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The Tower

THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS

<< back to the Combined Discography

Cover ImageRelease date and tracklist

1984
UK LP In Phaze PHA3

1985
NL LP/CD Terminal Kaleidoscope/Play It Again Sam TK003 (different cover)

1996
US CD Soleilmoon SOL41 (different cover)

1998
US LP Soleilmoon SOL41 (picture disc)

2006
PL CD Big Blue 8483412 (different cover)

2011
NL LP Terminal Kaleidoscope (different cover and back)

10 July 2012
NL Remastered MP3 self-released on Bandcamp*

side a

  1. Black Zone – [MP3]
  2. Break Day – [MP3]
  3. Tower One – [MP3]
  4. Vigil-Anti – [MP3]
  5. A Lust For Powder – [MP3]
  6. Poppy Day – [MP3]

side b

  1. Tower Two – [MP3]
  2. Astrid – [MP3]
  3. Rope And Glory – [MP3]
  4. Tower Three – [MP3]
  5. Tower Four – [MP3]
  6. Tower Five – [MP3]

*Astrid / Rope & Glory are combined as track 8 and Tower 4/ Tower 5 are combined as track 10.

Credits

  • Sybil Strange-Cargo – keyboards, occasional vocals
  • Che Banana – voice, keyboards, electronics
  • Stret Majest Alarme – guitars
  • Phil Harmonix – keyboards, electronics, percussion
  • Patrick Paganini Q – keyboards, violin
  • Roland Calloway – bass
  • Lilly Ak – guest voice on “Astrid”
  • Armin Bliss – guest

Produced & engineered by Pat Bermingham

Notes

In Phaze edition of 2500 copies.

PIAS LP version:
includes a lyric sheet. The CD version has the following tracking problems: “Tower Two” is split into track numbers 7 & 8; “Astrid” and “Rope and Glory” are together on track 9; “Tower Three” is split into track numbers 10 & 11; “Tower Four” and “Tower Five” are together on track 12.
Artwork by Stephan Barbery

1998 Soleilmoon edition was initially available as part of Lullabies for the New Dark Ages
Vinyl etching (on PHA 3): Side 1 – GRAEME
The picture disc comes in a generic plastic sleeve. It includes a promo card for the Lullabies For The New Dark Ages box set, released in 1998, which included picture discs of the band’s first four LPs. This picture disc was left over from the original run of 512 numbered box sets.

2006 Big Blue edition:
Artwork – Zdzisław Beksiński

2011 Terminal Kaleidoscope LP:
Limited to ~12 copies.
Part of the Teka hand-made series : ‘Brighter Now’ , ‘Faces In The Fire’ and ‘The Tower’.
A picture disc with a handmade cover by The Silverman and New Orleans artist Alan Jaeger.
The picture disc was left over from the run made for the Lullabies For The New Dark Ages boxset released in 1998, and rediscovered in 2010.

KLENEHHZ LEEBRAKIZH
Dedicated to the deviant… we still stick together, yes?

from Bandcamp:
1984 (how fitting….)
It was probably the sight of Margaret Thatcher talking on the television about her “good friend Mr. Pinochet…” that sparked the idea for The Tower.
At that instant you kind of sensed what this monster really wanted to do with the rioters, anarchists, welfare seekers, travellers, punks…..ah, no need to go on.  Some long to play in stadiums, some prefer to fill them in darker ways.
A lot of us actually longed for a female premier before Thatcher came along. It was a wish for a gentler Britain, a place that only seemed to exist on old radio programmes .You’re right….a green and pleasant land.
Thatcher sent out the message that it was somehow ok to be greedy, and look how the idea caught on….. It pervades and perverts to this very day.  It has brought continents to their knees and still there are those
who profit from the situation.
“The Tower” refers to the famous monument in London where many were locked up and many lost their heads over the centuries.  It is now a popular tourist attraction.

Several editions of “The Tower” have emerged over the years with four different covers. We chose Stephan Barbery’s fabulous art for the second edition as it’s our favourite and fits the music so well.

 

Lyrics

Black Zone

They ripped up all the grass and they cut down all the trees, built a fence – little sign says ‘Keep away, if you please…’ And it was difficult to argue with the trenches and the guns. 50,000 volts, the wires buzzing – touch it and you’re D.O.A. (d.c.) Deceased! Your secret’s safe with us. The trucks roll in at midnight – skull and crossbones on the headlights. They carry poison, carry fission for the Black Zone… Hear the test-tubes bubble with disease for enemies (I hope there’s not a breeze!) And the villigers line up outside with placards, sing ‘Abide with me’. The guards just laugh – smoke rises in the distance… Because the Black Zone’s here to stay and it’s here to protect us, ’til that black and bitter day when test-tube spills and blows us all away.

Breakday

The slogans turned to secrets. The symbols turned to stains. The face of an ‘enemy’ was imprinted on our brains. Made us spectres at the shutters, faces covered, taking aim, faking blame. Breakday (The breaks failed – we all broke down together) Drains were painted scarlet. Scars were opened wide. Kids saluted in the basements, whistled hymns and homicide. And though we wanted to change things, the fact remains, we never tried. Breakday (The breaks failed – breaking down together). But YOU had a chance. You had the brains, you had the money – could have bought an aeroplane and skipped this hole for somewhere sunny. You recognised the symptoms, smelt the hatred in the air. But you stayed… You better pray. A nurse hid and shivered as an army axed her door. Linking arms, drinking orders, unrinating on the floor. Spilt the milk, split a hymen – took her wicked, made her sore… Told her it was Breakday.

Tower One

Faces at a window, fingers clutching at the bars. A fly skips from an eyebrow to an elbow, across a scar. And stars are laughing as the wind bites – doesn’t leave a mark… because the Tower stands impregnable – a beacon in the dark. And no-one names a crime committed, no-one blames a soul. Their cases heard so long ago – forget about parole. And faculties are failing because they’re really rather old. And sick. And tired, much too jaded. How they weep, cos how they hate it. Sky dye on her fingers. The air was turning blue, as captain whispered, ‘Blindfold’s optional – you wouldn’t like the view! She shook her head and shouted back, “I’d like to see this through.” Then joined the line of hostages – was 13th in the queue. Rusty chains and armoured pillows stuffed with silver pins. Collecting lives like butterflies, keep them all locked in. Tattoo with a star, write a number on the chin… It’s not for turning. Slowly learning. Stomach churns, the fire’s burning… No-one has the key to the Tower. And if you listen carefully, you’ll hear a baby cry. Torn screaming from her mother’s womb – the lady nearly died. But the torment never stops, it’s written right across the eyes of George and Jeannie, Charlotte, Renie, Uncle Geoff, Cousin Julie, Audrey, Johnny, Andy, Mandy, Algernon. And Barbarella, Shelly, Napoleon. Winston, April, Philip, Roland, Barry, Sally, Patrick, Me! Me! Mimi…

Vigil-Anti

George had the role of the spokesman. Script prepared – took a week to write… how their house was an eyesore, kid was an outlaw, wife was a whore who bored the neighbours. Fists were raised, pledges made over ten grenades and tins of petrol. George would strike the first match if they put up a fight or pulled down the shutters. Soldiers blue. Shoulders sunburned – see the light dance on their hair, the fair and healthy skin, the shins of metal. Men of mental discipline (their favourite word). It’s heard in cries, it’s heard in whispers, in the candlelight of ceremonies clandestine where songs are empty, words are anti-this and anti-that. The vigilantes tilt their hats to cleaner sheets, greener valleys. Marble queens sing Halleluiah – spewing out the trash in the name of the Lord.

A Lust For Powder

Astrid. Astrid, do you think they know? Spy behind the curtains – see me now! I’m certain that they’ve seen it all. All the ammunition… watched you planting posters on the wall. They hear us on the phone you know. We’re not alone. We’re not alone. We can give them all a show when we make love. The tape is running, guns are trained – I wonder when they’ll fire? I’m losing hope, I’m feeling scared. You feel it too? I’m sure you do! Let’s ignore them – powder our noses. Powder our throats. Today I’ve got a lust for powder – a TOWER of powder. (If they shoot me now, I couldn’t give a fuck…)

Poppy Day

We’ll remember when that wreath is just a crown of thorns to drape around your helmet – hide out anywhere at all. We’ll remember when you’re no more than a poem on a grave – a sideline for the guy who writes the birthday cards but never signs his name. He’s got your number, feels your pain… though you’re smiling from the mantel-piece and you’ve got your rifle trained. It’s pointing at the T.V. Shall we tell you when to fire? There’s a programme we all hate… it’s not a late show so you won’t be tired. We remember how you loved the war films, and hid behind the sofa throwing balls of silver paper. We remember. We remember. We’ve got our poppies on. We hear the clock chime out eleven. We remember, we remember it’s Poppy Day. (You shall not grow old!)

Tower Two

Mokey see. Monkey do. Monkey’s got no point of view. Captain points and he points too. Clever monkey! Monkey’s got to know his place. No future in the ‘master race’. Monkey spat in captain’s face – they cut his tongue out. Threw it to a doberman named Rover. He can eat a man in 20 seconds flat – prefers a cat. In the courtyard shuffled deviants with gold stars, they’re scarred with numbers, as guards raise their cards. It’s 6.2, 6.7… Under five and in the corner for a session in the sauna. Naked, being born again – they’re sliding down the chute. And the garden’s looking fine. There’s lots of water, lots of lime and captain spends most of his time in the deckchair. And there’s weeping in the queue, and Lady Gwyneth’s weeping too – sickened, yet she voted blue. She knows it. And night patrols are doing rounds. Now there’s Tower complex, Tower Town. Population’s going down, but we’re great again…

Astrid

Forgetting all the lies you told about me when my back was turned. Forgetting all the cards I sent that you simply burned. Forgetting all those times you said you’d phone. Forgetting all the others when you said I was the only one. Forgetting all those nights i spent alone… Forgetting you is hard… do you forget so easily?

Rope & Glory

Flags are flying in the wind and all the world can hear us. We can take it on the chin and fight another day. The tower’s shining in the sun. Outside the kids are having fun. Soldier lets them stroke his gun and leads the grand parade!

Tower Three

The echo of a thousand marching boots hammers on the air. They’re singing anthems, chanting oaths and whistle as Salome lifts her skirt because they’re ‘real’ men and they’re healthy, happy… own the place. They raise hell when they’re sober, wrestle tigers when they’re drunk. In their living rooms a picture of the queen nestles in between Miss August and a placard saying HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. (Keep it pure, keep it white. Keep it free of undesirables because freedom is so valuable and getting scarcer.). Fight! So they march. Smashing windows, splashing slogans, pushing petrol bombs through doors ’til a uniform appears. Gently whisper in the ear of the leader. “That’s against the law but we’ll ignore it this time. Peace Krime’s got to be official!” Keep it clean. Keep it quiet. In a lonely moor the digger’s working, bigger holes hold more… And the patriots stay in as convoys rattle down the street. No-one hears the weeping, no-one listens for the cracks at dawn. The shovelling goes on and on and on. But the patriots aren’t frightened cos they heard it on T.V. that a Golden Age lies ’round the corner. And day now…

Tower Four

The night was warm, the gelignite was hot. The plot was thick. And Jenny’s being sick in the bathroom. She’s six months gone and will it have a chance or simply wither in the womb… The room was thick with smoke. Photographs of martyrs across the wall. There’s brother John shot down at the cenotaph (yes, we’ll remember!) Sister Astrid, now corrected – never says a word. The list goes on and on. The bombs, the blood… For every guilty death there’s 20 more. The limbs go flying across the floor, and no-one’s crying anymore. Just caught up in the crossfire – and Jenny wants her child.

Tower Five

You wanted easy answers. You want a tidy end. Don’t you know you’ve got a lot to answer for? You wanted shining heroes. You wanted sparkling knights. BUT THEY’RE GONE. You chose your grave. Lie there.

 

Faces In the Fire

THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS

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Cover ImageRelease date and tracklist

1984
UK EP Play It Again Sam BIAS1

08 Jan 2011
NL LP Terminal Kaleidoscope (different cover and back)

June 26, 2023
UK EP Play It Again Sam reissue

side a

  1. Blasto
  2. Love In A Plain Brown Envelope
  3. Sleeso

side b

  1. Neon Gladiators
  2. Kitto
  3. Eight Minutes To Live

***

1996
PL CS Big Blue TK02-4

side a

  1. Blasto
  2. Love In A Plain Brown Envelope
  3. Sleeso
  4. Neon Gladiators
  5. Kitto
  6. Eight Minutes To Live

side b

  1. Een Ogenblik Alstubleft
  2. Love On A Pale Green Postage Stamp
  3. Premonition 12
  4. Mmmmmmmmmmmm… [MP3]
  5. Jungle
  6. Plague 2
  7. Find The Lady
  8. No Bell No Prize
  9. Suicide Pact

 

***
Cover Image
1996
US CD Soleilmoon SOL42

2006
PL CD Big Blue Records ‎– 8483414 (different cover)

30 May 2012
NL Remastered MP3 self-released on Bandcamp

  1. Blasto
  2. Love In A Plain Brown Envelope
  3. Sleeso
  4. Neon Gladiators
  5. Kitto
  6. Eight Minutes To Live

 

Credits

  • Edward Ka-Spel– vox, keys
  • Stret Majest- guitars
  • Roland Calloway- bass
  • Phil Harmonix– keys, percussion, devices
  • April Iliffe- vox, keys
  • Pat Paganini – violins
  • Ignit – guest voice on Sleezo
  • John Whybrew- guest obscene phonecall
  • Pazhklahh Zzzapp- extras

Produced by Pat Bermingham and the Legendary Pink Dots

Notes

Vinyl edition was released with at least two slightly different covers. The artwork was the same on both, but one is green (like the CD edition) and one is pale yellow.
Soleilmoon edition was initially available as part of Lullabies for the New Dark Ages.

KLAUBSTEHTT NAVEEDA DERSTIHHN

Cassette (PL CS Big Blue TK02-4):
tracks 2-9 of side b are also on Stained Glass Soma Fountains.

From Bandcamp:
1984 and a small label in Belgium named Play it Again Sam wanted the Pink Dots for it’s first release. We had just 5 days for the recording and what you hear was pretty much live in Pat Bermingham’s studio. Actually a lot of fun was had by all involved.

Sleezo- First piece recorded for this album when Ignit was visiting.  Swiftly ushered her into the studio (downstairs in the flat) where she delivered a perfect RTL5 (jong, snel, wild) rendition of something truy sleazy.

Neon Gladiators- Inspired by a blue neon sign in an empty disco pub in Bethnal Green. The preacher was captured by The Silverman in a Hainault church in the aftermath of a frightening TV documentary.

Play It Again Sam 40th Anniversary LP reissue:
A beautiful new edition of this long out-of-print album to celebrate the Play It Again Sam label’s 40th Anniversary. In fact the original was the label’s first ever release ( catalogue no. BIAS1 !).  Edition of 500

Lyrics

Blasto

Hunched up in a little ball. They fooled around and grabbed his balls, and called him names and bled him dry. He tried to lie, he tried to cry. To die (But there was no one listening). They left him lying by a drain, and somehow he forgot the pain. The rain and the raining boots and blades. He pressed a friendly doorbell and they gave him lemonade and laid him on a bed. But still his head went spinning ’round and still the blood went dripping down. It soaked the sheets, it soaked his shirt, soaked his jersey sweater. Better get the BLASTO out to blast away the stains. Nothings better.

Love in a Plain Brown Envelope

Heaven is a hole. There’s a whole lot of heaven in your (cavern), in your avenue. Enjoy it? do you? do you? Of course you do… It’s there in black and white. There’s every detail and every tale delights. The fannies and the cranny’s with the antelopes from Lapland. (Uh… so horny!). It’s a perfect land… the lips are lubricated and the pistons always stiff and glistening driving upwards, onwards… it’s like your dream. It’s partly human and part machine. Oh, Cyborg! as a man you’re magic, as machine you’re mean, mean mean mean. Mean, mean[moans…all the way to climax] [sample on phone]I’m wondering I’m fondling myself. Come to me (sweet) woman. Talk to me. Come to me sweet thing. Come come come to me. Touch yourself, come on, touch yourself (repeated) (moans and phone hangs up).

Sleeso

He gave her flowers, pearls, baby powder, chocolate whirls, medallions, a stallion, a galleon, and a dove. But still she cried her eyes out, wondered why life passed her by cause the thing he never gave her was a little thing called. LOVE, IN A PLAIN BROWN ENVELOPE. THE WILDEST HOTTEST NEW VIDEO FROM THOSE STUPENDOUS SLEESO PEOPLE. WE COULD FILL THE PAGE WITH X’S. YOU’LL LOVE THIS PRODUCT. WE USED KEYHOLES, LADDERS, TREES, EVEN SENT THE CAMERAMAN UP A CRANE JUST TO PLEASE YOU, THE VIEWER. NO MINORS, OK? Buy. Buy. Don’t be shy.

Neon Gladiators

(left and right channels split samples for th first 40 seconds or so) Left channel-Thy will be done. My brother my sister my friend. This morning hear me and hear me clearly and hear me good because this is my sould purpose in the world at this time is to warn people of the impending doom and the possibility of salvation in Jesus Christ. I am called to preach the gospel and as a gospel preacher I want to tell you this morning if I never say anything else in this church from here on in then we are living on the very verge of the end of the world as we know it. (then the right channel begining start up as the music overtakes) Right channel-We’re being laughed at as fate, the supernaural, demonism, the miraculous, the end of the world, the anti-christ, the armegeddon. All around us, things predicted in the bible are being unmistakenly fulfilled before our very eyes. We read these words, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. ( in the witch) the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt to his (ferment) feet.” The earth also and the works also that are therein- (goes onto begining of the left channel)

Soft pile carpets wall to wall. They’re splashing in the pool. They fornicate in corners and they’re moaning in the haze. It isn’t love, it’s just the smoke. The jokes are bad, the laughs are cruel And lilly swings a knife. The statues came to life, with stone swords crashing into heads. The carpet’s turning red. The neon gladiators are sparring sparring on the lawn and trampling on the roses – they make the hostess bawl. The walls are cracking. Detectives leap from TV screens, they are screaming “freeze!”, their fingers itching. They are ducking as a chandelier comes crashing down.

And somewhere in another town, a finger pressed a knob, changed the channel, wiped a flannel across his face and danced. He ordered you to dance. They shoot horses, don’t they? They shoot as well, ha. Dance devine, dance in sequins(3x). Here come the neon gladiators!

Kitto

You could have left the cat, a little company to talk at. He never said a word except when he was hungry. Well were you like that? Now I’m on my own, just your picture and a phone, 27 cans of kitto. Chunky chicken. Marrow bone. My hair is silky smooth and I’ll purr if your nice to me, so call me… catch me if you can. Cans and cans of Kitto, I’ve got cans and cans of Kitto. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Kitto’s nice, Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I love it, cans and cans of Kitto.

Eight minutes to Live

Your hand was freezing, so I slipped it in my pocket and strolled across the quay side looking at the sky for darting rockets. They turned the stars a shade of yellow, blazing trails across the planets. Hi ho Silver, day-glo amber. No go red (it’s getting louder!). Caroline was colour blind though she dreamed of golden sunsets and a sea of soldier blue with out the blood. Is the daytime just a dream? If you close your eyes, will I fade away? (Pattern softly). Ohhhh

 

Chyekk, China Doll/AaΔzhyd, China Doll

EDWARD KA-SPEL

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Cover ImageRelease date and tracklist

1995
NL CD Staalplaat STCD090

disc a

  1. Lines
  2. The Infinity Waltz [MP3]
  3. Prelude For A Splash
  4. The Price Of Salvation
  5. Chyekk 1 [MP3]
  6. Lisa’s Christening [MP3]
  7. Chyekk 2
  8. Beautiful, Naked
  9. Klazh, Tristurr
  10. Lisa’s Resurrection [MP3]
  11. The Power, The Power
  12. The Glory, The Glory
  13. The Forbidden Zone
  14. Colour Me Vexed, Desiree

disc b

  1. Aaδzhyd China Doll
  2. Flesh Parade
  3. The Qa’Spell
  4. The Unfortunate Demise Of The Fabulous Puccino Brothers
  5. Nuts In May
  6. Traitors’ Gate / Blowing Bubbles (Part 3)
  7. The Fool
  8. The Witchfinder Suite Parts I-V
  9. The Witchfinder Suite Part VI

Credits

Edward Ka-Spel – music on A11 & A12, recorded in 1994.
For all other personnel see the credits for the original releases of Chyekk China Doll and Aaδzhyd China Doll.

Notes

Re-issue of the albums Chyekk China Doll from 1985 (disc 1) and AaΔzhyd China Doll from 1987 (disc 2) with bonus material (tracks 1-13, 1-14, 2-8, 2-9).

“Traitor’s Gate” and “Blowing Bubbles (Part 3)” are together on track 6, “The Fool” is track 7, and “The Witchfinder Suite” is split into tracks 8 and 9
The Chinese characters on Chyekk China Doll CD translate to “cooking instructions” while on the Aaδzhyd China Doll translate to “ingredients : flour, salt”

Tracks 1-1 to 1-12 recorded at Vision Studio, London in 1985.
Tracks 1-13 to 1-14 recorded at LPD Centraal in 1994.
Tracks 2-1 to 2-7 recorded at Dolls’ House and mixed in Klaverland in 1987.
Tracks 2-8 and 2-9 recorded at Dots House, Nijmegen in 1990/91.

Reviews

Ed’s china dolls conjure an image of children’s toys which are delicate, easily broken, and possibly enchanted by some demented musician-magician. The music on this 2-CD re-release has this same kind of eerie carnival atmosphere, using mostly synthetic instruments to create a simultaneously dreamlike and sinister ambience. Songs like “The Infinity Waltz” combine an innocuous and familiar rhythm with Ed’s unique voice supplying surreal narration…it gives the impression of mad china dolls trapped in an eternal dance. Ed happily sings about “slaves” and “corpses” in an upbeat tempo with his usual elfin charm. Ka-Spel’s usual cast of characters makes their appearances on these albums, particularly “Lisa” who is christened and resurrected in two tracks. Fans of the LPD album “Asylum” would definitely like the music on these albums, which were released originally around the same time as that album (86-87). Anyone who likes the synth sound from Walter Carlos’ “Clockwork Orange” is also pointed to “Chyekk”, which captures that sound and might bring a string of associations with it. “Aaδzhyd” is less of a demonic carnival, less synthesized and returning to the Pink Dots’ “Lovers” for material particularly on the song “Flesh Parade”. Disc two has more of a desolate feel, ranging from underwater whisperings to almost industrial wailing sprees. Apocalyptic nursery rhymes and psychedlic soup in this long-awaited re-release from the chinadoll man. – Sarada

***

Ka-Spel’s next two solo albums, 1986’s Chyekk and 1987’s Aaδzhyd, were released together in a double pack by Dutch Soleilmoon-equivalent Staalplaat in 1995. The artwork for the package is beautiful but when carefully considered, the two albums are thematically different enough to merit individual release. Chyekk is somewhat lightweight, containing a number of brief instrumental interludes and synth-orchestrated waltzes (“The Infinity Waltz,” “Lisa’s Christening”), but overall the album is stripped-down and crystal clear. Slight keyboard melodies like “The Forbidden Zone” and “Lines” are examples of Ka-Spel’s best work. Appending a shapeless sound collage like “Colour Me Vexed, Desiree,” which was also written many years after the bulk of the album, was a good intention gone horribly wrong as it interrupts the proceedings. Aaδzhyd is much denser and darker; whether intended to praise or damn certain psychoactive hallucinogenic drugs, it is easy to see how the album could be the musical equivalent of a bad trip. While arpeggioed pieces like “Flesh Parade” (also on the LPD’s Prayer For Aradia) or simple melodies like “Nuts In May” maintain the minimalism carried over from Chyekk, the stark creepiness of the title track and “The Fool” tend to undo any possible feelings of pleasantness while listening. A lengthy epilogue was tacked onto this album as well, but “The Witchfinder Suite (Parts I-VI)” at least fits the mood of the album it complements. – Rex

 

Chyekk China Doll

EDWARD KA-SPEL

<< back to the Combined Discography

Cover ImageRelease date and tracklist

1985
UK LP Torso 33013

side a

  1. Lines
  2. The Infinity Waltz [MP3]
  3. Prelude For A Splash
  4. The Price Of Salvation
  5. Chyekk 1 [MP3]

side b

  1. Lisa’s Christening [MP3]
  2. Chyekk 2
  3. Beautiful, Naked
  4. Klazh, Tristurr
  5. Lisa’s Resurrection [MP3]
  6. The Power, The Power
  7. The Glory, The Glory

***

1988
UK CD Torso CD013

1995
NL 2xCD Staalplaat STCD090- details here

***
Cover Image2010
US CD Beta-lactam Ring MT115

2012
NL MP3 self-released on EK’s Bandcamp page

30 March 2014
NL Remastered MP3 self-released on Bandcamp

  1. Lines
  2. The Infinity Waltz [MP3]
  3. Prelude For A Splash
  4. The Price Of Salvation
  5. Chyekk 1 [MP3]
  6. Lisa’s Christening [MP3]
  7. Chyekk 2
  8. Beautiful, Naked
  9. Klazh, Tristurr
  10. Lisa’s Resurrection [MP3]
  11. The Power, The Power
  12. The Glory, The Glory
  13. The Forbidden Zone*
  14. Choke(d)*
  15. Film Of The Book (The Forgotten Version)*
  16. Colour Me Vexed,Desiree**

*Bonus songs on the Beta-lactam and Bandcamp release only
** Bonus song on the 2014 Bandcamp release only

***
July 21, 2023
NL Remastered MP3 self-released on EK’s Bandcamp

  1. Lines
  2. The Infinity Waltz [MP3]
  3. Prelude For A Splash
  4. The Price Of Salvation
  5. Chyekk 1 [MP3]
  6. Lisa’s Christening [MP3]
  7. Chyekk 2
  8. Beautiful, Naked
  9. Klazh, Tristurr
  10. Lisa’s Resurrection [MP3]
  11. The Power, The Power
  12. The Glory, The Glory
  13. The Forbidden Zone

 

Credits

  • Edward Ka-Spel – voice, keyboards, electronics, bugle
  • Patrick Q. Paganini (Patrick Wright) – violin, keyboards, bass, guitar
  • Steven Stapleton – tapes, piano, inspiration
  • Lady Sunshine – lady voice
  • Produced by Patrick Q. Wright and Edward Ka-Spel

Torso graphics– Nico Arzabach; Cover photography– Ruud Jacobs
Beta-lactam artwork– Jesse Peper; graphics- Chris

Notes

CD:
This release is subtitled “D’Archangel Laughs”.
Comes in a black tray jewel case with a 4-page booklet.

The back of the booklet incorrectly lists two bonus tracks, “When Old Gods Die” and “After the Tower”, that do not appear on the disc. These tracks were later included on the LYVV CHINA DOLL release as “Wenn Alte Gotter Sterben” and “Tower 8”.

Bandcamp:
1985. EK’s first year in Amsterdam and came the day when he found himself actually targeted by TWO record companies in the city. Megadisc had the money but insisted on a long-term contract while Torso had the artistic credibility but less of the greenbacks (or orange backs in The Netherlands).  He opted for the latter label and proposed a collaborative album with fellow Pink Dot Patrick, with a guest spot for Marylou and some sound production advice from old friend Steve Stapleton.
Even so, “Chyekk” is as much Patrick’s album as it is Edward’s. The pair worked in glorious harmony with basic chords and vocal ideas coming from EK while Pat was the master arranger.
The vinyl version was well received and “Chyekk” was even issued as one of the earliest independent cds (although the “bonus” tracks listed on the cover were somehow left off).
A reissue in combination with “Aazhyd China Doll” followed in the 90s, but the truly definitive version with a fabulous interpretation of EK’s original cover concept (thanks to Jesse Peper) appeared in 2010, fabulously remastered by Raymond Steeg.
This Redux version features that 2010 remaster plus the bonus track which was exclusive to the “Aazhyd/Chyekk” edition. -EK

2023 Bandcamp remaster:
A fresh new master of an album that’s well over 30 years old.Chyekk China Doll was EK’s first direct collaboration with violinist, composer and arranger extraordinaire Patrick Q. Wright and his production and engineering skills made this album possible. It was even recorded on his 8-Track home studio in London. Steve Stapleton also features on the tracks “Klazh,Tristurr” and “The Power,The Power.”

 

Press Release (BLRR)

With two added bonus tracks. “With the help of Nurse With Wound mainman Steven Stapleton on “tapes, piano, and inspiration,” Ka-Spel collaborated with multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wright on Chyekk China Doll, a worthy entry in Ka-Spel’s lengthy, involved series of solo works. As with most of his solo work, the artist moves sideways from the collapsing, queasy anarchy of the Legendary Pink Dots for a quieter but no less freaky combination. Wright plays a core role throughout, cowriting nearly all the songs and adding his haunting, heavily echoed violin work to many songs, further rendering the playfully cartoon music-in-hell compositions even more curious. The aura of fragile chamber music and oddly elegant ballroom dancing on the brief “Chyekk 1” and “Chyekk 2” and the downright captivating start to “The Glory, the Glory” are some of his standout moments. “Lisa’s Christening,” meanwhile, really does sound like a religious ceremony of some sort, though not exactly one which might be called a traditional Christian rite. Stapleton’s ear for jarring, sudden cuts and random samples further spikes the brew at points — check the brief “Klazh, Tristurr” or the echoing rumble of “The Power, the Power” for a headspinning listen — all making a just disorienting enough combination for Ka-Spel to play in. Sometimes he submerges his vocals in the mix, but, at points, as on the very appropriately titled “The Infinity Waltz,” it goes front and center, his gently declamatory style suiting the results. Ka-Spel’s wiggy sense of humor helps in some of the arrangements as well — who else would whip up a jazzy, ’20s-style strut like “Beautiful Naked” while still making it sound like an invocation to the beyond?”

Lyrics

Lines

I’d steal your kingdom for a horse. I’d sell your grandma for a buzz. I’ll pick your pick your pocket on the bus. I’ll rip your locket off its chain and hawk it in the market if I can walk straight… In line. Like the lines on my arms. Like the line at the clinic where they’ll pump me dry and turn me loose to cynically steal your kingdoms once again.

The Infinty Waltz

Fanning the flames with a feather. He leapt from the the 10 o’clock train to oblivion. Maimed, but the ceiling was falling, the siren was calling. He threw off his chains and he joined The Infinity Waltz. Gallantly screaming we fashioned a cross with the legs of a leper who cried in his cot. And the ringmaster wrestled the Lamb singing sweetly “The Lord is my shepherd” He died on the spot. Madonna was waving, she cut herself shaving; we fell on our knees as she led The Infinity Waltz. Soldiers of fortune were torturing slaves, tipping corpses in graves – slipping mandrax and hairspray to godfearing matrons who wept into aprons and gaped as the ghosts fled to join The Infinity Waltz.

The Price of Salvation

Candles, cathedrals and handfuls of change in the great white plate for the great white man with the smile that saves and the hands that heal. Make a deal, he’ll make a miracle… The walls collapse, the steeple snaps and turns into a rocket. He’ll fly you off to Mars… Just line his pocket. He’ll turn your Mother into Marzipan. He can! And he will with those holy fingers. Double glazing, quite amazing coma toes. Ask the lady in the 13th row. She was Monroe for a day but she paid. How she paid! The price of salvation is high.

Lisa’s Christening

The temple swayed from side to side. We waited at the door. Reading bibles, snorting coke and looking rather bored. The priestess passed the holy water and we drank it… Asked for more. At Lisa’s Christening. And through the dark clouds round the steeple, sun and stars appeared. We reached for our protective helmets – it was raining chandeliers. And farmer caught a melting shell and pressed it to his ear. At Lisa’s Christening. Priestess held the silver mirror, winked and combed her hair. She whistled twice and snapped her fingers – we knelt and said a prayer. Raised the baton. Shouted “Louder” – threw Lisa in the air. But she survived…

Beautiful, Naked

He loved her beautiful, naked… Caged with grapes on a plate and a couch to recline on. Go on a page… She was Venus. He ordered a slave just to break off her arms and her scream was a song that he’d heard in his dreams. He sang along as they walked in the woods… with his hand on her stump. He felt her warm blood pump out a cure. Made him pure. Made him beautiful, naked, caged! She said, “Jeez, I had this weirdo-wild look in his eyes. Well I done hand jobs, band jobs, gland jobs – none of them used chisles. He whistled as he chipped. And he’d chip away all day. I’d lie back and pout. He’d shout – but he wouldn’t take his tie off. He said I looked just like De Milo – I said ‘Don’t you break my arms!’ but he was harmless and he paid. How he paid!”

Lisa’s Resurrection

The priest was wearing crimson, blessed the brimstone. Called the Devil ‘sir’. As fires burned and candles flickered. Revellers were rolling in the dirt, flicking wax. Having sex beneath the eiderdown. Zip the clown was playing sax – a hellhound played the bugle. Handel blew ‘Messiah’ on Kazoo! “It’s simply super!” said the naked taxman. Sucking on a bone, attacking lonely widows, stroking zones and charging V.A.T. A Lady felt the earth move (Oh! He’s in the groove). And thunder clapped, the mountains whistled – Lisa shook a fist. She said “I’m flattered!” – scattered ashes on the devil’s head and elegantly strolled into the sunset! Born again!

The Glory, The Glory

Marble halls and city walls… He lined them all with figures tall who called to passers-by and cast their eyes with scorn on forms imperfect – spread across the lawns… and born to wonder just why they coughed and cursed and died cos statues never die. They keep their beauty, hardly worn though storms have tried to break them. And bombs dropped at their feet. They’re still standing, naked, but they’re warm. They’re waiting for their turn to rule a world where nothing speaks and nothing’s small – nothing’s ever worshipped. Where they’re gods themsleves. A ‘perfect’ world.

Forbidden Zone (Bonus track, transcribed by Mike Ni-Hill)

You chose the lonely road,
led me blindfold to the river.
You danced beneath the dripping blood-red moon.
And me … I shivered meekly in the mist,
afraid to rip this mask off,
afraid to take a step,
snatch your hand and join the secret celebration.
Perhaps I should have simply stayed in bed,
chained to that rock inside my head,
trapped inside these ever-empty dreams.

As night slowly falls, these four stone walls
move a little closer, and I find it hard to breathe.
But still I believe there’s room for you and me,
outside … in the forbidden zone.

Still I believe there’s room for you and me,

Outside … in the forbidden zone

 

Eyes! China Doll

EDWARD KA-SPEL

<< back to the Combined Discography

Cover ImageRelease date and tracklist

1985
BE LP Scarface FACE13
UK LP Penguin 30005

side a

  1. Mirror Soul [MP3]
  2. Avengelist [MP3]
  3. God In A Cupboard [MP3]
  4. Blowing Bubbles (Part 2) [MP3]
  5. Six Cats On A Dead Man’s Chest [MP3]

side b

  1. “Joey” – The Video [MP3]
  2. The Char Char [MP3]
  3. Intermezzo [MP3]
  4. Hotel Blanc [MP3]

 

***
Cover Image2005
US CD Beta-Lactam Ring MT114

01 April 2014
NL MP3 self-released on Bandcamp*

  1. Mirror Soul
  2. Avengelist
  3. God In A Cupboard
  4. Blowing Bubbles (Part 2)
  5. Six Cats On A Dead Man’s Chest
  6. “Joey” – The Video
  7. The Char Char
  8. Intermezzo
  9. Hotel Blanc
  10. Tikko [MP3]
  11. Volicie [MP3]
  12. And the Lord Said “Rise” [MP3]
  13. Blowing Bubbles (Part 1) [MP3]
  14. History Book [MP3]

* track 12 is ….And Smashed Into A Million Pieces, not included on the LP or CD, followed by
13 And the Lord Said “Rise”
14 Blowing Bubbles (Part 1)
15 History Book

Credits

  • Edward Ka-Spel – voice, keyboards, electronics, percussion, glox
  • Hero Wouters – keyboards, electronics, sephthesmesc
  • Neel Holst – saxophones (“God in a Cupboard”)
  • Matthieu Keizer – marimba (“Joey the Video”)
  • Lady Sunshine – lady voice
  • The Angels – angelic insertions
  • Produced by Hero Wouters
  • Covered up by Babs Santini
  • The Silver Man – keyboards (“History Book”)
  • Stret Majest Alarme – guitar (“History Book”)

Notes

LP:
The first 1000 copies have a white cover and a lyric sheet.
All subsequent copies have a pink cover and no lyric sheet.

from the inner sleeve:
Produced by Hero Wouters at his studio at Brouwersgracht 771, Amsterdam.
Dedicated with purest love to Marylou.
Thanks to fellow Pink Dots (Legendary), Kenny G., Richard Z., George S., Debby J., Patrick B., Alain + Nadine, Nurses, Currents and Organums for their support and encouragement.
Sing while you may!
Kłaubsteht naveeda promneƶh.

These tracks were later included in the 1995 CD release- Down in the City of Heartbreak and Needles.

CD:
This release is subtitled “D’Archangel Rises.”

Reissue of the Scarface/P.I.A.S. LP, packaged in a gatefold wallet sleeve with collectible coupon. Coupon reads, “This is coupon number two of five. Each Edward Ka-Spel solo album reissue will contain a coupon. Collect all five to receive a bonus CD of music. The last coupon will contain all information on how to receive the disk.”

Tracks 10 to 15 are bonus tracks:
“Tikko”, “And The Lord Said ‘Rise'”, and “Volicie” are from Perhaps We’ll Only See A Thin Blue Line.
“….And Smashed Into A Million Pieces” is from Down In The City Of Heartbreak And Needles.
“Blowing Bubbles (Part 1)” and “History Book” are previously unreleased.

Bandcamp:
1985. Down and out in Amsterdam, living in a squat a few blocks from the station…a romantic situation, a romantic year…
“Eyes China Doll” was essentially EK’s second solo album but also features massive input from Hero Wouters whose cupboard of curiosities, ingenious insight into the mechanics of music and all-round good vibrations turn up EVERYWHERE on this record.
“Eyes” was recorded in Hero’s 8-track studio, and memories of these sessions bring a huge grin to EK’s face almost 30 years on.  Basically it was joyous, unending fun.  Sometimes the singer and Hero would challenge each other to see who could come up with the most bizarre idea…..and these duels could result in the most exotic voyages, “Hotel Blanc” for instance.
An album with a smile on it’s face despite the sadness of some of the songs.
A big thank you to Marylou who came to almost every session, and to Her’s wife Neel who also played a part.
Last but not least, a huge thank you to Steve Stapleton for his marvellous cover drawing. -EK

Review

Includes two unreleased tracks. Edward’s second solo full length first appeared as the world was still rubbing ITS eyes from new wave fall-out. Synth pop had, by now, been fully co-opted by the populace at large with Wham, Madonna and Chaka Khan topping the US charts and Dead Or Alive and Paul Hardcastle making a splash across the pond. With Eyes Edward proved a couple things: 1) He really DID have a musical voice distinct from his work with LPD and 2) somehow synth pop could still be melodic, challenging, exploratory AND kick ass. On first hearing Avengelist’s almost martial sequences bubble up from behind Mirror Soul’s pleasantly plaintive analogue drone, I cancelled all the day’s plans so I could just sit home and study this odd record until I passed out. Soon the end of the experimental Hotel Blanc suite was triggering emotional responses of longing. Eyes was…IS a unique electronic vision quest that is schizophrenic in all the right places. In those mysterious pre-internet days LPD and Ka Spel still had an almost Jandek or Residents-like sheen. Had…to…find…out…at…all…costs. It was like that beautiful Steven Stapleton cover was beckoning me personally, but also warning that things would always be a little different from then on. ‘Why another China Doll?;’ ‘is Edward part of Nurse With Wound?;’ ‘who is Lady Sunshine?’ Stories were fabricated to fill in the details, all with Eyes chiming CONSTANTLY in the background with its somber synths that were somehow not sad and Edward’s bizarre anti-nursery rhyme lyrics. Weird samples from inside the goldmine: the use of sound on Eyes tugged at the ear and the gut. From a song to a…thing, to another song to another…thing, to a noise, to a sequence to a…run, hurry, flip the record, AGAIN! Completely minimal yet subliminally lush. A chirpy waltz to break the din, but then it felt a bit like being at a run down, radioactive circus. Best circus I’ve been to so far. Omnipresent little additives made for new discoveries with every listen. Edward seemed to exist in a no man’s land hidden somewhere betwixt the new wave and Elysium. He’s still there and Eyes is still fresh after 20 years, finally reissued properly as a CD, repackaged with its original art in a mini LP sleeve for maximum geek-out effect. Eyes, I feel for you…I think I love you.

Lyrics

Mirror Soul

You may be feeling lonely –
but, be assured, you’re not alone.
Everywhere, China Doll, there’s eyes …

Avengelist

We’ll take our blessings from the priest with cups of blood – we’ll drink it neat. Or maybe just a hint of soda … We shall walk across the water. Slaughter calves and make a mess, we’ll hold a mass. We’ll speak in tounges, We’ll break the bread. We’ll count the crumbs. Yum yum! [we’re] Reciting psalms .. We’ll testify that we have seen the Christ! We touched his scars. We licked his tears. We felt his anger – pledged we’ll raise a spear for a Spear of Destiny. Our destiny’s to drown the doubters, cleave the cheats … to burn the sinners in the street. Do you feel that holy fire, brother?

God in a Cupboard

He promised her a planet and he’d planned it. He told her how he’d fly to heaven with just a gesture and a lie. they’d idolise those idol eyes. They’d be pelting him with palm leaves. Believe! He believed and she behaved. She stroked his chin (he hadn’t shaved). She said “Sure, honey – it’ll be OK!” God’s in his cupboard – all’s right with His girl

Blowing Bubbles (part two)

Know that I love you. Know that I care. I know that when times are hard, you’re there. And sometimes I hide … yes, still I get scared. But, your touch is enough and I’m warm. I swear that I’ll be with you always – we’ll hold hands in the dark. And when the sun rises, we’ll laugh. Yes, we”l laugh. And the whole world will hear us – well maybe … maybe, Marylou

Six Cats on a Dead Man’s Chest

Lights were red, the streets deserted. Foot down, head down, hit the Kerb … A cartwheel through the pet shop window. Bells rang, mice ran. Polly sang “Be lucky!” She left a gift and pecked a shoulder smashed in pieces of eight. And [now] there’s six cats on a dead man’s chest … [fa la la la!] Lovebird laid a nest and spider spun a web. And he spread it across the headlights, and he caught a dozen fireflies. Fireman brought the cloths and sprayed the foam – it filled the shop. And just the fish survived.

“Joey” the Video

Pickled baby’s in the jar. Two heads, four eyes – the doctor called him “joey”. And he poked him with a stick. The jokes were sick – but “Joey” smiled and turned around. And doctor made a bow, said “Move in closer!” “Joey” posed as cameras rolled. Rear view. Wide angle. “Candlelight or full beam?” … “Joey” made it to the small screen, and he holds a staring role. He plays a doll stashed in a fish tank – and he’d love to thank the public for his Oscar. [“Thank you, folks.”]

The Char Char

The metal was corroded. The fuses had exploded. The circuits floated on a pool of oil…They wrenched the flex. It snapped and sparks flew (dark blue clouds and jet black walls!). An apple crumbled. Firemen grumbled – fumbled with a hose. Toes were curling in their white boots. Sweating in their tight asbestos suits (and Asmodeus played the flute!) A table layed a chair and did the cha cha – charred and spitting splinters. Blisters throbbed and sisters sobbes behind the fence. Father burned the incense, blessed the ashes as they flew… Fly away!(2x)Fly away Peter!(3x) Fly away Paul! Wenn Alte Gotter Sterben (When old god dies) Upside down and hanging. Gangreen. Dark green ankles. Rusty chains. And lusting vultures bowling dice – see who gets first bite. Frosbite! lockjaw! MORE! See sores weep, flesh creep. Skin deep beauty lives inside his rotting carcass. Locked away, it drains away. Like a love note in a trashcan, like a sapphire in a sack. And no one’s singing hymns to him. No trembling sinners, no respect…We shed our tears, but we just accept – this old God’s dying of neglect. This old god’s dying of neglect. Neglect.

Hotel Blanc

One more lonely room, and a key with a number, and the guy behind the desk said, “Understand that the first night’s free – but then you have to pay!” He nodded thanks. He wondered if he’d travelled all his life … Was he just a number on a hundred scraps of paper, thrown away? He’d never had a wife, and he’d never had a lover. He turned the key. He smelt the damp. He dived between the covers … teardrops in his eyes turned to ice. And he tried to think of better times but the pictures never formed. And just one thought remained that maybe from the day he was born, he’d stay dead inside. After all … And in another town the clock chimed 13 times, the traveller was home. He had a lady by his side, they were driving through the snow. Pure, like the bridal gown she wore. Like the sound she made when she would stroke his hand and say, “You’ll never be alone again – just believe it’s not a dream. It’s not a dream!” They tried to break the door down. They found him face down. He was grinning like a clown. They called his name – he never heard. They felt his pulse but nothing stirred ..A coal black hearse appeared and hauled the corpse away. Another customer who paid at Hotel Blanc …

 

The Terminal Kaleidoscope

THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS / ATTRITION

<< back to the Combined Discography

Cover ImageRelease date and tracklist

1985
NL C60 Ding Dong Tapes and Records DDC011
NL C60 Terminal Kaleidoscope TKK7/25

 

***
Cover Image2005
FR CD Mechanique Populaire AMR 003

side a- THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS

  1. Flowers For The Silverman
  2. City Ghosts
  3. A Lust For Powder
  4. Kitto
  5. Tower #4
  6. Neon Gladiators

side b- ATTRITION

  1. Reflections
  2. Redoubt Of Light
  3. The Next Day
  4. Across The Divide
  5. Beast Of Burden
  6. Surge And Run

April 5, 2015
NL MP3 self-release on Bandcamp

  1. Terminal Side (Live 1984) 58:54

Songs chained together under one code in order to preserve cross-fades.  Songs are: Flowers For the Silverman, City Ghosts, A Lust For Powder, Kitto, Tower 4, Neon Gladiators

 

Credits

  • The Silverman- keys, electronics
  • April White- keyboards
  • EK- voice
  • Patrick Q.Wright- violin
  • Roland Callaway- bass
  • Stret Majest Alarme- guitar

Mixed by Ed Van Kaye and Pat White
Remastered by Martin Bowes (Attrition). Illustrations by Alan Rider. Thanks to Jef Benech who resurrected this old cassette and ushered t into the digital realm.

Notes

Recorded live in Holland and Switzerland during 1984 tour.
Ding Dong edition limited to 1000 copies.
The tape releases do not list ‘City Ghosts’ in the tracklist.
The CD release is limited to 500 copies in deluxe packaging and the first 100 copies came with 3 photographs taken on the tour.

from Bandcamp:
This is The Pink Dots’ part of a cassette document released by Ding Dong Disc back in 1985. The tape featured the Dots on one side and old friends, Attrition, on the flip as the two bands had toured together a year earlier. It shows LPDs in anarchic, sometimes furious form with engineer Pat White providing an inspired, psychedelic audio picture from behind the mixing desk.