BARRACUDA BLUE

 It takes equal intelligence not only to keep up with the times without seeming like old Valentinos dressed in new clothes, but also to make an album recorded six years prior sound perfectly current in 1983.

 Bill Nelson, despite a prolific solo career like few others, and historic collaborations, remains an unsolved mystery – a guitarist among my favorites, with unmistakable style and technique.

This review reflects on Be-Bop Deluxe's 1977 album Drastic Plastic as an overlooked masterpiece blending art rock, glam, and punk influences. It praises Bill Nelson's virtuosity and the album's sophisticated production, highlighting its lasting impact on later British music acts. The review weaves historical insights into the cultural atmosphere of the time, emphasizing the album's innovative and timeless qualities. It positions Drastic Plastic as a hidden gem deserving wider recognition. Dive into Be-Bop Deluxe's Drastic Plastic and experience a visionary blend of art rock and punk innovation – listen now and rediscover this timeless classic!

 "Woe to you! should be played to our lousy politicians."

 "A sound impact worthy of the big names... a few minutes of pagan ritual like this."

The review explores Lydia e gli Hellua Xenium's rare 1973 Italian rock single 'Guai a voi! / Invocazione,' highlighting its dark, apocalyptic lyrics and heavy gothic sound. Positioned within the vibrant yet complex 70s Italian underground scene, the music is praised for its powerful social critique and evocative style. The review also touches on the mystery surrounding the band members and their innovative approach. Both tracks are seen as exceptional examples of countercultural musical expression, carrying a cult status today. Explore the dark depths of Italy's 70s underground rock with Lydia e gli Hellua Xenium's haunting single – listen and discover a cult classic!

 The album seems to be a concept about the flattening and futile competition of the human race, seen through the long rows of English houses cramped against each other.

 Tim Smith explodes in all his anger and despair as if shouting from his house window, crying and cursing against the world that watches indifferently.

This review praises Cardiacs' 1988 album as a unique blend of punk and progressive rock marked by technical brilliance and emotional impact. It reflects on the band's challenging history, innovative sound, and the conceptual themes of suburban life and societal conformity. The writer also pays tribute to frontman Tim Smith’s legacy and ongoing health struggles. Overall, the album is described as a hidden gem of English rock deserving wider recognition. Explore Cardiacs' groundbreaking album and experience a unique fusion of punk energy and progressive rock mastery.

 I could only abandon myself to that sublime melting pot multifaceted to rival the Venetian Mardi Gras.

 The band possesses an amazing songwriting gift that annihilates the contemporary BritPop movement like glass marbles against speckled plastic soldiers.

Rockfour’s album Another Beginning is a creative fusion of vintage psychedelic pop sounds and modern songwriting brilliance. Featuring classic instruments like Mellotron and Rickenbacker, the album channels 1960s English psychedelic influences while offering a fresh, evolved power pop style. This review praises the band’s rare blend of retro spirit and contemporary polish, highlighting their international breakthrough after years of local success in Israel. The album’s melodic richness and arrangement mastery make it a standout retro revival gem. Experience the dazzling vintage psychedelia of Rockfour’s Another Beginning—listen now and dive into timeless power pop brilliance!

 Annie, 66 years of five octaves still present in all their splendor, with very few overdubs leaving her free to express herself as no one else has managed to do in Progressive.

 The Mystic And The Muse… an epic gallop of chills, pomp and splendor in their purest form, full of tempo and atmosphere changes as if 40 years hadn’t passed at all.

Grandine Il Vento marks a powerful return for Renaissance, showcasing epic progressive rock compositions and the remarkable vocals of Annie Haslam. Despite hardships and the loss of Michael Dunford, the album evokes the band’s classic sound with fresh energy. Collaborations with Ian Anderson and John Wetton enrich the music, creating a work full of atmosphere and craftsmanship. This album is a testament to resilience and artistic majesty within a modern musical landscape. Listen to Renaissance's Grandine Il Vento and experience a majestic progressive rock revival today!

 This dusty album hides the best response to a year when punk was taking shape.

 Justice should finally be done to a piece of insane and solid rock like this: it absolutely deserves a CD release.

The review celebrates Larry Martin Factory's 1977 album as a powerful and unique punk rock record blending raw melodies with somber lyrical themes. It situates the album within the evolving punk scene and highlights its musical sophistication and emotional depth. Praised for its gritty vocals, instrumental balance, and dark storytelling, the album deserves wider recognition and reissue. Explore Larry Martin Factory’s rare punk masterpiece—stream or seek out the album and dive into a true 70s rock treasure!

 Kurt has a thin-toned voice, hard to forget and that clings like a voluptuous herpes on psychedelic daydream tunes.

 Recommended for fans of Jesus And Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, but also to those who have been able to recognize continuity in the teachings that the Velvet Underground have bequeathed to posterity.

Ultra Vivid Scene’s self-titled debut album is praised as a lost masterpiece of old school shoegazing. Kurt Ralske’s intimate production captures a raw, intense mood shaped by themes of alienation and dark desire. Released by the influential 4AD label in 1988, the album stands out for its unique voice and songwriting, drawing comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and Jesus And Mary Chain. It remains a hidden gem worth rediscovering for fans of the genre. Listen to Ultra Vivid Scene’s debut and experience one of shoegaze’s most haunting lost treasures.

 I must admit that I’ve struggled immensely to enter the imagination of some artists so complex and fascinating at the same time that they leave me even today with a series of unresolved questions.

 Danny Elfman approaches... handing me that old burden and breathing on me: 'Here, these are your weapons, ask me whatever you want...and don’t mess up!'

The review highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of Oingo Boingo’s Only A Lad album, emphasizing Danny Elfman’s complex artistry and satirical lyrics. It explores key tracks like 'Little Girls' and 'Perfect System,' underlining their thematic depth and controversial aspects. The author conveys a sense of admiration mixed with curiosity, acknowledging the challenge of fully grasping the album’s imagination. Overall, the album is praised as a unique and thought-provoking work. Dive into the fascinating world of Oingo Boingo’s Only A Lad and uncover the layers of satire and musical brilliance!

 The opener 'When I Awoke' remains etched on the first listen, imagine Comus in intensive Lexotan therapy or the Incredible String Band no longer tripping diving headfirst into a pool filled with white chocolate mousse.

 This is primordial Dream Pop, recorded as best they could but with the hiss that is now so trendy in many new offerings.

Agincourt's 'Fly Away' is celebrated as a rare, enchanting dream pop album from the early 1970s, blending soft psychedelia and folk elements. Crafted in a small Sussex village by Peter Howell and John Ferdinando, with Lee Menelaus' captivating vocals, it offers a unique pastoral and melodic experience. The album stands as a testament to overlooked indie productions from an era dominated by major labels. Now accessible on vinyl and digital formats, it remains a treasured find for enthusiasts of progressive and psychedelic folk music. Dive into Agincourt's 'Fly Away'—experience authentic 70s dream pop today!

 "If the Title Track remains a Disco Anthem par excellence, dominated only by a Prophet 5, a Drum Machine, and a Proto-Vocoder with only the bass as an 'external' instrument."

 "Patrick Cowley’s flamboyant style stands in relation to disco as Keith Emerson’s was to Progressive... excess and marvelous inventiveness happily walking hand in hand."

This review chronicles Patrick Cowley’s journey from his roots to becoming a key figure in the evolution of disco and electronic music. His album Megatron Man is celebrated as a groundbreaking work that captures the essence of the San Francisco dance scene and Hi-NRG style. The review highlights Cowley's innovative use of synthesizers, collaborations with Sylvester, and influence on future disco and Italo Disco music. It also touches on his early death due to AIDS and his lasting legacy through Megatone Records. Dive into the vibrant world of Patrick Cowley’s Megatron Man and experience the birth of Hi-NRG disco—listen now and feel the dancefloor magic!