One of the most influential bands of the late 70's and early 80's in the American avant/new wave scene.
It's a little known fact for those who're younger than 25 years old that the Legendary Pink Dots have
been one of the biggest followers of Tuxedomoon, and these two of their earliest releases shows just
where the LPD's sound was born. Lots of analog synth, drum machine, violin and treated saxaphone with
monotone vocals. Half Mute was originally released in 1980 while Scream With A View in 1979 and both
IMO are still the best ever from Tuxedomoon.
Review by Ted Mills
Tuxedomoon's debut album on Ralph Records followed in the wake of several EPs and singles released on their own label. Unlike many techno bands in the wake of punk, they punctuated the electronics with instruments such as sax and violin, the sax reminiscent of the self-taught sounds of David Bowie -- not entirely polished, but unmistakable. The lyrics are dark and morose with glimpses of humor. Peter Principle's bass sounds positively chunky as well, contrasting with the rather fey but propulsive drum machines. "What Use?" is as close as they get to pop here, while other tracks ("Fifth Column") replicate the sort of European despair mined by Kraftwerk or Bowie on the second half of Heroes (another Bowie reference -- however, they were one group whose vocalist didn't try to sound like him). "Dark Companion" borders on the pretentious but narrowly gets away with it. The experimental musicianship is what makes this album recommended. The CD reissue includes the "Scream With a View" EP.
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