Human League- Dare

Human League started in the late 70's, then collapsed with all of the band members pissing off to other musical endeavors. Phillip Oakey stayed behind with the band name as company. In a bewildering act he recruited two teenage girls to the band. In doing so the unthinkable occurred.... Human League were on top of the world, they also became one of the main forerunners in 80's synth-pop.
Yes, this is the album that contains "Don't you want me", a track that is on every 80's compilation  known to man (that singular fact is pretty fucking irritating actually), also its the bands first and last massive hit single. Annoyingly, that particular song is generally what people remember the band by. "Oh, yeah they're that band that do that don't-you-want-me-song, did they do any other songs?" Yes... yes they fucking do have other songs. What the fuck is wrong with you anyway?
Dare is an awesome land mark album for pop music in general. Its also the first closest thing to Kraftwerk that has come out of the U.K, actually just think Kraftwerk with well written lyrics with two thirds of the band female.
The primitive Korg synthesizer tone is legendary and each and every layer of note progressions have had a lot of thought put into them. Stand out tracks would include the very chaotic "Sound of the Crowd", the brilliantly catchy "Love Action", "Do or Die", "Things That Dreams Are Made Of" and the very moody and depressing "Seconds".

All in a fucking cool ass album. Get it in your ears immediately. That is if you know what is good for you.

P.S These cats are super stylish.

Suicide- Suicide

It is one in the morning, and I'm three quarters through Suicides first offering... I am shitting myself self right about now. The stark minimalism gives way for feelings of drastic unease, claustrophobia even.
A little while ago I was over whelmed with paranoia, I thought somebody was in the back yard... its windy outside... lots of noises about. I'm fucking scared.
The album is over ridden with a fantastic amount of dread and Alan Vega's freaky vocals and storytelling elevate the infinitely unpleasant atmosphere.
The primitive electronic drums and keyboard tones are the main components of what makes up the songs on this album. Despite the technology used (and even more so the era in which it was produced; 1977), this album is still remarkably fresh sounding.
My favorite track on the album would have to "Frankie Tear Drop", its a song which snow balls into a ferocious mess of screaming and strange atmospheric echo. Its a massive eleven minute epic. The shrieks become the most discerning part of the song as the protagonist (a highly strung out guy named Frankie) wipes out his wife and kid then shoots him self in the face.
All in all, this is an album to be heard. I will have to listen to what other stuff Suicide have done, as this is my introduction to them. I think I'm in love. You will also fall in love. Check it out.

Check it the fuck out already!!

Leonard Cohen- Songs of Love and Hate

This is the kind of album you put on at three in the morning with candles, listening to it in the semi-darkness, lying down on the floor amongst the clutter and junk that litters your lonely bedroom.  
Songs of Love and Hate delivers just what its name implies, a selection of songs that signify longing, hatred, reflections of love lost, brutal pessimism and blind optimism. It is not for people who are weak of heart.
I am not going divulge much further on the subject of the album as I love it on a level that makes it impossible to elaborate upon with the use of the English language.
The song writing here far surpasses what any other song writer (dead or alive) you care to mention could come up with. Period.
Leonard Cohen is the ultimate tortured artist and this is his impossibly perfect master piece. It is something that will be eternally breath taking and simultaneously heart wrenching. Immerse your self into the darkest heart of them all: Leonard Cohen.

The Cramps- Smell of Female

This is my favorite Cramps album, its probably the best live album ever made. Their set includes some oldies and mostly new songs (the oldies only feature in a special edition print of the album). Lux Interiors stage presence is ever evident in these recordings, his shrieks and howls always send a shiver of pure joy down my spine.
There is an awesome cover of "Faster Pussy Cat" featuring a hilarious introduction by Lux which in total sums up the movie from which the song was derived; "If you like to see beautiful women driving fast sports cars, breaking jocklatory(sic) type, he men mens spines..." (the film is "Faster Pussy Cat Kill, Kill" an excellent Russ Meyer film from the late 60's).
Smell of Female is a rollicking fun time, "The most exultant potentate of love" contains the coolest surf riff ever invented accompanied by a lot of bad ass hissing distortion (like most cramps songs).
"Call of the Wighat" contains a hilarious road trip narrative which entertains such images as Lux Interior riding his horse to Hollywood escaping from his abusive mother, whilst wearing snake skin pants. FUCKING HELL COOL.
"Good Taste" is an ode to women... with good taste, perhaps even cross dressers (as Lux was). Maybe even just Ivy Lee Rorschach (cramps lead guitarist and Lux's wife), she totally has good taste. She is the most beautiful woman to ever brandish a guitar in all existence.
"Nothing But a Gore Hound" perfectly encapsulates bands love for 50's B-grade schlock horror movies, my favorite line in the song would have to be; "I don't know about art, but I know what I like."
In short, this album is the ducks dick all the way. Don't be a square, man. Get this album, otherwise you'd die never knowing the pleasures this album can deliver. PLEASURE AVALANCHE.

Here are The Cramps in all of their fucked up glory. Enjoy thoroughly.

The Birthday Party- The John Peel Sessions

Okay... So this isn't an album as such but a collection of revamped Birthday Party songs recorded even better than they sound on the albums that they appear. The production is clean and raw dirty at the same time. In my opinion their songs have always sounded better live (listened to obviously on their live recordings and witnessed on the fantastic Pleasure Heads Must Burn DVD) the peel sessions deliver just that; a live sound recorded professionally with all the disdain and hatred for human kind intact and in most cases intensified.
"Pleasure Avalanche" on The Bad Seed E.P sounds awesome BUT in the peel sessions it sounds SUPER fucking EAR-BLEEDING-AWESOME. "Cry" on Prayers On Fire sounds a little bit drab BUT (again) in the peel sessions it sounds SUPER fucking EAR-BLEEDING-AWESOME.
This collection is radical and should be heard by all, even those CREATURES that dislike The Birthday Party's agitated disturbing noise direct from the pits of despair and suffering. This is pure POST PUNK. 100% non-tampered with, POST PUNK. I'll do a review on "Junkyard" one of these days... so watch out for it.

This is a promotional video that was made for "Deep In The Woods" that appears on the Peel Sessions as well as the Mutiny sessions. Dark as a motherfuck, man.

The Gun Club- Fire Of Love

Jeffry Lee Pierce was at one stage the president of the Blondie fan club, then one day Debbie Harry was all like "Jeffry Lee Pierce, you should start a MOTHERFUCKING BAND". I'm paraphrasing of course, but the story was some what similar.
The Gun Club was formed not long after and started out under Blondie's wing opening their gigs and stuff like that. The band were cited as one the first bands, if not THE first band to successfully fuse blues roots with punk, in my opinion that in itself is an astonishing feat.
"Fire Of Love" is a real bad ass album that will beat you up and rape you in a deep southern swamp leaving you to wallow, whilst it runs off through a cane field, moonshine in a lidded jar, laughing a grotty toothless laugh into the night.
The lyrical content all revolves around classic blues narratives (slavery, lust, revenge, etc.), exaggerated and darkened to a black very much like dogs guts. "Jack on fire", "Sex Beat", "Fire Spirit", "Black Train" are all stand out songs on this album. Actually the entire album is timeless. The fusion of roots and punk make it impossible to pin point the era it was recorded, it is remarkably original.

Get this album or rot in hell. Lots of love, XXX.

Here is a video of The Gun Club playing at The Hacienda in 1983, the line up is different to the one that recorded Fire Of Love. "Fire Spirit" is a bad ass song. Enjoy.

Jim Carroll Band- I Write Your Name

Jim Carroll is a multi-talented cat. The poet turned author decided to take the next logical step; punk band vocalist/lyricist. Its no wonder that Carroll's prose was so easily transposed into lyrics.
"I write your name" was the bands 3rd (and last) album and the most exuberantly produced, not to say that's a bad thing. This album leans more on the New-Wave genre than the bands previous raw punk offerings, with the exception of a couple of the later album tracks.
"Voices" is the albums stand out track, its a lightning speed, frantic insight into the world of several people with degenerative schizophrenia. Its sadly the bands first and last flirt with synthesizer rock, sad in the respect that it sounds so fucking good. "Sweet Jane" is a knock-out (not to mention faithful) cover of The Velvet Underground, its a great 80's revamp of the classic. Carroll's singing voice was pretty much on the mark as he is practically a dead ringer (vocally) with Lou Reed. "Freddy's Store" is simply straight-laced-no-fucking-around rock n roll.
Unfortunately Jim Carroll's musical career has come and gone largely unnoticed. The Jim Carroll Band is another under appreciated band that should be celebrated. I recommend this to everyone who has ears.

Also, here is the band playing a bare essentials version of "voices". RIP Jim Carroll.

Iggy Pop, David Bowie- Fun Time

Watch this, the name of the video is self explanatory. If it is not, you are are fucker. This is rock solid gold. Bowie is being a humble motherfucker, helping his old time pal Iggy and it makes video gold. Awwww, what a good pair of pals. Iggy should have got more recognition for his stooges albums.
This is hot shit.
Get it inside you as it is still hot.

Again, lots of love. XXX.

Ultravox- Visions In Blue (the video)

This is a promo video for Ultravox's "Visions In Blue" in 1983. It's fairly erotic and arty. Lots of interpretive dance (pretty fucking cool I might add) and glimmers of gratuitous nudity. This is by far my favorite Ultravox song (Midge Ure Ultravox, that is). Plus after seeing this video, its one of the best Ive ever seen. Ive tried to find out who directed it but, google has failed me yet again. I'm gonna lay a wager that it was either Australian Russ Mulcahy or Godley and Creme.
UPDATE: I just checked filmography's of both directors and neither have done this video, though both have handled Ultravox videos. I'm pretty good... but not good enough. If you find out please tell me.
Total Tour de force. Midge Ure is a stud. Ultravox are a power house. Enjoy this video.

Lots of love. XXX.

Marquis De Sade- Dantzig Twist

I'll no doubt have to beat a french person down with a stale baguette for this vinyl.

Ok, I'll be frank with you. What drew me to this band was their name... I love morbid, perverse and immoral literature... It was later I heard what genre of music these cats specialize in; post punk. Their era? 1980. Their nationality? French... I pretty much had to have this album; Dantzig Twist.
These guys sound a little like Joy Division on a nice, clear, sunny afternoon. Maybe a little bit like Japan with less synthesizer, or Ultravox! (with John Foxx and not Midge Ure). Its a hell lot of fun.
I really enjoy how fresh these guys sound, they sound as if they were recorded yesterday. With only two albums out, its pretty sad how Marquis De Sade didn't catch on.
A majority of the songs on the album are in English with the exception of two.
"Who said why?" is a stand out song, its probably the freshest sounding of the bunch, I'm more than certain if it were released today it would have no problem charting. It would have indy douches spooging their shit.
"Japanese sky" (instrumentally) is brilliant and imaginative IF, you could ignore the absolute shite lyrical content. It contains a nice driving Joy Division-like bass line layered with all kinds of Japanese instruments. "Skin Disease" is really cool as well.
If you are digging the late 70's/early 80's post-punk movement, I suggest you board this train. Even if you just dig The Cure or Joy Division. Board this mother-bitch. Its good to go. I'm pretty sure these cats failed only in the fact they should have happened at least 5 years later than they started. Oh well, enjoy fellow obscure audio molester.

Loves and all that kind of crap. Bisoux, Bisoux.

Bryan Ferry- In your mind

Man, is this Ferry cat suave? He is so fucken suave. I got this album immediately after I caught a glimpse at the promotional video for one of the singles off of this very album. Bear with me and picture this... Ferry in tight leather pants with a tucked in dress shirt and tie, not to mention the dude shaking his shit about (god damn, this cat is cooool) .
"In your mind" is Ferry's 4th solo outing and the first to include all original material (his second is made decades after this one; 2010's "Olympia"). This albums sounds like Roxy Music to a tee (it pretty much is as most Roxy members are present as session musicians). If you cant get enough Roxy I suggest you tear up Ferry's solo catalog. Believe me when I say I CANT get enough Roxy Music, this is the Roxy shot I've been after to soothe my aching Roxy addiction. I was eternally bummed they stopped in 82' (6 years before I was BORN).
Obviously "Tokyo Joe" is a stand out track, where Ferry has a merry fuck around with oriental chic, he sounds as if he is having a ball with it as well. Cool geisha girls and Tokyo nights seem to the the theme.
The title track is another stroke of brilliance and sounds as if its been dropped from Roxy Music's "Siren" (actually I wouldn't be surprised if it was), that album is perfect beyond belief. The entire album is pretty straight forward, it might not be perfect but it most definitely is the Ferry I know and love.
You know what? Screw it, listen to this business if you love Roxy Music, I wholeheartedly guarantee your world will be rocked till you DIE.

Enjoy. XXX.   
  

Japan- Quiet Life

Behold! The blue print for 80's new romantic synth pop!
In the 70's?!
Listening to this album is a real mind warp, it feels very 1980's yet it was made in the late 70's. Pre-Duran/Spandau, its hard to believe that Japan didnt rule the earth to the extent that Duran Duran or Spandau Ballet did. This is a real landmark album for Japan and pop music in general (although they were largely ignored throughout their lifespan). All the influences are very visible which is a very good thing. Lots of little Roxy music-isms, bowie-isms and kraftwerk-isms can be heard through out, made at a time where it would've seemed illogical to fuse the three.
Production is amazing and very (late 70's) Roxy Music, it wouldn't be hard to believe that the album producer also previously worked on Roxy Music's "Manifesto", certain instrumental tones sound identical to Manifesto, it also carries the same dark, suave mood.
David Sylvian provides the brooding lyrics (mostly about alienation and all that kind of jazz) and suave (Bryan Ferry like) croon, he is one stylish motherfucker. Stand out songs include the title track which is brilliant pop that is light years ahead of its time. Another would be their cover of The Velvet Undergrounds "All tomorrows parties", which not only fits perfectly in amongst the other songs on the album but is also one of the best Velvet covers ever. "In vogue" is very slick and dark, the melodic bass line is some what genius in its construction, it pretty much is the backbone for every Japan song.
After repeated listens you will accept this album as one whole piece of work. Its something I can listen to all the through and appreciate every song, as should you.

If its raining outside, or cloudless and grey, put this album on and be mesmerized.

Lots of love. Kiss kiss. Get out of my turnip patch!

Roxy Music- Avalon

This is Roxy Music's last album at the height of their success. Although it lacks the substance, vibrant colors and lyrical brilliance of the previous albums, it is consistent in  many other fields. It also reeks of sex and suave. I'm more than certain I would've been conceived to this album (as many 80's kids would've been.
The production values are enormous with the open spacious sounds and drifting melancholia, this album (like all Roxy albums) is ahead of its time, stylistically and production wise. It is very much a timeless album.
"Take a chance with me" is one the best Roxy Music songs ever, it contains one the best guitar introductions to any song I've ever heard, the rest of the song just soars and descends and its almost like a living breathing thing. "More than this" opens the album, giving you a good indication of what this album is about. "While my heart is still beating" is probably the stand out song of the album, saxophone never has been so erotic, neither has Bryan Ferry's suave croon.
All in all this album is a fantastic last entry to one the best bands that ever existed, period. I believe it is perfect, my only qualm with it is it should really go on forever instead of 40-50 minutes. Forever. Actually I'll just make the CD player loop the album instead. Oh Bryan Ferry, I wish I was you.

P.S If you cant like this album, it is obvious you have no soul.

Lots of love. XXX

Goblin- Proffondo Rosso

This is Goblins first ever album which is also their first ever soundtrack for legendary horror director Dario Argento. Proffondo Rosso (the film) shines with this soundtrack, suspense builds up dramatically with Goblins avant garde sound. The album by itself is a good listen, think of these cats as eccentric as early pink floyd (enough said).
The soundtrack (reportedly) took Goblin one night to write and another single night to record, its perfectly believable as it is as raw as rusty nails (which is real fucking orgasmic to the ear hole). There's lots of violent organ playing and cool-assed thundering bass guitar lines.
I suggest you watch the film first then get the soundtrack. It'll blow your mind. Those bloody Italians.
Also it is important to note that Proffondo Rosso is hailed as the best Dario Argento film, who happens to be one the best horror directors EVER. There. Theres two things you'll have to look for.

Now piss off and leave me alone.

Lots of love. XX

Arcadia-So Red The Rose

I personally think anyone with an interest in 80's pop should definitely let there ears get warped by the shameless extravagance displayed on this album.
The story goes Duran Duran were at breaking point after the wild success of the first three albums (Duran Duran, Rio, Seven and the Ragged Tiger), with two of the Taylor's (John and Andy) on the decline due to mass cocaine abuse and Simon LeBon's infamous bum-note during the 1985 Live Aid; the troupe decided to disband and go their own ways.
Duran Duran split in half (literally) with John and Andy joining Robert Palmer forming The Power Station and Simon and Nick Rhodes forming Arcadia. Roger Taylor hurt by the split, left the music scene completely.
Arcadia took the avant garde of Duran Duran and went crazy with power (and EMI's budget) making one of the most expensive albums ever made (it reportedly cost over $7,000,000 in mid-1980's money). With all of that aside there are plenty of guest appearances of the likes of Sting, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Grace Jones and Herbie Hancock.
The album itself wasn't very accessible to the general public making the album flop, therefore losing support from EMI and destroying any possibility of Arcadia being an ongoing band. This makes So Red The Rose a one off. A very special one off.
The album from start to finish is densely layered with all types of textures and melodies and Simon Lebon's vocals shine like never before. Nick Rhodes in this instance is probably at par with Brian Eno in terms of sound production and experimenting. David Gilmour's contribution to "The Promise" is brilliant, he fills the track with his trade mark soaring lead guitar. "Goodbye is forever", Election Day", "Lady Ice" are other stand out tracks to a stand out album that time has forgotten.
I suggest you listen to this album all the way through with head phones so you wont miss the instrumental layering and the dark, brooding, sexy vibe it has about it. Very Ahead of its time.

David Bowie: Pin Ups

I have have just run through David Bowie's infamous Pin Up's; the follow up to Aladdin Sane. I have previously listened to it with the knowledge that its a largely ignored album, either by Bowie hard cores or by Bowie passer by's. It's also been rained shit on by critics of recent times and the critics of the albums first release. The first few times I've run this through I honestly thought nothing of it with the very harsh comments laid upon it fresh in my mind. Let me tell you this Bowie hardcore or Bowie passer by; This is not an album to ignore or hate.
This is essentially a cover album of Bowie's influences through out the music scene of the 60's and early 70's. I now see this album as a collection of lovingly reworked songs; reworked by a man who really digs music. Although it would've seemed illogical to cover any of these songs in 1973, they make perfect sense. Why-fucking-not cover your favorite bands?
My guess is after the break though success of Aladdin Sane the music public were chasing after another Aladdin Sane, but seriously give the cat a chance.
Stand out songs include The Kink's "Where have all the good times gone", Pink Floyd's "See Emily Play", The Easy Beats "Friday on my mind". There is also B-side that's released on a special edition of Pin ups Jaques Brel's "Port of Amsterdam" which is beautifully perfect and minimalist, it most certainly deserves a place on the album.

All in all its a finely crafted album that deserves to be listened to all the way through. Open ya fucken ears.

Lots of love. And happy listening.

Patrick the Pheasant.