Sunday Stache TONIGHT!

Sunday Stache
w/ Pat Les Stache
+ special guest DJ Verse
Every Sunday Night @ Moe Bar
1425 10th Ave Seattle, WA
8pm-12ish FREE!

Hope to see you out this Sunday!

Runnin' Wild in the Night

Here is my all-time favorite Gino Soccio track in "(It's Been) Too Long" from his amazing 1981 Closer album. I know this might be a bit of a shocking choice, especially for a huge Soccio fan like myself (I would rank him in my top 5 artists of all-time), however there is just something about the laid-back "soft-rock" groovin' gem that I can't seem to ever get enough of. I was listing to this track, as well as the entire record, late last night and I realized that most people don't realize that this is my favorite Soccio cut. Don't get me wrong, I love all the others almost just as much, however "(It's Been) Too Long" just slightly tops my list. Enjoy!

Gino Soccio - (It's Been) Too Long

Let's Not Wait, Let's Go All The Way

Here is a soulful disco classic from 1977 entitled "Let's Go All The Way Down" by Brenda & The Tabulations. For no specific reason outside of the fact that this is a great song, this track has been in regular rotation on my ipod and tunrtable throughout the week. For some reason, it's just striking a chord with the mood I find myself in as of late. This is the extended twelve-inch version of the track, which originally was included on the group's solid I Keep Coming Back For More album. A great song for those that enjoy the more funky soulful side of disco. Enjoy!

Brenda & The Tabulations - Let's Go All The Way Down

Spacial French Disco

Over the past few weeks there has been some great releases based around Marc Chantereau, Pierre-Alain Dahan, and Slim Pezin's disco projects Arpadys, Disco & Co, and Spacial & Co. The Tubetracks label has released two volumes of great music from all three groups entitled Spacial French Disco 1975-79, as well as a re-issue twelve of Disco & Co.'s disco classic "Cold Coke" which featured a nice re-edit from Daniele Baldelli and Marco Dionigi. The great guys over at DJhostory.com just released a compilation entitled Le Disco: Tele Music Remixed that features a collection of re-edited Arpadys, Disco & Co, and Spacial & Co material by some of today's best disco producers including Prins Thomas, Ray Mang, Faze Action, Leo Zero, The Idjut Boys, and many many more. Here is one of my favorite original cuts, entitled "Black Cars", from the Spacial French Disco 1975-79 vol.01 record. I highly recommend picking up each and all of these newly released records, as I don't expect them to sit around long on the shelves. Enjoy!

Disco & Co. - Black Cars

One Way Trip to Disco Heaven, Hallelujah!

Here is a guest mix, entitled One Way Trip to Disco Heaven, Hallelujah!, from one of AmericanAthlete Blog's most loyal readers Professor Eddy. Much like H.M.A.'s guest mix I posted a week ago, Professor Eddy nicely blends together old and "nu" school disco cuts with a touch of some lesser known funky gems from the last ten years. Enjoy the mix!

One Way Trip to Disco Heaven, Hallelujah!



Tracklist
-------------------
Giorgio Moroder – From Here To Eternity [intro] (1977)
L.E.B. Harmony – Feeling Love [Joey Negro Edit] (1979)
Soul Providers – Rise (2001)
Grey & Hanks – Dancin’ (1978)
Stone – Girl I Like The Way You Move (1982)
The Trammps – Disco Party (1976)
Carol Douglas – Party Nights (1983)
Trademark – Days Of Pearly Spencer (1978)
Soulsearcher – Can’t Get Enough (1999)
Lady Gaga – Disco Heaven (2008)
Roger Troutman – Maxx Axe (1981)
Four Seasons – Who Loves You [Pilooski Re-edit] (1975)
Betty Lavette – Doin’ The Best That I Can (1978)
Dr Kutcho & Gregor Salto – Can’t Stop Playing (2005)
Banda Sonora – Guitarra G (2001)
Gusto – Disco Revenge (1996)
PPK – Resurrection (2001)
Montefiori Cocktail - On A Clear Day [Gábor Deutsch Remix] (2002)
John Foxx – Sunset Rising (1995)
Happy Mondays – Hallelujah [Eddy’s Club Edit] (1990)

Touch Me, Take Me

Back from a nice and long warm Memorial Day weekend and trying to just get back into the "work week" swing of things. Here is a standout track, entitled "Touch Me, Take Me", from Black Light Orchestra's funky 1977disco album Once Upon A Time.... Black Light Orchestra, aka B.L.O., was a project developed by Dominic Sciscente and Michel Daigle, a disco tag-team that produced many great records like Space Projects' "Disco From Another Galaxy", Alma Faye's "Doin' It", and Voggue's 1981 breakthrough single "Dancin' The Night Away" among many others. B.L.O. was more of a "studio" disco project, made-up of established studio musicians playing songs written mostly by Sciscente and Daigle. I recently found a copy of Once Upon A Time..., and "Touch Me, Take Me" was the track that gravitated to me the most with it's funky disco groove and minimal, however effective, vocal chorus. Definitely a nice find for those that really tend to enjoy the more instrumental side of disco.

Black Light Orchestra - Touch Me, Take Me

Number One Woman

It's Friday and it's the start to an extended four day weekend, so I'm going to keep this post short and sweet with one of my favorite tracks, "Number One Woman" by Martin "Disco" Circus. This funky disco classic was the opening track to the group's solid 1979 album Shine Baby Shine. I definitely recommend hunting down a copy, the album is pretty enjoyable from start to finish. Enjoy the weekend!

Martin Circus - Number One Woman

Dancing with a Ghost Lover

Addrisi Brothers' 1979 disco classic "Ghost Dancer" might be one of the strangest themed songs I've ever heard. Basically this song is about a man who supposedly comes to the disco everynight and dances as if he had his passed-away lover in his arms. The song's vocals also suggest that you can see the ghost of the woman through the cigarette and strobe light haze. You got to love the creative effort here. The two brothers, Dick and Don, didn't settle for the usual song topics on this one. The song might be about a fictional story, however it's safe to say that if their were any ghosts on the dancefloor they would have been gettin' down to this funky disco gem. The track has an overall Bee Gees feel to it that can easily shake the dancefloor. Quality track with a very strange, however entertaining and creative theme. Very nice!

Addrisi Brothers - Ghost Dancer



NOTE: The above image isn't the Ghost Dancer LP, as I couldn't find one online. However this is one of my favorite images of the group, as "over-the-top" as it is, from their 1977 self-titled LP.

Lipstique at the Disco

Here is a great disco cover by Lipstique, combining both Shocking Blue's early 70's psychedelic hit "Venus" and The Doors' popular rock classic "Light My Fire". This cover, appropriately titled "Venus/ Light My Fire", was included on the group's 1978 album At The Discotheque which was mixed by Tom Moulton and released on the producer's label Tom N' Jerry Records. As I've noted before, everything that seemed to have come out on Tom N' Jerry was good, and the same lies true for Lipstique's At The Discotheque album. I find that the title track "At The Discotheque" tends to recieve more praise, however I tend to enjoy the "Venus/ Light My Fire" cover a bit more. That being said, both tracks are great. Overall, another solid and well produced disco release from Tom Moulton's legendary label Tom N' Jerry.

Lipstique - Venus/ Light My Fire

Stratus Lovin'

One of the best "nu disco" (or whatever it's called these days) groups, in my opinion, Faze Action, just released a new CD/digital-only album entitled Stratus Energy. This well produced album is a collection of the many amazing twelve-inch releases the group has released over the past 3 years including standout tracks like "Disco Warrior", "Hypnotic", and "Keep It Coming", combined along side some newer album-only cuts which include "I Wanna Dancer", "Starship" and "Danaes' Journey" among others. The only real criticsm that I have concerning this album is that it includes a lot more vocal focused tracks then what I generally am used to hearing from this group. I'm not saying the vocals are bad, I'm just saying I tend to enjoy their instrumental tracks like "Keep It Coming" and "Stratus Energy" a bit more than, say "Hypnotic". Overall, Robin and Simon Lee bless us again with another quality release and one the year's best albums.

Here is an instrumental B-side mix of the one of the album's many excellent singles,"Good Lovin'". ENJOY!

Faze Action - Good Lovin'(Instrumental mix)

You Caught Me Love Dancin'

While I was thumbing through some of my records this weekend, I came across a bootlegged twelve-inch of Loose Joints' originally unreleased full-length version of "Is It All Over My Face". I realized that I had forgotten that I even owned this record. I immediately played the 1980 classic and was obviously blown away, almost recapturing the same great feeling I had when I first heard the female version of the track years ago. Now this wasn't my first time listening to this record or track, it just obviously had been a while and I definitely needed a refresher on how great of song this eleven-plus minute male vocal lead version is.

From the stories I've been told, this extended version of the track was the original version that Arthur Russell and Steve D'Aquisto, under the name Loose Joints, wrote and recorded before Mel Cheren of West End Records suggested replacing the lead vocals with a female singer. This version, which focuses more on free form instrumentation of horn arrangements and funky percussion, might not have the same dancefloor or club appeal that the A-side female version has, however it does have a unique groove that stands all by itself, providing a more sophisticated musical take on one of dance music's greatest songs.

Loose Joints - Is It All Over My Face (Unreleased original full length version)

Purple Flash

Here is an instrumental version of "Them Changes" from disco and italo producer Pierre Perpall. This song was released as the B-side track to the 1981 Them Changes twelve-inch single. This is just one of the many great disco gems produced by this legendary artist. Perpall under the alias Purple Flash produced the italo classics "We Can Make It" and "Crême Souflée". In 1981, Perpall collaborated with italo producer Michel Bibeau to release the amazing italo classic "World Invaders" under the name Pluton & Humanoids. Some of these releases can be found on Morgan Geists' Unclassics compilation. Perpall is considered by many as one of the premiere pioneers of the early eighties italo disco scene, releasing some of the genre's best and most obscure material.

Pierre Perpall - Them Changes (Instrumental Version)

Sunday Stache Starts This Sunday!

I'm excited to announce a new weekly night at the Moe Bar called Sunday Stache. As the weather starts to warm-up here in Seattle and your looking for something to do on your lazy Sunday evenings, stop by the Moe Bar and have a few drinks as I spin summertime disco rarities along side many 'feel-good' classics to help wind your weekend down. I will be playing everything from 'cocktail' and cosmic disco gems to 70's soft-rock favorites. Of course I will be playing many of the more laid-back and funky cuts that are featured on this blog. Therefore, if your into the music you find on here, I highly recommend you spending Sunday evening this summer at the Moe Bar!

Sunday Stache
w/ Pat Les Stache
Every Sunday Night starting May 17th
@ Moe Bar
1425 10th Ave Seattle, WA
8pm-12ish FREE!

Next Disco: Club Nouveau 2

Here is a great new mix that I thought readers of this blog might enjoy from my good friend and former Studio! resident deejay, H.M.A. (aka Cybertramp). Like he states, this mix tends to Take us somewhat backwards and forwards through time, highlighting some of the newer "Nouveau" disco cuts and older rarities. I know he would love to hear some feedback. Enjoy!

H.M.A. (Cybertramp) - Next Disco: Club Nouveau 2

Tracklist
-------------------
1. No Way Back - Black Cock (Black Cock)
2. Stahl Rig - Petite Storm - In Flagranti (RVNG)
3. X-Factor - Patrick Cowley
4. Kuk Av Stål - Blackbelt Anderson
5. The Garden (Greg Wilson Version) - Yolanta Sy
6. Driving On Broadway - Supersonic Lovers
7. How Long - Lipps Inc.
8. My Way Or The Highway - The Beat Brokers
9. Mercurian (Main Mix) - Blackjoy
10. Are You Vegetarian? - Joakim
11. D.I.S.C.O. - Ottowan
12. Oh Missy (Extended) - Woolfy
13. Stairway To Heaven - The Wonder Band
14. My Baby's Baby - Liquid Gold
15. Black Jack - Baciotti
16. Just Take My Body - Rudy
17. Magic Bird Of Fire - Salsoul Orchestra

Everyday and Everynight

Here is a re-edit I did of Tangerue's 1979 disco cut "Everynight, Everyday" from the group's self-titled album. The original was written, produced, and arranged by Eddy Strauman who also helped arrange Nightlife Unlimited's first album, which is definitely a record I very much enjoy. With Tangerue's "Everynight, Everyday", I've always enjoyed the overall groove of the song, however I could never quite get into the vocals. I thought I would do an instrumental edit that highlights the songs overall groove. Let me know what you think.

Tangerue - Everynight, Everyday (Pat Les Stache Edit)

This Ain't Disco, But Sure Is Funky

I wouldn't really describe this Hugh Masekela track "Jungle Jim" as disco, however I would definitely suggest that the African-flavoured jazz cut is funky and has been a personal favorite of mine for quite sometime. That being said, I would also have to say that Masekela's 1974 album I Am Not Afraid, which the track is included on, is one of my favorite albums of all-time. The entire record nicely blends together funky Afro-beat and traditional African soul with the premiere horn playing of Masekela, resulting in a sound that was well ahead of it's time. This is definitely one of those crossover records that I see disco, funk, dub/reggae, and jazz lovers all enjoying. A great track and an even more brilliant record that definitely lends itself to the upcoming warmer months ahead. Enjoy!

Hugh Masekela - Jungle Jim

Disco Tropicalia

Today I've really been enjoying the Brazilian-flavoured disco gem "Chove Chuva / Mas Que Nada" from Samba Soul. This funky classic was released on the group's 1977 self-titled album and was originally written in the mid 1960's by Brazil's Tropicalia legend Jorge Ben. The song features all kinds of great sample and breaks material, possibly making it a great candidate for a future Cabana Disco re-edit. That being said the original song definitely stands on it's own two feet making it one of the better tracks produced by this late 70's Brazilian disco group.

Samba Soul - Chove Chuva / Mas Que Nada

Paying Tribute to the late Viola Wills

Last week I was unfortunately informed by a regular reader of this blog that on Wednesday May 6 soul/disco diva Viola Wills had passed away due to leukemia. I thought I would pay tribute by dedicating today’s post to the amazing and accomplished singer. Wills released a number of great songs during her career including "Gonna Get Along Without You Now", "Never Knew Love Like This Before", "Stormy Weather", "Up On The Roof" and many many others. With that being said, my favorite Viola Wills song was definitely her popular 1979 disco classic "If You Could Read My Mind". Even though I have heard this song a thousand times, I still find it harder to find a song in my record collection that can consistently put me in a good mood. It’s one of those mid-tempo classics that I always enjoy hearing at the end of a long night of dancing. It's safe to say that Viola Wills was an extraordinary artist and singer whose music will forever be remembered.

Viola Wills - If You Could Read My Mind

Super Disco D'or

There are some disco compilations definitely worth owning. One of those compilations is Disques Ibach's late 70's release of Super Disco D'or Vol.01. This record contains many hard-to-find disco gems like Rod Mckuen's "Amor Amor", "Space Woman" from Herman's Rocket, Claudia Cardinale's "Love Affair", Top Stars' "My Yiddishe Mamme", and many many others. Now if your lucky, you might be able to hunt some of these tracks down in twelve-inch single form, however they might collectively help break the bank. With this unmixed compilation from Disques Ibach, who I am a huge fan of, you get alot of bang for your buck, however it should be noted that Super Disco D'or Vol.01 isn't going to be the easiest record to find nor the cheapest. With that being said, I would say that I have been able to find a few copies floating out there on the internet, which is more than I can say for many of the individual twelve-inches that this record is made up of. Long story short....this record is definitely worth it, as are most in this amazing series!

Top Stars - My Yiddishe Mamme

Do you speak French? Parlez-vous Français?

First off, I unfortunately don't, however, here is a clever-themed late 70's disco track, entitled "Do You Speak French", from the French disco group Nite School. This song which was written and produced by Jean Kluger has a distinctive French disco sound that many other AVI Records releases, most notably the Rinder and Lewis produced disco group El Coco, possess. Overall, a solid twelve-inch to hunt down and add to your record collection, especially if your a French disco enthusiast like myself. Enjoy!

Nite School - Do You Speak French?



NOTE: Instead of posting the less interesting twelve-inch sleeve, I thought I would get artistic and make a minimal collage from some 70's French Magazine scraps. I hope you like it!

Another Disco Voyage

Today I find myself, for the first time in awhile, listening and very much enjoying Voyage's 1977 self-titled album. This outstanding release is very solid from start to finish, with the album including classic cuts like ""From East to West", "Point Zero", "Latin Odyssey", and "Lady America" among others. This record was just one of the many incredible contributions that members of this disco group produced during their accomplished careers. Not only did this group produce a number of solid disco classics, members Marc Chantereau, Pierre-Alain Dahan, and Slim Pezin were also the brilliant minds behind the rare Disco & Co releases and the French cosmic disco group Arpadys. If there were a “Disco Hall of Fame”, you could be sure that these individuals would be some of the first to be inducted. With that being said, here is one of my personal favorite Voyage tracks in "Lady America". Enjoy!

Voyage - Lady America

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

With it being Cinco De Mayo, I thought I would upload a couple of latin disco tracks from one of my personal favorite and most influential latin artists Joe Bataan. The first being Bataan's 1973 instrumental classic "Latin Strut". This funky track was originally featured on his break-through Salsoul LP. The second featured track, "Mestizo", originates from one of his later Salsoul Records releases Rap-O Clap-O in 1980. This later-day Bataan "feel-good" disco classic has a lot more focus on the song's overall vocals, however with that being said, the song still consists of that signature "Bataan-Salsoul" sound that makes most his music so great in my opinion. Enjoy and have a happy Cinco De Mayo!

Joe Bataan - Latin Strut
Joe Bataan - Mestizo



After I posted this, I decided to include another one of my other favorite cuts from this amazing artist, this time "The Bottle (La Botella)". You can't ever get enough of MR. Bataan in my opinion. Enjoy!

Joe Bataan - The Bottle

Dance All Night

Here's a couple of late 70's disco gems, which include the high-energy "Dance All Night" and the more soulful "Feeling of Love", from MTL Express. Both tracks are included on the group's 1979 self-titled release which was produced by two disco seasoned veterans in George Cucuzzella and Joe La Greca. I really enjoy both tracks, however I admit it took me a few listens to become okay with the lead vocalist. With that being said, both tracks are backed by some solid and funky instrumentation that can easily get any dancefloor movin'. Enjoy!

MTL Express - Dance All Night
MTL Express - Feeling of Love

Doin' it at the Bus Stop

Some days I really have no specific reason as to why I post one great track over another. Generally, I just post whatever random song I found myself really enjoying for the day. With that being said, today I found myself really having a craving for East Harlem Bus Stop's 1976 rare disco-funk classic "Let's Get It On". This was one of those classics I pretty much enjoyed from the very first time I heard it a couple of years back. Unfortunately I've actually never been able to hunt down a copy of the amazing album, entitled Get On Down!, that it's included on. The reason for never owning the album mostly lies with the fact that the record is extremely rare and can very expensive, which can be mostly true for all D & M Sound releases. The track, "Let's Get It On", has an overall early soulful disco feel to it, blending together a funky mid-tempo groove with some nice horn instrumentation and string arrangements. Overall, a very solid disco-funk rarity that for today, especially, had me feelin’ good in all the right ways!

East Harlem Bus Stop - Let's Get it on