Something Pretty Beautiful - Freefall EP

Superb single from one of Creation's early protege Something Pretty Beautiful. From then on you already know where Alan McGees enterprise was heading towards to. Released in 1988, its straight up shoegaze rock-n-roll stripped down to its bare essentials. Just to give you an idea, its kinda listening to Ride in its Tarantula days where they have matured musically and artistically. Handed by my goth connoisseur friend The Flood, truly is one man's crap is another man's treasure. So brace yourself and experience the freefall of the lifetime!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Big Red Bus - All I Need EP

Jingly jangly pop song from UK's jangle pop band Big Red Bus. While majority would commend for Cathedral Walls because of the song's inclusion in The Sound Of Leamington Spa Volume 1, I find the song All I Need quite interesting and deserves to be heard. In the tradition of The Bodines and The Mighty Lemon Drops, experience what this band has to offer for it surely won't disappoint.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Sportique - Don't Believe A Word I Say 7" [Matinée 017]

A collaboration of some of C86's legendary pop stars Gregory Webster (Razorcuts, the Carousel, Saturn V), Rob Pursey (Marine Research, Heavenly), Mark Flunder (TV Personalities, McTells), and Amelia Fletcher (Marine Research, Heavenly, Talulah Gosh), with this line-up alone how could you doubt the music of Sportique? From the label who brought you The Lucksmiths,The Windmills, Northern Portraits, Brighter and The Siddeleys, this is another Matinee's cream of the crop.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Two Minds Crack - Victory Parade LP

This is not your typical USA pressed LP of Victory Parade, a renowned first and probably only LP from these 80s powerpop trio. It's a Germany-pressed LP you don't find too often at record stores. This has far more superior quality a record collector would know and agree for sure. Upside Down, is a power ballad covered by several artist in my homeland the Philippines, is the highlight of the album. Such a pity it was never released as a single. It could have been their breakthrough, it could have changed the course of their career and could have led to their destiny to be perceived worldwide.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

B-Movie - Remembrance Day 12"

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B-Movie - A Letter From Afar 12"

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B-Movie - Switch On Switch Off 12"

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B-Movie - Nowhere Girl 12"

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B-Movie - Polar Opposites 12"

Not so popular song by Some Bizarre's phenomenal band, B-Movie. With the perfect fusion of guitar and synthesizer, not too many bands in the post-punk era can predominate such skills with the exception of course of B-Movie. Steve Hovington's deep, reverberating voice who can be easily mistaken to Dave Gahan's of Depeche Mode, has what it takes to facade this exceptional band.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Cola Boy - 7 Ways To Love 12"

Awesome track from Saint Etienne's alter ego, Cola Boy. This song were huge in UK during the early nineties. As a rule of thumb if they were never big in USA, they are not considered mainstream in my book and they can be part of my blog! It would have been a hit though, its catchy, energetic and has the acid house feel to it. This song would have ruled the american night clubs. If Republica and The Other Two have fascinated you, this is a guaranteed hit in your mp3 collection!

Link removed per rights owner request.

The Penelopes - It's Not You 7"

Released by indiepop favorite Elefant Records, 3 magnificent Sarah-inspired pop songs are ready to blow you away. This is not your usual English, Swedish or Australian indiepop band, these guys are from the land of the rising sun, Japan. I got my first mp3 samples from my good friend Cino and the first time I've heard of their songs I said to myself I got to have a tangible copy of this. So please do check out this one and savor what east has to offer!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Olympic Smiles - Something's Pushing Me 12"

According to urban legend the only way you can get a hold of Olympic Smiles' media is through buying the long discontinued Debut LP Magazine Issue number 05. Debut was an eighties pop music fan mag that includes a flexi disk of upcoming promising artists. Some of those artists were lucky enough to get a record deal while some remained unknown which made the free flexi their first and last exposure. I've been scouring their single Something's Pushing Me all over the internet hoping to get a copy of it from some private collector but to no avail. I was to the point of giving up until one day the mystery finally unveiled, there was indeed a release aside from Debut and its from Slipped Discs pressed in UK. Luckily I got my copy of it! The B-side Brand New Melody is equally impressive.

I've also been looking in the internet for images of the band or any of their releases but nothing comes up so its safe to say they don't exist at all. I've scanned the front and back of both the sleeve and the record for fans of the band to ponder. When all is said and done I now bring you Olympic Smiles!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Echo And The Bunnymen - The Game 12"

The melodic Bunnymen!

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Echo And The Bunnymen - Never Stop [Discotheque] 12"

Dance to the bunny beat!

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Echo And The Bunnymen - The Cutter 12"

A more up tempo Bunnymen!

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Echo And The Bunnymen - Bring On The Dancing Horses [Extended Mix] 12"

Third to the series, a fine piece of work from the 1985 compilation album Songs To Learn And Sing. Enjoy!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Echo And The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon [All Night Version] 12"

As a follow up to the series I bring you this enigmatic song. Its darker, more mysterious side of the Bunnymen. This will surely put you to upcoming halloween mood.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Echo And The Bunnymen - Lips Like Sugar [12 Inch Mix] 12"

Undeniably one of the best and most influencial band in the so called New Wave era. Echo and the Bunnymen has been and will always be my one of all-time favorite new wave artists. The charisma of Ian McCulloch merged with the innovative guitar of Will Sergeant, such a perfect combination. For me they are the biggest thing in Liverpool since the Beatles. Though Ian tried his luck by going solo and forming the equally brilliant but unsucessful Electrafixion with Will, still nothing can compare nor replace the Echo and the Bunnymen.

I will be doing a series of EATB post here and to start off I bring you Lips Like Sugar. This song means a lot to me. I used to play this a lot at parties when I was starting as a DJ because of its breakbeat's simplicity.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Adventures - Two Rivers 12"

If you are in search of a classic 80s pop song, look no further. The Adventures' Two River is for music fans who are into catchy, almost predictable, typical verse-chorus-verse, a bit mainstream but not quite kind of music. This song never became popular which is good enough reason to be part of my blog.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Camouflage - That Smiling Face 12"

One of my all-time favorite German synth-band, Camouflage had been making hit after hit (atleast in my own standard) of songs throughout their career and this was no exception! When you think of Camouflage you think of the one hit wonder who have put The Great Commandment on top of the chart, but there's more to them than meets the eye (or should I say ears?). Though that song was their foundation of success, the band's effort can be much summarized through this song. A perfect blend of fine rhythm and melody, its for sure to capture the heart of every electronic music enthusiast. Remixed by one of the most accomplished remixer of the 80s, Justin Strauss, who was notable for remixing songs of Marc Almond, Information Society, Basia and others too many to mention, had done a remarkable job on this twelve incher!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Aberdeen - Sink Or Float 7"

East River Pipe and Aberdeen were two of the Sarah Records artist I could think of off the top of my head who were from USA. They've been under the label's shadow and eventually made a breakthrough with the release of this phenomenal single. The band have proven their worth once again with or without the legendary label tagged along their name.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Corn Dollies - Map Of The World EP

Delivered as promised, this second single although not exceedingly good as the first, still meets your expectation of the band and still worth your time and ears. The songs from this single are ready to fill-up your never ending appetite for good jangle pop music!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Corn Dollies - Be Small Again EP

This is slowly becoming one of my favorite jangle pop band, The Corn Dollies were destined to provide us melodic guitar pop tunes in the late eighties and early nineties. Hailed from the great city of London, these quintet have produced several singles during their residence with Medium Cool and later on with Midnight Music, label notable for post-punk band lineups. Personally, their creativity were exhibited in Medium Cool as three of my favorite singles were released on that label. Have a taste of their first single and as you crave for more, more songs will follow. Just keep your browser tuned in to this website!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Groove Farm/ Esmeralda's Kite 7" Split FLEXI

I just love the guitar works of Vampire Girl which made me pick Esmeralda's Kite as the favorite among the two.

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Strawberry Story - Midsummer Daydream 7" FLEXI

One of the best flexis in my collection, the Midsummer Daydream is my recommended cut! Ironically, that song has strong resemblance to Strawberry Switchblade. Coincidence? I don't think so. The other split, Buttercups & Daisies has the punk energy of The Flatmates, not as good as the first but worth enough to be part of this flexi!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Love Parade - Under The Weather 7" FLEXI

Definitely, The Love Parade belong to the league of The Smiths-like bands such as Brilliant Corners and The Hardy Boys. Don't get me wrong though, TLP was not another The Smiths prototype band, they had their own personality. Although they possessed the jangly-guitar trademark and ala-Morrissey vocal of the Smiths, their unique melodies made them separate from the former.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Field Mice - Missing The Moon 12"

The last of my Sarah Records series, at least for now. Not the usual Field Mice yet one of their best songs ever, Missing The Moon has the perfect blend of male and female vocal with a touch of electronic music. This song reminds me of Club 8 and Saint Etienne. In my theory, the single would have had a remixed version only if they were released under the big budgeted major label. Nonetheless, the song is a top-notch!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Sweetest Ache - If I Could Shine 7"

No doubt The Sweetest Ache were one of the very best in Sarah Records' roster and they've proven it in my earlier posting, the Jaguar LP. These dreampop artists had what it takes to deliver the perfect dreampop tunes.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Sugargliders - Ahprahran 7"

3 great pop songs from The Sugargliders. Their songs remind me of The Kensingtons, another obscure indie pop band from England.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Tramway - Maritime City 7" [SARAH 43]

One of the essential releases in the Sarah Records' catalogue, Tramway has created their chef d'oeuvre on this seven incher. Listening to this 3 wonderful songs will make you appreciate the guitar pop like never before.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Gentle Despite - Torment To Me 7" [SARAH 45]

Again, not much info about the band in the internet just like many other indiepop bands that existed and faded away imperceptibly without being noticed. The title track, Torment To Me has been heavily influenced by the fast, distortedly-driven shoegaze guitar of early 90s while the rest are mellow yet captivating.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Even As We Speak - One Step Forward 7" [SARAH 49]

After a week-long hiatus, I'm back again in style! To make up for my posting absence, I'm declaring this week the Sarah Records Week!!! I will post nothing but Sarah Records releases, my one of the all time favorite record label! As a debut I present to you Even As We Speak, an indie pop band from down under, Australia. Fronted by male and female vocals, EAWS sounds much like The Wake. These three beautiful songs were released under SARAH 49.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Wedding Present - Nobody's Twisting Your Arms EP

Picture this, the angst-driven vocal of Mark Smith of The Fall backed by the raspiness of Gang Of Four, that's how the songs of The Wedding Presents sound to me. These guys have been around for two decades now but were able to remain leveled. I remember seeing them played in Hollywood some years back with bunch of my indie friends and they were jaw-dropping live (I even got an autograph from David Gedge!). With their countless singles released almost every year, this is one of the songs I truly recommend. Endulge!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Fat Tulips - Four Songs For Simon 7"

Four fantastic songs, not just for Simon, but for all of you! Jangly pop tunes from song one to four, Fat Tulips had captured the twee essence of The Softies and the melodic artistry of The Sea Urchins. This 7" will fit perfectly on your tweepop collection!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Frazier Chorus - Dream Kitchen [Extended Mix] 12"

Frazier Chorus - Cloud 8 [Future Mix] 12"

Frazier Chorus - Nothing [Raid Mix] 12"

Indie pop turned indie dance, Frazier Chorus were one of the 80s bands who have transformed in the late nineties to follow the indie dance scene initiated by the Mancunians. Their metamorphosis was a blessing in disguise as they've gained more acceptance and have continuously entered the UK charts all throughout. Paul Oakenfold, a renowned DJ around the globe, got involved on their late-eighties/early-nineties singles as he did most of their remixes.

I'll be changing the blog format a little bit and post songs from same band as individual postings so it will be more organized and more user-friendly for you all!

The Lover Speaks - Every Lover's Sign [New Extended Mix] 12"

This was one of the many New Wave bands that can be easily mistaken as Gothic because of their uncanny album covers and their near-Goth outfits, not to mention the deep and dark vocals (The Church, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Bolshoi and Flesh For Lulu were the few others). The Lover Speaks were very much New Wave or the connotative Post-Punk because of their approach. They were in fact used to open for Eurythmics. Annie Lennox's landmark song as solo No More I Love You's was originally by this group and was extracted from the same self-titled album. If you want to know more about this band, this song is the right way to start!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Nautical William - Love House EP

This is the 2nd part of my Nautical William post, I've let you savored their first single for good 2 weeks before posting this 2nd single of theirs. Its a 2 song EP, both quite substantial. Love House is more on the jangly side, very catchy, a perfect pop song for jangle pop enthusiast. The song was actually in the Sound Of Leamington Spa Volume 4 (for indiepop completist I urge you to collect all SOLS releases, It's being distributed by Firestation Records if I'm not mistaken).

The flipside is something the Charlatans UK would write in their early career. The groove is very Madchester, the acid house beat, the organ, the wah-wah guitars, can't believe these guys were from Bristol!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Fun Boy Three - The More I See [Part 1 & 2] 12"

Terry Hall, the frontman and songwriter of The Specials, The Colourfield and this band, Fun Boy Three, not to mention his countless collaboration with fellow artists such as Bananarama, Lightning Seeds, Gorillaz etc, has made essential contributions in the 80s music. Considering those former bands were from different genres, that just showed how talented and diverse he was as a music writer. As Fun Boy Three, the rendition of Go-Go's Our Lips Are Sealed (or was it Go-Go's who covered the song?) was their chartbuster but personally I'd choose this song any day. On this particular song you could still feel the Special's ska vibe and the creepiness of the song Ghost Town to it.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Moscow Olympics - The Farthest City 7"

Hailed from the southeast Asia's wonder, the Philippines, home of some of the finest twee/indiepop artists that existed, Soft Pillow Kisses, Apple Orchard, Colour Contest, The Fantasy Lights, Skies Of Ember, Superminty, Dorians Of Juniper Bells, She Came To Stay and Muriel, Moscow Olympics have been making scene in the indie underground world for quite some time. This split 7" (The Morning Paper's Always Real being the other half), released by Lost Music, is the follow-up on their debut 7" Still. Although the style is completely different from the first, they have kept the good quality and image of the band as expected. Its atmospheric, its dreamy, its Chapterhouse meets Slowdive!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Nautical William - Love EP

Its been a while since I last posted, hmmm days maybe. For me that's really a while considering I got used to posting almost everyday. As much as I wanted to post more often I've been very busy with cooking and bathroom renovating. Maybe I should put a blog of our home renovation in the near future, not a bad idea.

Anyway here's a treat for Madchester lovers out there. Not really sure how big they were in England but in USA they were never heard at all. I don't remember Nautical William being played in any radio stations in the early nineties. Disciples of Happy Mondays, they possessed the similar baggy beat and rhythm, the piano accompaniment and the swaggering vocals ala Shaun Ryder. Their music also has the soulful ambiance of Primal Scream. If you feel the beat of Soul Family Sensation, Airstream and 35 Summers don't let these bad boys pass on!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Ultra Vivid Scene - Special One EP

Ultra Vivid Scene is hard to categorize, which what most bands wanted their bands to be. One good reason could be because UVS didn't jump in the early 90s Shoegaze/Madchester bandwagon. 4AD were known for their bands individuality. Take the music of another 4AD band the Pixies as an example. Their music was way far ahead of their era, some people weren't ready for it at that time and some may have never dugged it at all but who cares? As long as they make sense for people who truly understand the art they're trying to project, so be it. Well you be the judge and be the first hand experience of what I'm talking about!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Sad Lovers And Giants - Seven Kinds Of Sin EP

The label Midnight Music had been one of the primal force of post-punk music scene in the early eighties. The Essence, Snake Corps and of course Sad Lovers And Giants come to mind when we talk about the legendary label. I strongly suggest you go to your local CD store and get the SLG's E-Mail From Eternity, a compilation of their best works throughout their entire career. Every song on that album is a masterpiece and Seven Kinds Of Sin is no exception! I just valued vinyl over any other media that I got to have this in a not so high-tech format. Thanks to my good friend Cino for sparing me a copy, he had helped me discover lots of great new old bands. For rarities and obscurities please check out his blog at http://cino-pacino.blogspot.com.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Weather Prophets - Why Does The Rain EP

As most indie fans would already know, The Weather Prophets were formed from the remains of The Loft, one of the early bands of Creation Records.This single was taken from their album Temperance Hotel, released by Elevation in 1987, where their music had mellowed a little bit. It still possessed the same elements of The Loft we grew to love, only Peter Astor had reached his song writing skills to a higher degree. For the fans of guitar pop and neo-acoustics check this out!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

School Of Fish - 3 Strange Days [Cramshaft Mix] 12"

One of my all time favorite guitar riff, no doubt! Emerged in the early nineties, this was one of the few American band that captured my attention. In their time where college radios were widely dominated by Madchester/Shoegaze scene, School Of Fish's music was so unique they had established a league of their own. This 12" is a US-only released which contains the Cramshaft Mix of 3 Strange Days. Very limited, who would have thought I would still be able to get a copy of my own after so many years!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

18 Wheeler - Nature Girl EP

If you're in a mood for melodic pop tunes in the tradition of Teenage Fanclub, here's a song for you. Very simple yet melodic, its conventional acoustic guitar at its best! I have read in Wikipedia that Oasis once opened for them, that was actually the time when Allan McGee discovered the band and have them signed for Creation Records. That just showed how music careers can revolve like a wheel, one day you can be on the very bottom, the next day you can be on the very top.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]