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June 17, 2012

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Music Tips, New Wave, Part 2

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Invisible Guy recommends: 80s New Wave! (Part II)

Now that we’ve come this far, I’ll be showing off some must haves in the new wave region of the 80s. This serie will be in four parts, ranging from today up until Sunday. Featuring both well-known and obscure gems from the new wave past. Just so that you can have your obligatory reading and some well-needed tips for your music-pool. Not that you’d have a need to expand it after visiting Invisible Guy, but I’ll show you some things that you’ve never heard of but should’ve heard. Hopefully this will be a listening pleasure and hopefully you’ll find tips suitable for yourself. As I said in the latest episode featuring minimal wave: the numbers mean nothing.

You’re now entering Part II of the recommendation.

If you wish to continue, click on the Continue reading button.

14. Asmodi Bizarr – gothic, fantastic and an throughout exploration of the new wave subconscious. Earlier in their musical career they were called Aspirins, but decided to change the name to Asmodi Bizarr when releasing their debutalbum. The band consisted of a different line-up throughout, but was mainly consisting of Andreas Wahl, Granini (Michael König), Matej Havranek and Monique Maasen. Even though they released a track under the name Aspirin on a compilation titled Various – Ein Tausendstel Düsseldorf in 1990. At the same time, they released their second album Gotta Move On. The debut, called Sunsierra was quickly picked up by the label Das Büro in 1986, but they, oddly enough self-released a demo three years later in 1989. I’ve chosen a song off their debutalbum Sunsierra titled Spin The Wheel. Why? Because of the gothic atmosphere and the new wave-riffing in a total Siouxsie-like environment, the singer Monique Maasen is like a german variant of Siouxsie Sioux and Lene Lovich entwined. With some inspiration sought from X Mal Deutschland.

13. Oingo Boingo – well, does Little Girl ring a bell? Crazy, eccentric and humorous class-act, blending pop and new wave. Ever since I heard their most controversial song (named before), I got hooked on the melody and all-around atmosphere of the band. Also, their charismatic front-man Danny Elfman leave nothing else to be desired. So, which album would I choose? Indisputably, their debutalbum under the name Oingo Boingo titled Only A Lad (1986, A&M Records) really embody what is and became Oingo Boingo. Before, they were named The Mystic Knights Of Oingo Boingo, but something changed radically since then. I picked the song Capitalism for this one, solely because left-wingers annoy the fuck out of me, especially the middle-class and above that pretend to be something they’re not. I also love how many people found it controversial, and the subconscious humor that’s in it, and the marvelous song-writing that really puts the nail in their coffin. Even though the whole song is ironic.

12. Shiva Burlesque – always on the edge, psychedelic fun and indie suffering. One of the more underrated acts that have existed, also one of the least overlooked in steady company with The Chameleons. It consisted of Grant Lee Phillips, James Brenner, Jeffrey Clark and Paul Kimble. Some of them are also notable members of Grant Lee Buffalo and the more legendary glam-group The Venus In Furs. I chose their self-titled debutalbum Shiva Burlesque (1987, Nate Starkman & Son) and the track Two Suns. I chose it because of the wonderful crossover of indie, new wave and alternative rock. They had so much to offer, but never really had a shot. This one is a gem that you must check out.

11. The Chameleons – better to recommend them too? Great new wave throughout, definitely one of the most underrated bands ever. Coming out of the great town of Manchester in the UK, the band have had a varied line-up through the years and have consisted of: Brian Schofield, Dave Fielding, John Lever, Kwasi Asante, Mark Burgess, Martin Jackson, Reg Smithies. Of course, one of the only men who took notice of them was John Peel. You should really read their biography on Discogs, it’s pretty amazing to say the least. Too bad that the major record label CBS dun’ goofed big time. Anyhow, I chose their debutalbum Script Of The Bridge (1983, Statik Records) and the track Less Than Human. Somehow this track reminds me of my childhood, more closely: Ika from Ika I Rutan (1988), a pretty edgy and horrifying Swedish children’s programme. Mainly because I think this song sounds like the intro-theme of that programme. I chose the song mainly because of nostalgic value and also that the lyrical concept of it is fantastic.

10. The Names – one of the more well-known bands, but still pretty obscure. A grandiose experiment combined with new wave angst and cold wave excellence. Consisting more or less of the following members throughout the years: Christophe Den Tandt, Eric De Bruyne, Laurent Loddewyckx, Luc Capelle, Marc Deprez, Michel Silverstein, Michel Smordynia, Michel Zylbersztajn. Some members from the band later on ventured to form Jazz and release one album. I decided to pick their debutalbum Swimming (1982, Les Disques Du Crépuscule), because it’s better than their follow-up albums and its kept their signature melodies and dreamy synths. I took their song Floating World, because that song is a primary example of just that. Check it out, for Christ’s sake!

So I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips from Invisible Guy. This is the end of Part II.

I hope that I will see you again on Part III, which will be published on Monday or Tuesday.

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