BIG AMONGST SHEEP – Hearts On Fire EP (1985)

Here’s a synth pop/synth wave 7” rarity for the electronica indulgence. I have no information about this gem and there doesn’t seem to be much via the websphere. All I know is that this is highly infectious synth pop with catchy as hell melodies and melancholic vocal treatments. The title song really kicks things off to an intense start and you get an idea of what is to come. If there is anyone with info, please contact and I’ll update accordingly.

…Out of print private pressing via Rampant Records ...

A SIDE
Hearts on fire
Comfortable rate of thrust

B SIDE
Popular fiction
Elevator (studio one theme)

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DON’T PANIC – Self Titled LP (1988)

Anthemic modern new wave rock leanings are the order of the day on this private press vinyl obscurity. Made up of three members, they looked to be functioning out of Northern California in the mid-late 80’s. There are up-beat moments, some slower grooves and a couple of mid-tempo numbers that deliver a handful of interesting melodies. I like the proper mix of diversity throughout the song arrangements that doesn’t get monotonous…

Songs like ‘Learn To Love’ and ‘Stand Up And Be Counted’ were definitely tailor made for modern rock radio back in the late 80’s. For me, it was the legendary 99.1 WHFS out of Maryland that fed the local FM airwaves with indie modern rock. It was a great radio station that played indie mainstream acts of the day, but also rotated obscure and local private pressings on a regular basis. Vinyl collectors should be able to track down a copy without much issue. …Out of print private pressing via All Or Nunn Music…

SIDE A
Learn to love
Stand up and be counted
Love takes no prisoners
One more try
Different spell

SIDE B
The hurting kind
King of fools
Fall to pieces
Is anybody out there?
In one ear

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VINCE BURNETT – Irrational Velvet LP (1980)

A blind buy this one was and it paid dividends with a lively listen that warrants more spins in the future. Lots of sound effects, an artsy influence and some psych hints make Mr. Burnett a quirky yet creative artist. “Laugh” has its moments with a bee sounding synth backdrop and a new wave melody. A piano is kind of annoying on ‘Mirror, Mirror’ and ‘Wreckless’, which are both artsy new wave rock songs. It keeps going in the art rock mode with the charming ‘Fade’, which has cool sound effects sprinkled throughout. An organ onslaught hits you on the passionate ‘The Long Afternoon’ and more funky organ can be found in ‘Life in Vogue’. Out of print private pressing via Bizart Records.

SIDE 1
Laugh
Mirror, mirror
Fade
The long afternoon

SIDE B
Wreckless
Life in vogue
Galaxy 500
TV scandals



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SIMPLISTICS – Self Titled LP (1986)

One and only independent release by this alternative guitar pop band…The album starts out with a percolating female led guitar indie pop charmer with “Telling Me Lies” and promptly continues the same formula with “All I Ever Wanted”, but this time with a male vocal…. “Show Your Love” takes a more edgy approach with sharp guitar lines and a passionate female vocal delivery that provides good variety in the first side set Side Two continues harmonious guitar pop candy with dual female and male vocals on the first two tunes. “I Won’t Cry Anymore” provides a solemn vocal delivery. A rare album. …Out of print private pressing via Simplistics Records...

SIDE ONE
Telling me lies
All I ever wanted
Show your love

SIDE TWO
Never say goodbye
Black hammer night
I won’t cry anymore
boy

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SILENT WINDFALL – And We Have Our Dreams LP (1986)

Here we have the electronica soundscapes of Silent Windfall, a duo that originated and played in Denmark. This was their one and only effort and is quite scarce these days. The album starts with moody groaning background howls coupled with a female vocal treatment. The set picks up on “She’ll Be My Doom” and then there is the enveloping electronic sounds of the title track which ends side A. “White Room” is a shimmering mid tempo’d song with a male vocal. The last two songs are slower paced long winded songs with piano that don’t hit the mark very well in my opinion. This is worth a listen or two as there are some good moments tucked inside this Danish obscurity. …Out of print private pressing via Skylight Records…



SIDE ONE
Here I come
She’ll be my doom
Clouds are forever
And we have our dreams

SIDE TWO
White room
Float like a boat
lifeline

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DA PLIARS – If You’re Gonna Do Something Wrong Do It Right! LP (1983)

So where to start with this obscure band that hailed out of Philadelphia, PA…Well, it’s an interesting ride that’s for sure and it commences with a recording of a crank phone call. There’s the minimalistic synth effects, funky sax and voice-overs on the quirky “Cut That Out”… The funky boogie jive of “Bookends” and the sauntering comical oddity called “Window Cheese”… The AOR Pomp of “I’m So Stupid”… The goofy and cheesy cover of “My Boyfriend’s Back”…Industrial guitar mashing in “Six-Pack Suzie”….This LP veers a bit off course for the typical content in this blog, but I do favor a wide variety of styles. If you are so inclined, you may find a couple of interesting moments here… Should be easy to locate this one. ...Out of print private pressing via Montage Records…

SIDE ONE
Get the grip
Cut that out
Bookends
Window cheese
Up & down

SIDE TWO
I’m so stupid
Candy
My boyfriend’s back
Boogaloo
Six pack suzie

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