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Thread: Synthwave / Retronewwave ~ for fans of the 80s

  1. #1

    Synthwave / Retronewwave ~ for fans of the 80s

    Hi,

    I'm a long time prog rock fan that started out in the mid 90s until I started getting into videogame soundtracks which where synth-based. Being a child of the 80s, I've always loved the 80s sound of cheesy synths, times when I would play videogames, or moments when you feel inside like smiling ear to ear. After going through different genres of music during 2003-2012, I discovered a "new" genre called synthwave or retronewwave. I was delighted and spent a good year 2017 to current digging up the best as now there is a glut of producers.

    I've been posting on Facebook #DeleteFacebook and now am in FB jail for a while, so I'll post some of my favorite tribute videos that features some of the best tracks in that genre. These are usually the music with 80s movies spliced and presented in a montage.

    Hope you all enjoy..

    Top Gun is a 1986 American romantic military action drama film directed by Tony Scott, and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, in association with Paramount Pictures. The screenplay was written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps, Jr., and was inspired by an article titled "Top Guns" published in California magazine three years earlier. The film stars Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt. Cruise plays Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a young naval aviator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. He and his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Edwards) are given the chance to train at the Navy's Fighter Weapons School at the former Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar in San Diego.

    Top Gun was released on May 16, 1986. Upon its release, the film received generally mixed reviews from film critics but many particularly praised the action sequences, the effects, the aerial stunts, and the acting performances with Cruise and McGillis receiving the most praise. Four weeks after release, the number of theaters showing it increased by 45%. Despite its initial mixed critical reaction, the film was a huge commercial hit grossing $356 million against a production budget of only $15 million. The film maintained its popularity over the years and earned an IMAX 3D re-release in 2013. Additionally, the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Take My Breath Away" performed by Berlin.

    1) Silent Gloves feat. Patrick Baker - So Real (Miami Nights 1984 Remix)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDQOq_ZEjs


    Top Gun was released on May 16, 1986. Upon its release, the film received generally mixed reviews from film critics but many particularly praised the action sequences, the effects, the aerial stunts, and the acting performances with Cruise and McGillis receiving the most praise. Four weeks after release, the number of theaters showing it increased by 45%. Despite its initial mixed critical reaction, the film was a huge commercial hit grossing $356 million against a production budget of only $15 million. The film maintained its popularity over the years and earned an IMAX 3D re-release in 2013. Additionally, the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Take My Breath Away" performed by Berlin.

    In 2015, the United States Library of Congressselected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry, finding it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". A sequel, titled Top Gun: Maverick, is currently in development.

    2) Silent Gloves feat. Patrick Baker - So Real (Miami Nights 1984 Remix)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDQOq_ZEjs


    Bonus egg:

    Isabella Khair Hadid (born October 9, 1996) is an American model, signed to IMG Models in 2014. In December 2016, the Industry voted her "Model of the Year" for Model.com's Model of the Year 2016 Awards.

    3) Bella Hadid: '80s Poster Girl | Teen Vogue
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk5KEWoWEXo


    References:

    Last edited by tommy_n_chucky; 04-17-2018 at 06:28 AM.

  2. #2
    This is grand...however, if you look down this page you'll see there's already an active discussion thread on Synth music including synthwave (I just posted links to Makeup + Vanity Set for example).

    Always happy to have a fellow 80's synth fan among the ranks here at Chez PE, by the way
    If you're actually reading this then chances are you already have my last album but if NOT and you're curious:
    https://battema.bandcamp.com/

    Also, Ephemeral Sun: it's a thing and we like making things that might be your thing: https://ephemeralsun.bandcamp.com

  3. #3

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High / Highway Superstar ~ Splash

    Quote Originally Posted by battema View Post
    This is grand...however, if you look down this page you'll see there's already an active discussion thread on Synth music including synthwave (I just posted links to Makeup + Vanity Set for example).

    Always happy to have a fellow 80's synth fan among the ranks here at Chez PE, by the way
    Ha I noticed, but I got at least a dozen posts..so I decided to make my own thread as I will be posting more, probably 2 a day to not over-titilate the older generation.

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 American coming-of-age comedy film directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, adapted from his 1981 book of the same name. Crowe went undercover at Clairemont High School in San Diego and wrote about his experiences.

    The film was the directorial debut of Amy Heckerling and chronicles a school year in the lives of sophomores Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Mark Ratner (Brian Backer), and their respective older friends Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates) and Mike Damone (Robert Romanus), both of whom believe themselves wiser in the ways of romance than their younger counterparts. The ensemble cast of characters form two subplots with Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), a perpetually stoned surfer, facing off against uptight history teacher Mr. Hand (Ray Walston), and Stacy's older brother, Brad (Judge Reinhold), a senior who works at a series of entry-level jobs in order to pay off his car, and who is pondering ending his two-year relationship with his girlfriend, Lisa (Amanda Wyss).

    In addition to Penn, Reinhold, Cates and Leigh, the film marks early appearances by several actors who later became stars, including Nicolas Cage, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, and Anthony Edwards. Among these actors, Penn, Cage, and Whitaker would later win the Academy Award for Best Actor, with Penn winning twice.

    Highway Superstar - Splash
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldDCmnpZwJM

    https://highwaysuperstar.bandcamp.com/track/splash

    BONUS EGGS:

    "Somebody's Baby" is a song written by Jackson Browne and Danny Kortchmar and recorded by Browne for the 1982 Fast Times at Ridgemont High movie soundtrack. Reaching #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 after debuting at #73 on July 31, 1982, the track would be Browne's last top ten song, as well as the highest charting single of his career, spending nineteen weeks on the chart.

    • Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli
    • Judge Reinhold as Brad Hamilton
    • Jennifer Jason Leigh as Stacy Hamilton
    • Robert Romanus as Mike Damone
    • Phoebe Cates as Linda Barrett
    • Eric Stoltz as Stoner Bud
    • Anthony Edwards as Stoner Bud
    • Nicolas Cage as Brad's Bud
    • Forest Whitaker as Charles Jefferson

    References:

    Jackson Browne - Somebody's Baby (Fast Times At Ridgemont High) (1982)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk2NHZukTYg


    A young man is reunited with a mermaid who saves him from drowning as a boy and falls in love not knowing who/what she is.
    Director: Ron Howard
    Writers: Brian Grazer (story), Bruce Jay Friedman (screen story)
    Stars: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy

    Splash (1984)
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088161/

    Splash had received a PG-rating for including some profanity and brief nudity. [wiki]

    Splash (1984) Statue of Liberty scene
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk9xhrjzjXQ


    References:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_T...Ridgemont_High
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody%27s_Baby
    https://highwaysuperstar.bandcamp.com/
    https://soundcloud.com/highwaysuperstar

    FB links:
    1) Highway Superstar - Splash
    2) Jackson Browne - Somebody's Baby (Fast Times At Ridgemont High) (1982)
    3) Splash (1984) Statue of Liberty scene

  4. #4
    Member dropforge's Avatar
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    "Back in the day" (lol), that scene with Phoebe Cates — you know which one — was One Of The Greatest Things Ever.

  5. #5
    Highly Evolved Orangutan JKL2000's Avatar
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    All the info on the movies themselves isn’t really needed. Just sayin’.

  6. #6

    Le Cassette / Silent Gloves

    Quote Originally Posted by JKL2000 View Post
    All the info on the movies themselves isn’t really needed. Just sayin’.
    Just my style, speaking of which .. ideally this is how I'd love to listen to music. On the cloud when I'm away from home with option to toggle lyrics and anecdotes or at home looking through the artwork of physical media. At this point I haven't made up my mind as I'm digital only music listener for about 10 years. I do want to get vinyl for 'masterpiece' albums...

    Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox) is a recent graduate of Kansas State University who moves to New York City where he has landed a job as a financier. Upon arriving, he discovers that the company for which he is supposed to work has been taken over by a rival corporation. As a result, Brantley is laid off before he even starts working.

    After several unsuccessful attempts to get another job, mostly because he is either overqualified or underqualified and has little experience, Brantley ends up working in the mailroom of the Pemrose Corporation, which is directed by his uncle, Howard Prescott (Richard Jordan), the CEO.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Se...ss_(1987_film)

    [cameo: a young Cindy Crawford]

    References:

    https://soundcloud.com/silentgloves
    https://silentgloves.bandcamp.com/
    https://soundcloud.com/le-cassette

    An amazing album to review it in one line: Rick Astley meets Depeche Mode


    Originally from West Yorkshire, Le Cassette’s members are now spread across England, creating 80’s inspired music from a distance. With careful attention paid to the detail in their production, the band has produced some of the most unique tracks within the genre. In addition to creating music that is compelling, thoughtful, and at times playful, Le Cassette distinguishes themselves with beautifully arranged vocals, taking inspiration from Peter Gabriel, Roxy Music, and Phil Collins (and sometimes, in our opinion, evoking a young David Bowie).

    Whether it be the bouncy synth pads, the carefully orchestrated sound design used throughout the album, or the eclectic moods that the release as a whole has created, Telefuture is confident that there is something in this album for everyone.

    credits: released July 10, 2014
    https://telefuturenow.bandcamp.com/a...ur-own-devices




  7. #7
    Member dropforge's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tommy_n_chucky View Post
    An amazing album to review it in one line: Rick Astley meets Depeche Mode

  8. #8
    BMX Bandits (released as Short Wave in America) is a 1983 Australian adventure crime drama film starring Nicole Kidman.

    Mitch Murder - Saturdays
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCc1oGmg1KQ


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMX_Bandits_(film)


  9. #9

    Mitch Murder

    Synth Cheese Heaven!
    MITCH MURDER - In The News
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz7rK3Eks4s


    WhoSampledWho source:


    BONUS EGG:


    Carl Sagan sample re: nuclear missiles & Russia
    https://mitchmurder.bandcamp.com/tra...ey-for-science
    Last edited by tommy_n_chucky; 04-08-2018 at 08:22 AM. Reason: Added BONUS EGG

  10. #10
    Highly Evolved Orangutan JKL2000's Avatar
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    Svetonio?

  11. #11

    Electric Youth

    Vocals reminiscent of Julee Cruise (Twin Peaks)...

    Electric Youth is a Canadian synthpop duo from Toronto, Ontario. The duo consists of Bronwyn Griffin (vocals, songwriter) and Austin Garrick (producer, songwriter, synthesizer, drums).

    Garrick and Griffin have been dating since the 8th grade.

    Their initial breakthrough came in 2011 when their song "A Real Hero", by College and Electric Youth, was prominently featured in the movie Drive. The song was written by Garrick, in part about Chesley Sullenberger and the crash landing of Flight 1549. "A Real Hero" was nominated for a 2012 MTV Movie Award in the category of "Best Music".

    Spin magazine named "A Real Hero" one of the 20 Best Songs of 2011.

    Contrary to some reports in the press, the group did not name themselves after the 1989 album by dance pop star Debbie Gibson of the same name.

    Electric Youth - Tomorrow
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sb-mdDl9z8

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_Youth_(band)

    Electric Youth - We Are The Youth
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frW3in1OWxc

  12. #12
    Member moecurlythanu's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JKL2000 View Post
    Svetonio?
    Too much text.

  13. #13
    Highly Evolved Orangutan JKL2000's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by moecurlythanu View Post
    Too much text.
    I guess so - I guess it’s a couple, Tommy ‘n’ Chucky. That’s cool.

  14. #14
    Member moecurlythanu's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JKL2000 View Post
    I guess so - I guess it’s a couple, Tommy ‘n’ Chucky. That’s cool.
    A deaf, dumb and blind kid and his homicidal doll?

  15. #15

    Roxi Drive

    Quote Originally Posted by JKL2000 View Post
    I guess so - I guess it’s a couple, Tommy ‘n’ Chucky. That’s cool.
    Yo.. Tommy and you figure out the rest Sherlock...

    Let's get to the MUSIC




  16. #16

    Mitch Murder / Kiesza - Hideaway

    "Hideaway" is a deep house song recorded by Canadian musician Kiesza for her debut album, Sound of a Woman. It was co-written by Kiesza in collaboration with its producer Rami Samir Afuni. Recorded in the summer of 2013 in New York City, "Hideaway" honed its musical inspiration from Kiesza and Afuni's passion for 1990s dance music.

    The song was released as Kiesza's debut single on April 11, 2014 through Afuni's independent label Lokal Legend. Both the song and its accompanying music video have been met with general acclaim from contemporary music critics. "Hideaway" topped the UK Singles Chart upon release, selling over 136,000 copies in its first week, becoming the third-fastest selling single of 2014 in the United Kingdom.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideaway_(Kiesza_song)





    Here's the original:


  17. #17

    Killstarr / Phaserland

    Killstarr - So Fine (ft. Phaserland)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Ii39i20QQ


    Killstarr and Phaserland join forces to bring you the funk!
    Inspired by new jack swing from the late '80s and early '90s, this track is sure to get your body moving.

    Composed, produced, mixed and mastered by Killstarr
    All guitar parts composed and performed by Phaserland.


  18. #18
    THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA said in a statement: "THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA returns with another chapter in their steaming space opera that began with 'Amber Galactic'.

    "This time, the female space commanders want even more revenge than they already had, space is even more infinite, and the amount of champagne it takes to keep this navy afloat and adrift in the cosmos is probably illegal on most planets!

    "Never looking back, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA boldly goes where no man or woman has ever gone before, and with this album, they've taken another step in their quest to elevate classic rock from being a music genre to becoming an immersive whole-body transcendental experience!

    "It's time to prepare yourself, because the riffs will be riffier, the vocals will be throatier, the synthesizers will envelop you, the AOR will be AOR-ier, the long songs will be longer, the short songs will be shorter, the bass will seduce you, the drums will destroy you, the groove will hypnotize and paralyze you. Can you handle it?"

    http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the...album-details/


  19. #19

    NEON RetroFest 2018

    Now time for a commercial break...

    WHAT IS NEON?

    NEON is a three-day, three-night, non-stop festival dedicated to late 20th century entertainment and all of the iconic sights and sounds that defined it, with an additional emphasis on celebrating a future that never was. Call it "Retrofuturism" if you like, because we do. It is the vision of the future as predicted by the past, and the high-octane nostalgia that comes with that concept.

    The first annual NEON is being designed from the ground up to be a paradise for people who dig the aesthetic described above, and it is going to take the form of an event offering killer music, retro arcade and console gaming, evocative art, cult film, all sorts of guests, workshops and a lot more.

    http://www.neonri.com

    NEON RetroFest 2018
    August 24 – August 26
    Aug 24 at 10 AM to Aug 26 at 10 PM
    Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport) (Warwick, RI)
    801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
    https://www.facebook.com/events/427145341037027/

  20. #20

  21. #21
    Nice...just put the Kristine in my "to buy" list this week, actually. Will give these a bit more attention later

  22. #22
    Haven't been in the boards in a long while, but checked on this thread. Nothing really new to report, the genre got too saturated for me which has been going for about a decade strong, so occasionally I just check these two sites: https://ironskullet.com/ https://vehlinggo.com/

  23. #23

    Phaserland

    Currently enjoying these two sweet tracks!



    A warm, retro, carefree, funk/pop infused piece featuring bright, smooth vocals.


    BONUS EGG:




    "Cosmic Boundaries is the type of recording that’s enjoyable on the first listen and transcendental on the tenth. Subtlety is its game, and it plays it better than any other synthwave release in recent history. Cosmic Boundaries is arguably the finest release from Phaserland to date, and once the shape and overall composition of the album become familiar, it can be enjoyed from start to finish without a single dip or break in its overall quality. The many inspired touches amid Phaserland’s careful compositions are a joy to discover and experience, and the true brilliance of the recording becomes clearer on each consecutive playthrough.

    Unlike most synthwave releases, including past ones from Phaserland, Cosmic Boundaries does not entice listeners with strongly melodic hooks and attractive vocal choruses. Instead, the album offers an almost uniformly understated experience, the strength of which lies in its details. However, these are often obscured on the first pass within Phaserland’s densely woven compositions, and only through multiple active listening sessions does Cosmic Boundaries yield its finest moments. It would be an easy mistake to gloss over the release on the first listen, dismissing it as a bland effort with too-similar entries. Like all great pieces of music, the aim of Cosmic Boundaries is not instant gratification. The listener must first know the broad contours of each piece and be able to subconsciously follow their path before honing in on the finer elements. Once there, the listener can begin to absorb the many handsome and humble songwriting decisions that inhabit each track."

    https://ironskullet.com/2017/12/27/a...ic-boundaries/

  24. #24
    Member IMWeasel's Avatar
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    A genre that I'm starting to really like, but don't have much music by. One thing I do own, and really like, is the album Stereo Hype by VHS Collection.
    Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

  25. #25

    Freeweights

    Freeweights!!

    Antti ~ Drums
    Anssi ~ Bass
    Kane ~ Synths
    Markus ~ Guitar
    Toni ~ Vocals

    Their ’80s-inspired tracks are a breath of fresh air—a defiant, youthful expression of honesty, paired with a level of talent and musical craftsmanship not often associated with contemporary pop music. There’s no guilt in this pleasure.” ~ This City Of Islands

    “What’s not to love about a band whose music is like a perfect soundtrack for all those 80s Tom Cruise flicks?” ~ Ja Ja Ja Music

    References:

    https://soundcloud.com/freeweights/ttmg
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzUcGEITu7M

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