Disco | Boogie Vinyl 322 Items

It comes as no surprise to discover we are massive fans of Marcos Valle here at Mr Bongo, but this forgotten and obscure gem from the Brazilian maestro has proven to remain elusive to us until very recently.

'Girassol' is a lost Brazilian-boogie stunner from 1983. It was originally released as an ultra-rare promo only 7”. Composed by Marcos Valle, Paulo Sérgio Valle and Ribeiro José Francisco, this all-too-short nugget (under 2 minutes) was recorded and pressed on the Valle, Ribeiro & Associados Ltda. imprint for Rede CB De Supermercados. It was a promotional item to be distributed to customers of a supermarket chain as a gift. Due to not having any conventional distribution channels this resulted in the 7" becoming a slippery customer to find.

It’s a smooth AOR / Brazilian boogie joint with an uplifting chorus. The vibe is reminiscent of the much loved ‘Estrelar' era of Marcos Valle’s glorious recording career, and certainly one for fans of the Lincoln Olivetti, Robson Jorge production sound.

/ long version

Incredibly it’s 45 years since this timeless 45 first surfaced. But it’s only now that it’s become a dazzling duet...

UK record producer and songwriter Ian Levine cut his chops in 1976 linking up with Chicago studio wizards Paul Wilson and Danny Leake and cutting stunning Northern Soul tailor made with Windy City vocalists Barbara Pennington, LJ Johnson and Evelyn Thomas.The singles caused a sensation by giving the young producer his debut hits in the UK pop charts. Enthused by this success, Ian got back together with producer and songwriter Leake (who later worked with Stevie Wonder) and arranger Wilson (he went on to link up with Jerry Butler) and the trio masterminded a truly epic gem aimed at the booming USA Disco scene - Barbara Pennington’s 24 Hours A Day.

The incredible production. opus - complete with a stunning diva lead vocal, incredible scurrying strings,and an irresistibly catchy song that sounded like it was the equivalent of Ashford & Simpson on steroids -became me a massive disco anthem when released on the United Artists label. It was loved so much on both sides of the Atlantic that Ian uses the same backing track some time later to record a male vocalversion for AVI by LJ Johnson. Compared to the all conquering Barbara Pennington gem it went under the radar of everyone except the disco cognoscenti, despite being rather good in its own right.Now after tracking down the original 24 track studio masters, the two versions have been remixed by Paul Mooney to create a unique boy-girl duet.It sounds like it should have been done in the first place, and dare we say even better than the original “solo” versions.

The instantly recognisable, Northern / Modern Soul crossover, Rare Pleasure – Let Me Down Easy, featuring the entrancing Sandy Barber on lead vocals, gets a much-welcomed official reissue on 7" for RSD. A classic in it’s own right, alongside being expertly sampled by David Morales for the house anthem ‘Needin’ U’, original’s trade hands for £100+ so an official reissue is long overdue.

Fantastic masterpiece, considered one of the best Italo-Disco songs ever. A mega-classic produced by Stefano Zito and Carlo Favilli (the latter passed away too soon) characterized by a heartbreaking melody and lush strings that exemplify the mood and rhythm of the Italo-Disco style with the use of some sounds of pre-bleepy keyboard and siren that technically make it one of the very first rave songs ever, inspiring the style of many artists that came later, like Duft Punk. However, many of them don't even come close with their imaginative computers to that bassline and string sounds that melted the souls of many of us back in that distant April 1983, even if it seems that part of the melodic line has been copied not very subtly by Casco from that of El Deux's Computer-Madchen released in 1982 in Switzerland, where Salvatore Cusato was working as a club-DJ. On the flip another excellent remix version by Danilo Braca of the song revisited a few years later. The confirmation of the wisdom and foresight of its producers, aware that the BPM would soon be lowered by a lot. In the more than 8 minutes of "Cyberlover" the constant melancholy background together with the drum/bass/synth lines are preserved intact, giving us a complete reissued product.

The second release 2020 of Best Record Italy is finally coming out with the Vinyl reissue 12" Extended Playing, Limited Edition, of Roberto Onofri And Dee Jay Program Band "Let's Go Out". Three original versions from 1983 plus the 2020 M.B. Disco Roller Edit" by Massimo Berardi (former Harlem Hustlers). Wow!

Truly epic, saucy disco powerhouse, produced by Gregg Diamond and drenched in effortless sexuality from Andrea True. A clear classic of that era encapsulating everything the '70s was about.
Tom Moulton on the mix for this naughty 12 Inch reissue.

Two Rose Royce treasures from the 1982 Epic LP, “Stronger Than Ever” get a much deserved official, remastered reissue, with each side respectively fetching a pretty penny on their own.
First up, ‘Still In Love’, opens with otherworldly keys and a rumbling bass before diving into an alluring disco anthem where lively strings and animated pianos dance with a dose of ‘80s synth action. The powerful and emotive tones of Rose Norwalt swell with the rising string section, before making way for an exquisite piano solo that give this the power to enthral any dancefloor.
Take to the flip to find ‘Best Love’ which follows in those sparkling footsteps, utilising pitch bent top lines, graceful violins and a springing bassline that blend perfectly with Rose’s voice. A sweet and tender tale with an irresistibly soulful touch.
A Rose Royce double header spread lovingly over either side of a 12” for maximum clarity and punch.

Three 1982 disco classics from boogie trio Plush formed under the guidance of Angela Winbush, René Moore and Bobby Watson get the official, remastered reissue treatment from the original tapes.
Opening up the EP, an Angela & Rene original ‘Free & Easy’ is taken on by the Plush troupe, with the legendary Tee Scott providing a trademark extended mix. It kicks off with cosmic synths that dissipate into heavy funk, electric bass riffs, whilst scorching top lines and choice guitar licks trade off over the top. Scott’s magic is clear to see in the composition of this extended mix. A man who clearly knew how to work a dancefloor, his use of breakdowns especially, extending the anticipation and power the track commands on its dancers. From the bass breaks that weave in modulated synths, to those that utilise the glorious sustained piano chords, cutting to just vocals and percussion before everything is added back in for ultimate dancefloor elation.
First up on the B side, ‘We Got The Love’, a more soulful, slowed down tip where staccato guitar plucks and chunky slap bass marries with warm Rhodes chords, and lush vocal harmonies blend with the power of Siedah Garrett commanding the lead vocals. A passion ingrained in their voices that cannot be taught, hanging in the air, as they hang onto their phrases.
Lastly, ‘Livin For Your Love’ a boogie-based serenade written by Herman Chainey and Tony L. Phillips, intertwines Phillips’ deep dulcet tones with Plush’s backing. Add in a dose of pure ‘80s bass synth, twanging funk flashes and juicy bass guitar ripples and you’ve got a recipe sure to woo any wandering hearts out there.

Sinnamon’s ’83 NYC boogie scorcher ‘I Need You Now’ gets the official remastered, reissue treatment - complete with the ‘Fierce Reprise’ dub mix alongside the accapella, providing essential sampling material.

Official, remastered reissue of this disco tinged, afro funk treasure and the first time the ‘Karam Bani’ single has been cut to 12” – maximising every ounce of highlife soul from Sidiku Buari’s productions.

Two sizzling South African boogie tracks from Kabasa’s Tata Sibeko. A killer producer, arranger and bass wizard, Tata channels the gloomy current affairs landscape of 1985 into a glimmering Afro-synth nugget. As South African pop embraced 1980s synth sounds, Maxi Singles on 12-inch vinyl became a new canvas of expression with wider grooves for fat beats and extended mixes that suited dancefloors.
The supergroups of the 1970s fragmented into solo recording artists with the likes of Harari’s Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse releasing his seminal “Burnout” single in 1984. Former Kabasa frontman Tata Sibeko dropped “It’s A Mess” in 1985, addressing the world’s Cold War climate with an appeal to “learn to love each other” and “save ourselves from catastrophe.” The B-side “Afro Breakdance” marked the evolution of Tata’s Afro-global sensibilities from “Afro Funkin’” that had appeared five years earlier on Kabasa’s self-titled debut in 1980. Tata Sibeko (RIP) passed away in 2017 after approving the restoration and reissue of this single. This release is dedicated to his kindness, charm and creative zeal.

Deadstock found from previous distributor of the official remastered edition released in 2015 on S.P.Q.R. of a rare 80s disco classic by Steve Watson, containing the rare and sought after original extended version of Born To Boogie and not the more common shorter single edit. Don't sleep!

Prime are delighted to announce the long-awaited OFFICIAL 12 inch re-release of probably the most revered Paradise Garage anthem of all time - M.F.S.B. feat The Three Degrees and the now legendary "Love Is The Message".

Originally released in 1973, "Love Is The Message" has sustained dance-floors across the world ever since and here we present the full original 11.28 mix from Tom Moulton which is always a £25-30 record if you've ever been lucky enough to find a mint one and copies of the rarer U.S. 12" with the long mix are like gold!

Worry no more as the quality on this 12" is from the best master and 100% sanctioned by Sony Music.

On the flip we are proud to re-release "T.S.O.P. (The Sound Of Philadelphia)" aka the official Soul Train theme, using Tom Moulton's full original 5.42 mix. Another piece of significant dance-floor history.

As double-siders go, it really doesn't get any better than this. There is already high-demand from lots of DJs needing to replace their battered copies so accept no substitute. This is the real deal.

It's always great to have access to quality masters from some of the world's greatest-ever artists and Gladys Knight hits that spot, especially via the original 12 inch version of Love Is Always On My Mind is another one of those impossibly rare Buddah 12 inches from the mid-70s.

This is really a 10 minute plus tour-de-force of relentless Disco with Gladys's impassioned vocals doing their usual superlative job. Mint 12 inch copies are reputedly worth £200 but the fact is that there's no mint original ones left anymore. Until now. Additionally we've cheated slightly by including one of Gladys Knight & The Pips in-demand Columbia recordings on the flip - the Ashford & Simpson penned classic Bourgie Bourgie on which Gladys laid down the definitive vocal to this club classic on the full 4.37 original 12 inch mix.

Two definitive dance-floor gems on one 12 inch pressing mastered from the original tapes. What more could you want ?

We are proud to present an official Sony reissue of Charles Earland's 'Coming To You Live' another one of those rare infectious 12" releases which has grown in stature over the years.
Championed by big names such as Gilles Peterson, Theo Parrish and Moodymann, it has become a firm favourite with dj's and clubbers alike, entertaining many discerning dance-floors.
Pressed on 180g vinyl shrink wrapped, using the original master tapes.

1979 self release from Donald "Dohnnie" Walker, originally pressed as a 7inch single on his own imprint Posh Records/Plush Music.

Originally recorded in Detroit, 1982 by the late Danan Potts a.k.a. Superlife. At that time Danan was hanging around the Recording Institute of Detroit where Juan Atkins was training in production. Danan was interested in Atkin's style of dance music and quickly recorded "Go Bananas". Bananas was released locally on Southern Sun Records in hyper limited quantity, it is today one of the most sought after underground detroit techno recordings of all time.

Former member of Ganymed (a seminal Austrian space disco band active in the late 70s) multi-instrumentalist with boundless talent and dozens of excellent recordings ranging from jazz to pop under his belt. Italian-based musician, singer, and composer Daniele Prencipe is definitely to be counted among the most underrated, despite clear proof of his fine skills with solo projects and behind Surprise where he leaves an indelible mark.

In particular with the tracks like "Wow" and "Singin' And Steppin'" thanks to the pioneering use of the Minimoog combined with a Vocoder. Here the arrangement is on another level and the original 7" released by Polydor back in 1983 is one of the rarest of its kind. Finally reissued by Babà Records, fully licensed by Daniele Prencipe himself.

Originally released in 1979, strangely only in Portugal, yet produced by a French duo, Anselmi/Silvestre. “Music Love Song” is a 7 minute long European disco excursion with an unmistakably unique aesthetic, confidently breaking every rule in favour of a sound unheard of at the time. Employing unorthodox studio techniques that would have been unacceptable for most major labels this single only made it on a relatively small sublabel in Portugal for some mysterious reason. The result is a deeply cosmic/melancholic escapade with dreamy androgynous vocals and raging guitars at 130+ BPM - hard to forget. Officially re-issued, remastered and released with original artwork that is no less bold than the music.

First ever 12” edition of Ahmad Albar’s spacey 1981Indonesian disco rarity, including an additional extended edit. Produced by Fariz RM. Tip!

Universe City's 1976 12 inch promo release, featuring 'Can You Get Down' and 'Serious', gained cult status in the disco scene. Produced and arranged by John Davis, the limited release and the subsequent demand over several decades, fuelled in part by regular plays from tastemakers like Sean P and Dave Lee, highlight the enduring popularity and influence of this particular record within the disco community. John Davis, a highly influential figure in the disco music scene, particularly during the 1970s. As a composer, arranger, and producer, Davis played a crucial role in shaping the sound of disco and funk music that can be heard throughout this release. Presented here officially for the first time since it’s limited promo release 48 years ago, this exclusive RSD release, lovingly remastered will be an essential purchase for any disco lover! Mint copies regularly changing hands for £100, this is a 'do not miss!' Delivered in a glorious Universe City band sleeve, limited to 500 units.

In a celebration of soul music's enduring legacy, Celestial Echo is excited to unveil the reissue of Winfield Parker's revered classic, 'I Wanna Be With You.' Originally released in Baltimore in 1979, this soulful gem has maintained its status as a sought-after treasure by soul DJs for decades. With original copies commanding prices well beyond £200, the decision to reissue this timeless piece of soul music history on vinyl is a testament to its everlasting dancefloor impact. Celestial Echo is proud to present the reissue on a limited edition 7-inch vinyl record, meticulously remastered and pressed on heavyweight vinyl for an authentic analog experience. It also features a picture sleeve and redesigned labels. The following releases on this brand new re-issue label will include tracks from Brutal Force and Curtis. Diggers, and rare soul lovers need only apply.

Norman Connors' 'She's Gone' is a timeless blend of Soul and R&B from his 1981 album, 'Mr C'. 43 years since its initial release, 'She’s Gone' still endures as a masterpiece, showcasing Connors' musical prowess and ability to create unforgettable compositions. Lush arrangements, masterful instrumentation, and heartfelt vocals define the track with Norman Connors seamlessly fusing horns, strings, and rhythm instruments for a rich sonic experience. This 7'' heavyweight vinyl single, presented here exclusively for RSD is the first time this single has been available since 1981 & gives fans old and new the chance to own a slice of this classic, in demand Norman Connors production. remastered, but with slick early 80's aesthetics as was.

2 tracks taken from the "Sweetie" LP by South-African group, The Headquarters. Originally released in 1977 and very hard to come by in it's original form. The album tracks are loudly pressed on one side each in it's original length. "Real solid deep disco for the heads!"

Mastered by The Carvery.

A brand new cut and remaster for 2023 of the multi genre-busting release 'Don't Send Me Away', that transcended most dance scenes from Modern Soul, Rare Groove, Crossover and Boogie to become perhaps the most in-demand '80s record on the current collectors scene.

A certified classic from a Philly soul legend, Garfield Fleming, that never fails to hit you right in the heart. Already one of the most sought after 12 inches out there, the popularity of 'Don't Send Me Away' was cemented when a video of Garfield himself signing the track at a Paris record stall in late 2018, went viral with nearly 3,000,000 views to date.

With original 12 Inch copies trading hands for £300+ it was high time a remastered reissue hit the shelves, giving a whole new generation of listeners the chance to bask in the glory of this unquestionable anthem.

The original single from Escape From New York finally gets an official reissue. Originally released in 1983 ‘Save Our Love’ was released a year before ‘Fire in My Heart’ and sets out their highly effective fusion of New Wave, Disco, Italo and Post Punk. Featuring Jaki Graham and D.C Lee on backing vocals, the 12” also includes an instrumental mix and cult classic ‘Slow Beat’ (Dance Mix). Escape From New York were short lived and disbanded in 1984 following the release of ‘Fire in My Heart’, ultimately buckling under the pressure of commercial expectations for their innovative brand of pop music. Fast forward to 2023 and history has been kind and these singles are now regarded as being pioneering classics.

Much coveted in certain collector circles, this release offers 4 tracks originally recorded in 1985 by, at the time, high school starlet Paola Belloni. All tracks are sung in Italian and consistently easy to appreciate but "Vattene" and "Un Uomo Semplice" steal the show with remarkable downtempo smoothness gliding in the lower BPM ranges. Although many studios at the time would have already standardized more synthetic sounds brought by widespread access to electronics in the mid 80's, these recordings offer a more organic and warm sounding instrumentation - one solid round aural aperitivos. Officially re-issued with original artwork and re-mastered at Manmade mastering in Berlin.

A favourite of some of the biggest DJs out there, including the likes of Floating Points and Theo Parrish, Queen Yahna - Ain't It Time is a slice of P&P gold that’s been crying out for an official reissue. Succulent soul-soaked vocals with that top shelf disco production that effortlessly marries peaking strings with glorious horns and a conga-led percussion section. Smiles for miles - this is feel-good business right here with the instrumental nestled on the flip.

Groundbreaking release from the early 80's produced with rather primitive synthesizers with as result "A Dog in the Night" a track with a thick sound, unusual for its time. Credited as "the sound of the future" in those days and sounding reevant today. The piece produced by Stefano Zito and arranged by Stefano Galante is after 40 years among the favorites of collectors and followers of Italo-Disco, being noted among the songs to be re-edited by Danilo Braca, the New York based Italian Dj known for his creativity! He manages to create wonderful reconstructions, often considered "works of art". Such as the version he remixed and revisited, with the strings played and recorded by Layer Bows, but above all with the additional lyrics written and performed by the superlative SuperJaimie (aka Charlotte Balibar); with her voice she gives a completely different air to this Italo-Disco jewel, now worthy of being brought to the attention of the new generations. Such a gem, made available again on high quality vinyl!

Kalita are delighted to announce the first ever official reissue of Billy Evans" sought-after 1985 12" disco single "Prisoner Of My Weakness"! Over thirty-five years since initial release, and long acclaimed by collectors, DJs and dance music fans, the time is ripe to share Billy"s music once more. Originally privately released in a small run on Billy"s own label Tee Records, Kalita"s 12" reissue single features both the vocal and incredible dub mix versions of "Prisoner Of My Weakness", plus a brand-new phenomenal remix courtesy of Waxist, produced using the original multitrack analogue master tapes.

Limited edition of 300 copies in vinyl reissue at 180 grams."Music Is My Sex" is to be inserted in the Italo-Disco trend of the early 80s, but also with a nod to Funk and Disco Music from overseas. The use of the Nile Rodgers-style guitar completes a rhythmic base in which the bass is played on the synthesizer, while the melodic lines are entrusted, in addition to the voice, to the electronic keyboards. Three members of Phono sang the various verses, while the bridge was entrusted to a carpet of keyboards. The keyboardist and arranger Paolo Biasich, a great fan of electronics, had built some synthesizers (also used by Giorgio Moroder) used in the song at his home. The piece, with the kick drums played in quarters and the sound dubbed with a synthetic sample, recorded in Sandy Dian's studio in Gambellara (close to Vicenza), was conceived to make people dance, while the text by the eclectic author and dee-jay Art De Rosa was a declaration of love for the music that goes around ("around and around") and that "gives us more", coming to compete with sex . The vocal version on the A side of the vinyl is joined by an instrumental version on the flip that ends with a piano solo. Limited edition of 300 copies in vinyl reissue at 180 grams.

New Parisian label, Disques Messager, presents its first release and not the least. As its name suggests, the label has a simple leitmotiv: to place itself among the best messengers for rarities and sought-after gems of the international rare groove. A mission which begins rather well, with the official reissue of these two stirring titles by Brazilian singer and composer Cristina Camargo. Native of Rio De Janeiro, Cristina Camargo had quite a short career, releasing only 2 albums in 1980 and 1981, but still enough to collaborate with some of the best composers, musicians and producers at that time. Her first self-titled album was therefore produced by Robson Jorge & Lincoln Oliveti and recorded with some of the finest musicians. “Moral Tem Hora” comes from this same LP and is a perfect example of the unique alchemy that emerged when the Disco and Boogie invaded the Brazilian music scene. A quite hard to find Boogie killer, composed by famous brothers, Marcos and Paulo Sérgio Valle. On B side comes “Minas Do Rei Salomão”, a more chilled-out title extracted from Cristina’s 2 nd album, Santa Maravilha. With its funky slapped bass, airy keyboards and the sweet vocals of Cristina, the song seems made to sip a nice cocktail at Ipanema.