The Twelve Inch 154 : Sleepwalk : Synth-Pop/New-Wave/New Romantics - 1981

We’re diving into early synth-pop and new wave! With a BPM of 166, this mix goes beyond Hi-NRG 😁🚀✨ Most of the tracks are from 1981-83, and you can clearly hear the influence of Ultravox’s “Sleepwalk” throughout.

It’s a global selection of early synth-pop and new wave/post-punk, featuring The B-52’s, The Cure, and Martha & The Muffins for the latter, while OMD, Sparks, and Rational Youth represent the former. I’ve also included some deep European gems from Taxi Girl, Matia Bazar, and Indochine’s first hit. Plus, a few quirky picks—like the Bobby Orlando-produced Barbie & The Kens, his unmistakable take (or imitation—you decide!) on The B-52’s signature sound.