Thanks to my student Ben back in Beijing for turning me on to Dou Wei, whose work is inspired by ancient Chinese text as well as New Wave and post-punk music.
New Wave
Orthodox Outcast – Bright Sadness
I never expected to encounter a band of devout Christians like Orthodox Outcast, whose sound evokes the demo tapes of early New Order, the Cocteau Twins, or a much more stripped-down version of the Human League. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is my surprise of the year.
Tuxedomoon – Desire (45th Anniversary Edition)
Currently, there is no track list available for this important release, but Tuxedomoon is reissuing their masterpiece, Desire, as a double LP, CD, and digital download. The release date is set for November 21, 2025, just before Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for an avant-garde Christmas gift for yourself, this might be the perfect Continue Reading
Tears For Fears – Songs For A Nervous Planet
One of the greatest of the new wave bands, Tears For Fears return with an album bearing four new tracks and many live versions of their hits.
Wire: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Today was a long work day at the school I teach at, so I leave you with the legendary Wire playing a Tiny Desk Concert from a few years ago. See you tomorrow.
Found Object – every silver lining
Well done, Found Object! The tracks on this album remind me of some of best synth-pop bands I grew up with in the 1980s. Though Tangerine Dream is referenced as an influence, I hear something different – Kraftwerk, Blancmange, a more instrumental Depeche Mode or Soft Cell seem to be Continue Reading
Disen Gage, Alexei Borisov, Misha ‘MOX’ Salnikov, Eugene Voronovsky – Bionika
Russian experimental band Disen Gage have collaborated with some of the country’s most notorious experimental musicians. Alexei Borisov, for instance, has been featured on these pages before. MOX and Voronovsky are new names. The music is an impressive mix of early-era Tuxedomoon-influenced music supported by a avant-prog bass, drums and Continue Reading
[Video] Ultravox – Vienna
![[Video] Ultravox – Vienna](https://musicyouneedtohear.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_0167.jpg)
Today is a travel day, and as I start a small journey from this magnificent city, I’ll let Ultravox serenade you.
Arrowounds – Therianthrope Series
A post-punk/ethereal gem has been bestowed upon us by our friends at Lost Tribe Sounds. Arrowounds tie together influences from bands like, “Can, Bark Psychosis, Young Gods, Slowdive, Durutti Column, Seefeel and much of early 4AD,” according to the band bio, but there is an element that makes this band Continue Reading
Okolo Poludnya – Gulyat EP
Russian band Okolo Poludnya produce a very good retro-inspired EP influenced by new wave, synthpop and post-punk.