Felt - Primitive Painters

A few words about English indie rock act Felt, which has got a quite unusual background and history. This band ( active in years 1979 – 1989 ) was founded and led from its start to its end by guy named simply Lawrence. A classic line-up which was responsible for their the most successful album „Ignite The Seven Cannons and Set Sail For The Sun” ( 1985, Cherry Red BRED 65) and single „Primitive Painters” (1985, Cherry Red - 12 Cherry 89) consisted of Lawrence (vocals, guitars), Maurice Deebank (guitars), Martin Duffy (keyboards), Marco Thomas (bass) and Gary Ainge (drums). Especially the single „Primitive Painters” produced by Robin Guthrie and featured Elizabeth Frazer ( both of Cocteau Twins) has achieved quite a big success reaching in September’1985 the top spot on The UK Indie Chart and staying there for two weeks. Lawrence disbanded Felt in 1989 announcing that his intention was to release ten singles and ten albums in ten years so when he’s done that it’s time to make an end to this act.

Sad Lovers & Giants - Things We Never Did

Last week I’ve read that classic new-wave Watford based band Sad Lovers & Giants are working on new material for planning soon-to-release album. This information focused my mind on that band recorded several musically interesting albums during their career which was however periodically broken up and reformed. Their last album „Melting In The Fullness Of Time” (Voight-Kampff Records VKR 002CD ) was released in 2002, their last single „Himalaya/Happiness Is Fragile” (Voight-Kampff Records VKR004 ) is coming from 2010 and since then the band only occasionally play gigs both in England and continental Europe. Their sound merged new-wave rhythms, nostalgic psychedelia and melancholic electronica so even they once were described as „pastoral Pink Floyd”. A classic example of their early productions is song „Things We Never Did” originally B-side of 7”single „Colourless Dream” (Last Movement, LM005) from 1981. Today’s band line-up consists of Garce Allard (vocals), Tony McGuinness (guitars), Ian Gibson (bass), Nigel Pollard (drums) and Will Hicks (keyboards).     

 

Principe Valiente - The Night

Principe Valiente sounds strange and unusual name for the post-punk band based in Stockholm, Sweden. This band was formed in 2005 and consists of Fernando Honorato (vocals, bass), Jimmy Ottosson (guitars), Rebecka Johansson (keyboards), Joakim Janthe (drums). In 2007 they released their eponymous EP that got played on the radio and by many DJs around Europe. In 2010, that was followed by single "The Night" which achieved minor success on German music video charts and their first debut self-titled album "Principe Valiente" (afmusic, afm 147). Next their two years were filled with extensive and successful tours throughout Europe playing with such icons like Peter Hook (New Order) and Peter Murphy (Bauhaus). Their follow-up album "Choirs of Blessed Youth" (afmusic, AFM-CD070) was released in June 2014 and immediately gathered enthusiastic reviews in music press. Futhermore this album has become true gem amongst fans of post-punk or shoegaze music.   

Simon Dupree & The Big Sound - Kites

One can say that Simon Dupree & The Big Sound was a one hit wonder but their only hit "Kites" managed to achieve real cult status as the psychedelic rock anthem. This song was released as a single in 1967 and reached Number 8 on UK Singles Chart.  

John Costello - Egypt

 

John Costello is an English composer and musision creating electronic music since the 80s. I have just listened to his song "Egypt" which is actually a cover of the one track from Tuxedomoon epic album "Holy Wars". John Costello's cover is coming from compilation album "Adaptations From The Moon - Tuxedomooning The World" released by tuxedomooning.com in 2007. His version has got really magical touch. Worth to listen frequently.

Duran Duran - Nigh Boat

Duran Duran. New Romantic in the purest form. But before they became pop music worldwide stars they recorded quite unusual song titled "Night Boat". This track is coming from their first studio album "Duran Duran" ( EMI - EMC 3372 ) which was released in 1981. It's a true gem, so sophisticated that it can be described as a classic new wave anthem.

The Danse Society - Scarey Tales

The Danse Society was one of the earliest gothic rock bands in UK. They achieved quite a cult status among many fans but they part their ways after recording only three full-length albums "Seduction" ( Society Records, SOC 882 ), "Heaven Is Waiting" ( Arista, 205 972 ), "Looking Through" ( Society Records, SOC 886 ). Almost fifteen years' hiatus was ended in 2010 when the most of the band's original line-up got together ( Paul Nash, guitars; Paul Gilmartin, drums ) and shame, but without their charismatic vocalist Steven Rawlings. Since then the reformed band released two more albums "Change Of Skin" ( Society Records 711 ) and "Scarey Tales" ( Society Records 213 ). Currently the band is working on a new album with yet another line-up : Paul Nash ( guitars ), David Whitaker ( keyboards ), Maethelyiah ( vocals ), Lee Jones ( drums ), Iain Hunter ( bass ).