Michael Cretu - Samurai (1985) [Synth-Pop / Europop]



The German ubermensch producer behind the Enigma project that dominated in the 1990's was pretty fun back in the 80's too, going feet first into New Wave / synth-pop goodness. Gotta cut your teeth somewhere, cheese or no cheese. And if you are gonna get cheesy, you might as well get gorgonzola about it.

Gentle Giant - Edge Of Twilight (1971) [Prog-Rock / Avant-Pop]



They were so ahead of the game in 1971 that we're still trying to catch up today.

Terry Callier - Dancing Girl (1973) [Epic Orchestral Folk / R&B / Soul]



The king of cosmic soul, a well deserved title that this 9-minute masterpiece illustrates with grand aplomb.

District 97 - I Don't Wanna Wait Another Day (2010) [RIO / Prog / Pop]



Former American Idol finalist singer meets King Crimson and Soft Machine-esque fusion antics. She's got great pipes, and the cello is a nice touch too.

Pyha - Song Of The Elderly (2008) [Noise / Black Metal / Sludge]



Surprisingly immersive (and at times terrifying) black metal produced by a 14 year old Korean kid who was inspired by some supernatural encounters in some houses he shouldn't have been poking around in at night. Probably old hat for some MB members but worth checking out in any case.

Toshiki Kadomatsu - Off Shore (1983) [City Pop]



Surf's up in a technicolor version of early 80's Okinawa. Love the horns.

Lumerians - High Frontier (2013) [Psych-Rock]



Some groovy Krautrock-stuffz borne out of San Fran's underground. One of my favorite cuts from 2013 and I'm glad I ran across it again today.

Peter Gabriel - Fourteen Black Paintings (1992) [Worldbeat / Ambient]



This one's a keeper ya'll. Like a Jon Hassell textural expedition crossing wires with Gabriel's early 80's ruminations from albums like Melt and Security. Likey likey.

Areknames - The Very Last Number (2010) [Rock Progressivo Italiano]



Old school prog-epic with a lot of rich instrumentation and varied influences. Love the Mellotron and violin.

Utopia - Secret Society (1985) [AOR / New Wave]



Todd Rundgren's catalog is a cave full of endless treasures - just when you think you've heard everything, you'll discover yet another pop gem from one of his various projects that you missed before. 'Secret Society' is one such bop from his mid 80's period. Slick, soulful and made for MTV.