If You Like New Musik...

After decades of listening to New Musik, there's obviously a craving for more. This page highlights musik by other artists which is overtly, and sometimes not so overtly, influenced by New Musik and hence should be enjoyed by NM fans.

First (and foremost), I present New Musik's 4th album. Of course it isn't New Musik's 4th album, but it has all the hallmarks of such. I'm talking about 'Remembering the Future' by Nasa. This album is quite simply sensational. Seriously, if the boys released it today, I'd rate it up there with 'Anywhere'. It is infused with the spirit and energy of New Musik. Basically it is essential for any New Musik fan. A couple of CD singles were released from the album, 'Back to Square One' and 'Nexterday'.

Next up, Yukihiro Takahashi. He's the drummer from Yellow Magic Orchestra. Tony provides vocals on a clutch of fine tracks, spread across Takahashi's extensive catalogue. The tracks most worth seeking out are:

'Disposable Love' (from the 'What Me Worry?' album) - great track, great melody, Tony sings several sections, and plays keyboards in classic NM style. It's so great, that it's easy to ignore it's infact two blokes singing a love duet. ;-)

'Memory Without Consequence' (from the 'Pulse : Pulse' album) - blissed out brilliance. Tony again sings, in fact I think this is the last track Tony ever sang on (to date!). An atmospheric gem. Oh, it's another love duet. ;-)

'Drip Dry Eyes' and 'Connection' (from 'Neuromantic') - Tony sings on the latter, but it's the former I actually prefer with some classic New Musik synth melodies played by Tony himself. 

OK, we move onto Captain Sensible who Tony worked with soon after New Musik folded. Much of the Cap's work doesn't really do it for me, though I know other NM fans do rate it highly and feel much of it is essential. I would agree that 'Glad It's All Over' is completely essential, because it's basically a New Musik track (written, produced, and played by Tony) sung by the Captain.

Next we have Search Party and 'Urban Foxes'. First time I heard this I thought it was Tony singing. Apparently he only produced this track. Of all his production works (of which there are hundreds) this is the one to have. It sounds so close to a New Musik track. There are both 7" and 12" versions. The B side 'More' is also worth hearing.

On to Naked Eyes who were also produced by Tony. Though not as overtly influenced as some of the others mentioned here, they are many great tracks available from this band, most notably 'Promises Promises' and 'No Flowers Please'. The former has Tony's 'Chik Musik' guitar riff, and the latter is basically a great track!

Fans of the track 'Twelfth House' may want to seek out the Steve Kent version. It's available in both 7" and 12" guises and, though not as good as the New Musik version, is worth a listen. There's also a version by Delegation, a far cry from the NM version but again worth seeking out.

It is totally remiss of course to not mention the Planet Ha Ha single until now. 'Home' was released as a single (with an instrumental version on the B side) soon after New Musik folded. It was planned as Tony's "next project" but never got past this first single.

Tony's work with A-ha on their first album is well documented. What is less well known is that Tony's versions of 'Take On Me' were very different to the one that appeared on the albums. Tony Mansfield 7" and 12" mixes do exist and are worth seeking out.

Finally, a couple of recommendations with no direct link to Tony, other than them having a New Musik vibe about them and them being totally brilliant. Firstly, Camouflage. The track is 'Blink' from the album 'Sensor'. Sublime. (Also note that Camouflage did a cover of 'On Islands' on their second album). Finally, Ulrich Schnauss. If Tony were to make an instrumental album, it probably would sound something like one of Ulrich's. In particular, the track 'Blumenthal' from the album 'A Strangely Isolated Place'. Special thanks to Jonas for pointing me in the direction of these last two!

Graham G, March 2008.