Thanks for the info bisquitodoom, looking now at the discogs entries for those releases I see your name listed as a contributor. Kudos for snagging those rarities.
Looking at the Young Scientist cover scans it looks like they were probably loose cassettes in printed 7-inch single sleeves. That way stores could put them with the rest of the vinyl as most stores at that time did not have huge cassette selections.
Being of an age where all my own early musical adventures were solely on cassettes, and reel-to-reel I have an affinity for this time period of music. In fact I am slowly working on a reference guide to experimental music in Australia circa 1979-1986 with special attention to the cassette artists.
Yer welcome, I’ll let you know where you can send the SEX [;)]
Way back when I remember looking at this reference book at my local library called " Who’s Who In New Wave Music " (which I cannot find a copy of anywhere now). It had the Blackouts listed with a picture as well as an entry for the Telepaths, and Ministry. I remember the Brothers Barker were listed as Paul ‘Ion’ Barker, and Roland ‘Xenon’ Barker.
For those on Dimeadozen, some kind soul just uploaded a Blackouts gig. It’s pre-Barker, but is much better quality than any ofthe other recordings out there and is the first pre-Barker gig to surface. Lots of new songs on there too. Only 3 of the 10 were everreleased.
And here’s The Cat from The Eternal Optimist. Paul on guitar and bass, Roland does everything else. This should give you a good idea what his solo stuff sounds like.
It is possible, but as midi was just coming about in 1982 when this album was done it does not seem likely. Either way this is great stuff, and as always thanks bisquitodoom. If you are ever inclined to upload more Roland solo stuff it would be appreciated.