Our next voyage takes us to a Dutch Duo. Take the Hip-Hip/Breakbeat style of DJ Overdose, combined with the Electro/Disco of Ingmar Pauli and you’ve got Novamen. They have been released records together since 1998. While their releases tend to appear every couple or years, both are prolific with other projects that include “The Hasbeens”, DJ Overdose and Alden Tyrell, “Matzo & Pauli”, Mr Pauli and DJ Technician, “Los Hombres Nova” and “Pauli Y Overdose”. Each of these projects are released on various labels including Clone, Viewless and Bunker.

Both have been working with Magic Waves, and Cyber Dance Records just released Mr. Pauli’s remix of Ali Renault’s “Zombie Raffle”.

My choice “Lies” released in 2008 on Viewlexx is an excellent display of the duos talent.

Our newest track was the legendary project of Peter Bonne and Geert Coppens, two Belgian teenagers who started experimenting with the potentials of analog synthesizers during the late 70s and formed a band together soon after in 1980, quickly becoming one of the most truly visionary groups to emerge from the synth scene in Europe.

The track “The Third Autumn” recorded as a B-side in 1981, apparently took only 7 hours to make in a professional 24 track studio. It was way ahead of its time, in terms of the production, the style and the way they used the analog equipment.

Autumn featured on Minimal Waves newest release “Synthesize” MW027. Is a re-release of their 1981 original 7” “Synthesize”, showcasing the bands best material, including “Synthesize”, and “The Third Autumn” from the 7” and 7 other tracks including ”I Say You Hello”.

Our next trek takes us to an Italian artist. Take a youth spent against a background of old Italian Giallo soundtracks, add late 70s Italian disco, a touch of west-coast and a little kitsch, and you’ve nearly got a picture of Bottin.

After two albums, “Chill Reception” 2002 and “I Love Me Vol. I” 2004, and more than 20 compilations for Italian label “Irma Records”, he started working as a producer and arranger for major Italian pop artists like Lucio Dalla and Donatella Rettore. Also arranging a platinum-selling album by Chembao.

As a nu-disco producer he recently released “Fondamente Nove” on Eskimo Recordings in 2008. “No-Static” in 2009 for Mike Simonetti’s cult US label “Italian’s Do It Better” and one of my favourites “Discocracy” released in 2010.

Our next journey takes to to a french group from Marseilles formed formed in 1982. The band consisted of Alain Seghir, Beverley Jane Crew, Brigitte Balian and later to leave the band Catherine Loy.

Their first single “Your Passion” was their only to be released on “Turquoise”. Later LPs were released on “Facteurs D’Ambience” label, formed by Alain Seghir and Alain Arnaud. Although better known for their records, the band played excellent live sets as well.

“Just Because” produced in 1984 is an excellent display of raw talent, Alain Seghir’s voice is so distinctive, recognised as one of the real new wave voices.

Check It Out let me know what you think.

http://soundcloud.com/hearts-on-fire/disco-electro-mix-05-05-10

And we come to our second post. This record is ultra rare, how rare? I could only find one on the internet, going for only €400. “Regina - Mira Me”. This track was produced and mixed by Alex Di Marco and released in 1989. The only record to be release on ”D-J Record” label. 

 Although released late in the 80s, it still has the Italo style bass rhythm, and high end synths, however, I think it’s heading towards more of a cold wave feel. I love the vocals, and as for Regina, well, she is as beautiful as her voice.