DA BUFFS – Self Titled EP (1983)

Up on the block is a rare female fronted one off DIY effort by this East Hamption, NY based foursome . They start off with a playful new wave synth tune and then progress into a KBD synth post punk theme in ‘Modern Girl’. Things slow down with the dreary ‘Spectre’. Side Two starts with the spikey new wave quick witted melodies of ‘I Am American’ and then goes into the quirky male vocals of ‘Cheer Up’. We end with the post punk march of ‘Escape’. …Out of print private pressing via Laser Records…

SIDE ONE
21st Century lover
Modern girl
Spectre

SIDE TWO
I am American
Cheer up
escape

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THE NELSONS – Bag Your Face LP (1983)

The Nelsons were a power pop rock band from Lubbock, Texas. In the early 80’s, they entered a MTV Basement Tapes competition with the catchy power pop single and video “I Don’t Mind”. The band ended up winning and was subsequently given a record deal to produce this one off set of highly energetic power pop flavored songs. More exposure followed in the form of a limited supporting act for a Culture Club tour and an appearance at Farm Aid in 1985. A rather scarce vinyl to track down these days. …Out of print private pressing via Southpaw Records…



SIDE A
Sister sister
Don’t tell me so
In your face
I don’t mind

SIDE B
Not fade away
Angel
Steady girl
Girls in sweatsuits

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DREAM ZONE – Waterfalls On The Moon EP (1985)

Dream Zone was a Southern, CA based indie band that fell through the cracks of public attention and ended up unsigned. They would eventually break things off shortly after releasing this engaging alternative indie rock extended player. The title song is the clear winner here with its rhythmic synth hooks and harmonizing guitar arrangements. The album was self produced and released, making it quite rare these days. …Out of print private pressing via Space Life Records…

SIDE ONE
Life is a dream
Waterfalls on the moon
Tuff love

SIDE TWO
Magic
Hey! Will love survive?

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THE LAST PICTURE SHOW – Pop Mutation LP (1987)

Debut release by Baltimore’s obscure alternative crew The Last Picture Show…One look at the front jacket and one might think gothic, but not the case here…Emotive alternative new wave melodies with strumming guitars and good indie production qualities is what lurks inside this sinister looking jacket cover. I’m sure these guys got limited radio play on the legendary Baltimore based alternative radio station 99.1 WHFS. Their featured single was “China Doll”. I think “Sylvia” would have been a better pick… For the vinyl collectors, the overall package is quite generous. You get a large fold out poster with lyrics on one side and a blown up picture of the cover on the other side, a sticker (pictured below) and an order form to order more marketing goods that obviously no longer exist… …Out of print private pressing via Monster City Records...


SIDE ONE
Baby got the blues
Pop mutation
Vampire
China doll
Dread

SIDE TWO
Sylvia
Love for you
Invisible girl
Loneliness is an art
lullabye

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THE WAKE – Self Titled EP (1985)

Here we have another selection out of the myriad of obscure independent bands that were trying to emulate the sounds of REM back in mid-late 80’s. These guys were out of Whittier, California and did a pretty decent job at it. They are a little more toned down in the delivered melodies, but do manage to string together a short enjoyable jangle guitar frolic. …Out of print private pressing via Stone Garden Records…

SIDE ONE
Lion’s heart
Forever fair
The thunder man

IDE TWO
The crystal mile
Flaming crown

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FINE ART – Self Titled LP (1978)

Here’s an interesting piece of wax that comes out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. I found this on a recent brick and mortar record digging junket and what caught my attention on first sight was that eerie front jacket artwork. The band members are wrapped up in a tin foil cocoon of sorts. It’s quite creative!!

Fine Art takes its cues from the then burgeoning late 70’s new wave power pop scene and adds post punk angular cold guitar melodies with a stripped down overall sound to formulate a juicy little indie post punk record .

The album starts off with “Don’t Tell Me That”, an up-tempo post punker with killer female vocals. “Freezing Down” is a melancholic gem with its crunchy guitars, Joy Division sounding male vocal and backing female vocals. “Emotional Child” cranks up the guitar melodies with sharp edged solos and sound effects. “Nailed” brings in the emotional vocal arrangements and continues with minimalist guitars.

Side Two starts with the punchy new wave of “My Brain Hurts” and “I’ve Got To Protect Myself”…Then we get the rants and raves in “Rapist”, an emotional charged song about…you know. “Big Kids In The Alley” has a cold screeching guitar melody backing the dread fueled female vocals…

If you’re into album cover artwork, like myself, this is worth the price of admission just to have that cool jacket. Add to that gruff post punk female vocals, minimal synths and new wave flourishes and you get a solid package. A rare post punk obscurity worth seeking out during your next record digging outing …Out of print private pressing via Good Records…

SIDE A
Don’t tell me that
Too much pride
Speak my language
Freezing down
Emotional child
nailed

SIDE B
My brain hurts
I’ve got to protect myself
World growing older
Rapist
Heads on the floor
Big kids in the alley

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ELODIE LAUTEN – Orchestre Modern EP (1981)

On tap is the lone outing by then US based French vocalist, composer and performer – Elodie Lauten. The lead off “All American Boy” is a tongue and cheek mock love song that was co-produced with Alan Vega. “Jesus, Puerto Rican Boxing Champion” sports inspired lyrics and is a dreamy homage to the bizarre. “Chase/Detective Prive” is an international thriller in French and English language. As the narration progresses, the suspense is augmented by the avant textures set to a pulsing synth melody. Finally we have the epic “Mr. Pip”, a bouncy reggae jump-up, complete with flowing trombone charts for an extra touch of authenticity. A rather diverse set incorporating a world flavor of elements.

Elodie manages to focus the loosest scattering of modal riffing into a cohesive, exciting set, which pulses along in a rhythmic extravaganza of understated subtle movements, then tightens up for razor sharp derivations. There is a super-relaxed quality to the steamy forays into the avant garde art rock melodies. Orchestre Modern provides an overall sensual listening experience with an international flavor. …Out of print private pressing via Rockin’ Horse Records…

SIDE A
All American boy
Jesus, Puerto-Rican boxing champion
Chase/Dectective prive

SIDE TWO
Mister pip

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