I bought this reissue, and it's OK despite the fact that it's not from the original master (anyway, I needed it :))I just wanted to let you know that the song "direct lines" has already been reissued, by Medical Records, I discovered it recently. I don't know if they used the master tapes, but here is the reference of the record:https://www.discogs.com/Various-Electroconvulsive-Therapy-Vol-1/master/986658

Ok, finally here. Almost two years of issues with the pressing plant they are finally ready. For sale on here from me or on bandcamp. https://animatedmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-electronic-circus-direct-lines-7

Here's an update: the master tapes seem to not exist. These tracks are cut from transfers provided by Chris Payne. I have sleeves and discs, but the disc has an issue. I am trying to sort it out. Email me with questions [email protected] thanks

Wow still no info on this repress, so surprised, I really am. Hey look! It's just a bandcamp page asking a 1000 dollars it whilst advertising some local punk flexis. Now this most honourable guy from Animated Music puts up a submission for a "test press" with no picture, under a separate entry. Never elucidates as to how he, a Chicago based nobody somehow, amazingly, sourced the original master tapes for this "official" reissue of a hugely desirable and obscure English synth pop obscurity. Medical Records (actually a great legitimate U.S. label republishing music from the era with love and integrity) certainly never managed to trace and licence these super- rare sides on their 'Electroconvulsive Therapy' comp? I smell a big RAT? Someone prove to me this ain't a SCAM. Blake Karlson - either slap your cards on the table or get in the sea.

this is really crazy - have you tried emailing me?

Maybe send a message to Chris Payne (2) via Facebook?

I'm with you here, this just seems weird af and I'm really disappointed. Does anyone know why the masters for this are so hard to track down? I mean, this is song is kind of a sleeper hit and known and incredibly catchy, it's so weird that all there ever was is one release more than 30 years ago.

Coming soon watch here for pre-order. As well as some other minimal/synth http://animatedmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-electronic-circus-direct-lines-7

Repress coming this spring on Animated Music!

I don't think the masters have been discovered. The tracks on the bandcamp page have vinyl surface noise if you listen closely at the end of each song.

How did you track down the masters? Guy seems a bit of a hermit lol...

I'm pressing it. Discs are at the plant now, just long turnaround times. A well needed reissue!

Really? That's great! Where did you find this info, can't find anything about it anywhere.

This is possibly my favourite pop song of any genre EVER. I'm not saying this lightly. I accidentally discovered it whilst browsing synth pop obscurities on Youtube one Sat eve after my girlfriend had gone to bed, I'm not ashamed to say I had been tugging on a rather potent jazz cigarette and subsequently listened to it on repeat around 40 times. I've never caned a song like that since I was a nipper. 'Direct Lines' sounds like a lush, undiscovered melodic Euro/Scandinavian gem from another dimension but isn't. It's a pet project of some dude from Gary Numan's band from back in his heyday. This seriously needs licencing to a sympathetic archive revival label such as Minimal Wave or Mannequin. In my daydream world this is the best 80's No. 1 that never was. It probably didn't even get anywhere near the very arse end of the charts. This is, without doubt, a very positive thing as DL has retained its mystique and casual beauty to this day. A real treasure is the lass's nonchalant, slightly flat voice which gives me goosebumps of endless pleasure, the dreamy astral vibe is intoxicating and the slightly naive but gorgeously heartfelt piano refrain is utterly timeless. Delicious stuff.....somebody do this classic justice in our current golden age of retro crate digging PLEASE!...

This is sublime! Thank you Medical Records LLC

I agree