Tuxedomoon
 

I've been meaning to open a Tuxedomoon thread for a while, but somehow always forget. They certainly deserve one, not only because they are one of my all time favorite bands, but because they're such an interesting and quality band and I think more people should listen to them. I've always thought they were a relatively 'popular' band, at least among fans of challenging, adventurous and quirky 70s and 80s music, kind of like Pere Ubu or even The Residents (I'm thinking more of the status, not musical similarity). That's why I was so surprised that on such a big forum hardly anybody ever mentions them. It can't be that they're forgotten? Well this thread will hopefully remind some people of them or introduce others to this incredible band.

I wasn't really sure where to put this thread, as Tuxedomoon is kind of hard to classify. Through the years they used a lot of influences ranging from jazz and neo-classical to post-punk and experimental electronic music. Usually described as avant-garde post-punk band, they managed to fuse all these influences with such an ease and to create their own recognizable sound.

That sound underwent some changes over the years. This avant-garde post-punk/new wave tag, imo, refers best to their early period from the late 70s and early 80s, when they were a part of San Francisco scene and signed to the Residents' Ralph Records label. It includes several singles and EPs and one full, proper album Half Mute (1980). Scream With a View EP (1979) can be easily found today along with Half Mute and No Tears EP (1978) with the album Desire. Many of their most interesting songs from this period are compiled on Pinheads on the Move which covers a period from 1977 to 1983. Imo, these are essential for anyone who wants to get into Tuxedomoon. Here are some clips for illustration.

59 to 1 (Half Mute)

Everything You Want (Pinheads on the Move)

This last song can also be found on Subterranean Moderne, a Ralph compilation of four San Francisco bands: Besides Tuxedomoon, MX-80 Sound, Chrome and of course The Residents.

The first change in sound can be heard on Desire (1981), which included more ambient soundscapes, almost a pop feel and catchy synths. It also has that European and new romantic vibe. It certainly is no coincidence that after this album Tuxedomoon moved to Europe. Later albums also have this more pop and even some jazzy dance feel. OK, not to make this post too long (in hope that someone will read it), I'll give some examples from their 80s albums.

Desire (Desire)

Divine (1982) which was in fact a ballet score and The Ghost Sonata (1991) are especially good. The Ghost Sonata was recorded through the 80s, but released in the early 90s. It's their most neo-classical album. Another great album is Joeboy in Mexico (1997) which was released after a period of inactivity.

So, any fans here?

I have to admit I've never hear Tuxedomoon before in my life. They do sound pretty interesting though.

The only album I have is Divine and it's interesting to say the least. I should checkout some of their earlier stuff as it's obviously different to Divine.

must admit iv'e never heard of them before, i liked the actuual musical sound, that last one reminded me of that old eighties be grade movie hannah d where junkies are in the slum ruins in amsterdam, i qiute like that sort of thing.

Same here basically, I have Desire and it's an amazing album, I love it. But i've never got off my butt and got anything else.

^^Half-Mute album and Pinheads on the Move compilation are both a must, not just for their early sound, but for the full appreciation of Tuxedomoon. And after these, I'd say Desire. After you fall in love, you cannot miss The Ghost Sonata, their most ambitious work, created for a performance (and thus very conceptual), but which easily stands on its own, kind of like Divine.

An Affair at the Soiree (The Ghost Sonata)


@tone float - It's interesting you said that song (The Waltz) reminded you of some movie. It sounds to me like it could easily belong in some Lynch movie. Tuxedomoon sound was always cinematic and often evoking a dramatic feel. Although members all came from studying electronic music, they were also involved from the start in acting and performance and video art. So, Tuxedomoon were always a kind of multimedia band and film art has a great impact on their image and sound, especially film noir, classic horror and surreal film. They often make tributes to great directors and films through their songs. For example there's a song 'Roman P.' on album You, they have a version of Lynch's song 'In Heaven' from Eraserhead, the album Divine can be seen as a tribute to Greta Garbo and Half-Mute has 'James Whale' dedicated to this classic horror director (Frankenstein,...). I'm probably forgetting a lot of references.

In Heaven

Ninotchka (Divine)

I got it wrong the album i have is called Desire/No Tears.

^Well I guess Desire is not a bad place to start, and No Tears is their early EP. But, I cannot recommend enough Half-Mute and it usually goes with Scream With a View EP or Pinheads on the Move

I've been thinking why are they so overlooked, especially considering that, for some reason, I had a different impression all these years. And I've come to a conclusion that they were probably always more 'popular' in mainland Europe than in UK or US. I mean they did move in the early 80s to Belgium and their music became even more in line with European traditions (classical, cabaret, romanticism etc).

https://tuxedomoonarchives.bandcamp.com

Great band.