I was zipping through a big ol' pile of rare synth-pop tunes and happened upon a few random gems. I don't know much about any of these bands, so if you've got a scoop, post it in the comments section.
Conceputol - "Bulk Fiber" / "The Space Invaders" [MP3s]
Both tunes on this 7" from New York are uber-geeky, catchy, and amazing. The band scores extra points for appropriate use of a blender in "Bulk Fiber," and for nailing pre-adolescent video gamer frustration in "The Space Invaders." We got a copy in 1986, but it's unclear exactly when this 7" was released.
Experiments With Ice - "Walk On Furniture" [MP3]
UK band, harkens early Talking Heads with Bowie-esque vocals.
The Stupid Set - "Southwest Digestion" [MP3]
Q: What's an early synth band to do without a delay pedal?
A: Find a singer who can imitate one. These Italians from Bologna feed us convulsive, hiccuped lyrics over steady-driving, paranoid beats. Perfect for a dramatic, voguey dance solo. Don't forget the eyeliner, Robert Smith 'do, and your black shirt with lace sleeves.
Naughtiest Girl Was A Monitor - "Front" [MP3]
Remember that part of the movie when the downtrodden protagonist finally beats all odds and comes out on top? This bombastic tune plays to the hero in us all. Naughtiest Girl Was A Monitor were actually heroes in their own right back in 1981: these Sheffield natives lent equipment to Pulp (then teenagers) for their first-ever studio recording.
UPDATE: NGWAM's back catalogue will be released by Vinyl On Demand (Germany) in April, 2007. If you'd like the CD, contact John Mayfield (jmayfield32 at yahoo.co.uk).
Absolut - "Zivilpolizist" [MP3]
Here's a punky little synth tune with a fist-pumping riff. At first I was resisting the urge to yell "Oi! Oi! Oi!" in a few spots. Then I gave up and just did it. We love Germans on this blog.
Thanks to Chad and Bill Zurat!
Synthpop! At last someone who cares for the forbidden fruits of electropop.
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Posted by: cheerios | February 12, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Approached these with a raised eyebrow, but they are lots of fun. A Zom Zom seems like just the sort of person to help with these. You have inspired me to dig out the old 7" records, and drop the needle on them. Thanks!
Posted by: Katya Oddio | March 06, 2007 at 02:11 PM
Cool tracks! Too bad you didn't stumble upon Monody. Check 'em out at www.myspace.com/monodypdx
Posted by: Synthpop fan | September 20, 2008 at 12:34 AM