8 Bit Synth

Three CD set. Following 2021's Musik Music Musique 2. 0 set, the third volume in the series looks at the electronic pop scene as it came to dominate the airwaves. A period which saw the 1980's credible musical landscape evolve from gritty post-punk to shamelessly aspirational polished pop. Featuring countless artists who would become household names (many of which remain active today) alongside lesser-known scene mainstays, independent innovators and novelty opportunists, Musik Music Musique 3. 0 explores the evolution of synth pop from anything resembling a 'scene' into the standard musical form of the day, soon to be embraced by everybody from power balladeers to quasi-rock stadium acts. From chart staples and nightclub anthems to rarities, curios and collectables, this set gives equal airtime to all, basking in the breadth of ideas and innovation being explored as the musical world moved towards the mid-80s.

Taking their name from a type of cooked pudding, the electronic duo Blancmange interlaced the arty, exotic dance rhythms of Talking Heads with the quirky melodrama of early-'80s British synth pop. Consisting of Neil Arthur (vocals, guitar) and Stephen Luscombe (keyboards), Blancmange formed in London, England in the late '70s. Originally called L360, Blancmange received immediate recognition when they sent the song "Sad Day" to DJ Stevo, who added it to a compilation LP of then-unsigned new wave groups, including future alternative icons like Depeche Mode and Soft Cell. Drummer Laurence Stevens was a member of the band for a short while, but they eventually replaced him with a drum machine…

Alphaville's 1984 debut, Forever Young, deserves to be viewed as a classic synth pop album. There's no doubting that Germans are behind the crystalline Teutonic textures and massive beats that permeate the album, but vocalist Marian Gold's impressive ability to handle a Bryan Ferry croon and many impassioned high passages meant the album would have worldwide appeal. Indeed both "Big in Japan" and the touching, sad change-of-pace "Forever Young" raced up the charts in multiple continents…

Synth Pop reads like a who’s who of the late 70s and early 80s, featuring 53 of the most recognisable and iconic songs of the era. The collection kicks off with Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics and picks up the pace pretty fast. You know you’re on to a winning collection when Don’t You Want Me by The Human League, Cars by Gary Numan and Tainted Love by Soft Cell are sequenced one after the other. There are so many highlights over the 53 tracks that it’s really hard to single out specific songs for mention…

The first hits package from iconic singer/songwriter Mylene Farmer, 2001 release Mots, showcases her musical evolution from French pop chanteuse to feisty rock chick to futuristic dance diva. A celebration of her 17-year career, the two-CD collection includes 27 of her most popular singles and B-sides compiled in chronological order, from her 1989 debut "Maman a Tort" to 2001's "L'Histoire D'Une Fee, C'est…" alongside three new compositions, "C'est Une Belle Journee," "Pardonne-Moi," and the title track collaboration with Seal.

Cherry Red Records are equally delighted and proud to announce the newly remastered and expanded release of Howard Jones’ second album Dream Into Action.
Super deluxe edition includes the two CD + DVD edition, limited vinyl picture disc LP pressing, an extra bonus CD containing the Farmyard Sessions plus other previously unreleased and remastered tracks.
Dream Into Action begins with Howard Jones singing "Things Can Only Get Better," a sentiment that only hints at the good vibes touted by the synth pop singer on his second album. On his debut, 1984's Human's Lib, Jones sang about positivity, but this sequel plays like a self-empowerment manifesto, filled with cautionary tales and anthems of hope…

Cherry Red Records is both delighted and proud to announce the newly remastered and expanded release of Howard Jones’ debut album Human's Lib.
Super deluxe edition include the three disc (two CDs + DVD) edition plus vinyl picture disc LP pressing, the white tape replica pre-contract demo cassette containing remastered versions of four original demo tracks, an extra bonus CD containing further previously unreleased studio, live and BBC session and remastered tracks.
Human's Lib is an unintentionally revealing title for Howard Jones' debut album. What first seems like a play on words reveals itself as something of an empowering manifesto, a shift that mirrors his music. Upon first glance, Human's Lib appears to be state-of-the-art synth pop circa 1984: a record where every element outside of the human voices appears to be electronic…