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From the far end of the long tail comes B.I.P.P.P.: French Synthwave 1979-1985, a compilation of "lost synthwave gems" from early 80s pre-New Wave French recording artists who fashioned cold pop diamonds from warm analog synths. Add N to (X), Daft Punk, and many other more recent groups owe these bands a debt – assuming they've ever heard them before. Most of the bands on the compilation apparently released vinyl runs of 1000 or less, the first time around.
Originally compiled by the Parisian label Born Bad, the compilation was re-released earlier this month by LA-based Everloving Records. I'm glad – it'd be a shame if any of these treasures were lost again, having been unearthed once already.
Any band on this compilation could open for LCD Soundsystem in 2008. I have never been able to listen to Depeche Mode for more than a few seconds at a time and can't understand French or late Stereolab, but B.I.P.P.P. is really, really doing it for me. Highly recommended.
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Full tracklist:
A Trois Dans Les WC - "Contagion"
Act - "Ping pong"
Les Visiteurs du Soir - "Je técris dun pays"
Vox Dei - "Terroriste"
Comix - "Touche pas mon Sexe"
TGV - "Partie 1"
C.K.C - "20h25"
Marie Moor - "Pretty Day"
Deux - "Game and Performance"
Ruth - "Polaroid Roman Photo"
Vitor Hublot - "Alles Simple"
Visible - "Le jour se lève"
Casino Music - "Viol AF 015"
Busy P - "Rainbow Man" (US version only)
