More Disco but going into HiNRG. (well the last 2 tracks)
Starts off well with something from KC & The Sunshine Band that’s not “Give It Up!”, mixed together by Chris Cox.
A weird mix of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is far too filtered , remixed by “Mystery Phased For Days” more like Murdered Mystery Phased… , why would they overuse such an effect for over 9 mins, crap!
It certainly picks up from there. The evergreen Boogie Nights gets a mix in with the lesson known “Groove Line”.
A newie to be was “Risky Changes” , definite worth a drop in a set. What a groove !! Another new one is the more Italo Disco of Kano, vocoder and plenty of synths with the Disco clap beat.
A couple of obscure Jackson tracks up next. The 1982 track “PYT” gets a slight funk mix, the sixth single from “Thriller”, guessing this is the slower version. The Jackson’s track goes back to June ’81 but still has some nice synth lines.
Bronski get a slight tweak on their track, it’s still a cracker. The Megamix blends Disco with HiNRG (-ish) tracks on quick rotation. Essential for a DJ toilet break.
Lot of love for these on a Friday so here is the 2018 released Vol 3 of the series. Even tighter production on just these 4 tracks with a bonus track, a collab with OnDaMike called “Frozen Fire” from 2023.
So all tracks are decent length with plenty of variety in each. Beats hit harder.
“Shake It Up” is quite commercial Dance track with plenty of hooks and comes with a radio edit. Pick of the tracks on the full version.
The collaboration is from as you would expect, loud ! Autotuned Madonna “Frozen” , probably a bit too New School!
Part 3 and coming up to their creative peak with more tracks from “Showtime” from 1990 and “Ebbhead” (’91)
Kicking off with a George Clinton which s surprisingly isn’t a bit funky. Deep duel basses and very true to its EBM blueprint.
Beats are even heavier on the stripped back “Getting Closer”, yep American were getting it.
“Out Of Mind” doesn’t quite hit the mark and plods along, being a bit repetitive. Dust Brothers add some tight electro beats but the overdubs have been a bit overused nowadays.
The Trance Mix of “Getting Closer” is the longest in this selection and one of the best. The sampled guitars return on the downtempo grunge of “Out Of MInd”, and some recycled bass lines.
More B-sides getting a remix with the deliberately weird time sequence on “Taken From Me” and off the wall vocals. Not the best.
Track 8 has the full Alan Wilder production with orchestra from Andrew Poppy.
This collection finishes with the interchange between A side and B side “Stray Cat Blues” – a Rolling Stones Cover with plenty of analogue sounds (reminds me of Soft Cell’s Jimmy Hendrix track in arrangement) “Scare Eyed” is much more Ebb like and very minimal.
Some different orchestration on “Pestilence” mix which sounds if all the bass has been mastered out of it!
“Stray Cat Blues (Adventurous)” is different with some sinister noises and an extended middle section, Prog synth !!
“Godhead (Remix)” sounding very DM with a heavy metal/speed metal sound. Different but I still prefer the LP Version.
From March 2009 and strictly for the fans – who will think it is bloody awful too. To promote the launch of a new car from Chevrolet, three short interpretations of their seminal track
Mau Mau (Maurício Fernando Bischain) goes a bit glitch House on his mix. Vocals broken up and some quite interesting synth sounds and goes out there. Propulse (Fabiano Zorzan) kill all the vibe mis matching with a Deep House Groove.
The Twelves keep much of the songs structure but weaken it with tinny synths.
I agree that it does bear some similarities to the remix project Yello got involved in with Porsche.
From 1982 and the danceable New Wave of North London’s Perfect Zebras.
“Formed in North London by 3 talented musicians, singer Alan Jarry, Sax player Terry Stephens and guitarist Paul Robertson. They had been rehearsing and recording demos in the basement of their home with percussionist Gee Bello (Light of The World + George Michael) and bass player Dennis Smith (Secret Affair + Nik Kershaw). After answering an ad in Melody Maker they met Radio 1 Producer Barry Andrews, who co-owned the legendary Vineyard Studio in London.”
Some equipment used; Emu emulator, Roland Jupiter 8 and a Linn Lm1 also a simmonds Sds V was used. Plenty of guitar jangle and treated wailing, weird bass guitar and plenty of sax make it not an entirely synth focused album.
There are bits of Tom Tom Club, A Certain Ratio, a bit of World Music, Fun Boy Three (especially the self titled track!) and Bill Nelson.
Using a soprano (Gilly Sullivan) on the third track shows an intention to be different.
Continuing to serve up this series in manageable portions.
Taking in singles from the LP’s “Belief” and Showtime” – my favourite time of the band.
Starting with the mysterious Paul Kendall with the tick tock panning around. Very minimal but effective and quite experimental in the loop department.
“Shame” and “Backlash” are here in their short radio versions. Not heard this version “Backlash” and it works as track, B-side only and should have been on “Belief” , the spacey synths and the deep bass.
The Daniel Miller mix is my favourite of the song, keeping it bouncing along. The way those synths tickle the ears.
The Orbit mixes I have and wow! they still sound great today. Fuelling my love for all things dub. “Captivate” is probably in my Top Ten of mixes and favourite Ebb track.
Flood mixes “Lightning Man” with it’s Show Tunes arrangement. Kendall and Miller do a more synthetic version on “Industry Vs. The Ebb”, not fond of that piano loop tho! Love the sinister bass “Who We Are”
Barry Adamson adds a bit of Spaghetti Western into his mix of “Lightning Man” and Holger Hiller sprinkles a little magic on “Who We Are” both are not radically different from the regular versions.
The Renegade Soundwave remix of Lightning Man is a bit of a Club banger, played it back then and would play it now.
What obscure , one hit wonders can we uncover this week! Lots from Canada! Mostly late 80’s ! This is a biggy!
D.I.A. – Passion Play ( 7 ” and 12″)
From 1984 and the German band of D.I.A. consisted of U.C. Schlitz (vocals and who went on to be in N8chtschicht), W.F. Schlitz (synthesiser and songwriting), Michael Adams (synthesiser, sounds and effects) and Thomas Haugh (drums and percussion).This was a cover of the Still Life track written by Ian Campbell, John Newby back in 1983.
All PPG Waveform’s on show with slightly extended 12″ version, interesting bassline that is more prominent and comparisons to Alphaville.
Of course the 80’s video
Damian Hawkyard – You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away (Remix)
UK Solo Artist Hawkyard released this in 1987 on Dynamite Discs from the previous years EP “Ill At Ease”
Co-produced with Glenn Tommey (70’s band Stackridge and The Korgis) This is a cover of The Beatles track Slapping drum machines, soft vocals and some decent chiming piano. Love an obscure cover.
DANA – I Miss You (Instrumental)
From 1986 and self released. From the US and some synthy shoe gaze with a dark edge. A bit early Joy Division / OMD.
Dana Terrell – Not Talkin’
A third rate male Madonna ? From 1988 and blame Canada for this saccharine sweet bit of fluff pop. Co-produced with Peter Brennan. It is even serviced by the obligatory guitar solo.
Daniel Melero – Habitantes
Argentinian mood synth (with trumpet from Flavio Etcheto ) from 1988 and sung in Spanish. Talented lad as plays Synthesizer, Strings, Violin and Lead Vocals as well as writing and producing it. Founder of the first synth band, Los Encargados. This was from his debut album, “Congo” – reminds me of Colin Vearncombe.
A citizen of Buenos Aires (my new favourite destination)
Darkroom – San Paku (Ext 12″ Mix)
From 1984 from Canadian (Edmonton) New Wave band Darkroom.
The line-up ; Bass – Jeff Schmidt, Drums – Tim Palmar, Guitar – Alan Marks, Keyboards – Barry Lindal, Keyboards [Additional] – Wolfgang Radke and Vocals – Jim Gray.
Chugging guitars and Simmon’s Pads (A definite Lo preference) in this mid-paced track that opens up nicely with super, plucked bass guitar and synths. Strange lead vocals but it reminds me of a hybrid of Simple Minds, Japan and Ultravox – not bad comparisons.
David Archer Birch – Paper Tiger (7”)
More one man band stuff from this release from 1989. From South African David Archer Birch. (Part of Birch And Hallan – previously featured) One release on EMI in Germany. Co-produced with Gregg Jackman it has backing Vocals – The Chantoosies, Drums – Roly Kerridge (from Re-Flex) and features – The Lord Wandsworth College Choir – their only appearance on vinyl.
The song is in a similar style to what Captain Sensible was releasing in the mid 80’s , whimsical and satirical and just a bit out there. Waving the Union Jack with tongue firmly in cheek.
David Steele – Indian (Instrumental)
Some Rock / World Music from 1987 and multi-instrumentalist David Steele. On his own Buck Records label and produced by Mike Bigwood (Comsat Angels, Floy Joy, Red Box) and engineered by Neill King (Shakin’ Stevens, The Undertones). Great production as you’d expect, a semi-instrumental which keeps a few vocal elements in most notably a very Red Box vibe with the female tribal calls and a Floyd like guitar solo. Intrigued ?
D-Day – Desperation
Oops not to everyone taste methinks. From the self-titled and some over indulgent lead female vocals on this 1983. USA punk/new wave band from Austin, Texas.
The line-up was ; Bass, Vocals, Backing Vocals – John Keller, Drums, Backing Vocals – David Fore, Guitar, Mandolin, Backing Vocals – Will Fiveash, Keyboards, Crotales (?), Vibraphone, Marimba – Glover Gill and Vocals (plenty of) – De Lewellen.
Amazingly it was produced by Bob Sargeant and who I seemed to have posted the album (no re-upped) back in 2018 !
Swedish Synth Pop from 1985. The usual duo of Vocals, Synthesizer, Tomas Skogsberg and Drums, Backing Vocals – Mikael Agnepil. Produced and written by Jan Torsten “Harpo” Svensson.
Moody, Miami Vice digital synths and with suitable drama. Synth – Italo
The duo emerged again in the early eighties as part of the group The Bubblegum Ride.
De Ronde Stip – Stranger
Obscure New Wave from the Netherlands (Eindhoven). From a cassette , “On The Safe Side” and probably from the late 80’s’. Demo quality but a decent sound with Joy Division elements on the guitar.
Bass – Peer Van Hemmen
Drums – Frank Malcorps
Guitar, Vocals – Joost Van De Laar
Synthesizer, Vocals – Janet Gilbert
Decadance – On And On (Fears Keep On)
Italo Disco from 1983 from duo of Franco Rago and Gigi Farina. A bit of a Holy Grail for fans of the genre. A bit underwhelmed, it plods along with some weird vocals. More Darkwave than anything.
Lot of controversy and problems with the re-issues on vinyl, ripped from a vinyl source, remastered and put back on vinyl. Just leave it alone! Original is worth about 50 quid on discogs (mouldy sleeve included it seems)
This is recorded at 192 KPS so don’t even think about it!
Degrees of Freedom – August Is An Angel
From the 1988 EP “China” is more synth , Italo Disco style, with real bass, female vocals and plenty of icy synths. Coming from…. Canada! On the Montreal Atlas label and produced by Morris Apelbaum at Silent Sound Studios.
Demars – Even For All Those Years
Already feature in a Lo compilation more slightly Goth stuff from Quebec. Love a bit of E Bow guitar. From the ’83 EP “Stories From Between The Walls”
Demode Boulevard – The Height Of The Fighting
Yes , yes, yes it is the cover of the Heaven 17 track! From 1988 and Italo Disco / Early House in style. Recorded at Gian Burrasca Studio – Milano and murdered! Those vocals kill it! 😒Dario Dell’Aere to be blamed for the vocals with Vittorio Barozzi on PSB type arrangement.
Design – Half The Battle / Say Goodbye / Western Justice
From 1985 and from Ottowa this EP was never released. Bright New Wave guitar, great melodies, well sung! All have a touch of synth to the tracks. Fully formed and never heard! See what you think.
Destination Venus – So Cold(B-side of Oh Lucille)
From Baltimore, USA and released in 1986 this was a project by Casper Glammer. A very high tempo synth pop track and a female lead from Elliot (Mary) All played live with Roland Juno 60 and JX3P with a Roland tr 909 drum machine and bass sequencer. From the composer about the A-side, “BB King called his guitar Lucille. This song is about synths replacing guitars in pop music.” I think they had by ’86 Casper!
Dhuo – Walkin’ (Dub & Album Version)
Anglo / Italian Duo – Bruno Bergonzi – Composition, Drums/Percussion, and Mixing and Mike Logan – Vocals, Lyrics/Arrangements, and Keyboards (who was in the Mersey Band – The Motowns)
Solid bass and big drums on this 1983 release. Getting a similar bass to “Waves” by Blancmange. Delightfully Epic on the Dub version where the bass kicks. Great forgotten track.
Dipp – Red Under the Sun
UK New Wave from 1987 on Sassafras Records (again their own label!) and that is about it ! Saxophone, harmonised vocals, guitars and bass. Starts off like “The Boys Of Summer”.
Directions East – Room Full Of Tears
New wave Toronto band Directions East that got nothing released, they split up and the guitar player, Bass player and drummer went on to become Big Bang.
All boxes ticked for that New Wave arrangement. Like the guitars and the synth backing.
No releases but a video ???
Dissociation – Impuls
Synthesizer, Vocals, Producer, Composed By, Arranged By – Uwe Kallenbach (New Scientists and Syntec) and Drums – P. Bosse (drum machine ?)
From 1984 and Minimal Wave in it’s purest. Sequencers and a muddy drums on this instrumental. ’81 DM era “Speak And Spell.”
Diversion Ends – Stay With Me Tonight (Unreleased)
From 1988 and comprising of Sam Johnson – vocals, Bryn Gater – guitars Carl Robinson – bass, Andy Marston – drums and Julian Flindle – keyboards.
Recorded at Mirage studios in Oldham. Produced by Geoff Gill, engineered by Paul Adshead.
So from Greater Manchester and sounding a bit Then Jericho / Simple Minds. Reverb that vocal!!!
Do It Now ! – Fugitive From The Grey / Years
More UK stuff from 1986 and the very demanding Do It Now! All self produced and released with a Captain Sensible , Dolly Mixture connection.
On the back cover were these notes; Do It Now! are Percy (Percy Pavilion aka Adrian Wykes), Andrew Fryer (Day For Night), Jimmy Fearnley (The Pogues), Debsey Wykes (Dolly Mixture, Coming Up Roses and 90’s band Birdy), Ken Orbison, Rachel (Dolly Mixture) and engineers Pige and Joe Farler . With thanks to Captain Sensible for the use of his Wave synth. Unlimited praise to Greengate for that DS3 sampler/sequencer.
Got a loose, Kissing The Pink style with some Madness styles. Random samples litter the first track “Fugitive…” More weird samples as well as conventional instruments in the cracking “Years”, a like the quirky arrangement.
Dog Detachment – Touch The Sky
From Johannesburg , South Africa released this in 1985. From the “Fathoms Of Fire” they were made up of; Bass Guitar, Vocals – Terry Armstrong, Drums, Percussion – Alan Armstrong, Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Mike Adams and Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar – Brian Armstrong.
Ernest Power Pop the band called “Stormtrooper Pop” – quite like Spear Of Destiny with the passionate vocals. There is a pleasant synth line to flesh out the sound.
Dolce Vita – Looking Away
All the sounds and styles of 1984 from this US (NYC) band with Chris Spedding on production. Like the guitar effects and that punchy bass.
Bass – Lorenzo Gilioli
Drums, Percussion – Julius
Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Tommaso Commonara
Lead Vocals, Keyboards – David Quinn.
Dole – Maybe Tomorrow / The Dream
I’m sure I have something from these guys. Belgium Post Punk with a hint of New Order / Morrisey. Marmite vocals and Goth leanings. Really like “The Dream”, funky bass in early Duran style.
Guitar – Michel Biver
Keyboards – Eric Bussienne
Saxophone – Pierre Istace
Vocals – Remy Willieme
Bass – Pierre Baillieux
Drums – Marc Ridremont
Double Feature – Spellbound
Melodramatic synth from Netherlands (Eindhoven) ?? Very influenced by The Sparks this was from the 1983 album, “Rapid Eye Movement”
The duo of Bart Brouwer (keyboards and in The Spiderz) and Guus Boers (vocals and guitars and also in The Spiderz) went on to do another album in 1987.
Drouin – Maelström
French Disco Synth with this instrumental from 1984 and probably hammered in the Clubs. A bit Visage-y in places. By the quartet of Areisam (Jean-Pierre Massiera), Bernie (Bernard Torelli), and Patrick Chobert. Space Synth Disco. Wish it was Extended.
Duane O’Kane – Out Of This World
Rock synth from Canada (Vancouver) from the mighty quiff of Duane O’Kane. From 1987 and well produced and arranged, another one hidden and lost.
Weird arrangement and just a slight bit of novelty on this from 1984. From the mysterious P. Dyne and D.Tompkins. Like a Spacey Black Lace.
All credit to the unknown singer, doing her best American Country twang.
Duty Free – The Point Of Return
The return to some Italo Disco from an Anglo / Italian New Wave band. The title track off the album “Money For All”, released in 1984 , although it’s not called that. Produced by Sergio Della Monica (Planet Funk) a bit of a New Romantic vibe and recorded at Rockfield Studio’s, Wales. Enjoy!!
Carl Wellington: vocals Foxy: bass guitars Cos: guitars Norrie Jackson: keyboards Michael Cratch: keyboards Alan Young: drum and percussions John Key: brass
Shiny Disc Sunday ! (And most of the week it seems, must rip some vinyl)
Start of a Series featuring Razormaid’s rival Hot Tracks and CD’s from a box set I was sent a while back. (All ripped in FLAC)
The Box Set was released in 2008 and is worth an eyewatering 3 figure sum on Discogs. Useful for those DJ’s like me who like to play something different from the 80’s instead of those appalling modern re-edits.
Disc 1 seems to be heavy on the 70’s Disco.
Chris Cox extends and edits the Emotions classic from 1977. Very subtle. Cowbell and unnecessary traffic overdubs are included in the Patrick Cowley and Bobby Viteritti mix, very synthy and a lot slower than I remember. A great version.!
Cox breathes a bit of new life into a forgotten Cher classic and Glenn Cattanach does a supreme job on Boogie Oogie Oogie suitably brightened up.
Too much additional on track 5, still a bit of a Banger !!
A classic Summer track with a bit of a sharper edge and the cheesy but obscure. The Paul Jabara track from 1976, a cheeky floor filler for any party!
The Stephanie Mills track is a bit harder but what vocals and that synth bass!! (Has some quirky over dubs)
The highlight is a Disco megamix , not too chopped up but an absolute blast. Not too cheesy for HiNRG.
Kicking off with the superior US Extended version. That has loads extra.
Steve Osborne engineers the instrumental giving it a bit more punch and makes use of A.R. Kane’s guitar parts.
Kane’s single got placed on the B-side. A jarring blend of guitars , dub and heavy drums. Many see this as a hidden gem.
The Ultimix follows with some clever edits. (Did it jump once ?) I like the extra overdubs. The Rare version has a slightly different bass and some different samples thrown in. the most guitars are on here.
I didn’t know that is was the remix that everyone knew with the more commercial (and obvious) samples.
Pretty popular last week so here is some more New / Old stuff from DJ Fixx. Quite minimal but pretty pumping breaks. He loved his old skool sounds and hard beats. D.I.Y. but effective. Six tracks with not the most imaginative titles but weighing in a roughly 8 mins long, so the tracks are developed.
myvinyldreams 