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THE
MAGNETIC STATE
CASSETTE ARCHIVE
[1994 - 2024]

Pop
Culture
from an
Alternate
Timeline?

CREATED, WRITTEN,

PERFORMED, RECORDED

& MIXED BY

BRIAN LEDWIDGE FLYNN

NIALL CAREY

STEPHEN NOLAN

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FEATURING 

RORY GRUB ['COWRITE - 'DOLPHINS ON FIRE']

SOPHIE SWINDELLS [VOX - 'DOLPHINS ON FIRE']

LEO NEGT [VOX - 'DOLPHINS ON FIRE'] 

BONNIE BRENNAN [CELLO - 'DOWN THE LINE']

CHARLOTTE RIEBER [COWRITE / VOX - "GHOST STATION]

FANNY RIEBER [VOX - 'MAKE IT SO']

PETER D'ELIA [BASS / VOX - 'A.I. MUST DIE!']

TIM BEUTLER [DRUMS /VOX - 'A.I. MUST DIE!']

MATT WALSH [DRUMS - OJO]

JOHN WALDRON [BASS - OJO]

MILUS CRULIS [TEA & SANDWICHES]

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Welcome to the MAGNETIC STATE CASSETTE ARCHIVE.

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What started innocently in 1994 as a four-track lo-fi cassette recording social club, THE MAGNETIC STATE CASSETTE ARCHIVE blossomed over subsequent years into an on-going collaborative art project between friends, music producers & multi-instrumentalists Brian Ledwidge Flynn, Niall Carey and Stephen Nolan [aka FIVE-Ø]. A musical 'wrecking crew' of sorts, feverishly writing and producing music without rigid stylistic boundaries.

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This archive is home to the vast array of eclectic pop-art-ephemera that these three culture vultures have created since the formation of their enduring collaboration. 

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All albums and pieces are recorded to cassette tape and stored in the Magnetic State Cassette Archive [Dortmund, Germany] as it is arguably the compact cassette tape that has shown itself to be amongst the most time-tested, robust and future-proof of storage media.  

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Due to the sheer volume of diverse collections that have resulted from this on-going 'Recording Club', the M.S.C.A. was formed to contextualise the pieces into themed albums & entities according to how they reflect the stylistic and aesthetic characteristics of a particular cultural epoch, resulting in what could be considered an alternate timeline of popular music.

 

The resulting 'Timeline' is a slanted lo-fi reality in which bands vaugely resembling those from our own timeline are somehow altered: 'Woodstock' becomes 'Mudstock' and The Fab Four are now known as 'The Beagles' to name but two examples.    

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Through the project are threaded reoccurring themes, lyrics, musical quotations and other subtle connections suggesting a larger mystery hidden within a vast cypher. 

 

The lo-fi aesthetic with which the trio started has been maintained by the use of cassette technology throughout the recording, mixing and mastering stages in addition to embracing and exploiting the technological shortcomings inherent in conducting complex triangulated recording sessions over the internet. 

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The archive is home to dozens of  projects resulting from this fruitful, unfettered and often tongue-in-cheek collaboration. On this page are just a few examples of works thus-far produced and archived in the M.S.C.A.  

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To keep track of such an unwieldy catalogue, an exhaustive online portal was created where visitors can search the specially built database for sketches, collections,  lyrics, lead sheets and many more resources relating to subsequently archived pieces of the edifice.   

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In the current technological climate we feel it necessary to express that no Artificial Intelligence has been employed in the composition [music / lyric / performance] of the works contained in the archive. 

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COPYRIGHT 1994–2024 • FLYNN / CAREY / NOLAN [ & CO-CONSPIRATORS ]

YOU ARE NOW ENTERING
A MAGNETIC STATE.

HUMANOID • 'LATE SHIFT' [1982] • POLISH NEW-WAVE • Cassette Bootleg • 海賊版
17:43

HUMANOID • 'LATE SHIFT' [1982] • POLISH NEW-WAVE • Cassette Bootleg • 海賊版

Available on Bandcamp with lyrics * THREE REMAINING TRACKS FROM ORIGINAL ALBUM INCLUDED WITH DOWNLOAD * https://magstat.bandcamp.com/album/late-shift 1982 LATE SHIFT Released: October 4, 1982 Label: MSC Format: 8- track, Cassette, LP, SACD The EP saw a departure from the band's previous pop-folk style in favour of more new wave-oriented English lyric based music. It was recorded during the martial law in Poland and showcased political lyrics, all written by Gaweł Jedynak. NIGHT SHIFT met with positive critical reception and commercial success.[4] In early 1984, it was awarded certification for selling over 1,500 copies.[5] It spawned the minor local hits “Dance in the Fallout", “Arkanoid” and “Annabel”. FIVØ Graphic Design • David Pelham
MAGNETIZE THE CHILDREN [2025] • ALT-POP ALBUM • Cassette Transfer #altpop
17:49

MAGNETIZE THE CHILDREN [2025] • ALT-POP ALBUM • Cassette Transfer #altpop

composed, recorded and produced by Carey/Flynn/Nolan Tape transfer by Paisley Grey
"ЖШЮЛК" • POLYMATH [2024] • AVANT-GARDE ELECTRONICA #avantgarde #electronicmusic
20:35

"ЖШЮЛК" • POLYMATH [2024] • AVANT-GARDE ELECTRONICA #avantgarde #electronicmusic

Composed and Performed by POLYMATH Produced by Paisley Grey [2024] 100% A.I.-free music production. secret link to cassette version • https://youtu.be/0goI6zTJ-FA
DOLPHINS ON FIRE • FEVER-DREAM-POP ALBUM [2020]
25:23

DOLPHINS ON FIRE • FEVER-DREAM-POP ALBUM [2020]

Collaborative Album project between Rory Grubb and Brian Ledwidge Flynn. Recorded in our Wedding/Friedrichshain home studios over various late Berlin sessions in 2018/2019. Additional Vocals from Leo Negt and Sophie Swindells. Mixed by Dolphins on Fire in January of 2020. 1. Grey Paisley Daze [ 0:00 ] 2. Dance like a Zombie (to that Voodoo music) [ 3:30 ] 3. Headhunters (Instrumental) [ 8:12 ] 4. Ever Jane Fever Dream [ 13:53 ] 5. Quod Vox (the Voice of Reason) [ 17:30 ] 6. Dolphins on Fire [ 22:14 ] Instrumentation Zither / Various Guitars / Bass / Pitched and Non-Pitched Percussion / Various Synths / Sequencing / Vocals Dolphins on Fire [2020 BERLIN]
OJO • プロトゾーク [1983]
02:34

OJO • プロトゾーク [1983]

日本の電子音楽およびコンピューター音楽の歴史: 重要な作曲家とその作品 島津マケヒト レオナルド・ミュージック・ジャーナル MITプレス 第41巻、1994年 戦後の日本では、西洋音楽への関心が高まりました。 好奇心を刺激したジャンルの中には電子音楽があり、その後、北米やヨーロッパの実験音楽界に広がりを見せました。 日本では、日本の詩人、画家、音楽家からなる学際的なグループが、「OJO」（EYES）と呼ばれるゆるやかな集合体を結成しました。 彼らの目標は、マルチメディア プロジェクト、インスタレーション、ダンス、音楽パフォーマンスでコラボレーションすることでした。 残念ながら、政府からの資金提供を受けて建設したスタジオは全焼してしまいました。 リリースされたのは Protozorq だけです。 ドラムス・マット・ウォルシュ ベース・ジョン・ウォルドロン
THE BAND THAT FELL TO EARTH • MINIATURE GARDEN [1987] • CASSETTE TRANSFER
14:58

THE BAND THAT FELL TO EARTH • MINIATURE GARDEN [1987] • CASSETTE TRANSFER

Cassette Album by late 80s Santa Barbara band an old friend of mine was in that had a small local cult following around 1986-89. They lasted a few years, never really broke out. Jimmy quit and Jody got married kind of thing. Posting the album as it might get them out of retirement and back in the garage if people like it. Recorded in various places around Santa Barbara County around 1984-87 Copyright 'The Band that Fell to Earth' and VØ
"BANDWIDTH" • GHOST STATION [2014] • 10" Vinyl Transfer
12:15

"BANDWIDTH" • GHOST STATION [2014] • 10" Vinyl Transfer

Obscure and unsettling Berlin Based Band Ghost Station's 2014 debut limited physical copies release. Only 50 promo cassettes were produced. The current whereabouts and status of the band or its former members is unknown, almost as if they just vanished into thin air. Rieber/Flynn/Voisin Produced by Paisley Grey
HOME • 'AMNESIA' [1994]' • CASSETTE TRANSFER
15:11

HOME • 'AMNESIA' [1994]' • CASSETTE TRANSFER

From 'Ambient Times' Fanzine [June 30th, 2011] • “From the early 1990s into the new millennium, The pioneering Ambient Duo ‘HOME’ were active producers and collaborators, working readily (and often) with fellow sound explorers like Sandemann, Carl Powers, Derek TM, and producer Harold Samuels. Albums were released on Goon, as well as Fred Hackett’s eclectic Sarabande label. But after this 1994 release, HOME vanished from view, prompting feverish online speculation across the intervening years. Very little of this astounding music has seen reissue. Dreamy yet meticulously detailed, every flicker of static, each dollop of field-recorded sound (taken from tapes HOME made from interviews conducted with friends after they came back from Clubbing), every programmed patch feels deeply considered. Taken together, ‘Amnesia’ is the work of true maestros operating at the peak of their formidable talents.”
4-TRACK TAPE SESSIONS [1994-2019] • THE FOUR TRACK BOYS • 1/4" Transfer #cassette #90s #organic
47:37

4-TRACK TAPE SESSIONS [1994-2019] • THE FOUR TRACK BOYS • 1/4" Transfer #cassette #90s #organic

CASSETTE SESSIONS BY THE FOUR TRACK BOYS • 1994-2019 MT-50 YAMAHA FOURTRACK RECORDER MUSIC, PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION BY FIVE-Ø, USUALLY ON FRIDAYS, LATE INTO THE NIGHT. Sequencing, Editing, Overdubs and general Tweaks made digitally by Paisley Grey. FIVE-Ø : Carey / Flynn / Nolan
THE PROM QUEENS • RIGHT NOW [1962] • RARE 7inch VINYL RIP
02:08

THE PROM QUEENS • RIGHT NOW [1962] • RARE 7inch VINYL RIP

Single by the PROM QUEENS from the album THE SPECIAL OCCASION SHOP B-side “The crowning of a prom king and queen" Released August 1962 Recorded July 29, 1962 Studio Play Star, Hollywood Genre Pop R&B Length 2:12 Label MGST Songwriter(s) Paisley Grey Barry Bully Greenwich Mean Producer(s) Paisley Grey
IT'S GONNA RAIN [1976] • THE PROPHETS OF PORTENT #classicrock VINYL RIP
02:13

IT'S GONNA RAIN [1976] • THE PROPHETS OF PORTENT #classicrock VINYL RIP

Released • 18 September 1976 Recorded • 16–18 June 1976 Studio • Thunderclap, London Genre • Heavy Rock Length • 2:13 Label • Watchout (UK) Warning Bros. (US) Producer • Paisley Grey
MUDSTOCK [1970] • DECLASSIFIED C.I.A. BOOTLEG • 1/4" • Tape Transfer no.71308
15:53

MUDSTOCK [1970] • DECLASSIFIED C.I.A. BOOTLEG • 1/4" • Tape Transfer no.71308

Recently declassified C.I.A. bootleg recording of the infamous ill-fated ‘Festival That Never Happened’ in MUDSTOCK [1970] Extract from the book '3 Days of Peace, Love and Intergalactic Annihilation?' by Henrick P. Houston [Lightbird press 1995] "Events at the festival are long rumoured to have been cut short by an invasion of hostile alien beings who obliterated all 'Humanoids' present, including the bands. With the sole exception of sound recordist, Paisley Grey, there were no survivors. The problem is, aside from Grey's account of what he witnessed. there has been no solid evidence that the festival ever even took place. Until now. Grey has long maintained his testimony regarding a brutal invasion of hostile beings was not just the result of 'some very, very bad acid' and he has since been embroiled in a protracted crusade to clear his name. His reasoning for why absolutely no-one else actually remembers the concert, the bands that performed nor anyone who attended was quote: "Because those ships, or whatever they were, shot them all up with those lasers, man. But not just those normal alien space lasers that make you, y'know, not exist! But one's that make it like you NEVER existed man! y'know? If they'd hit me, you'd never even know I was ever there, or it ever happened. I was just like 'Wooow!' you dig?" Paisley Grey Aug, 1982 [radio interview w/ Coward Stern] Mr. Grey claims the 'Men in Black Coats' showed up at his tent the following morning and confiscated the tapes. Leaving him with just his extraordinary account and his own word until recent successful Information requests were made by a group calling themselves 'Justice for Mudstock' and the tapes of the event, long thought by many to be the product of a tinfoil beanie conspiracy hoax, were finally released to the public. The world will at last learn what happened that faithful night in Mudstock, August 15th, 1970. For better or worse.
INVASION OF THE PLANET EARTHLINGS! [1951] • ORIGINAL THEME & VIDEO SCORE
03:46

INVASION OF THE PLANET EARTHLINGS! [1951] • ORIGINAL THEME & VIDEO SCORE

INVASION OF THE PLANET EARTHLINGS! is a lost 1951 independently made American black-and-white science fiction drama. It was written by Howard Irving Old, from an original story by Bonrad Conrad, who also produced, directed, and stars with Garrison Hynes and Yatzee von Bergenhausen. The film was due to be distributed in the U.S. by Film Classics on a double-bill with Atomic Freaks (the retitled-reissue of Invisible Thing Kills Picnic Couple, originally released in 1941 by Puniversal Pictures). Sadly, due to a fire at the studio archive the original and only print of 'INVASION OF THE PLANET EARTHLINGS!' was destroyed in late 1951 before it could be duplicated and released. Just the poster art and orchestral Theme, composed by Edgar Ledwidge Flynn, remains. This is a recently rediscovered recording and transcription of the piece from the original score fragments. The audio intro is from the 2000 Plus radio series episode "Flying Saucers" and is used to set the mood, quite nicely we think. Restored by Paisley Grey. Transcribed by Brian Ledwidge Flynn brianledwidgeflynn.de
THE FOURTRACK BOYS • 'WASTED ON A DREAMER [1995]' • BETAMAX VIDEO TRANSFER
27:05

THE FOURTRACK BOYS • 'WASTED ON A DREAMER [1995]' • BETAMAX VIDEO TRANSFER

Original Melody Maker Review [1996] :""WASTED ON A DREAMER" is a truly pivotal album, a milestone of Obscure pop music – perhaps history will judge it a masterpiece. While its music and lyrics are remarkable, its greatest single accomplishment lies in breaking the traditional song-forms that have, until now, limited the development of rock, preventing it from taking its rightful place alongside classical and jazz."
"GOOD TIMES" [1981] • GEMINI • 7" SINGLE
01:38

"GOOD TIMES" [1981] • GEMINI • 7" SINGLE

Riding in hot on the coat-tails of the early '80 Minneapolis sound, GEMINI wasn't quite short enough, purple enough or weird enough to reach the dizzying heights of his contemporaries. 'GOOD TIMES' was the first release from his debut album "1998". It failed to chart. in 1992 GEMINI changed his name to the symbol ♊ and in 1994 ♊ changed his name to a unpronounceable fragrance. There hasn't been a whiff of the artist since he suddenly wafted out of the studio in the middle of a session on October 10th, 1997 yet some locals say they can still catch a faint honk of him on the warm breeze in the late summer Minneapolis nights. Produced by Paisley Grey Released by MAGSTAT
THE FIRST SONG EVER RELEASED [1881] • Brigadier Sir Alexander Abel Smyth [RESTORED]
00:40

THE FIRST SONG EVER RELEASED [1881] • Brigadier Sir Alexander Abel Smyth [RESTORED]

"Everyone's got a song in 'em" composed by eminent tunesmith of the era "Sir Niall Carey Esq." is considered by some to be the very first song ever released, hitting the high street on January 2nd 1881 [Top hat records, London.] Ably performed by Brigadier Sir Alexander Abel Smyth. It was an instant hit upon it's release, shifting at least 5 copies, which was good going given that only four people possessed the wax cylinder machine required to play it. Recently rediscovered in a gentleman's toiletry case sold at auction [Notherby's House of Exorbitance, June 2023] this relic of a long forgotten past was loving restored by Dr. Paisley Grey at the Institute of Sonical Embetterment. Sir Carey Esq. went on to write countless timeless classics throughout a long and illustrious career, unmarred despite countless unspeakable scandals.
OUTLANDS • 'THIS IS WHERE WE LIVED [1970]' • CASSETTE BOOTLEG •プログロック
20:19

OUTLANDS • 'THIS IS WHERE WE LIVED [1970]' • CASSETTE BOOTLEG •プログロック

TRACK LISTING 1. This is Where We Lived 2. Someone Else's Life 3. Sami's in a Cage 4. Strange Signs in the Sky 5. Jacob's Ladder 6. Zero Without One 7. Steady Planets 8. Powers of the Heart 9. Nothing New Under the Sun 10. This is Where We Lived [Reprise]
L'Ensemble Métronome • IL EST TEMPS [1988] • Sortie Promotionnelle Limitée
18:42

L'Ensemble Métronome • IL EST TEMPS [1988] • Sortie Promotionnelle Limitée

Petit ensemble Toulousain moderne dirigé par Daniel Oiseau au piano.Seulement 100 pressages de cette version ont été réalisés à des fins de promotion auprès des stations de radio universitaires. L'ensemble a été principalement actif en tant que groupe live entre 1986 et 1994. Aucune autre sortie ou enregistrement n'est connu.
THE FOURTRACK BOYS • 'SMIRK [1967]' • 1/4" Tape Transfer
28:50

THE FOURTRACK BOYS • 'SMIRK [1967]' • 1/4" Tape Transfer

Will Miller wrote this review for Trolling Stone (issue #6), Feb. 24, 1968. 'The FourTrack Boys may come to be considered the Gertrude Steins of the new pop music, for unlike the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, theirs is not mass circulation music, in fact it approaches being an inaccessible lattice work of structured sound, which in itself is a major contribution to formalism in rock. In “Overexposure” the possibility of sound as music within in the framework of form (and not à la Milton Babbit) comes through very clearly in several seconds of a train whistle that only slowly manifests itself as the train whistle it is; the record is full of such musical about-faces (such as the variations on “The Trouser Kangaroo”), from tack piano to balalaika to bomb (the possibility explored with the suggestive silence between “Us and the Enigma” and “Magnetize the Children”). The Boys are romantic in many ways, but their structure is strangely open, progressing across space much as George Shearing’s conceptions for guitar, vibes and piano.' Will Miller - Rolling Stone (issue #6), Feb. 24, 1968. • Composed, Performed and Produced by the Fourtrack Boys & Gill Spektor
血を分けた兄弟 (BLOOD BROTHERS) • 80's JAPANESE CARTOON THEME • VHS Transfer
00:27

血を分けた兄弟 (BLOOD BROTHERS) • 80's JAPANESE CARTOON THEME • VHS Transfer

血を分けた兄弟 (BLOOD BROTHERS) was a popular cult cartoon amongst mid '80s Japanese children. It aired on 土曜の朝の漫画アクションパレス (Saturday Morning Cartoon Action Palace) between August 1983 and September 1985. Whilst the show was mostly in Japanese, the producers chose an English language theme (composed by Masaki Nishimura with lyrics by Fred Nugent) to give it 'American Flavour'. To this day you can stop anyone between 40 and 47 years old on the streets of Japan and they will likely be able to recite the theme flawlessly.
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