Outer Frequencies

This quick-paced, super-catchy single was released a year before UK group Zounds broke up and was described by the band as “Velvet Underground meet white liberal guilt."

The multi-talented Arik Einstein was often referred to as “The Voice of Israel,” and in 1971 he released the album At Avigdor’s Grass with arrangements by Miki Gavrielov. This track is a stand-out.

Slow synth-pop greatness featuring ‘70s disco artist Noël on vocals and Mitchell Froom, who also played with Crowded House and Elvis Costello, on keys.

Recorded by Detroit singer and ex-member of the Motown group The Contours, Jerry (J.G.) Green aka “The Voice Master,” this track is amazingly gritty and atmospheric with flashes of minimal synth-pop. Electronic soul music at its best. Its year of release is unknown.

Here’s an Ian Dury-ish, minimalist synth-pop tune by UK singer Jona Lewie that I discovered, coincidentally, in the kitchen at a party. It went to number 16 in the UK charts, but was mostly overlooked by the rest of the world. 

Demented bubble-gum pop / proto-punk from Canadian showman Laurice under the name Grudge. 

A dystopian post-punk gem. Plus, the band’s website is beautifully outdated. 

Turns out Toni Basil’s “Mickey” was (sort of) a cover of 70′s UK band Racey’s power-pop song “Kitty.” I almost prefer this version. Almost.

Randoms were a rad LA punk band that included John Doe of X on bass. Every Angelino (and Philadelphian) should have this in their collection.

There isn’t a spec of info to be found online about this group, but this is one of the best electro-pop songs that I have ever heard. If you have info, let me know.

A great power-pop tune by Mississippi band The End, fronted by Jack Yarber aka Jack Oblivian. It was later covered in 2008 by In the Red Records’ band Cheap Time.