MUSICAL CHAIRS – All We Want LP (1985)

Given the not so intriguing cover art, I really didn’t know what to expect when I acquired this vinyl and subsequently plopped it on the turntable. Musical Chairs ended up being a pleasant surprise of German based synth goodness with female and male vocals. The first three songs kick things off with a high BPM synth induced set and leave the listener wanting more. The core group consisted of Jill McElmurry (vocals) and Christoph Willumeit (vocals, instruments). There were also a few others that applied their support on bass and sax only. There are a couple of miss-steps that veer off into an art rock lounge tangent, but all in all this is a solid piece of obscure synth wave wax. This looks to be the group’s only output. Out of print private pressing via Neuland Records, Germany.

SIDE A
boats
new jersey melody
images
king glory
painting hands

SIDE B
make a mess
everything you want
reptile friend
hands and hearts
the moon

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RECRUITS – Three Squeezes 12” (1983)

Here we have an obscure 12” of female led electro synth wave coming out of the USA. This 12” contains three songs of dance friendly infectious beats. Pay attention to the Remix version of the title song, it’s the standout. Out of print private pressing via RE1.

SIDE ONE
three squeezes
cherokee

SIDE TWO
three squeezes (remix)

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RUDE BUDDHA – Lion Claws LP (1986)

Presented here is the lower Manhattan, NYC based Rude Buddha’s third and final album. Rude Buddha played gigs up and down the East coast and had an ardent indie alternative following. They also had radio station air play courtesy of the myriad of alternative focused radio stations in the mid-late 80’s. The music is a quirky yet innovative blend of new wave synth with male and female vocal turns. This vinyl should be easily attainable for good prices. Out of print private pressing via Green Triangle Records.

SIDE A
shuffled sky
sometimes
cannibal salad
the ghost you left behind

SIDE B
lion claws
no more sins & sorrows
cars & trucks & planes
next assault
thin dusty road

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SECRET SOCIETY – We’ve Got Something To Say EP (1985)

There’s a variety of groups called Secret Society in the alternative circles… This particular outfit came out of Huntington Beach, CA scene and is quite the obscurity. Heavy synth lines play a dominant role in this trio’s tool kit of new wave power pop sounds which come quick and fast. Added bonus - The vinyl comes in a all white color. Out of print private pressing via Szabo Productions.

SIDE A
we’ve got something to say
backslider

SIDE B
drummer in the dark
dreaming

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41 DEGREES – Open Heart LP (1982)

41 Degrees was a United Kingdom based band consisting of a variety of musicians including the talented Steve Miro, who contributes on six songs here via synth, vocals, drums and guitar. This would be their sole album release, although they can be found on some various artists compilations. The music ranges from pulsing post punk directions to avant-garde meanderings to subtle experimental new wave art rock tendencies. The stand out track is the fast paced engaging “Face to Face (Over and Out)”… An overall worthwhile listen in its eleven song totality. The vinyl seems to be on the scarce side of things due to the limited pressing self release status. Please note there was some slight skipping in the first songs on each side due to an imperfection in the vinyl. Out of print private pressing via 41 Degrees.

SIDE 1
paradise lost
silent wounds
tonight
adaptation
forgotten spirits

SIDE 2
white flowers
a humming sound
who knows tomorrow?
the spirit moves
face to face (over and out)
november

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THE LEARNING PROCESS – Self Titled EP (1988)

Here’s an excellent independent new wave synth release by a United Kingdom based five-some. Big vocals and solid production values are hallmarks of this obscure release. Vocalist Dermont O’Dea provides deep soaring vocal arrangements coupled with haunting lyrical content. The venerable English group The Icicle Works came to mind at times while listening to this extended player. All four songs operate at high levels of musicianship. This one can be found for moderate prices, so I highly recommend snapping up the few copies that are currently available. Out of print private pressing via Bucket Records.

THAT SIDE
who killed carol?
sixty minutes

THIS SIDE
from the outside in
my greatest fears

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THE ULTIMATE SWAY – Here We Stand 7” (1982)

Through a combination of driving guitar chords and post-punk experimentalism, The Ultimate Sway provide a melancholic dreary two song set. This obscure indie band was out of the United Kingdom and consisted of four members (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals). Out of print private pressing via Intentional Records.

SIDE A
here we stand

SIDE B
always waiting

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