Kyle Evans’ digeridoo-synthesizer hybrid could single-handledly create sound effects for every sci-fi vehicle and spaceship ever imagined.

SCHEMATIC: A straight up demo video…

This video via Make via MatrixSynth

Now if, for example, I can mix components of their tracks freestyle using this funky setup, then we’ve got something to talk about. Riddle me this…Why not make a serrato-compatible version so people can use real decks?

An instant cult classic when it hit theaters in 1986, RAD is an absolutely essential piece of 80’s history.

This next clip features a sick “bicycle boogie” set to Send Me an Angel by Australian band Real Life. I watched several versions of this clip on youtube and this one presents the best clip length, video and sound quality. Keep your eyes peeled for the Crimson Twins, Xamot and Tomax!!

SCHEMATIC: RAD BMX credits and three versions of the Send Me An Angel music video…

RAD (Opening/Ending Credits)

SEND ME AN ANGEL (1983 LP Version) Featuring Chewbacca’s Cousin??

SEND ME AN ANGEL (1989 Video Version)

SEND ME AN ANGEL (1983 12″ Extended Mix)

Zodiac is some seriously spaced-out synthy disco goodness. The simple composition of this eponymous track from their 1980 debut LP Disco Alliance brings the lush sythscapes and analog textures to the forefront. Loving those live drums. This exceptional track is essentially unknown in NA and generally available for about US$20 + international shipping. And peep that cover art!!

SCHEMATIC: Three more videos and some fantastic cover art…

Mysterious Galaxy is the lead track off the band’s second LP, Music in the Universe released in 1982. This track takes a funkier approach than found on the first album, as evidenced by the Latvians tearing up the parquet.

Provincial Disco is the third track off the Disco Alliance LP. Although clearly weaker than Zodiac, the synths are still highly unusual. I’m sure you’ll pick out quite a few interesting musical elements and a couple skillful transitions (2:15 & 3:36).

Pacific was the second track on the Disco Alliance LP. Again, clearly a weaker track than Zodiac, but pretty funky nonetheless.

Supernature is a cautionary post-apocalyptic tale of scientific hubris and genetic experimentation gone awry. Although there are numerous tracks from the 70s and 80s that pay homage to space, robots and computers (thank God), few disco/synth tracks really drop earth science. Me like! Me like!

SCHEMATIC: High quality extended vinyl rip MP3, lyrics, cover art…

The Cerrone 3 LP is readily available on vinyl for only $10 or so. The LP version of the song is nearly 10 minutes long, but is actually only the first of three movements that comprise a totally epic Side A. Not really sure what happened on Side B, but who cares?!! The tracklisting and run times are:

a1) Supernature (10:20)
a2) Sweet Drums (3:30)
a3) Into The Smoke (4:40):

Once upon a time
Science opened up the door
We would feed the hungry fields
Till they couldn’t eat no more

But the potions that we made
Touched the creatures down below
And they grow up in a way
That we’d never seen before

<chorus>Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</chorus>

They were angry with the man
Cause changed their way of life
And they take their sweet revenge
As they trample through the night

For hundred miles or more
You could hear the people cry
But there is nothing you can do
Even God is on their side
(God is on, God is on, God is on their side)

<chorus>Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</chorus>

Cars will break the light
Come flowing in the air
The creature will decide
Who goes where

How can I explain
Things are different today
Darkness all around
No one makes a sound
Such a sad affair
No one seems to care

<chorus>Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</chorus>

Better watch out
There’s no way to stop it now
You can’t escape
It’s too late
Look what you’ve done
There’s no place that you can run
The monsters made
We must pray

Maybe nature has a plan
To control the ways of man
He must start from scratch again
Many battles must he win
Till he earns his place on earth
Like the other creatures do
Will there be a happy end
Now that all depends on you

<chorus>Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</chorus>

SCHEMATIC: A short music video clip and cover artwork…

This is a fantastic documentary on the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, which was responsible for such tunes as the Doctor Who theme song. This electronic music primer traces the development of recorded sound from magnetic tape onward. Reel-to-reel beat matching included! Ultimately enlightening and presented in, I think, its entirety (over six roughly 10-minute parts).

SCHEMATIC: The remaining five parts…

Between the acid synth lines and vocoders, this cut coulda been a contender. Unfortunately, the right hook is just a bit weak. The video, however, is GENIUS!

Found this one on MATRIXSYNTH-C.

Paris features a very young Mirwais (!!) and Daniel Darc walking around town and ragging on their home city.

SCHEMATIC: Videos for Mannequin, Cherchez le Garçon, an early band portrait and Paris album cover art…

Mannequin was Taxi Girl’s very first 12″ pressing in 1979.

Cherchez le Garçon was the band’s second single, released in 1980.

SCHEMATIC: Another live version and a brief documentary excerpt…