Ministry - With Sympathy - CD (1983), U.S.A.

The end of October is upon us and to get into the spirit of Halloween (sort of), here is Ministry's first album, With Sympathy. Before Ministry turned into an Industrial/Heavy Metal band, they once performed synth pop music, similar to Fresh Color, The Human League and Another Day. Hard to imagine, but it's true!
Conceived in 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, the early incarnation of the band consisted of Alain "Al" Jourgensen (vocals/guitar) and Stephen George (drums). Upon reading a bit of history about this album, it brought me great fascination to find out that front man Al Jourgensen really hated this album and went so far as disowning it! It seems that doesn't seem to be the case anymore, since the official Ministry website actually lists the album in the discography page, whereas before it was mysteriously absent. Perhaps Al had a change of heart? Another interesting aspect about this album, was the involvement of former Psychedelic Furs drummer Vince Ely, along with Ian Taylor (Romeo Void, The Cars,...) in the production department.
I find it intriguing and sometimes find myself wondering what it'd been like if Al had kept churning out this sound for years. As a matter of fact, I'll unabashedly state, With Sympathy is my favorite Ministry album! I never tire of listening to Effigy (I'm Not An), Revenge and Say You're Sorry. The pulsating fat synth bass lines, drum beats and Al's smooth whiney vocals really draw me in. I'd say the only song in the album that really fails to catch my attention is the idiosyncratic sounding What He Say. Although, your mileage may vary. Enjoy!

Details:

Ministry - With Sympathy - CD (1983), U.S.A.

1. Effigy (I'm Not An)
2. Revenge
3. I Wanted To Tell Her
4. Work For Love
5. Here We Go
6. What He Say
7. Say You're Sorry
8. Should Have Known Better
9. She's Got A Cause

Review

More Information:
Official Website
Official Myspace
Discography

Cetu Javu - Southern Lands - CD (1990), Germany

Listening and grooving to a flood of synthetic-driven beats lately, I stumbled upon a group from Germany who made a brief tenure creating Depeche Mode-inspired electronic music from the mid 80's until the early 90's. Cetu Javu, united in 1984 with Javier Revilla-Diez (vocals), Torsten Engelke (keyboards), Stefan Engelke (bass) and Christian Demere (synths and guitars). Todde Krass would later join to fill in for the departure of Stefan Engelke in 1988. As previously stated, Cetu Javu produced synthetic pop music which was obviously mimicking the sound of Depeche Mode, only the difference was that some of their songs were sung in Spanish and it's no wonder, since the vocalist is from Spain! I found it very surprising, considering there were a majority of German bands who preferred to sing in English.
Spinning furiously and with vigor like a hurricane, Cetu Javu were very productive in their output and released a vast of exceedingly catchy singles such as Help Me Now!, Situations and So Strange. But alas, like a hurricane, Cetu Javu didn't last long. In 1994, all members of the group adjourned on a high note from the music scene to focus on raising their offspring and continue on other endeavors.
Before signing off, here's their full-length debut album, Southern Lands, released in 1990 by ZYX Records, with two additional tracks (Fight Without A Reason and Adonde). It's a brilliant album, with notable highlights such as Words Without Thoughts, Get It and Have In Mind. I couldn't find a single stinker on this album and listeners who are in the habit of toe tapping and waving unusual hand gestures in the air will be pleased!

Details:

Cetu Javu - Southern Lands - CD (1990), Germany

1. Southern Lands
2. Love Me
3. Oye
4. Words Without Thoughts
5. So Strange
6. Get It
7. Situations
8. Bad Dreams
9. Have In Mind
10. Quien Lo Sabia?
11. Fight Without A Reason
12. Adonde

Review

More Information:
Unoffical Myspace
Discography