Archive for January, 2017

For the second in the series of podcasts on favorite ’80s finds, I decided to focus on overlooked ’80s UK synthpop. Synthpop is one of my favorite genres of music and, needless to say, there was an abundance of great music from this region. I narrowed the playlist down to 13 songs, which was no easy task, so may just have to do a part 2 on this category. As always, I provide a bit of information on the bands/artists, when available. Below is the track list and you can listen to the podcast here. Hope you enjoy!

  • I Start Counting “Letters to a Friend” (1984)
  • Illustration “Danceable” (1980)
  • Henry Badowski “My Face” (1980)
  • Eternal Triangle “Nothing But a Friend” (1984)
  • Pictures Like This “A Night’s Vendetta” (1983)
  • VHF “No Surprise” (1982)
  • Disciples of Spess “Another New Iceland” (1987)
  • Ice The Falling Rain “Lifes Illusion” (1983)
  • White Door “Windows” (1983)
  • Almost Alone “Blue City” (1983)
  • Secession “Touch Part 1” (1984
  • Leisure Process “Love Cascade” (1982)
  • Vision “Lucifer’s Friend” (1982)

1980s band The PassionsBritish post-punk/new wave band The Passions are probably most well-known for the 1981 single “I’m In Love With A German Film Star.” This is the song that piqued my interest in the band and prompted me to seek out more from the group. I’m glad I did, since it led to the discovery of the single “The Swimmer.” Released as a single in 1980, it’s a great mix of post-punk and new wave, with a bit of jangly guitar thrown in. The band went on to release a couple more albums and several singles before calling it a day in 1983.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

Considered pioneers of dream pop, duo A.R. Kane were probably most well-known for their contribution to the 1987 club hit “Pump Up the Volume.” They collaborated with fellow Brits Colourbox and recorded the song under the name English dream pop duo A.R. KaneM|A|R|R|S. Formed in the mid-80s, their sound was similar to bands such as The Jesus & Mary Chain and other shoegaze/dream pop acts of the time. Although critically praised, they failed to connect with the mainstream and fell into obscurity. The 1986 single “When You’re Sad” was the duo’s first release. They would go on to release three albums and several EPs and singles before disbanding in 1994.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Fiat Lux were an English synthpop trio that had a bit of chart success in the UK. At their height, the group was touring with such bands/artists as Blancmange, Level 42, and Howard Jones but couldn’t seem to break through. Forming in 1982, they released a handful of singles and one mini LP before disbanding in 1985. My favorite song from the group is 1982’s “Feels Like Winter Again,” which was also their first release.