On this date in 1982, Japan released their fourteenth single, "Cantonese Boy". It was backed by "The Experience Of Swimming" and "Gentlemen Take Polaroids". This was a 12 inch single. It also came in a double 7 inch package with one additional track, "Burning Bridges". The A side appeared on their fifth album, Tin Drum. "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" and "Burning Bridges" appeared on their fourth album, Gentlemen Take Polaroids. "The Experience Of Swimming" was a non-LP track that was added to their fourth album as a bonus track when it was re-released on CD. The single reached the #24 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The London new wave disbanded in 1982 after five studio albums. Their last live performance? Yes...it was in Japan.
Wikipedia: Japan
A Great Japan Fansite: japansylvian.com
Video: Japan - Cantonese Boy - live 1982 - youtube
Blogload: Japan - Tin Drum - c-60lownoise.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Japan - Cantonese Boy
Au Pairs - Playing With A Different Sex
On this date in 1981, the Au Pairs released their debut album, Playing With A Different Sex. The album did not yield any singles. The Birmingham, England post punk band disbanded in 1983 after two studio and one live album.
Wikipedia: Au Pairs
Blogload: Au Pairs - Playing With A Different Sex - valuewhatisnecessary.blogspot.com
Essential Bop - Croaked
On this date in 1981, Essential Bop released their debut single, "Croaked". It was backed by "Butler (In Running Shorts) ". The Bristol, England post punk band disbanded in 1981 without any other release but re-formed in 1984 and released their only album, The Flick Was Boss, which contained new and old material. They disbanded permanently in 1984. The band included Mike Fewings (ex-Cortinas).
Blogload: Essential Bop - Chronicles - a compilation - mutant-sounds.blogspot.com
Fashion - Silver Blades
On this date in 1980, Fashion released their fourth single, "Silver Blades". It was backed by "Silver Blades (A Deeper Cut)". Neither version appeared on an album. The Birmingham, England post punk/new wave band disbanded in 1984.
Wikipedia: Fashion
A Fansite: www.america.net/~davdmock/fashion
Not Silver Blades but...
Blogload: Fashion - Fabrique - nrrules.blogspot.com
Gary Numan - We Are Glass
In May of 1980, Gary Numan released his seventh single (his third since the breakup of Tubeway Army), "We Are Glass". It was backed with "Trois Gymnopedies". Neither track appeared on an album but both were added as bonus tracks when it was re-released on CD. The single reached the #5 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The London new wave musician continues to record and tour.
Wikipedia: Gary Numan
Official Gary Numan Website: garynuman.co.uk
Video: Gary Numan - We Are Glass - live 1981 - youtube
Blogload: Gary Numan - Telekon - justgoodtunes.blogspot.com
U.K. Subs - Teenage
On this date in 1980, the UK Subs released their sixth single, "Teenage". It was backed by "Left For Dead" and "New York State Police". The A side appeared on their second studio album, Brand New Age. The two supporting tracks did not but were added as bonus tracks on the album when it was re-released on CD. The single made it to the #32 spot on the U.K. charts. The London punk is still going strong.
Wikipedia: U.K. Subs
Official Website: uksubs.co.uk
Video: U.K. Subs - Teenage - on Top Of The Pops - 1980 - youtube
Blogload: U.K. Subs - Brand New Age - abc-afterglow.blogspot.com
Slaughter & The Dogs - Build Up Not Down EP
On this date in 1979, Slaughter & The Dogs released their first EP (after several singles), Build Up Not Down. It contained "It's Alright", "Twist & Turn","Edgar Allan Poe" and "UFO". None of these songs would appear on a studio album by the band but all would be included on their compilation, Cranked Up Really High. The Manchester, England punk band disbanded in 1978 but re-formed in 1979. They hung it up again in 1981. They are currently together and performing live.
Wikipedia: Slaughter & The Dogs
Official Website: slaughterandthedogs.co.uk
Blogload: Salughter & The Dogs - Cranked Up Really High - compilation - discospunkemais.blogspot.com
Plastic Bertrand - Ca Plane Pour Moi
On this date in 1978, "Ca Plane Pour Moi" by Plastic Bertrand first entered the U.K. singles chart. The single had been released in 1977 but did not garner any attention in the U.K. until 1978. The B side was "Pogo Pogo". This was the Belgian singer's second solo single and both songs appeared on his debut album, AN1. Both tunes were Elton Motello songs that Plastic re-did with new lyrics and titles ("Ca Plane Pour Moi" was set to the tune of "Jet Boy, Jet Girl"). Plastic Bertrand was the drummer for Elton Motello when the songs were written. The single eventually went to the #8 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Brussels, Belgium punk/new wave singer still records.
Wikipedia: Plastic Bertrand
Official Website: plasticbertrand.com
Video: Plastic Bertrand - Ca Plane Pour Moi - on Top Of The Pops - 1978 - youtube
Blogload: Plastic Bertrand - An 1 - frisiansotherfavorites.blogspot.com
Radio Birdman - Aloha Steve And Danno
On this date in 1978, Radio Birdman released their third single, "Aloha Steve And Danno". It was backed by "Anglo Girl Desire". The B side was also the supporting track on their second single. The B side appeared on their debut album, Radios Appear. The A side did not was included on the version of the album released in the U.K. The Sydney, Australia punk band disbanded in 1978 but saw several of their recordings released posthumously. They have gotten together many times since to perform.
Also on this date in 1978, Radio Birdman released their debut album, Radios Appear, in the U.K. It had some different tracks than the original version released in their native Australia a few months before.
Wikipedia: Radio Birdman
Official Website: radio-birdman.com
Video: Radio Birdman - Aloha Steve And Danno - live 1977 - youtube
Blogload: Radio Birdman - Radios Appear - U.K. version - digitalmeltd0wn.blogspot.com
Iggy Pop - T.V. Eye 1977
On this date in 1978, Iggy Pop released his third album as a solo artist, T.V. Eye 1977. It consisted of eight live tracks recorded in 1977. David Bowie played piano. The Muskegon, Michigan singer who was the legendary frontman for The Stooges has recently re-formed that band. 
Wikipedia: Iggy Pop
Official Website: iggypop.com
Blogload: Iggy Pop - T.V. Eye 1977 - and much, much more - bunalti.com
Nick Lowe - Bowi
On this date in 1977, Nick Lowe released his first EP and called it Bowi. Nick Lowe used to feign annoyance that David Bowie had released an album called Low and left out the "e" in his last name. So...he returned the favor. The EP had four songs, "Born A Woman", "Shake That Rat", "Marie Provost" and "Endless Sleep". "Marie Provost" also wound up on his debut album, Jesus Of Cool. The other songs did not but were added to the newly expanded CD version. The power pop singer from Surrey, U.K. was later teamed with Dave Edmunds in Rockpile.
Wikipedia: Nick Lowe
Official Website: nicklowe.net
Blogload: Nick Lowe - Bowi - meteorito.wordpress.com
Monday, May 12, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Billy Duffy of The Cult and Theatre Of Hate turns 47 today!
The Cult, clockwise from left:
Billy Duffy, Jamie Stewart, Les Warner and Ian Astbury (sitting)
Wikipedia: Theatre Of Hate
Official Kirk Brandon Website: kirkbrandon.com
Video: Theatre Of Hate - Do You Beleieve In The Westworld? - on TV 1982 - youtube
Blogload: Theatre Of Hate - Westworld - buildingadraintohousetheinsane.blogspot.com
Wikipedia: The Cult
Official Website: thecult.us
Video: The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary - on TV 1985 - youtube
Blogload: The Cult - Love - buildingadraintohousetheinsane.blogspot.com
Altered Images - Pinky Blue
On this date in 1982, Altered Images released their sixth single, "Pinky Blue". It was backed by "Think That It Might". The 12 inch version included the additional track, "Jump Jump". All three tracks appeared on their second album, Pinky Blue. The single reached the #35 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Glasgow, Scotland new wave band, led by Clare Grogan, released three albums before disbanding in 1983. Bassist Johnny McElhone formed Hipsway after they disbanded.
Wikipedia: Altered Images
Blogload: Altered Images - Pinky Blue - babakazoo.blogspot.com
Cabaret Voltaire - 2x45
On this date in 1982, Cabaret Voltaire released their ninth album, 2x45. It was a unique offering in that this album was actually two 12 inch 45 rpm EP's. One of the songs, "Yeshar" was released separately as a single. The album made the #1 spot on the U.K. indie album chart. The album was re-released on CD in 1990 and re-titled The Grey Area. The Sheffield, England post-punk, experimental band disbanded in 1995.
Wikipedia: Cabaret Voltaire
Unofficial Website: brainwashed.com/cv
Blogload: Cabaret Voltaire - 2x45 - wwwadnauseam.blogspot.com
Positive Noise - Heart Of Darkness
On this date in 1981, Positive Noise released their debut album, Heart Of Darkness. There were no singles released from the album. The Glasgow, Scotland post punk/new wave band lasted until 1985, releasing three albums along the way. Lead singer Ross Middleton would go on to form Leisure Process.
Blogload: Positive Noise -Heart Of Darkness - and more - saltyka.blogspot.com
The Freshies - Yellow Spot
On this date in 1980, the Freshies released their sixth single, "Yellow Spot". It was backed by "If It's News". The Freshies released several singles but never released an album during their career. Numerous singles and a few EP's but no albums from the Manchester, England punk/power pop band by the time they disbanded in 1982.
Wikipedia: The Freshies
Blogload: The Freshies - The complete 7 inch discography - mutant-sounds.blogspot.com
The Jags - Party Games
On this date in 1980, The Jags released their third single, "Party Games". It was backed by "She's So Considerate". Both songs appeared on their debut album, Evening Standards. The Yorkshire, England powerpop band released two albums before disbanding in 1982.
Wikipedia: The Jags
Video: The Jags - Party Games - youtube
Blogload: The Jags - Evening Standards - earfulofnoize.blogspot.com
Patrik Fitzgerald - Grubby Stories
On this date in 1979, Patrik Fitzgerald released his first full length album, Grubby Stories. There were no singles released from the album. Patrik Fitzgerald was a London punk poet whose poetry was usually accompanied by his acoustic guitar. On this record, John Maher of Buzzcocks played drums on some of the tracks.
Wikipedia: Patrik Fitzgerald
Myspace: myspace.com/patrikfitzgerald
Not Grubby Stories but...
Blogload: Patrik Fitzgerald - Safety-Pin Stuck In My Heart EP - www.killyourpetpuppy.co.uk
The Germs - Lexicon Devil
On this date in 1978, The Germs released their first EP, Lexicon Devil. Aside from the title track, it also included "Circle One" and "No God". The A side appeared on their debut album, GI. The other two tracks did not. It would be their only album. The Los Angeles punk band was fronted by Darby Crash, who committed suicide on December 7, 1980 of a planned drug overdose. That was the end of the band. They have re-formed to do shows recently with a new lineup.
Wikipedia: The Germs
Official Website: germsreturn.com
Blogload: The Germs - Lexicon Devil EP - www.kbdrecords.com
The Stranglers - Black & White
On this date in 1977, The Stranglers released their third album, Black And White. It produced one single, "Nice N' Sleazy" (#18 U.K.). The album reached the #2 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The Surrey, U.K. punk/post punk band is still performing and recording, though without original lead singer, Hugh Cornwell, who left in 1990
Wikipedia: The Stranglers
Official Website: stranglers.net
Blogload: The Stranglers - Black And White - buildingadraintohousetheinsane.blogspot.com
Kraftwerk - The Robots
On this date in 1981, Kraftwerk released their seventh single, "The Robots". It was backed by "Spacelab". Both tracks appeared on their seventh album, The Man-Machine, though the songs were scaled down on the single into shorther versions. The Dusseldorf, Germany electronic music pioneers are still active.
Wikipedia: Kraftwerk
Official Website: kraftwerk.com
Video: Kraftwerk - The Robots - youtube
Blogload: Kraftwerk - The Man-Machine - audioheaven-alexcro.blogspot.com
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Duran Duran - The Reflex
On this date in 1984, Duran Duran had the #1 single in the U.K., "The Reflex". It appeared on their Seven And The Ragged Tiger album.
Wikipedia: Duran Duran
Official Website: duranduran.com
Video: Duran Duran - The Reflex- live 1983 - youtube
Blogload: Duran Duran - Seven And The Ragged Tiger - babakazoo.blogspot.com
Spandau Ballet - True
On this date in 1983, Spandau ballet had the #1 single in The U.K, "True". It appeared on their album of the same name, True.
Wikipedia: Spandau Ballet
Official Website: spandauballet.com
Video: Spandau Ballet - True - on Top Of The Pops - 1983 - youtube
Blogload: Spandau Ballet - True - whatilike-jp.blogspot.com
New Order - Temptation
On this date in 1982, New Order released their fourth single, "Temptation". It was backed by "Hurt". Neither song appeared on a studio album but were included on the 1987 compilation Substance. The single reached the #29 spot on the U.K. singles chart. The Manchester, England post punk/new wave band rose from the ashes of Joy Division which suddenly ground to a halt when singer Ian Curtis hung himself. The band continues on despite the departure of Gillian Gilbert in 2005 and Peter Hook in 2007.
Wikipedia: New Order
Official Website: neworder.cc
Video: New Order - Temptation - live 1981 - youtube
Blogload: New Order - Substance - www.taringa.net
Discharge - Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing
In May of 1982, Discharge released their first full length album, Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing. There were no singles released from the album. The album reached the #40 spot on the U.K. albums chart. When re-released on CD, twelve additional tracks were added including previously released non-album singles "Never Again", "State Violence State Control", "The Price Of Silence" and "The More I See" as well as all four tracks from the previously released EP, Her Majesty's Government Can Seriously Damage Your Health. The Staffordshire, England punk/hardcore band disbanded in 1987 but have performed since.
Wikipedia: Discharge
Myspace: myspace.com/discharge2k
Blogload: Discharge - Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing - thrashaholic.blogspot.com
Play Dead - Poison Takes A Hold
On this date in 1981, Play Dead released their debut single, "Poison Takes A Hold". The B side was "Introduction". Neither track appeared on their debut album, The First Flower, when it was released in 1983, both both were added as bonus tracks when the album was re-released on CD. The Essex, England post punk/goth band was a regular at The Bat Cave in London. They disbanded in 1986 after three studio albums and several live albums.
Wikipedia: Play Dead
Unofficial Website: companyofjustice.com
Blogload: Play Dead - The First Flower - la-ultima-sinfonia-del-corazon.blogspot.com
Heaven 17 - I'm Your Money
On this date in 1981, Heaven 17 released their second single, "I'm Your Money". The B side was a cover of a Buzzcocks song, "Are Everything". Neither track appeared on a studio album. When their debut album, Penthouse And Pavement, was re-released on CD in 2006, both songs were included, though the A side was the 12 inch extended version. The Sheffield, England new wave band formed when Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh split from The Human League. The badn has recorded and performed sporadically since 1988.
Wikipedia: Heaven 17
Unofficial Website: heaven17.de
Blogload: The Best Of Heaven 17- Higher And Higher - nrrules.blogspot.com
The Plimsouls - Zero Hour
On this date in 1981, The Plimsouls released their debut single, "Zero Hour". It was backed by "Now". The 12 inch version featured two additional tracks, live versions of "Hush, Hush" and "Everyday Things". The two studio tracks appeared on their self-titled debut album. The Los Angeles power pop disbanded in 1984 after two albums but they have frequently re-formed for touring since.
Wikipedia: The Plimsouls
Myspace: myspace.com/plimsouls
Blogload: The Plimsouls...Plus - ustedville.blogspot.com