Soft Cell singer Marc Almond droped with „Tainted Love“ (1981) one of the biggest hits in the history of electronic music. He continued on a highest level and was style-defining for a lot of musicians and artists.
Aside from number one hits also lots of dope features with some of the most legendary musicians of this world originated. Kelli Ali, Gene Pitney, Nico, Siouxsie Sioux, P.J. Proby, Nina Hagen, Jimmy Somerville, Rosenstolz, Foetus and Coil.
His new project is a colaboration between him, two extremely talented producers and Emil Schult (Kraftwerk) who created the coverartwork. In fact Starcluster are two producers who are totally acting from behind the scenes of the music scene. They already had a lot big projects going on with George Michael and Boy George but also split into truly countless ghost and underground projects.
You recognize it from the earliest moment that on this record all involved persons were doing what they really wanted to do as musicians and that Marc still has a lot to say. It is the perfect 1980’s synth wave record all Marc Almond fans were waiting for. Obviously produced by musicans who have the skills and the knowledge about the classy early electronic productions by Marc which once made him famous. Tons of analogue synthesizers and high end equipment were used to produce a record that could also be a product of the 1980’s but totally sounds synth wave zeitgeisty at the same time. And as highlight for a all Italo fans there’s even a cover version of Valerie Dore’s „Get Closer“ featured.
Gatefoldcover + free download HQ pressing. 500 copies limited edition, (400 x black, 100x blue vinyl).
More details + tracklisting on Discogs:
https://www.discogs.com/Starcluster-and-Marc-Almond-Silver-City-Ride/master/1061148
Starcluster – Smoke & Mirrors (Feat. Marc Almond from Soft Cell) – 12’’ Mix on NEW RETRO WAVE channel on youtube