Fritz die Spinne

Crows Feeding

2011-11-28T22:24:00.005-05:00

Whew. I'm not fully back, but saw a little free time and had just leant an ear to this really good demo by German band Korbak. I can't tell you much more than that they are from Berlin. I got these songs in a music trade ages ago. The demos date to 1997 and the EP (tape or vinyl?) is from 1998. Surely someone out there can shed more light on the mystery. Photos? Cover scans?

The track VII (Seven) appears on two Various Artists compilations, but I do not know if it is the same recording:
Compilation II & The Independent Sound Of Berlin

Band Members:

Percussion:Franck Eppinger

Vocals, Guitar:Sven Haustedt

Bass:Dirk Weinert

Tracklist:

Shiva's Atomic Dancing (1997)

1. Crows Feeding

2. Last Days

3. Nailed

4. Rudracy/Shiva's Dancing

VII EP (1998)

1. VII

2. Nailed

3. Crows Feeding

Of A Mesh - demos, rehearsal and live tapes found!

2011-01-12T11:51:00.004-05:00

Here is a repost from the Curse of the Hearse Records Blog:

Alan Dollgener's sister, Alice sent a quantity of tapes with assorted unknown and unreleased songs from Alan's bands Of A Mesh, Muscle and Reverb Sleep. Curse of the Hearse Records is indebted to Alice for this treasure trove of music. We'll do our best to present these songs on a few releases.

There is a pretty good Of A Mesh rehearsal tape, alternate versions of some later demo tracks and other songs I have not yet readilly identified. New material or cover songs. Perhaps the best of the lot is a tape marked "Of A Mesh live CBGB's THANKSGIVING" which could well be from 1988. Darned good quality, too.

Alice is also seeking out Alan's lyrics folder. Fingers crossed. STAY TUNED!

The Naked and the Dead (NYC)

2010-12-16T12:23:00.001-05:00

Curse Of The Hearse Records announce they are mastering the 1985 demo and other tracks by legendary NYC Deathrock band The Naked And The Dead. TNATD retrospective will include definitive versions of Taboo, Carousel, Cassandra, The Gate, Faith Floods Down, Cat of the Nine, Godfather Grimorie and Kisses Like Death.

See more and watch for updates here.

2010-11-30T22:37:00.004-05:00

New blog Page for COTHR here:

http://curseofthehearserecords.blogspot.com/

I'm intent on making this happen, and have a decent compilation lined up, pending some details to be ironed out.

Please check it out, spread the word, and bookmark/follow us!

Of A Mesh 1988 demo

2010-11-16T20:46:00.005-05:00

Two previously unreleased Of A Mesh songs recorded in 1988 have been unearthed by Michael Goglia, former drummer in Of A Mesh. Thanks go to Greg Fasolino in the archival quest for Curse of the Hearse Records... The song titles are "Snake" and "Hell Box."

Until these songs are unveiled, have a listen to a track from their final EP:

Look for them on the planned Of a Mesh retrospective album on Curse of the Hearse Records. Also check us out on facebook.

The Naked and the Dead (NYC)

2010-11-11T13:30:00.002-05:00

Scarecrow (NYC)

2010-11-11T12:45:00.005-05:00

A bit of a departure from my usual vein of posts today. Some bands from New York Ciy in the 1980's Scarecrow are considered the first:

Track-Down list

2010-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

I am looking for some people from select bands to discuss band history and potential for reissuing some of their music.

Andrella Canne, aka Andrella Christopher. Singer for Beast, The Veil, and The Dials. Are there any siblings or close friends of Bryan Gregory as well? Other members of these bands are sought as well:

Beast:

Greg Langston: Drums

James Christ: Bass

Walraven: Keys and Sax

Brian Macleod: drums on Wolfbane Night/Posessed 7"

The Veil:

James Christ: Bass

Andy Dakeyne: Guitars

Marcus de Mowbray: Drums

Jocelyn Pook: violins

Graeme Pleeth: synthesizers

The Dials:

James Christopher: Guitar

Moses Choi: Bass

John Bechtel: Drums

Am I insane?

2010-11-09T21:16:00.002-05:00

Here comes the Hearse! Fritz die Spinne is pleased to announce the creation of "Curse of the Hearse Records!"

Stay tuned for announcements, updates, and Artist info. Foremost will be our reissues of New York City Post-Punk, Gothic and Deathrock bands from the 1980's. I already have several on board, eager to see thier music properly released for the first time.

Other releases by well-known and less visible bands past and present will also be released on CD and vinyl.

I am looking for talented artists and web design people willing to contribute pro bono to the initial presentation to help me sell the idea to investors. You'll end up with some damned cool CD's and LP's when this all comes together.

Dead Embryos

2010-11-03T16:33:00.006-04:00

In 1990 The Evil Speaks were founded in Darmstadt, Germany. An excellent sound in the style of early Christian Death, complete with cheesy occult trappings. They released two tapes and a track on the Death By Dawn Compilation 7" on Apollyon Records in late 1991. In 1992 The Evil Speaks recorded their first full length album. The band had a web page up briefly in the early 2000's, and the following release, Resounding 2002, was shared by the band at that time. It appears to be the studio tracks from their 1992 cassette, Deny The Cross. Here it is for those who missed it.

Martin and Oliver were also in a band called Cultes Des Goules. I'm sure that I'm not the only one intrigued by this and eager to hear more sounds by all four members.

Frank Berg :Vocals

Oliver Rühl :Guitar

Daniel Dolder :Bass

Martin Volk :Drums

Tracklist:

1. Bloody Sin

2. Red Death

3. Death Angels

4. Destroy Jehovas Church

5. Slaughterday

6. Mephisto

7. Dead Embryos

There is also an earlier TES demo from 1990 which I made note of close to 8 years ago. :

The first official release by The Evil Speaks. Recorded on four tracks together with Stefan Diercks (former Into The Abyss/DASS member). Released as a double tape box in a limited edition of 15 copies. Including booklet with lyrics, visuals and band information. If anyone has this, please contact me.

Tracklist:

Side A: I stay on my... & Red Death

Side B: Dead Embryos & Coffee

Side C: Fucking Crazy Planet & Don't Waste

Side D: Lord of Darkness (Reficul)

Happy Oktober!

2010-10-24T12:06:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the long silence. Life is busy!

Hoping to post some things soon, but the longer I wait the more likely some other blogging partners will do the same. I did fix a Hexenhaus upload as requested today.

Meanwhile, I am making monsters for my garage kit companies Headless Hearseman and Monstrology Models. Gotta love this time of year!

Tschüß,

Fritz.

We've Got A Special Visit With The Spirit Black And White

2010-07-13T11:11:00.001-04:00

Hailing from British Columbia, this Canadian Post-Punk duo released just one 7" single, and two songs on the Undergrowth Vancouver 84 sampler. But what an amazing four songs! Here you will find the compilation tracks as well as full scans of the 7" sleeve and vinyl. Such a beautiful monochomatic design, I had to share all of it. Check out the Return to the East posting for the band's 7" single.

Grab the VA tracks and scans here.

This is another one of those "Goth" recordings that show a great upbeat sound. Yet another band that should have influenced a stale world Goth scene that sadly limps along. More people need to hear this, and with luck, Der Mittelgang will come out of the woods and present some missing sounds to a more appreciative audience.

Singer Gord Martin is now a chef par excellence who owns a couple of establishments in Vancouver, Bin 941 and Bin 942. I have tried unsuccessfully to reach him.

Take Away The Love

Charade

D.MG:

Gord Martin: Bass, Voices

Paul Garrison: Guitars

"Drums were by Roger Grais"

I have also included a Gord Martin solo track and Pepperlip track from the Undergrowth Vancouver 84 sampler. Pepperlip were supposed to be post-Der Mittelgang but perhaps just a side project?

Crawl Alone Into This Magic House

2010-06-06T11:11:00.001-04:00

Another album by The Grinning Plowman for you listening pleasure. Their 1989 release, I Play Jupiter was my first look into these Nashville, Tennessee Post-Punk legends. Ripped from CD, grab this here.

This second album also features the two tracks of their 12", Radiator/Magic House. Previously I posted their 1987 release, Days of Deformity. Sit back and listen, or jerk and swing to the beat. Hope you dig it.

Michael Ake:Vocals, Guitar, Various Instruments
Keith Spike:Guitar
Janet:Bass
Derek:Drums

I Play Jupiter (1989):

01. Radiator
02. Alone At Last
03. Magic House
04. Skyscraper
05. No More Love
06. Pretas Opera
07. Chinese Box
08. Smoke
09. Esmeralda
10. Koo-Ka

Mystery Plane : Curse Of The Body Snatcher

2010-06-01T11:11:00.003-04:00

The meticulous Matze scored this rip, requested long ago by Oldskool. I know very little of the band It appears they could be German, though it would not surprise me if this band is from the UK.

Share your comments and stories if you've got 'em! Members listed for this are Marc Harvey and Nigel Lackey. Lackey, according to Discogs.com, appears to have been involved in the band Soho, which had that song Hippychick back in 1990 which sampled The Smiths...

This 1986 EP was released on Modell Records.

01. Curse Of The Bodysnatcher
02. Night
03. Vampires
04. Road Movie

Probing The Gash In Her Head

2010-04-18T14:38:00.010-04:00

Today I have some more dark, atmospheric music for you lot. This time from the sunny West Coast of the USA. Geko were a female duo formed in Los Angeles in the late 80's. They released a nifty 7" EP on red vinyl in 1991. It's tough to find pertinent info online info, but a Last.FM comment states: Reviewers have called the music “fluid, dark, beautiful, ethereal, erotic, hypnotic… tough sounds that combine to create an introspective experience.”

I bought their CD about ten years ago. Listen, and go track down a copy of it and the 7" for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Members:

Sarah Folkman: vocalist, bassist & drum machine programmer.

Carrie McNinch: guitarist & drum machine programmer.

Carrie also did some artwork for the Open IV compilation 7" EP which contains "A Toxic Life" by Geko. Their 1992 CD "Join My Pretty World" comprises the "Probing The Gash In Her Head" EP from 1991, as well as a track from the sampler. I have scanned the 7" sleeve, insert, and even the 1" button that came with the red vinyl single and included those in the download..

"Probing the Gash in Her Head" EP (1991)

Tracks:

1. Mary Loves the War Zone

2. I Never Knew Any of This

3. Nameless

4. When We Were Very Young

****************************

I could really go for a full listen to the 1990 LP by Marilyn's Army, "Golden Paradise." Anyone have a rip to contribute to the blog?

What Could Be Much Nicer Than To Listen To The Band?

2010-04-16T13:13:00.000-04:00

A while back I read about Outer Himalayan Records artist Soft Drinks. Featuring Rudimentary Peni drummer, Jon, these four minimal tunes are something I hope you enjoy as much as I.

Some leads thru online searches reveal a compilation tape that may yield other tunes by Watford UK's Soft Drinks. The Watford Compilation Tape is listed in Aftermath #6 a London 'zine from 1981.

Soft Drinks were:

Drooper: Vocals

Lee Greville: Synths

Jon Greville: Drums

7" single includes a booklet with info about the band. The cover features art by RP's Nick Blinko.

Tracklisting

A. Popstars In Their Pyjamas

B. Cinzano Wet Dream

Two bonus tracks included from the VA sampler The Thing from the Crypt (1981)

Squash

Pepsi Cola

Sinner Comes To Bits

2010-04-15T23:50:00.007-04:00

For the lovely T. who has followed her heart to Germany, the demo cassettes of French Goth act Brotherhood of Pagans. Flower Of Oblivion is a 1992 demo tape. Inquisition Day is from 1994. Get both here.

The band released a CD of their 1995 album, Tales of Vampires, which you can grab from the Nightmares on Wax blog. BOP released a new album in 2009; Only Once.

Vocals, Rhythm Guitar: Alien

Bass: Elrik

Drums: Sailor

LeadGuitar: Vox Populi

Keyboards: Coccs

Flower Of Oblivion:

01. Warshow

02. Halloween

03. Flower Of Oblivion

04. All Over The World

Inquisition Day:

01. Dead Can Dance

02. Don't Fall

03. Rooms

04. Goddamn My Soul

05. Sinner Comes To Bits

Schwarze Raben

2010-03-31T21:56:00.008-04:00

I can tell you more about German punk band Aus-98 than I credited myself capable. They reformed and became Circle of Sig-Tiu in the mid 1980's. This 1983 7" was their sole release as Aus-98, though two tracks (Wendzeit and Pause Probe) appear on a Sig-Tiu archive collection I have yet to track down. The B side would be reworked later with a little more "Gothic" production, though I prefer this version. The A side, Alles Fällt, is much more punk.

Circle of Sig-Tiu managed to blend Punk and Darkwave for their sound. I doubt I'd post any Sig-Tiu outside the samplers I've already posted, though they should not be hard to track down for those interested in hearing more.

Members:
Jay Kay: vocals
Dennis Plummer.: rhythm guitar
Ralf: guitar

Dirk Mäder: bass

Oli Zapf: bass

Styk: drums

Tracklist:

A. Alles Fällt

B. Schwarze Raben

Jay Kay is the brainchild behind the Godfathers of German Gothic and Ghostriders of German Gothic sampler collections.

Der Biß Soundtrack (Du Gibst Mir Kalte Liebe!)

2010-03-31T21:29:00.007-04:00

O.K. So I mentioned a soundtrack featuring Unlimited Systems. It is only fair I share it here. The movie sounds pretty bad, and all the more reason to track it down and watch it. I did not realise Marianne Enzenberger, singer of Unlimited Systems, is the director.

Marianne Rosenberg has a couple of interesting dark tracks here. I first heard Rhapsody in Blut on the Godfathers of German Gothic sampler, and found it cheesy and fun. As I mentioned before, despite the obvious, er, poseurism to the fact, I am intrigued by the sound of these songs. I had been told she did an album of such songs. Having hunted and asked about so many of these bands for the better part of two decades, I somewhat doubt it exists. If anyone has more information, please speak up.

Die Gesunden, whom I adore, do a great minimal track about "cold love." New York artist David Peel, Unlimited Systems guitarist Gerd Pasemann, and Tecnoville contribute some good music to this.

Tracklist:

01 Unlimited Systems - Farewell Stranger

02 Marianne Rosenberg - Nägel Aus Eis

03 Die Gesunden - Kalte Liebe

04 David Peel - Up Against The Wall

05 Marianne Rosenberg - Rhapsodie In Blut

06 Tecnoville - Small Piece Of Silicon

07 Gerd Pasemann - Sermon Im Bunker

08 Unlimited Systems - Ich Beiß Mich Selbst

Plot: Der Biß (1985)

This Berlin Underground spoof of a vampire movie begins with a few original ideas that are difficult to sustain through to the ending. Sylvana (Marianne Enzenberger, also the director) has arrived for a stay in New York City but after becoming exhausted wandering around somewhat lost, she is taken to a mysterious brownstone walk-up and is bitten by a vampire before she knows what is going on. Now with a slightly different perspective on life, she flies back to Berlin, anxious to sink her teeth into just about anyone she can find. But as she tries to entrap people -- ranging from commune dwellers to the staid middle classes -- no one is interested in being bitten, and they get a little irritated with Sylvana. This hardly bodes well for her future as a bat woman. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Es Wird Nicht Besser

2010-03-31T19:33:00.008-04:00

Martina and Gisela from Östro 430 had this really neat little side project called II. Invasion. This band churned out a mini LP on Sneaky Pete Records in 1987. Great catchy Wave-Goth along the lines of Grauzone's poppier tunes. This is something that puts a smile on my face whenever I listen. A sixth song appears on the Christmas sampler "How Much More Black Can It Be?" Grab it all here.

The Band:

Vocals, Saxophone: Martina Weith

Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals: Martin Keil

Drums, Keyboards, Vocals: Stefan Dötsch

Guitar [Backing], Vocals, Keyboards: Gisela Hottenroth

Keyboards: Pyrolator (Graue Katzen)

Tracklisting:

1. Es Wird Nicht Besser

2. Bleib Hier

3. Lager

4. Urwald

5. Graue Katzen

Bonus:

Kommet All Ihr Kinderlein

Werdet Vampir!

2010-03-31T09:09:00.002-04:00

Between 1980 and 1985 Unlimited Systems released some really decent Goth tunes. A single, LP and a couple of tracks on a film soundtrack and sampler make up the discography for this
German Post-Punk band
. Overall, I really like the band's output. But oddly the LP has some tracks that I have trouble accepting as valid to the band's sound. Most of the tracks on the second side seem out of place--rather dull Dad Rock. But frankly, when I get to hear tracks like Anita Berber, When it Rains, and Ich Beiß Mich Selbst, I can be very forgiving of failure. Singer Marianne Enzensberger went on to some pop offerings in the years after. That said, I strongly urge you to get this here.

The LP was produced in part by Will Roper, from Marquee Moon. Also by guitarist Gerd Pasemann and one of Germany's big name pop singers, Marianne Rosenberg. May explain the diverse sounds. There's another bit of something funny here, as Rosenberg also appears with some Goth tracks on the soundtrack to Der Biß. While I am curious to hear more of Rosenberg in this style, it appears there may not be such an album.

Vocals: Marianne Enzensberger

Guitar: Gerd Pasemann

Bass: Oliver Kusserow

Drums: Kaspar Falkenroth

Backing Vocals: H.P. Daniels , Sandra Pfennigwerth

Keyboards: Alexander Kraut , Pierce Headley*

Saxophone, Accordion: Otto Kuhnle

Tracklisting

A1. Worst Suicide

A2. When We Two Parted

A3. S.C.U.M.

A4. Anita Berber

A5. Pale Blue Eyes

B1. Sisters Of Madness

B2. Le Rouge Et Le Noir

B3. When It Rains

B4. No Way To Get You!

B5. My Bed Is Thorny

Bonus:

Ohnmacht (Attributed to a sampler from 1982, I suspect this could be the untitled track from the Eisengrau All-Stars sampler. Info, Please!)

The Godfathers of German Gothic Samplers

2010-03-29T11:11:00.015-04:00

In one fell swoop you can get all three of the Godfathers of German Gothic CDs. The download links are found below. Bitrate, 256.

This took a lot of scanning and cropping from the booklets. I did not include the adverts--just the band pages and covers. The translations and your comments to band bios would be appreciated. My German is rudimentary, and each page would be a major undertaking to even summarise. I hope you like this, and it leads to more information on the bands, and ultimately, some new sounds to hear.

You may click the band hot-links in the track listing to my related posts, as well as the relative posts of our pals Curious Guy and Goutroy.

Disc I starts off well, and II follows decently in its path, though the inclusion of multiple tracks was a disappointment. I felt more bands could be learned, rather than get 2-3 songs from an LP or EP I would eventually track down. By disc III a handful of newer and seemingly "one off" artists seem to be used as filler while so many bands got overlooked. This last CD in the series is dedicated to the "espirit of the Gothic Female." The exclusion of many band photos in favour of hum drum pictures of Gothic Club girls a bit annoying to the music searcher. But overall, Jay Kay's efforts to bring this music some attention is much appreciated. For one, it led this New Yorker on a long hunt for so many of the bands since buying the first compilation in 1994.

Sadly bands like The Evil Speaks, Happy Straps, Taste of Decay, Parchment Prayer, Dass, The Scarlet Letter, Pink Turns Blue, etc., leaves us with some especially weak gaps in the story.... A story I hope to tell over time.

Key to select bands:

* This is a band I am anxious to hear more about--either their story or their music.

# This will be posted by me soon, now that I am opening a can of worms.

Posts by Phoenix Hairpins. Band name is hot-linked to their post.

Posts by A Viable Commercial. Band name is hot-linked to their post.

My own posts are hot-linked back to the original.

The covers and booklet scans of all three volumes are
here.

Godfathers of German Gothic (vol. I)

01. Calling Dead Red Roses - Calling Dead Red Roses

02. Marquee Moon - Don't Go Out Tonight

03. Printed At Bismarck's Death - In Scapa Flow #

04. Asmodi Bizarr - Remember Dorian

05. Maerchenbraut - Weichet Wichte

06. Der Fluch - Betet Für Uns

07. Remain In Silence - Lonesome Hours

08. Invisible Limits - Thoughts

09. Deine Lakaien - Love Will Not Die

10. Danse Macabre - Wear Away

11. Sweet William - In Fear Of A Swirl *

12. Malaria! - Tod #

13. Chim Chim Cheree! - Remember The Rain

14. Chaos Z - Einsam

15. No More - Theme For Angels In Big Cities

16. Cyan Revue - Frozen Fields

Godfathers of German Gothic vol. II

01. They Fade In Silence - Misery

02. Stimmen Der Stille - Intro

03. Stimmen Der Stille - Warten

04. Stimmen Der Stille - Todeslied

05. Geisterfahrer - Schatten #

06. Circle Of Sig-Tiu - Virus

07. Marianne Rosenberg - Rhapsodie In Blut

08. Unlimited Systems - When It Rains

09. Hoodoo - Dead Paper #*

10. Aus-98 - Schwarze Raben

11. OHL - An Meinem Grab

12. Die Klopferbande - Resignation

13. Die Klopferbande - Appell 83

14. Die Klopferbande - Ritual

15. A Question Of Despair - Passion

16. Mask For - Cascade

17. Strafe Für Rebellion - New Music Sister

Godfathers of German Gothic vol. III

01. Moloko + - Trance

02. Moloko + - In Meinen Taschen

03. Belfegore - Nacht In Sodom

04. Die Unbekannten - Don't Tell Me Stories

05. Dress'd In Black - The Bridge *

06. Matthias Schuster - Ritual IV (Remix)

07. Blue Kremlin - Wasserwüste

08. Holy Orange - Morella *

09. The Electric Avantgarde - Cute 15

10. Mega Vega - In A Silent Night *

11. T.H.E. - Once Again

12. Girls Under Glass - Bad Dream

13. II. Invasion - Graue Katzen *

14. Lachende Seelen - Manchmal

15. New Trial - Heaven Asylum *

16. Wasted Doom - Hijacked Plane #

Mona Mur und die Mieter

2010-03-28T23:05:00.004-04:00

For fans of Einstürzende Neubauten and Mona Mur comes this lone single with the singer and band. The short lived "Mona Mur und die Mieter" recorded the Jeszcze Polska 12" in 1982. Get it here.

Credits:

Bass: Marc Chung

Guitar: Gode B.

Drums: FM Einheit

Synthesizer: Alexander V. Borsig (Alex Hacke)

Vocals: Mona Mur

Tracklist

01. My Lie

02. Ein Bisschen Frieden

03. Eintagsfliegen

04. Jeszcze Polska

"In the '82 punk explosion she hooked up with FM Einheit, Marc Chung and Alexander Hacke, straight away conquering London NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS's Single of the Week slot with the 12'' "Jeszcze Polska". Featuring a violently orchestral sound of darkest shades, their concerts in manic intensity and morbid slowbeat chic were foundation stones for her cult image until today."

Music for the New Depression

2010-03-17T00:49:00.005-04:00

I've gone a bit heavy on releases from Germany lately, so I am going to take a wee break with a turn-around for a post or two. Minimal Time!

Years ago my ears perked up listening to Pieter spin at Wierd, in Brooklyn, NY. Among the aural candy was a sweet record by a Los Angeles, California duo called League of Nations. Original vinyl is extremely rare, but some of it has been repressed as a bootleg. This should comprise their recorded works; a 12" and MLP. League of Nations were active 1983 - 1984. The files were ripped from a CDR a good 6 years ago, and I have some uncertainty to why my tracks are sorted the way I present them. The 2008 bootleg reissue may have changed the order of the tracks on the vinyl. This has surely been shared by others, but needs more spotlight.

ANY info on the band is most welcome!

12" single: Fade/Thin Ice Wall. (1983)

MLP: "Music for the New Depression" on Glaze records (1984)

Laurie Jean - Drums, Syncussion, Rhythm Programming
David Sinfield - Piano, Synthesizer, Voice

Tracklist:

12"

A. Fade

B. Thin Ice

MLP

01. Illuminous

02. Overlord

03. Index Of Motion

04. Fade

05. Systematic Eyes

06. For A Moment

2010-03-17T00:31:00.002-04:00

Luzibär is the very last of my posts related to Joost, front man of Chim Chim Cheree!, and we have Andreas and Curious Guy to thank for the mania. Luzibär released just the Geistig 7" in 1982, and then some tracks appear in 1983 on a sampler. You can grab it all here.

Tracks:

Geistig 7"

01. Wixverbot

02. Tanzschule

03. Geistig

04. Spiel fur zwei

tracks from the

X-8 sampler:

05. Luzibär - Josef

06. Luzibär - Hier Ist Nichts Los

07. Luzibär - So Allein

08. Luzibär - Graue Stadt

09. Luzibär - Geistig 7

10. Luzibär - Akne

Der Schallmauer Sampler

2010-03-16T23:58:00.006-04:00

The Schallmauer label released a number of notable German Punk and NDW bands between 1980-1983. This sampler is another gift from Andreas, featuring the early band of Joost Schroeder (who now goes by Joost Renders); VD. Following this band he sings in Luzibär, then Chim Chim Cheree!

Aside from the bands you will hear on this record, lets not forget some great sounds also come from label mates Nichts and Silvia. Dig around a bit on Discogs.com from the label link provided above.

Tracklist:

01. Östro 430 - Sexueller Notstand

02. Östro 430 - Triebtäter

03. Östro 430 - To Cool

04. Motherfunker - Untitled 0:43

05. Motherfunker - Untitled 3:00

06. Modern Heroes - Angst

07. Modern Heroes - Alles In Ordnung

08. Originalton West - 01168

09. Clox - No Attitudes

10. Popstars - No. 10

11. VD - Akne

12. Der KFC - Du Klaust Überall

13. Der KFC - Ich Häng Mich Auf

14. Der KFC - Gefangen In Der BRD

15. Der KFC - Stumpf Ist Trumpf

Pleasure Times Are Here To Stay

2010-03-16T10:10:00.000-04:00

Yet another installment in the saga of Chim Chim Cheree! The album of Panic in Slumberland, Solitaire ...Forever. Get it here. We have Andreas to thank for this rip, which completes the PIS catalogue. Andreas has provided a nice back story to the Düsseldorf scene when Punk and Goth was new.

Panic in Slumberland were:
Joost Renders: Gesang
Matthes Ring: Gitarre
Mario Sixtus: Bass
Bernd Oprach: Keyboards
Wolfgang Kremer: Schlagzeu

Tracklist:

01. Fight 209

02. Panic In Slumberland

03. Dreamdancing (In Front Of The Gates Of Hell)

04. Nightshelter

05. Pleasure Times Are Go

06. Nocturnal Brigades

07. Running Sacred

08. Detour

09. Necessity

10. Drowning In Your Skin

Andreas tells more of the story:

In Chim Chim Cheree! Opi played keybords/synthesizer as well as Lloyd. Both of them were in the band during the production of Serenade. When Necessity came out, the line up had changed because of the new orientation of mainly Joost and Opi to "Electronic Body Music" as it was called back than.

Jasper as a "real" drummer man, didn't agree with this new electronical direction and left first.

Second was Lloyd when things went too dark, doom and gloom, without any "pop" intent. Necessity saw three new faces in the band, of which I just can remember Mario, later of TILT! fame.

As the style of music changed dramatically the band decided to follow the change with the name as well. This was the dawning of PANIC IN SLUMBERLAND.

Even manager Richard Gleim didn't like the new direction too much, as he knew quite well that the "Electronic Body Music" was a thing to come, but with those new faces and Opi on the controls of music-making it could come to the wrong end. Which happened, as the musicians "burned" a lot of precious studio time into "improvisation", and pulled the idea of becoming straighter and more simple complete on its head.

Well, not really complete, you can hear it in the recordings. Production did a good job, but the outcome of it all didn't quite fit into Joost's understanding of EBM and not even in the taste of music lovers in those times.

Eventually, PIS came to a halt, the musicians started new projects, and Richard Gleim concentrated to manage Tommi Stumpff, by the way a close friend of Joost, who already had completely understood and shaped EBM, which made the forerunner of the techno movement.

Something Happened In My Brain

2010-03-08T01:27:00.005-05:00

Jumping ahead to 1992, here you will find another top release by German band Marquee Moon. It is their fourth album. I found this disc, Angst & War, soon after hearing the band. It set off a hunt for all their music that has lasted quite a few years. While the band released a CD single a few years later, as well as a collection spanning their career, by 1997 Marquee Moon ceased to be.

Tracklist:

01. The Voice (Reprise)

02. Angst + War

03. Edge Of Time

04. The Hum (Part II)

05. Yellow Red

06. So Near, So Far

07. Dämmerung

08. The Voice

09. The Hum (Part I)

10. M.C.P. Man

11. Don't Go Out Tonight

12. Searching

Die Autos

2010-03-07T23:53:00.004-05:00

Andreas shared this 1985 release by Die Autos. Another tie-in to Chim Chim Cheree! It has CCC members Opi, Lloyd Mond and Junge (Martin Kircher) from EA80. Joost lends some backing vocals. Not sure who else performs on this. They released one single on green vinyl, and also have a song on the sampler LP Pesthauch Des Dschungels. The A-side, Niemals, has an upbeat tempo and use of horns. Slaughter, the flip-side, is decent punk-inspired fair with a nifty creepy growly intro (the type my 4 year old son attributes to singing dinosaurs and werewolves. The type of song he always asks me to play again, and again!). As a bonus, a 1983 recording, once again with horns.

I hope you like it. Get it here. We're nearly coming to a close with the bands tied to Chim Chim Cheree!, and I am hopeful the full album of Panic in Slumberland will be ripped soon.

Tracklist:

A. Niemals

B. Slaughter

Bonus, from V.A. sampler Pesthauch Des Dschungels (1983):

-1000 Jahre

Andreas says:

DIE AUTOS were active during the time of CCC, it was planned as a one off single, followed by some gigs in the Dusseldorf area. I already mentioned Loyd Mond as a member, but you also can hear Joost in the background. The music has been written and performed by Lloyd and another member of CHIM CHIM CHEREE/PANIC IN SLUMBERLAND, Opi. Maybe you recognize the singer on NIEMALS, it's Martin Kircher aka JUNGE from german longtime punk icons EA80

He came close to the Mettmann scene as his then girlfriend Anke, was from there, and deeply involved into all punk activities in the area Duesseldorf, Mettmann, Ratingen, Moenchengladbach.

****************************************

While on the heals of some darker German sounds and the punk bands that spawned them, check out the latest offering from Michael and Miguel's Return to the East blog. Happy Straps are an East Berlin phenomenon, and we have both sought their sounds for a while now. I have heard from the drummer of Happy Straps, Chris. I wait for information on getting recordings.

Also on subject, still hunting for more info on Wiesbaden band "Holy Orange" who have a couple of songs on the German Gothic samplers. Stay tuned for more... I am feeling rather peckish for some Saurbraten, and hope to get some long-time searches wrapped up.

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

2010-03-06T14:14:00.001-05:00

It all started with my first earful of a song called Hyacinth Hideout a good 15+ years ago. Then Curious Guy asked. Next came Squiggles. How could I not share in the first MLP by Marquee Moon? The band is fairly consistent and made a lot of music I like, despite their 1989 release, Future Patrol, which I am not too fond of. This album I can listen through over and over.

I'll try to post a good amount of them in short order. They hail from Berlin, Germany.

Members for this release, Beyond The Pale (1984):

Bass; Humphy Sabothe
Drums; Tom Petersen
Guitar; Hanzy Nischwitz
Vocals; Nigel Degray

Tracklist:

01. Beyond The Pale

02. Candy And The Golden Flies

03. She's A Dancer

04. Prince Of Darkness

05. The Poison Is Working

06. Hyacinth Hideout

Dreamdancing (In Front Of The Gates Of Hell)

2010-02-28T23:38:00.007-05:00

Chim Chim Cheree! had a rift, and drummer Jasper formed Scarlet Masque, as shared days ago. Now I have another offering from CCC's frontman, Joost. Panic in Slumberland is essentially a continuation of CCC. Thanks to Andreas for ripping the vinyl. The LP will follow in due course. Grab this here. Enjoy.

The 12", Dreamdancing (In Front Of The Gates Of Hell), is the last release on JA! Music, from Düsseldorf, 1987.

Tracklist:

01. Dreamdancing (In Front Of The Gates Of Hell) (extended version)

02. Dreamdancing (In Front Of The Gates Of Hell) (short version)

03. Demolition Love

Scarlet Masque

2010-02-28T18:56:00.005-05:00

Following on the heals of the Chim Chim Cheree! posts by Phoenix Hairpins and me, our friend Andreas has provided this single by German Post-Punks Scarlet Masque. This band includes Jasper, formerly of Chim Chim Cheree! The band dedicated this single to Stephen King.

The Band:
Erik; Guitars

Jörg; Vocals

Uwe; Bass

Jasper; Drums

Tracklist:

01. Stephen

02. Stehende Düfte

03. Stiefel

SubNation Volume One - Industry vs. Artistry

2010-02-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

Here is Volume One of the SubNation series of VA compilations, at the request of Matze. I posted Volume Two quite some time back. Some of the bands appear on both compilations. There is some excellent music, which you can grab here.

V.A. - SubNation Volume One - Industry vs. Artistry (1995)

Tracklist:
01. Pain Emission - Chos-A-Fil I
02. Silent Order - Clockwork Heart
03. Cruciform - The Ice Princess
04. This Ascension - August Rain
05. Lycia - Sleepless
06. Babylonian Tiles - Far Far Away
07. Blade Fetish - Fortunato 4:10
08. Stereotaxic Device - Man Made God (Original Version)
09. Razorfeed - Mechanism Of Death 5:02
10. Silent Order - No Tears 4:57
11. Trance To The Sun - Sliced Domiziana
12. Cruciform - Charon's Dream
13. Lycia - Wake (Live At Mass, Sept. 30 1993)14 Pain Emission - Chos-A-Fil II

Death Came With A Bang!

2010-02-23T18:07:00.012-05:00

I owe this post to the recent find by Phoenix Hairpins. Next comes the generosity of Andreas across the globe in Munich, who was kind enough to share a bit more info on the band Chim Chim Cheree!

The band began in 1983, hailing from Mettmann in the Düsseldorf area. Formerly members were in VD, Luzibär, and later formed Panic in Slumberland, Scarlet Masque, Die Autos... I have a 7" and compilation tracks by Luzibär, but never drew a connection to CCC! Thanks to Andreas, I shall be posting most of this music!

Members of Chim Chim Cheree! are:

Lloyd,

Opi; keyboards, synths

Jasper; drums

Joost; vocals

You can get the Serenade 12" and sampler songs here. The song Too Much Too Soon appears on a sampler LP, Pesthauch Des Dschungels. Another track, Remember the Rain appears on the sampler CD Godfathers Of German Gothic Vol. 1. (I shall try to rip the three volumes that make up the GOGG CD's soon.)

Tracklist:

01. Serenade

02. Scarlet Tears

03. Forever Or Never

Bonus:

-Too Much Too Soon

-Remember the Rain

***

Andreas tells some background:

Due to the nearness to Düsseldorf there were a lot of interferences betweeen musicans and bands. The most famous example of this colaboration betwen the two places is the band Die Toten Hosen, which consists mostly of persons with their origins in Mettmann. All of this musicians also went to the same schools, knew each other well and fell into punk at the same time.

The main part of most of the band we're talking about is Joost Schroeder, the singer of many of the Mettmann bands.
Here formed a punk band named VD early in 1978 and released some songs together with some other punk bandson a compilation record of the Schallmauer label. The band consisted 33/66 of Düsseldorf/Mettman members.
After VD he formed another band, this time 100% Mettmann, by the name of Luzibär. After one single and some other not released recordings, the band split up and Joost and the drummer Jasper transformed into Chim Chim Cheree!, together with another musician from a nearby village, who called himself Lloyd Mond (then in a band named Die Autos, now in a band with the name Die Innung.
They took it serious this time and secured a management deal with No Time Music, a semi professional label, which also managed famed electro punk rocker Tommi Stumpff. After a 12-inch EP and the 7-inch single and some differences to where the music should go, the band split up into Scarlet Masque (drummer Jasper) and Panic in Slumberland. Panic in Slumberland released one 12" and one LP, but somewhen split up once again over differences in the musical content.

Joost now goes by the name Joost Renders, and is now a filmmaker, lives in Berlin and you can contact him over his myspace site.
He is always happy to talk about his musical work.
Jasper sadly passed away some years ago.
The manager of Chim Chim Cheree! and Panic in Slumberland, Richard Gleim of No Time Music, now hass retired but can still be contacted over his blog.
He also is a famous person in photographic circuits as he made the first professional photographic documentations about punk in germany, e.g. punk in Düsseldorf, back from 1977 on. A very interesting person, with many stories to tell and photographs to show.

That's the story in short.

Whiplash! Know You're Falling.....

2010-02-14T04:53:00.007-05:00

UK band Veda released this 7" in 1987. The A side is decent Gothic Rock with a bit of Sister's flair. After hearing this I managed to track down guitarist Boris Pikula, who sold me his signed archive copy. The B-side is what Boris refers to as Led Zeppelin goes Run DMC--an improv after lots of beer. Has a little bit of a Batcave vibe to it.

Members are Cam Campbell, from Sex Gang Children, vocalist Chris Print, and Boris Pikula, who worked with Andi Sex-Gang and then, with Play Dead's Pete Waddleton formed Huckleberry Finn.

Tracklist:

A. Whiplash

B. Fly

There exist 7-9 additional tracks which could possibly be reissued. I hope this post generates enough interest to open the door to a retrospective release.

I'm Dancing With Death

2010-02-13T18:18:00.000-05:00

This post stems from a topic resurrected on the Deathrock boards recently. I had an unidentified track (#3 below) from a scratchy record on a compilation, which was finally linked to Lou Miami & the Kozmetix. Hailing from Boston in the 1980's, The Kozmetix released two mini LP's. They did a handful of decent videos that you can find on YouTube. As to their first MLP from 1982, grab it here.

Tracklist:
1. Italian Movie
2. Women In A Western Bar
3. Dance With Death
4. New Romantix
5. Vehicle For Love
6. Monster Mash

Lou Miami passed in 1995.

You'll find their 1985 MLP on this blog.

Of Love and Addiction

2009-12-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

This comes in response to a post at Phoenix Hairpins. Offered with little info is this sole album release by British band Long Pig. I guess they skirted the Batcave scene, somewhat. Looking forward to more info from Gary, the band's drummer. The track "Batsong" credits the Venomettes, and the album is produced by Punk icon Jimmy Pursey. Get it here.

Of Love And Addiction (1984)

Tracklist:

01. Interception

02. Language

03. Boy... I Wanna Tell Ya

04. Why Do People Find Each Other Strange

05. Batsong

06. Earthrobbers

07. The Lizard

08. Pollution Thing

09. Shadow Man

Art Failure

2009-11-15T03:23:00.007-05:00

Another band I know little about. There is a great track they do, Gimmick, which is on the sampler Hicks from the Sticks, posted by Curious Guy. I was prompted to track down their sole single, which you can grab here. Indie styled release distributed by Rough Trade. The gate folded sleeve has a stapled flap to hold the record. A-side is not so hot, though the B-side has a little promise. Oh well. I'm still glad I have it. Sometimes the satsfaction comes in the completion of a discography, even if there is little else of merit.

Art Failure were:

William Redfern, Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

Graham Lees, Lead Guitar

Pat Allen, Keyboards, backing vocals

Tim Fenton Ward, Bass guitar

Rob Dakin, Drums

Scream of Pain 7", 1979.

Tracks:

01. Scream of Pain

02. In Vogue

As a bonus I have included the song Gimmick in the folder.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T23:20:00.004-04:00

Halloween Weekend is upon us. My busy season is drawing to a close, and I hope to post some stuff soon. Meanwhile, grab the original version of a song that 45 Grave covered: Riboflavin Flavored, Non Carbonated, Polyunsaturated Blood.

Years ago I commented to Don Boles how brilliant the song was. I was surprised when he said it was a 1960's Monster Pop song. The band is Don Hinson and his Rigormorticians. I have not shared the full album, just because that would get me posting more Monster Pop than I really should, and ghet me collecting it again, which is cool but also a big hassle....

Get the song here.

is it better to love someone dead?

2009-10-05T01:18:00.001-04:00

The internet has introduced me to some great people. One in particular is a consumate Post-Punk fan, tuning me in to many Portugese and Brasilian bands for a few years now. I have been fortunate to grow an internet friendship with Paulo Martins, and have been quite negligent in getting his music posted here. When you feel a loyalty to a friend whose music you admire, it becomes a question of whether you can do justice to the post. For that, I have let this falter, and want to rectify that.

Rather than have a bias, I'll have to let the music speak for itself. There is more, and I am excited about the prospects of a forthcoming studio album.

Paulo Martins (guitars, vocals, programming)
António Macedo (guitars, programming)
Pedro Fonte (bass)
Pedro Morcego (from Phantom Vision) (bass)
David Reis (from In Tempus) (percussion)

Two track promo, 2007:
1. Angels Fall
2.Heartache And Death

Grab the two song Promo CD here.

First Whispers: Live at PlanoB, Porto, 20/03/08
Line up:

Paulo Martins (portuguese and electric guitars; vocals)
António Macedo (portuguese and electric guitars; computer)
Pedro Fonte (bass)

1. Why?
2. New Sun
3. Dance
4. Heartache And Death
5. Now
6. Drifting
7. Nothing To Lose
8. Seduction
9. Too Much
10. Angel's Fall
11. Angel's Fall (Instrumental)

Here you will download the live set.

Friend them on MySpace: Archétypo 120

Ave Maria - New Maps of Hell

2009-10-04T22:42:00.009-04:00

There is something odd about posting music by someone you have met online. Someone whom you consider a good friend despite never hanging out all day, or hunting thru dusty old record shops together. I have several friends like this--all people I will likely never meet in person. In this case a kindred spirit across the pond, with the same or more of a passion for obscure music. Michael has worked with some well known musicians to produce some Gothic sounds. I'll let him tell it in his words. I really like his work. I hope you will too.:

The timeline is : 1989 -1992 Ave Maria / The Joan Of Arc Family with multiple line-ups. The main line up though was:
Michael - Voice
Christopher Harry - Bass and Noises
Pete - Guitars
Billy - Drum Machine

There was SolanasSolanas between 2001 I think and then 2003 ... other musicians were Jasper on guitars and programming, and Andraz Aurelie on bass guitar .. we played twice.

The Joan Of Arc Family : 2004 : with Matthew and Karl from Sex Gang Children on guitar and Bass, and Jose handling the drum machine and sequencer , we played live with Sex Gang Children and Tuxedomoon, and I recorded a few demos ... Smash His Head To Bits being the noticeable one.

Then White Car Pet (original line up) with Karl from Ulterior. We released a 50 copy edition of EP with Scanners Blow, Speed, Magic Simon, and Margaret. Split up after headlining gig in London at Being Boiled.

Then the Joan Of Arc Family again ... played some shows with Sixteens and headlined Behind Bars in London, with guest vocals from Cinders (Gordon Sharp) from Cindytalk. I recorded some more stuff which you have .. a lot of it rough and experimental and extremely dark by other standards. Then .. we will see.

Ave Maria - New Maps of Hell
A PARIAH PRODUCTION: PARIAH 001
Tracklist:
1. Desperate Measures
2. Dance On the Wire
3. Mecca's Dead

Recorded September 1990 At IC Studios, North Yorkshire.
Engineered By Colin Potter, M. and Christopher Harry.

Well, there you have it. Michael mailed me one of the original cassettes, and I have scanned the cover. The rip was provided by Michael. You can get it here.

Blue Kremlin CD is out, at long last!

2009-10-02T12:30:00.006-04:00

I am very pleased to announce that Catastrophe Ballet Records brings a great retrospective of Hamburg band Blue Kremlin to collectors. The story is a little long how this comes about, but basically Wayne Hopkins, from Cleveland, USA band Garten Kirkhof, traded me some BK recordings that were without song titles. Being a bit obsessive at times, I tracked down Olaf a year ago asking about the band. He has been very gracious and generous sharing BK information. He was excited about the prospect of a CD reissue.

Now here is where your part comes in. Buy the CD. Buy two. Do all your Hexmas shopping at Catastrophe Ballet Records. Get Garten Kirkhof's music. Support these small labels who put out releases of music that needs to be shared with the world. Do it, and more music you should love but have never heard will be made available at long last. Thank you.

Olaf, Markus, Tatjana, Stefan, Horst

Storming The Tombs

2009-06-16T13:13:00.003-04:00

In the 1980's I was well known for making and giving out mix tapes. By 1989 they were done on a mixing board with blends and edits. I am back to a format much closer to my earlier tapes--just a string of songs without fancy overlaps. And, well, at least it is not broken into two 45 minute sides, with a short song or excerpt to fill up the dead space at the end of a side. Just what can fit on a CD.

This compilation stems from a desire to throw a certain few bands together to share here. I needed this image of a dead German soldier from World War I to grace the cover. The result can be heard after you get this.

It was not my intention to send a message in the sampler, but a theme evolved as I went thru releases--the rise of power, war, anti war, death & the dead and the rising dead. Some songs were just a natural fit, while a desire to share a certain band I like may have led to their inclusion. Some of it works well, and some is a little push, but I like it, and hope you will too. Music leans mostly to Goth-Punk, Post-Punk and the like, with the overall feel boiling down into Deathrock.

01. Runners From 1984 - For The Cause (UK--pre Death in June)
02. Under Two Flags - Land Of The Rising Guns (UK)
03. Cyan Revue - I Give The Gun (Germany)
04. Gargoyle Sox - Evil Exhibition (USA)
05. A Touch Of Hysteria - The Rulers (UK)
06. Vex - World In Action (UK)
07. Mask For - Deaf! Deaf! (Germany)
08. Ads - Waiting For The War (Denmark)
09. Brain Eaters - Death Dream (USA)
10. Leningrad Sandwich - Marching (Germany)
11. Geko - Mary Loves The War Zone (USA)
12. Effigies - Body Bag (UK)
13. UK Decay - Rising From The Dead (UK)
14. Scratch Acid - Cannibal (USA)
15. Actifed - Exit (UK)
16. No More - Too Late (Germany)

Stadt in Grau

2009-06-06T13:13:00.004-04:00

Anothor band of whom I know or can learn very little. Matthias had it on his Want List, leading me to find it. The Scarlet Letter are a German Goth/Post-Punk band active in the 1980's. "Friss oder Stirb" appears to be their one release, featuring recordings made during 1981-1987. For me the whole album is an experience, but most notably I love their German language cover of the Yardbirds "Still I'm Sad." Get the album here.

The Scarlet Letter were:
Hella Streicher: Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Synthesizer
Andreas Schröder: Guitar, Bass

Tracklist:
1. Friss Oder Stirb
2. Tanz Der Vampire
3. In Memoriam
4. Nachtfrost
5. Psychedelischer Sommer
6. Die Schwestern Der Gnade
7. Gloria
8. Blaue Ballerina
9. Gesucht Und Gefunden
10. Stadt In Grau
11. Nordlicht
12. Traumbilder

*************************************
Still hunting for the tape by Italian Goth act Schwarzwald, "Allein in der Schwarzwald" and the first album by German Goths, Marilyn's Army - Golden Paradise.

~65 years ago today, my Dad was a gunner on board a ship delivering troops to the beaches of Normandy. He was one of the fortunate to survive, despite his ship cracking right down the middle forcing all to evacuate. Bow your heads in memory to the fallen and the unsung heroes who gave their lives on all sides.

Iður Til Fóta

2009-06-05T10:41:00.000-04:00

Here is Þeyr's 10" record Iður Til Fóta (1981). This has been requested a few times, and was originally posted for Phoenix Hairpins in June 2007. I re-upped the share and moved the entire post to the top of my blog, and am adding their 1982 7" Lunaire as well. Get that here. Enjoy!

Iður Til Fóta Tracklist:
1. Bás 12
2. Maggasýn
3. Teðrukkin
4. Aríareggae

Lunaire Tracklist:
1. The Walk
2. Positive Affirmation
3. Lunaire

The sleeve images were found online. Look to my earlier post for more Þeyr info.

Your Face Against The Stone Is Warm

2009-05-30T20:38:00.007-04:00

Autumnfair is a side project featuring Thom Furmann of Savage Republic and Val Haller, from Wayne County. Much in the 4AD label sound, this is a great record for any collection. You can grab it here. Better yet, go buy the CD release 1986-1989. This 10" MLP, Glaciers & Gods, is dated 1991 and features recordings made in 1988. Released on the stellar Independent Project Records.

Credits: Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Percussion - Thom Fuhrmann , Val Haller

Tracklisting:
1. Collide
2. So Far From God
3. Novy Mir
4. Cascade
5. She Only Smiles
6. Arterial

*****************************************

There is a German band that released 2 12" records in 1987 on Überschall Records. The Jayhawks purportedly had a big sound change between the two releases. I would like to hear both recorsds. I have heard a couple of songs on home-made compilations. Additionally there is a V.A. LP called Bremen-Deutschland that features some bands I'd like to hear .

13th Chime Singles re-issue at last!

2009-05-12T00:59:00.004-04:00

I am very pleased to announce that the 13th Chime singles collection is available for pre-order! Check it out immediately and place your orders for this LP.

http://www.sacredbonesrecords.com/releases/sbr3001/

This has been a labour of love which was on the cusp of release a year ago, and two years in the making. I've seen the artwork and liner notes, and this collection is bound to please.

Tell Sacred Bones Fritz sent ya!

Who Killed Sex?

2009-04-30T20:09:00.005-04:00

My second post for today (gasp!) is made possible by Jared, who most graciously ripped his copy of the One Gang Logic EP. Presented in 224 bit, this is the first release by Stark Records, in the UK (1979). This was a treat for me, and I am very happy to present it here.

Alienate (Kafka Laughs) EP, as well as their three sampler tracks off the Household Shocks LP.

One Gang Logic are: Chrish Leaning, Paul Singleton, Mick Clark.

Tracklist:

1. Alienate (Kafka Laughs)
2. Queue Here
3. Repeat Action
4. Who Killed Sex?

Bonus tracks from Household Shocks (1980):

Playtime
The Stand
Who Killed Sex? (version)

Remember....

2009-04-30T19:19:00.000-04:00

Yet another Asmodi Bizarr post, this time their LP "Sun Sierra," as requested by Dean. I planned on posting this soon after adding demos and a live show. Finally, you can grab it, along with the Grüne Augen EP, here.

Tracklist:
1. Spin The Wheel
2. Liebeslied
3. The Bride
4. Memories
5. Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte
6. The Dreamvision Song

Grüne Augen

Tracklist:

1. Traumland
2 Grüne Augen
3. Dorian

Parchment Prayer

2009-03-17T23:02:00.004-04:00

Today I receieved a nice email from Christopher Wohlfarth, bassist in Parchment Prayer. He informs me the band was founded in 1984. "In 1988 all members got lost in different band projekts and PP was finished."

I'll have to see what those projects may have been! I'll update my previous Parchment Prayer post. The photo above was also sent by Christopher.

Members, as shown in the photo, from left to right:

Ralf Mehlmann (vocals)

Christopher Wohlfarth (bass)

Ralf Hoffmann (guitar)

Klaus Löhmann (guitar and drum machine)

Releases:

1986: Cassette release 'Parchment Prayer'

1986: Track on the Sampler LP 'Der Sampler' Independance Records, Distribution: EFA 8551 - 1987: LP 'Parchment Prayer' Independance Records, Distribution: EFA 8554 (the producer was Cem Oral, later well known as 'Jammin' Unit')

2000: Track on Sampler CD 'Ghostriders of German Gothic', Schwarzrock Records, Distribution SPV CD 085-00402

Nightime In The Desert House Takes Me Far Away

2009-03-10T11:11:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love this German act called Marquee Moon! If you do not know them, you will, too. This is, I believe, their eigth release. A CD single of Desert House, with two additional live tracks. I bought mine when this was brand new 13 years ago. Yikes! It took a while to get it all, but I have the rest of their discography as well, and will share it in due time.

Tracklisting:
1. Desert House (4:45)
2. Kiss Of Death (8:23)
3. The Spell (5:02)

She's Only 17 In Love

2009-03-10T09:09:00.000-04:00

Early this decade, my abilities to download music were rather limited. I bought a few CDR's from fledgeling MP3.com. This is a decent Gothic release by The Flowers for Luci--and comes from one of those CDRs. Most of the songs I really like. I am not fond of some metal flourishes in a couple of tracks, but I can look past them. Overall, though, this is a nice record, and I suspect a few of you will really enjoy it. It has more of a traditional Gothic Rock sound while stearing clear of the typical formula.

TFFL are from Atlanta, Georgia, and existed from 1997-2002. I did manage to get a tee shirt when corresponding with the singer. Here's wishing for some additional info, if anyone has some.

Decadence of Modern Life (2001)

Tracklist:

1. Chemical

2. Sally The Stripper

3. Pain

4. The Birth

5. Form

6. 17

7. One Night

***********************************

Does anyone have the demo cassette by German band The Parapluies? Also looking for info and recordings by German Goth act Holy Orange.

Marching Forward...

2009-03-04T01:49:00.003-05:00

It has been a hellish year and 10 months. My divorce is final this week. There is nothing worse than having your family fall apart, and trying to pick up the pieces.... All the worse for how it affects your child. The most important thing is my Son, who will be four years old in June. I'd do this all ten times over to have this wonderful little person in my life.

I re-upped Stimmen der Stille as requested. I also re-upped A Red Crescent Sect, SS-Say, Vood-Doo Church, and the I'm Dead tape.

New rips and more will follow in the coming months. All from material I have had waiting here for ages. Times are tough, and money is impossibly tight for me--as I suspect with many of you. I hope the best for the coming months and years to all of you, and your continued appreciation of what I am sharing.

Cheers,
Fritz.

Desire Me--I Need To Feel Your Love

2009-02-14T13:13:00.001-05:00

Dig this über cool cover on my favourite single by The Doll. Catchy female fronted Post-Punk with synths. This was on Beggar's Banquet in 1979, and is the second single by The Doll. Taken from my 7" single. There is a double pack with extra tracks (need this!) and a 12" as well.

I thought it would be a fun post for Valentine's Day. Alone by choice, single, madly in love, or getting it on, have a Happy VD!

The Doll are:
Marion Valentine: Guitar,Vocals
Denis Haines: Keyboards
Paul Turner: Drums
Jamie West-Oram: Guitar
Christopher Yianni: Bass

Tracklist:
A. Desire Me
B. TV Addict

******************************************

Recently read about a record by Finnish Goth/Post Punk band The Stairs of Odessa. I am intrigued and would like to hear it, if anyone has it to share.

But It Was Romance

2009-02-12T22:11:00.004-05:00

Condition was formed in Montreal by saxophonist Eddy Strawiak and singer Julia Gilmore in the early '80s. The group's music is a mix of jazz, rockabilly, and country. Gilmore would later form the band PallBearers and released an excellent album "Phantom Pain" before disbanding the group.

Here you will find 5 songs by Condition, taken from the following VA Samplers. Two are taken from a recent Phoenix Hairpins post.

Compilation Tracks:
"It's Too Hot Too" + "Wet Shoes" on 'From Montreal' (Og Music) 1983
"Moonlight" on 'German Canadian Friendship' (Deutsch Kanadische Freundschaft) 1985
"Ghost Train" on 'It Came From Canada Vol. 2' (Og Music) 1987
"Hound Dog" on 'It Came From Canada Vol. 3' (Og Music)

Walk On Guilded Splitters

2009-01-29T21:37:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it takes just one request and good timing. Here you can download the three 7" singles of Cortex, as well as a somewhat infectuous VA sampler track, Walk On Guilded Splitters. This is for the Phoenix.

Sleepwalking 7'' (1981):
Sleepwalking/Jesus I Betong

Shotgun Treatment 7" (1985):
Shotgun Treatment/Dark Carnival (live)

Animals 7'' (1986):
Animals (...Looking At Me)/Tears in the Rain

VA Sampler Dansa Med Fig. 13 (1983):
Walk On Guilded Splitters

There's Someone In My Mind That I Don't Want To Know

2009-01-28T19:50:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the infrequent posts, but I do not often get to share what I have planned. Then again, a post like the latest Phoenix Hairpins can inspire me to pull something off my hard drive.

The first album by Swedish Post-Punk band Cortex is titled Spinal Injuries, and was released in 1981. Get it Here.

I can post the first three singles too if there is interest. But I'd need some cover scans to be happy with doing that.

Tracklisting:
1. Mind Of Darkness
2. Warrior Night
3. Fear Of Glass
4. Nightmare No. 74
5. Morning Moon
6. The Freaks
7. Mayhem Troopers
8. Napalm Sticks To Kids
9. 5 Seconds
10. Flowers Of Evil

Den Lachen Ist Die Beste Medizin

2009-01-20T08:26:00.009-05:00

I had a request for die Klopferbande, and the message was deleted before I could reply. Rather than appear rude through silence, I am sharing this here. This LP, ... Und Doch So Bezaubernd is a great bit of minimal German darkwave. Bordering experimental and Goth, the minimalistic Post-Punk sounds of Die Klopferbande range from the somber to eratic. "Morgen Sagst Du Morgen" is perhaps familiar to people, having appeared on many German Gothic compliations. Recorded in 1981 by Peter Ortmann, little has been said of the force behind Die Klopferbande. You can read more here: http://www.backagain.de/ndw/klopferb.htm

Tracklist:
1. Am Hauptfeslen
2. Morgen sagst du morgen
3. Auf meinem Weg
4. Lachen ist gesund
5. Ritual
6. Resignation
7. Appell
8. Hat er resigniert?
9. Gut genug für diese Nacht
10. Der Endsieg
11. Schwarze Tränen
12. ...und doch so bezaubernd

*******************************************************************
Ages ago I read about an EP by US band Bed of Nails. The Prey Upon The Wheel EP (1988) is something I would really like to hear, if anyone has it to share. Thanks!

Into Oblivion

2009-01-07T13:31:00.001-05:00

I can offer very little info about French minimal act Odessa. Perhaps Goutroy or Phoenix Hairpins can enlighten us. All I can do is give you some slightly muddy ear candy. It has a couple of glitches. I would love it if someone steps up with a better copy to share. Thanks!

Here you will find a demo I acquired in trade a few years back. No artwork, no details. Some of the tracks were obviously switched, and I was able to retitle a couple of them with certainty (Iso, Tanks of Danzig) , while others may still be named incorrectly.

Posted at the urging of Cyrille. Hope you enjoy this as much as I.

1. Tanks of Danzig

2. Dark Inside

3. There Will Be

4. Stinky Tears

5. Iso

6. Burning Down in Arabia

7. Lights

In Excelsis Deo

2008-12-25T11:11:00.003-05:00

This is a re-post from last Christmas, which I am moving ahead a whole year. As a Christmas gift to the patient and appreciative, I am fixing all the dead links with mediafire. Each fixed link will be dated and I hope it doe s not go bellly up again.

Happy Christmas and a great New Year from Fritz die Spinne!

I'm not fond of Christmas music only for the redundancy. In one day after Thanksgiving here in New York, I felt like I'd heard a lifetime of the same tired old renditions. But there are quite a few Yuletide songs I do like...most from R&B and Blues artists of the 1950's and 60's. My all time favourite rendition of Carol of the Bells is brilliantly sung by dru of the California Goth band This Ascension.

Here (mediafire 1-3-09) you can download five songs I like to share each season. There are two Beatnick parodies which date from over 40 years ago; a spoof of what Peter Murphy and Tom Waits would sing as a Gothic duet; The Basement 5's Last White Christmas....and the Christmas song that gives me the biggest smile: Gloria (In Excelsis Deo) by New York Garage band The Tryfles!

Now, this Tryfles song mixes the Mozart piece with Van Morrison's G-L-O-R-I-A, very well done with male and female vocals. Pure Genius!

So enjoy, Happy Christmas, and all the best this Holiday Season.

Uggghh!

2008-11-05T16:25:00.002-05:00

I have been quite busy, and want to thank peoople for comments and emails. I am trying to catch up a little. I have started reloading bad z-share links starting with the most recent posts.

Paprika, you will surely find the most info available about Zero le Creche on their web site. Since the CD is available, I do not make my old file share available. Thanks for reminding me of their DVD. I never received a copy.

Please be patient if you asked for information. I am hopeful I can get back here more soon.

Cheers,
Fritz.

The Worst Of Whom Came Creeping

2008-09-29T19:19:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Jerome, the complete Four Wounds LP by Cyan Revue is presented here. This comes close on the heels of the CDR collection In Loving Memory, which was donated by Greg last week. Thank you both for bringing wider recognition to this music!

Four Wounds was released on Yellow Ltd. in 1986

Tracklisting:

1. Consecration

2. Permanent Days

3. Animal

4. We Dive

5. The Retire

6. In Distant Lands

7. The Unknown

8. Procez (The Strain)

9. Rats

10. Peoploids

Fighting Spirits Of The Will

2008-09-26T02:04:00.008-04:00

From 1984-1988 Parchment Prayer were active. I have been fortunate to hear from their bassist, Christopher, 6 months after this post. Revised March 17, 2009, we now learn who PP were.

Goutroy was kind enough to post this demo on his blog, and give the OK to cross post it here. He saved me the rip of my own cassette that I was hoping to post last winter. This is pretty scarce--limited to 100 copies. The cassette sleeve is hand lettered and numbered, with cut-out song titles. The plain black cassette simply has the numbers "15/100" in paint-pen. My tape is #15. Grab it here. (re-upped 1-3-09)

PP were:

Christopher Wohlfarth (bass)
Klaus Löhmann (guitar and drum machine)
Ralf Hoffmann (guitar)
Ralf Mehlmann (vocals)

Parchment Prayer December 1985 Demo

Tracks:
1. Rituale Romanum
2. Comedy
3. Bath of Flies
4. The Clock
5. Subway
6. Just Like You
7. Movement
8. Black Mess (recorded live)

I have re-posted Goutroy's files here, tagged and renamed for easy ID. I have also included scans of the insert with my post. Check out the abundance of cool posts at A Viable Commercial. Great stuff!

Also requested, here is a mirror share of the PP album: (mediafire 1-3-09)

In Loving Memory of Tobias Grubens

2008-09-25T21:42:00.008-04:00

An absolutely amazing German Post-Punk band, Cyan Revue had three releases between 1985 and 1987. This post comes via the generosity of Greg, who bought this CDR album in a Swiss shop. The art is very DIY, and appears to be a proposed yet unreleased collection, drawing from The Gift EP, Four Wounds, and Arm.

Like other German bands of this era (Blue Kremlin, Mask For, Parchment Prayer, Unlimited Systems) this music has a great dark, upbeat vibe. Sadly this music did not find wider audience. You can get it here.

Singer Tobias Grubens died in 1996.

Cyan Revue were:
Tobias Grubens : Vocals
Heidrun Tuchenhagen : Bass
Farschid Niknam : Drums
Barry Behrendt : Guitar
Florian Langmaack : Sax, Percussion, Vocals

In Loving Memory:

1. Dock 11
2. Seven Eyed Horse
3. Last Voice
4. Animal
5. We Dive
6. The Retire
7. In Distant Lands
8. The Unknown
9. Peoploids
10. I Give The Gun
11. Burdend
12. Gravesand (Unreleased Version)
13. The Stranger
14. American Prayer (Unreleased)

I was fortunate enough to get an MP3 copy of the Four Wounds LP in a trade. However, one song is missing. "Rats." If anyone has that song or other releases, I will be pleased to share more Cyan Revue.

From The Rust Within Their Throats

2008-09-25T13:13:00.000-04:00

I previously posted a collection of Italian Gothic band Simon Dreams in Violet. For this post, Lo Spettro Di Se Stesso has made the self titled first release Demo EP from 1993. Now available for free. He's posted rapidshare links on the band's MySpace page. Here are my own mirror z-share files seperated into new rar shares: Tracks 1-6 and Tracks 7-12. The second file share also includes artwork. All tracks are in 320 bit.

Simon Dreams In Violet - Simon Dreams In Violet ⓟ 2008

Tracks:

Frau Death (Final Mix)

ParanoiaThe Lake

She Walks

Over This World

Sensation

She Walks (Acoustic Mix)

The Haunted Lake

Sensation (First Version Perceptible Mix)

Dreaming II (Live Version)

She Walks (Live Version)

Imperceptible Sensation (Extended Edit)

Bring Out The Green Trumpet!

2008-08-05T19:19:00.003-04:00

For you Inca Babies who throw a Birthday Party in a Bone Orchard, dig on The U-Men. This Seattle band did a fine job with this type of sound. Get this compilation here. (link fixed 2-10)

They terrorised the Northwest from 1981-1989. They went though Bassists like the Banshees went through guitarists. Members were:

John Bigley: vocals
Tom Price: guitar
Robin Buchan: bass (1981-1982)
Charlie Ryan: drums
Jim Tillman: bass (1982-1986)
Tom Hazelmyer: bass (1987)
Tony Ransom: bass (July 1987-1989)

Tracklisting:
1. Gila
2. Shoot 'em Down
3. Blight
4. Flowers D.G.I.H.
5. They
6. Clubs
7. 10 After 1
8. Cow Rock
9. Green Trumpet
10. Bad Little Woman
11. Freezebomb
12. That's Wild About Jack
13. Dig it a Hole
14. Solid Action
15. 2 X 4
16. A Three Year Old Could Do That
17. Papa Doesn't Love His Children Anymore
18. Shoot 'em Down (Live)

"Think Inside The Box"

2008-07-28T13:13:00.005-04:00

Sometimes the Cheese Factor prevails in life. This home-made compilation takes some old cheese and hopefully puts it in fun context for you. I have been inspired by a twist on this silly cliche and a narrow view-point for the sampler's name, as well as the desire for more information on some of the bands..

Don't get me wrong, these selections are pretty damned good. If this turns you on to just one band, my job is well done. Ideally I hope that The Morgue's contribution, "Nosferatu's Nightmare," leads to more information about this band. It stands as the only reference I can find about the band. No compilation or singles appear to mention this song. In 1983 UK Subs presented us with "Seas of Mars," a great trippy dirge that I feel worth inclusion here, despite the loose connection to our theme. Cyan Revue are a scarce German Goth act I adore and would love to see reissued. 34 Vampires have been heard by many in the Deathrock scene, but only a few songs circulate. Having a full release by this band would be a major coup for anyone who would be so gracious to share.

Ask yourself what predictable Goth sampler would be complete without mentions of Nosferatu, Vampires, and the Grave? But perhaps I have included the scarcest and best of these and other tracks for a change. All this and more, I give to you. Go forth and listen. Hunt. Dig. But most of all, enjoy, laugh, and spread the musical knowledge. And for goodness sake, the quality on this is as varied as the music. My appologies. If anyone would like to point out where to buy the music, offer up better copies or full albums, I'm all ears.

While many are from my records and discs, a few of these songs come from old file shares. The style of music ranges from Punk to Goth, Post-Punk to Surf, and Wave to poetry. These bands are American, German, British, Brasilian, Greek, and French. Maybe some other places, too. Now what have I overlooked? Oh yeah... get it here.

01. Charles Beaudelaire - Le Vampire

02. Fear Condition - Vampire

03. 3D Invisibles - Nosferatu

04. The Morgue - Nosferatu's Nightmare

05. B-Movie - Walking Dead

06. After Darkness - The Funeral Procession

07. Cyan Revue - The Unknown

08. The Dispossessed - What Of The Night

09. Screaming Dead - Twentieth Century Vampire

10. 34 Vampires - From Underground

11. Mekons - Another Set of Teeth

12. UK Subs - Seas of Mars

13. Beyond The Wall Of Sleep - Pale

14. Dead Roses Garden - Nosferatu

15. The Vyllies - La Nuit Des Vyllies

As usual, if anyone objects to my inclusion of your music, speak up and I'll delete it. This post exists to promote and expose people to unusual music, and I urge readers of my blog to buy vinyl, CD's, and support all the bands as best they can.

Tagscanner

2008-06-29T13:38:00.004-04:00

My new Best Friend for the past 2 months is a programme that allows me to tag my music files. I can assign the band name, album, year, track number, and song title, among other things, very easily. After I have the correct info in place, I can use the programme to rename all the files in a quick pass, to include or exclude the band, track, and song title, and whatever else I'd like to add.

It will add an undersore if I want, or remove it. It's been great for renaming vague MP3 files with "Track01," etc. or cutting out long album names that would omit the song title from the file name. It has allowed me to have better organised music files, and that is a neat thing for this packrat of a collector!

I have used it on thousands of music files I have gatherered which do not scrobble in music players. Or ones where users have mispelled band names. And on VA comps to rename the file with the artist's name instead of "Various Artists." It's especially helpful with my LastFM scrobbling.

It's the Bee's Knees!

Check it out and get it here. It is free, and has worked fine for me since I started using it.

The Night Is All That We Have

2008-06-23T19:57:00.007-04:00

An oft included song on Goth comps, The Masque by The Dark is not the hardest to find, but seldom if ever appears as the 7" single release. I thought it would be worth sharing the whole package here. A-side is a bit Goth-Punk, which was a departure for this act. B-side is a short Punk track with a four word chorus repeated often. Nifty picture sleeve of Bela Lugosi's Dracula rounds out the 1982 Fresh Records release. (link fixed 6-09)

Line-up for this single:

Phil Langham: Bass/Lead Vocals

Andy Riff: Rhythm Guitar

Jim Bryson: Spikadelic Guitar

Jim Kane: Drums

Tracklisting:
A. The Masque
B. War Zone

He's Under A Spell In His Own Little Hell

2008-06-12T22:06:00.008-04:00

UK label Human Records released some singles by Dangerous Girls, Au Pairs and The Slits, among others. Based on the label's catalogue numbers, this 7" release by Ana Hausen should be from 1981. It's a good, fun record with female vocals. The A-side has a nice fast pace to it, and the slower paced B-side has a brief vocal part.

The sleeve mispells the title track...or it was deliberate, and the record label's correct spelling is wrong.

I've found no further info about this band.

Credits:
Vocals: May Matisse

Guitars: Douglas Campbell

Guitar, Bass & Keyboards: Craig Nugent

Drums - Craig Ferguson

Tracklisting:
A. Professionals
B. Tunnel Vision

Don't You Recognize Yourself In The Mirror

2008-06-09T11:11:00.004-04:00

Another gem traded ages ago. Fusion is the only 12" by Danish band SS-Say. A Martin Hall project that features former bandmate Inga from Pesteg Dred. I am not fond of the A-side at all, but Care is a real treat and the reason for posting. Hope you like the minimal sound and vocals. Get it here. (media fire 3-09)

SS-Say were:

Henrik Möll: bass

Inge Shannon: vocals

Martin Hall: vocals, drums, keyboards

Tracklist:
1. Transaction 7:37

2. Care 4:46

3. Fanfare 4:19

Coming Coming, Coming Your Way!

2008-06-08T13:13:00.007-04:00

One of my all time favourite bands from Hamburg, Germany is Mask For. They released just one demo tape, and a self-titled mini LP on Yellow Ltd. in 1984. One track (Deaf! Deaf!) appears on the 1988 UK VA 2LP compilation Song and Legend. The only apparent information about the band can be found on Falk's Dead Babies. And some details on the insert to Song and Legend... like some excessively cheesy musician names. Amazing Goth-Punk venturing at times in the vein of Actifed, 13th Chime and the like. Get it! (new upload September 2011)
Micha: Vocals
C-Zip 13: Guitars
D.T. Arab: Bass
Harry Cane: Drums

Tracklist:

01. Letters

02. Cuddly Crystal Boy

03. Blue Shiva

04. Stolen Flowers

05. Cascade

Demo:

Resurrection (demo)

Deaf! Deaf! (demo)

Can You Feel It (live)

Dance on the grave (live)

Resurrection (live)

Stappeled Life (Demo)

Night Creatures?

2008-06-03T20:21:00.004-04:00

At one point the incredible Sunglasses After Dark played a gig with Night Creatures. All I know about this second band comes from this flyer. The look, the name, and the support all peak my curiosity. Does anyone have information about Night Creatures? Like SAD, I figure they must be from the UK.

SAD, incidently, has had its recordings re-issued by Cherry Red. You MUST buy the CD. Highly recommended! A couple years back the band's LP was sold online thru an MP3 site, but the wrong songs were uploaded to the site. Anyone who bought Untamed Culture or shared files of it prior to now has been listening to some inferior 1980's recordings by The Boys.

Reverb Sleep

2008-06-03T19:27:00.011-04:00

In 1995 Alan Dollgener, ex singer of '80's New York Post-Punk/Goth legends Of A Mesh released Fish Dream under the name of Reverb Sleep. Sadly, Alan died after recording this ambient tribal electronic album. To my best knowledge, it is his only recorded work released outside of Of A Mesh. This CD was released without a label, with sales to benefit AIDS research in Dollgener's native Texas. Read some more here.

Tracklisting:
1. It's A Part Of Me
2. Sinful
3. Machine
4. You Can't Help It
5. Fly Mantra
6. Nothing You Can Do
7. Amoeba
8. Hillbilly Hoedown 2000
9. Enchanted

Dayglo Tribal Deathrock

2008-05-21T11:13:00.004-04:00

Nearly twenty years ago this CD made its way to my college radio station. I was quickly smitten, and hold this release by Death Ride 69 high on my list of favourite listens. Despite the later Rob Zombiefied changes to the band, DR 69 managed to release a few good EP's and albums between 1988 and 1990. I have scanned a couple of stickers that came in the CD as well, intended for radio copies to assist DJ's with airplay. Ripped at 224 bit, get thee behind me, Elvis!

I do recall an LP with artwork just like the CD, but looking online I found an alternate issue with a different cover, alternate versions and different names for similar songs.

Members for this release include:

Linda LeSabre: drums, vocals

Wrex Mok: guitars, vocals

Don Diego: bass, vocals

Tracklisting:
1. Elvis Christ
2. Mescalito
3. State Of Decay
4. Sex Drive '68
5. Crash & Burn
6. Green Gel Blue
7. God Tab
8. 1969
9. Chain Of Abuse
10. State Of Decay (Alternative Mix)

A Crutch Of Utility

2008-05-20T11:11:00.001-04:00

Dessau hail from the USA. While most of their material is standard 1980's industrial, their first 12" single, produced by Martin Hannett, is quite enjoyable with a more electronic sound. Only 500 were pressed, but you can grab it here for a listen.

Tracklisting:
1. Red Languages
2. First Year
3. Crutch Of Utility

All I Want Is To Die In Your Arms

2008-05-18T01:31:00.010-04:00

I find very little info online about Italian band Mystery Plays. They were on the Energeia label, and released this CD is 1995. Their follow-up CD, Sentinella, falls short of the sound expressed on this release, Ocassus. A decent Goth/Darkwave album. Thanks to Jorf for the request.

Members for this release are:

A.B.: voice & bass

Pidix: keyboards

Snorri: drums

Tracklist:

1. Deadlock

2. Horror Vacui

3. Blooddance

4. Essence

5. Kali Yuga

6. Anteros

7. Sacrifice

8. Shores

9. Sleepers

10. Wigridr

******************

Latest Wants:

Seventh Victims -demos, singles? Early 1980's Deathrock, from CA, I think.

Outer Circle - Another CA based band, on Bemisbrain label

Benediction - Metabolic Rate

2008-05-15T22:34:00.010-04:00

At long last, early UK Goth band Benediction have released a CD. This was one tough act to track down, since a metal band has the same name, and this band had no presence online. That has changed, and you can get a listen on their MySpace page. Great upbeat Goth-Punk from the later 1980's, with female vocals. There are too many bands I'll get to call "Favourite" in my life, but Benediction are quite deserving of that tag!

Guitarist Rob shared some information with me over the past year or so:

Crowded Room, Deliverance and Naebul were all from a cassette EP that we released in 1989 when we toured with Altered States. Half Life was from a new demo we were working on in 1991 just before we all went our separate ways.
Have a ton of material that once I get the time I will rip and post to myspace. BTW we also have another site from an earlier band called The Abyss, with a different singer and a bit more heavy goth sound.

Well, a song was left out of the CD as an oversight. I have a rip from MP3.com's Benediction page of many years ago, albeit a 128 bit rip. Rob has graciously permitted me to share this song, Coloured Rain. He hopes to include a remaster of it on a future CD release.

Now you can buy their CD! Check out the link on their MySpace site.

Track listing is as follows:

1) Deliverance

2) Crowded Room

3) Shake the Sky

4) Porgie Porgy

5) Play with me

6) Nabeul

7) Money Monkey

8) Porgie Porgy (Reprise)

9) Half Life

10) Partners in Crime

11) Revolution

12) Utopia

Asmodi Bizarr

2008-05-15T22:10:00.006-04:00

Thanks to one of the Anonymous, I have completed this Asmodi Bizarr gig recorded live in Leiden (05.10.1985). Get the show here.

Asmodi Bizarr, Live:
1. Intro

2. The Dreamvision Song

3. Evening Star

4. Memories

5. Skies of Promise

6. Green Eyes

7. Zuschauergejohle

8. The Bride

9. Spin the Wheel

10. Hush...Hush Sweet Charlotte

Gevatter Tod

2008-05-10T13:13:00.004-04:00

This post comes by way of the Phoenix Hairpins request for the Sun Sierra MLP by Asmodi Bizarr. I absolutely love this band's early work. They hail from Düsseldorf Germany. Somewhere along the way I acquired these two demos, attributed to 1983 and 1986. (links fixed May 2009)

I will post Sun Sierra and the Dorian single as soon as I track down the CDR I ripped. I only need to go thru a few hundred marked discs on spindles.

Download includes:

Sator from the VA sampler 'Pesthauch des Dschungels'
1983 Demo:
1. Credible Est
2. Das Verberben
3. Gevatter Tod
4. Tanz Mit dem Tod

1986 Demo:
1. Nur ein Traum
2. Tot
3. Enig Verratten
4. Niemals

Sator Codex

2008-05-04T20:24:00.007-04:00

This band continues today as Sator, but their early releases as Sator Codex are what I really care about. Very cool Post-Punk with early Gothic influences from Sweden. Get their sole LP here. Wanna Start A Fire? was released in 1985, along with a couple of singles. A demo was recorded in 1983-I would love to hear it if anyone has a copy.

The band had many name and line-up changes before becoming Sator Codex. They originally sang in Swedish, then English, during the 1981-1987 period; again with frequent line-up changes and musical experimentation. They changed their sound once more and left behind their old songs after changing the name to Sator. Feast your ears on this release, which is in English.

Line-Up for the LP:

Michael Olsson:drums

Hans Gäfvert:keyboards

Chips Kiesbye:guitar

Kent Norberg :bass & vocals

Björn Clarin:vocals

Tracklist:

Leech
Reality
The Man Who's Never Been
Fête for Lost Souls
Howling
You Need Me
Chimera
Party Frenzy
Master of the Universe

Simon Dreams in Violet

2008-05-04T13:50:00.003-04:00

My last post today (playing catch-up while my son is napping) is for Lo Spettro Di Se Stesso, bassist in Simon Dreams in Violet. They were an Italian Gothic band who I have wanted to find for many years. He's posted rapidshare links on the MySpace band page. Here are mirror z-share files: Tracks 1-9 Tracks 10-18 All tracks are in 320 bit.

SDIV released a few tapes in their 5 or so year history, from 1992-1997. Lo Spettro says (with my edits):

The first three songs are off our self-titled demo. Song 4 & 5 are from the Vision Underground unreleased sample. The rest of the material is from our second demo Dreaming The Lost. Song 13 is an extended edit originally released for the Ver Sacrum fanzine sampler, then included in our last demo Follia along with some instrumentals and live versions of songs that wasn't possible to release properly. The last three songs are somehow related to Simon Dreams In Violet or better what could have happened if we would have been opened to switching to different ideas music wise. Alice Suicidée is an example. We used to play instrumentals tracks at our last gigs in between the sets. If I hadn't left and got another guitarist we might have sounded more like the Before I Wake song that was recorded in London with Leisure Hive and Womb members at Naevus studio. That was one of the songs that never made it onto the fourth demo. The guitarist left and that material got stucked onto those tape vaults we used to store our ideas. The last song is actually by Interior Deus, the band the guitarist founded after leaving the band in 1994. I was responsible for the recording of their promo and somehow I sticked my hands on that song like it used to be back in 1992. That's how SDIV could have sounded if we would have reformed with a new singer. But it seems we never got to find the right people. The band officially split up in 1997 when I moved to Germany, then England.

Simon Dreams in Violet - Lost In Time (2008):

Paranoia
She Walks
Sensation (Imperceptible)
Frau Death (New Version)
Cambiamenti (First Version)
The Lake - To
Lust
Witches' Hour
Ephemera
Insanity Dreaming In Violet (Empty Mix)
Cold
Dreaming
The Lost
Lestat (For A Lady In Ever Changing Robes Of Innocence & Pain Extended Edit)
Alive (Live Version)
Alice Suicidée
Before I Wake (London Extended Edit)
The Night (Waiting For)

Forever Night

2008-05-04T13:33:00.003-04:00

Hexenhaus are a Finnish Post-Punk band. I have some other great music by Hexenhaus contemporaries Musta Paraati, Kudes Tuunti, Silmat, and others I hope to share one day. I am surprised to see this is my first post of a band from Finland.

This share includes a demo Katz was very kind to rip for me. But my primary interest with this post is the 7" single on Zoo Records. Ikyö means Forever Night. The B-side in English is Catacombs.

Tracks:
Ikiyö
Katacombi

1986 Demo:
Aani Ovelta
Ristilta ei Paase Paskalle
Jumalan Kosto
Punainen Palvelija
Rockin' Daddy
Mies ei Mistaan

Dass - Nach Uns

2008-05-04T12:53:00.004-04:00

Another good German Goth act was Dass. They released both a 7" single and a cassette in 1990. Grab both here. I noticed that one file rip has shortened track 3 on the cassette by removing the piano part of the song. I have a poorer rip of the full song included here as well.

Sorrow Vomit, in his astounding collection of rare tapes, has posted the cassette info on Discogs.com. The images from the tape are taken from his entry. I would like to see the picture sleeve for the 7" and any other band photos and information are welcomed.

Members:
Bass, Drum Programming:Stefan Dierks
Guitar, Keyboards:Zoltan Bickel
Synthesizer, Guitar, Piano, Drum Programming:Björn Böhmelmann
Vocals (cassette):Björn Böhmelmann (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7) Zoltan Bickel (tracks: 3, 4, 6)

Nach Uns... :
1. Soul Torture
2. Geheimnis
3. Loneliness II

Songs From Beyond:
1. Smashed Window
2. No Way Out
3. Promises
4. Still-Born
5. Impossible Love
6. Screw Up Your Guitar
7. Outro

**********************

Looking back on some old want lists I also seek US band Outer Circle (Blind Venetians EP + My Mona Lisa) and Look Back in Anger :Foxhunt Cassette, Stick It in Your Ear (1982). And the "Grave Matter" cassette by The Tombstones--particularly just a track list, but a good rip of it would be great to have.

Ubik

2008-05-04T12:38:00.009-04:00

My next few posts are culled from file trades done over the years. I'll give credit if I recall properly, with apologies if I do not. Surf (1983) is the first of four LP's by French Wave act Ubik. Check them out on MySpace. Get the Surf LP here. (mediashare 1-3-08)

Line up :

Philippe Maujard : Bass + Vocals

Xavier Geronimi : Guitar

Marc Pouliquen : Drums + Percussion

Daniel Paboeuf : Sax ( formerly of Marquis De Sade)

Tracklisting:

Kakikouka
If you
End
Sid
Dust
In that side
Body electric
In your dreams
Paradise

Hamburg Strikes Back!

2008-04-23T11:11:00.003-04:00

A few years back I bought this compilation. I knew a few bands, and these tracks were exclusive at the time (1992). There is some pretty good music here, but unfortunately I have better expectations of some of the bands based on the songs included here.

I have managed to find decent full CD's by Annabelle's Garden, and of course Calling Dead Red Roses and Cancer Barrack, though a Fortification 55 disc was a huge disappointment. But overall this is a realy good collection, with decent tracks by nearly all the artists, despite changes in sound over the following years.

I would like to hear more Serpents, Ty:Run and 1.SBH.

Der 040 Sampler - Hamburg Strikes Back!

Tracklist:

1. Project Pitchfork - Inside (4:09)
2. Annabelle's Garden - A Path Towards (6:37)
3. Cancer Barrack - Suicide Kills (4:25)
4. Emotional Outburst - Die Nacht (5:22)
5. Serpents - Das Zweite Leben (4:53)
6. Dark Orange - A Room In My Head (4:55)
7. Ty:Run - Dare (5:32)
8. Paralysed Age - Crucify My Love (4:18)
9. Calling Dead Red Roses - Creeping Death (4:31)
10. Fortification 55 - Hopes And Dreams (4:52)
11. Cyber - Kill (7:03)
12. Aurora - Crusaders (5:55)
13. 1.SBH - Pluto Rider (2:20)
14. Girls Under Glass - Reach For The Stars (4:46)
15. Hamman/Harms - Belsazar (3:35)

2008-04-17T12:08:00.004-04:00

I have replaced many requested dead file shares. Unfortunately I am without internet access most of the time due to a defective router, and my PC does not rip tapes and vinyl like it used to. I am posting some MP3 files traded over the years that I think are sadly overlooked. Look for them periodically in the coming weeks.

On the news front, look for 13th Chime's record very soon. One CD (20 songs) or two LPs with 10 tracks on each. Because of this release, I have not re-posted the links to their demos. For details about the release, watch Sacred Bones

Benediction have a CD coming out soon as well. Mid 80's Goth/Post-Punk which does not pay homage to The Sisters of Mercy. I quite like them, and was pushing for a reissue a couple of years back when I located them online.

Shadow Dance

2008-04-11T12:41:00.007-04:00

Previously I posted the second album by German Goth act Eyes of the Nightmare Jungle. This is their first release from 1992. It features Wayne Hussey, and is reasonably decent. I would like to finish off this band with their singles, but have no luck getting them. Well, you can get this at least. (uploaded anew 4-5-09) It features the album and 12" versions of their best known track, Shadow Dance.

Band:

Russell Webster - Vocals

Guthrie Handley - Vocals, Keyboards

Colin Richardson - Drums, Percussion

Peter Gilsenan - Guitars, Bass
Wayne Hussey - Guitars

Tracklist:
1. Fate (Introduction)

2. Shadow Dance

3. Horse

4. Where Was

5. Puppets

6. Jade

7. Faith Healer

8. Shadow Dance (12 Version)

9. Fate (Ten Bells)

RIP, Vampira

2008-03-16T01:13:00.006-04:00

In 1987 the legendary horror hostess Vampira (Maila Nurmi) lent her musings and vocals to this 7" record by Satan's Cheerleaders. The Cramps comparisons are obvious, but the record is great fun. I was saddened at Maila Nurmi's passing earlier this year, and planned to share both the 45's she did sooner than now as tribute to her spirit and perseverence. The other 45, Genocide Utopia, will follow shortly. (link replaced - mediafire 1-3-09)

Folded photocopy sleeve features one of Vampira's own self portrait drawings. She has also signed this copy. A friend used to see her often, and gave me this single about 15 years ago. He does not recall if he brought this to her to sign, or if all copies were signed. This one is on golden yellow vinyl.

Tracklist:

A: I'm Damned

B: Tribute to Elvis

Walking Through The Forest

2008-03-14T23:13:00.007-04:00

German Goth act Calling Dead Red Roses first came to my ears via a great sampler, 040 Hamburg Strikes Back. They are creepy and for its time not cliche's like so many Goth bands. Six years after the band was dissolved they released an album, 1985, and have at least one demo from 1984 or 1985. You can grab one attributed to 1984 here. I am very interested in that second demo, if it exists. (link fixed 5-09)

CDRR members later formed Cancer Barrack and Girls Under Glass.

Tracklist:
1. Forest
2. Creeping Death
3. Irresistable Way
4. Fun Fair
5. Calling Dead Red Roses
6. Love & Misery
7. One Way Ticket
8. Cut

All This And Still No More

2008-03-12T20:06:00.002-04:00

One of the cornerstones of the Batcave scene in London was Sexbeat. Formed by Hamish, DJ at the club, Sexbeat really only released one single. Their signature tune, Sexbeat, appears on the Young Limbs & Numb Hymns LP--a compilation of acts that played the venue in its early days.
Included here are the studio recordings and 4 rare live songs by the band.
My single of Pump/Sweat has an extended mix of Pump. Maxx compiled the live tracks and an edited version of Pump from the 7" single.

Hamish: Guitar + Vocals
Sophie Chery: Bass
Linzi: Drums

Tracklists:

VA- Young Limbs & Numb Hymns (LP)(London Records CAVE1 1983)
*Sexbeat
Pump 12" (ABCS 002T - ABC Records, 1984)
*Pump (extended version)
*Sweat

Pump 7" (ABCS 002 - ABC Records, 1984)
*Pump (edit)

Live Hammersmith Palais, 1984:
*Dogs Made Love

Live Lyceum 1983:

*Sweat

*Death

*Here It Comes Again

But What If You Never Counted To Seven?

2008-03-08T20:43:00.011-05:00

Previously I posted the 1985 LP by Swiss Wave act The Vyllies; Lillith. Here is their 1987 CD, Sacred Games. I would love to see all their music reissued. (link fixed May 2009)

Ursula Nun:Keyboards

Ilona Prism:Bass and Vocals

Manu Moan:Vocals and Percussion

1. Now We Fall
2. Playing In The Sand
3. Silver Promises
4. The Amazon Archer
5. The Souls With Doors
6. Marys Room
7. Can You Hear The Witches Laugh?
8. Is It?
9. Spiral House
10. Whispers In The Shadow
11. Seventh Heaven
12. Bad Trip
13. The Food Prayer
14. Beautiful Diseases
15. Ahia

You Can't Whitewash Evil Reality

2008-03-08T11:11:00.008-05:00

Looking back on the early 1990's, when one wanted new bands in the Gothic style, an explosion of cheesy new bands laid waste to what Goth had been... I won't get into it here but suffice to say; where it may have been headed then and the state of Goth today are so far off track. Viva la Deathrock Revolution!

Nosferatu is a band that has had many changes in members and sound. I was never too fond of their metal sound, but then I found these two early demos with a female vocalist which sound quite different.

Vlad Janicek and Sapphire Aurora were formerly in The Dreaming. Guitarist Damien DeVille hails from Sister Midnight. Together they recorded six songs that I feel are worth posting. These tapes were shopped around to labels, and eventually the band would be signed. However, by March 1990 Sapphire left the group... Nosferatu has had a male vocalist on all their official releases since.

Cactus Mouth Informer provided a photo of this early line-up.

Nosferatu Demo - January 1989:
1. Bloodlust
2. Merlin
3. Pathway Of Flowers

Nosferatu Demo - January 1990:
1. Emma Louise
2. Evil
3. False Gods

A Lifetime Time Forgot

2008-03-06T21:43:00.010-05:00

A refreshingly diverse Goth/Dark Wave electronic rock band from Eastern Pennsylvania, USA, National Razor, were on Silent Scream Records. They released 4 tracks on sampler CDs, Stem of Thorns, Shiver, a live gig, and a limited dark opera titled "Hirko." I am not always pleased with Joy Division covers, but they do Exercize 1 justice. (Share links fixed 5-2009)

Burton Stehly:Lyrics and Vocals
Phil Cirocco:Guitars, Keys and Electronic instruments
Gary Evans:Bass guitars, conspiracy theories

Stehly and Cirocco are now "The Immolators."

Stem Of Thorns CD (1993)
1. Stem Of Thorns

2. Work For Food

3. Ripped Off

4. Soul Mate

5. Desensitized

6. Dirty Water

7. Exercize 1
8. Joey's Party

9. The Grind
10. Downtrodden
11. Moment Of Truth

12. Passion Play

Shiver CD (1994)
1. No Place Ago (6:12)
2. Back-Stabber's Reunion (5:09)
3. The Virus (6:02)
4. House On Fire (4:06)
5. Bosko And Admira (5:08)
6. Cold Fall (5:02)
7. Potters Field

8. Unsuspecting

9. Good Friday
10. Sabine
11. Room 214 Farewell

Sinner Comes To Bits

2008-03-04T19:32:00.007-05:00

French Goth act Brotherhood Of Pagans are somewhat legendary from a couple of compilation appearances and an elusive CD release titled Tales of Vampires (1995). WIth a decent sound and less pretentious attitude, they have remained a favourite of mine. This demo is for Loren, who requested it ages ago. The quality is OK enough, but sounds a little muddy next to the CD tracks. This is what I consider a proper demo--a tape made to sell the band to a label--as opposed to the professional tapes many bands sold to fans.

Several of these songs appear on the CD in different versions. I am unsure of the date, but would say 1993 or 1994 is likely. Get it here. (reposted link 4-5-09)

Brotherhood of Pagans Demos:
1. Warshow

2. Halloween

3. Flower Of Oblivion

4. All Over The World

5. Dead Can Dance

6. Don't Fall

7. Rooms

8. Goddamn My Soul

9. Sinner Comes To Bits

I also added two tracks from recent compilations:

All Over the World

Only Once

Short Circuit - Live at the Electric Circus

2008-03-02T13:07:00.007-05:00

Around 1986 I was lucky to find this 10" record. It must be over 15 years since I have found it once again reissued on CD. I am rather surprised mention of this record is not stronger, or that the complete Warsaw performance has not surfaced. I think very little need be said about this record. A fine early sampling of Manchester's music scene after an important performance by the Sex Pistols.

Though Joy Division is credited for "At A Later Date," at the time they were still Warsaw. WHen I can get to it, I hope to rip my original Anonymous 12" of Warsaw's "An Ideal for Living."

1. The Fall - Stepping Out
2. John Cooper Clark - Daily Express
3. Joy Divison - At A Later Date
4. The Drones - Persecution Complex
5. Steel Pulse - Makka Splaff
6. John Cooper Clark - I Married A Monster From Outer Space
7. The Fall - Last Orders
8. The Buzzcocks - Time's Up

Love In A Dying World

2008-02-29T18:45:00.007-05:00

As if this does not happen often enough, this post is for Curious Guy. Cactus Mouth Informer posted one seven inch previously, however I am including all three here for convenience. These files come from Greg Fasolino, guitarist for Bell Hollow. Some images were culled from the web and Cactus Mouth Informer. Beast, for the uninitiated, features Bryan Gregory, ex-Cramps. Singer Andrella would also front The Veil and The Dials. (link fixed 9-9-09)

Bryan Gregory-guitar
Andrella Christopher-vocals
Greg Langston-Drums
James Christ-Bass
Walraven-Keys and Sax
Brian Macleod drums on Wolfbane Night/Posessed

Also check out the demo by The Dials which I posted a few months back.

Tracks:
Possessed/Wolfbane Night (Amdusias Records 1982 BD214)
Love In A Dying World/Floating/Dead (Amdusias Records 1983 BD127)
New Moone/Guardian (I.D. Records 1983 eye T3)

Voices of Silence

2008-02-28T12:18:00.016-05:00

Giovanni requested some Stimmen der Stille. A dark German Post-Punk band which has a nice early Goth sound. Their name means "Voices of Silence." While the band seems to have survived at least 3-4 years, I can find very little information about them. One source compares them to Xmal Deutschland, which I find unjust.

These files compile the band's 1985 and 1986 Demos, and a 12" single. Their Morgenstern LP is available separately here. I believe this was the extent of the band's releases. If anyone has more information on other releases please enlighten me. Meanwhile, enjoy these tracks, which were uploaded once again March 2009!

Vocals: Daniela Siemon
Guitar: Thomas Stelkens
Drums: Martin Gasper
Bass: Pamela Alnoch

Tracklists:
Demo (1985)
1. Kämpfen
2. Nur ein Traum
3. Tod (wo ist dein stachel)
4. Warten (ich werde nicht ewig)
5. Lasset uns Beten

Demo (1986)
1. Nur ein Traum
2. Tod
3. Ewig Verraten
4. Niemals

Morgenstern (1987)

1. Intro

2. Kämpfen

3. Fegefeuer

4. Eine Stunde

5. Morgenstern

6. Unterwelt

7. Sahara

8. Not Red

9. Todeslied

Kristallkugal single (1988)
1. Ich habe Mich Verliebt
2. Kristallkugel
3. Letzte Tränen

You've Never Really Danced Before 'Til You Swing On The Killing Floor

2008-02-21T17:10:00.009-05:00

In my mind there are three somewhat similar American Post-Punk bands who I may mention in quick seccession when chattering about music. Maybe it is because they are all named with G's: Glorious Din, Gargoyle Sox, and Grinning Plowman. Grinning Plowman are from Nashville, Tennessee. Their debut Days of Deformity came out in 1988 on Carlyle Records. I love this release. You can grab it here.

Tracklist:
1 Inquisitions
2 Land In My Head
3 Cripple
4 Splashing The Red
5 Shake It Off
6 Killing Floor
7 Dignity

I Think I Am Losing Control

2008-02-14T17:13:00.007-05:00

I'm Dead are a Goth-tinged Punk band from the UK. They released a 2-track 7" in 1983. Second Identity/The Sentence, posted by Curious Guy. This demo and some extra tracks was acquired years ago in a trade. All I have is this eleven song tape, with no details about the band's alleged six song demo. If anyone has more details on the tape, a cover, track list, I'll be pleased to make some corrections to this post.
As CG mentions, "Page After Page" appears on a split flexi with Epidemic. There's also a song called "Dreaming In The House Of Shadows" from a compilation tape. You can get all these files here.

1982 demo tape:
01. Whispers
02. After Life
03. Night Victims
04. Quarenteened Asylum
05. Obstructed Aim
06. Page After Page
07. Before the Pause
08. Third Day
09. Orphans of the Sky
10. Memories Gone
11. Here and There

bonus: Dreaming In The House Of Shadows