The Monochrome Set - Alphaville

Another strange but very addictive song for you. This was The Monochrome Sets first single. Released on Rough Trade, I find it difficult to describe what kind of music it is, so you will have to try it out and mane your own mind up.

Both sides are excellent, there is jagged punk guitar riffs, mixed with harmony. They went on to produce a number of quality songs and albums for a few years (if anyone likes this then leave a comment and I will post some more of there stuff). although never really gaining the fame they may have deserved.

Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Alphaville
2. He's Frank

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then there a couple of "best of" CD's that will give you a taster of the Monochrome Set., neither of them have Alphaville. One word of warning they often changed their music style so it's not all like this single.

The Best of the Monochrome Set

Tomorrow Will Be Too Long

The Monochrome Set - Jacob's Ladder

The Monochrome Set's 12th single was a 5 track 12" EP. In my opinion there are three standout tracks that are so varied there is something for everyone.

First up is the a-side 'Jacob's Ladder', a brilliant piece of perfect indie/pop (it's the best description I can think of, anyone else got a better one?). You have to love this track. Next up is the second track on the a-side 'Andiamo' which is an instrumental cross of a spaghetti western sound and the Shadows, I love this one so much I've had the guitar tabbed out and I'm trying to learn it (so if anyone is interested in the tab leave a comment). The last track that I rate is 'Le Boom Boom' which has a bit of 'The Cramps' sound about it, another outstanding track. The last two tracks are OK, but I guess it would be nearly impossible to match the first three.

I believe the only track that is readily available from this EP is 'Jacobs ladder' so try the rest out and leave a comment and tell ASFM what you think.

A few etchings on this one, on the a-side "Message to J.P. PTO" and then on the other side "Whip It Out and Give Us A Laugh". Who knows?

Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Blanco Y Negro
Year: 1984
Tracks:
1. Jacobs Ladder
2. Andiamo
3. Le Boom Boom
4. Yo Ho Ho
5. Starry Nowhere

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then buy anyone of their excellent compilations or even better one of there many albums over on Cherry Red then follow this link:

This ones good if you want their earlier singles:

The Independent Singles Collection

This one if you want to try out a more varied sample of their music

The Best of the Monochrome Set

and if you know you like them then buy some of their albums, this ones their excelent third album

Eligible Bachelors

The Monochrome Set - The Monochrome Set 7"

The Monochrome Set released four singles in 1979 (including two versions of the brilliant 'He's Frank' which you can still find one of them here). The same titled single 'The Monochrome Set was their fourth single and is a real gem, but then again nearly everything they did was. The Monochrome Set always had their own unique sound and you can hear it here, does anyone know anyone else that sounded like them?

The a-side is the stand out track but I still love the b-side Mr Bizarro with it's Latin style (they were never afraid to mix different music styles).

A few etchings on this one, the classic "a porky prime cut" plus "To Penman With Love" anyone know what that one means? and on the b-side "PRAG VEC are Fab", well I would have to agree with that one (and you can check their debut single out here). I wonder if the band knew that was on there.

So does Mr Bizzaro get you dancing around or do you prefer 'The Monochrome set? Leave a comment and let ASFM know.

Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. The Monochrome Set
2. Mr Bizarro

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

If you like this then your in luck as you can get most of their classic singles (including both sides of this post) on this excellent compilation here (I have to say whilst I like hearing scratchy vinyl, I also like to hear the Monochrome Set in a quality recording) . for only £5.98 what are you waiting for.:

The Independent Singles Collection