The 'OPTIMO COLD WAR MIX' is
*click* HERE! *click*
Here's the sixth in a series of mixes where we present something a little different. The first few songs are segued together and then the rest are mixed, but the mixing is purely functional as a way to join the songs together with each song appearing more or less in its entirety.
This mix is called 'Cold War' and is a sequel to the 'Electrobeat' mix. Almost all the records included here are from the very early 80's and to me conjure up the atmosphere of the Cold War when a sense of imminent dread permeated the air. These artists channeled that atmosphere into something unique and individual and left behind a legacy of originality that still sounds incredible but has sadly (largely) been forgotten. Stylistically the songs come from quite different places but there is a thread that unites them together. The mix starts off quite gently but progresses into something rather dark and intense - it's probably not for everyone, but creatures of the night might enjoy it.
This mix is just over 45 minutes long and is around 42mb. There is a bit of blurb about each track below but the blurbs are extemely minimal as if you really care, Google is only a click away. For those who missed it, the 'Electrobeat mix' is still available here.
The tracklisting is -
Jeff & Jane Hudson - Catscan (1981)
Antena - Achilles (1982)
P1/E - Up and Above Dub (1981)
Sprung Aus Den Wolken - Ackam La (1982)
Minimal Man - High Why (1981)
Ike Yard - N.C.R. (1982)
Fad Gadget - Back To Nature (1979)
Conrad Schnitzler - Fabrik (1981)
Crash Course In Science - Flying Turns (1981)
Liaisons Dangereuses - Peut Etre Pas (1981)
The Klinik - Moving Hands (1988)
P1/E - 49 Second Romance (1981)
Jeff & Jane Hudson - Catscan (1981)
Jeff & Jane Hudson have had a long and varied career encompassing various styles, stretching back to 1977 and still continuing to this day. This track is taken from the 'World Trade' EP released on the super great Lust/Unlust label from New York in 1981. Most of this EP (though not this track) is available on cd from Dirk Iven's Daft Records. Dirk's band The Klinik appear later in the mix.
Antena - Achilles (1982)
Belgian girl band record completely classic electro-exotica album in '82 and 24 years later people still can't get enough of it.
P1/E - Up and Above Dub (1981)
The early 80's German Neue Deutsche Welle aka NDW scene was an incredibly fertile period of innovation and experimentation. This (almost) forgotten gem pre empts the Berlin fascination with all things dub that would become a Berlin trademark thanks to Basic Channel et al some 15 years later.
Sprung Aus Den Wolken - Ackam La (1982)
From the super 'Berlin Super 80' compilation lp/dvd documenting the insanely creative early 80's Berlin scene centred around the legendary S0 36 club comes this avant industrial funk masterpiece. Features the then 16 year old Alexander Von Borsig aka Alexander Hacke, just before he jumped ship to join Einsturzende Neubauten.
Minimal Man - High Why (1981)
Dark industrial punk out of San Francisco circa 1981, much loved by Steve Albini. Main man Patrick Miller departed this world in 2003. Thank you for the music Patrick.
Ike Yard - N.C.R. (1982)
Technologically super advanced early 80's NY band pioneer the use of 808s and 909s etc but burn out far too soon. This is from their 1982 Factory America LP.
Fad Gadget - Back To Nature (1979)
The first signing to Mute after Daniel Miller had released his own 'Warm Leatherette / T.V.O.D' 7" as The Normal, Fad Gadget aka Frank Tovey would go on to have a long and productive career until his untimely passing in 2002. Frank, you are deeply, deeply missed.
Conrad Schnitzler - Fabrik (1980)
(Now) 70 year old Teutonic ex Tangerine Dream(er) and Kluster(er) prolific synth guru's attempt at popdom.
Crash Course In Science - Flying Turns (1981)
Philly art school legend's 1981 smash hit.
Liaisons Dangereuses - Peut Etre Pas (1981)
The funkiest electronic Germans ever. Mixed by the mighty Conny Plank. Chrislo Haas, we salute you. Like too many other heroes of this mix, rest in peace.
The Klinik - Moving Hands (1988)
Belgian electrodoomster's cult '88 anthem.
P1/E - 49 Second Romance (1981)
Minimal synth classic alert! Still filling dancefloors 25 years later.