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Psychic TV discography
Psychic TV discography
from Wikipedia

The discography of the experimental music group Psychic TV consists of over 100 full-length albums, over 15 compilation albums and over 30 singles and EPs.

Studio albums

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EPs

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  • Psychic TV/PTV3 – Alien Brain Vs Maggot Brain (12" Vinyl only) (Vanity Case Records 2010)
  • Psychic TV/PTV3 – Mother Sky Vs Alien Sky (12" Vinyl only) (2011)
  • Psychic TV/PTV3 – Thank you (12" Vinyl only) (2011)
  • Psychic TV/PTV3 – Silver Sundown Machine Vs. Alien Lightning Meat Machine (12" Vinyl only) (2012)
  • Psychic TV/PTV3 – Greyhounds Of The Future / Alien Lightning Meat Machine (12" Vinyl only) (2013)

Singles

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  • "Just Drifting" (1982)
  • "The Full Pack" (1983)
  • "Unclean" (7", 12") (1984)
  • "Roman P" (1984)
  • "Godstar" (1985)
  • "Good Vibrations"
  • "Magick Defends Itself" (1986)
  • "Joy" (1988)
  • "Tune In (Turn On the Acid House)" (1988)
  • "Je T'Aime" (7", 12") (1989)
  • "Love War Riot" (1989)
  • "High Jack" (1990)
  • "I.C. Water" (1990)
  • "Ultrahouse the Twelve Inch Mixes" (1991)
  • "Re-Mind" (1993)
  • "Tribal" (1994)
  • Column One & Psychic TV – E-Lusive (1997)
  • "Snowflake/Illusive" (2002)

Compilation albums

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  • Splinter Test 1 (3 x CD + box set) (1993)
  • Splinter Test 2 (3 x CD + box set) (1993)
  • Hex Sex: The Singles Part 1 (CD) (1994)
  • Beauty From Thee Beast – Thee Best ov Psychic TV and Genesis P-Orridge (CD) (1995)
  • Godstar: The Singles – Pt. 2 (CD) (1995)
  • Origin of the Species: A Supply of Two Tablets of Acid (2 x CD) (1998)
  • Best Ov: Time's Up (CD) (1999)
  • "Origin of the Species" Volume Too!: A Second Supply of Two Tablets of Acid (2 x CD) (1999)
  • "Origin of the Species" Volume III: The Final Supply of Two Tablets of Acid (2 x CD) (2002)
  • Godstar: Thee Director's Cut (2 x CD) (2004)
  • Fishscales Falling: A Smogasbord ov Delights – Mixtape Volume 1 (digital) (2016) – iTunes exclusive

Live releases

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  • At the Edge (2 x cassette)
  • Finsbury Park (cassette)
  • Hackney Empire (cassette)
  • Hamburg 16;9;84 (cassette)
  • Hammersmith Palais 19:5:85 (cassette)
  • Berlin Atonal Vol. 1 (LP) (1984)
  • Berlin Atonal Vol. 2 (LP) (1984)
  • N.Y. Scum (LP) (1984)
  • Descending (CD) (1985)
  • Live in Paris (LP) (1986)
  • Live in Tokyo (LP) (1986)
  • Live at Final Wars (LP) (1986)
  • Live en Suisse (LP) (1987)
  • Live in Glasgow (LP) (1987)
  • Live in Gottingen (LP) (1987)
  • Live in Heaven (LP) (1987)
  • Live in Reykjavik (LP) (1987)
  • Live in Toronto (LP) (1987)
  • Temporary Temple (LP) (1987)
  • Album 10 (LP) Picture LP. Limited Edition of 1000 numbered copies only (1988)
  • Live at the 930 Club Washington, D.C. (Cassette) (1988)
  • Live at Thee Circus (LP) (1988)
  • Live at Thee Mardi Gras (LP) (1988)
  • A Real Swedish Live Show (1989)
  • Live at Thee Pyramid (LP, LP picture disc) (1989)
  • Live at Thee Ritz (LP) (1989)
  • Live at the Berlin Wall Part One (CD) (1990)
  • Live at the Berlin Wall Part Two (CD) (1990)
  • Live in Bregenz (CD, LP) (1990)
  • Temporary Temple & Atonal (CD) (1993)
  • Mein-Goett-In-Gen (CD) (1994)
  • Live in Berlin I (CD) (2003) – reissue of Live at the Berlin Wall Part One
  • Live in Berlin II (CD) (2003) – reissue of Live at the Berlin Wall Part Two
  • Live in Thee East Village (CD) (2003) – reissue of Blinded Eye in Thee Pyramid
  • Live in Europa I (CD) (2003) – official release of the bootleg Rare and Alive
  • Black
  • Live in Thee Mean Fiddler (CD) (2003)
  • Live in Astoria (CD) (2003) – reissue of Live at Thee Circus
  • Live in Glasgow Plus (CD) (2003)
  • Live in Russia (CD) (2006)

Other releases

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  • Two Interviews (cassette)
  • Interviews (2 x cassette)
  • (untitled interview cassette)
  • Temple ov Psychick Youth (cassette)
  • Listen Today (CD, video) (1987)
  • Psychic TV / PTV3 USB (USB stick)[1]

Various artist compilation appearances

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  • "Boys Are Girls and Girls Are Boys" on Silver Monk Time – A Tribute to the Monks (2006)[2]
  • "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" on The Bridge – A Tribute to Neil Young (1989)

Video releases

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  • Hyperdelia (VHS) (1986)
  • 8Transmissions8 (1987)
  • Joy (VHS) (1989)
  • Black (VHS) (1991)
  • Maple Syrup (VHS) (1991)
  • Beauty From Thee Beast (VHS) (1995)
  • Time's Up Live (DVD) (2001)
  • Black Joy (DVD)
  • Psychic TV Live at the Coral Room (DVD) (2004)

Bootlegs and unofficial

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  • Ov Power (1984)
  • Live Transmission (1984)
  • Southern Comfort (1986)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The discography of , an experimental music collective founded in 1981 by Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, , and Alex Fergusson following the dissolution of , comprises over 200 releases including full-length albums, singles, EPs, compilations, and live recordings, reflecting a prolific output across industrial, psychedelic, , and electronic styles on labels such as Temple Records, Some Bizzare, and Atonal Records. Psychic TV emerged as a multimedia project blending music, performance art, and occult themes, with P-Orridge as the primary creative force and frequent collaborators including Monte Cazazza, David Tibet, John Balance, Richard Norris, and Fred Giannelli. Early releases were issued under the band's own Temple Records imprint, emphasizing post-industrial experimentation and drawing from P-Orridge's industrial music roots. The group's initial phase from 1981 to 1984 focused on abrasive, noise-infused soundscapes, marking a continuation of Throbbing Gristle's legacy while expanding into broader avant-garde territories. By the mid-1980s, evolved toward psychedelic and influences, often termed "hyperdelic," with a shift to more rhythmic and accessible forms including tracks that anticipated the genre's mainstream rise. This period saw releases on various independent labels and included notable compilations like Acid Tablets Volume One, which captured the band's immersion in the emerging rave culture. From onward, the discography incorporated deeper electronic elements, with occasional name variations such as Psychick TV reflecting thematic explorations of and . Key albums defining the catalog include (1982), the debut blending folk and industrial textures; (1983), featuring guest contributions and experimental folk-rock; and Towards Thee Infinite Beat (1990), a cornerstone of their phase. Later revivals, such as the PTV3 incarnation starting in 2003, revisited hyperdelic sounds with renewed collaborations, continuing until P-Orridge's death in 2020. The extensive discography underscores Psychic TV's role as a boundary-pushing entity in , with releases often limited in edition and tied to the band's organization.

Albums

Studio albums

Psychic TV's studio albums represent a diverse evolution from post-industrial experimentation to psychedelic and explorations, reflecting Genesis P-Orridge's ongoing interest in themes, ritualistic soundscapes, and collaborative . Formed in as a continuation of Throbbing Gristle's legacy, the band's early recordings emphasized raw, confrontational structures that incorporated contributions from key figures like and Alex Fergusson. Over decades, spanning multiple lineups including the PTV3 in 2003, the albums shifted toward more accessible electronic forms while retaining elements, with production often involving field recordings, samples, and guest artists from the industrial scene. The following table catalogs the band's original full-length studio albums in chronological order, highlighting release details and core conceptual focuses:
TitleYearLabelFormatsKey Notes
Force the Hand of Chance1982Some BizzareLP, cassetteDebut album marking the transition from Throbbing Gristle, featuring co-founder Peter Christopherson's production and themes of chance operations in sound design.
Themes1982Some BizzareLPExperimental collection of thematic loops and drones, emphasizing ritualistic repetition as a foundational element of Psychic TV's aesthetic.
Dreams Less Sweet1983Some BizzareLP, cassetteCollaborative effort with Monte Cazazza, David Tibet, and John Balance (of Coil), recorded using the Zuccarelli Holophonic system for immersive, dream-like spatial audio; last album with Christopherson.
Pagan Day1984Temple RecordsLP, 12" picture discSketchbook-style recordings capturing intimate songwriting sessions with pagan and primitivist motifs, blending melodic serenades and futurist experimentation; produced in a single informal session.
Themes 21985Temple Records2xLPAmbient and ritualistic instrumental pieces, including "Thee Grey Cathedral" and "Eternal Delerium," serving as a sonic companion to the band's occult interests.
Themes 31987Temple RecordsLPPsychedelic extensions of the series with tracks like "Magick Powerhouse of Oz" and "Hyperdelia," incorporating rare outtakes and rock influences.
Towards Thee Infinite Beat1990Temple RecordsLP, CDCulmination of the acid house phase, featuring polished electronic grooves and infinite loop concepts; credited to PTV but rooted in studio collaborations.
Trip Reset1996CleopatraCDMid-1990s return to psychedelic rock influences, with ambient and trance elements produced during P-Orridge's U.S. relocation.
Hell Is Invisible… Heaven Is Here2007COP InternationalCDPTV3-era album exploring dualistic spiritual themes through drone-heavy electronics and guest contributions from Edley Ruston.
Mr. Alien Brain vs. The Skinwalkers2008Angry Love ProductionsCD, LPConceptual work inspired by Native American folklore and extraterrestrial motifs, featuring experimental noise and rhythmic pulses in collaboration with Alice Genese.
Paramartha2012Self-releasedDigital, CDMeditative release drawing on Eastern philosophies, with ambient soundscapes produced during PTV3's later tours.
Snakes2014Angry Love ProductionsCD, LPHypnotic, serpentine-themed electronics emphasizing ritual repetition and P-Orridge's vocal improvisations.
Allegory and Self2016Dais RecordsLP, CDReflective PTV3 studio effort blending industrial roots with modern psychedelia, produced with contributions from Larry Thrasher and Reese Weddle.
Alienist2016Self-releasedDigital, LPArchival-inspired collection of alien and psychological themes, extending the band's exploratory electronic palette.
Kondole / Dead Cat2018Self-releasedDigitalLate-period release incorporating collage techniques and deadpan humor, with studio tracks evoking mourning and absurdity.
A Prayer for Derek Jarman2025Cold SpringCD, LPArchival studio material originally compiled in the 1990s as a tribute to filmmaker Derek Jarman, remastered with cut-up techniques and ambient loops for ritualistic homage.
These albums trace Psychic TV's trajectory through industrial noise and pagan ritual in the to acid house innovation, where P-Orridge embedded sigils in electronic beats to subvert norms. The PTV3 phase from 2007 onward revitalized these ideas with cleaner production and thematic depth, often involving collaborators like Thrasher to bridge historical influences with contemporary experimentation, culminating in the 2025 Jarman tribute as a poignant archival capstone following P-Orridge's passing in 2020.

Live albums

Psychic TV's live albums document the band's dynamic and often improvisational performances, emphasizing the raw energy of their industrial, psychedelic, and explorations during tours across , the , and . These releases highlight the group's evolution from early influences to more trance-like electronic sets, capturing unique elements such as audience interactions and on-stage collaborations. Live recordings constitute a significant portion of their output, underscoring their dedication to preserving the immediacy of "disconcerts" as opposed to studio polish. An early example is Those Who Do Not (1984, Temple Records, LP), a live recording from November 23, 1983, at a performance in Reykjavik, Iceland, organized by Gramm Records, featuring ambient noise, ritual chants, and feedback loops with Genesis P-Orridge on vocals, Alex Fergusson on guitar, and others. Another early release is the Berlin Atonal Festival 2.12.83, recorded on December 2, 1983, at the Atonal Festival in Berlin, Germany, featuring a lineup including Genesis P-Orridge, Alex Fergusson, and Peter Christopherson, and showcasing intense noise and rhythmic experimentation amid the festival's industrial atmosphere. The band's most prolific live endeavor was the 1986 series, intended as 23 albums released on the 23rd of each month for 23 months, each capturing a performance from a different country to commemorate the numerological significance of 23 in their Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth philosophy; ultimately, 17 albums were issued over 18 months, drawn from European and Japanese tours. Representative releases include Live in Glasgow, recorded February 18, 1986, at the Rooftop Gardens in Scotland, highlighting high-energy punk-infused sets; Live in Heaven, taped December 23, 1984 (misdated on some pressings), at the Heaven nightclub in London, England, with pulsating electronic grooves; Live in Paris, captured June 8, 1986, at the Hôtel de France in Paris, France, noted for its clear production and extended jams; and Live in Tokyo, from January 15-18, 1986, performances in Japan, reflecting the band's adaptation to Asian audiences with over 2,000 attendees per night. Subsequent live albums continued this documentation into the late 1980s and 1990s, such as Live at Thee Ritz from 1989, recorded in , USA, during the acid house phase with frenetic beats and samples. Live at the Berlin Wall, Part 1 and Part 2, recorded April 6, 1989, at the Loft in , , just before the wall's fall, capture trance-inducing rhythms and were released in 1990, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the band's career amid political change. In the PTV3 reformation era (2003-2020), live releases shifted toward and experimental soundtracks, including Live at Cafe Oto, - November 8th, 2016, featuring Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and Edley O'Dowd in a 43-minute improvisational set blending noise and melody at the Cafe Oto venue. Archival reissues, such as the 2003 editions of Live in I and II from the 1989 recordings, kept earlier material accessible, while no new official live albums have emerged post-2020 following the band's disbandment.

Compilation albums

Psychic TV's compilation albums encompass a diverse array of retrospective collections that curate material from their prolific output across decades, often emphasizing thematic elements like rituals, explorations, or rare live recordings. These releases, primarily issued by labels such as Temple Records, , and Invisible Records, aggregate tracks from studio sessions, singles, and unreleased archives, offering fans condensed overviews of the band's evolution from industrial pioneers to psychedelic experimenters. Unlike their original studio or live albums, these compilations frequently include remixes, alternate versions, and contextual to highlight conceptual threads in Psychic TV's oeuvre. The band's phase in the late is particularly well-represented through pseudonymous "various artists" releases that were in fact entirely PTV-created, blending anonymity with promotional innovation. Key compilations from the 1980s focus on thematic and experimental soundscapes. The acid house era produced innovative fake compilations, such as Jack the Tab – Acid Tablets Volume One (1988, Temple Records / Castalia, LP), billed as a various artists release but featuring PTV pseudonyms like "Kumfy" and "Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth" on tracks including "Acid Tabernacle Shakedown"; this was followed by Tekno Acid Beat (1988, Temple Records, cassette), a continuous-mix of eight untitled segments under aliases like "Search" and "White Noise," capturing the band's pivot to rave culture through squelching basslines and hypnotic loops. In the , compilations shifted toward best-of and rarities formats amid the band's hiatus. Hex Sex: The Singles Pt. One (1994, , cassette) gathers early singles such as "Godstar" and "Roman P" in remixed forms, providing a chronological snapshot of their post-Throbbing Gristle phase. Beauty From Thee Beast: Thee Best Ov And (1995, , CD) serves as an accessible entry point, featuring 16 tracks including "" (a cover) and "Hex Sex," selected for their pop-industrial hybridity. The late-1990s retrospectives include Origin of the Species: A Supply of Two Tablets of (1998, Invisible Records, 2xCD), compiling 24 tracks from the Jack era like "Tune In (Turn On the )" and obscure mixes; its sequel, Origin of the Species Volume Too! (1999, Invisible Records, 2xCD), adds 20 more with rarities such as "Wicked" under pseudonyms. Best Ov: Time's Up (1999, , CD) curates 13 fan-favorite singles and album cuts, from "Godstar (7" Mix)" to "Just Like Arcadia," highlighting the band's hit-making potential. Were You Ever Bullied at ... Do You Want ? (1999, Cold Spring, 2xCD limited edition) focuses on darker, unreleased material, with 22 tracks blending noise and electronics, sourced from archival tapes. The PTV3 reformation in 2003 brought box sets and remasters emphasizing legacy. Godstar: Thee (2004, Some Bizzare, 2xCD) revisits the 1985 single with 20 remastered tracks, including alternate mixes and B-sides like "Thee ," framing it as a conceptual film soundtrack. Themes (2011, Angry Love Productions, 7xCD limited to 1,000 copies) aggregates the entire Themes series (1-4 plus bonuses), with over 50 tracks spanning ambient rituals to new PTV3 material like Lady Jaye's contributions on Themes 4; it includes unseen photos and essays for contextual depth. Post-2016 releases include digital reissues of the PTV3 catalog, but no major new compilations emerged before the band's disbandment following Genesis Breyer P-Orridge's passing. Other notable collections, such as the 2023 reissue of early material, underscore ongoing interest in PTV's archival rarities and thematic s like the acid house-focused Jack the Tab / Tekno Acid Beat retrospective (2008, Temple Records, CD). These compilations, exceeding 15 in total across official and reissue formats, preserve Psychic TV's boundary-pushing ethos without duplicating standalone live documents.
TitleYearLabelKey Tracks/Description
Jack the Tab – Acid Tablets Volume One1988Temple Records / pseudonyms; e.g., "Acid Tabernacle Shakedown" (LP, fake VA promo).
Tekno Acid Beat1988Temple RecordsContinuous rave mix; untitled segments (cassette, phase innovation).
Hex Sex: The Singles Pt. One1994Early singles remixes; e.g., "Godstar" (cassette, chronological hits).
Beauty From Thee Beast1995Best-of hybrid; e.g., "" (CD, 16 tracks).
Origin of the Species (Vol. 1)1998Invisible Records rarities; e.g., "Tune In" (2xCD, 24 tracks).
Best Ov: Time's Up1999Singles overview; e.g., "Roman P" (CD, 13 tracks).
Were You Ever Bullied...1999Cold SpringUnreleased ; 22 archival pieces (2xCD, limited).
Origin of the Species Volume Too!1999Invisible Records sequels; e.g., "Wicked" (2xCD, 20 tracks).
Godstar: Thee 2004Some BizzareRemastered single; 20 alternates (2xCD).
Themes (box set)2011Angry Love ProductionsFull series; 50+ tracks (7xCD, limited with essays).

Singles and EPs

Singles

Psychic TV's singles discography reflects the band's experimental ethos, with a focus on limited-edition vinyl releases through their Temple Records label during the 1980s, often incorporating psychedelic, industrial, and elements. Many singles featured unique picture discs, colored vinyl, or thematic B-sides tied to the band's association with . The "Godstar" single (1985), a tribute to founder , exemplifies their cultural commentary, available in multiple formats including a double 7-inch pack with sleeve notes on the song's film tie-in. The Jack the Tab series in 1988 produced several 12-inch singles under pseudonyms, blending with occult themes, some of which were compiled later but originally issued as standalone promotions. In the PTV3 era, releases became sparser but maintained the limited-edition approach. No new original singles released after 2018 following the band's inactivity after Genesis Breyer P-Orridge's death in 2020. The following table lists key singles chronologically, emphasizing formats, labels, and notable editions or B-sides. This selection highlights over 20 representative entries from their extensive output, prioritizing those with promotional impact or unique features.
YearTitleLabelFormatNotes/B-sidesCitation
1982Just DriftingSome Bizzare7"B-side: ; debut single from early sessions.
1983The Full PackSome Bizzare12"3-track promo EP: The Full Pack, The Mad Organist, Catalan; limited promo release.
1984UncleanTemple Records12"B-sides: Mirrors, Unclean .
1984Roman P.Sordide Sentimental7"B-sides: Untitled tracks by Neurology, TOPY's Spokeman, ; tied to Godstar film project; limited numbered edition.
1985GodstarTemple Records7", 2x7"B-side: Godstar (B.J. Mix); tribute to , limited white label test pressing edition.
1986Temple Records12"B-side: Good Vibrations (Thee Pleasure Principle); cover remix.
1986Magick Defends ItselfTemple Records12"B-side: Thee Grey Area; promotional for live tour.
1986Mouth of the NightTemple Records12"B-side: Thee Shadow Project; from Jack the Tab sessions.
1987Godstar (Part 2)Temple Records12"Remix version; B-side: Godstar (Thee ).
1988Tune In (Turn On The ) (as Psychic T.V. Featuring Jack The Tab)Temple Records12"B-side: Turn On Thee Acid House; first in acid house series, limited edition.
1988Jump Thee Gun (as )Jack the Tab12"Part of Jack the Tab series; B-side instrumental mix.
1988Terminate (as Over Thee Brink)Jack the Tab12"Jack the Tab pseudonym release; occult-themed B-side.
1988Youth (as Vernon Castle)Jack the Tab12"Limited vinyl; B-side: Youth (Extended).
1988Only Human (as Nobody Uninc)Jack the Tab12"Acid house track; edition.
1988Balkan Red Alert (as Alligator Shear)Jack the Tab12"B-side: Red Alert (Dub); Eastern European influences.
1990Beyond Thee Infinite BeatTemple Records12"B-side: Infinite Beat (Remix); from album promotion.
1995Hex Sex (from compilation single)Excerpt from singles collection; limited promo.
2004Godstar: Thee (reissue single)Temple RecordsCDRemastered B-side versions; anniversary edition.
2012Paramartha (promo single)Angry Love ProductionsDigital/12"B-side: alternate mix; PTV3 era limited run.
2018Kondole / Dead Dais Records7"Split single with B-side Dead Cat; limited colored vinyl.
Additional singles from the Jack the Tab series and PTV3 period, such as "Luvzya" (1990, Mistress Mix, 12") and "Day In The Life" (1995, Ecstasy Boys, 12"), further expanded their acid and techno explorations, often in limited runs of under 1000 copies. Remixes exclusive to singles, like those on "Ultrahouse (The L.A. Connection)" (1991, 12"), were key to their club scene influence.

EPs

Psychic TV's extended plays encompass a range of mini-albums and thematic releases that experiment with industrial, ambient, and acid house elements, often in limited formats like vinyl picture discs or cassette tapes, bridging the band's early ritualistic phase to later electronic explorations. These EPs typically feature 4 to 8 tracks, emphasizing conceptual sound design over conventional song structures, and include soundtrack commissions and collaborative remixes. Post-reformation as PTV3 in the 2000s, the EPs shifted toward psychedelic and alien-themed motifs, with recent releases incorporating multimedia elements like film scores. No new original EPs released after 2018 following the band's inactivity after Genesis Breyer P-Orridge's death in 2020. Key EPs are presented chronologically below, highlighting representative examples of their experimental nature and formats.
YearTitleTracksDurationFormat(s)LabelNotes
1983Thee Full Pack3~21 min12" vinylSome BizzareExperimental industrial and post-industrial ritual ambient EP, marking early sonic experimentation with pagan themes; limited promo release.
1985Mouth of the Night738 minPicture disc vinyl (limited to 2300 copies), cassetteTemple Records (TOPY 010)Thematic mini-album commissioned for the MANTIS Dance Group's performance piece, featuring abstract soundscapes blending ambient and industrial elements; experimental format tailored for theatrical integration.
1986The Magickal Mystery D-Tour EP4~25 min12" vinylTemple Records (TOPYT 23)Neo-psychedelic EP capturing live tour energy with mystical lyrics and droning guitars, reflecting the band's shift toward accessible yet esoteric sounds; limited edition.
1989Love War Riot5~30 min12" vinylTemple RecordsAcid house experimentation EP with remixed tracks incorporating early electronic beats and chaotic rhythms, bridging industrial roots to rave influences; thematic focus on love and conflict.
2009Alien Brain vs. Maggot Brain6~40 minCD, digitalAngry Love ProductionsPTV3-era EP pitting psychedelic jams against experimental noise, with drone and funk elements; limited release emphasizing alien abduction motifs in sound design.
2018Kondole / Dead Cat4117 min2xCD + DVD (limited edition)Cold Spring Records (CSR246)Posthumous PTV3 soundtrack EP for unmade films "Kondole (Thee Whale)" and "Dead Cat," featuring long-form ambient drones and abstract compositions; experimental multimedia format with film visuals on DVD, bridging 1980s archival material to contemporary themes.

Other audio releases

Various artists compilation appearances

Psychic TV made significant contributions to various artists compilation albums, particularly in the industrial, experimental, and alternative genres during the 1980s and 1990s. These appearances often featured live recordings from key festivals, remixes of existing tracks, or covers that showcased the band's evolving sound from raw industrial noise to more psychedelic and electronic explorations. Such inclusions helped integrate into influential samplers and tributes, amplifying their cultural impact within underground music circles without overlapping their standalone releases. The following table highlights representative examples of Psychic TV's compilation appearances, focusing on notable tracks and their contexts:
YearCompilation TitleTrack TitleNotes
1984 Atonal Vol. 1"Nursery Times" / "Skinhead Moonstomp 84"Live recordings from the Atonal Festival on December 2, 1983, split with ; emphasized the band's early performance intensity. [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/255070-Psychic-TV-Zev-Berlin-Atonal-Vol-1)
1984Better an Old Demon Than a New God"Unclean"Contribution to Giorno Poetry Systems' spoken-word and music anthology; the track aligned with Psychic TV's thematic interest in and transgressive elements. [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/405964-Various-Better-An-Old-Demon-Than-A-New-God)
1989The Bridge: A Tribute to "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"Cover of 's song; demonstrated Psychic TV's versatility in interpreting folk-rock within an industrial framework on this tribute album. [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/688837-Various-The-Bridge-A-Tribute-To-Neil-Young)
These selections illustrate Psychic TV's role in multi-artist projects, from festival documents to thematic tributes, often providing exclusive versions that were not reissued on their primary albums.

Miscellaneous audio releases

Psychic TV's miscellaneous audio releases encompass experimental projects, soundtracks, and innovative formats that extend beyond conventional , often tied to collaborations or archival explorations. These works highlight the group's ethos, incorporating ritualistic elements, film accompaniment, and experiments. One prominent example is A Prayer for Derek Jarman, a collection of soundtrack recordings created for the films and videos of director between 1969 and 1994. Originally compiled in the 1990s and remastered for reissue on June 23, 2025, by Cold Spring Records, it features ritualistic soundscapes and ambient compositions such as "The Loops of Mystical Union" (17:55) and "Mylar Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2" (7:52). Released in CD and digital formats, the album draws heavily from earlier Themes 2 material composed for Jarman's Home Movies super-8 series, emphasizing layered drones and ethereal textures to evoke mystical unions and floral motifs central to Jarman's visual style. Limited to standard pressing but notable for its archival significance, it underscores Psychic TV's long-standing collaboration with Jarman, blending industrial noise with cinematic ambiance. In 1994, Psychic TV collaborated with XKP on AL-OR-AL (Thee Transmutation ov Mercury), an experimental sound collage album issued by Dossier Records on CD. This release explores alchemical and occult themes through trance-inducing tracks like "Speaking With Angels / Sheathed in Moons" (9:19) and "Thee Induction ov Trance" (3:41), incorporating spoken word incantations, field recordings, and hexagrammatic invocations such as "Hexagram 18: Air ov Sun / Thee Grey Monk." Limited to a standard CD run but rare in collector circles due to its niche ritual focus, it represents a one-off project rooted in Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth's esoteric practices, distinct from the band's typical musical output. A notable special-format release is the PTV3 USB Stick from , a glow-in-the-dark USB drive limited to 320 hand-numbered copies, self-released by the band. This experimental distribution method compiles the entire PTV3 catalog (post-2003 incarnation) in both (320kbps) and formats, spanning over 20 albums and providing high-fidelity access to works like Hell Is Invisible... Hell Is Real... Hell Is Other People... and Mr. Alien Brain vs. the Skinwalkers. Its rarity and innovative packaging—featuring a luminescent drive for nighttime visibility—mark it as a collector's item, bridging digital accessibility with the group's of limited-edition artifacts.

Video releases

Official video albums

Psychic TV's official video albums encompass a select array of experimental and live performance releases, reflecting the band's multimedia ethos under Genesis P-Orridge's artistic direction, which integrated psychick youth symbolism, influences, and ritualistic visuals into their output. These videos, primarily issued on in the 1980s and DVD in the early 2000s, served as extensions of the group's Temple ov Psychick Youth (TOPY) activities, blending concert footage with films to subvert norms. Unlike their extensive audio , video releases were sparse, focusing on archival captures of performances and conceptual transmissions rather than commercial compilations. Additional early releases include Hyperdelia (1986 VHS), a collection of hyperdelic visuals and performances, and 8 Transmissions 8 (1987 VHS), featuring eight experimental transmissions tied to TOPY rituals. Later, Maple Syrup (1991 ) documented live material from the acid phase. The earliest official video album, First Transmission (1982), was a seminal 4-hour compilation produced by TOPY, featuring experimental short films, rituals, and pieces directed by P-Orridge and collaborators, distributed underground via mail-order to initiate members into the group's psychick explorations. Released on through TOPY's limited edition format, it included custom packaging like prescription pill bottles in later reissues, emphasizing its role as a subversive artifact rather than a standard music video collection. In 1989, Joy emerged as a vibrant VHS documenting Psychic TV's acid house phase, capturing live performances from Manchester Polytechnic in October 1988, interspersed with colorful, psychedelic visuals curated by P-Orridge, including contributions from Pig City Skaters for wardrobe and custom collages for the cover. Issued by Jettisoundz Video in PAL and NTSC formats, the tape showcased tracks like "Joy," highlighting the band's shift toward ecstatic, dance-oriented rituals with hyperdelic effects. This release underscored P-Orridge's hands-on involvement in directing footage to evoke communal trance states. The 1992 VHS Black (also known as PTV: Black) recorded a March 1991 concert at London's Subterrania Club, presenting a darker, industrial-edged live set with raw energy and minimalistic visuals, aligning with Psychic TV's post-acid exploration of voodoo and gothic themes under P-Orridge's vision. Limited to , it captured the band's evolving lineup and improvisational style without extensive . These early titles were consolidated in the 2004 DVD Black Joy, a combining Joy and Black into a dual-program set, remastered for enhanced clarity while preserving the original artistic intent of P-Orridge's multimedia collages and live immediacy. Released by Cleopatra Video in format (region-free variants available), the DVD included full Manchester and shows, totaling over two hours, and emphasized Psychic TV's fusion of with music, drawing from tour documentaries of their ecstatic phases. The compilation also added the "I.C. Water" promo. Another key release, Time's Up Live (2001), is a DVD of a 1999 concert filmed during the band's reformation period, featuring eight tracks including "Godstar" and "Play with Fire," alongside bonus content like a conversation between P-Orridge and on . Produced by Music Video Distributors in format, it highlights the PTV3 lineup's blend of classic material with new visuals, directed to reflect P-Orridge's ongoing thematic obsessions with mortality and infinity. A 2006 European reissue on Vision X followed in PAL format. Post-2016, no major official video reissues or new archival DVDs have been documented, though digital streams of select footage from earlier tours occasionally surface via authorized channels, maintaining the focus on P-Orridge's legacy in visual experimentation up to their passing in 2020. These releases complement corresponding live audio albums by providing visual context to performances, such as the Manchester footage in Joy aligning with acid house recordings.

Music videos and promos

Psychic TV's music videos and promotional clips frequently incorporated surreal, occult-inspired visuals that echoed the band's thematic interests in psychick exploration, ritual, and altered states of consciousness, often tying into the iconography of their artwork and activities. These short-form works were typically distributed via limited releases, later compiled in official video collections, or uploaded to digital platforms like for broader accessibility. Directors drawn from the avant-garde art scene, including —a co-founder known for his background—and external collaborators, shaped much of the early output, emphasizing experimental over commercial polish. Key examples include the 1984 promo for "Catalan," directed by , which features abstract, painterly imagery evoking pagan and mystical motifs central to Psychic TV's early sound. Another early piece, "A Message from " (circa 1982), co-directed by and , served as a recruitment and ideological promo for the band's associated temple, blending spoken-word elements with hypnotic visuals to promote psychick . The 1985 video for "Godstar," an ode to Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones, presents a narrative seance sequence with ethereal effects, released alongside the single and later made available on official YouTube channels; it reflects the band's fascination with celebrity occultism and was influenced by Christopherson's directorial style. In 1989, the "Joy" promo, directed by Karen Bentham, captured live performance footage from Manchester Polytechnic interwoven with colorful, ecstatic collages promoting the album's acid house tracks, distributed initially on VHS and noted for its immersive, rave-oriented energy. The same year's "Wicked" clip, part of the Joy VHS package, extended these themes with frenetic editing and psychedelic overlays, tying into the Jack the Tab album's tekno-acid motifs. Into the 1990s, the 1990 promo for "I.C. Water"—a to Joy Division's —utilized black-and-white archival footage and early CGI for a collage-style tribute, originally produced for limited distribution and later included on the 2003 Black Joy DVD. In the PTV3 era following the band's 2003 reformation, promotional efforts shifted toward digital formats, exemplified by the 2009 "Have Mercy" video directed by Marie Losier, which featured intimate, lo-fi footage of amid the track's droning soundscape from the Mr. Alien Brain Vs. the album, available on . Post-2010 promos remained sparse but included fan-uploaded and official digital clips for tracks like "Snakes" (2014), often self-produced with recycled vinyl aesthetics mirroring the era's experimental reissues. Limited promo-only releases, such as those unearthed in the 2014 Thee Psychick Videos compilation, highlight archival clips from the that were originally circulated via mail-order or temple networks, preserving the band's underground video legacy.

Unofficial releases

Bootlegs

Bootleg recordings of largely capture the band's live performances through fan-made audience tapes, particularly from their intensive tours, preserving raw, unpolished renditions of their industrial and experimental sets that were never officially issued. These unofficial captures often feature lo-fi audio quality reflective of handheld recorders used during chaotic gigs, including elements like crowd noise and stage feedback that underscore the immersive, ritualistic nature of the shows. Common formats originated as cassette tapes, with some later duplicated onto CDs for trading within underground networks. Representative examples from the early period include audience tapes of the band's debut full-band concert at The Ritz in on November 6, 1983, which documents their transition from Throbbing Gristle's noise roots to structured , and the complete set from The in New York on November 17, 1983, aligning with the raw energy of the New York era. Other circulated bootlegs encompass European tour stops, such as the Berlin Atonal Festival on December 2, 1983, and the Batschkapp in on December 10, 1984, offering insights into Psychic TV's evolving sound with collaborators like . For PTV3 performances post-2003, bootlegs are scarcer but include fan-recorded audio from late-era shows, emphasizing influences. These recordings hold historical value by archiving rare early material unavailable through official channels, allowing enthusiasts to trace the band's conceptual and sonic development. Circulation of these bootlegs initially relied on tape trading among fans in the 1980s and 1990s, evolving into digital formats like rips and video captures shared online by the 2010s. Post-2020, following the band's disbandment, archival efforts have digitized older audience tapes for platforms such as Archive.org, including a DVDr rip of the 1983 Manchester debut uploaded in 2020, facilitating broader access to this ephemeral material without official endorsement. While some bootlegs, like a 2019 cassette edition of the 1986 show, represent limited physical runs, most recent dissemination occurs via streaming sites like , where full-concert videos from 1980s tours persist as fan-preserved artifacts.

Unofficial compilations and reissues

Unofficial compilations and reissues of material have circulated since the early 1980s, often compiled by fans or independent labels without authorization from the band or its members. These releases typically draw from live recordings, studio outtakes, or thematic collections of the group's experimental and phases, filling gaps in the official catalog while raising concerns over . Many originate from soundboard tapes or audience recordings shared within underground networks, particularly in , and have prompted legal disputes that highlight the challenges of managing the band's vast, decentralized archive. A prominent example is the 1993 semi-official bootleg compilation Rare and Alive, approved by , assembling edited live tracks from Psychic TV's 1989 European tour, including rarities like "Discipline" and "Still Walking" that were not included on official albums. Released on the obscure TIB label, it abridged the full PTV Rarities: Live Across Europe tape, offering fans access to high-energy performances blending industrial and emerging influences before an official reissue appeared in 2003 via Temple Records. The Origin of the Species series, issued by Invisible Records in the late 1990s and early 2000s, represents another key set of grey-market compilations focused on Psychic TV's acid house era. Volumes such as A Supply of Two Tablets of Acid (1998) and The Final Supply of Two Tablets of Acid (2002) curated over two hours of psychedelic tracks like "Tune In (Turn On the Acid House)" and remixes, presented as various-artists collections but dominated by Psychic TV material. These releases sparked controversy, with band members expressing dismay over the use of recordings without consent or royalties, underscoring ongoing intellectual property tensions in the industrial and electronic scenes. Such unauthorized efforts have influenced the official discography by exposing archival material, sometimes leading to legitimized versions, but they also complicate legacy management. For instance, bootleg live compilations from the 1980s, like those derived from Rotterdam shows, have been remastered officially decades later to reclaim control. Post-2020, following the band's effective disbandment after Genesis P-Orridge's death, similar grey-market items persist, perpetuating debates over access to rarities amid unresolved estate rights.
TitleYearFormatKey ContentsOrigin/Notes
Rare and Alive1993CDLive tracks from 1989 European tour (e.g., "Discipline," "Twisted")Semi-official bootleg approved by ; later inspired official 2003 reissue
Origin of the Species Vol. III20022×CDAcid house remixes and originals (e.g., "Godstar" variants)Grey-market compilation; rights dispute with artists over consent
1986LP (coloured vinyl, ltd. 1000)Full live set from Arena, 13/12/85Fan-produced bootleg from soundboard; remains unofficial

References

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