While various databases list its original release in 1979, the film gained significant traction through a widespread 1981 release. Directed by Carlos Tobalina (credited under the pseudonym Troy Benny
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Released as a double-feature alongside another Tobalina classic, Lady Dynamite , the film was meticulously scanned from its original film elements. This release allowed film archivists and fans of historical adult cinema to analyze Tobalina’s unique contribution to the era's sub-genres, preserving a snapshot of San Francisco's exploitation filmmaking history.
"Come Under My Spell" (1981) is a synth-driven pop/rock single characteristic of the early 1980s new wave aesthetic. With a blend of atmospheric synth pads, punchy drum-machine rhythms, and a melodic vocal hook, the track encapsulates the decade’s fascination with electronic textures married to pop songwriting. The song’s title implies a theme of seduction, persuasion, or being entranced—common lyrical territory for pop songs that balance romantic yearning with playful menace. come under my spell 1981 exclusive
The “Exclusive” nature of this recording stems from disaster. Master tapes for the 1981 session were stored at Graviton Studios in New York. On March 12, 1982, an electrical fire destroyed the vault. Everything—the multi-track stems, the liner notes, the original artwork—turned to ash.
If you are looking to research or collect more vintage titles from this era, let me know:
In the neon-soaked, transition era of 1981, the landscape of cinema was shifting. The golden age of the Hollywood New Wave was fading, and the VHS boom was just over the horizon, creating a unique breeding ground for strange, hypnotic, and unclassifiable films. Among the dusty boxes of video rental stores and late-night cable slots lived a unique sub-genre of erotic thriller/horror, and few titles capture that specific, sleazy elegance quite like . While various databases list its original release in
Because demand is high, fakes abound. If a seller can’t provide a clear photo of the physical media (including the inner ring or label), walk away. And remember part of the charm is the hunt—don’t pay “mint condition” prices for a digital dub.
In the landscape of early 1980s cult cinema, few titles capture the era’s specific blend of "how did this get made?" and "why am I still watching?" quite like . Released by Diamond Films Inc., this isn’t a synth-pop anthem or a forgotten Depeche Mode track (though the year 1981 certainly belonged to their debut, Speak & Spell ). Instead, it’s a lighthearted, low-budget comedy about the ultimate 80s underdog quest: getting a date. The Plot: Hypnosis and Hijinks
The story centers on , a foreign exchange student (played with incredible, and arguably unintentional, awkwardness by Fernando Fortes), who struggles to make connections with women. His roommate, the suave Dave (Blair Harris), tries to help but often leaves Fernando watching from the sidelines. This release allowed film archivists and fans of
The modern high-definition transfers preserve the film's raw aesthetic, allowing fans of retro cinema to experience the eccentric storytelling of the late 70s and early 80s exactly as it was captured on film.
So, can you ever truly “come under my spell” in 2026? Only if you know a DJ with a deep collection. Only if you happen to be at a listening party in a basement in Brooklyn or Berlin. Only if the vinyl gods smile upon you.
"Bumbling, desperate, and libidinous foreign exchange student Fernando isn't having any luck scoring with the ladies until his best friend Dave hooks him up with a used book on how to seduce women through using hypnotism."
: A satirical look at the "how-to" craze of the early 1980s, comparing the movie's absurd hypnotism premise to real-world vintage dating guides of the era.
featured "Come Under My Spell" as a standout showcase of his synth-pop wizardry. Musical Style Synthesizer Innovation