ReStructure Mix Update (7/28/16) “Showdown” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Lloyd

ReStructure Mix Update (7/28/16) “Showdown” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Lloyd

Carol Lloyd is singer who recorded her first album titled “Score” with the studio screw who also gave us the disco project Ultimate (“Touch Me Baby”, “Ritmo de Brazil” ). The crew recreated the sound of Euro-disco with a touch of the Philly edge with Bruce Weeden producing along with Juliano Salerni. Carol’s album has the feel of that Philly production with the mature sound of disco that it reached in 1979. Each song here is a great one thanks to Carol’s tough vocals which bring on a new feel for the sweet disco arrangements. Backing this session is the trios who were Boris Midney’s ensemble on the first U.S.A. European Connection project (Leza Holmes, Renee Johnson and Sharon Williams) and earlier were Gentle Persuasion. “Showdown” is one of the energetic tracks from this session which play out like an Ann Margret number with the tough and sassy motivation and campy direction.

I have taken the album version of “Showdown” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to display once again that classic disco is always alive with a full orchestra arrangement and the soulful Philly giving it rhythm. A full re-working of the track using all of the elements which make this one a fun listening experience.

Dedicated to Nick Bunning and Lindsay Smith – the boys who give me so much inspiration to keep this music alive.  And I can understand why they requested this one since it has one of the great voices that make disco music what it is.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/26/16) “You Came” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kim Wilde

ReStructure Mix Update (7/26/16) “You Came” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde began her solo recording career in 1981 with her new wave pop hit, “Kids In America” – a project produced by her brother Ricky Wilde. A career which began with a rock n’ roll focus which later became one of the synth-pop dance artist to attract my attention with her 1985 dance track “Go For It”. It was a great pairing of Kim’s vocal which has a child-like feel along with blaring 80s keyboards. The following year her cover of The Supremes “You Keep Me Hanging On” made her a dance floor regular. “Close” is her 1988 super mover project with several big dance floor tracks including “You Came” which was a regular on radio programs and a big club hit.

I have taken the US 12” of “You Came” with the fabulous remix by Shep Pettibone and Steve Peck using the Shep Mix and the additional 2 dubs to create a ReStructure Mix which plays out with the same energy and a different approach. It is one of those love songs that somehow rocks with the smoothness and power of Kim’s performance. This remix is placed to give the original another boost or play for those who love the 80s and the synth-pop sweeteners which made dancing more of a memory.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/23/16) “In My House” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mary Jane Girls

ReStructure Mix Update (7/23/16) “In My House” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mary Jane Girls

Mary Jane Girls are Joanna McDuffie, Candice Ghant, Maxi (Kim Wuletich) and Corvette (Yvette Marine – also daughter of disco diva, Pattie Brooks).

A group was originally hired as back-up singers for Rick James and later was spun off as a new female funk quartet. Mary Jane Girls are most known in the 80s for their sexy and powerful productions by Rick James which included his punk fuck bass and guitar work. “In My House” is the big dance floor track from the second album titled, “Only Four You”. This one is a groove driven piece and very much owned by these ladies.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to bring a ReStructure Mix into light and once again remind us of how fun and contagious the 80s dance scene was. A bit of new drums were added to bring another sexy layer to the sound and feel.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/21/16) “Only In My Dreams” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Debbie Gibson

ReStructure Mix Update (7/21/16) “Only In My Dreams” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson starred in a 80s dance arena that was formulated for youth – a new generation of club goers and music idol worship. Her first album “Out Of The Blue” is a production from Debbie and Fred Zarr who worked with many 80s dance artist and groups. This brand of dance music was a sweet and beat driven sound which formulated alongside the remixes and culture of the early 80s street scene. “Only In My Dreams” is a crossover genius like many of Debbie’s early dance numbers which also fell into the Adult Contemporary and love song categories. A bit of the 60s girl scene on an updated stage and new audience.

I have taken the 12” of “Only In My Dreams” using the vocal and beat mixes to recreate a new ReStructure Mix to place it in a whole new light. I have taken many of the infectious pieces to reboot the arrangement and feel without taking from the original energy. A new experience for the Debbie Gibson fans and those of us who spent allot of time dancing as songs flashed by.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/16) “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John & Kiki Dee

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/16) “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John & Kiki Dee

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the pop-disco hit, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” from 1976 – the track was originally intended as a duet for Elton and Dusty Springfield. It was recorded with English singer Kiki Dee who’s 1974 hit “I’ve Got The Music In Me” made her a familiar name. The success of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” made it #1 in the UK for six weeks. The track always reminded me of a fluffy disco number with the simple love notes and the orchestral strings soaring throughout the beats and rhythms. A great pop 70s song that I gave a moment with a ReStructure Mix to pay homage to its own.

I have taken the single version of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” along with an anonymous karaoke version to tie this ReStructure Mix with some looping and new arrangements allowing more of the sweetness to linger on. One of my favorite radio hits and a definite disco emulation.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/14/16) “I Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello

ReStructure Mix Update (7/14/16) “I Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello

Yello is Boris Blank and Dieter Meier – an alternative electronic band formed in 1979. This new brand of music comes across as haunting and terrifying at moments where their blend of drums and keyboards play out hidden and mysterious messages. The bands heavy sequencers along with tribal drums beating out a disco rhythm to bizarre themes that at times seem like a ritual. Yello reached mainstream in 1985 with the success of their single “Oh Yeah” – featured in the 80s film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. Also, their work with Dame Shirley Bassey provides an orchestral touch to their unique and alternative sound. “I Love You” is an extreme example of Yello’s energy. It is from the project, “You Gotta Say Yes To Another Excess” from 1983 and feels like a nightmarish love song. A great example of how Yello plays out.

I have taken the original 12” of “I Love You” and recreated another dreamlike ReStructure Mix which takes the elements of this pounding number and places in a new arena. The group has always been one of the desired edges for those moody early morning sets and it was easy to apply a remix to one of their roller coaster ride dance tracks.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/11/16) “Walking On Sunshine” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rocker’s Revenge

ReStructure Mix Update (7/11/16) “Walking On Sunshine” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rocker’s Revenge

Rocker’s Revenge is Donnie Calvin, Dwight Hawkes and Tina B – and another landmark piece from producer, Arthur Baker. The electro-beats masterpiece which shifted dance floors into another phase of 80s dance music. The 1978 track “Walking On Sunshine” by Eddy Grant is one of those underground dance records which give a unique edge to a disco and alternative programming. This cover, “Walking On Sunshine ‘82” is a marking point for the electronic genre – giving it the sub-title electro beats. The project features John “Jellybean” Benitez working on the finale mix along with Baker.

I have taken the 12” long version and the ‘rockin’’ version to recreate a new ReStructure Mix in honor of this single which opened my eyes and ears to the New York street beat sound exploding in the early 80s. A surprise from 1969 is planted within this new mix to give a strange mashup for this memorizing electronic play. It is truly one of the 80s dance floor hits to feel good about.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/8/16) “He’s A Saint, He’s A Sinner” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miquel Brown

ReStructure Mix Update (7/8/16) “He’s A Saint, He’s A Sinner” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miquel Brown

Miquel Brown is a singer who took on disco music in 1979 with her album “Symphony Of Love” – produced by Alan Hawkshaw. The title track became a favorite of the Euro-disco lovers with the lyrical sound of sensual femme disco accompaniment. Later in 1983 Miquel scored a huge hit along with producers Ian Levine and Fiachra Trench with the single, “So Many Men, So Little Time” – another statement that the disco era had not quite finished its business. In a new form called ‘high energy’. The album released the same year featured another dance single titled, “He’s A Saint, He’s A Sinner” – another light and playful portrayal of the hedonism of hardcore club dance music.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental re-mix to create a new play for Miquel’s operatic-like delivery and the rolling pianos and crashing disco beats. This new ReStructure Mix takes pieces of the breaks and pianos and mixes them up like martini. It is a version that salutes the early 80s club sound and its influence on the path disco music took unexpectedly.

“Dragster” by Amazing Bingo Band – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dragster” by Amazing Bingo Band – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Amazing Bingo Band is Silvano Silvi and Alan Taylor – their one disco project is an Italo-disco track from 1979 titled “Dragster”. It was a familiar sound which always reminded me of Peter Jacques Band with the electronic fill and heavy percussion. It was the move from traditional big production disco to the stripped down high energy appeal of the early 80s.

I have taken the 12” of “Dragster” and created a Disco Video Mix taking scenes from the 1964 film “The Lively Set” starring James Darren, Pamela Tiffin and Doug McClure. The story of a young mechanic who designs the first jet powered auto and uses it in the Tri-State Endurance Run. It is a dragsters dream and ends with not only a trophy, but the ‘girl’ also, played Pamela Tiffin.

The film was directed by Jack Arnold

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

ReStructure Mix Update (7/1/16) “Gluttony” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rinder & Lewis

ReStructure Mix Update (7/1/16) “Gluttony” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rinder & Lewis

Rinder and Lewis are the pioneers of the underground disco movement of the mid-70s. Their music ranges from a simple synthesizer and keyboard arrangement to a full disco orchestration with lush strings. Much of their work is hailed as disco gems. “Seven Deadly Sins” is their first solo/duo album from 1977 and is an instrumental trip through the disco-fied themes. Each belonging to an individual ‘sin’ and its audio mood. An interesting concept and arranged quite well for one of their early experimental pieces. “Gluttony” is one of the whirling bass sequencer tracks that play out as a moody and hypnotic number with slashes of sounds and instruments. The bass sequencer is reminiscent of rolling disco sound later becoming one of the most alluring of technical productions.

I have taken the album version of “Gluttony” and created a ReStructure Mix which takes the key parts of the movement and rearranged it for a new lure. New percussion and effects are added to give more punch to the deep edge. One of the mystical disco numbers from W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder and many disco audiophiles know it well from their own temptation of this classic project.