Yaz is known as Yazoo in the UK. Yaz: Alison Moyet (vocals); Vince Clarke (synthesizer). This is the first of two albums by the duo of synthesizer wizard Vince Clarke (who had left Depeche Mode after their first album) and powerhouse singer Alison Moyet. 1982's UPSTAIRS AT ERIC'S is an influential synth-pop classic which did much to establish the link between American-style R&B and European electronica, a marriage which defined much of the Top 40 throughout the '80s. The album, named after the duo's living space in producer Eric Radcliffe's home during the recording, contains three classic singles: the bouncy "Don't Go," the dance-club staple "Situation," and the gorgeous ballad "Only You." A pair of Moyet-penned tunes, the soulful, pleading "Midnight," and the dark, foreboding "Winter Kills," are at least as strong as the hits. This is one of the all-time classics of British synth-pop.

• Released: 07/24/2012
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Rock