Rave and Roll Blog

80’s (and sometimes 90’s and 00’s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Rob Stuart

missparker0106 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:39:07 +0000

Yes, that’s Rob with a “b,” Stuart with a “u.” Let’s get that straight before we embark on a journey that spans three decades and blows the lid off of the electro/synth/industrial music powder keg.

Not long ago, I featured an article on the Toronto-based band Slave To The SQUAREwave, followed by a review of their latest smashing release, The Money Shot. I also ran a Criminally Underrated piece on another Canadian 80’s band I felt had not received their well-deserved share of the spotlight called Vis-à-Vis. At the time, I had no earthly clue that there was a vital connection between these two amazingly talented bands. That connection is Rob Stuart.

Rob forwarded me a list of his musical stats and an audio collection of his music from the past nearly 30 years. After listening to the music throughout much of this week while toiling away at work, I have two words to describe what I heard – “blown away.” Let me put it this way: If you are as big a fan of synthesizer-fueled music as I am, there is no better aural pleasure than I have been treated to this past week. Rob Stuart is a master at what he does, whether it is writing, performing, or collaborating on music. I had thought my synthesizer idol Gary Numan had provided me with all the electronic music I needed to keep me happy the rest of my days. I could not have been more wrong. In fact, there was a cover version of Numan’s Films included with Rob’s audio collection that is every bit as good, if not better than, the original.

Rob began his serious foray into electronica in 1980 as part of a band called The Plastic Omniums. The band’s line-up looked like this: Rob Stuart (string machine, vocals), Joseph Podlovics, (synthesizer [Roland SH-09], CompuRhythm), John Parry, (synthesizer [Arp Odyssey Model 2800]), and Clifford Podlovics (Teac reel-to-reel tape deck, effects). The band enjoyed a couple of live performances and some unreleased studio recordings before calling it quits.

Next, Rob was a part of Vis-à-Vis from 1982-1984. At that time, the band’s line-up included Rob Stuart (synthesizers, bass guitar), Rude Van Steenes (Vocals), and Kurt LaPorte (guitar, vocals). The band produced many unreleased studio recordings and had several live performances. Vis-à-Vis went on to re-form minus Rob, and ended up releasing two LPs in 1986-87.

Ear Candy was the next musical project up. It consisted of Rob Stuart (synthesizers, production), Eric Kofler (synthesizers, programming, engineering), Andrew McNeil (synthesizers), and Bruce Bentley (guitars, vocals). Strictly a studio band, they enjoyed one EP release titled Self Defence (1986). Eric Kopfler and Andrew McNeil were replaced with Tom Bentley (drums) and James (vocals) for the remainder of Ear Candy’s lifetime, 1987-88. A double-sided 45 rpm vinyl record, “Don’t Let My Heart Slip Away/Don’t Push Me,” was released.

Rob was involved in a simultaneous project while with Ear Candy. Described as “improvisational ambient,” the group was named Silent Green and produced a 60-minute cassette entitled Euphoria. For more information, check them out on MySpace.

Besides Slave To The SQUAREwave, Rob’s most longstanding and ambitious project to date is a group known as Electronic Dream Factory (E.D.F.). Started in 1986, E.D.F. is still going strong today. Using the information provided, here is a breakdown of E.D.F. personnel over the years:

Rob Stuart – Synthesizers, Programming, Production, Vocals
Greg Fraser – Synthesizers, Sequencing, Engineering (1989 to 1991)
Rob Tenant – Drums (Live band 1991 to 1993)
Max – Guitar (Live Band 1991 to 1993)
Emerich Donath – Bass Guitar (Live Band 1991 to 1992)
Rudi Van Steenes – Guest Vocal, Simmons SDS-V Percussion (Live Band 1991 to 1992)

E.D.F. Discography:

1989 – “E.D.F – Self titled cassette” (Since been re-mastered to CD)
1992 – “Drama Dream” 16 song CD (Indiscreet Sounds)
1994 – “Number 3” 16 song CD (Indiscreet Sounds) Distributed by The Record Peddlar
2005 – “Patient Number 152” Double CD (Indiscreet Sounds)
2006 – “Remix-Remaster-Remake” Best of E.D.F compilation including re-mastered material plus new tracks (Indiscreet Sounds)
2009 – “The Haas Effect” New full length CD release featuring a unique blend of ambient, space, chill and electronica (Indiscreet Sounds)

As if this wasn’t enough, Rob Stuart has also assisted Rude Van Steenes, Terence Gowan, and a duo called The Cynix in the capacities of producer, engineer, songwriter, and synth-player extraordinaire in numerous studio projects. All of these projects, including recordings for E.D.F. and Ear Candy, have produced songs used in movie and TV soundtracks, advertisements, and international airplay.

Criminally underrated? Absolutely. Rob Stuart has got to be one of the hardest-working, consistently productive, multi-talented musicians that the world has hardly ever heard of. Between E.D.F. and Slave To The SQUAREwave, concurrent groups of diverse, yet outstanding music, odds are in favor of the elusive break that will catapult him and his solid compositions into the limelight. Better sooner than later.

Check out Electronic Dream Factory’s MySpace page. For more information on obtaining copies of the music mentioned in this article, feel free to leave a comment using your current email address and I will gladly forward your requests on to Rob Stuart.

“Are You Not Ashamed?” by E.D.F. via YouTube user slavetothesquarewave:

“Films (Gary Numan Cover)” by E.D.F. via YouTube user Akito01:

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Yello

missparker0106 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:02:58 +0000

Yello’s music has probably been heard by more people than are aware of it. If you have seen such movies as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (just to name two of several), or have experienced the Duffman character on “The Simpsons” TV show, then you have heard Yello’s most ubiquitous single “Oh Yeah.”

It is really a shame if that is all you know of this multifaceted group. If you listen regularly to Ed-FM’s Tuesday night Retrospect show from CFRC in Kingston, Ontario, you will have heard other stunningly creative Yello tunes as Ed brings their music library to life. (Note: Ed’s show will be back in swing on November 10 when he returns from a well-deserved break).

Yello was founded in Switzerland and began recording music in 1979, comprised of Boris Blank (keyboards, sampling, percussion, backing vocals) and Carlos Perón (tapes). Realizing they were going nowhere without a singer, the duo brought Dieter Meier on board for lead vocals. Interestingly, the band’s instrumentation is presented entirely from taped samples of nearly every type of musical instrument. Boris Blank engineers these samples in such a way that they become the original melodies that back every Yello song.

What can I say about Dieter Meier’s brooding, melancholic, and deeply baritone vocals? I love them. That is a given from what I have written about similary talented vocalists. My personal favorite is “Desire” which was used in Miami Vice episodes from seasons 3 and 4, and also in the 1991 movie “Dutch.” Other favorites include “Rubberbandman” and one kick-butt tune that Ed uses to spice up his show, “The Race.” David Marsden recently played “Bostich” on his show, and that one is rapidly becoming one of my favorites, too.

Wikipedia has a fact-filled entry on Yello here.

Yello has even used the extreme vocal talents of the late Billy MacKenzie (Associates) and super-diva Shirley Bassey to spruce up several of their tracks. Check out this multi-layered Swiss electronica band that has taken the genre to a whole different universe. It is a must-listen for every serious electronica fan. Yello continues to record up until the present time, but I have only provided their 80’s (plus one – 1991’s Baby) discography below.

“Desire” via youTube user dante314159:

“Rubberbandman” via YouTube user dante314159:

“The Race” via YouTube user Elconquistador69too:

“Bostich” via YouTube user dante314159:

Purchase Yello music here.

1980’s Discography

Solid Pleasure (1980)

Claro Que Si (1981)

You Gotta Say Yes To Another Excess (1983)

Stella (1985)

1980-1985 The New Mix In One Go (1986)

One Second (1987)

Flag (1988)

Baby (1991)

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Strange Advance

missparker0106 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:23:02 +0000

Strange Advance was another uniquely talented band to begin life in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Recognized as Canada’s west coast hotbed of talent, Vancouver boasts a solid play list of musicians from the 80’s and beyond. Strange Advance is no exception.

One of Strange Advance’s identifying traits is the ethereal, otherworldly use of synthesizers to enhance their sound. My favorite track is “Worlds Away” from their 1983 album of the same name. It reminds me of the background music from the PBS series “Cosmos” starring the late Dr. Carl Sagan. I have such fond memories of being mesmerized by the hourly show, and “Worlds Away” transports me straight back to that mesmerizing yet comforting time.

The band began as Drew Arnott (keyboards, percussion, vocals), Darryl Kromm (lead vocals, guitars), and Paul Iverson (bass), Ric deGroot (keyboards), Ian Cameron (guitar, violin), Joey Alvero (bass), and David Quinton (drums) were brought on board to tour in support of Strange Advance’s first two albums.

As with many of the bands I feature here, I only learned of this group in recent years after being bowled over by “Worlds Away.” The band is also known for a hit single “We Run,” a vocally emotive 80’s anthem song. In all, this was a solid band that had everything necessary to take the world by storm, but instead was relatively short-lived. The music world can be a completely mystifying and unfair environment. Strange Advance’s limited success underscores what a tough world it truly is.

“We Run” via YouTube user wormguy119:

“Worlds Away” via YouTube user mysweeteventhorizon:

“Love Becomes Electric” via YouTube user wormguy119:

“Love Games” via YouTube user wormguy119:

Purchase Strange Advance music here.

80’s Discography

Worlds Away (1982)

2WO (1985)

Over 60 Minutes With…Strange Advance (1987)

The Distance Between (1988)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 10-20-09

missparker0106 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:23:52 +0000

Ed-FM showed us his stuff last night. When he wasn’t bouncing off the walls of his studio showing an audience of students how the Master works his obscure tunes, he was treating us to the raw and the rare. Good news for Ed, not so good for us – Ed-FM will be on holiday for the next three weeks, returning on November 10, 2009. We will patiently look forward to having our socks rocked off promptly at 8 pm that evening.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “you haven’t lived until you’ve listened” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

CFRC-FM Playlist October 20, 2009

Basement of Carruthers Hall in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario
ED-FM ~ Retrospect
80’s Music That Doesn’t Suck
If the “Listen Live” link on the CFRC Website doesn’t work, copy and paste this URL into your Windows Media Player: http://sunsite.queensu.ca:8000/
Join us in the Chat Room during the show – either click the link on the right menu under the Rave and Roll graphic, or here.
To listen to any shows that you may have missed, go to the CFRC website and look up the archives under the “Programming” drop-down menu. You can enjoy Ed’s previous shows in one-hour increments.

Blue Peter – Head Over Heels (12” single)
Arkitex – Lincoln Walk
The Pool – Pool 62
Sisters Of Mercy – This Corrosion (12” single)
Yello – Si Senor The Hairy Grill
Ten Pole Tutor – Who Killed Bambi
Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper – Elvis Is Everywhere
Martha & The Muffins – Swimming
West India Company – Ave Maria
Silicon Teens – Sun Flight
NeoA4 – Say This To Me
Echo & The Bunnymen – Silver
Boys Brigade – Saigon
Dalek I Love You – Africa Express
Fad Gadget – Fireside Favourites
Psyche – Lead Me Astray
Art Of Noise – Yebo
Nash the Slash – Dance After Curfew
Simple Minds – Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel
Tears For Fears – Mad World
Mittageisen – Automaten

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ Eye Eye (Canada)

missparker0106 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:52:27 +0000

Eye Eye is yet another criminally overlooked band from Canada. Because it was so short-lived and only produced two LPs, there is precious little information on this amazingly talented group. Interestingly enough, I found a fact-filled blurb on Answers.com.

The band began life in 1984 as a duo comprised of Andy Ryan (guitars) and Mark Caporal (drums). One bassist/singer pair came and went before bassist Tom Lewis, singer Bill Wood, and keyboardist Don Quon joined. To me, Eye Eye embodies the best of 80’s New Wave. Somewhere nestled between the sounds of Eight Seconds and Vis-A-Vis, this extraordinary band deserved more widespread success and recognition than it ultimately received.

Eye Eye was, unfortunately, not immune to the trials that so many other uber-talented 80’s bands encountered. The insurmountable turmoil created by personnel changes and probable creative differences led to a two-year lapse between their only two LP releases. That amount of time absent from a fickle music scene proved to be their demise. By 1988, the members of Eye Eye scattered to pursue other interests, and more tragically, Mark Caporal died in an air crash in 1990.

YouTube user mybasshas7strings has a treasure trove of original Eye Eye videos. There are only four in existence, but he has made them available for our viewing pleasure, and I have taken the liberty of linking them here.

“Out On A Limb” via YouTube user mybasshas7strings:

“Endless Night” via YouTube user mybasshas7strings:

“My Sensation” via YouTube user mybasshas7strings:

“X-Ray Eyes” via YouTube user mybasshas7strings:

More information on the band can be found at this Eye Eye fan’s Myspace page. Good luck finding affordable copies of their music, long out of print and as rare as hen’s teeth. My own search has proven fruitless. What a shame that no record companies have stepped up to the plate to reissue these obscure-yet-priceless collections.

Discography

Just In Time To Be Late (1986)

Common Ground (1988)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 10-13-09

missparker0106 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:22:23 +0000

Ed-FM truly outdid himself last night. Personal favorites included Modern English’s “Life In The Gladhouse” and a fantastic extended version of Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party.” A band that was new to me and sounded deliciously obscure was Section 25. And, Eye Eye – I have heard of them and know “Out On A Limb,” but did not recognize the tune “One-Sided Love.” You think you know obscure? Well, think again!

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “so many obscure tunes, so little time” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

CFRC-FM Playlist October 13, 2009

1.     Altered Images – If I Could Be Happy (12”)
2.     Mike Oldfield – Family Man
3.     Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Caroline Was A Dropout (12” single)
4.     Blue Peter – Don’t Walk Past (F version)
5.     Modern English – Life In The Gladhouse (12” single)
6.     Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party (Party ‘til You’re Dead mix)
7.     The Specials – Ghost Town
8.     English Beat – Mirror In The Bathroom (Reggae Dub mix)
9.     Eva Everything – Painless (12” single)
10. Vis-à-Vis – Dance With Me
11. Eye Eye – One-Sided Love
12. Taxi Girl – Cherchez Le Garcon
13. Yello – Live At The Roxy
14. A Drop In The Gray – One Eyed One
15. The Box – Dancing On The Grave (extended)
16. Section 25 – Looking From A Hilltop (mega mix)
17. Xymox – Blind Hearts (12” single)
18. It’s Immaterial – Rope (extended mix)

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ The The (Matt Johnson)

missparker0106 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:40:01 +0000

No, that’s not a typo in the title. A brilliantly talented collection of musicians, The The’s music is as unique as their name. Matt Johnson formed his band in 1979, made up of Johnson on vocals and guitar, Keith Laws on synths and backing tapes, and Peter Fenton-Jones on guitar and violin. The The finally picked up drummer Triash (Peter Ashworth) a year later to round out the line-up.

As with many super-talented bands, The The went through several personnel changes throughout the 80’s until it was just Matt Johnson all on his own. As The The, Johnson released the LPs “Soul Mining” and “Infected,” by picking up session musicians as needed for studio and live performances.

The The finally gained traction again in 1988, infused with the likes of ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, ex-Nick Lowe bassist James Eller, and ex-ABC drummer David Palmer. This line-up created and released the 1989 LP “Mind Bomb” which enjoyed great success on the UK charts.

The The has enjoyed a bit of a current popularity resurgence via the use of their song “This Is The Day” in advertising for M&Ms. Matt Johnson, with the help of a revolving cast of musicians, continued to record and play live performances through 2002. An LP called “The End Of The Day” was announced for release in 2007, but according to Wikipedia remains unreleased to this day. Let’s hope that collection sees the light of day. Matt Johnson was a true creative genius that drove the 80’s music scene to its limits. Today’s lagging, dull, and downright sleep-inducing music industry could use a solid artistic shot in the arm via Matt Johnson.

“Kingdom Of Rain” via YouTube user sophia11:

“Armageddon Days Are Here (Again) (live)” via YouTube user gktalbo:

“Uncertain Smile (12”)” via YouTube user supermandisco:

Purchase The The music here.

80’s Discography

Burning Blue Soul (Matt Johnson) (1981)

Soul Mining (1983)

Infected (1986)

Mind Bomb
(1989)

80’s Music Rules ~ More from Retrospect CFRC-FM ~ 10-06-09

missparker0106 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:15:50 +0000

Just when I thought nothing could be hotter than an October day in the tropics, along comes Ed-FM and his Retrospect show. The searing, sultry, record-breaking heat here in SoFla is nothing compared to what Ed dished up for us. The last hour of the show was a mélange of 12” singles extraodinaire – definitely the icing on the cake, the cherry on top of the sundae, the cream of the….well, you get the drift.

Be sure to tune in to Ed and his “rock-your-face-off” 80’s Retrospect show on CFRC-FM from 8 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday nights. Ed takes requests by phone: (613) 533-CFRC (2372) or email: retrospectcfrc at yahoo dot ca. Indulge yourself in some “80’s Music that doesn’t suck.” I guarantee die-hard 80’s New Wave/post-punk fans will not be disappointed.

CFRC-FM Playlist October 06, 2009

1.      The Box – My Dreams Of You (12” single)
2.      Siouxsie And The Banshees – Hong Kong Garden
3.      Images In Vogue – Four Germans
4.      Torch Song – Prepare To Energize (long test mix)
5.      Poeme Electronique – Echoes Fade
6.      Trees – Red Car
7.      Landscape – European Man
8.      Baumann – Time Machine
9.      Polyrock – Love Song
10. Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Endicott (extended)
11. The Slow Children – Spring In Fialta
12. Vis-à-Vis – I Am The Night (Colour Me Black)
13. Camouflage – The Great Commandment
14. Talk Talk – Why Is It So Hard?
15. Yello – Vicious Games
16. The The – Uncertain Smile (12” single)
17. Chalk Circle – April Fool (April 2^nd Mix)
18. Comsat Angels – You Move Me (extended)
19. Tears For Fears – Change (12” single)
20. The Damned – Edward the Bear

80’s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/ Bands ~ The Dolphin Brothers

missparker0106 — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:11:15 +0000

Someone asked a question about The Dolphin Brothers on David Marsden’s community posting board this past week, which in turn became the inspiration for this week’s Criminally Underrated post.

Of course, I never need an excuse nor inspiration to post about anything or anyone remotely related to David Sylvian and his former venue Japan. I am in love with Sylvian, his contribution to the look and sound of the 80’s post-punk and New Wave era, and am enthralled by the depth of his talent which blossomed fully when he went solo, and continues to evolve to this day.

Sylvian’s brother Steve Jansen was also a member of Japan, along with Richard Barbieri. When Japan folded, Jansen and Barbieri struck out on their own as The Dolphin Brothers with Steve Jansen on lead vocals, drums, and percussion, and Richard Barbieri on keyboards and synthesizers. They produced one very fine album, Catch The Fall. This collection is comprised of catchy dance-infused tunes which perfectly suited the era into which it emerged. It also contains soul-infused ballads that sound as though they could have leapt directly from a solo David Sylvian album.

There is always the temptation to compare The Dolphin Brothers to Japan, and Jansen to Sylvian, the highly recognizable, flamboyant front-man of Japan. Suffice it to say, the brothers share incredibly good looks and even have a familial vocal resemblance. And yes, traces of Japan influence emerge on several of the tracks, along with the style that Sylvian himself defined in his solo works, which is not necessarily a bad thing. No matter; Jansen and Barbieri did a highly successful job of creating a sound and feel complimentary to David Sylvian’s signature style and that of Japan’s, but polished and strong enough to stand on its own.

Other musicians who contributed to the one and only LP release were Phil Palmer and David Rhodes (acoustic and electric guitars), B. Heinrich-Keat (electric guitar), Clive Bell (Thai flute, khene, crumhorn), Carrie Booth (piano), Danny Thompson (double bass), Matthew Seligman and Robert Bell (bass), Martin Ditchman (percussion), Suzanne Murphy, Kate Kissoon, and P.P. Arnold (backing vocals).

Unfortunately, finding The Dolphin Brothers music videos on YouTube is about as rare as hen’s teeth. These are the only two I was able to come up with – enjoy!

“Shining” fan video via YouTube user saturdayson:

“Catch the Fall” fan video via YouTube user yaiga:

Purchase “Catch the Fall” here.

Discography

Catch The Fall (1987)

Saying Good-bye to a Dear Blogging Friend

missparker0106 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:52:03 +0000

Dearest Merz,

I wish the world wasn’t as you described it. I wish I had the power to make it better for you. I wish I could make all of your pain go away, to help you focus on only the good things in life. I wish I lived closer, to give you a big hug, to let you know that not everyone in the world has an agenda, not everyone is selfish, not everyone uses the anonymity of the Internet to be a cyber-bully.

I wish you would reconsider because you are much better, much stronger, much more talented than the assholes who feel they have to bang their own drums to gain popularity. I wish you could see that being “on top” does not equate with having true friends that care, only users and hangers-on that want a piece of the action. I wish I could make you see that what’s important is clinging to your own identity, not conforming for the sake of meaningless numbers.

Above all, I wish I could help you find the peace, love, and happiness you deserve. And, I wish this big hole in my heart would mend…but it won’t.

Love and Hugs,
MissP
xo