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Something very rare, compiled from a collection of unknown gen cassette tapes and very likely the first representation of this Orange County, California based new wave act on Dime.
Although not an obscure band, Abecedarians had a very strong local following, they are best known for two things: the Factory Records 12" single "Smiling Monarchs"; and the total unavailability of their entire back catelogue.
Smiling Monarchs is a big nod to 1983-period New Order with a remarkable resemblance to NO's Your Silent Face. By sheer coincidence, the final Factory release of the single was produced by New Order singer, Bernard Sumner. I prefer the demo version included here.
On the whole the band's sound leans more towards other UK acts such as Modern English and B-Movie. However on the more instrumental tracks, such as the Mardis Gras recordings, influences such as Brian Eno and, at times, the Durutti Column are all too evident.
In their time, Abecedarians released just one single, Smiling Monarchs, one EP, Eureka and one studio album, Resin. Since their break-up in 1988, two compilations of their work, AB-CD and The Other Side of the Fence have been made available. All of these are long deleted and currently fetch silly money (in excess of $100) on various auction sites.
A full discog here: http://www.clearfour.com/abecedarians/abecedarians.html
A breakdown of what's included here -
1983 Demos ---------- 01. Wildflower 02. They Said Tomorrow
Final versions of these tracks eventually found their way on to 'The Other Side of the Fence' compilation.
Recorded live at Santa Monica Civic Center 22nd Aug 1985
November 1985 - Eureka Demos ---------------------------- 09. Beneath the City of the Hedonistic Bohemians 10. Surf Western 11. The Misery of Cities 12. untitled 13. Hip Hip Hooray
1987 Resin Demos ---------------- 14. Laugh at Yourself 15. Surf Western 16. Dinner 17. untitled
1988 The Last Demos ------------------- 18. untitled 19. Lift off 20. untitled 21. untitled 22. Brand New Song 23. untitled 24. untitled 25. Money
