Moscow Tops – The Sound Of Young Amsterdam (cassette) / Jerry Turner
With the reissue of the Moscow Tops' The Sound Of Young Amsterdam, Diggin' Demos are releasing more than just a cassette; they are opening a time capsule to May 1982. The original demo—recorded live in a single fiery session on a 2-track Crown deck at the legendary 'Flowerbox' rehearsal space in Aalsmeer—bursts with the urgent, unpolished energy that defined the early eighties.
From the very first crackle of analog tape, the sound grabs you by the throat. At the time, the Moscow Tops struck a perfect balance between raw post-punk and melodic early synth-pop. Frontman Jerry Turner (Gerry Putter) takes center stage; his theatrical vocal lines and minimalist mini-synthesizer imbue the songs with a quality that is at once alienating and danceable.
What gives these recordings their truly unique character is the band's internal synergy. Leo Loww’s driving basslines and Jaap Blok’s tight drumming provide a rock-solid foundation. Layered over this are Ad Bosters’ sharp guitar riffs and Ed Kroket’s melancholic, almost possessed saxophone parts. The result is a sound that is both wistful and rebellious—the soundtrack of a generation that came of age in a cold, squalid, yet creative Amsterda
This release stands out for its loving presentation. The cassette is hand-numbered and strictly limited to just 75 copies, making it an instant collector's item. Yet the real treasure lies in the context provided: the accompanying 56-page A6 zine reads like a captivating biography of pop history. It not only outlines the turbulent history of the Moscow Tops but also pays tribute to the impressive 55-year musical journey of Jerry Turner (later known for the cult band Electric Party). As the icing on the cake, the digital download code includes 10 additional live tracks recorded at the De Sneeuwbal youth center. This transforms the release from a simple demo reissue into a comprehensive historical overview.
Label: Diggin' Demos
Country: Netherlands
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)