Obscure80's and MFV Archive
For fans, the 1980’s were either a musical wasteland or a gold mine. We here at MFV subscribe to the latter notion and have been digging for those nuggets for years. At no other time have such a variety of musical styles been made available to anyone interested enough to listen. Be it Power Pop, Synth Pop, New Wave, Punk or Mod it was all there for the taking. Some of it went mainstream and charted, but most of these records were barely heard then and are now sadly forgotten. We have taken it upon ourselves to find and preserve these records for posterity. Lead by our Vinyl to CD re-mastering guru Spaz, we have managed to transfer (and save) over 500 records that have yet to see the light of laser. More are coming all the time and we are always looking to add b-sides, remixes and other oddities as bonus tracks to the editions we have done. All our discs are nicely packaged with color artwork. Mike @ The New Wave Outpost has been kind enough to include us as part of his essential New Wave Outpost and we are always willing to trade for other rarities. The titles here are just a portion of what we have done, so for the complete list send an e-mail to: enowie@adelphia.net.
| Artist | Title | Year | Genre | Factoid |
| 3D | 3D / See It Loud | 1980 | New Wave | |
| 4 Out of 5 Doctors | 4 Out of 5 Doctors / 2nd Opinion | 1980/82 | Pop Rock | Both albums by this East Coast pop band fronted by Cal Everett. The first album was produced by UK knob twiddler Alan Winstanley while the second was produced by AOR rock producer Jeff Glixman. |
| Act, The | Too Late At 20 | 1981 | Jangle Pop | |
| After the Fire (ATF) | Laser Love | 1979 | New Wave | Debut major label release by this British band, who combined elements of prog rock with new wave. Producers for the LP include Muff Winwood, Rhett Davies and Rupert Hine. |
| Alda Reserve | Love Goes On | 1979 | New Wave | |
| Any Trouble | Wheels In Motion | 1981 | Pop | Second album by this quartet fronted by Clive Gregson, and their last LP for Stiff Records. |
| Any Trouble | Any Trouble | 1983 | Pop | Third album by this UK pop/pub band fronted by Clive Gregson. With two new members, AT flirted with a new, keyboard-oriented sound on this release featuring the hit single "Touch And Go". |
| Armoury Show, The | Waiting For The Floods | 1985 | Goth Pop | |
| A's, The | The A's / A Woman's Got The Power | 1979/81 | New Wave | This five piece U.S. new wave band's two albums were produced by Rick Chertoff apart from a few trax on the second album, which were produced by former Motors member Nick Garvey. |
| Atlantics, The | Big City Rock | 1979 | Pop Rock | The only album by this Boston based band. Tom Hauck and Bruce Wilknison later formed the synth pop trio Ball and Pivot releasing a self-titled EP in 1983. |
| Australian Crawl | Semantics (U.S. Version) | 1984 | Rock | |
| Bang Bang | Life Part 2 | 1984 | New Romantic | |
| Barone, Richard, & James Mastro | Nuts & Bolts | 1983 | Power Pop | |
| Beckies, The | The Beckies | 1976 | Pop | Only album by this post boy-pop-genius Michael (Left Banke) Brown on Sire Records. |
| Belfegore | Belfegore | 1984 | New Wave | Only album by this Electronic hard rock trio consisting of German guitarist/vocalist Meikel Clauss, Canadian drummer Charly T. Charles and American bassist Raoul Walton. Produced by the legendary Conny Plank. |
| Beverly, Brian | Eleven It Ends | 1981 | Pop | |
| Blades, The | Raytown Revisited 1980-1985 | 1985 | Mod Pop | Compilation by this fantastic, yet sadly overlooked Irish mod/pop band led by vocalist/guitarist/bassist/songwriter Paul Cleary. |
| Blanket of Secrecy | Ears Have Walls | 1982 | New Wave | |
| Bolland | The Domino Theory | 1981 | Synth Pop | Album from the Bolland brothers, who have written songs for such diverse artists as Falco and Status Quo and had a huge hit with their version of 'In The Army Now', originally released by Bolland on "The Domino Theory" |
| Boomtown Rats, The | In The Long Grass | 1984 | New Wave | Final album by this Irish new wave band fronted by Bob Geldo |
| Boys Brigade | Boys Brigade | 1983 | New Wave | The debut major label album by this Canadian new wave outfit, produced by Rush vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee. |
| Brains, The (aka Tom Gray & The Brains) | Electronic Eden / Dancing Under Streetlights (EP) | 1981/82 | New Wave | Second full length album and final EP by this Atlanta, GA new wave quartet fronted by keyboardist Tom Gray. "Electronic Eden", like their debut, was produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite. |
| Briggs, Brian | Brian Damage / Combat Zone | 1980/82 | New Wave | Multi-instrumentalist Briggs released these two albums on Bearsville Records with help from Randy Vanwarmer on backing vox and future Waits/Costello co-hort Ralph Carney on saxes. |
| Bright, Bette | Rhythm Breaks the Ice | 1981 | New Wave | Only solo album from this former Deaf School vocalist and future wife to Madness' vocalist Graham "Suggs" McPherson. Also features Ian Broudie of later Lightning Seeds fame. |
| Call, The | The Call | 1982 | Pop Rock | |
| Call, The | Modern Romans | 1983 | Pop Rock | Second album by this quartet fronted by Michael Been. Features their first real hit, "The Walls Came Down". This CD contains two tracks previously unavailable on compact disc. |
| Call, The | Scene Beyond Dreams | 1984 | Pop Rock | Third and final album for Mercury by this California band fronted by singer/songwriter/bassist/guitarist Michael Been. |
| Captain Sensible | Women And Captains First | 1982 | New Wave | |
| Captain Sensible | The Power Of Love | 1983 | New Wave | Second and final album for A&M by the guitarist/songwriter for the Damned. Produced by New Musik's Tony Mansfield. |
| Captain Sensible | A Day In The Life Of.... | 1984 | Synth Pop | |
| Captains Of Industry | A Roomful Of Monkeys | 1985 | Pop Rock | Only album by this band fronted by "Wreckless" Eric Goulden and featuring past/present/future Blockheads Norman Watt-Roy (bass) and Mickey Gallagher (piano/keyboards). |
| Carrasco, Joe "King", & The Crowns | Joe "King" Carrasco & The Crowns | 1980 | Tex Mex-New Wave | |
| Cellarful of Noise | Cellarful Of Noise / Magnificant | 1985/88 | Pop Rock | Mark Avsec, aka CELLARFUL OF NOISE, is Donnie Iris' right hand man in the Cruisers. Avsec plays keyboards, writes with Iris and arranges and produces. On "Magnificent Obsession", Donnie Iris lends a hand and sings lead on a few of the tracks. |
| Classix Nouveaux | La Verite | 1982 | Synth Pop | Second album by this new romantic synth band fronted by Sal Solo. |
| Classix Nouveaux | Secret | 1983 | Synth Pop | Third and final album by Sal Solo and his new romantic mates. Produced by Alex Sadkin. |
| Clocks, The | Clocks | 1982 | New Wave | |
| Code Blue | Code Blue / True Story | 1980/82 | Pop Rock | |
| Colour Radio | Colour Radio | 1984 | New Wave | Milwaukee based band. Album produced by Rick Derringer. A hidden backwards message at the end of track 5 boasts: "Could this be the talisman? I Invoke thee: 666...666". What fun! |
| Comateens | Comateens | 1981 | New Wave | |
| Comateens | Picture On A String | 1983 | New Wave | Second full length release by this New York based new wave trio, and their first for a major label. |
| Comateens | Deal With It | 1984 | New Wave | |
| Cortinas, The | True Romances | 1978 | Punk Pop | |
| Cotton, Josie | Convertible Music / From The Hip | 1982/84 | Girl Pop | |
| Cowboy Mouth | Cowboys & Indians | 1986 | Pop Rock | NYC band featuring singer/songwriter Dave Laredo. Album originally released on the Boston-based Throbbing Lobster label. Engineered by Andy Heerman. This band has no relation to the 90’s Louisiana band of the same name. |
| Creole, Kid, & The Coconuts | Doppelganger | 1983 | World Pop | |
| Creole, Kid, & The Coconuts | In Praise Of Older Women And Other Crimes | 1985 | World Pop | Led by August Darnell and his sidekick, Andy "Coati Mundi" Hernandez, Kid Creole and his Coconuts (including his wife Adriana Kaegi) blended swing, pop, jazz and latin music, taking Europe and New York by storm and scored a major MTV hit with "Endicott". |
| Creole, Kid, & The Coconuts | I, Too, Have Seen The Woods | 1987 | World Pop | Final album for Sire Records, by August "Kid Creole" Darnell and his band of worldly castaways. |
| Cretones, The | Thin Red Line / Snap! Snap! | 1980/81 | Power Pop | |
| Curves | Curves | 1981 | Pop Rock | Sole album by this AOR/pop band produced by Richie Wise, who also worked with Kiss, Badfinger and many others. |
| Dads, The | The Dads | 1984 | Pop | |
| De Film | De Film | 1985 | New Wave | Sole American release from this Danish new wave quintet, originally released on the Portrait Records label. |
| Dear Enemy | Ransom Note | 1983 | New Wave | |
| Deserters | Deserters / Siberian Nightlife | 1981/83 | New Wave | |
| DFX2 | Where Are They Now (EP) / Emotion (EP) | 1980/83 | Pop Rock | The only two releases by this seminal San Diego band led by twin brothers Douglas and David Farage. |
| Dial M | Dial M / For A Good Time (EP) | 1983/84 | New Wave | This L.A.-based synthpop duo consisted of Mike Kapitan (synth, drums, lead vocals) and Mark M. (guitars, backing vocals). Mike went on to become a member of Thomas Dolby's backing band, The Lost Toy People. |
| Dickie, Tom, and the Desires | Competition / The Eleventh Hour | 1981/82 | New Wave | |
| Dirty Looks | Turn It Up | 1981 | Pop Rock | Second and extremely rare European-only release by this New York trio fronted by Patrick Barnes, originally released on the Stiff label. |
| Dodgers, The | Love On The Rebound | 1978 | Power Pop | |
| Doll By Doll | Gypsy Blood | 1979 | Guitar Rock | Second, and some say best, album by this eclectic guitar rock band led by the distinctive songwriting voice of Jackie Leven. |
| Drop in the Gray, A | Certain Sculptures | 1985 | New Wave | |
| Dubious Brothers | Absolute Bethlehem | 1987 | Pop | Debut full length by this eccentric pop outfit led by vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Monty. |
| Dubious Brothers | The Foresight Saga | 1988 | Pop | |
| Dugites, The | The Dugites | 1980 | Pop Rock | Debut effort from this 60's influenced Australian group, originally released on Deluxe Records. Produced by Bob (Graham Parker and The Rumour) Andrews. |
| Dukes, The | The Dukes | 1979 | Pop Rock | Only album from this mid-level supergroup featuring Jimmy McCulloch (Wings), Miller Anderson, Ronnie Leahy and Charlie Tumahai (Be Bop Deluxe). Produced by Marty Cohn & Richie Zito. |
| Durocs | Durocs | 1979 | Pop Rock | Ron Nagle and Scott Mathews, aka The Durocs, were musical allies, working in and with many bands before recording their sole album as Durocs. They've since become in-demand session players and producers. |
| EBN-OZN | Feeling Cavalier | 1984 | Synth Pop | This NYC duo was vocalist Robert Rosen (OZN) and Ned Lieben (EBN), synth/guitar. Ned was previously a member of Riff Raff, and died in 1998. Robert moved into the world of painting and theatre. |
| Elektrics, The | Current Events / State Of Shock | 1980/81 | New Wave | |
| Elevators, The | Frontline | 1980 | New Wave | Sole album by this Boston quintet produced by the legendary Earle Mankey. |
| Endgames | Building Beauty | 1983 | Synth Pop | Debut album by this Scottish synth pop band produced by Colin Campsie and George McFarland (aka The Quick). |
| Endgames | Natural | 1985 | Synth Pop | Second, and extremely rare, album by this Scottish new wave band featuring guitarist Willie Gardner, formerly of Zones. |
| Espionage | Espionage | 1983 | Synth Pop | Debut album by this synth pop quartet, produced by the legendary Roy Thomas Baker (Cars/Queen/etc.). |
| Espionage | E.S.P. | 1985 | Synth Pop | Second album by this synth band, now down to a duo. Features guest appearances from Lindsey Buckingham, Tommy Lee and Elliot Easton. |
| Europeans | Recognition / Recurring Dreams | 1983/84 | New Wave | |
| Exhibit B | Playing Dead | 198? | New Wave | UK-only released originally on Pentagon Records. Exhibit B were Howie Minns and James Hughes-Clark. |
| Expression, The | The Expression | 1983 | New Wave | Debut album by this stylish and introspective Australian new wave quintet fronted by Tom Haran. The U.S. and Oz pressings have different covers and differ by one track -- the U.S. version substitutes an edited version of "Nothing Changes" for "About Tomorrow". Tom Haran later formed Gallow Glass in the '90s. |
| Fabulous Poodles | Mirror Stars / Think Pink | 1978/79 | Pub Rock | |
| Farmer's Boys, The | Get Out and Walk | 1983 | New Wave | This UK group was primarily known as a singles band, releasing only this album for EMI before disbanding in 1985. |
| Farmer's Boys, The | With These Hands | 1985 | New Wave | 2nd and final album by this quirky pop outfit featuring tracks produced by Bruce Wooley (of Camera Club/Buggles fame). |
| Farrow, Cee | Red and Blue | 1983 | Synth Pop | Debut album from this former model turned new wave pop star, who scored big in the dance clubs with his hit "Should I Love You". |
| Fashion | Fabrique | 1982 | Synth Pop | Produced by Zeus B Held, these were the final Fashion recordings to feature original lead vocalist and songwriter De Harriss. |
| Fashion | Twilight Of Idols | 1984 | Synth Pop | Produced by Zeus B Held, this is the first album to feature newvocalist/songwriter Alan Darby. It also proved to be their final collection of recordings. |
| Fay Ray | Contact You | 1982 | New Wave | Welsh band fronted by Sheila Brook (née Sheila Macartney) and guitarist/chief songwriter John Loverling. Recently, Sheila has been recording as Sheila Brook & The Alys Band, which features Simon Edwards and Roy Dodds, formerly the rhythm section of Fairground Attraction. |
| Fingerprintz | Distinguishing Marks | 1980 | New Wave | Second, and best loved, album from this Scottish new wave outfit fronted by Jimmie O'Neil and produced by the Motors' Nick Garvey. |
| Flag | Flag | 1985 | New Wave | |
| Flip | Flip | 1985 | Synth Pop | Flip's sole album was produced by Colin Thurston, Peter Collins and 10cc's Eric Stewart. |
| Flock of Seagulls, A | Dream Come True | 1986 | New Wave | Fourth album by new wave legends led by Mike Score, he of the ridiculous hair. Recorded and released after guitarist Paul Reynolds had left the band, this was officially the Seagulls' final album before calling it quits in 1987. |
| Fools, The | Sold Out / April Fools Day Live Bootleg | 1980 | Pop Rock | Debut album for EMI America by this East Coast pop/new wave quintet led by vocalist Mike Girard plus the promo-only live mini album released that same year. |
| Fools, The | Heavy Mental | 1981 | Pop Rock | Second album (and final for EMI America) by this guitar pop quintet fronted by Mike Girard. The album was produced by Vini Poncia, who has worked with many mainstream artists including Ringo Starr. |
| Fools, The | World Dance Party | 1985 | Pop Rock | 3rd studio album (and first on PVC) by this East Coast band who mixed rock and roll and new wave with more than a little bit of humor. |
| Forbert, Steve | Little Stevie Orbit | 1980 | Pop Rock | Third album by this folk/pop/rock artist with a harder edge to it thanks to producer Peter Solley (Romantics/Sports/etc.). Bonus trax 14-18 were recorded at the same sessions but remained unreleased until 2001. |
| Forbert, Steve | Steve Forbert | 1982 | Pop Rock | Fourth & final album for Nemperor Records. This album reunited Forbert with the recording/producing team used on his "Jackrabbit Slim" album three years before. The bonus tracks were recorded during the same sessions as the album but remained unreleased until they surfaced on Forbert's "Young Guitar Days" album in 2001. |
| Fountainhead, The | The Burning Touch | 1986 | New Wave | Debut album by this Irish duo comprised of Pat O’Donnell and Steve Belton originally released on China/Chrysalis Records. |
| Foxton, Bruce | Touch Sensitive | 1984 | Pop | |
| Furniture | The Wrong People | 1986 | New Wave | The Wrong People was Furniture's official debut album, and originally released on Stiff Records. This followed a previous collection of early singles and demos on Survival Records. |
| Gardening by Moonlight | Method In The Madness | 1983 | Synth Pop | |
| Grand Alliance | Grand Alliance | 1983 | Pop Rock | Debut U.S. release by this rock/pop trio managed by Miles Copeland. |
| Great Buildings | Apart From The Crowd | 1981 | Power Pop | |
| Griff, Zaine | Ashes and Diamonds | 1980 | New Wave | Solo debut (produced by Tony Visconti) from this eccentric Bowie-influenced new waver. Zaine later played with Bowie circa Scary Monsters and appeared on Bowie's Heathen LP. |
| Groucutt, Kelly | Kelly | Pop Rock | Debut solo album from E.L.O. bassist and backing vocalist. Produced by Groucutt himself, this album features Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy, Louis Clark and Mik Kaminski on all tracks, making this a virtual E.L.O. album (minus Jeff Lynne). | |
| Group, The | I Hear I See I Learn | 1984 | New Wave | UK trio's only full length album produced by Nigel Green and the Group. |
| Gruppo Sportivo | Pop Goes The Brain | 1981 | New Wave | |
| Harbor, Pearl, & The Explosions | Pearle Harbour & the Explosions | 1980 | New Wave | |
| Harris, Joey, and the Speedsters | Joey Harris and the Speedsters | 1983 | Power Pop | |
| Hawks | Hawks / 30 Seconds Over Otho | 1981/82 | Power Pop | |
| Hayes, Bonnie, & The Wild Combo | Good Clean Fun / Brave New Girl (EP) | 1982/84 | New Wave | |
| Hazard, Robert | Robert Hazard (EP) / Wing Of Fire | 1982/84 | Synth Pop | |
| Headboys, The | The Headboys | 1979 | New Wave | |
| High Five, The | Down In The No-Go | 1986 | Pop | |
| Hitlist | Good Morning Yugoslavia | 1986 | New Wave | Sole album by this sextet produced by John Punter and Colin Fairley & Bob Andrews. |
| Hitmen, The | Aim For The Feet / Torn Together | 1980/81 | New Wave | |
| Holland, Jools | And His Millionaires / Meets Rock’A’Boogie Bill | 1982/84 | Boogie Pop | |
| Holly & The Italians | The Right To Be Italian / Holly and the Italians | 1981/82 | New Wave | The debut was released under the bands name while the second album was confusingly released as a solo album by Holly. Guests on both albums include Bobby Valentino (Fabulous Poodles), Kevin Wilkinson (China Crisis / Squeeze), Joey Ramone and Paul Schaeffer (David Letterman) |
| Hoovers, The | Skin & Blisters / Smut & Class (EP) | 1980/81 | Ska | This ska quartet from San Francisco was fronted by a pair of transplanted Brits and were heavily influenced by the then-current second wave of ska. |
| Horizontal Brian | Vertical | 1983 | New Wave | |
| Hunter, John | Famous At Night / More Than Meets The Eye | 1984/86 | Pop Rock | |
| Huxley, Parthenon | Sunny Nights | 1988 | Power Pop | |
| Iam Siam | She Went Pop | 1985 | Synth Pop | Created by Brian Rothschild, David Sonenberg, Larry “Synergy” Fast and Stefan Vienna; the group used a rotating roster of vocalists and hinted at fictional theme of a supreme race called the Lamorians. |
| Industry | Stranger To Stranger | 1984 | New Wave | |
| Innocents, The | The Innocents | 1982 | New Wave | |
| Interview | Big Oceans | 1979 | New Wave | Debut album by this UK band led by vocalist Jeff Starrs and guitarist Pete Allerhand. Originally released on Virgin Records and produced by Colin Thurston (Duran Duran - Kajagoogoo etc.). |
| Interview | Interview | 1980 | New Wave | Second and final album by this UK band led by vocalist Jeff Starrs and guitarist Pete Allerhand. This album was titled "Snakes And Lovers" outside of the U.S. |
| Iris, Donnie | The High And The Mighty/Fortune 410 | 1982/83 | Pop Rock | Third and fourth albums by Donnie and his band led by producer/songwriter Mark Avsec (aka Cellarful Of Noise). "The High..." is more harder edged than usual for Iris, while the keyboard heavy "Fortune 410" features one of his biggest hits, "Do You Compute". |
| Jazzateers | Jazzateers | 1983 | Scot Pop | Debut album by this dark Scottish pop band fronted by future Hipsway vocalist Grahame Skinner. Bourgie Bourgie vocalist Paul Quinn guests on a few tracks. |
| Johnson, Peter C. | Peter C. Johnson | 1978 | Pop Rock | Debut release from this eccentric singer songwriter featuring guest appearances from Nils Lofgren and Bonnie Raitt. |
| Johnson, Robert | Close Personal Friend / The Memphis Demos | 1978/80 | New Wave | Debut album and import-only demo collection by this sorely under-rated power popper (NOT the blues legend with the same name). Future Haircut 100/McCartney drummer Blair Cunningham plays drums on the debut album. |
| Jules and the Polar Bears | Got No Breeding / Phonetics | 1978/79 | New Wave | The two official albums released by Jules Shear and the boys (featuring future producer Stephen Hague) during their lifetime. Their third album, "Bad For Business", was not released until over a decade after the band broke up. |
| Karloff, Billy, and the Extreme | Let Your Fingers Do The Talking | 1981 | Punk Pop | |
| Keys, The | The Keys Album | 1981 | Power Pop | Sole full length album by this power pop quartet fronted by Drew Barfield and featuring Geoff Britton, formerly of Wings. This album was produced by Joe Jackson. |
| Kiem | Kiem | 1984 | Avant Pop | Debut album by this Dutch trio who create their odd songs with only a vocalist, a synthesizer, a saxophone and metal drums. |
| King | Bittersweet (U.S. Version) | 1985 | Second and final album by this UK pop band fronted by Paul King. This U.S. version featured a different running order including the addition of "Won't You Hold My Hand Now", a standout track from the first King album. The three bonus trax are all from the long-deleted UK CD. | |
| Lamb, Annabel | Once Bitten / The Flame | 1983/84 | New Wave | Two albums by this female vocalist, both produced by Wally Brill. "Once Bitten" features guest appearances from Ray Manzarek and Adrian Borland. |
| Landscape | From The Tea Rooms Of Mars... | 1981 | Synth Pop | |
| Larsen, Kim, and Jungledreams | Sitting On A Time Bomb | 1982 | Pop Rock | |
| Last, The | L.A. Explosion | 1979 | Pop | Legendary first album by this guitar pop band led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Joe Nolte and keyboardist/ vocalist VitusMatare. The bonus trax include both sides of two singles plus the album outtake "We're In Control", only available on "Waves", a Bomp Records compilation. |
| Last, The | Look Again | 1980 | Guitar Pop | |
| Last, The | Painting Smiles On A Dead Man | 1983 | Pop | 3rd album by this legendary L.A. pop band led by Joe Nolte and featuring Vitus Matare. |
| Laughing Dogs, The | The Laughing Dogs / ...Meet Their Makers | 1979/80 | Pop | |
| Leyden Zar | Leyden Zar | 1981 | New Wave | Overlooked new wave quintet from Canada who combined elements of the Cars, Gary Numan and other new wave staples, creating a unique blend of commercial pop. |
| Little Bo Bitch (aka The Lonely Boys) | The Lonely Boys | 1979 | New Wave | |
| Look (U.S.), The | We're Gonna Rock / Everybody's Acting | 1980/84 | Guitar Pop | Two albums by this midwestern pop rock quintet, released four years apart and each of them stylistically different to the other. "Everybody's Acting" features backing vocals by Taxxi's David Cumming. |
| Look UK, The | The Look UK | 1981 | New Wave | |
| Lost Loved Ones | Outcast | 1985 | Pop Rock | Full length album by this trio that mixes guitar pop with a dash of punk and a little smidgen of goth. |
| Lwin, Annabella (aka Annabella) | Fever | 1986 | New Wave | First and only solo album by the former vocalist with Bow Wow Wow, featuring production help from Jim Lea (Slade), Greg Walsh, The System and others. |
| Mal & Val | In One Era and Out The Other | 1983 | New Wave | Debut album (plus the "Touchdown" E.P. and Olympic tribute track) by this Hawthorne, California based smart-alecky new wave/rock band. |
| McDonough, Guy | My Place | 1984 | Guitar Pop | Only solo album from Australian Crawl guitarist /songwriter, who died of a heroin overdose in 1984. Features guest appearances from Australian Crawl vocalist James Reyne and Men At Work's Colin Hay. |
| Mental As Anything | If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? | 1982 | Pop Rock | The band’s debut American release featured US-only remixes of some of their recent and earlier Australian hits. The bonus trax here, include the US-only remix of "Nothing's Going Right Today", the extended remix of "Brain Brain" and "Business And Pleasure" (reprise), all from the Mentals' 2nd American release "Creatures Of Leisure". |
| Michaels, Hilly | Calling All Girls / Lumina | 1980/81 | New Wave | Two solo LPs by this in-demand '80s session man, ably assisted by the likes of Dan Hartman, Davey Johnston, Greg Hawkes, G.E. Smith, Rick Derringer and others. |
| Minor Detail | Minor Detail | 1982 | Synth Pop | Minor Detail was Irish brothers John and Willie Hughes. |
| Miracle Legion | The Backyard (EP) | 1984-87 | Pop Rock | Tracks 1 - 6 are from the first E.P. by this guitar pop band. Track 7 is the b-side to "The Backyard", tracks 8 - 10 are the studio tracks from the "Glad" E.P. and tracks 11 and 12 are from their Christmas single. |
| Miracle Legion | Surprise Surprise Surprise | 1987 | Pop Rock | First proper full length album by this east coast guitar pop band, originally released on Rough Trade. |
| Mockers, The | Culprit and the King | 1985 | Synth Pop | 1985 release by this New Zealand synth pop quintet produced by David Richards. |
| Modern Eon | Fiction Tales | 1981 | New Wave | Sole album by this dark pop/gothic new wave band, originally released on the legendary 'futuristic' label, Dindisc. |
| Modern Romance | Adventures In Clubland | 1981 | Dance Pop | Debut album by this pop/salsa/funk/dance band from the UK featuring original vocalist Geoffrey Deane, who left the band after this album. |
| Modern Romance | Trick Of The Light | 1983 | New wave | |
| Modern Romance | Burn It! | 1985 | New Wave | |
| Mondo Rock | Nuovo Mondo | 1982 | New Wave | This 1982 release was the follow-up to the hugely successful "Chemistry" album released the year before. |
| Mondo Rock | The Modern Bop | 1984 | New Wave | Hugely successful album by this Australian pop outfit fronted by former Daddy Cool vocalist Ross Wilson and his right hand man Eric McCusker. |
| Mondo Rock | Mondo Rock | 1985 | New Wave | |
| Mummy Calls | Mummy Calls | 1986 | Synth Pop | |
| Myrick, Gary, & The Figures | Gary Myrick & The Figures / Living In A Movie | 1980/81 | Pop Rock | |
| Myrick, Gary, & The Figures | Language (EP) / Stand For Love | 1983/85 | Pop Rock | |
| Nariz, Wazmo | Things Aren't Right / Tell Me How To Live | 1979/81 | New Wave | "Things Aren't Right" was the debut full length album from Wazmo Nariz and his Wazband, originally released on Illegal/IRS Records. "Tell Me How To Live" was his second album, releasedon Big Records shortly before they went bankrupt. |
| Nervous Rex | Nervous Rex | 1980 | New Wave | Album by this new wave quartet produced by Commander Mike Chapman and featuring Laura Agnelli on guitar, keyboards and backing vocals. |
| New Musik | Warp | 1982 | Synth Pop | Third and final album by this legendary synth pop band led by songwriter/producer Tony Mansfield. |
| New Regime | New Regime | 1985 | Synth Pop | Debut album from this Canadian quintet, originally released in the U.S. on RCA Records. |
| Nightcaps, The | Go To The Line | 1982 | Soul Pop | |
| Nine Ways to Win | Nine Ways to Win | 1983 | Synth Pop | Sole album by this synth pop duo (vocalist Jonathan Hughston and instrumentalist/producer David Ferguson), released during the short time period when synth duos were 'hip'. |
| Nips, The (aka Nipple Erectors) | The Nipple Erectors / The Nips (EP) | 1978/79 | Mod Punk | Collection of singles by the early punk/mod band fronted by future Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. The band were originally called the Nipple Erectors, but changed it to the shorter, more acceptable Nips halfway through their short career (1978-1979). |
| Nits, The | The Nits | 1978 | Pop | Long lost and much sought after debut album by this long running band from Holland. Independently released before signing to CBS Records. |
| No Dice | No Dice/ 2 Faced | 1978/79 | Rock'N'Roll | Two LPs by this rockin' British band lumped in with the hot new wave scene, but musically closer to classic British rock and roll bands like the Faces. |
| Nobodys, The | No Guarantees | 1984 | New Wave | |
| Nomo | The Great Unknown | 1985 | Synth Pop | Only album from this synth trio fronted by singer/songwriter David Batteau. |
| November Group | EP Collection | 1982-85 | This techno-pop band out of Boston was fronted by the female duo of Ann Prim (lead vocals/guitars) and Kearney Kirby (vocals/keyboards). They released 3 EP's (collected here). Ann Prim is now a successful graphic designer at Uta Z. Design Group. | |
| Novo Combo | Novo Combo | 1981 | Pop Rock | |
| Novo Combo | The Animation Generation | 1982 | Pop Rock | |
| Now, The | The Now | 1979 | Power Pop | |
| Off Broadway USA | Quick Turns | 1985 | New Wave | Third indie album by this U.S. pop band, (their first 2 albums were on Columbia) and also their first without co-vocalist/guitarist Kyle Henderson who went on to pursue a musical career in the Christian music scene. |
| Orrall, Robert Ellis | Fixation | 1981 | New Wave | |
| Orrall, Robert Ellis | Special Pain (EP) / Contain Yourself | 1983/84 | New Wave | |
| Our Daughter's Wedding | Digital Cowboys (EP) / Moving Windows | 1981/82 | Synth Pop | |
| Person to Person | Stronger Than Reason | 1985 | New Wave | Sole album from this overlooked new wave/pop quintet featuring former ABC drummer David Palmer. |
| Phantom, Rocker & Slick | Phantom, Rocker & Slick | 1985 | Rock'N'Roll | Debut album by this trio featuring former Stray Cats members "Slim" Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker along with famed session guitarist Earl Slick. |
| Phantom, Rocker & Slick | Cover Girl | 1986 | Rock'N'Roll | 2nd and final album by this trio featuring guitar slinger Earl Slick and former Stray Cats members "Slim" Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker. |
| Polyrock | Polyrock / Changing Hearts | 1980/81 | New Wave | |
| Polyrock | Above The Fruited Plain (EP) / No Love Lost | 1982/86 | New Wave | |
| Pop, The | The Pop / Hearts & Knives (EP) | 1978/81 | Power Pop | |
| Pop, The | Go! | 1979 | Pop | |
| Positive Noise | Change of Heart | 1982 | Synth Pop | Second album by this Scottish synth pop quartet and their first following the departure of original vocalist Ross Middleton, who went on to form Leisure Process. |
| Positive Noise | Distant Fires | 1985 | Synth Pop | 3rd and final album by this new wave outfit, produced by Dave Allen (The Cure) and featuring the singles "When Lightning Strikes" and "Million Miles Away". |
| Private Lives | Prejudice And Pride | 1984 | New Wave | |
| Producers, The | Run For Your Life | 1985 | New Wave | Third indie album by this U.S. pop band, (their first 2 albums were on Columbia) and their first without co-vocalist/guitarist Kyle Henderson who went on to pursue a musical career in the Christian music scene. |
| Proof, The | It's Safe | 1980 | Power Pop | |
| Pseudo Echo | Pseudo Echo (aka Autumnal Park) | 1984 | Synth Pop | Debut album (released as "Autumnal Park" outside the U.S.) from this Australian quartet, sounding very new romantic and uncannily like Ultravox at times. They later transformed into a dance-rock hit machine best remembered for their updated version of "Funkytown". |
| Quick, The | Mondo Deco / Mondo Demo | 1976/78 | New Wave | Disc one is the debut album by this legendary L.A. band featuring Danny Wilde (Great Buildings/The Rembrandts), Danny Benair (Choir Invisible/Three O'Clock), Steven Hufsteter (The Cruzados), Ian Ainsworth (Great Buildings) and Billy Bizeau. Disc two features 18 demos recorded by the band in preparation for the debut album (tracks 1-9) and their unreleased 2nd album (tracks 10-18). |
| Quincy | Quincy | 1980 | New wave | |
| Raise the Dragon / Intimate Strangers | Raise The Dragon (EP) / Charm | 1984/86 | New Wave | Scottish duo initially know as Raise The Dragon, changed their name to intimate Strangers upon release of the first proper LP. 3 tracks from the EP were re-worked for the album. |
| Randyandy | Randyandy | 1983 | Synth Pop | Debut (and only) album by Randy Badazz and Andy Armer (quite possibly not their real names). There are enough odd yet creative ideas on this disc to label them the "Godley And Creme of the Synth Pop Generation". |
| Rank and File | Sundown / Long Gone Dead | 1982/84 | Country Pop | |
| Records, The | Shades In Bed / High Heels (EP) | 1979 | UK version of their debut album (reworked & released in the U.S. as "The Records"). The version of "Starry Eyes" on this album is a re-recording of the track, and not the hit version as featured on the U.S. album (that original version has been included as a bonus track). The "High Heels" 12" EP was included with initial copies of the album. | |
| Records, The | Crashes | 1980 | Power Pop | |
| Records, The | Music On Both Sides | 1982 | Power Pop | |
| Reds, The | The Reds | 1979 | New Wave | Debut album by this rockin' quartet produced by David Kershenbaum, who was hot at the time by virtue of producing A&M labelmate Joe Jackson. |
| Reels, The | The Reels | 1979 | New Wave | Debut album by this quirky Australian band led by vocalist David Mason and guitarist Craig Hooper. Produced by Mark Opitz and the Reels. |
| Reels, The | Quasimodo's Dream | 1981 | New Wave | Second proper album by this great overlooked Australian new wave band led by vocalist David Mason and guitarist Craig Hooper. This was a huge success when released, containing four certified Aussie chart hits ("Shout and Deliver", "After the News", "According to My Heart" and the title track). |
| Reels, The | Beautiful | 1982 | New Wave | Extremely successful album of cover versions (and originals) by this often overlooked Austrlian pop band. |
| Rheingold | Fan Fan Fanatic / Distanz | 1982/84 | Synth Pop | |
| Richman, Jonathan, & The Modern Lovers | Rockin' and Romance | 1985 | Pop | Legendary Twin Tone debut by Jonathan Richman produced by, and featuring the musical assistance of Andy Paley. |
| Righeira | Righeira | 1983 | Synth Pop | |
| Rings, The | The Rings / Rhythm Method | 1981/81 | New Wave | |
| Rivits, The | Multiplay | 1980 | Pop Rock | Only album by this American-sounding UK quartet led by Jess Roden (Alan Bown Set, Jess Roden Band, The Butts Band w/ Robbie Krieger & John Densmore of The Doors) and Peter Wood (co-wrote 'Year of the Cat' with Al Stewart). Also featured future Jethro Tull drummer, Doane Perry. |
| Roaring Boys | Roaring Boys | 1986 | New Wave | Debut album by this new wave sextet who combine elements of guitar pop with a healthy dose of Roxy Music influence. Features the alternative hit "House of Stone". |
| Robertson, Baxter | Panorama View (EP) / Vanishing Point Two | 1983/84 | Pop Rock | Baxter later contributed “Feel The Night” to The Karate Kid soundtrack, played guitar with Vegas DeMilo (‘93-’95), recently released a cd with his band Dream of Genius and appears as entertainment at childrens birthday parties. |
| Rodway | Horizontal Hold | 1983 | Synth Pop | |
| Roulettes, The | The Roulettes | 1980 | Power Pop | |
| Rubber Rodeo | Rubber Rodeo EP / Scenic Views | 1982/84 | Debut EP and first album by this outfit who combined new wave and country music. | |
| Ruefrex | Flowers For All Occasions | 1985 | Pop Rock | Only album, originally released on Stiff Records/MCA, by this Irish rock outfit led by drummer/lyricist Paul Burgess (no relation to the 10cc drummer with the same name) and vocalist Allan Clarke (no relationship to the Hollies frontman with the same name). Produced by Mick Glossop. |
| Saad, Sue, and the Next | Sue Saad and the Next | 1980 | New Wave | This quintet released 5 singles and this album. The core of the band has since recorded songs for the “Looker” and “Radioactive Dreams” soundtracks among others. |
| Sandford, Chas | Parallax View | 1982 | Pop Rock | Solo album by this session musician, originally released on Elektra Records. |
| Scars, The | Author! Author! | 1981 | New Wave | |
| Scott, Tim | Swear (EP) / The High Lonesome Sound | 1983/87 | New Wave | Former member of rockabilly revivalists the Rockats, went on to form the Havilinas in the 90’s. Now recording as Tim Scott McConnell. |
| Secret Hearts | Secret Hearts | 1984 | New Wave | |
| Shear, Jules | Demo-itis | 1986 | Pop | Compilation of some of Jules' finest moments in demo form, including early versions of his solo recordings and hits for other artists as well as songs only available on this collection. |
| Sigerson, Davitt | Falling In Love Again | 1984 | Pop Rock | Solo album by Sigerson, who went on to be an in-demand producer throughout the rest of the '80s and well into the '90s. |
| Silencers, The (US) | Rock 'N' Roll Enforcers / Romanic | 1980/81 | Power Pop | Debut and sophomore albums by this rockin' East Coast pop band who play with a little more swagger than most bands of their genre. |
| Sinatras, The | Betrayal | 1984 | New Wave | Debut album by this Brit pop/funk band led by bassist/vocalist Tommy Hamilton and produced by Andy Arthurs. |
| Single Bullet Theory | Single Bullet Theory | 1982 | New Wave | |
| Skafish | Skafish / Conversation | 1980/83 | Avante Pop | The first two albums by this quirky band fronted by the eccentric Jim Skafish. |
| Slow Children | Slow Children / Mad About Town | 1981/82 | New Wave | Slow Children was the L.A. duo of Pal Shazar and Andrew Chinich. Both albums were produced by Jules Shear and Stephen Hague, who also appear as guest musicians along with others like Translator drummer David Scheff. |
| Smash Palace | Smash Palace | 1985 | Guitar Pop | |
| Smith, G.E. | In the World | 1981 | Pop | |
| Snips | La Rocca | 1981 | New Wave | Album by this legendary musician featuring his near-hit "Nine O'Clock", which was produced with Midge Ure. The rest of the album was produced by Chris Spedding, who also plays on it along with Bill Nelson and Dave Mattacks. |
| Sons Of Heroes | Sons Of Heroes | 1983 | Synth Pop | |
| Space Monkey | On The Beam | 1985 | Synth Pop | Founder Paul Goodchild’s theory of man evolving from aliens set the groundwork for his band Space Monkey. Keyboardist Adrian Lee later joined Mike + the Mechanics |
| Spizz (Athletico Spizz 80 / Spizzles) | Do A Runner / Spikey Dream Flowers | 1980/81 | New Wave | The only two major label releases by Spizz and his ever-changing band names (which also included Spizz Oil and Spizzenergi). |
| Sports, The | Don't Throw Stones (U.S. Version) | 1979 | Guitar Pop | This is the second full length album by this Australian outfit fronted by Stephen Cummings. This U.S. version features tracks unavailable on the original Australian release including two making their appearance on CD here for the first time. |
| Sterling | City Kids | 1980 | Power Pop | 1980 platter by this quartet produced by David Kershenbaum (Joe Jackson, etc.). |
| Stompers, The | The Stompers | 1983 | Rock'N'Roll | |
| Strange Advance | Worlds Away | 1983 | Synth Pop | Debut album by this synth-pop outfit from Canada produced by Bruce Fairbairn and featuring guest appearances by Bryan Adams and Bob Rock (The Payolas). |
| Strange Advance | 2wo | 1985 | Synth Pop | |
| Sundholm, Roy | The Chinese Method / East to West | 1979/81 | New Wave | |
| Sussman Lawrence | Hail To The Modern Hero! | 1980 | New Wave | 1980 album by this Minneapolis band led by Bob Dylan's future son-in-law, Peter Himmelman. |
| Sussman Lawrence | Pop City | 1984 | Pop | Pop City was the second album by Sussman Lawrence, a band led by Peter Himmelman, who then went on to critically acclaimed solo success (with members of Sussman Lawrence playing on most of his solo recordings) as well as Bob Dylan's son-in-law. |
| SVT | Extended Play (EP) / No Regrets | 1980/81 | Pop Rock | Two releases by this Bay Area rock band lead by guitarist/vocalist Brian Marnell and featuring former Jefferson Airplane member Jack Casady on bass. |
| Sylvain, Sylvain | Sylvain Sylvain / Syl Sylvain And The Teardrops | 1979/82 | Pop Rock | First two albums by this former New York Doll, originally released on RCA Records. |
| Taxxi | Day For Night | 1980 | Pop Rock | Debut from this commercial pop trio led by David Cumming, originally signed to Fantasy Records, home of CCR 10 years before. |
| Taxxi | States Of Emergency | 1982 | New Wave | Second album for Fantasy Records by this West Coast pop/new wave trio fronted by David Cumming. |
| Taxxi | Expose | 1985 | Pop Rock | Fourth and final album (and major label debut) by this Bay Area pop trio fronted by David Cumming. |
| Tazmanian Devils, The | The Tazmanian Devils | 1980 | Pop Rock | |
| Tchaikovsky, Bram | Funland | 1981 | Pub Rock | |
| Teeley, Tom | Tales Of Glamour & Distress | 1984 | Pop Rock | |
| Tenants, The | The Tenants | 1983 | New Wave | |
| Tenants, The | The Tenants / Visions of Our Future | 1983/84 | New Wave | Both albums by this five piece Canadian new wave outfit. Includes the cassette-only "Girl Like You" as a bonus track. |
| Thompson, Marc Anthony | Marc Anthony Thompson | 1984 | Soul Pop | |
| Thought, The | The Thought / The Thought | 1982/84 | New Wave | This Dutch band released two self-titled albums of neo-psychedelicia mixed with brooding gothic elements. Their fondness for 60’s psychedelia is evident by their covers of songs by the Electric Prunes and The Byrds. |
| Tictoc | Where The Picnic Was | 1983 | Synth Pop | U.S. debut for this 'new romantic' quartet hailing from Canada. |
| Tourists, The | The Tourists | 1979 | New Wave | |
| Townshend, Simon | Sweet Sound | 1983 | Pop | |
| Townshend, Simon | Moving Target | 1985 | Pop Rock | |
| Translator | Heartbeats and Triggers | 1982 | New wave | |
| Translator | No Time Like Now | 1983 | New Wave | |
| Translator | Translator | 1985 | New Wave | |
| Translator | Evening Of The Harvest | 1986 | Pop Rock | Fourth and final album by this LA/SF quartet led by guitarists/vocalists Steve Barton and Robert Darlington. |
| Trees | Sleep Convention | 1982 | New Wave | |
| Tremblers, The | Twice Nightly | 1980 | Power Pop | |
| Truth, The | Playground | 1985 | Mod Pop | |
| Tuff Darts | Tuff Darts | 1978 | Pop Rock | Debut album by this New York pop/rock quintet, which at one time featured Robert Gordon, who went on to great rockabilly success after leaving the band (although Gordon is NOT featured on this album). |
| Tutone, Tommy | National Emotion | 1983 | Pop Rock | Third and final album by this L.A. band who had a huge hit with with '867-5309/Jenny' a few years prior to the release of this album. |
| Twisters, The | The Twisters (EP) / All Night | 1980/82 | Power Pop | Two releases from this sadly forgotten L.A. pop band. The self-titled EP was originally released on Rhino Records, while the full length was released on The Goods Records. |
| Unforgiven, The | The Unforgiven | 1986 | Guitar Pop | |
| Units | Digital Stimulation / New Way To Live (EP) | 1980/83 | New Wave | First album and final EP by this synth band from San Francisco, whose 2nd album remains unreleased. (Tracks: 20-23 produced by Bill Nelson). |
| Untouchables, The | Live And Let Dance (EP) / Dance Party (EP) | 1984/86 | Mod Ska | Two popular EPs by this popular L.A. mod/ska band, each containing trax previously unavailable on LP or CD. The live version of "Stepping Stone" has been omitted from "Dance Party" because it is the same version featured on "Live And Let Dance". |
| Urban Heroes | Who Said...Urban Heroes | 1980 | New Wave | Debut album by this Dutch new wave band, originally released on Handshake Records. |
| Urban Verbs | Urban Verbs / Early Damage | 1980/81 | Art Rock | This art rock quintet's debut album was produced by Mike Thorne, while their sophomore effort was handled by Jeff Glixman and Steve Lillywhite. |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | Permanent Wave | 1979 | New Wave | |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | Maiden Australia (Expanded Edition) | 1983 | New Wave/Rock | Seminal compilation of Oz/Kiwi bands (assembled by Mushroom Records head Michael Gudinski) released by A&M Records in an effort to break these bands in America. It worked for a couple (Split Enz/Hunters & Collectors) while the others remained new wave faves down under. |
| Vega, Alan | Saturn Strip | 1983 | Alt Rock | |
| Vels, The | Velocity / House Of Miracles | 1984/86 | Synth Pop | |
| Venus and the Razorblades (Dyan Diamond) | Venus and the Razorblades / Dyan Diamond | 1978/78 | Rock'N'Roll | Sole album from this legendary L.A. pop/punk band PLUS the follow-up solo album from co-lead vocalist Dyan Diamond. Both projects were concieved and produced by Kim Fowley. |
| Visage | Beat Boy | 1984 | New Romantic | |
| Vivabeat | Party In The War Zone | 1980 | New Wave | Major label debut album by this synthy new wave sextet. |
| Warm Guns | Italiano Moderno / 4 Heartbreakers Only (EP) | 1981/82 | New Wave | |
| Warren, Paul, and The Explorers | One Of The Kids | 1980 | Power Pop | |
| Werner, David | David Werner | 1979 | Pop Rock | |
| What Is This? | Squeezed / What Is This | 1984/85 | Pop Rock | |
| Wide Boy Awake | The EP Collection | 1982-84 | New Wave | |
| Wilde, Danny | The Boyfriend | 1986 | Pop Rock | |
| Wilks, Scott, and the Walls | Scott Wilks and the Walls | 1980 | New Wave | |
| Williams, Robert | Late One Night | 1982 | Pop Rock | Former Captain Beefheart/Bo Donaldson drummer's first full length album since his 'Nosferatu' project with the Stranglers' Hugh Cornwell. Hugh guests on this album alongside the Go Gos, Danny Elfman and Laurence Juber. |
| Wilson, Pat | Bop Girl (EP) | 1984 | New Wave | |
| World, The | Break The Silence | 1983 | Synth Pop | Debut major label release by this synth pop new wave band produced by Roy Thomas Baker (Cars/Queen/Espionage/etc.) |
| Wotzat? | Wotzat? | 198? | New Wave | An album by this British trio so obscure that even that staff at Obscureighties couldn't find any information! |
| Yachts | S.O.S. / Yachts Without Radar | 1979/80 | New Wave | |
| Zerra One | The Domino Effect | 1986 | New Wave | |
| Zevon, Warren | The Envoy | 1982 | Pop |