Markus

Brilliant, infectious new/minimal wave song from German artist Markus, originally released via cassette in 1984 and thrust back into the daylight courtesy the first 2 Hemden & 2 Hosen compilation a few years back. Throbbing synthesizer riff plus German sanitarium vocals plus vintage horror film Casio keyboard stabs... what else do I look for in music? In life?

Markus "Schöne Neue Welt"

More Chris & Cosey

While I stall and think of more things to post, please enjoy this Chris & Cosey track from "Heartbeat" (1981)...

Heldon/Richard Pinhas

French prog/minimalism icons Heldon, featuring Richard Pinhas, have been on my mind lately. Or rather, deep inside my mind, seeping into every pore like creamy Thousand Island dressing. I just found out about Heldon and these past couple days have been a doozy.

This short Heldon song is the last on their first record, "Electronique Guerilla" (1974). "Ballad Pour Puig Antich" is a little slice of proggy ambience that would be full-on synthesized were it not for the pleasant guitar and bass sounds floating over the mania of laser guns and warm, crashing waves of fuzz.

Then we have this incredibly gorgeous ambient piece from Heldon's Richard Pinhas, released shortly after the band dissolved in the late 70s. If the ocean dreams, this is what it sounds like.

Heldon "Ballad Pour Puig Antich" (1974)
Richard Pinhas "Ruitor" (1980)

Chris & Cosey

When Throbbing Gristle split in 1981, members Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti cranked out some killer industrial recordings under the name Chris & Cosey. Their first album "Heartbeat" is a bleak masterpiece; 1982's "Trance" embraces Detroit techno, Medieval chanting and forehead sledgehammering.

But as the 80s progressed and the duo moved closer to pop, Cosey began to sing more and more-- this was, fundamentally, the musical equivalent of dumping cold gravy onto a pile of diamonds. With all due respect to Cosey's obvious musical talent and clever name, her flat and off-key voice often ruins otherwise quality tracks.

Nevertheless, one of their most blissful recordings appears in the middle of this new wave aberration on the '84 album "Songs of Love & Lust." Cosey spares us her voice on this one: "Walking Through Heaven" is an instrumental synthesizer meltdown with a punishing drum track, overflowing and freezing cold at the same time.

Chris & Cosey "Walking Through Heaven"

Yellow Power

If he started kicking major ass only a few years earlier, this POWER JAM would have been the soundtrack to Jean-Claude Van Damme's workout.

Yellow Power "Megawar"

Dominant Legs

The climate of indie pop music is more temperate these days, with bands turning their amplifiers way down and learning how to relax and make beautiful pop music with quiet, small sounds. SF's Dominant Legs do this perfectly.

They've got some of the Ariel Pink atmospherics with less noise and zero snottiness. Really heavy on the Arthur Russell influence, but with more budget, karaoke booth synthesized sounds. Such a pleasant listen. Visit their Myspace to absorb.

Isnaj Dui

Tiny, enchanting sounds from London's ambient mistress Isnaj Dui (Katie English). These little movements are slight and winking as puzzle pieces, but rich and entrancing as a whole. Can't stop listening to this around two in the morning. From the 2007 limited edition EP "Amacrine" on Smallfish.

Isnaj Dui "Gently Severed"

Daryl Hall

I got the Hall & Oates box set last week and it's been a heavy listen ever since, particularly the first disc, which gleans from both guys' early soul groups, various Daryl solo recordings, Whole Oats, and full-fledged Hall & Oates before their first hit ("Sara Smile").

The first time I listened to this disc I was dozing off in bed. I woke up quickly when I heard the fourth track, "Perkiomen," a song Daryl wrote and produced in 1970. The song's title refers to a creek that ran halfway between his and John's houses in Pennsylvania.

I love H&O's 80s hits and almost all the latter material for which they're best known, but this type of R&B-tinged pop songwriting is the side of them that made me bonkers for H&O. I'd post more but I don't want to get sued. Buy the box set.

Daryl Hall "Perkiomen"

Snips/Steve Parsons

In honor of this most magical day, Friday, I give you a few songs from the awesomely fun 1981 pop album "La Rocca" by Snips, a.k.a. Steve Parsons. You may remember Snips from 70s rock band Sharks.

DC hedz: I read somewhere on the vast Internet that "Tight Shoes" was a favorite on WHFS back in the day.

I'm trying out this new media player... let me know what you think...

Snips "Nine O'Clock"
Snips "The Rain"
Snips "Tight Shoes"

Black Mustang & Kerrier District

Another selection from the 2007 comp Milky Disco... I recently re-listened to this and found another fav jam (second to the Quiet Village track). Swear to God there are only a few good jamz on this collection... but the good ones are quite good!

I have yet to pick up the 2009 Milky Disco, actually, and that was released in May. Hehe. Once I finally get that I'll post a fun highlight.

Black Mustang vs. Kerrier District "Mad As Hell (Dub)"

UPDATE: I decided that I think this track is corny and not that great.