Iko – '83

If you are looking for the Iko Lp, you should also look at this version… Just released.

https://discogs.mejorespelis.org/release/22193863-Iko-83-Extra-Studio-Works

I found this treasure in a sale bin in Johannesburg South Africa in 1982. Just how it landed up in SA is remarkable and then lands up in a sale bin is unfathomable as there were very few pressings from the start. I'm sure this has added to its iconic status. Little did I know it would become one of the holy grails of synth genius. It still sounds awesome to this day and a must have in the collection. Just to add that Canada has given us an astounding amount of synth and dance talent. Respect to Canada.

OMG, a 2x12" reissue would be fantastic. When is it going to be released, Josh?!

If anyone has any info on the whereabouts or info for this bootleg record label, please get in touch ASAP via discogs. peace

Bought this disc circa 1984, sealed and discontinued for $1.00 (one dollar). I initially found the tracks charming, but missing the structure shown by other local electro bands like Montreal's own Rational Youth ("Cité Phosphore) or early Men Without Hat ("Antartica"), or Toronto's Spoons. Groups that have been big in Montreal's club scene. So, every other year, I would play the disc, enjoy it for what it was and leave it for another two years. 27 years later, I think it is the absence of high tech that makes the record stand out. Roland TR-303 and TB-303 are the sonic foundations. And damn do they sound sexy now, while they were despised as being too low tech back in the days. If you like Kraftwerk's "Computer world", Kaz Product, Young Marble Giant or Polyphonic Size, you'll love Iko. Too bad this Montreal band didn't get recognized at that time.

I wrote a review for this album about one year ago with my old Discogs . I think that it's appropriate to write another review one year later. Iko's only LP release, " '83 " has continued to grow on me and presents one of the most unknown yet amazing creations in the entire history of minimal wave and electronic music. I still stand by my solitude of Subway 49 being the best song on the LP. The synths on that song outdo anything else on the LP, with Elevator coming in a close second. As for Subway 49, the male vocalist sings about finding "her" on the subway system. The thing about the song that moves me is how sincere the vocalist seems to be as he sings about the "train arriving .. pushing to get things better .. turn my head and saw your face". The kind of thing a minimal waver would have written in his or her little notepad back in 1983. Anyways, the LP is very rare and valuable. A bootleg CD has surfaced, containing 2 additional songs that were never released: Military Service and Surrender To The Dream.

This is probably one of the best electro-disco albums ever made. The best song in my opinion is Subway 49, but every song on the '83 album is phenomenal. Lots of simplistic lyrics, abstract and experimental sounds, and at the time, extremely groundbreaking techniques on the synthesizer. Iko is what today's electro artists replicate - Adult. being the best example. Their sound is hardly new or unique some 20 years later. Try this album for a trip down electro lane.