Stretch It Out: One-Two

After posting Babe Ruth's 1975 track "Elusive" last week, Stretch's funky classic "Why Did You Do It? became the topic of conversation. Therefore I though I would post the track, especially since it's been a personal favorite of mine for quite sometime. This song originally appeared on a seven-inch released by the group in 1975 only to be later remixed and ultimately extended by producer Fredrik Ramel in 1984. This extended version, which was also released by numerous labels in 1984, is the version that has gained the most traction and remains the version that deejays often play out. Since the 1984 release the song has been remixed, re-edited and re-released on a number of different occasions, including most recently being included on the excellent Balearica 2: The Original Sound Of The White Island compilation as well as getting some disco treatment on Secret Bob's first Lobster Disques twelve-inch. With a song being this good, it makes sense everyone is jumping in and trying to get a piece of the pie...I don't blame them. That being said, it's an amazing song that truly captures the whole gritty rock meets disco thing perfectly. Enjoy!

Stretch - Why Did You Do it?

Obeah, Obeah, O

Lately I have been really into the 'unclassifiably funky' music of Exuma. I've enjoyed his 1970 classic "Exuma, The Obeah Man" for many years, however up until just recently I hadn't really explored many of his other songs. One of the songs that have recently grabbed my attention comes from his 1972 album Snake. The records opening track "Obeah, Obeah, O" has been a constant favorite of mine since picking up a used copy of the record. The song is very funky, however very unique sounding. The song reminds me of what would be playing at a campfire disco party located deep in the middle of the woods. Exuma has produced some of the most unique and original sounding music I've heard in some time. Even though, some of his songs are definitely a bit beyond me, I do find that the more I listen to it, the more I really love it. I would love to see a deejay drop this track in the middle of a long disco set and see people freak out to it. It would be quite beautiful in my opinion. With that being said, definitely more Exuma music to come in the future on this site. Enjoy your weekend.

Exuma - Obeah, Obeah, O

Babe Ruth Loved Disco

Here is an interesting 'prog-disco' track entitled "Elusive" from Babe Ruth. The track has kind of grown on me even though I admit the jury is still out on this one. With that being said, I think it's prime material for a future disco edit. The song was originally released in 1975 on the British rock band's Stealin' Home album. I must admit that I've always been somewhat intrigued about this group, especially with a name like 'Babe Ruth' (I'm a huge Baseball fan) and so far this has been the song that has garnished up most of my attention. I suppose with a track like this that attempts to take some chances and blur the lines between different genres, it's up to each person to decide whether the song really works for them. You decide.

Babe Ruth - Elusive

Put Your Pants On

On a completely different note, is anybody else bummed about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy? Outside of being a huge disco and music lover, I also find myself to be a pretty big political junkie. Therefore a day like to today definitely brings a tear or two to my eyes. We definitely lost a great leader today, a unique and influential individual who will truly be missed.

On with the music...
Today I have to keep it short as another late night of working at the opera awaits me. Therefore, here is a classic cut that needs no explanation in Jackson Jones' funky 1980 track "Put Your Pants On". The track was released on a dual twelve-inch single that also featured Little Carlos' funky reggae cut "Shake Your Body Down". A reissue of the single has been noticeably popping-up in many record stores. I highly recommend snatching up the funky classic while the record continues to be much easier to obtain.

Jackson Jones - Put Your Pants On

Cosmic Fantasy

One of the greatest records, in my opinion, is Johnny Hammond's funky 1975 jazz album Gears. This album nicely blends together jazz, funk, soul, and disco together to produce a masterpiece that many music lovers can enjoy. I was excited about finding a used original copy of the record about a year ago, and it remains to be one my personal all-time favorites that currently resides in my collection. This is exactly the reason why I was just as excited to see one of my favorite "newer" disco groups, being Faze Action, recently remix one of the standout tracks, "Fantasy", from this record. For me, the combination of the two coudn't be any better. The good people over at Juno released this remix just about a year ago. With this remix, Faze Action does a nice job combining there signature "disco-house" groove to the original funky jazz-fusion classic. The Lee brothers that make up Faze Action seem to always produce amazing music and edits, and the same goes for here as there remix of "Fantasy" continues to be a personal favorite. Overall, it's an amazing and refreshing new take on an all-time classic.

Johnny Hammond - Fantasy (Faze Action Disco Edit)
(Available for a limited time ONLY!)

Disco Sass from Miss Romana

Let's start the week off with an all-time disco classic in Ramona Brooks' "I Don't Want You Back". This funky gem was released as a twelve-inch single back in 1980. I've seen a recent repressing of this twelve-inch, which I highly recommend picking-up. The song was also included on Joey Negro's superb compilation Disco Spectrum. Regardless, it makes for a solid addition to any disco lover's collection. Enjoy!

Ramona Brooks - I Don't Want You Back

Cabana Disco 03 UPDATES!

A few quick updates regarding the upcoming release of Cabana Disco vol.03. The tentative release date is set for September 9th, so you should start to see the twelve pop-up in stores around that time. There's a limited pressing of 300 copies with no intention to do a re-press, therefore I highly recommend snatching a copy up while supplies last. You can pre-order a copy right now on the Piccadilly Records website and sign-up for an email reminder for the record arrives through Juno Records. I will continue to keep everyone posted as we get closer to the release date.

Disco Party in The Woods: Re-Clap

I wanted to send a special thanks to Chris and Jordan for inviting me out to play this past Saturday night's Love Dancing disco party inside The Woods. I have to say that it turned out to be one of the best parties I've ever played or witnessed. It's great to see that "loft-style" disco parties can still exist and that people can enjoy and support an entire night of rare disco music. The point was proven that just because the music is unfamiliar to you, doesn't mean it isn't good and it isn't dancefloor worthy...Enough said. I highly recommend everyone who is even remotely close in location to the city of Vancouver, checking out each and every party that both Chris and Jordan put on. They both put on amazing sets of there own and had the crowd dancin' all night long. Hopefully everyone who came out had a great time and was able to catch me play. I definitely look forward to coming back to Vancouver and playing sometime in the next year. Until then, keep checking back to this site for great music and updates on all future Pat Les Stache deejay events.

Thanks again everyone for such a great night!

Blood Brothers & Sisters Clap Your Hands!

First off, I hope to see all the Vancouver readers of this blog on Saturday night at The Woods for the Love Dancing disco party. As I've mentioned before, I'm guest deejaying along side residents Warm it Up Chris and Jordan Grey. The party starts around 11pm, and I'll be jumping on the decks around 1am-ish. We are expecting a good crowd and it will be my only trip up North for a while.

With that being said... ...here is another great cut, entitled "Wela Wela", from the Afro-disco flavored group Black Blood. This track is off of there 1977 album, which I was lucky enough to find a couple of years ago, Blood Brother Blood Sister. Take notice, if you ever come across any Black Blood records, I highly recommend snatching them up. I've only seen two in my entire dedicated-to-crate-digging life. Anyways, enjoy the weekend and I hope to see everyone tomorrow night!

Black Blood - Wela Wela

Your Cosmic Love

Everyone seemed to really enjoy the last Jo Bisso track I posted, so I thought I would share another. Here is the 1977 disco gem "Your Love" from his album "Love Somebody". This funky laid back cut has a bit of a cosmic-psychedelic feel to it. I find that the more you listen to it the more it really starts to grow on you. Overall, another great production from an artist that definitely released some amazing disco songs during the late 1970's.

Jo Bisso - Your Love

Watch Out South Africa, Here We Come

When anybody talks about seventies cosmic disco, it's hard to not bring up the Kurt Hauenstein founded band Supermax. I've been lucky enough to hunt down many of the group's records over the past couple years including their amazing 1977 album Don't Stop The Music This cosmic masterpiece includes many amazing songs including "Dance, Dance, Dance", "Don't Stop The Music", and "Supermax" the song, however the song that has grown on me the most over the past few years is the album cut "Watch Out South Africa, Here We Come". I feel like this track is one of the more looked-over gems released by the group. The song has the typical 'Supermax' cosmic feel, however for some reason I find myself listening to this track a bit more than the others. That being said, I'm sure we all have our personal favorites when it comes to this group, especially since they have so many great tracks. Regardless, here is just one of the many. Enjoy!

Supermax - Watch Out South Africa, Here We Come

Spirit of Sunshine

A West End twelve-inch that doesn't get enough play or credit in my opinion is Chuck Davis Orchestra's 1977 funky disco cut "Spirit of Sunshine". I rarely hear this song being played out or included in any online mixes which is quite surprising to me, especially because it does have a nice and funky groove that would seem to blend nicely into many disco mixes. I could also see this track being prime material for a great re-edit. The track was mixed by disco mastermind Tom Moulton and was written by a producer named C. Carl Wing. Overall, it's a solid track that definitely deserves it's due. ENJOY!

The Chuck Davis Orchestra - Spirit of Sunshine

Love Dancing - This Saturday!

This Saturday, August 22nd, I've excited to be making my Canadian deejaying debut. I will be spining alongside deejays Warm It Up Chris and Jordan Grey inside a venue called The Woods(2nd & Ontario) in Vancouver. The event is called Love Dancing and it goes from 11pm 'til very late. I've been told I will probably jump on around 1am. I will be spinning rare 70's disco, some italo, a few Afro gems and just about everything you see on this blog. So please come hang out, dance and party with us as I get my first taste for what a Canadian disco party feels like.

For more info, Click here on the Facebook event that has been created for this party.

See you this Saturday!

Funky Makossa

Here's an interesting question, How many different artists have covered "Soul Makossa"? The quick answer is "many", which obviously includes the classic version done by Manu Dibango. That being said, the version I have been most into as of late, even though Dibango's rendition is one of my all-time favorites, is the version done by African percussionist Babatunde Olatunji. The artist also known as just Olatunji is probably known better for his very influential and break-through 1959 album Drums Of Passion , as well as his work with the group Oneness of Juju. However in 1973, Olatunji released another amazing and now very rare album, entitled Soul Makossa. Even though I'm a huge fan of the Drums Of Passion album, I believe the Soul Makossa record is Olatunji at his best. The album includes many great cuts that have a huge emphasis on funky African rhythms and intense percussion drivin' grooves. Some of the standout tracks include "Takuta", "O-Wa", and of course "Soul Makossa". Overall, this album is perfect for anybody like me, who loves funky African music. That being said, this album is pretty rare and it probably is going to cost you a bit if you're lucky enough to even hunt down a used copy. Regardless, another timeless album from one of the most influential African musicians of all-time. Enjoy!

Olatunji - Soul Makossa



Olatunji - Takuta

Long Train Running

I originally posted this excellent 1982 version of The Doobie Brothers 1973 classic "Long Train Running" by Traks on other blogs, however never given song the proper recoginition of this site. I've heard a few different versions of the song including obviously The Doobie Brothers' popular rendition as well as another really good take on the song by Panama, however when all is said and done, I probably favor the Traks version the best.This version takes the funky gritty classic, and gives it a bit of a cosmic vibe by adding a slight spacey feel, especially when it comes to the songs lead vocals. The song also includes some nice afro-latin flavored percussion work that helps enhance the overall funky groove nature to the song. This song was released as a twelve-inch single and is also included on the group's 1982 album, which is also titled Long Train Running. If I had to choose between the two, I would hunt down the album over the twelve, mainly because there are some other great gems on the album including "Drums Power" part 1 & 2 and "Short Train Running", which is a shorter and more instrumental version of the lead single. Regardless, it's an amazing song and a great album that definitely is worth owning. Enjoy the weekend!

Traks - Long Train Running



Traks - Short Train Running

Disco on the Expressway

A 'twelve' that I've been enjoying lately is Eastbound Expressway's 1979 disco classic "Never Let Go". This track, which was released off of AVI Records and included on the group's self-titled album, is pretty funky all the way through and includes one of the better instrumental breaks that I've heard in some time. The song features minimal, however catching vocals that help compliment the songs overall uptempo "strut-worthy" groove. Overall, a great track and a twelve-inch I highly recommend hunting down.

Eastbound Expressway - Never Let Go

Cabana Disco Vol 03 Arrives!

I was excited to come home last night after a long day of work to see a bunch of boxes blocking my door way. Whenever this happens, it generally only means one thing for me, a new record pressing shipment has arrived. On this specific occasion, the record is Cabana Disco Vol.03. As I've mentioned many times before on this blog, this twelve-inch single features three new re-edits and has an overall African disco vibe. The edited tracks include "Tropique Lalabye" which is a re-edit of D-R-U-M's "Lalabye", "Chant N Boogie" which is a re-edit of John Ozila's "Funky Boogie", and "Kabbooga Loo" which is a re-edit of Kabbala's "Ashewo Ara". Overall, I think this is my personal favorite of the three disco re-edit records that I've put out. The record is scheduled to arrive in stores the first week of September. I hope all the people that frequently read this blog will check out and hopefully buy the new record! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the actual release.

John Ozila - Funky Boogie (Pat Les Stache Edit)

Magic City Disco

Sometimes I find that the instrumental B-side of a disco twelve outshines the A-side. In my opinion, Magic City's 1979 twelve-inch single of "Let's Rock" is one of those times. I don't dislike the A-side, I just find myself drawn to the extend groove of the B-side which clock in just over nine minutes. This track was produced by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch who also produced a number of other great disco records by artists like George McCrae, Gwen McCrae, Jimmy Bo Horne, KC & The Sunshine Band, and others. The instrumental version of "Let's Rock" has funky dancefloor friendly feel with a background sound of a live party throughout (which I generally always enjoy). Regardless, I hope you enjoy it!

Magic City feat. Fire - Let's Rock (Instrumental)

Everybody Get Down

This has to be one of the latest posts I've done in a while. All I can say is that it was just one of those days. Therefore, I'm going to keep this short with a song that seems to always find it's way in my deejay sets in Mouzon's Electric Band's 1979 disco gem "Everybody Get Down". This song was released as a twelve-inch single and included on the group's Baby Come Back album. It's basically Alphonse Mouzon in full on disco mode. Enjoy!

Mouzon's Electric Band - Everybody Get Down

You Got Jungle Fever

It's been a hectic week to say the least. As some of you might know, on top of everything I do musically (blogs, edits, dj, production), I am also the web producer/ designer for the Seattle Opera. We are getting ready to open Richard Wagner's Ring cycle on Sunday, and my most busy work days are those leading up to an opera. Some weeks really challenge me as far as juggling my work load with these blog posts and this was one of those weeks. Therefore I really appreciate every one's enthusiasm. That being said I'm really looking forward to stepping away from the opera scene and spinning some disco gems later on this evening at the Capitol Club. You also will be able to catch me at the Lo-fi Gallery tomorrow night, spinning the early set.

I'm pretty exhausted so I think I will end the week with a bit of funky leftfield gem entitled "Jungle Fever" by Chakachas. This is the self-titled cut from the group's 1972 album. This laid back track nicely blends together disco, funk, and Latin grooves with an overall erotic mood. Supposedly, Jungle Fever is one the most sample records on the planet. After one listen, I can definitely understand the reasons for that. Overall, it's very funky and unique record that I was happy to have found a few weeks back. Enjoy the weekend!

Chakachas - Jungle Fever

Taster's Choice TONIGHT!

This Friday, August 7th, join me (Pat Les Stache) and DJ Edis once again for another rendition of 'Taster's Choice: Stache Version'. We will be spinning rare Disco gems, 70's Latin hustle, and funky Afro grooves all night long. This event only happens once a month, and it's a guarantee you won't hear these classic gems anywhere else in town. So don't miss out on this exciting WEEKEND night of disco delights, drinking, and of course dancin'!

Taster's Choice: Stache Version
Friday, August 7th
w/ Pat Les Stache
+ Special Guest DJ Edis
Capitol Club
414 E. Pine St Seattle, WA
10pm - 2am No Cover!

Gimmie Some of that Sexy Cream

Here is another amazing cut, entitled "Sexy Cream" from Slick's 1979 self-titled album. This album, which was produced Butch Ingram, also includes another uptempo disco classic in the funky gem "Space Bass". The song featured here, "Sexy Cream", is a track that is perfectly primed for that peaking dancefloor moment, pretty much staying with the more hi-energy groove throughout the entire length of the song. Overall, Slick's "Sexy Cream" is simply a true disco classic that every disco lover should hunt down. Enjoy!

Slick - Sexy Cream

Nassau's Disco

Here is a funky Caribbean disco cut entitled "Nassau's Disco" by Muchos Plus that I've just been loving as of late. This rare 1979 track is an interpretation of The Beginning Of The End's 1971 funky classic "Funky Nassau". That being said, "Nassau's Disco" is not a direct note-for-note rendition of The Beginning Of The End's original. The song includes many new and original moments including the song's chorus and some of the music arrangements. The song was more recently included on the excellent Disc 'O' Lypso compilation. Regardless, it's an amazing track and a great find for anybody lucky enough to find a copy. Enjoy!

Muchos Plus - Nassau's Disco

Panama!

Another record I recently picked up while visiting Vancouver a few months back was Panama's 1978 twelve-inch single "Nights In White Satin". This original Moody Blues track has obviously been covered by many including Giorgio Moroder and Linda Law, however recently I've been enjoying Panama's version the most. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I really like the group's gritty lead vocals, which has a bit of a Carribean feel to it. This track was also featured on the group's 1978 album Fire! which I also highly recommend. That being said, Panama also released a follow-up album to Fire! entitled Panama II, which has a great rare cover of "Long Train Runnin' worth checking out. Overall, let's just say it made for another nice find from my last trip to Canada.

Panama - Nights in White Satin

Could Heaven Ever Sound Like This

For some time now, I've been a fan of funky jazz percussionist Idris Muhammad. I have bought many of his records over the years and have found that many of his songs often blend the lines between disco, funk and jazz. Often I drop his 1975 version of "House of the Rising Sun" in the early stages of a disco set with great response from the crowd. That being said, the song that probably historically had the most crossover success with the disco audience is his 1977 cut "Could Heaven Ever Be Like This". This track was originally included on his album Turn This Mutha Out and was produced by Dave Matthews, as were most of his tracks. The song has an overall funky mid-tempo groove that tends to grow on you with each and every driving beat. Regardless, it's definitely considered by many disco lovers as one of Muhammad's finest works.

Idris Muhammad - Could Heaven Ever Be Like This