Stuff From Lo – The Letter D

What obscure , one hit wonders can we uncover this week! Lots from Canada! Mostly late 80’s ! This is a biggy!

D.I.A. – Passion Play ( 7 ” and 12″)

From 1984 and the German band of D.I.A. consisted of U.C. Schlitz (vocals and who went on to be in N8chtschicht), W.F. Schlitz (synthesiser and songwriting), Michael Adams (synthesiser, sounds and effects) and Thomas Haugh (drums and percussion).This was a cover of the Still Life track written by Ian Campbell, John Newby back in 1983.

All PPG Waveform’s on show with slightly extended 12″ version, interesting bassline that is more prominent and comparisons to Alphaville.

Of course the 80’s video

Damian Hawkyard – You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away (Remix)

UK Solo Artist Hawkyard released this in 1987 on Dynamite Discs from the previous years EP “Ill At Ease”

Co-produced with Glenn Tommey (70’s band Stackridge and The Korgis) This is a cover of The Beatles track Slapping drum machines, soft vocals and some decent chiming piano. Love an obscure cover.

DANA – I Miss You (Instrumental)

From 1986 and self released. From the US and some synthy shoe gaze with a dark edge. A bit early Joy Division / OMD.

Dana Terrell – Not Talkin’

A third rate male Madonna ? From 1988 and blame Canada for this saccharine sweet bit of fluff pop. Co-produced with Peter Brennan. It is even serviced by the obligatory guitar solo.

Daniel Melero – Habitantes

Argentinian mood synth (with trumpet from Flavio Etcheto ) from 1988 and sung in Spanish. Talented lad as plays Synthesizer, Strings, Violin and Lead Vocals as well as writing and producing it. Founder of the first synth band, Los Encargados. This was from his debut album, “Congo” – reminds me of Colin Vearncombe.

A citizen of Buenos Aires (my new favourite destination)

Darkroom – San Paku (Ext 12″ Mix)

From 1984 from Canadian (Edmonton) New Wave band Darkroom.

The line-up ; Bass – Jeff Schmidt, Drums – Tim Palmar, Guitar – Alan Marks, Keyboards – Barry Lindal, Keyboards [Additional] – Wolfgang Radke and Vocals – Jim Gray.

Chugging guitars and Simmon’s Pads (A definite Lo preference) in this mid-paced track that opens up nicely with super, plucked bass guitar and synths. Strange lead vocals but it reminds me of a hybrid of Simple Minds, Japan and Ultravox – not bad comparisons.

David Archer Birch – Paper Tiger (7”)

More one man band stuff from this release from 1989. From South African David Archer Birch. (Part of Birch And Hallan – previously featured) One release on EMI in Germany. Co-produced with Gregg Jackman it has backing Vocals – The Chantoosies, Drums – Roly Kerridge (from Re-Flex) and features – The Lord Wandsworth College Choir – their only appearance on vinyl.

Interesting background to the mystery man here;

The Punk Rocker, the Long Pig and the Composer: David Birch

The song is in a similar style to what Captain Sensible was releasing in the mid 80’s , whimsical and satirical and just a bit out there. Waving the Union Jack with tongue firmly in cheek.

David Steele – Indian (Instrumental)

Some Rock / World Music from 1987 and multi-instrumentalist David Steele. On his own Buck Records label and produced by Mike Bigwood (Comsat Angels, Floy Joy, Red Box) and engineered by Neill King (Shakin’ Stevens, The Undertones). Great production as you’d expect, a semi-instrumental which keeps a few vocal elements in most notably a very Red Box vibe with the female tribal calls and a Floyd like guitar solo. Intrigued ?

D-Day – Desperation

Oops not to everyone taste methinks. From the self-titled and some over indulgent lead female vocals on this 1983. USA punk/new wave band from Austin, Texas.

The line-up was ; Bass, Vocals, Backing Vocals – John Keller, Drums, Backing Vocals – David Fore, Guitar, Mandolin, Backing Vocals – Will Fiveash, Keyboards, Crotales (?), Vibraphone, Marimba – Glover Gill and Vocals (plenty of) – De Lewellen.

Amazingly it was produced by Bob Sargeant and who I seemed to have posted the album (no re-upped) back in 2018 !

Day 7 – D-Day ‎– D-Day (Vinyl LP)

De Blanche – Numbers

Is that a female singing ?

Swedish Synth Pop from 1985. The usual duo of Vocals, Synthesizer, Tomas Skogsberg and Drums, Backing Vocals – Mikael Agnepil. Produced and written by Jan Torsten “Harpo” Svensson.

Moody, Miami Vice digital synths and with suitable drama. Synth – Italo

The duo emerged again in the early eighties as part of the group The Bubblegum Ride.

De Ronde Stip – Stranger

Obscure New Wave from the Netherlands (Eindhoven). From a cassette , “On The Safe Side” and probably from the late 80’s’. Demo quality but a decent sound with Joy Division elements on the guitar.

• Bass – Peer Van Hemmen
• Drums – Frank Malcorps
• Guitar, Vocals – Joost Van De Laar
• Synthesizer, Vocals – Janet Gilbert

Decadance – On And On (Fears Keep On)

Italo Disco from 1983 from duo of Franco Rago and Gigi Farina. A bit of a Holy Grail for fans of the genre. A bit underwhelmed, it plods along with some weird vocals. More Darkwave than anything.

Lot of controversy and problems with the re-issues on vinyl, ripped from a vinyl source, remastered and put back on vinyl. Just leave it alone! Original is worth about 50 quid on discogs (mouldy sleeve included it seems)

This is recorded at 192 KPS so don’t even think about it!

Degrees of Freedom – August Is An Angel

From the 1988 EP “China” is more synth , Italo Disco style, with real bass, female vocals and plenty of icy synths. Coming from…. Canada! On the Montreal Atlas label and produced by Morris Apelbaum at Silent Sound Studios.

Demars – Even For All Those Years

Already feature in a Lo compilation more slightly Goth stuff from Quebec. Love a bit of E Bow guitar. From the ’83 EP “Stories From Between The Walls”

Demode Boulevard – The Height Of The Fighting

Yes , yes, yes it is the cover of the Heaven 17 track! From 1988 and Italo Disco / Early House in style. Recorded at Gian Burrasca Studio – Milano and murdered! Those vocals kill it! 😒Dario Dell’Aere to be blamed for the vocals with Vittorio Barozzi on PSB type arrangement.

Design – Half The Battle / Say Goodbye / Western Justice

From 1985 and from Ottowa this EP was never released. Bright New Wave guitar, great melodies, well sung! All have a touch of synth to the tracks. Fully formed and never heard! See what you think.

Destination Venus – So Cold (B-side of Oh Lucille)

From Baltimore, USA and released in 1986 this was a project by Casper Glammer. A very high tempo synth pop track and a female lead from Elliot (Mary) All played live with Roland Juno 60 and JX3P with a Roland tr 909 drum machine and bass sequencer. From the composer about the A-side, “BB King called his guitar Lucille. This song is about synths replacing guitars in pop music.” I think they had by ’86 Casper!

Dhuo – Walkin’ (Dub & Album Version)

Anglo / Italian Duo – Bruno Bergonzi – Composition, Drums/Percussion, and Mixing and Mike Logan – Vocals, Lyrics/Arrangements, and Keyboards (who was in the Mersey Band – The Motowns)

Solid bass and big drums on this 1983 release. Getting a similar bass to “Waves” by Blancmange. Delightfully Epic on the Dub version where the bass kicks. Great forgotten track.

Dipp – Red Under the Sun

UK New Wave from 1987 on Sassafras Records (again their own label!) and that is about it ! Saxophone, harmonised vocals, guitars and bass. Starts off like “The Boys Of Summer”.

Directions East – Room Full Of Tears

New wave Toronto band Directions East that got nothing released, they split up and the guitar player, Bass player and drummer went on to become Big Bang.

All boxes ticked for that New Wave arrangement. Like the guitars and the synth backing.

No releases but a video ???

Dissociation – Impuls

Synthesizer, Vocals, Producer, Composed By, Arranged By – Uwe Kallenbach (New Scientists and Syntec) and Drums – P. Bosse (drum machine ?)

From 1984 and Minimal Wave in it’s purest. Sequencers and a muddy drums on this instrumental. ’81 DM era “Speak And Spell.”

Diversion Ends – Stay With Me Tonight (Unreleased)

From 1988 and comprising of Sam Johnson – vocals, Bryn Gater – guitars Carl Robinson – bass, Andy Marston – drums and Julian Flindle – keyboards.

Recorded at Mirage studios in Oldham. Produced by Geoff Gill, engineered by Paul Adshead.

So from Greater Manchester and sounding a bit Then Jericho / Simple Minds. Reverb that vocal!!!

Do It Now ! – Fugitive From The Grey / Years

More UK stuff from 1986 and the very demanding Do It Now! All self produced and released with a Captain Sensible , Dolly Mixture connection.

On the back cover were these notes; Do It Now! are Percy (Percy Pavilion aka Adrian Wykes), Andrew Fryer (Day For Night), Jimmy Fearnley (The Pogues), Debsey Wykes (Dolly Mixture, Coming Up Roses and 90’s band Birdy), Ken Orbison, Rachel (Dolly Mixture) and engineers Pige and Joe Farler .
With thanks to Captain Sensible for the use of his Wave synth. Unlimited praise to Greengate for that DS3 sampler/sequencer.

Got a loose, Kissing The Pink style with some Madness styles. Random samples litter the first track “Fugitive…” More weird samples as well as conventional instruments in the cracking “Years”, a like the quirky arrangement.

Dog Detachment – Touch The Sky

From Johannesburg , South Africa released this in 1985. From the “Fathoms Of Fire” they were made up of; Bass Guitar, Vocals – Terry Armstrong, Drums, Percussion – Alan Armstrong, Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Mike Adams and Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar – Brian Armstrong.

Ernest Power Pop the band called “Stormtrooper Pop” – quite like Spear Of Destiny with the passionate vocals. There is a pleasant synth line to flesh out the sound.

Dolce Vita – Looking Away

All the sounds and styles of 1984 from this US (NYC) band with Chris Spedding on production. Like the guitar effects and that punchy bass.

• Bass – Lorenzo Gilioli
• Drums, Percussion – Julius
• Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Tommaso Commonara
• Lead Vocals, Keyboards – David Quinn.

Dole – Maybe Tomorrow / The Dream

I’m sure I have something from these guys. Belgium Post Punk with a hint of New Order / Morrisey. Marmite vocals and Goth leanings. Really like “The Dream”, funky bass in early Duran style.

• Guitar – Michel Biver
• Keyboards – Eric Bussienne
• Saxophone – Pierre Istace
• Vocals – Remy Willieme
• Bass – Pierre Baillieux
• Drums – Marc Ridremont

Double Feature – Spellbound

Melodramatic synth from Netherlands (Eindhoven) ?? Very influenced by The Sparks this was from the 1983 album, “Rapid Eye Movement”

The duo of Bart Brouwer (keyboards and in The Spiderz) and Guus Boers (vocals and guitars and also in The Spiderz) went on to do another album in 1987.

Drouin – Maelström

French Disco Synth with this instrumental from 1984 and probably hammered in the Clubs. A bit Visage-y in places. By the quartet of  Areisam (Jean-Pierre Massiera), Bernie (Bernard Torelli),  and Patrick Chobert. Space Synth Disco. Wish it was Extended.

Duane O’Kane – Out Of This World

Rock synth from Canada (Vancouver) from the mighty quiff of Duane O’Kane. From 1987 and well produced and arranged, another one hidden and lost.

Duchess & Hi-Score – Friday Saturday Sunday (and Instrumental)

Weird arrangement and just a slight bit of novelty on this from 1984. From the mysterious P. Dyne and D.Tompkins. Like a Spacey Black Lace.

All credit to the unknown singer, doing her best American Country twang.

Duty Free – The Point Of Return

The return to some Italo Disco from an Anglo / Italian New Wave band. The title track off the album “Money For All”, released in 1984 , although it’s not called that. Produced by Sergio Della Monica (Planet Funk) a bit of a New Romantic vibe and recorded at Rockfield Studio’s, Wales. Enjoy!!

Carl Wellington: vocals
Foxy: bass guitars
Cos: guitars
Norrie Jackson: keyboards
Michael Cratch: keyboards
Alan Young: drum and percussions
John Key: brass

So 38 Lo Quality tracks for you to bin or keep

https://krakenfiles.com/view/xslVGNyAlw/file.html

https://qiwi.gg/file/9Z4J8681-LoSongs-TheLetterD

https://store10.gofile.io/download/direct/9519cfba-7607-4c55-84bc-987a307bdd10/Lo Song’s – The Letter D.zip

https://pixeldrain.com/u/YoSAZ19a