Mystery

If I see an interesting looking single from the late 70s/early 80s that I’ve never heard for the right price I take a punt. That’s how I got today’s offering. I’d never heard of Scarlett Von Vollenman and Google didn’t help much. There’s a Scarlett Von Wollenmann who sang backing for Kissing the Pink and had some sort of car accident in the 90s that left her in a wheelchair who may or may not be the same person. Anyone out there know?

As for the record, I think it would have gone down well on alternative night in the clubs back in 1981. If you like Hypnotised try the b-side. It’s pretty much more of the same.

Scarlett Von Vollenman – Hypnotised (1981)
Scarlett Von Vollenman – Warm Love (1981)

Friday treat

Somehow I missed this back in 1979 despite the fact it got to No 28 and the band appeared on Top of the Pops. I stumbled on it whilst messing around on Youtube a few weeks ago and I had to have it. This copy, still in its HMV shrink wrap cost me just 99p from Ebay. It’s a sort of mutant Blondie with nice Mick Glossop production.

The Doll - Desire Me (Extended Version) (1979)

Some classic synthpop to reboot the blog

Did you know that after Sailor George Kajanus went all Buggles on us and made some great synthpop? Listen to this:

Data - Fever of Love (1981)

My comparison doesn't do it justice. It is Buggles-ish but much better.

Intermission

As you have no doubt noticed this blog is in the middle of a summer break. I’ve been finding it hard to find the time or inclination to blog since returning from Scotland way back in June. This lethargy coupled with having to deal with three kids on their summer holiday means thing are not likely to improve in the immediate future.

Normal service will be resumed…one day…probably.

Meanwhile, for your enjoyment here’s Bill Nelson playing ‘For Stuart’ at his recent ‘Legends’ show at Metropolis studios. The Stuart in question is Stuart Adamson of The Skids and Big Country.

To cut a long story short this reminds me of something…

Dave from Planet Mondo declared last Fridays offering “the most eighties sounding record I’ve ever heard.” This is another candidate from 1981. It occupies the same musical territory as the first two Spandau Ballet singles.

That’s considered a good thing around these parts.

To Kalon - Coming To Get You (Dance Mix) (4:49) (1981)
To Kalon - Coming To Get You (3:41) (1981)

I recommend the short version for a quick fix. The longer version is a classic early 80s extended mix with echo-y drums and vocals.

Pretend a stranger is my friend

This is a record I got from ebay for 99p a few weeks ago. It was advertised as rare English synthpop and I had never heard of it so I thought I would give it a go. It’s from 1985 so when she sings ‘Pretend a stranger is my friend’ she’s not referring to Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc. but that’s what the title makes me think of. That and the love-in that’s developed under my Jeanette post.

Talking Drums - Pretend A Stranger (1985)

Jeanette

I promised you all something special and here it is. These lovely minimalist songs are by Jeanette, real name Jeanette Dwyer (possibly related to Gary Dwyer of Teardrop Explodes) also known simply as Jean on This Mortal Coil’s Filigree & Shadow album.

According to Discogs she recorded three singles and two albums between 1983 and 1988. This is the only one I’ve got but I love both sides so much I really must rectify that. Expect some more tunes when I do.

Side one features just vocals, synthesiser and percussion, side two just multilayered vocals and percussion. It’s close but I think I like the b-side best.

Jeanette - In The Morning (1983)
Jeanette - Sun Arises (1983)

There probably won’t be a tune next Friday because I’ll be in Scotland by then. There’s a record shop called Groucho’s always visit when I’m up there so I hope to come back with something interesting.