“The Greatest Performance Of My Life” by Loleatta Holloway – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“The Greatest Performance Of My Life” by Loleatta Holloway – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Loleatta Holloway is known in the disco community as the voice of Salsoul and also for having the power that lifts the ceiling off of a club. Her big hit, “Love Sensation” from 1980 is one of the acapella that will convince anyone who questions this diva. I have taken the track “The Greatest Performance Of My Life” from her 1979 album “Loleatta” – a cover of the big Shirley Bassey drama-standard to complete an odd pairing in this Disco Video Mix,

“Straight Jacket” from 1964 is a William Castle horror-thriller which places Joan Crawford as a woman who after a 20 year stay in an asylum is ready to party and peel away the past to reveal some truth. It is a great sinister and dramatic montage for this disco opera. Hold on to your hats and heads.

The film was directed by William Castle

Featuring scenes from “Straight Jacket” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Always On My Mind” by Pet Shop Boys – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Always On My Mind” by Pet Shop Boys – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Pet Shop Boys are Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant – a duo who brought the disco beat back as though it were knew all over again in the mid-80s. Their disco remake of Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” is one of those initial oddities that have become a landmark and trend for the band and the period. Orchestrated and arranged with the love and power of an emotional opera.

I have taken scenes from the 1981 black comedy from John Waters – “Polyester” starring Divine and Tab Hunter and painted a loving portrait of the wonderful and loving moments form the warped and hilarious rollercoaster ride. It plays our romantically and a bit schmaltzy – but so is love!

The film was directed by John Waters

Featuring scenes from “Polyester” – RENT THD DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Dirty Robot” by Arling & Cameron – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dirty Robot” by Arling & Cameron – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Arling & Cameron are a Dutch electronic duo consisting of Gerry Arling and Richard Cameron - they moved dance music in a new realm of fun and adventure during the start of the millennium. Their third album titled “We Are A&C” contained one of my favorite electronic dance tracks of the period – “Dirty Robot”. A slick and robotic outline of a naughty can of human programing who just cannot keep his 1’s and 0’s off of the bad stuff.

It was the perfect opportunity to take segments from my partner and I’s favorite television show, “Futurama” and the notorious and naughty robot, “Bender” – who’s anti-social antics make a comic relief only half the fun. The show was developed by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen – and the two have created one of the most hilarious and creative sci-fi-comedies far-ahead of its time.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated lovingly to Stephanie “Stiffy” Rodriguez – WE LOVE YOU STEPH!

Featuring scenes from “Futurama” – RENT THE DVDs!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons (based on his ideal)

ReStructure Mix Update (2/24/14) “Ready Or Not” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Deborah Washington

ReStructure Mix Update (2/24/14) “Ready Or Not” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Deborah Washington

Deborah Washington is a disco artist with the soft and delicate prescience which was introduced with classic remakes of “The Letter” and “Standing In The Shadows of Love” in disco elegance. Her success on dance floors was a part if the excitement of the disco boom in 1978. Produced by George Tobin (Tiffany) and Mike Piccirillo (Robert John, Kim Carnes) – the project was appropriately placed among the periods more playful and chart aimed projects.

I have taken a single from the “Anyway You Want It” album titled “Ready Or Not” which is a sexy and sleek track and infused some new drums and additional phasing to make this dreamy number more of a discotheque delicacy!

“Diana” by Julius Brown – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Diana” by Julius Brown – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Julius Brown is a high energy/dance artist who emerged in 1983 with his club hit “Party” produced by the late Jacques Morali (Village People, The Ritchie Family). Her career in club music was four singles – his second being “Diana”. This track was as salute to Diana Ross and injected lyrics which applied titles of well-known songs from her legacy as well as a passionate love for the music and a fantasy relationship.

I have taken scenes from various Diana Ross videos and also from her films, “Lady Sings The Blues”, “The Wiz”, “Mahogany” and with The Supremes. The video is a montage is again, a salute to a voice that has inspired careers following.

Featuring scenes from the works of Diana Ross – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Rainbows” by Jade 4 U – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Rainbows” by Jade 4 U – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Jade 4 U is Belgium Beat group formed by producers Chris Inger, Dirty Harry, Jeff Hypp, Oliver Adams, Pat Krimson and Praga Khan. The music followed the genre breaking into an alternative playlist under New Beat - an electronic dub-like sound that also gave way to a whole new branch of artists, including Jade 4 U. “Rainbows” is a single from 1988. It is one of the releases in New Beat music produced as an actual song with verses and lyrics.

I have taken segments from the 1939 musical fantasy film, “The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland. The eerie mood of “Rainbows” gives pieces of the film mystique and a touch of tribal. This Disco Video Mix presents a whole new layer of hope to Dorothy as the clouds part and those raindrops paint a colorful and in this case, promising image.

The film was directed by Victor Fleming

Featuring scenes from “The Wizard of Oz” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (2/13/14) “We Can Work It Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chaka Khan

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (2/13/14) “We Can Work It Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan has provided a map for funk and soul starting from the early 70s. Her voices gave soul and funk an energy and overwhelming emotion. Many hits have been left behind in funk, disco and in ballads. “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me” is her 1981 project produced by Arif Mardin which delivered several hits for fan including “I Know You, I Live You”, “Fate”, the title track and also her cover of The Beatles’ “We Can Work It”. Fused with the 80s electro-funk sound and those raging horns – enough for Chaka to play in.

I have taken the album version of “We Can Work It Out” and created an extended and playful arrangement using pieces of the rhythm and horn section to create a new flow. It has some dub-like breaks that are to give the song a few more words to feel secure about as your shaking you butt.

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (2/12/14) “Stay The Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Billy Ocean

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (2/12/14) “Stay The Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Billy Ocean

Billy Ocean is an artist with a sound that is warming and sweet. Much of his work defines a mark which resembles a lullaby of sorts. Many of his projects fell into the pop-dance arena giving some great treasures. “Stay The Night” is from his 1980 album “City Limit” produced by Ken Gold – it is one of my favorite songs of that year since the chorus riff was stuck in my head for nights.

I have taken the 12” version of “Stay The Night” and worked a new ReStructure Mix to add some new parts that add instrumental parts to cool down from that wonderful and soulful swooning. It is funky and full of promise – the perfect ingredients during a shift in club music,

ReStructure Mix Update (2/12/14) “A Gay Time Latin Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Easy Going

ReStructure Mix Update (2/12/14) “A Gay Time Latin Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Easy Going

Easy Going is an Italian band (named after a gay club in Rome) formed by Paul Micioni and produced by Giancarlo Meo and Claudio Simonetti. The band shared a great success in dance music with their three albums. The biggest hit being “Fear” in 1979 – an innovative electronic piece. The third album was released in 1980 and featured the track “A Gay Time Latin Lover” which uses a funky rhythm guitar and heavy horns to expel the tale of a too-hot-to-handle love interest that can never stop the behavior leaving our band insecure.

I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix stripping down some of the bass, horn and syndrums effects to create a more edged mix with several new breaks and reworking the verses to do without some of the vocal riffs.

“Void Vision” by Cyber People – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Void Vision” by Cyber People – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Cyber People is an Italo-disco project from producer, Alessandro Zanni – who also founded Italian dance music label Memory Records along with Stefano Cundari. “Void Vision” from 1985 is an electronic instrumental which utilizes the sampling techniques of the early 80s. The track also uses a vocoder which takes over segments of the arrangement to relay a futuristic edge. It is a prime example of the changing sound of Italo-disco during the mid-and late 80s.

I have taken scenes from the 1987 science fiction action film, “RoboCop” starring Peter Weller and Nancy Allen – the story of a murdered police officer who is revived as a superhuman cyborg law enforcer. The images and scenes of this futuristic robot work with the rolling sequencers and keyboards emulating a tense yet fantastic scene.

The film was directed by Paul Verhoeven

Featuring scenes from “RoboCop” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Score” by Carol Lloyd – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Score” by Carol Lloyd – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Carol Lloyd is a disco artists whose 1979 album “Score” was the product of producer Bruce Weeden and Michael Forte – who worked on the Ultimate (“Love Is The Ultimate" ) project and also features on backup Leza Holmes, Renee Johnson and Sharon Williams who are also the vocals for the first USA European Connection project “Come Into My Heart/Good Loving”. The album reflected the sound of Philly-disco with the sophisticated Euro edge. This was the only album from Carol besides a 12” single – “Come See About Me” from 1982.

I have taken the track “Score” and blended it with the 1965 musical, “Billie” starring Patty Duke, Jim Backus and Jane Greer. The dance sequences with and sometimes without the boys and without the girls adds to the theme of the song. It has a fun and exciting climax as Carol repeats the focus of men and their prowl for the night.

The film was directed by Don Weis

Featuring scenes from “Billie” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Hit!” by Tommy Seebach – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Hit!” by Tommy Seebach – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Tommy Seebach is a Danish composer and artist who brought a whole new edge to disco-pop music during the mid-and-late 70s onto the 80s. His album “Love On The Line” from 1981 contained the single; “Hit” which was a theme from a television quiz show is spotlighted here. The track is a great example of how electronics and melodic music give another dimension to the dance floor.

I have taken scenes from the 1984 German epic fantasy film, “The NeverEnding Story” which gives the disco piece quite an eye for beauty and fantasy. The film is one of my all-time favorites and also completes the crescendos of “Hit!” perfectly.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to the memory of John Riles, a fellow DJ from Los Angeles who helped to keep disco music alive out of the excitement of bringing the magic back and also Jussi K. for introducing me to this amazing dance track.

The film was directed by Wolfgang Peterson

Featuring scenes from “The NeverEnding Story” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (2/9/14) “Shoot Your Best Shot” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Clifford

ReStructure Mix Update (2/9/14) “Shoot Your Best Shot” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Clifford

Linda Clifford’s project “I’m Yours” from 1980 was a disco-funk treasure for fans and dancers. It seemed as though Linda would never let her followers do without. “Shoot Your Best Shot” is a track which received tremendous response from DJs and dance floors. The production by Isaac Hayes is one of the year’s best.

I have taken the album version of “Shoot Your Best Shot” and reworked new ReStructure Mix using elements that ‘blast’ throughout the arrangement. Linda’s out-of-sight vocal is the stage here – so the new breaks and trip are strictly to bring a new flavor to the song.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to the kindest and caring woman in music that I have met – Ms. Linda Clifford. Thank you, Linda for sharing your talent and making us believe there is more out there to smile at.

“On A Rien A Perdre” by Saint Tropez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“On A Rien A Perdre” by Saint Tropez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Saint Tropez is a disco ensemble from W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder and featured the sexy edge of disco music painted complete with album jackets with semi-adult themes. “Je T’Aime” is the first project and featured a cover of “On A Rien A Perdre” – originally the Canadian group Toulouse in 1976.

I have taken the song and blended in win this Disco Video Mix along with the 1967 French drama “Belle de Jour” starring Catherine Deneuve – a young woman spends her afternoons working as a prostitute while her husband is at work. The images work more as a photoplay for Ms. Deneuve and the disco track.

The film was directed by Luis Bunuel

Featuring scenes from “Belle de Jour” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (2/8/14) “Same Time Same Place” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tamara

ReStructure Mix Update (2/8/14) “Same Time Same Place” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tamara

Tamara Lorincz is a disco singer who was known as part of the big disco album “Bombers 2” featuring “(Everybody) Get Dancing”, “Let’s Dance” and “Shake”. Her placement as a disco chanteuse calling out the dancers and romancers to take their places is one of the gifts of the disc era. “Same Time Same Place” is her disco cooker from the album “Magic Dancer”. It is the beautiful melody of disco music where the scene is projected and played out with dancing and romance.

I have taken the album version of “Same Time Same Place” and have given it a ReStructure Mix to lengthen the lilting melody and mood. It is one of Tamara’s lovely themes and also reminds us of the talented Canadian musicians who play such an important part of disco history.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the lovely, Tamara Lorincz who reminds me that the disco chanteuse is a gem to our hearts.

“It’s A Girls Affair” by Change – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“It’s A Girls Affair” by Change – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Change was a welcome sound in disco music in 1979. A production by Jacques Fred Petrus and arrangements by Mauro Malavasi – this was the gem of the dance floor. “It’s A Girls Affair” is a track from the project which features Jocelyn Brown on lead vocal. A fabulous theme for “girl’s night out” with the sassy sophistication of a pulsating electronic arrangement.

I have taken scenes from the 2011 romantic comedy “Bridesmaids” starring Kristen Wiig, Mata Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy to fill in the lines from this anthem-like disco tune. The comic edge from the film gives a lighter side to these ladies need to get on down.

The film was directed by Paul Feig

Featuring scenes from “Bridesmaids” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (2/6/14) “Stay The Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller

ReStructure Mix Update (2/6/14) “Stay The Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller

Nina Schiller’s album “Stay The Night” was produced by San Francisco’s high energy/disco master, Mr. Bill Motley (Boys Town Gang, Magda Layna, Lisa) and gave the early 80s a continuum of beautiful dance music to move to. It was another resurgence of an opportunity to fall in love on the dance floor, once again. With the voice of Ms. Nina Schiller it was hard to resist this magic. The project is best remembered as being the heart-felt emotion of new love and the longing for a deeper emotion. A favorite of mine and one to keep in the spirit of love.

I have taken the album version of “Stay The Night” and have given it a ReStructure Mix to bring more of that love to mind and also to those who are ready to take off to that wonderful feeling of love and warmth.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the lady herself – Ms. Nina Schiller for bringing us into a place that can come alive in these wonderful love songs.

“My Feet Keep Dancing” by Chic – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“My Feet Keep Dancing” by Chic – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Chic is Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers – a duo that created a sound for disco music, which was funky and sophisticated. Their 1979 album “Risqué” contained one of that year’s huge anthem – “Good Times”. It was a celebration of what people were moving and feeling in clubs around the world. “My Feet Keep Dancing” was a following single from the project which also claimed some attention from disc jockeys and dancers.

I have taken the track and blended it in this Disco Video Mix along with the 1955 Fred Astaire musical “Daddy Long Legs” – the theme is obvious and the dancing is contagious. It is a prime example of disco music and its message which has never ceased.

The film was directed by Jean Negulesco

Featuring scenes from “Daddy Long Legs” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (2/4/14) “Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming (Too Good To Be True)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jermaine Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (2/4/14) “Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming (Too Good To Be True)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson brought the early 80s his own brand of funk with “Let’s Get Serious” and “Burnin’ Hot”. It was race to keep up with his own family band, Jackson’s and of course, Michael who seemed to set the world on fire during the 80s. Jermaine’s 1984 album, “Dynamite” was a brand of pop-dance tracks which brought him a few video hits and of course more space on the dance floor. His track “Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming (Too Good To Be True)” produced by Michael Omartian features Michael in a brief cameo above Jermaine’s haunting love song.

I have taken the album version of the song and have given it the ReStructure Mix work to give it a new feel along with a familiar rock-classic drum track. It extends the song and also gives it a bit more mystique with more sweeping effects and some breaks to make it more of an irresistible piece to get lost in.

“Be My…(Powerstation)” by St. Che - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Be My…(Powerstation)” by St. Che - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

WARNING: Quite violent and violent images.

St. Che is A.J. Johnson and Alix Plain – an experimental-industrial band from the mid-80s whose single “Be My…” was picked up by Razormaid with a sturdy remix by Joseph Watt. The track is an odd one but just enough lure of strange sample features that enticed me to make it one of my early morning or alternative mix choices. It has a haunting edge to it which leads me to this Disco Video Mix.

Using bits and pieces of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film version of Stephen King’s horror masterpiece, “The Shining” starring Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall and Danny Lloyd the eerie feel of the track is visualized. It does appear to be quite violent as images of the film’s most haunting pieces are displayed – but, it is exactly what the song exudes.

The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick

Featuring scenes from “The Shining” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons