What links Michael Nyman and Richard Jobson, Gavin Bryars and Josef K? I first came upon the Belgian label Les Disques du Crépuscule in Hungry Beat, an excellent book about Scottish post-punk. A lot of Scots oddballs ended up on the label. Spotify has quite a comprehensive playlist of its roster, and what a playlist it is. Would interest anyone who’s into arch crooners, sophistipop sirens, ambient classical dabblers and, well, Richard Jobson. So, was anyone in the Massive a fan? It would seem unlikely given that one of the bossa pop girls on the label has a grand total of 34 monthly plays on Spotify. But I don’t know, it might have been quite celebrated in the 80s; Ian Curtis’s girlfriend Anik Honoré was a co-founder. So much good music: a truly admirable and largely forgotten aesthetic and sensibility.
Here come the Belgians …
It’s now run by James Nice, a man who in my experience single-handedly disproves the theory of nominative determinism
There are a couple of exhibitions related to DdC coming up in Belgium later this year, one of which I believe will be celebrating Annik Honore’s accomplishments during late 70s – early 80s Brussels scene.
Incidentally for some reason, two of the biggest names in techno at the moment, Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte are Belgians.
Bravo that first sentence.
Off the top of my head, I have a few Paul Haig singles, including the excellent The Only Truth, which was co-produced by Barney from New Order and DoJo from ACR.
Some interesting compilation albums, too.
I’m particularly enjoying the solo work of Pauline Murray with Martin Hannet’s band the Invisible Girls.
The INVISIBLE GILS were a great combination with Pauline.
And also with JCC
Another favourite of mine on CREPUSCULE was the charming French singer, Isabel Antena.
Chanson meets bossa nova. Double the pleasure.
I’m quite partial to Gabrielle Lazure – 28 monthly listeners on Spotify!
Gabrielle sounds very promising..
Although the name is vaguely familiar, I think the only material on that label that I actually own is an interesting late 80’s House compilation on CD called ‘United House Nations Project’.
There are six individually curated playlists for the label on Qobuz. A fair bit of of the same tracks appearing on all six lists but it’s an easy way to click through onto each individual release and open up the catalogue. It may be something for the le weekend.
I have a few 12 inch singles on Les Disques du Crépuscule. Definitely Paul Haig records and one or two others. Factory Benelux as well (New Order and Quando Quango). It seemed a very cool label at the time. Anything dark and European was I recall.