Outer Frequencies

Music Curated by M. Feldman

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Zounds - “Demystification” (1981)

This quick-paced, super-catchy single was released a year before UK group Zounds broke up and was described by the band as “Velvet Underground meet white liberal guilt."

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Arik Einstein - “לצאת מזה” / “Get Out of It” (1971)

The multi-talented Arik Einstein was often referred to as “The Voice of Israel,” and in 1971 he released the album At Avigdor’s Grass with arrangements by Miki Gavrielov. This track is a stand-out.

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Noël and the Red Wedge - “Specimen” (1982)

Slow synth-pop greatness featuring ‘70s disco artist Noël on vocals and Mitchell Froom, who also played with Crowded House and Elvis Costello, on keys.

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Jerry (J.G.) Green - “I Finally Found the Love I Need” (198?)

Recorded by Detroit singer and ex-member of the Motown group The Contours, Jerry (J.G.) Green aka “The Voice Master,” this track is amazingly gritty and atmospheric with flashes of minimal synth-pop. Electronic soul music at its best. Its year of release is unknown.

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Jona Lewie - “You’ll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties” (1980)

Here’s an Ian Dury-ish, minimalist synth-pop tune by UK singer Jona Lewie that I discovered, coincidentally, in the kitchen at a party. It went to number 16 in the UK charts, but was mostly overlooked by the rest of the world. 

In 2010, the track was used in an ad for IKEA kitchens. Could be worse, I suppose. Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes with the man himself.

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Grudge - “When Christine Comes Around” (1973)

Demented bubble-gum pop / proto-punk from Canadian showman Laurice under the name Grudge. 

The b-side, “I’m Gonna Smash Your Face In,” is just as great.

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Circuit 7 - “Video Boys” (1984)

A dystopian post-punk gem. Plus, the band’s website is beautifully outdated. 

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Racey - “Kitty” (1979)

Turns out Toni Basil’s “Mickey” was (sort of) a cover of 70′s UK band Racey’s power-pop song “Kitty.” I almost prefer this version. Almost.

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Randoms - “Let’s Get Rid of New York” (1977)

Randoms were a rad LA punk band that included John Doe of X on bass. Every Angelino (and Philadelphian) should have this in their collection.

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Tonic - “Marilyn En Jean” (1982)

There isn’t a spec of info to be found online about this group, but this is one of the best electro-pop songs that I have ever heard. If you have info, let me know.

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The End - “People Talk” (1985)

A great power-pop tune by Mississippi band The End, fronted by Jack Yarber aka Jack Oblivian. It was later covered in 2008 by In the Red Records’ band Cheap Time.