Any time a new compilation is announced that comes with the tagline "Compiled by Bob Stanley", we put our pencils down and start paying attention. Tomorrow's Fashions - Library Electronica 1972-1987, which was indeed compiled by the Saint Etienne founder and compilation guru, draws from the deep digital well of 70s and 80s synthesizer library music. From jingles to TV themes, ambient dreamscapes to wobbly weirdo grooves, these tunes were created by those that saw what pioneers like Isao Tomita and Jean-Michel Jarre were up to and decided, "Hey, we could make some money off this!". We're so glad they did, because this impressive collection, lovingly curated by our man Bob, is another must-have, must-hear set. - Flying Out
Nothing said new or modern or futuristic quite like a synthesiser in the 70s and 80s. If you were shooting an advert and you wanted your product or your company to appear forward-thinking and ahead of the game, then you would want something electronic, something out of the ordinary. When TV producers and advertising directors started searching for music that sounded like “Tubular Bells” – and then Tomita, and later Jean Michel Jarre – music libraries such De Wolfe, Bruton, Parry and Chappell had to have the tracks readily available.
Compiled by Bob Stanley, “Tomorrow’s Fashions” varies from advertising jingles and TV themes to space exploration and gorgeous, beatless ambience. Though it’s 40-to-50 years old there’s a real freshness to this music. Older jazz players Brian Bennett, John Cameron, Alan Hawkshaw and others seized the chance to operate a synth; younger pups including John Saunders and Monica Beale were simply intrigued by the new technology being wheeled into the studios. There’s a tangible sense of adventure.
Tracklist
- Coaster - Simon Park
- Rippling Reeds - Wozo
- Leaving - Sam Spence
- Northern Lights 1 - John Cameron
- Spaghetti Junction - Peter Reno
- Space Walk - Rubba
- Prospect - Paul Hart
- Tomorrow’s Fashions - Geoff Bastow
- Blue Movies - Brian Wade
- Videodisc - Trevor Bastow
- Interface - Astral Sounds
- Starways - Brian Chatton
- Optics - Unit 9
- Atomic Station - Wozo
- Future Prospect - Adrian Baker
- Planned Production - Warren Bennett
- Future Perspectives - Anthony Hobson AKA Tektron
- Waterfall - Chameleon
- Telecom - James Asher
- Eagle - Simon Park AKA Soul City Orchestra
- Astral Plain - Alan Hawkshaw
- Drifting in Time - Paul Williams
- Earth Born - Brian Bennett
- Soft Waves - Harry Forbes
- Topaz - Astral Sounds
- Eternity - Alan Hawkshaw
- Infinity - John Cameron
- Morning Dew - Andy Grossart & Paul Williams
Tomorrow's Fashions - Library Electronica 1972-1987 (Vinyl 2LP) has a scheduled release date of .
In the event of any delays to this date we will keep this page updated and email any pre-order customers.