Various Artists - Europe In The Year Zero 12" EP

Europe In The Year Zero is a rare five-track 12" vinyl compilation EP released in 1982 by the UK independent label S/Phonograph (catalogue number SPH1). Operating at 45 RPM, this highly collectible mini-album brings together early synth-pop and minimalist post-punk acts, most notably featuring an exclusive, unreleased alternate mix of Yazoo’s "Goodbye 70's" alongside tracks by Sudeten Creche and Colour Me Pop. Because of its limited UK run and the unique Yazoo connection, original physical copies are scarce and heavily sought after by electronic music collectors on the secondary market.

Europe In The Year Zero (1982) stands as a fascinating, dark-hued time capsule from the peak of the UK's post-punk and minimalist electronic underground. Released by the boutique label S/Phonograph, this five-track compilation masterfully captures the transition from gritty, angular new wave to the sleek, danceable future of synth-pop. While the major selling point for modern collectors is undeniably Yazoo's exclusive, otherwise unreleased alternate fade mix of "Goodbye 70's," the EP functions beautifully as a cohesive sonic experience. It paints a picture of a restless, early-80s European music scene that was rapidly dismantling traditional rock instrumentation in favour of cheap synthesizers and drum machines.

The compilation’s lesser-known acts hold their own alongside Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet's star power, adding essential texture to the EP's gloomy yet energetic atmosphere. Colour Me Pop delivers a double dose of twitchy, provocative new wave with "When Sex Was Fun" and "Bikini Trauma," balancing melodic synth hooks with an aggressive, post-punk vocal attitude. Meanwhile, Sudeten Creche steals the B-side with the brooding coldwave anthems "Are Kisses Out Of Fashion?" and "Dance!", wrapping listeners in thick, melancholic basslines and haunting, deadpan vocal delivery. For fans of DIY electronic history, this rare artifact is well worth tracking down on platforms like RareVinyl.com or via second-hand sellers on eBay, offering a raw and thoroughly compelling snapshot of synthetic pop in its infancy.

Ripped to MP3

A1: Yazoo – "Goodbye 70's"

A2: Colour Me Pop – "When Sex Was Fun"

A3: Colour Me Pop – "Bikini Trauma"

B1: Sudeten Creche – "Are Kisses Out Of Fashion?"

B2: Sudeten Creche – "Dance!"