crispy nuggets

Ironing Music – Ironing Music [MR070]

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Medical Records in collaboration with our friends at Crispy Nuggets blog are happy to reissue a very obscure Australian gem from the 1980s. Ironing Music were a three piece band from Brisbane. They originally formed in 1984 as a result of their collective love for New Order, Human League and eventually Jean Michel Jarre and Cabaret Voltaire. Comprised of bass and electic guitar, Yamaha DX-7, melodica and an 808, they recorded a 12″ single as their sole outpt in 1985 in a limited run of 250 copies (obviously excruciatingly rare now!). It was recorded in their bedroom studio with at Teac 4 track. The video clip for the “hit” Shopping Bag Women was played on several national and local television music shows. They also recorded demos in hopes of landing a LP deal which unfortunately didn’t attract any takers at the time. They actually only played 3 gigs and were forced to disband after one of their members fell ill in 1986. The LP presented here included the original 4 track single as well as hand picked demos which nicely congeal to form a well rounded LP documenting the band’s brief existence. They can best be described as lo-fi synth pop with an emphasis on excellent pop songs and interesting synth/instrument arrangements.

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Ironing Music – Ironing Music [MR070]

Effetto Joule – Mechanic Soldier [MR059]

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Medical Records in collaboration with Crispy Nuggets returns to Italy for it’s 59th release. Hailing from Bologna, Italy in the late 80s, Effetto Joule were brothers Flavio and Valero Biagi , Massimo Chericoni and Valerio Tassinari. Drawing on influences of the early 80s new wave and synth pop scene and armed with an arsenal of synthesizers (Korg Poly-800, Roland alpha juno-1 and juno-2, etc) from the mid 80s, Effetto Joule crafted their own sound. With the exception of the few of the tracks, almost all were home recorded during the years of 1988-1990. Effetto Joule self released a couple of cassettes entitled Ultraviolet A and B as well as one 12″ single in 1989 on Top Sound Record (recently reissued by Mannequin Records with bonus material). The rest of their music has been unreleased demos from which thee tracks were hand selected. The tunes can best be described as densely new romantic with unquestionably catchy hooks and lovely vocals to boot. Standout tracks include Active Ray and Stars Your Memory.

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Effetto Joule – Mechanic Soldier [MR059]

VA – Electroconvulsive Therapy Volume 3 – Obscure Singles Circa 83-86 [MR049]

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Medical Records continues it’s unearthing of extremely rare singles in it’s Electroconvulsive Therapy series. Once again, teaming up with Crispy Nuggets blog, we have assembled yet another collection of long out of print and underground singles and rare tracks. The first 2 tracks are by Belgium’s Tipical Me from the Claustrofobian b/w Pope No Hope 7″. These 2 tracks are perfect synth pop in every way. The second artist is UK’s Secession, and we have included their debut 7″ released in 1983. Though known for their later more electronic based pop and dance tracks, these two tracks display their earlier dark beginnings with chilling guitars and a more early 4AD aesthetic. Both tracks from the 7″ are included. The third artist is France’s Leidenschaft who released one lone 3-song cassette in 1986 with 2 of the tracks featured here. Leidenschaft could loosely be compared to early Clan of Xymox with French cold wave leanings. The 2 cuts are very atmospheric and lovely indeed. Back to the UK, we included the wonderfully minimal A + B sides of the rare 1984 7″ by Black Fantasy. Original copies of this single have been selling for insanely high prices these days. 2 more tracks were also included on this compilation which complete the theme nicely. V.U.D. was an Italian outfit who recorded a track entitled “Look!” which was included on the “First Relation” v/a compilation LP released in 1983 on Mask Productions and curated by Lisfrank. Quirky and undeniably catchy, we absolutely adore this track as will everybody who hears it. The last track included on this LP is the A side of the rare 1984 7″ by UK’s Almost Alone entitled “Blue City”. Dense and atmospheric synth pop with definite New Romantic tendencies, this track is a perfect closing track for this diverse collection. This collection will certainly appeal to fans of rare minimal synth, early synth pop, or EBM.

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VA – Electroconvulsive Therapy Volume 3 – Obscure Singles Circa 83-86 [MR049]

Mixed Feelings – Remnants [MR041]

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Medical Records in partnership with Crispy Nuggets Blog present the unreleased recordings of England’s Mixed Feelings. Mixed Feelings grew up in Basildon which was also the home of Depeche Mode. In 1981, Sean Cooper met Martin Gore on holiday (around the time of “New Life”), and they instantly hit it off discussing synthesizers, school, teachers, etc. Martin was inspirational for Sean to follow his dream of making music. They played shows at school and various locations until 1982 when they first entered a studio and recorded “Final Demand”, “Because Of You”, and “Ice Machine”. These tracks received some local airplay, and they continued to play more gigs. A year later, they entered the studio again to record a few more tracks. This LP is a collection of known recordings by Mixed Feelings. It is a brilliant snapshot into the minds and talent of a group of young musicians on a mission. The opening track “Another Place (Like Home)” sets the mood with melodic synth lines and punchy electronic accents. Excellent songwriting and moody atmospheres prevail on this record. 11 tracks in total (including one cover and homage to their inspiration early on…). Other notable tracks include “Because Of You”, “They Told You So”, and “The Captain”.

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Mixed Feelings – Remnants [MR041]