BLUETOY (aka Christopher Simmons) released six original electronica albums on cassette tape in the mid-1980s and received numerous positive reviews in numerous national print publications and was played on various “space music” radio programs of the time.
Positive magazine reviews included Camera Obscura, POLYPHONY, Electronic Musician, SYNE, Alternative Rhythms and more. Radio shows playing BLUETOY included IMAGINARY VOYAGES (WOMR-FM, Provincetown, MA), and ALIEN AIR MUSIC (KXLU, Los Angeles). In 1986, Christopher Simmons dropped the “BLUETOY” moniker, and re-released two of the albums he liked best under his own name with new 4-color artwork (original BLUETOY cassette releases had black-and-white offset printed artwork inserts and labels).
The BLUETOY name originated from the fact Simmons owned a blue Toyota (Corolla SR5 Liftback), and he had planned to get a personalized license plate of the same, but never followed through on that, instead putting spare funds into expensive electronic music gear of the time.
In the 21st century, he now goes by his full name (Christopher Laird Simmons) due to way too many other musical folk of the same first/last name.
BLUETOY™ Discography:
Shown in date released order, oldest at top.
OSCILLATIONS UNKNOWN
BLUETOY [1984] — The earliest work released by this music project. Includes soundtrack-style pieces, jazzy experimentation, and avant-garde expression unique and unlike anyone else’s music.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8401B normal bias; #SUP8401C chrome cassette.
REINVENTING THE WHEEL WITHOUT A THIRD EYE
BLUETOY [1984] — Unique musical journeys, expressions and interludes. Excellent reviews in POLYPHONY, CAMERA OBSCURA and ALTERNATIVE RHYTHMS magazines.
• 90 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8402B normal bias; #SUP8402C chrome cassette.
DANCERS IN THE TRANCEGLOW
BLUETOY [July 1984] — Tape of music specially created in many dimensions for relaxation and meditation. One 30 minute piece, one 15 minute piece, and several shorter relaxation pieces. A headphone experience!
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8403B normal bias; #SUP8403C chrome cassette.
REPETITIVE RHYTHMS FOR A PLANET THAT DOESN’T KNOW ANY BETTER
BLUETOY [May 1985] — Highly rhythmic! Positive review in CAMERA OBSCURA.
60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8405B normal bias; #SUP8405C chrome cassette.
BRED FOR THE BASEMENT
BLUETOY [1985] — Early 4-Track and improvisational pieces.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8506B normal bias; #SUP8506C chrome cassette.
BESERKER
BLUETOY [1986] — Latest and final release as “BLUETOY,” from the 1980s, utilizing state-of-the-art music equipment including digital.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8507B normal bias; #SUP8507C chrome cassette.