souls
red dust

SIDE B
come into my jungle
electric shock
nuts & berries

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THE CHAPTER HOUSE – From The Other Side…Of The Glass Asylum LP (1986)

The Chapter House was an indie band consisting of three members out of the United Kingdom. From the first song “The Proud One” you will find hints of post punk and well placed synths with minimalistic virtues - - A successful formula which is consistent throughout all nine songs. This is a melancholic synth wave gem. For the vinyl collectors, this one can be found without too much digging, but there are limited quantities available. Highly Recommended…Out of print private pressing via Glass Bead Music, UK.

SIDE ONE
the proud one
reflections
those final words
the stillest hour
order of the ages

SIDE TWO
grounds on fire
the world is a ghost
the river girl’s song
of times gone by

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CORPS DIPLOMATIQUE – This Can’t Be Heaven LP (1987)

The debut album from a new wave arena rock inspired band hailing out of Denmark. After listening to the album for the first time, the main influence that the band takes on is U2, although you can hear The Mission, CWN and other passionate sonic laden guitar bands of the mid 80’s. The core of the band was a trio and their music is driving new wave oriented rock, which gives the band a forceful, powerful edge that would fit nicely in an arena/stadium atmosphere.

SIDE C
the picture
generations
from the tower
victory / everything (both songs are fused together on the album)

SIDE D
soldier
vicious circle
the trail
children
leaving

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BEEMA DUMA – Modern Mystery EP (1986)

Beema Duma was an all in the family based band made up of three musicians. The core of the band was a twin brother set, who started doing session work at the tender age of 14. They were 19 by the time this obscurity was released. The other member was their older sister. Through a proficient knowledge of keyboard synthesizers and guitar synthesizers, this New Jersey based band plays a thought provoking melodic set of synth driven new wave influenced music. They were also active in the local New Jersey and New York alternative club scene back in the mid 80’s. Out of print private pressing via Nuvian Records, Milford, NJ.

SIDE ONE
my heart
in one man’s hands

SIDE TWO
cat dance
in your eyes

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ZIRCON LOUNGE – Regal Vigor LP (1983)

Here’s another fine vinyl obscurity that sports a gloomy new wave post punk vibe. Zircon Lounge was from Singapore and put out this exceptional set of ten songs with a top drawer vocalist at the helm in Chris Ho. For the vinyl collectors, this LP comes with an artful inner sleeve fold out with lyrics, photos of the band and all sorts of sketched drawings…Highly Recommended…Out of print vinyl pressing.
Upon further research, I found a lengthy but interesting write up and review of the album’s songs and band’s history…. HERE (http://rockinthefinecity.blogspot.com/2008/06/zircon-lounge-regal-vigor.html)

REGAL VIGOR SIDE
shivers, shivers
myself to myself
savior
tight rope
sweet jane

POINT OF DEPARTURE SIDE
4 hours
chanachai
cover your eyes
strangers
sweet jane (version)
blind faith
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SECRET SERVICE – Self Titled EP (1980)

This scarce indie power pop obscurity was produced and engineered by key talents in the genres of alternative pop and indie rock – Don Dixon and Mitch Easter respectively. There’s a mix of both power pop and alternative rock elements on this s/t affair, with guitar jamming, vocal melodies and hints of jangle on the last song. The band consisted of four members – Bob Northcott, Chris Chamis, Gardner Govan, Robert Keely. In what seems to have been their only output, the band looked to have a base of operation in the mid Atlantic region of the US. Out of print private pressing via Moonlight Records, NC.

SIDE 1
backseat sinner
she’s dangerous

SIDE 2
no picture
as the world turns

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SHADOWPLAY – The Camp Of The Saints LP (1989)

Formed in late 1987 in Massachusetts, Shadowplay took their name from the Joy Division song of the same name and consisted of two members – Peter Odd and Robert Belvedere. Both of their musical influences range from Joy Division and Iggy Pop to Roxy Music and Ultravox…This is a scarce release and well worth the hunt to acquire it if you desire an obscure Joy Division post punk alternative…A somber, stripped down journey awaits.…Self produced out of print private pressing via Shadowplay Musick, MA.

SIDE – THE STRUGGLE WITHIN
normandy
cannae
days after daze
who is john galt
treason within

SIDE - ANTARCTICA
virginia dare
december 19th
bonzo’s buddy neal
the city on the edge of forever
the wilderness campaign
*Note* – songs 9 and 10 had almost no interlude spacing, so I did a quick break..excuse the abruptness

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UNITY STATION – C1177 The Triangle EP (1986)

United Kingdom’s Unity Station was formed in the early 80’s and exerts a stellar post punk gothic tinged set of guitar laced songs. This EP was a recent find for me at a local spot and I’ve already spun it 3 times…A rare piece of vinyl if you’re into collecting the wax. Upon further research, this trio’s extended player and their second one “Day After Day” are available via digital download from a variety of well known online merchants – Amazon, CD Universe, Apple iTunes and Bristol Archive Records website….You may also preview the songs at the sites…I thought I would at least continue to get the word out about this once talented band…

THIS SIDE
my sin
its perfect

OTHER SIDE
history
blind faith

*download not available due to a current reissue via digital format*