The Plastics

Japan's The Plastics with "Top Secret Man" off the album Welcome Plastics from '79. The Plastics are often compared to B-52's and Talking Heads, they are credited with helping create the famous J-pop sound in the early 80's. One of the band members apparently slipped David Byrne a Plastics demo which led to the manager of the B-52's representing them internationally. I describe this band as the Devo of Japan due to their eccentric style and synth, surf induced freak-outs and social satirizing lyrics. Check out their classic SCTV video here.

The Nerves/Lone Ranger

Friday's make-up wild card post- Some dancehall toasting by the Lone Ranger. "M-16" was released in '82. Check it.



Classics "Hanging On The Telephone" and "When You Find Out" from the Nerves' debut and only album from '76. Quintessential.

The Beat

Taking it back to the 80's with this big U.K. hit by the Beat. The Beat are known as the English Beat in North America for numerous reasons, they released their debut album I Just Can't Stop It in '80 after forming in '78. The Beat blend ska, reggae, soul, and pop together to find their sound- this track "Mirror In The Bathroom" is no exception. This track just screams 80's, which is probably why I like it so much. I can just imagine all the assholes jamming into the can to get blown out while listening to this song, I guess it was the decade of decadence. Check it out, it will grow on you.
http://www.mediafire.com/?jookzmiz2mz

Suicide

Captain obvious suggested I post some foundation synth to round out the theme ending tomorrow. Suicide's 1977 self titled debut album is credited for influencing everyone and their dog, see if it does the same for you. Here is the first two tracks off the album "Ghost Rider" and "Rocket U.S.A." If you already know, it's a nice trip down memory lane.

Siouxsie and the Banshees

This Siouxsie and the Banshees album Kaleidoscope released in '80 is in my opinion their best album, even though the band was intertwined in personal conflicts during its production. I won't get into the details because I could really care less, the result was a great album full of brooding crisp synth and psych that is timeless. The track "Red Light" contains rhythmic camera clicks and a continuous heavy synthesizer that bleeds. Since I probably won't post anymore Siouxsie, I'm also throwing in two other great tracks off the album- "Happy House" and "Christine." "Christine" is a great dance track with some psychedelic touches.

Mo-Dettes

Here's some 1979 obscure post-punk out of the UK, the Mo-Dettes. The debut single "White Mice" by this all girl band is a catchy dance track, they were formed by Kate Korris of the Slits who was also briefly a member of the Raincoats. Those of you familiar with those two bands can probably guess what this is going to sound like. This song has that signature late 70's new wave/post-punk sound with some great lyrics, these girls weren't playing around with the first piece of the chorus, “Don’t be stupid,don’t be limp/No girl likes to love a wimp." Great shit, hope you dig it.