Upcoming Reissues & Releases (Chic and more!): (December 1, 2006 - January 22, 2007)

Updated 01/17/06

Aside from the Cerrone Reissues update, it's been a while since I've done one of these, so I figure it's about time I put together another round up of releases.

First off, I'm really excited about the Chic reissues. A little while back Wounded Bird Records (who came up with that name anyway?) did a 2 on 1 CD reissue of their "Real People" (1980, Atlantic) and "Tongue In Chic" (1982, Atlantic) LPs. About a year ago, I submitted a review of the 2 on 1 CD to discomusic.com; in the review, I wrote that I hoped Wounded Bird would reissue their other two 80's albums in the future.. I don't know if they were reading it or anything, but either way, I'm glad to know they'll be on CD again very soon, especially since the out of print CD editions were already going for big $$ on eBay..

Also, some updates on the upcoming 70's Supremes album sets from Hip-O Select that I posted about back in my first Disco Delivery entry. Nothing really definite yet, but I'm really excited about these as well.. Update: As of December 1st, Hip-O has released "This Is The Story: The 70's Albums, Vol. 1 1970-1973," so far only available on their website www.hip-oselect.com.. Unfortunately, no word yet on Volume two with their disco albums.. Curiously, CD Universe has a listing for "This Is The Story." They've scheduled their release for December 12th, with a list price of $52.49 US..

January 17th update: Just added details about the N.Y.C. Peech Boys Japanese reissue from December 2nd..

December 1st:


Delegation - The Promise Of Love (1977, State/Shadybrook / 2006, Vivid)
buy @ amazon.com | cduniverse.com | dustygroove.com | hmv.co.jp
This is one I saw on the upcoming reissues list over at Dusty Groove.. I've really been digging their song "Heartbreak No. 9" for the last little while, so this one caught my eye.. This was the UK trio's first album from 1977 and from what I've read online, the title track along with "Soul Trippin'," "Back Door Love" (hmm..), "Oh Honey" (thanks Joe!) and "Where Is The Love We Used To Know" were the notable tracks on this one.. I also came across this reissue listed on HMV Japan, so this one looks like it could be a Japanese reissue, so far that's the only other site I've seen it listed on..
DELEGATION - THE PROMISE OF LOVE LP @ DISCOGS
DELEGATION - THE PROMISE OF LOVE LP @ SOULSTRUT
DELEGATION @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
THE COMPLETE DISCO GUIDE TO DELEGATION @ DISCOSAVVY


Magic Lady - Hot N' Sassy (1982, A&M / 2006, PTG/Vinyl Masterpiece)
buy @ dustygroove.com | vinyl masterpiece
I remember hearing this album on mp3 a little while back, so far I've lost the mp3s, but I still remember it being a delicious slice of early 80's dance synth-pop goodness. Like all of their albums, this one was produced by Michael Stokes. His wife Linda Stokes was a member of the group, and interestingly enough, Michael himself was the head of A&R at A&M at this time, where he signed none other than Janet Jackson. So far, this album, like many of PTG/Vinyl Masterpiece's other releases, is only available through Dusty Groove, the Vinyl Masterpiece website and their seller on eBay..
MAGIC LADY - HOT N' SASSY LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
MAGIC LADY @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
MAGIC LADY @ SOULWALKING

December 2nd:


N.Y.C. Peech Boys - Life Is Something Special (1983, Island / 2006, P-Vine)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | cduniverse.com | p-vine shop | hmv.co.jp
A Japanese CD reissue of the N.Y.C. Peech Boys (AKA New York Citi Peech Boys) lone LP (with great cover art by Keith Haring, no less). So far, I'm only familiar with the Peech Boys from their seminal Paradise Garage/Electro-funk classic "Don't Make Me Wait," originally released 1982 on West End. "Don't Make Me Wait" also appears on this album, and apparently Island also saw it fit to re-release it as a 12'' single. I'm not sure if the LP mix differs from the original release on West End, I guess that will be a surprise for when I hear it. Obviously, I have yet to hear this LP, but the entire thing was produced by Larry Levan (who needs no introduction) and Michael DeBenedictus, so this is definitely one for my wants list. The CD reissue includes several bonus tracks: "Life Is Something Special (Special Edition)," "Don't Make Me Wait (Dub)," "On A Journey (Dubmix)," and "Come On Come On (Don't Say Maybe) (Dub)." This CD was originally released in Japan on December 2nd, however the "import release" appears to have been January 16th, when it started showing up on some of the major retailers like Amazon and Dusty Groove.
ROBERT CHRISTGAU: N.Y.C. PEECH BOYS - LIFE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL LP (REVIEW)
PEECH BOYS @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
N.Y.C. PEECH BOYS @ JAHSONIC
PEECH BOYS @ DISCOGS

December 5th:


Chic - Chic (1977, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
Chic's very first album and among their very best. Not the first time the album has been on CD, but as far as I know, the CD has been out of print for a few years now.. A while back when I did a review, I said this album was "just short of classic," I have to take that back. This is a surefire classic in every sense, definitely a must have if you like Chic..
Amazon says the release date is Dec. 5th, but if anyone wants it right away, Dusty Groove seems to have copies available already, and at a great price too..
CHIC - CHIC LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC - CHIC CD @ DISCOMUSIC.COM


Chic - Take It Off (1981, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
In my opinion, one of the best Chic albums, certainly their best during the 1980s and one of their most underrated. This album has been on CD before, but has been long out of print, to say the least.. Can't wait to finally have a copy for myself!
CHIC - TAKE IT OFF LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC - TAKE IT OFF LP @ DISCOGS


Chic - Believer (1983, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
The last Chic album with the classic lineup of Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers, Luci Martin, Alfa Anderson and Tony Thompson.. The reviews on this one still seem to be mixed today. By this time Bernard and Nile were involved individually in their own outside productions (not to mention their own solo albums) and were experimenting with a more synthesized sound on this album. That said, I really enjoy this LP as well, bad reviews notwithstanding. I'll admit it was more robotic than in the past, the Chic strings were long gone by this point, yet their unique Chic sound was still in place. This would be the last Chic album until 1992, when Edwards and Rodgers would regroup without Martin, Anderson or Thompson.. Anyway, this release is quite timely, given how someone was trying to pass one of the out of print CD editions off for over $100 US on eBay (gimme a break!)..
CHIC - BELIEVER LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC ALBUM REVIEWS @ ROBERTCHRISTGAU.COM


Chic - Chic-ism (1992, Warner Bros. / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
Chic's early '90s comeback album.. At first I didn't know what to make of the production, with the classic Chic sound filtered through early 90's production values. That said, this one grew on me quite a bit.. Not one of their best, but a good album nonetheless (I don't think I could dislike any of their albums). I guess the disco "revival" or re-evaluation was just starting then, as well, Atlantic had released a well-received Greatest Hits CD on them the year before. I'm guessing those two things played a part in the timing of this album.. By this time Chic was Bernard, Nile with their new singers Sylver Logan Sharp (who's still with Chic) and Jenn Thomas. Needless to say, Bernard would pass away in 1996 and this would be the last Chic studio album to date (though there seems to be a new Chic album in the works)..
CHIC - CHIC-ISM (ALBUM REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE

December 10th:


Hot Bush - Hot Bush (1980, APA/TK / 2006, Soul Profiles)
buy @ dustygroove
A real rarity that I also came across on Dusty Groove's upcoming reissues list.. All I know about this album is that it was originally released in 1980 on TK Records' APA imprint and that it's apparently a disco album.. The track "Tell Me What You Will" seems to be the best known of the bunch, though that's not saying much. Dusty Groove doesn't specify the label that's reissuing this, and a search on some of the Japanese retailers is completely fruitless.. Nevertheless, this is one album that's piqued my interest.. Update: It seems Dusty Groove released this one early for some reason.. It's already available to buy.. Somehow I'm thinking this is probably an "unofficial" release..
BLACK MUSIC COLLECTORS - APA RECORDS DISCOGRAPHY

December 15th:


King Errisson - Magic Man/L.A. Bound (1976, 1977, Westbound / 2006, Westbound/Ace)
buy @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | dustygroove.com
Aside from the fact that he's a well-renowned percussionist who's accumulated quite an impressive CV in his time, I'm not really too familiar with King Errisson and his work.. From what I do know, his big disco favourite "Manhattan Love Song" was off his "L.A. Bound" (1977, Westbound) LP. Needless to say, I've been wanting to hear that album for a little while now. That LP was produced by Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey, who also produced C.J. & Co. among others.. I did a review of one of the Mike Theodore Orchestra albums a few months back.. Needless to say any album with the two of these guys involved has got to be good..
KING ERRISSON - L.A. BOUND LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
KING ERRISSON @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE

January 22nd:


Discotheque, Vol. 2: The Paradise Garage (2007, Gut)
buy @ amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | cduniverse.com | dustygroove.com
Yes, another Paradise Garage compilation.. The Gut label's Discotheque series is described as "the soundtrack to the world's greatest clubs".. So far I've seen a promo copy of this 2-CD set for sale on eBay, but the seller didn't provide a tracklist. Amazon UK has it listed, but no tracklist there either (Update: Thanks to the anonymous commenter for providing a tracklist.. See the comments section for it).. This installation in the series (as will the others, I believe) will be researched and compiled by author Tim Lawrence and Ian Dewhirst who was involved with the Mastercuts compilations and some of the more recent ones on Salsoul/Suss'd, so I'm hopeful that there'll be some original selections on it.. So far Gut have released Discotheque, Volume 1 on Manchester's legendary Hacienda. In any case, I'm looking forward to what this and other future installations in their Discotheque series have to offer..


By the way, if anyone has any other upcoming releases they would like to notify me about, feel free to email me through the suggestions link on the top left hand menu..

CATEGORIES: REISSUES & RELEASES

Disco Delivery #28: Montana - A Dance Fantasy Inspired by Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1978, Atlantic)

Montana - Warp Factor II
Montana - Love Star
Montana - V.M. IV
Montana - Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (feat. Sister Sledge)
Montana - It's Peaceful Out There
Montana - A Dance Fantasy Inspired by Close Encounters of the Third Kind (full side one suite)
                   Individual Movements:
                  First Movement: Mexican Desert
                  Second Movement: The Toys Come To Life
                  Third Movement: Comin' Round The Mountain
                  Fourth Movement: India
                  Fifth Movement: Space Center
                  Sixth Movement: The Child Communicates/Kidnapping
                  Seventh Movement: The Conversion (Close Encounters of the Third Kind)
                  The Grand Finale: When You Wish Upon A Star (feat. Sister Sledge)

Updated and edited April 2013

Vincent Montana, Jr., as some of you may already know, was the driving force behind The Salsoul Orchestra, as well as one of the key musicians in M.F.S.B. and by extension a prominent figure in the world of Philly Soul.. Like some of the personnel (Baker-Harris-Young, for instance) involved with MFSB and Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International, Montana would leave the fold at the turn of the disco era and would end up over at Salsoul.. The Salsoul Orchestra was originally Montana's concept, in a recent interview, Vince described the Orchestra as being the realization of his dream in creating "a large orchestra with Latino rhythm, lush strings, a funky bottom and as I like to call it 'kickin’ ass brass' ." The Orchestra would soon become the Salsoul label's flagship brand, if you will.. Unlike some other disco "orchestras" the Salsoul Orchestra was a genuine 37-member ensemble that even performed live (at home and abroad) on occasion. They were also something of a Salsoul "house band" if you will, backing up artists like Carol Williams, Loleatta Holloway and Charo on some of their biggest records for the label. The "Up The Yellow Brick Road" (1978, Salsoul) album was to be the last Salsoul Orchestra LP that Montana would be involved with. Apparently during that time, he would end up leaving the Salsoul fold over a continuing disagreement over royalty payments. Other producers would later take up the helm; Tom Moulton and Thor Baldursson would produce the "Street Sense" (1979, Salsoul) album; Bunny Sigler and Patrick Adams would each do albums for the Orchestra as well. Granted, while there were still some excellent Salsoul Orchestra records after Montana left (I'm thinking "212 North 12th" off "Street Sense," much of the "How High" LP, "Take Some Time Out For Love" to name a few), none of the producers who followed would quite match Montana's success or identification with the brand..

Like many prominent disco producers, Vince was consistently busy throughout the late '70s but 1978 in particular seemed like an especially busy year. For one thing there was the Salsoul Orchestra's "...Yellow Brick Road" LP, the issues with the Salsoul label, and on top of that his move to Atlantic where he would release three(!) albums in that one year; the "Goody Goody" album, and under the moniker 'Montana', the "I Love Music" LP and this album.. I'm not sure which of the three came first, but judging from this album and the Goody Goody LP, his Atlantic period would enable him to experiment and branch out a little further with his sound. The title track of this LP is perhaps the most obvious example. Partially inspired by the John Williams theme for the film of the same name; unlike some of the medleys he would do on on Salsoul, this was about as ambitious - musically and conceptually - as he had ever gotten up to this point, with a full-on side-long disco symphony in seven movements. Not sure what it was with Sci-Fi movies that inspired so many disco re-makes, but you can add Vince Montana to the illustrious list of disco producers (Boris Midney, Meco, Van McCoy etc..) who were. A departure from the "kick-ass brass" of the Salsoul Orchestra and the dramatic side-long epics of Costandinos, while just as ambitious, Montana's epic feels much more down-tempo and atmospheric, in comparison, which is probably why it's something that I'd personally rather listen to than dance to (or more appropriately, something I'd rather fantasize about dancing to). At some fifteen minutes long, it's perhaps not the most instant piece on the record, but the best part of the suite starts around the eight minute mark, when the tempo and the arrangements start to pick up, peaking with a sublime vocal rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star".

Personally, I'd have to say that the best part of this album would have to be side two. In some ways, side two seemed like Vince picking up more directly where he had left off with the Salsoul Orchestra, albeit with a greater jazz influence this time around. The Star Trek inspired "Warp Factor II" is perhaps the most indicative of this. Anchored by a percolating bass; it's a slightly darker, spacious (in both feeling and concept) hypnotic groove that draws you in and keeps you hooked with Vince's trademark "heavy vibes". In one of my favourite Vince Montana moments on YouTube, and in what also has to be a rare set-up; Vince would perform this song live (following an interview) in a 1978 appearance on The Steel Pier Show where he improvises on the vibes with such mastery and grace, you can hardly believe he's backed with nothing else but the song's recorded track.



Vince Montana, Jr. "Warp Factor II" - The Steel Pier Show (1978)
Uploaded by MontanaPSW

Despite an extended mix of this being tucked on the B-side of the album's 12" single (with the 'Dance Fantasy' suite on the A-side), I'd imagine this was the track which got the most play, charting the single at a respectable #23 on the Billboard Disco charts in 1978.

Another favourite of mine would have to be the all too brief "Love Star," with its beautiful melody and orchestration riding atop some trademark swinging Philly guitars, taking you on at least three musical peaks in the span of its relatively modest two minutes and thirty seconds.. Towards the end the LP, the classy Salsoul Orchestra-style rendition of the old standard "Fly Me To The Moon," with vocals by a pre-"We Are Family" Sister Sledge (who are credited for all the vocals on the LP), is possibly one of the better renderings of this dusty old standard, which he also performed (sans the Sisters) on his 1978 Steel Pier Show appearance.



Vince Montana, Jr. "Fly Me To The Moon" - The Steel Pier Show (1978)
Uploaded by MontanaPSW

"It's Peaceful Out There" brings the album full-circle - a coda back to the orchestral space theme of side one. Essentially a re-titled cover of Italian composer Federico Monti Arduini's (AKA Arfemo) best known pieces, "Amore Grande Amore Libero" (later the title of a film, also scored by Arduini) under the alias Il Guardiano del Faro (The Lighthouse Keeper) in 1975, this would have to be one of Vince's lesser known, though perhaps one of his brightest moments as a producer and arranger. Montana's orchestral arrangements here take Arduini's moogy original to another level altogether, making it sound like the cinematic orchestral piece that it was always meant to be.

One other interesting tidbit about the record is that disco mix master Tom Moulton ended up being recruited to mix this album.. Interesting, since by all accounts, Vince and Tom didn't exactly (and still don't) get along.. Here's what Tom had to say in an interview with Claes Widlund of disco-disco.com:

"I wish I could understand [Vince], I just don't. I just try and try and try, but I just don't understand him, so... 'Cause he didn't tell you that his album 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.... he begs me to mix his album because Atlantic rejected it. He called me the day before Christmas and begged me. I said; 'Vince, I can't do this.' He said; 'You're a shit!' and then; 'Oh Tom, I'm sorry and bla bla bla bla bla...' I mean, I couldn't believe it - no one else could either... And I said; 'Vince, I'll do it on two conditions...' He said; 'What's that?' I said; 'You are not there and if you say one word to me other then Hello or Goodbye - I'm leaving!' And he did, and no one would believe it. Well I ended up mixing it, then they accepted it...."

If anyone needs further proof of their continued animosity, look no further than the comments section of Vince's interview with discomusic.com, where they both have it out.. While it's unfortunate that there's little love between these two giants of disco and Philly soul, a record with the talents of both Vince Montana and Tom Moulton can't be a bad one...

Despite the winding down of the disco era, Vince would continue making records. In the '80s he would put out, among many other things, the seminal "Heavy Vibes" on his own Philly Sound Works label. Vince and Philly Sound Works are still going strong today. Recently, some of his latest releases on PSW have received glowing reviews, most notably "That's What Love Does" feat. William "Smoke" Howard of The Ebonys which was reportedly a favourite among many DJ's in 2005.. Despite being set back by medical problems that same year, he's apparently still planning an album tentatively titled "The Revival Project" and more recently, released (promo-only so far) a new track called "You're My Everything" featuring his old Salsoul compatriots, Double Exposure. That said, I doubt there are too many guys like Vince; pushing 80, yet who can still command a contemporary audience with their music, all while staying true to their roots.... Here's to you, Vince!

LINKS:
DISCOMUSIC.COM: MONTANA - A DANCE FANTASY INSPIRED BY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND LP
DISCOGS: MONTANA - A DANCE FANTASY INSPIRED BY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND LP
DISCOGS: MONTANA - A DANCE FANTASY/WARP FACTOR II 12''
INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
DISCOMUSIC.COM: VINCE MONTANA INTERVIEW
DJS PORTAL: VINCE MONTANA INTERVIEW
ELECTRONIC BEATS: VINCENT'S GOT SO MUCH SOUL (VINCE MONTANA INTERVIEW) (WEB ARCHIVE)
DISCO MUSEUM: VINCE MONTANA JR. & THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA
PHILLY SOUND WORKS RECORDS
WIKIPEDIA: SALSOUL RECORDS

CATEGORIES: DISCO DELIVERIES, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO.., VISUAL DISCO

Love in space and time..

Dee D. Jackson - Automatic Lover (Original Promo Video)



Found this great video on YouTube a while back.. I haven't really gotten any of Dee D. Jackson's (AKA Deirdre Cozier) albums yet, but this video is something else.. The soft-focus lens, those costumes, that robot! It's dreamy, glamorous and a veritable camp explosion all at the same time. Same goes for the song, written and produced by Gary and Patty Unwin, it's an epic, if not slightly campy piece of spacey, electronic disco. That angelic refrain "See me, feel me, hear me, love me, touch me.." is just the ultimate.. It's like a bright, beaming silver lining, the one element that really seems to bring everything together and make this thing work..

Gary Unwin was, for the most part, a bass player on many of the disco productions that came out of Munich, apparing on many productions by Giorgio Moroder, Jürgen Korduletsch, Kunze/Levay, Anthony Monn, Frank Farian etc.. Given some of the people he's worked with, I guess it's no surprise he decided to go in an electronic direction when taking his turn on the production side.. I first heard this song several years back on the indefinitely defunct (?) site deepdisco.com. A great site that was one of my favourites and something of a pre-cursor to mp3 blogging.. The version that deepdisco.com put up was actually the Sylvia Robinson (of Mickey & Sylvia, Sugar Hill Records and "Pillow Talk" fame) cover version.. It was pretty much an imitation of the original, albeit a rather cheap one. I'm guessing it was an attempt to get a hit before the Dee D. Jackson version got proper stateside distribution..

That said, the best cover version of this song, in my opinion, is the more recent version by Swedish electro-crooner Jay-Jay Johanson. It was from his "Antenna" (2002, RCA) album from several years back and really zeroes in on the sublime beauty of the song.. The video is visually stunning and the cover version itself is just as good, if not even better than the original..

Jay-Jay Johanson - Automatic Lover (Promo Video)



When Ms. Jackson was asked on one of her fansites, "what is the favourite song that you've recorded?," she replied "my favourite song has yet to be released." Perhaps she wishes her fame could have gone beyond "Automatic Lover," nevertheless, she's still around making music, and in fact today runs her own label, DDE Records, from her home base in Torino, Italy..

Here's one more video of Dee D. Jackson (and robot), performing "Automatic Lover" "live" on the Spanish TV program Aplauso in 1978.

Dee D. Jackson - Automatic Lover (Spanish TV, 1978)



LINKS:
DEE D. JACKSON - THE FANSITE
DEE D. JACKSON FANS WORLDWIDE
DEE D. JACKSON 2002 INTERVIEW
DEE D. JACKSON @ DISCOGS
GARY UNWIN @ DISCOGS
PATTY UNWIN @ DISCOGS

PURCHASE:
STILL ALIVE - DISCO OF THE '80s (PAL DVD) @ AMAZON.DE (INCLUDES "AUTOMATIC LOVER" PROMO VIDEO)

CATEGORIES: VISUAL DISCO, NUDISCO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO..

I wanna suck your.. ooooh!

Andy Forray - Drac's Back (1979, Cachet)

Boo!

So it's Halloween.. As luck would have it, I came across this single during my little (well.. my bank card may beg to differ) shopping spree at the beginning of the month, I figured now would be a good time to put it up.

Andy Forray was a British singer/actor who had been in a couple of movies, had a few singles to his name but was most notably part of both the original Broadway Cast and London Cast of Hair.. Aside from that I have no idea what else he's done, but in any case, he wrote and performed this little ditty and he does play a great disco dracula, if I do say so myself.. With cheeky lyrics and a playful deadpan along with that pic sleeve, it's a rather clever and amusing piece of disco kitsch.. The single was produced by Jack Lancaster, a multi-instrumentalist who, from what I gather didn't really have any other disco credits to his name. It seems he was mostly involved with various rock/jazz fusion projects like Brand X and Blodwyn Pig to name a couple.. Anyway, just cause I like 'em, check out some of the lyrics:

They're easy pickin's at the discotheque
I leave them feeling like they've been in a wreck
You know they wake up all wasted
And they never ever check
Those two small holes that I leave in their neck

Well if they were wise
They would soon realize
They're not hung over
They're just vampir-ized
'Cause Drac's Back

I wanna suck your..(oooh.. Dracula!)
Drac's back...

Love how they cut off our disco dracula after "I wanna suck your.." After all, what's a kitschy piece of disco without a little sexual innuendo? He just couldn't help it I guess...

Some more choice verses...

I went to New York City once to make my mark
I checked in at the Waldorf in the name of Count Choc.
I used to prowl that city when it was dark
'Til one night someone mugged me out in Central Park
So I had to go away, for many a day
But I'm such a nifty healer that I'm still here to say
Drac's back..

Ahh, New York in the '70s..

Just a few days ago, I found out about a 1982 remake of this by an anonymous outfit called Red Lipstique. You can hear their version over at Music Is My Boyfriend (sorry, dead link) along with, if you'd believe, some of your favourite cereal characters getting a little disco action for themselves..

Happy Halloween everyone!

LINKS:
ANDY FORRAY - DRAC'S BACK (UK 12'') @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
ANDY FORRAY @ THE INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE

CATEGORIES: MINI DELIVERIES

Give Me Your Love..

The Sisters Love - Give Me Your Love (Original Version) (1973, Motown)
The Sisters Love - Give Me Your Love (Danny Krivit Re-edit)

The Sisters Love - The Bigger You Love (The Harder You Fall) (1970, A&M) | LINK TWO

The people at Soul Jazz Records have done it again. After having their Tom Moulton Mix compilation on my changer constantly for several months, they release this collection compiling many of the singles released by The Sisters Love (mostly on A&M and Motown from 1968-1973). So far, this is the first time any of their material has been assembled together in one place, let alone on CD.. After hearing about them on various forums, but never actually hearing them, I decided to take a chance and buy this thing. So far, the featured track "Give Me Your Love" from 1973 has become one of my absolute favourite proto-disco tracks ever.. The intro with that rolling drum lick, the sly driving beat, that breakdown complete with simmering bassline give it all the elements of a sweet, funky early disco classic.. A reworking of the Curtis Mayfield track, the Sisters' version was, ironically enough, released as the B-side to a song called "I Can Never Make A Better Man Than You." Neither track would get much attention until some years later when the B-side was rediscovered, as legend goes, by Danny Krivit. Krivit would make an extended 8 minute re-edit of the track in the early '80s; that re-edit becoming something of an exclusive and favourite among some of New York's biggest disco DJs. Unfortunately, the Soul Jazz Compilation doesn't include Krivit's re-edit, nevertheless it's still available elsewhere on his own compilation, "Edits by Mr. K" (2003, Strut).

To clarify, the Sisters Love weren't actually sisters themselves, but were a group originally comprised of several former Raelettes, including Merry Clayton. After an unfulfilling period on A&M as their only black act, they would make the move to Motown.. It seems their fortunes weren't much better at Motown, as they would end up being one of those many Motown acts that remained largely under the radar, but almost legendary among soul afficionados.. During their active years they put out a string of singles, as well as many unreleased songs at Motown. Despite working with some of Motown's best talent of the time (namely Willie Hutch and Gloria Jones), they would never actually get an album release, and in classic girl-group style, they would also go through several line-up changes during their time. Given that they were largely absent from the charts, it's a bit hard to keep track of all the changes, but according to the liner notes of the compilation, the lineup during their Motown period comprised of Lillie Fort, Gwendolyn Berry, Jeannie Long and former Ikette Vermettya Royster (AKA Vermetta Royster) as their lead singer.. Ms. Royster was, in my estimation, probably one of the more unique female vocalists at Motown during this time.. To really hear Vermettya in full-effect, take a listen to "The Bigger You Love (The Harder You Fall)." No, not disco, and actually one of their A&M singles, it's nonetheless a stirring, soulful single with Vermettya sounding something like Betty Davis on the verge of a breakdown. What can I say? I have a weakness for the soul shouters..

LINKS:
THE SISTERS LOVE @ DISCOGS
SOULFUL DETROIT FORUM ARCHIVES: THE SISTERS LOVE
PANPOT.CA - THE SISTERS LOVE - GIVE ME YOUR LOVE (CD REVIEW)
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: THE SISTERS LOVE - GIVE ME YOUR LOVE (CD REVIEW) (OCTOBER 16, 2006)

PURCHASE:
THE SISTERS LOVE - GIVE ME YOUR LOVE CD @ CDUNIVERSE
THE SISTERS LOVE - GIVE ME YOUR LOVE CD @ AMAZON.COM
THE SISTERS LOVE - GIVE ME YOUR LOVE CD @ AMAZON.CO.UK
DANNY KRIVIT - EDITS BY MR. K CD @ AMAZON.COM (INCLUDES RE-EDIT OF "GIVE ME YOUR LOVE")

CATEGORIES: MINI DELIVERIES

Disco Delivery #27: Noel - Is There More To Life Than Dancing? (1979, Virgin/Polygram)

Noel - Side One: Dancing Is Dangerous/Is There More To Life Than Dancing?
Noel - Dancing Is Dangerous (stand alone edit)
Noel - The Night They Invented Love/Au Revoir
Noel - I Want A Man

Updated and re-uploaded July, 2007

dancing is dangerous...gently embraces us.. then won't let go 'til the end of our days..

Since I started the blog in January, I've gotten quite a few suggestions and requests.. Let it be known that I may not get to them right away, in fact there are many that I have yet to get to, but I do keep every single one of them. This is one of those suggestions I got some eight months ago in March. So, thanks to reader James McClure for turning me on to this fabulous piece of vinyl.. Lately, I've had the opportunity to go crazy and really stock up on my 12" singles and albums these past few weeks (I'm gonna have to post a list of my finds sometime). Let's just say out of all the purchases I've made recently, this is probably one of my favourites out of them all.. If anything, certainly one of the most interesting disco albums I've come across..

Entirely written and produced by Ron & Russell Mael, better known as Sparks, this one came right after their amazing Giorgio Moroder-produced "No. 1 In Heaven" (1979, Elektra) LP. One of those albums that seemed to cross boundaries between rock, disco and new-wave. Although that album was criticized by some as the Sparks "going disco," that same album also seemed to give them a rather timely creative and commercial resurgence. So much so that in an interview promoting it, Russell Mael had said they would be saying "goodbye to guitars" from then on. It was to be a fairly short-lived goodbye, but nevertheless during that period their work with Moroder seemingly influenced and inspired them enough to crank out a more fully-fleshed disco project of their own, which brings us to this album...

To be honest, I've been putting this off, because I was a little unsure how to approach this album.. It's disco, but then again it's not.. By that, I mean certainly not your average get-down-and-boogie type of album. If anyone was under the impression that the Sparks' "No. 1 In Heaven" was disco, then this album goes much further, easily the furthest they ever went into disco. While at the same time barreling down the disco trail, they almost seem somewhat subversive when it comes their approach. They seem to be grudgingly giving in on "Dancing Is Dangerous," an epic electronic hymn to dancefloor surrender if there ever was one, yet follow it up with the thinly veiled cynicism of "Is There More To Life Than Dancing?" As far as the timing, I'm not sure exactly when they released this album; either way, the title of this album and the tone of the title track just seemed especially timely and appropriate for 1979.. Just when disco had reached it's peak of popularity, creative experimentation and it's quick fall from prominence, how appropriate is it that something like this comes out.. Was it a reaction or were they just slightly ahead of their time?

While on that note, if there's any track that seems to capture how far ahead they were, it would probably be the side two opener "The Night They Invented Love." That track is, to me, the absolute peak of this album.. The quirky seductiveness of the lyrics and delivery are absolute brilliance. That aside though, I really can't talk about this track without mentioning that breathtaking, sexy, haunting sax.. It's right up front in the mix and is really the one key musical element which takes this song right over the top. It almost sounds like the sort of thing which would have come from a big 1980's movie soundtrack as opposed to a 1979 disco album. If there's any frame of reference to this, for me this album would be like a precursor to the experimental, sometimes avant-garde disco-not-disco stuff that Ze Records was putting out in the early 80s..

As much as this album is not your average disco album, Noel herself, looking like a tarted up post-punk waif certainly didn't look like your regular disco diva either. Looking less like a Madleen Kane or an Andrea True, and more like Courtney Love in disco drag, it just adds another layer of intrigue to this album. Who was this Noel woman and where did she come from? How did she hook up with the brothers and where in the world is she today?.. Whatever the answers, none of the Sparks websites, nor any of my intensive Google searches are forthcoming with anything substantial.. Although what I have found out is that she was apparently from Los Angeles and is regularly (and annoyingly) mixed up with another Noel, a male freestyle singer who had a hit with "Silent Morning" in 1987. The most significant tidbit that I did find was from the discomusic.com forums, with one user mentioning that she did in fact release material after this LP. That then led me (thanks to eBay) to a record by a group called Noel & The Red Wedge and their only album, "Peer Pressure" (1982, Scotti Bros.). I haven't heard that record yet, but I'm assuming it's the same woman, given the name and the picture on the cover...

Despite his influence, it would hardly be giving the brothers credit to just classify this as their version of a Giorgio Moroder album, since this is undoubtedly an original piece of work on it's own terms. On the surface there are the technical similarities (the synths, segued tracks etc..), but there are certainly enough stylistic differences to set this apart from just another Moroder knock-off.. In essence, the vocals, arrangements and lyrics individually and combined are a bit further out of left field than almost all of the things Moroder was involved with. Those spaced out synths paired with the Mael's trademark witty, clever lyrics and the enigmatic nature of this project give this album a feel all it's own. Listening to this LP over the last little while and pondering the lack of details about this album, it's singer and the approach they took; I've sometimes asked myself whether this was an outsiders genuine disco embrace, the Mael's version of a cynical disco cash-in, or perhaps all the above? Regardless, in either case, what remains is a cool, elegant, deftly original piece of twisted disco for it's time..

LINKS:
NOEL - IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN DANCING? LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
NOEL - IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN DANCING? LP @ DISCOGS
NOEL @ DISCOGS
SPARKS ALBUM DISCOGRAPHY
INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL MAEL (CAPITAL RADIO, 1979)
EXCLAIM!: INDISCREET ECCENTRICS (OCTOBER 10, 2000)

CATEGORIES: DISCO DELIVERIES

New Cerrone Reissues

...well sort of..

On the September 26th, Recall Records (www.recallrecords.com) along with Cerrone's own Malligator Records (www.malligator.com) reissued four of Cerrone's classic albums, plus the "Cerrone by Bob Sinclar" disc from 2001 as well as "Hysteria," Cerrone's 2002 album (which I really enjoy, for the most part) in the US and Canada. While Cerrone's albums have been in print rather consistently throughout the years, this is probably the first time since the '90s that his three classic albums have gotten a domestic release in the US, and the first time the latter two have gotten a domestic release in Canada. Previously Unidisc here in Canada had reissued many of Cerrone's classic albums, with rather questionable mastering quality on a few of them, I might add ("The Golden Touch" certainly did, from my experience).. Also, Barclay/Universal in France had reissued and remastered most of his albums, and those are largely still in print as well (just at expensive import prices for us over here). I'm hoping the quality of these reissues from Recall at least surpasses some of the previous ones we've seen on this side of the pond, particularly from Unidisc and Hot Productions. Judging from the covers they used (original artwork for "Love in C Minor" people!) it's looking good so far..

Also, I've finally managed to clue into the Cerrone by Bob Sinclar disc, which really is an interesting, innovative concept. Initially, when it came out a few years back, I thought it was another remix/butcher project. To my surprise, Sinclar (real name: Christophe Le Friant), who has certainly referenced Cerrone in his work before (see 'Africanism'), has found a way to both showcase Cerrone's original work and pay homage to it. In other words, a kind of hybrid greatest hits/remix/re-edit package. To paraphrase an online review, the album, (kind of like some of Dimitri from Paris' mix CDs) is one of those things that connects the dots between classic disco and today's dance music.. So for those who may not be completely familiar Cerrone's stuff, a great introduction to his work..


Love in C Minor (1976, Malligator / 2006, Recall)
order @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | dustygroove.com
The title track is, as many are probably aware, is a landmark disco classic.. Worked with Alec R. Costandinos on this one, his influence is especially apparent on the title track and "Midnite Lady." Overall, an undisputed classic. I hope they used the full version of "Love In C Minor" with the talking ladies intro on this reissue..
CERRONE - LOVE IN C MINOR (UNCENSORED UK LP) @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - LOVE IN C MINOR (US LP) @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - LOVE IN C MINOR LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE


Cerrone's Paradise (1977, Malligator / 2006, Recall)
order @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | dustygroove.com
Aside from the title track, I haven't heard this album yet, but allmusic gives it four and a half stars.. (note to self: get this right now!)
CERRONE - CERRONE'S PARADISE (UNCENSORED FRENCH LP) @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - CERRONE'S PARADISE (US LP) @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - CERRONE'S PARADISE LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE


Cerrone III: Supernature (1977, Malligator / 2006, Recall)
order @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | amazon.ca | dustygroove.com
Along with "Love In C Minor," one of his greatest albums. The title track and "Give Me Love," again, undisputed disco classics.
CERRONE - CERRONE III: SUPERNATURE LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - CERRONE III: SUPERNATURE LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE


Cerrone IV: The Golden Touch (1978, Malligator / 2006, Recall)
order @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | amazon.ca | dustygroove.com
A bit of a mixed bag in my opinion. Crowning jewel of this album is definitely the second half with "Look For Love" and "Music Of Life."
CERRONE - CERRONE IV: THE GOLDEN TOUCH LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - CERRONE IV: THE GOLDEN TOUCH LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE


Cerrone by Bob Sinclar (2001, Barclay / 2006, Recall)
order @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | amazon.ca | dustygroove.com
As mentioned above, a hybrid greatest hits/remix/re-edit package. Probably not of much interest if you're well familiar with his catalogue already, but a fitting tribute/introduction to Cerrone's work..
CERRONE BY BOB SINCLAR CD @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE BY BOB SINCLAR CD @ DISCOGS
CERRONE BY BOB SINCLAR CD (REVIEW) @ FILTER27


Hysteria (2002, Malligator / 2006, Recall)
order @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | dustygroove.com
His 2002 comeback album. Faves of mine include the title track (which sounds like classic Cerrone meets Daft Punk), "Love On The Dancefloor," "The Only One" (feat. Nile Rodgers) and his update of "Got To Have Lovin'" which he originally produced for Don Ray in 1978..
CERRONE - HYSTERIA CD @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
CERRONE - HYSTERIA CD @ DISCOGS

LINKS:
CHARTATTACK: DISCO PIONEER CERRONE REVIVED BY REISSUES (AUGUST 28, 2006)
ANTIMUSIC NETWORK: BLAME CERRONE FOR DISCO (AUGUST 24, 2006)
CERRONE REISSUES INFO @ RYKO DISTRIBUTION
CERRONE'S OFFICIAL SITE (remove exclamation point in new window)
CERRONE'S OFFICIAL MYSPACE
CERRONE @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CERRONE @ DISCOMUSEUM.COM
CERRONE @ DISCOGS

CATEGORIES: REISSUES & RELEASES

Housekeeping: File Links

I apologize again for the trouble people have been having downloading the files. For whatever reason I was having trouble uploading files to zShare, the service which I used to use, and my files kept getting deleted off Easy Sharing, so I decided to switch to something else. So far it's off to a bit of a shaky start. Primary links are now on Eggdisk, but I just found out my folder was still set to 'private' on there, which is why the links weren't working for people. Anyway, I finally solved that problem, so hopefully those links should work for everyone now.. Second links are now on Speedyshare, which seems to be much faster than zUpload.

At this point, if these services don't work out, I'm willing to pay for a good server to host my files. If anyone out there, other bloggers or anyone else knows of a good file hosting service, with good rates and so on, please please let me know.. It would be much appreciated..

Thanks

-T.

CATEGORIES: MISCELLANEOUS

Disco Delivery #26: A Taste Of Honey - Another Taste (1979, Capitol)

Listen on Spotify:
A Taste Of Honey - Dance
A Taste Of Honey - The Rainbow's End
A Taste Of Honey - Do It Good
A Taste Of Honey - I Love You
A Taste Of Honey - Take The Boogae Or Leave It
A Taste Of Honey - Race

How great is that album cover?.. Love the colour scheme and the neon lettering..

Anyway, everybody's probably heard A Taste Of Honey's "Boogie Oogie Oogie" at some point.. Only one of the most ubiquitous disco songs out there, and speaking for myself, one of my first favourite disco songs as a kid.. It wasn't until around 2000 when I really started to collect disco records, that I checked out the rest of their output. For the most part, every single one of their albums is exceptional, but this one, along with their final album, "Ladies of the Eighties" are probably their most overlooked LPs.. Despite nothing but favourable reviews (at least that I've come across), "Another Taste" was to be a classic case of the sophomore slump, commercially speaking at least. The opening track, "Do It Good," continuing in the same "get on the floor" vein, with it's bass/guitar driven groove and catchy refrain was to be the first single from the LP. A great track on it's own terms, it was no match for their mega-hit from the previous year; peaking at a respectable #13 on the Billboard R&B charts, but only managing #72 and #79 on the disco and pop charts, respectively (although I do hear it's one of their biggest hits in Japan). Commercial slump notwithstanding, I'm with the critics on this one. Once again produced by jazz-funk legends The Mizell Brothers, Alphonso (Fonce) and Larry; even if there wasn't an instantly catchy single like "Boogie Oogie Oogie," the album as a whole was a definite improvement over their debut. The grooves are smooth and sublime, and as an LP, always consistent and engaging. While undeniably still disco, they seemed to be bucking some of the trends by continuing with the Mizells on this album. At least from my perspective, not having been around at the time, it seemed like the sound and the vibe they went for was in total contrast to the harder, faster more rhythmic sound that seemed to colour much of the disco from 1979. The album instead being full of light, sunny, uplifting, mellow grooves. Perhaps it may have limited the album's appeal among disco audiences in 1979, but after hearing a song like Hazel Payne's "The Rainbow's End," "Dance" or the beautifully simple "I Love You," I can't help but be glad they went in the direction they did. In fact, they seem to be at their best on those very songs. All three are coloured with elegant, sweeping strings, flutes and great vocals and guitar work courtesy of front-ladies Janice-Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne. I also have to point out how much I love it when they get to breaking it down towards the end of "I Love You," when they let the beautiful backing instruments shine behind that bumpin' bass drum..

Side Two begins with "Race" written by keyboard player Perry Kibble and Thurman Aldridge. One of the more obviously dance-oriented songs on the album and what I believe was the second single on the album, which didn't chart. It's got an almost disco-jazzy vibe, especially with those flutes right at the top of the mix. The most 1979-ish song on the album is probably the cutesy titled "Take The Boogae or Leave It" written by front ladies Janice-Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne. Putting away the flutes and the strings for some four or so minutes and going full-tilt-boogie with the bass and guitar, it's definitely one of the most instantly recognizable songs on the album. It's almost as if they wrote this song with "Boogie Oogie Oogie" in mind.. a part II, if you will.. Best part of the song: Janice-Marie's awesome, funky bass..

Again despite making a solid LP, the album would peak at #26 R&B and #59 Pop on Billboard. Not altogether bad, but quite a drop from the top 10 peaks their debut had on both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. In fact, according to the charts posted on the All Music Guide, "Another Taste" would be their lowest charting LP out of the four they released. Perhaps the glut of disco records on the market in 1979 had something to do with it, maybe their sound just wasn't with the hot trends at the time, or there just wasn't that instantly catchy single on the album, or perhaps all of those combined. Whatever the case, clearly some changes were on the way for the group. Before their next album, the two principal male members, keyboard player Perry Kibble and drummer Donald Johnson would leave the group. Several years back, I remember hearing an interview with Janice-Marie on a site called the R&B Page (which is sadly no longer online), where she talked in detail about her time in the group. Apparently execs at Capitol had only wanted Janice-Marie and Hazel and wanted nothing to do with the guys, instead opting to put the ladies up front (which they did) and to replace the guys with studio musicans (which they didn't, at least at first). Apparently after this LP, the execs got their wish and for their next two albums, A Taste of Honey was down to just the ladies. An unfortunate decision in my opinion; though that's not to say they didn't make great records after. Their next album "Twice As Sweet" (1980, Capitol) would pair them with producer George Duke and yield them one of their best songs, "Rescue Me" and their second (and last) major hit, "Sukiyaki." Their final album "Ladies Of The Eighties" (1982, Capitol) would pair them up with producers Al McKay of Earth Wind & Fire and Ronald LaPread of The Commodores. Perhaps the group dynamic had something to do with it, or the influence of the Mizell Brothers, or most likely both, but even still, their first two albums had a certain something missing from their last two records. An artistry, a sophistication perhaps, or just that certain vibe and image that seemed to really make them unique.

After their last album, Janice-Marie would make a solo album called "One Taste Of Honey" (1984, Capitol), apparently done as a contractual obligation to the label. Shortly after, she would retire from the music business until around the late '90s when she started performing again. By 2000 she would release her second solo album "Hiatus Of The Heart (2000, Tastebuds). She continues to tour perform these days, both solo and as A Taste of Honey. In recent years, she's also been reconnecting and exploring her Native American heritage in her music. Her latest release was a single called "Until The Eagle Falls" from 2002. Hazel Payne, meanwhile, also resumed performing around the late '90s. In 2004 she performed with Kid Creole (AKA August Darnell) in the disco musical "Oh What A Night." Today she also tours and performs with her own band. Although both ladies largely perform separately these days (as far as I know), in 2004 Hazel and Janice-Marie briefly reunited live on stage for a PBS Disco Special.

As for the other two members, keyboard player Perry Kibble and drummer Donald Johnson ended up, interestingly enough, here in my hometown - Calgary, Alberta. Perry Kibble passed away in 1999, but before his passing was quite prominent in the local music scene and a member of a local group here called Clear Image. The mother of their lead singer was a friend of my own mother, and gave her a copy of their locally produced CD.. I'm going to have to put it up here sometime.. They had performed on local TV here a few times, and not surprisingly, "Boogie Oogie Oogie" was a staple in their repertoire. Donald Johnson is still around today and living here in Calgary. Today he's a bluesman who tours and records as Donald Ray Johnson. Johnson is still going strong and has so far has released three albums: "It Ain't Easy Being Blue" (1995), "Donald Ray" (1998), "Pure Pleasure" (2002) and "Travelin' Man" (2006).

LINKS:
A TASTE OF HONEY - ANOTHER TASTE LP REVIEW @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
A TASTE OF HONEY - ANOTHER TASTE LP REVIEW @ WILSON & ALROY'S RECORDS REVIEWS
A TASTE OF HONEY - ANOTHER TASTE LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
A TASTE OF HONEY - ANOTHER TASTE LP @ DISCOGS
A TASTE OF HONEY @ WIKIPEDIA
A TASTE OF HONEY @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
A TASTE OF HONEY @ DISCOMUSEUM.COM
A TASTE OF HONEY REUNION @ SOULFUL DETROIT FORUM
INTERVIEW WITH DON JOHNSON @ SMOOTH JAZZ NOW
THE MIZELL BROTHERS @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
THE MIZELL BROTHERS FAN PAGE - SKY HIGH
JANICE MARIE JOHNSON'S OFFICIAL SITE (remove exclamation point in new window)
HAZEL PAYNE @ PERSONALITY ARTISTS
DONALD RAY JOHNSON'S OFFICIAL SITE (remove exclamation point in new window)

PURCHASE:
A TASTE OF HONEY - CLASSIC MASTERS CD @ AMAZON.COM

CATEGORIES: DISCO DELIVERIES, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO..

black and white rainbows, colourful shadows..

Smokey Robinson - And I Don't Love You (Dub) (1984, Motown) | LINK TWO
Smokey Robinson - And I Don't Love You (12'' Extended Version) (1984, Motown) | LINK TWO

Not to worry, I am working on the next disco delivery.. 'tis on the way, will arrive before the end of the week.

In the mean time I decided to rip a 12" single that I picked up over the weekend.. Not exactly disco, but one of those many Larry Levan mixes from the '80s that I hadn't heard yet. Taken from Smokey Robinson's "Essar" (1984, Motown) LP, both this song and the LP it was from were not among Smokey's more successful efforts. In fact the "Essar" LP (what the hell is "Essar" supposed to mean, anyway? edit: apparently it's his initials 'S.R.' in word form.. Thanks to the anonymous commenter..) was one of his lowest charting LPs up until that time. Regardless of the commercial aspect, it's certainly one of the most interesting records I've heard from him..

Produced by frequent collaborator Reginald "Sonny" Burke, the remixes on both sides were credited to Larry Levan and Benny Medina. The mostly instrumental Dub mix on side B though is, in my opinion, classic Larry. It almost reminds me of some of the mixes he did for Gwen Guthrie around this time.. Stripped down to the basic synth track and guitar licks; reduced Smokey's vocals to the occasional melancholy wail wallowing in the layers of echoing synthesized rhythms. As opposed to the vocal extended mix on side A, the dub mix really brings out the dark side of the song. In other words, you really believe it when you hear him sing "..and I don't love you." No reason why, no explanations, it coolly and simply makes the point. Quite the contrast to side A where, listening to the full lyrics, you really aren't supposed to believe what he says..

Also an interesting fact, the Benny Medina credited on the mix is in fact the same Benny Medina that has managed Jennifer Lopez and currently Mariah Carey. Medina had his start at Motown, originally as the lead vocalist in the short-lived group Apollo, along with one of Berry Gordy's sons among others.. Apollo's only album was also produced by Berry's ex-wife Raynoma Singleton, no less..

P.S. Sorry for the scratchy rip.. I really need to invest in a good record cleaner sometime..

LINKS:
SMOKEY ROBINSON - ESSAR LP REVIEW @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
SMOKEY ROBINSON - ESSAR LP REVIEW @ WILSON & ALROY'S RECORD REVIEWS
SMOKEY ROBINSON ALBUM REVIEWS @ ROBERTCHRISTGAU.COM
SMOKEY ROBINSON - AND I DON'T LOVE YOU 12" @ DISCOGS

CATEGORIES: MINI DELIVERIES

Disco Delivery #25: Rinder & Lewis - Warriors (1979, AVI/Quality)

Rinder & Lewis - Love Potion #9
Rinder & Lewis - Blue Steel
Rinder & Lewis - Willie and the Hand Jive
Rinder & Lewis - Arabella/Home
Rinder & Lewis - Harlem Shuffle

File links updated 10/26/08

Finally, it's here..

I've been wanting to showcase something from these guys for a while now. Laurin Rinder & W. Michael Lewis were, in my opinion, one of the best disco production duos of the disco era. Probably not one of the most recognizable as far as the mainstream goes, but certainly one of the most prolific and popular among disco enthusiasts. Rinder and Lewis were pretty much the principals behind El Coco, Le Pamplemousse, Saint Tropez, Tuxedo Junction, Discognosis as well as the soundtrack to the TV show "In Search Of.." (which I used to love as a kid) among others.. According to a 1980 article (see links section), by then they had apparently been involved in some twenty nine albums. Laurin Rinder admitted in a recent interview with Discopia, that they pretty much lived in the studio during the late '70's, in his words: "we really had cots, beds and the whole thing, we were just pumpin’ them out. 7 days a week, 3 different projects at the same time. I played drums on everything but had to play a little differently. I had to ask the engineer 'What’s the name of this group?' " Not surprisingly cocaine figured quite prominently in the madness of those days. Another thing Laurin Rinder admitted in that same interview was: "The amount of coke we did to do all this you can’t even imagine. $300 a day. I had to have plastic inserts in my nose so I could do more." I wonder if ol' Rick James needed plastic inserts..

What makes their output even more remarkable is that they played the majority of the instruments themselves. Despite that, as musicians they didn't credit themselves on some of their earlier works, instead giving false names to false musicians on the back of their records; In part I guess to give the appearance of being a real group. One other reason, as Rinder admitted in his discomusic.com interview, was to remain fairly anonymous, so as not to tarnish their reputation as "legit" rock and jazz musicians. In recent years, Laurin Rinder has been the most forthcoming with tales of the day, having done at least two interviews with disco websites in recent years. Prior to disco he already had a long history as a session and journeyman drummer, having played on countless records since the 1950's, including a stint as a session player at Motown, often without credit.

"Warriors," as mentioned earlier was their second album as Rinder & Lewis, and is probably among some of the best stuff they've released. Even the cover they used, an actual picture of their fathers on a fishing trip, made a clever statement. Overall, I love the sound they went for on this LP, with great musicianship coloured with some amazing, lush, smooth synthesizer effects. The cream of the crop as far as the tracks on this album goes, and as good as everything is, is probably the closing track "Blue Steel." Forget Zoolander (please), this track is, to me, the culmination of that excellent balance of synthsesizers and live musicians that they achieved throughout the album. Those amazing, equal parts calm and crazy synths at one point blending seamlessly with the violin solo is, for me, one of the best things about this track. Dark, haunting and sexy at the same time, it's one of the most atmospheric disco instrumentals I've yet to hear. It almost recalls one of their standout tracks, "Lust" from their "Seven Deadly Sins" (1978, AVI) project. So much so that one internet review even described this track as "Lust, part II." One of those tracks that one just needs to luxuriate in to really appreciate..

The two covers on the album are also well worth listening to. The LP opens with a synth driven cover of Johnny Otis' "Willie & The Hand Jive," which as I recently learned is actually about an innocent 1950's dance/clap game, not that other kind of hand jive, but I digress.. Opens with a great I-Feel-Love-esque robotic beat which by the middle of the track becomes a kind of dark, crazy, paranoid synth workout.. It would be this song paired with "Love Potion #9" that would chart at #20 on the Billboard disco charts in 1980.. Their other cover, a Lieber & Stoller song (they'd been known to cover a few in their time) "Love Potion #9" opens side 2. Equal parts playful and sexy, with a great hypnotic beat to it, the cheeky lyrics make an interesting contrast with the dark soundscapes that colour this album.

According to a 1980 interview with Rinder & Lewis, "Arabella/Home" (or at least the 'Arabella' part) was originally done eight years prior to this album as a rock song, recast as a disco track for this project. Great string section on this one, also love that pounding bass drum on the "Home" section of the track.

The lightest, most playful track on the album is probably "Harlem Shuffle" with guest vocalist Carmen Twillie up front. Not quite as dark in mood, no crazy synth effects and much more vocally driven than any of the others. It probably comes closest to recalling the vibe of many of the El Coco projects.

Anyway, for this one I put the entire album up. It's a pity (as usual) but much of the AVI label's disco output, particularly Rinder & Lewis' productions are pitifully underrepresented on CD.. Aside from a recent Japanese reissue of El Coco's "Let's Get It Together" (1976, AVI) album, there is one budget CD of El Coco hits and a now out of print CD called "Disco 54: The AVI Collection," which most notably contained the nine minute version of "Lust." I'd hope that Universal, who owns the AVI catalogue, will give much of Rinder & Lewis' classic AVI output proper reissue treatment one day. Until then, vinyl hunters will keep on hunting..

Not surprisingly, after disco, Rinder & Lewis burned out. All that coke had to take it's toll sometime, I suppose. Much of their post-1980 AVI output has been considered largely sub-par by many disco fans (though personally, I haven't heard too much of the post-1980 stuff, but I'm curious to).. In addition, they had started to focus more on TV music composition after getting tired of dealing with record labels in trying to get their proper royalties. After doing an album for Eloise Whitaker, Laurin Rinder would leave the music business, while Michael Lewis would continue on.. Despite, at least in the beginning, not really being familiar with disco, doing it based on their record label's suggestion; they managed to build up an excellent and impressive canon of disco material under their many guises...

Also, for those who are interested, be sure to check out the links below to the interviews with Laurin Rinder and Rinder & Lewis together..

Next week: another taste of something sweet and smooth..

LINKS:
RINDER & LEWIS - WARRIORS LP @ DISCOGS
RINDER & LEWIS @ DISCOMUSEUM
LAURIN RINDER & W. MICHAEL LEWIS 1980 INTERVIEW: PART ONE | PART TWO
LAURIN RINDER INTERVIEW @ DISCOPIA
LAURIN RINDER INTERVIEW @ DISCOMUSIC.COM

PURCHASE:
DISCO 54 - THE AVI COLLECTION @ AMAZON.COM

CATEGORIES: DISCO DELIVERIES, INTERVIEWS

I know I've got some 'splaining to do..

I really hate giving excuses, but I might as well update you, my faithful readers, about what's been keeping me.. After all, It's been over a month since my last update and I really shouldn't keep everyone hanging here.

Although I haven't updated as much, it's been quite the summer; a new job and to top it all off at the beginning of August, I had to move into a new place. So far, the place is great, (love my location and my view); unfortunately, due to problems with transferring internet access, I didn't have any for several weeks. To make a long story short, because a three year contract was signed with the internet/phone provider, we wanted to try and transfer it to the new place, but this time without a corresponding land-line.. In any case, after about a month of neverending delays and problems, I gave up on that and switched to a new provider.. As a result, I didn't have internet until about the beginning of this month.. All that in addition to me trying to furnish the new place and getting my first little taste of (semi) independence, I just really haven't been in the mood to rip any records or update..

Yesterday was my first day of the new semester at University, so I am working less hours and ironically, I'll probably have more free time to spare. That said, I hope to get a new Disco Delivery up sometime this coming weekend *fingers crossed*..

Again, sorry for keeping everyone waiting..

CATEGORIES: MISCELLANEOUS