“Only for You” from The Essence

The Essence's 1988 album "Ecstasy," featuring the single "Only for You."
Wow, I can't believe Spotify actually has this one.  The Essence is a Dutch alternative band from the late '80s - early '90s.  And they're kind of obscure.  But those who do know them, remember them as the band that sounds remarkably like The Cure, albeit a bit lighter and more upbeat. Really, it's frontman …

ACTORS’ “L’aapel Du Vide”

I encountered this one in between sets at Clan of Xymox's Echoplex show last weekend.  Part Time Punks, a radio show on KXLU 88.9FM, promotes a series of great shows, including this one, at the Echoplex and its smaller counterpart the Echo.  At these shows, their DJs fill in the gaps between bands with an …