SPOTLIGHT 438

17/02/2014 15:56

Happy Valentine's Day and welcome to the Spot Light! This week we present some power pop, Finnish psychedelic songs, heavy fuzz, outer space sounds, baroque pop, meditative ambient, folk rock, unique prog, energetic garage, blistering punk, Brazilian death metal, neo-hippie shit, retro-modern synth pop, R&B and bossanova. Feast your ears and don't miss out on some killer live shows coming up this spring.

PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE

SHOCKWAVE RIDERZ/BITCHIN BAJAS - SPLIT 7" (7"/VOLCOM)

Volcom Entertainment singles club split single between POWER PSYCH POPPERS Shockwave Riderz and Bitchin Bajas with an highly experimental track.

Listen to the split HERE.

CHARLIES - MUSIIKKIA ELOKUVASTA JULISTEIDEN LIIMAAJAT (LP/SHADOKS MUSIC)

500 numbered / heavy sleeve / printed inner sleeve / 180 gram pressing / 4 page insert. One of the most influential bands from Finland are CHARLIES. They have recorded their first album 'Buttocks' in 1970 and that same year this second album. We have included 4 bonus tracks including their rare single from 1969. The album was recorded for an underground-movie under the same title. Charlies had full artistic freedom to create psychedelic songs and effects and their song 'Sunshine Supergirl' is a good example for this amazing Underground band full of great guitar riffs by Eero Ravi. The original LP was pressed only a few hundred times and is a very rare collectors items today. What a great band and what a great guitar player.

Check out the promo video HERE.

CHICKENCAGE EXPERIENCE - KAMASUTRA BLACKBELT (LP/NASONI)

300 strictly ltd. splatter vinyl. After their first space trip release an eggspoiltation movie the band drops a second egg KamaSutra BlackBelt in the legendary Nasoni nest. H.M.Fishli and MichaeLa Flame (here with their triple sister Kroko Redd) and the rhythm group of Polytoxicomane Philharmonie sound here more song based and solid. In a courageous way they throw the yolk over the castle-moat of mainstream against the temple walls of pop music. Carelessness, humor and charm are still the basics of the kraut view through special Frankfurt glasses. This record is a bag full of melodies.

DEADPEACH - AURUM (LP/NASONI)

Strictly limited to 300 copies on clear vinyl. 'Aurum' is Deadpeach's third studio album. Meanwhile the family increased with the entry of a new support guitarist. Deadpeach is a heavy fuzz psychedelic band, where vintage guitars generate mantric and lysergic atmospheres, together with a old-fashioned big drums and some of the most magmatic bass lines, producing a mix of stoner rock and trippy moods. A succession of riffs and solos is going to take you by the hand to the lands of nowhere!

Watch the official video for 'Calcutta' HERE.

DEEP SPACE - THROUGH THE HAZE (LP/SULATRON)

Deep Space was created in the mystical wee hours of acid trips and seances within the desert lands of Austin TX. Deep Space stays true to their outer space psychedelic influences, conjuring up a mix of radioactive sounds, with influnces from England's Spacemen 3 to Austin's psychedelic rock pioneers, The 13th Floor Elevators. This sounds as dangerous as a supernova exploding in a black hole. Pressed on 180-grams white marbled vinyl. Limited to 500 copies!

Listen to Deep Space HERE.

FEFFE - UENDELIG KOS (LP/SYRIN)

Feffe is a Norwegian musician, producent and bedroom visionary with a background in the deep forests of Vestfold and the majestic fjords of Sunnmore. Feffe has been active in the Norwegian music underground since the mid nineties, in many different constellations and musical genres, from black metal to free improvisation and beyond. These days Feffe is the bassguitarist with psychedelic rock trio WIND and avant-metalists Tremoro Tarantura. As long as Feffe can remember he has been improvising and composing music, and for the last couple of years it has begun to crystallize into something definite and personal. Feffe's music is now ready for you to discover.

JACQUELINE, CRYSTAL - SUN ARISE (LP/MEGA DODO)

Limited edition of 250 copies on yellow vinyl. Crystal Jacqueline has a beautiful voice and a way with baroque pop, dark and twisted psyche and driving rock. Jacqueline's debut album for Mega Dodo, 'Sun Arise', is the much anticipated follow up to her debut Fruits de Mer 45 'A Fairy Tale', a cover of a song by UK '60s psych band Second Hand. An exquisite mix of classic pop and rock, both old and new, 'Sun Arise' is a breath of new psychedelic frenzy. Crystal Jacqueline is a founder member of The Honey Pot whose debut album 'To The Edge Of The World' was issued in 2012. A highlight of the album, and the band's concert performances, is her remarkable voice. Jacqueline's soaring, shimmering, powerful vocals are a key part of the band, and make her new album 'Sun Arise' a joy to behold. 'Sun Arise' was orchestrated and produced by Icarus Peel (with whom Jacqueline also plays in The Honey Pot). "Astonishingly good." Marrs Bonfire; The Smart Set Radio Show. "Bewitching vocals and haunting keyboards" : Broken Hearted Toy. "Hints of This Mortal Coil" : Active Listener. "[A] haunting, resonant, beautiful voice." Roctober Magazine.

Watch the video for 'Fly a Kite' HERE.

HAMEL, PETER MICHAEL - THE VOICE OF SILENCE (LP/WAH WAH)

Here is a very welcome reissue of the sought after second LP by Peter Michael Hamel, originally released on the collectable Vertigo label in 1973. Hamel's experimentation with meditative and minimalist sounds is a further field of exploration for those into the likes of Terry Riley, LaMonte Young, Popol Vuh, Taj Mahal Travellers or Deuter, and will also appeal to those into ambient and meditation music. This excellent reissue has remastered sound and is housed in a textured sleeve reproducing the original artwork. Also featured is an insert with photos and liner notes. Limited edition of only 500 copies.

Listen to 'Ego-Loss' HERE.

KLEMENT, FON - FON KLEMENT (LP/WAH WAH)

The first ever reissue (and it's on vinyl!) of the second LP by a highly rated Dutch singer-songwriter and folk musician. Originally released by BASF in 1974, this album is recommended to fans of Nick Drake, Nick Garrie, Duncan Brown or even Sixto Rodriguez. This remastered reissue comes housed in a quality glossy laminated gatefold sleeve reproducing the original artwor. It also features an insert with photos and liner notes. Limited edition of only 500 copies.

KLEMENT, FON - I FEEL LONELY IN MY TOWN (LP/WAH WAH)

The first ever reissue (and it's on vinyl!) of the debut-LP by a highly rated Dutch singer-songwriter and folk musician. Originally released by BASF in 1973, this album is recommended to fans of Nick Drake, Nick Garrie, Duncan Brown or even Sixto Rodriguez. This remastered reissue comes housed in a quality glossy laminated gatefold sleeve reproducing the original artwor. It also features an insert with photos and liner notes. Limited edition of only 500 copies.

Listen to 'It's Raining Outside' HERE.

MONOLORD - EMPRESS RISING (2LP) (LP/EASY RIDER)

LIMITED EDITION 100 COPIES EXCLUSIVE COLOUR FOR CLEAR SPOT Sweden's psychedelic doom band, Monolord, releases its first full length 'Empress Rising' via Easy Rider Records. The five-song album clocks in at almost 50 minutes of skull crushing heavy grooves and heavy guitars that summon the spirits of Norse gods when played at loud volumes. Monolord is for more than just doom-metal fanatics; this is an epic record for all fans of guitar driven rock and roll, stoner rock, and heavy riffs. 'Empress Rising' has all of the flavours of an iconic doom record and follows in the footsteps of Sleep, Holy Mountain, Pallbearer's 'Sorrow and Extinction', Electric Wizard's 'Witchcult Today' with melodic vocals and harmonies that are super psychedelic and easy to sing along to.

Listen to 'Empress Rising' HERE.

MORMOS - ...THE MAGIC SPELL OF MOTHER'S WRATH (LP/WAH WAH)

For all those of you who enjoyed 'The Great Wall Of China', here is the second Mormos LP, reissued at last, and again done in cooperation with member Jim Cuomo, who provided two previously unreleased tracks for the 4-track bonus EP. Like the debut full length, this is a masterpiece of gently crafted acid folk sounds with jazzy touches that will remind you of a.o. Pentangle or John Martyn. The album is sure to appeal not only to folk lovers, but also those into more progressive stuff. Originally issued on the French branch of CBS in 1972, the reissue reproduces the original glossy laminated sleeve and includes an insert with photos and notes by Jim Cuomo himself. As a bonus a unique 7-inch EP (including picture sleeve!) is added, featuring the band's second 45rpm for CBS, plus two previously unreleased songs from the era. Remastered from the original tapes, this reissue is limited to 500 copies only. Get yours before it's too late!

Listen to 'Rit Yellow' HERE.

MOVEMENTS - LIKE ELEPHANTS 2 (LP/CRUSHER)

In the fall of 2013 psychedelic rock band The Movements, from Gothenburg, Sweden, released their long-awaited album 'Like Elephants 1'. An album that was to score top reviews and end up at several music journalists "best-of-the-year" lists. The year 2014 sees the release of the second and final part, 'Like Elephants 2'. With 'Like Elephants 1' The Movements proclaimed their distance from today's fastfood consumption of songs pulled out of their context and instead dare to demand a greater commitment by the listener. That through these two volumes, which not only stand strong individually but together also create a whole, a kind of continuity. On 'Like Elephants 2' there is the catchy opening track 'Six Feet Under', spellbinding psychedelia in 'Stolen Love', and the raw and groovy 'Give It To Me' to name three of the ten well-crafted songs to be found on this album.

O.P.M.C. - AMALGAMATION (LP/WAH WAH)

A splendid vinyl reissue of this much sought after psych LP by a great Dutch-British duo, consisting of Barrie Webb and Teun van der Slikke, who were joined by a host of highly regarded guest musicians. Originally released in 1970 by Pink Elephant, the music is a wonderful mixture of druggy folk, spacy guitar and haunting melodies that some sources have considered to be vaguely reminiscent of Love's 'Forever Changes'. They were located in Amsterdam's red light district, which is why they called themselves Oldest Profession(al) Music Company, or in short O.P.M.C. This reissue comes with remastered sound, a quality glossy laminated sleeve reproducing the original artwork, bonus tracks and an insert with photos and liner notes. Limited edition of only 500 copies.

Listen to 'Cambridge Impressions' HERE.

O.P.M.C. - PRODUCT OF PISCES AND CAPRICORN (LP/WAH WAH)

A splendid vinyl reissue of this much sought after psych LP by a great Dutch-British duo, consisting of Barrie Webb and Teun van der Slikke, who were joined by a host of highly regarded guest musicians. Originally released in 1971 by Pink Elephant, this sophomore album takes the duo's psychedelic folk and pop style in a more rock orientated direction. This reissue comes with remastered sound and housed in a quality glossy laminated gatefold sleeve reproducing the original artwork. The insert offers photos and liner notes. Limited edition of only 500 copies.

Listen to 'Molotov Mary' HERE.

ORESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE - IT'S ALL ABOUT DELAY (4LP BOX) (LP/SPACEROCK)

Oresund Space Collective is a totally improvised space rock band from Copenhagen and southern Sweden. 'It's All About Delay' was originally released in 2006 on the Transubstans label from Sweden in a double CD format in a DVD case. It has been sold out since 2008. The music was mastered specifically for vinyl from the original 24 bit mixes by Johan Dahlstrom who has mastered all previous OSC records. A few of the pieces have alternative start and finished and one track is extended by 7 minutes ('Tony Blair Witch Crocket Project') and for 'In Her Majesty's Secret Saucer' a new mix was made by Magnus Hannibal (Mantric Muse) who did the original mix of the record. The original artwork has now been reworked into a fantastic 4 LP box set with a large poster by the amazing artist, Ed Unitsky. This is a one time pressing of 500 copies.

Listen to 'Jupiter Flyby' HERE.

ROCH, ERNAN - LA ONDA PESADA (LP/SHADOKS MUSIC)

500 numbered / heavy sleeve / 180 gram pressing / 4 page insert. Almost nothing was known about this mysterious record until our friend Enrique Rivas managed to make contact with Ernan Roch, very much like he did with 'Kaleidoscope'. Ernan Roch's album was recorded in Mexico in 1970 together with the band 'El Amor' who recorded 3 albums for Capitol Records. His outstanding song 'The Train' has a similar vibe than 'Damon - Song Of The Gypsy', with great fuzz guitar all over. Ernan sings all songs in English which is not very common for bands from Mexico. For the first time the official release of the album Ernan Roch with great liner notes and photos. This album is one of the best releases from Mexico.

Check out the video for 'The Train' HERE.

SUCK ELECTRONIC ENCICLOPEDIC - ASFIXIA AL CARRER VALENCIA (LP/WAH WAH)

The first ever release of a great lost album ('76-'77) by this legendary band from Barcelona. Suck Electrònic Enciclopèdic were founded in 1975, during the last days of Franco's dictatorship, a period of optimism and adveture, in which anything was possible. SUCK ELECTRONIC ENCICLOPEDIC were an important name in Spain's mid '70s underground, introducing influences of Kraut/Kosmische sounds à la Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream to the scene. Back in the day they released one LP, in 1980, but this previously unissued album basically offers material (selected from three hours of great electronic/psychedelic music) that should have been the real debut full-length! This reissue with remastered sound (by Bob Drake of Henry Cow fame), comes housed in a quality glossy laminated gatefold sleeve, printed on silver cardboard. Included is a 20-page booklet with photos and liner notes and a comic strip. Limited edition of only 500 copies.

Listen to 'Tempest of the Future' HERE.

TICKET - AWAKE (LP/WAH WAH)

TICKET's debut-LP is a hard dose of amazing guitar driven heavy psych! Having served in several of New Zealand's '60s bands (The Challenge, The Blues Revival, The Jamestown Union), members Paul Woolright (bass guitar, vocals), Eddie Hansen (lead guitar, vocals), Trevor Tombleson (lead vocals, percussion) and Ricky Ball (drums and percussion) got together as Ticket to perform an explosive electric mixture of bluesy psychedelic sounds under the influence of Hendrix, Cream, Traffic and Sly & The Family Stone, plus adding their very own touch and funky rhythms in the same vein as Atomic Rooster did in the era. 'Awake' was the first of their two LPs, and it collected several songs that had been released as 45s during 1971, plus some extra material recorded specifically for the LP in 1972. This superb reissue on vinyl comes with remastered sound. The LP is housed in a quality glossy laminated sleeve with three backflaps, reproducing the original artwork. The insert presents photos and liner notes. Limited edition of only 500 copies!

Listen to 'Awake' HERE.

YOUNG FLOWERS - BLOMSTERPISTOLEN (+7") (LP/SHADOKS MUSIC)

LP on 180-gram vinyl plus a 7-inch single. Edition of 500 numbered copies is a heavy sleeve with a printed inner sleeve and 4-page insert. In the early seventies Denmark was home to a wealth of progressive bands whose releases are now highly collectible and appreciated by music enthusiasts for their original Scandinavian sound. A little earlier in 1967 when rock music changed for good with the appearance of psychedelic rock and powerful blues trios like Cream and Jimi Hendrix Experience, it did not take long for Danish musicians to adopt the trio form and develop their own unique progressive sound. The most influential and long-lasting of these early Danish groups was the power-trio Young Flowers (1967-1970) from Copenhagen. They have recorded their single in 1967 and the first album 'Blomsterpistolen' (flower-pistols) in 1968. Their second album 'No.2' from 1969 will be also released on Shadoks later this year. 'Blomsterpistolen' is perhaps the most important album from Denmark, full of fuzz guitar, great vocals and tight underground songs. It beats UK albums such as July, Open Mind and Andwellas Dream. For the first time here is a legit LP-reissue.

Listen to 'The Pusher' HERE.

LAZARUS - LAZARUS (CD/SHADOKS MUSIC)

CD: in jewelcase - 12 page booklet. Lazarus was founded by Peter Glatzl at the end of 1970 and they have played many gigs in Austria with various lineups until 1976. This amazing albums was recorded in Vienna 1973 in professional studio for Rex Records. Only 15 sample copies where pressed and only 5 copies ended up with the band members. Rex where known for releases of German folk music and Schlager. So they did know what to do with this far-out recording and did not release it. Among collectors Lazarus was a big mystery since nobody ever found a copy for the past 25 years. One day Hans Pokora located an original LP and the band as well so we where able to work out a deal. We where amazed but the great music and the professional compositions and recording. The story of Lazarus is been told as a psychedelic opera who emerges as a monster from his grave to spread terror and horror. All English vocals, amazing fuzz guitar all over, Zappa style arrangements, great vocals, tons of effects and tight drum sounds. Do not expect a naive Krautrock style, this is pure Underground with a good dose of psychedelia.

Check out the promo video for 'Lazarus' HERE.

GARAGE PUNK/ROCK & ROLL

PETER PARKER'S ROCK N ROLL CLUB - THE REVOX TAPES (10") (10"/THOSE OLD RECORDS)

London garage, raw and dirty recorded on a G36 Revox Reel to Reel and using a PA that once belonged to Steve Marriott. Captures the band at the start of their career. Energetic garage reminiscent of The Ramones and early Rolling Stones. 10" on transparant yellow vinyl.

Watch a live video of 'My Woman' HERE.

MOONSTONES - CUANDO CAE LA NOCHE (LP/SOUNDFLAT)

For this release the band once again visited the Circo Perrotti studios and thus remained faithful to their authentic sound, although with a slightly different line-up. Except for their Spanish sung cover version of THE CHESTERFIELD KINGS-hit 'She Told Me Lies', the album contains original songs only. And all of 'em will make you go wild!

Watch the official teaser video HERE.

PUNK/HARDCORE

OBLITERATIONS - THE HOLE (7"/VOLCOM)

Limited edition VOLCOM ENTERTAINMENT single club issue. Blistering HC-punk, featuring members of BLACK MOUNTAIN, SAVIOURS, and NIGHT HORSE. Throw Black Flag, Sabbath, The Stooges and Poison Idea in a blender and you'll get an idea of what these raw punks are dishing out.

Listen to 'The Hole' HERE.

BUCK BILOXI & THE FUCKS - BUCK BILOXI & THE FUCKS (LP/RED LOUNGE)

2035. The hippies finally managed to make machines that look like PUNK ROCKERS, act Like MC5ers but sound like RETRO NEO PSYCHEDELIC HIPPIE SHIT!!! They send em back to 2013 and they start taking over the vinyl world. Instead of resistance the kids jump on the bandwagon and the world is lost!!!!! No resistance? A small band of drunks thats would not even be able to make a psychedelic record if you payed 'em refuses to learn more then two chords. By sending former S.P.I.T.S. Agent Joe Pestilence from 2035 back to 1994 the resistance of the future is trying to save the past. Joe manages to knock up a Mrs Craig and Robert Watson Craig III is born. In 2013 they form one band to bind them all. "White Boy". Finding that name is already taken they form Buck Biloxi and the Fucks! Musically they destroy all shit records. lasersword like anthems like 'Shut The Hell Up', 'Shut The Fuck Up', 'The Walls Have Aids', 'I'm A Disaster', 'I'm A Genius' or 'Who Gives A fuck' get them a nomination for Nobel peace price! They are the James T. Kirks of stupid, they are the Rockwells of smart, they are the Mil Mascaras of fuckin' you UP!!!!

Watch the video for 'Shut the Hell Up' HERE.

METAL/STONER/HARDROCK

INCARCERATION - SACRIFICE (7"/DAWNBREED)

INCARCERATION was formed 2010 in Brazil and moved to the north of Germany to spread the unholy plague inspired by the fastest riffs of Nihilist, Repugnant, early Sepultura or Sadistic Intent. Classic necrotic death metal straight to the bone with lyrics about existence, suffering and death. Limited to 376 copies on black vinyl.

Check out the official video HERE.

ESCARNIUM - EXCRUCIATING EXISTENCE (LP/WOLFSBANE)

Escarnium is a death metal band from Salvador (Brazil). This is their first full-length, which until now only was available on CD. Here it's on 180-gram vinyl, with remastered sound and new artwork! Limited to 197 copies on black vinyl.

Check out the promo video for 'Excruciating Existence' HERE.

FOLK/ACID FOLK

GILLESPIE, SARAH - GLORY DAYS (LP/THOSE OLD RECOR)

Sarah Gillespie is quite possibly the best lyricist in the UK right now. Half American/Half English, sharp and astute lyrics, a backing band with multi instrumentalist Gilad Atzmon (who also produced the album) - no one else is making music quite as evocative as this. 'Glory Days' received rave reviews in The Guardian, Mojo, Financial Times and others when released on CD in June 2013. This limited edition vinyl release on 180 gram transparent yellow vinyl with full gloss gatefold sleeve will delight anyone who takes lyrics seriously and likes a heady mix of folk, jazz and blues - essential!

Listen to 'Oh Mary' HERE.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC

MELODIEN - PARTICIPATION MYSTIQUE (LP/DEEP DISTANCE)

Next up for Deep Distance following killer full lengths from Expo '70 and NWW's Colin Potter, comes the amazing debut full length from MELODIEN. The solo project for Liverpool based moog and synth head Harry Sumnall. Offering up a teaser to the full length on the label's 2013 Record Store Day 'Grasshopper Mind' 10", the full length is just stunning and more than exceeds expectations. Nine amazing tracks that veer from kosmische slow burners a la Schulze, Froese and co. via the minimal approach of Terry Riley with passing nods to giallo soundtracks and latter day heroes like Umberto, Bitchin Bajas and The Emperor Machine etc. A stunning array of styles and moods- that knit perfectly over the course of a full length. Harry himself confesses to key influences being as much from filmic and literary backgrounds as any musical heroes; Jan Nemec and Hermann Ungar amongst them and the LP has a definite cinematic feel in parts. Pressing of 300 on vinyl only, dressed in total killer Ivan Liechti sleeve art, this is an extraordinary record. Get on it!

TWINS NATALIA - THE DESTINY ROOM DEMOS (PD) (LP/ANNA LOGUE)

Includes all LP's tracks in their original rough demo glory, recorded in the actual Destiny Room home recording studio, mastered by Martin Bowes (Attrition, The Cage Studios).

Listen to 'Destiny' HERE.

ROCK/POP/WAVE

AZURE BLUE - BEYOND THE DREAMS THERE'S INFINITE DOUBT (2LP) (LP/ANNA LOGUE)

AZURE BLUE is the retro-modern synthpop project from Tobias Isaksson (Irene, Laurel Music and Hybris record label), from Stockholm, Sweden, co-produced by studio wizard and multi-instrumentalist Claes Björklund (playing with Travis and who's recorded everyone from A-ha to Ron Sexsmith). On the 'anna/logue' side of things they used a beautiful list of gear on the new album, namely Korg MS-10, Moogerfooger, Oberheim DX, Roland Jupiter-4, Jupiter-8, RE-301 Chorus Echo, SH-101, RS-101 as well as Fender Jazzmaster, Telecaster and Vox Neumann U67, only parts of making that special sound. Releasing this music is a dream come true, and Anna thinks there is hardly a person with a beating heart that would not love AZURE BLUE, so do yourself a favour and get this high quality double vinyl package with beautiful high quality music. Limited edition of 500 copies, 180 grams black vinyl with full-colour gatefold sleeve, black and white lyrics inner sleeves, graphic design by Viktor Blomstergren, mastered for vinyl by Stefan Bornhorst (The Silicon Scientist). Includes the debut album 'Rule Of Thirds' as second LP in this set.

Listen to the album HERE.

MANNEQUINS - BOILING POINT (CD/PAISLEY ARCHIVE)

A 4-track release. 'Boiling Point' is a superb collection of four tracks that sees Mannequins at their most creative period, encompassing an eclectic range of influences that are reflected in this release. From in your face Rhythm and Blues of opening track 'Yella Belly' to the sublime closing track 'Oh Glorious', this captures a band that are at the top of their game.

Listen to 'Mega Money City' HERE.

EXPERIMENTAL/SOUND ART

HELLVETE - ODE (LP/DEEP DISTANCE)

An LP from Glen Steenkiste's HELLVETE project. Arguably best known as one of the founding members of Belgian collective; the incredible Sylvester Anfang and its SAII recent incarnation. 'Ode' is his third LP following previous, always amazing, sold out cassettes, cdr's and wax on labels as diverse as Kraak, Sloow Tapes, Funeral Folk, Blackest Rainbow and SicSic tapes to name but a few. 'Ode' continues Glen's recent slant towards longer compositional pieces with two sidelong drones, which in his own words "document the ongoing search for sustained notes, flickering overtones and blissful environments". Recorded prior to his last LP 'Sint-Denijs' in 2011 and is "in praise to all things that bring and inspire great joy. A quest for focus in an impulse overloaded age. Like a weaver combining all the yarns into one delicate woven lace". A beautiful LP on both the ear and the eye, with wonderful sleeve art. Pressed in an edition of 300 on ultra clear vinyl. Expected to sell fast!

GAMES (UK) - CIRCUS MINIMUS (LP/ANNA LOGUE)

THE GAMES were a pioneering three-piece synth-pop outfit, formed in 1980 and consisting of Brendan Coyle (synthesisers, percussion, vocals), Colin Hughes (synthesisers, percussion, organ, vocals) and Steve Knott (synthesisers, guitar, vocals), from Wirral, UK. The same year, they self-released their first 7" single 'First Law Of Games' followed by a contribution of the two tracks 'Unrest In The Real World' and 'The Song' to the 'Street To Street Volume Two' LP compilation on Liverpool's Open Eye Records in 1981. Then the band fell apart with Steve moving on under the GAMES moniker including new band members. Their 7" single 'Dance This Way/Love Canal' still saw its release in 1981. Brendan and Colin moved on as Zephyr In The Swamp, Brendan also played in Some Detergents, and Colin in Sense Of Vision. Limited edition of 400 copies, 140 grams black vinyl, DIN A3 poster and double-sided DIN A6 postcard, carefully remastered by Martin Bowes (Attrition, The Cage Studios).

Listen to Çircus Minimus' HERE.

TWINS NATALIA - THE DESTINY ROOM (LP/ANNA LOGUE)

It 'only' took TWINS NATALIA five years to complete their debut album, but to them it just had to be perfect in every aspect, from each sound, note and word to each and every pixel, and quality needs time, trying to create the perfect electro pop record. In 2008, TWINS NATALIA was formed when Marc Schaffer (Shibuya Station, Solitairen Effekten, Solitude FX and Anna Logue Records) played some demo recordings to Dave Hewson (of early 80's new wave/electro pop icons Poeme Electronique and since long a professional composer for EMI including library music series, commercials, jingles, etc.) who wanted to work on those tracks while graphic designer Steve Lippert (Treeline and Attractive Co-ordinates label boss) spent hours of inventing fictional "new wave" or "minimal synth" band names, song titles and artworks, too, and amongst them was the TWINS NATALIA moniker, hence the project was born. Sharon Abbott and Julie Ruler (both also of Poeme Electronique fame) were recruited on vocal duties and a first 7" was released, followed by two sampler contributions and an extended 12" - coupled with the revived Poeme Electronique in 2012 - paving the way to their debut album 'The Destiny Room'. The title 'The Destiny Room' was coined by Dave and described Marc's little home recording studio where all tracks were demoed on almost purely analogue gear (e.g. Roland CSQ-100, SH-2, TR-808 and Crumar Performer) and according to his vision of melancholic yet melodic electro pop, slightly inspired by Experimental Products, Kraftwerk, OMD, Rational Youth and the likes. Dave co-composed, arranged and performed all tracks in his Hewsonics studio using latest technology and adding his incredible playing skills (listen to those solos!), expertise and imagination, always in close co-operation with Marc so that the analogue spirit remained while being transformed into the 21st century. Sharon and Julie added superbly professional and versatile vocal performances based upon wonderful and substantial lyrics written by Sharon or Steve, the latter making the whole package complete by adding a stunning and perfectly fitting artwork. All in all, a high-class melodic 10 track electro pop album never 'cheesy' or too commercial, always still melancholic with lots of attention to detail, complexity and versatility, from the minds of creative people for the active listener, and the dancers, too.

Listen to 'The Destiny Room' HERE.

60s/70s SOUL/FUNK/DISCO

MARIN, BOBBY - MOVIN' MUCH TOO FAST/MR. SKYJACKER (7"/ROCAFORT)

"I signed a recording contract with Speed Records in 1967 and was asked by producer Morty Craft to create my own album in my own style, so I decided to write and arrange one of the compositions ala James Brown, one of my favorite artists from that era. But the problem was the musical arrangement. I had never learned how to write musical arrangement, so I read books, asked a lot of questions and pretty much learned how to write and transpose music for studio musicians in a couple of weeks. I also decided to sing the song on the recording as well; though I would never dream of having the audacity to compare myself to Mr. Brown in any way. When it came to the arrangement, I wrote the score and showed it to my friend, the multi-talented Louie Ramirez. He made a few corrections and we were ready to record 'Movin' Much Too Fast'. I called some good musicians for the session including the famous drummer, Bernard Purdie, and of course, Louie Ramirez. When we finished recording and after I had re-mixed the tracks with studio engineer, Jon Fausty, we were all elated with the final outcome. I don't know exactly how I pulled it off but after listening to the final product, I was pretty satisfied. 'Mr. Skyjacker' was recorded during the time that planes were being diverted to Cuba from the US. I composed, produced and sang the song." ~Bobby Marin, October 2013.

Listen to 'Movin' Much Too Fast' HERE.

AMBASSADEURS DU MOTEL DE BAMAKO, LES - GET UP JAMES/MAKE IT FUNKY (7"/ROCAFORT)

Formed in 1969 with musicians from Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Senegal, Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako are Mali's most cosmopolitan orchestra of the 70s. Led by Guinean guitarist Manfila Kanté who knows exactly how to direct the musical energy to bring about a modernist sound, adapting to a distinctly western musical repertoire. Les Ambassadeurs excel at playing funk. Direct, deep and raw, their renditions evoque a pure, rootsy sound: that takes in nightlife fun, improvised dancing, saucy fun but also a tough economic reality. These numbers express a true touch of genius, as well as an ease at taking over the musical idiom invented by James Brown, Dyke and the Blazers, The Meters, Marvin Holmes, Rex Garvin and a handful of other Afro-American musicians. In the American vernacular, the term 'funk' denotes a particular type of smell often considered unpleasant, that of sweat or intimate relations. The idea of sweat remains at the roots of funk, the most raw form of black musical expression, it is to R'n'B and soul what free jazz is to jazz. A strong, pure, reclaiming sound which links back to the beginnings of African music and thereby to black identity. Mighty as an earthquake and cutting as a razor, these two tracks by Les Ambassadeurs are the living proof of funk power.

SOUNDTRACKS GENERAL

UMILIANI, PIERO - IL MARCHIO DI KRIMINAL O.S.T. (PD) (LP/CINEDELIC)

After the two picture discs 'KRIMINAL' & 'SATANIK' (both soundtracks of the 1967's films dedicated to the famous comics designed by Max Bunker) and now out of print, Cinedelic publishes the second chapter in the saga of Kriminal: 'IL MARCHIO DI KRIMINAL', a spy-thriller produced in 1968 of which the soundtrack was composed, arranged and conducted by Maestro Piero Umiliani and whose tapes were discovered in March 2013 by the heirs in a dusty archive. An exceptional find that deserved the same exceptional treatment as the previous 2 productions, now collectors' items. Limited edition of 500 copies. The sound is a sweet cocktail with all the components that emerged from what was the golden age of movie soundtracks in Italy: jazz, swing, mellow vocals, evocative bossa nova, lounge, samba, languid leitmotif. Do not miss! Tracks: 'Il Marchio di Kriminal' Seq. 1-16.

Listen to 'Il Marchio di Kriminal' HERE.

SHOWS

De sp aties (Grey Past)

February 21 - Mezz, Breda (NL)

March 15 - Pacific Parc, Amsterdam (NL) 

Vidunder (Crusher)

March 7 - Willemeen, Arnhem (NL)

March 8 - Elektra, Sliedrecht (NL)

March 9 - TBA, Helmond (NL)

Eläkeläiset (Nordic Notes)

April 8 - Patronaat, Haarlem (NL)

Roadburn Festival

April 10 - 13 - 013, Tilburg (NL): Sula Bassana (Sulatron), Papir & Electric Moon (Sulatron), Circle (Full Contact), Cult Of Dom Keller (Cardinal Fuzz)

Crabstock - Fruits de Mer Records' Festival of Psychedelia

April 26 - The Castle Cafe Cellar Bar, Cardigan (UK): SendelicaEarthling SocietyCrystal JacquelineJames McKeownJack Ellister

Weekly Office Pick

Ever wondered what we're listening to at the Clear Spot office? This week we've been spinning the Evil Dead soundtrack by Roque Baños (Unseen Forces) on gore splattered vinyl! Find us on Twitter & Facebook for more updates!

 

 

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