The first two albums from the pioneering Eighties electro-techno-pop band Delay Tactics -- 1982’s Out-Pop Options and 1984’s Any Questions? -- took influences from the likes of Brian Eno and Robert Fripp while laying the musical groundwork for multiple generations of avant-garde artists that dabble in pop references. Taken collectively, these suspenseful and quirky instrumentals showcase early innovations in such techniques as looping, sampling and delay effects. Out-Pop Options is more experimental, while Any Questions? is more accessible and, dare I say, even poppy. For uplifting (and nearly danceable) proof, listen to “Almost Touching.”
Formed in St. Louis in 1981 by Carl Weingarten and Reed Nesbit initially as a tape-looping guitar duo, Delay Tactics expanded over the course of these two albums -- and even began to incorporate vocals of a sort on the playful “Oysters” from Any Questions? It’s fascinating to chart the outfit’s evolution across these two innovative records and marvel at how this kind of unconventional music managed to generate some traction at the time on college radio stations in the United States.
But you could argue that these albums sound more contemporary now than they did back then. Some compositions emulate film soundtracks, while others are total DIY experiments. This remastered two-CD set is a must-hear for fans of avant-garde, prog and even techno. It comes packaged with artwork and credits for both albums, plus 10 tracks of previously unreleased studio and live recordings.
Track Listing: Out-Pop Options (1982)
1. Yellow Samba
2. This Time
3. Five PM Expressway
4. On the Roll
5. Journey to Omdurman
6. Le Noeud de Viperes
7. Cymbolia
8. Rommie Dancing
9. Chasing Moroder
10. Basic Tactic
11. Departure
12. Fire Quest (Previously Unreleased)
13. Ceremony (Previously Unreleased)
14. Initial Opus (Previously Unreleased)
15. Rommie Dancing (Live in St. Louis: April 9, 1983) (Previously Unreleased)
Track Listing: Any Questions? (1984)
1. Pterodactyl
2. Hands On Fire
3. Oysters
4. On Green Waters
5. Almost Touching
6. Kites
7. Under the Ice
8. Trio
9. Spring Man
10. Woman in a Room (Of Colors)
11. Fictionmusic (Previously Unreleased)
12. Big Sound (Previously Unreleased)
13. Nuke the Beat (Previously Unreleased)
14. Funk Tune (Previously Unreleased)
15. Ms. Witchdoctor (Previously Unreleased)
16. Car Crash Jam (Previously Unreleased)
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
