For nearly sixty years, Belgian artist Jacques Charlier has been active in art in one form of another, and that includes music. In the 1980s, he put out two intriguing avant-pop albums that were only available on cassette. While those tapes have been rarely heard, there’s a new archival release that will hopefully shed light on his sensational songs.

In the 1970s, Charlier began playing a custom-made guitar treated with effects, and recording on a four-track. For Musique Regressive (1984) and Chansons Tristes (1987), Charlier added synthesizers, a drum machine, as well as occasional vocals (becoming more prominent on the second album), to create exciting, minimalist pieces that display the influence of many genres: synth pop, post-punk, rock, ambient, experimental electronic music, rockabilly—you get the picture.
 

 
A Jacques Charlier 45 of vintage recordings has just been released, a joint effort of the Séance Centre and Musique Plastique labels. Featuring the previously unavailable, enchanting dark wave number “Kiliwatch,” and backed with the curious, atmospheric blues track “Loulou,” from the Musique Regressive tape, the single is limited to just 150 copies, and is only available via the websites of Séance Centre and Musique Plastique. The record is a preview of a forthcoming Jacques Charlier compilation that will contain additional unheard material.
 

 
Two more cool Charlier tunes—one from each cassette—are embedded below. The instrumental “Corsica” combines new age and electropop, while “Quand Tu Danses” is a throwback to ‘60s French pop. Martine Doutreleau, Charlier’s sometimes singing partner, contributes to the Serge Gainsbourg vibe here.
 

 
In 1979, Belgian TV aired the art video “Desperados Music,” a compelling piece starring Jacques Charlier and his modulated custom guitar. Such a pleasing jangle….