Disco | Boogie Vinyl 375 Items

The fifth release on Canopy continues to up the ante and expand on the tropical Techni-colour palette already set out by the label.

Alafia was a studio project from the mid 80s in Paris. Masterminded and written by musical maverick Phil Han Mandounou and bringing together musicians from Benin, Cameroon and the French Antilles. The project is a superbly orchestrated and expertly delivered exploration of funk and afro off-beats with 80s synth leanings. Precise musicianship and forward leaning afro synth funk wizardry. Dextrous, extrovert, playful and masterful.

Following on from 2016’s Doing It In Lagos: Boogie, Pop & Disco in 1980s Nigeria, Soundway Records return to that blistering set for the first and only officially licensed re-issue of the highly coveted debut album from Steve Monite, featuring the single ‘Only You’ that recently seeped its way into popular culture. Lovingly restored and remastered on 180g vinyl with liner notes. Shooting, space-synth sounds ripple and vibrate, incessant grooves keep the tracks in motion and Nkono Teles production, a producer often overlooked for his hand in the Nigerian boogie sound, sets the LP into orbit. An album that was largely overlooked on release in 1984, the track list includes the latter day hit ‘Only You’ and ‘Things Fall Apart’, the melody of which was lifted for Young Franco’s 2020 single ‘Fallin’ Apart’.

Reissue of this italo disco rarity from 1983. Comes with Flemming Dalum remixes!

Following on from the runaway success of Soundway’s Kiki Gyan 24 Hours In A Disco, another Ghanaian legend looks to have his time to shine. One of the most well-known disco and burger highlife artists of the time, Charles Amoah originally began his career as a drummer. Playing with Alex Kunadu’s band, as well as the Precious Jewels and even Nana Tuffour, he then moved to Germany in the early 80s. His first album Sweet Vibration spawned several hits which went on to be released as separate singles, namely “Scratch My Back” and “Shake Your Body To The Beat”. From the irresistible funk hooks of these singles, to the Lionel Richie-esque instrumentation of “Life’s Like Being In A Boxing Ring”, or the kraut-rock stylings of “Jungle Rock” - there is little doubt that the blend of disco, funk and highlife that was unique to the Ghanaian-German scene can be experienced in its full splendour on Sweet Vibration.

The Emotional Rescue reissue series of Noel Williams aka King Sporty working with other artists and singers on the Konduko label's roster comes to completion with the deep funk disco of The Prolifics' Boy Child.

Formed in 1970 as part of "Senator" Nolan Jones' New Orleans soul and funk label Hep' Me Records, the bands early deep southern soul saw them release a series of 7"s for Hep' Me and Avco, plus an Xmas single for EMI and the minor hit A Place Called Home, recorded at the infamous Musle Shoals studios, backed by the Rhythm Section band who, from the early 60s, turned out hit after hit, from When A Man Loves A Women to Brown Sugar.

Landing on the newly inked Drive label, set up in '72 by Henry Stone as a sub label of his burgeoning T.K Records empire, their developing move in to funk saw them featured alongside Funky Nassau, Jimmy Castor and Peter Brown. It is here the connection with Noel Williams was formed. While putting together the "Konduko Six Pack" showcase album, the band were invited to the Miami Sound Studios for sessions that brought us both title cut Boy Child and the accompanying You Got Me.

All brass and claps, Boy Child is as funky as Williams got, backing the groups soul vocals, a story of first born's energetic path in life and a mothers love. The backing from Deep Rockers band bring the swing, the trippy keys and wide bottom end has made this a secret drop for many. You Got Me on the other hand is true King Sporty, a driving 9-minute disco boogie cut, where the warm harmonies lay down this uplifting, killer dance floor stop.

To close, the flip is again given over for reinterpretation, welcoming back Felix Dickinson to expertly cut, loop and dub. A special personal song for Dickinson, his subtle extension teases the intro for DJ play, before letting things fly - "the little show-off" as the song notes. With a near 30-year DJ and production career in place, his Discomix is a fitting way to complete this cycle of reissues of this benchmark label, for now.

An album deemed by many to be Chicago-native Cecil Lyde’s crowning achievement, Out Break was released in 1984 with his group Home Boy and the C.O.L. - the follow-up to 1982’s self-titled debut for the group. While many of Lyde’s earlier works redeem the charms of their lo-fi production qualities, the ambition of Out Break is plain to see as the band erupts into 8 minute opener “You Turn Me Out,” and deliver an 80s electro-funk record packed with hits. This album is a wholesome, luxurious listening experience, and reflective moments like the ballad “I Don’t Want To Be A Movie Star,” broadens the dynamic range by easing the pace and building tension via passionate vocal harmonies. P-vine is thrilled to be reissuing the album as a limited edition LP with an iconic Japanese obi strip attached.

"Another Italo Disco Pearl, Vega Synthauri! One the most spontaneous and genuine tracks of the first half of 80s. The song, written by composer Daniele Pace (co-author Corrado Conti), is a futuristic and galactic dance floor piece with a heavy rhythmic focus where the main melodic line has a classical music feel to it. A lovely combination! This track by Donna Laser is one of the most significant electronic tracks of the entire Italo-Disco scene even beyond the mid-80s, was arranged by the talented Mark Owen (aka Marco Colucci). His synthesizer skills are a true art! This release was mixed at the renowned Trafalgar Recording Studios of Rome by Gaetano Ria, one of the most accredited technicians of the country in that period. "Grace Kelly's Song" on the flip is a very beautiful quiet nostalgic piece, that could fit perfectly into an Italian dramatic film of the late 70s or early 80s, a cute and delicate track to unwind after the monster killer on side A! Masterpiece created by the young visionary DJ Marco Marati. Stunning release!"

""It's the Monkey !" is one of the most striking and unique reissues of Best Record to date, rises like a flame from the history of the Italo-Disco. Very well arranged and enriched by a creative use of many different sounds. There is nothing else quite like it! Strada was born in a studio where the extraordinary arrangers Ennio Tricomi, Enzo Vallicelli and Romano Trevisani work with Enza Kucic's superb vocal skills, their favorite backing singer of Crusin' Records. "It's the Monkey", considered to be one of the Top Five Italo-Disco tracks of all time, is a electro monster with all kinds of weird sounds and effects, wicked synth stabs, very original use of drum kits and arpeggios! There is nothing else that looks and sounds like this piece apart from "Raging Waters" by Al Jarreau in the 12" Dance Remixed by Judy Weinstein and Larry Levan. But how can one claim that someone copied Levan when Strada's album was releases three months earlier? "Street Dance" on the flip is an underrated electronic track with a deep dance potential, rhythmically slightly slower, with very catchy synth strings. Among the most evocative and important reissues of the year!"

"Worthy re-issue of obscure Trouble in Side, which is a one-off studio project entirely written, sung and arranged by Luigi Della Ragione. "Zulu Rap" represented a surprising alternative to the typical Italo-Disco sound perceived in Naples and around in the early 80s. This little-known production has some interesting arrangements, mostly in the short version, where the drum work out raised below, reminiscent of "Love Hangover" by Diana Ross. Actually at that time the Dance Music Report, in its 'Import' column wrote that the "intro" of the 'Alcoholic Version' was reminiscent of Madonna's "Holiday". while the 'Chinese Version' was inspired by a song from the Tears For Fears. Some of this news may pique the curiosity of DJs and collectors and provide enough motivation for the current reissue which faithfully reproduces the three 1984 versions as well as the original noteworthy cover artwork. If that wasn't enough: the B side of the original record had an extra track not listed, with the hand drums on a slower and unrelated "Zulu Rap" drum beat which is around 120 BPM, while the drums of the bonus track is about 113 BPM. A little more inside info... the beautiful Maria Chiara Perugini (aka Clio) is part of the choir vocals. She was part of the Airport label for the recording of her first solo song "Eyes". A historical re-release"

"ccr - Club Culture Rarities" the new record label exclusively dedicated to re-prints of cult and rare 12” taken form Expanded Music’s labels. The 5th release on "ccr - Club Culture Rarities" Funky IS ON of Funky Family originally released on Third Label in 1984. Another hot mix for most sofisticate Italo Disco Lovers. Funky is On by Funky Family, was never a popular commercial hit, but more an high valued rarity. Produced by Nicola Nicolosi from Nicolosi Family this tune represents a real example of proto-house. Since it first release in 1984, it became a Chicago classic and always an hot mix for most sophisticated Italo Disco Lovers.

We’re proud to announce the re-issue of this obscure Hi-NRG banger by Bobby Orlando! Comes with an additional DJ cut by Vanzetti & Sacco. 'You can watch them making love on video'

A re-issue of this timeless italo ballad produced by Italian percussionist Massimo Pacciani. The song was recorded in 1984 in Marzio Bennelli’s studio in Florence with an Oberheim Ob-x, Yamaha DX7, Marzio on guitar and the great vocals of Riccardo Galardini. They took inspiration from Flashdancers – Maniac (an italo cover of Michael Sembello’s ‘Maniac’) which they recorded the same day in Bennelli’s studio. Remastered from original master tapes.

Tyree Glenn Jr. is no new name in the Tramp family. He is featured on both "Can You Feel It" Modern Soul/Disco comps and not to forget the Tramp 45rpm single release of two LP-only tracks (check his James Brown cover of "Superbad"!).
"Jealous Love" and "Beautiful Woman" were originally released on a superrare german 33rpm single EP from 1984. The first 150 copies come with a picture sleeve, so those who purchase it quickly may be lucky and get one of those!

Limited edition remastered reissue of Funky Family, the italo disco studio project from 1984. This production features Nicola Nicolosi from Nicolosi Family
we can remember him on Amnesie by Turas) and represents a real example of proto-house that became a Chicago classic regularly played by Ron Hardy at Muzic Box and during WBMX radio shows. This edition has the full instrumental cut on the side two instead of the short radio edit available on the original one.

We weren’t too familiar with this 1984 Release on Sleeping Bag Records until reading Tim Lawrence’s Book Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973-1992. What we learned, was the “behind the scenes” drama that went on during the recording of this single. Arthur Russell and DJ Nicky Siano contemplated working together once again after their first collaboration in 1978 lead to a successful 12” single called “Kiss me Again” on Sire under the Moniker Dinosaur where David Byrne even played lead guitar. Their second collaboration “Tiger Stripes” came as the result of Siano convincing the father or a then girlfriend to fund the venture. Arthur wrote the lyrics, and while Siano remembers remembers the Demo tracks being promising, problems began to emerge as Studio time began ticking. Russell became annoyed by Siano’s hyperactive personality in the Studio, while the former Gallery/Studio 54 DJ grew impatient of his collaborator’s constant changes and money spent in studio time. However according Author Tim Lawrence the feud escalated when Arthur wanted to introduce a drum machine after the session drummer could not keep the time. As a result, he ended up scrapping the original tracks which included vocals recorded by Evelyn Thomas. However the nail in the coffin came when Siano assumed the role of lead vocalist at which point Russell quit appalled by how terrible he sounded. Although a perfectionist, Russell also suspected Siano had been using the project as a platform for himself as a vocalist. In any case their project went on with Siano as lead and newly recorded backup vocals by Maxine Bell. Released on Splash Records in 1984, Siano is credited as the artist and sole-producer while Russell only agreed to be credited under the alias Killer Whale. Not too long after, Sleeping Bag released a 7” promotional copy of “Tiger Stripes” featuring only Bell as the sole vocalist, a different B-Side and Felix as the artist name. Although Russell did not credit himself by his real name, he credited the Killer Whale alias for all the writing and production on the single. There is a 12” on Sleeping bag which credits Siano for production on Tiger Stripes” but it’s clear from the release of the 7” that Russell wanted to make a statement. Beyond this peculiar story however, the music itself is worth the note. In a 2014 piece for The Vinyl Factory, Peter Zummo, one of Arthur Russell’s closest collaborators best describes this release: Side A: ‘Tiger Stripes’, is a crazy editing job with lots of disparate elements. The opening beats give little sense of what key it will be in. Side B: ‘You Can’t Hold Me Down’, is drum machine and conga, rhythm guitar, keyboard, female refrain and lead vocal, and male chant on “bad little kitten – pounce on you.” There’s no real bass. I like it not only for the way it sounds but also that it shows that you don’t have to follow the rules.

1983, in the history of synths, is a key year. During the January edition of NAMM (the most important music fair in the US), indeed, MIDI - the standard protocol for electronic instruments interaction - was introduced to the world. Until then, programming and making synths work together was something practiced by a restricted elite of “wizards", explorers armed with cables and analog patches, who could create new sonic worlds - but totally temporary, not replicable. Real superheroes of sonic synthesis, scientists of filters who, nowadays, are highly considered by musicians all over the world, after decades of forced exile. In Italy, the seeds of this tradition were planted in RAI’s Laboratory of Phonology (in Milan), in the middle of the 1950’s; later, pioneers like Piero Umiliani, Federico Monti Arduini (aka Il Guardiano Del Faro), Marcello Giombini, Giampiero Boneschi and Fabio Borgazzi (Fabio Fabor) introduced electronic music in pop. Fabor (together with Antonio Arena) is the protagonist of “Superman", an album of library music released by the World label (owned by Minstrel group) in 1984. Borgazzi, born in 1920, lived through the whole saga of Italian easy listening music (from big orchestras to the digital revolution), always keeping up with the latest styles and trends.

Limited edition remastered reissue of a killer italian boogie classic! And one of the most sought after release from the now defunct "Eyes Records". It contains the additional Dub version found during tape transfer.

/ number one (instrumental)

/ tonight