Friday, April 27, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/27/18) “Dragon’s Legend” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Koto



Koto is Anfrando Maiola and Stephano Cundari – an Italo-disco group who began during the early creative years in the early 80s. Many of their projects were electronic pieces which played out like a synthetic version of the Euro-disco productions of the disco era. “Dragon’s Legend” is from 1986 and is based on the 1983 laserdisc game “Dragon’s Lair”. The sequencers complete this instrumental piece with the short keyboard interludes bringing us into the adventure. It is one of the Italo-disco forerunners style with Koto bringing to us again a dance floor movement.

I have taken the 12” version and the dub to create this replay for a ReStructure Mix – new beats and a new arrangement make this one fun once again.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/26/18) “Dancing In Heaven (Orbital Be-Bop)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Q-Feel



Q-Feel is Brian Fairweather, Chris Richardson, Martin Page, and Trevor Thornton. Their 1982 dance floor hit “Dancing In Heaven (Orbital Be-Bop)” is the 80s synth-pop explosion and caught on throughout the mid-80s as the New Romantic scene began to blend their vocal style along with synth-pop. The song brought them success both on radio and many sweaty nights in dance clubs.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to work a new ReStructure Mix paying tribute to the uplifting sound of 80s dance music. A new set of drums are added to the intro from a pop-rock track that you may recognize and a new insert of International dance feel.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/24/18) “Pretty Mess” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vanity



Vanity is Denise Katrina Smith and is one of the musical acts produced by 80’s icon, Prince. Originally from a trio called Vanity 6 with over-sexed approach at loosely committed dance tracks. A touch of Prince’s controversial ingredients of racy lyrics and street beats with a tweak on rhythm and percussion. Vanity released her first solo album in 1984 titled “Wild Animal”. The dance single “Pretty Mess” is another sexual fantasy brought out into the light using parts of a romantic interlude compared to getting closer to “going all the way”. The champagne plays a double entendre for the title and also made the striking beats and Vanity’s whispery sexy purrs more of a lure.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Pretty Mess” and re-cycled every moan and pant of Vanity’s exercise here. A new layer of effects using the original pieces are added to bring a new life to this one. It is one of the 80s numbers that I always saved for that peak hour when sweat and throbbing bodies were in abundance.

ROLLING ELECTRO-NRG - Recipe for dance

ROLLING ELECTRO-NRG - Recipe for dance

“Love School” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susan Stevens - 
https://youtu.be/7-TgHMKXUMs
“Planet Of Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stephanie Wells - https://youtu.be/5bL-Ndsc9zU
“Lisa, Lisa” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Body Heat - https://youtu.be/_nnwdKWeZLA
“Sexy Thrills” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Extensive Care - https://youtu.be/lMqsOL52BNo
“Helping Myself” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kendra - https://youtu.be/oG-sjJ6TFfQ


Friday, April 20, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/20/18) “Don'tcha Hear Me Callin' To Ya” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Fifth Dimension



The Fifth Dimension is one of the soul-pop groups of the late 60s and early 70s that made a spot in music history
that is sweet and adventurous. Their 1969 album “The Age Of Aquarius” is one of the mod-60s treats which brings
the hippie culture and soul harmonies to a classic recording. “Don’t’cha Hear Me Callin’ Ya” is another single
from the project which shares the vocal layers of Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn
McCoo and Ron Townson. The track rings out a calling to a distant lover who is needed for making it alright. A
nice little slice of The Fifth Dimension in a pop-soul flavor with that 60s hip-groove.

This ReStructure Mix pulls the guitar groove into a drum beat from Arthur Baker’s File 13 80s dance hit “Taste So
Good”. A recalling in a new direction if you read between the beats and street drums. This number was requested
by Jim Bass and gladly executed in a new manner with some drop outs and help from the 80s street drums.

CERRONE DRONE - DISCO THAT LIFTS YOU




CERRONE DRONE - DISCO THAT LIFTS YOU

“Where Are You Now” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone - 
https://youtu.be/NrrtjX_FZwI
“Supernature” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/XURlT5RpmJA
“Look For Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone - https://youtu.be/eCCXym013i4
“Call Me Tonight” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/uX5hqp6sk08
"Black Is Black" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cerrone - https://youtu.be/O9hgLQBwI_w

Saturday, April 14, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/14/18) “Not Tonight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Macho



Macho is a disco sound from producer Jacques Fred Petrus, Marzio Vincenzi on lead vocals along with arranger Mauro Malavasi and Celso Valli. In 1978 Macho released a disco version of Steve Winwood’s “I’m A Man” with an electronic overhaul which made an innovative move for disco music. “Roll” is the second project from Macho from 1980 and set a mode where these studio masters created the essence for disco music with a rock edge. “Not Tonight” from the second album follows closely on this sound. The roaring guitars and rolling bass are the magic of this fantastic production.

I have taken the album version of “Not Tonight” and recreated a ReStructure Mix breaking down the powerful riffs – drums beats – bass – synthesizers into an extended piece. This one always held my heart since it captures the disco sound in a new package and also the theme is created with complete album graphics and musically.

A PASSION for Hi-NIRG - Disco for the 80's

A PASSION for Hi-NIRG - Disco for the 80's

"Catch Me (I'm Falling In Love)" by Marsha Raven - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/yXCWYPUPFno
"Got To Get To You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Charade featuring Jessica - https://youtu.be/0HhNIjTHJXw
"Somebody To Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Café Society - https://youtu.be/d7w0LEyQXPE
“Shout It Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Astaire - https://youtu.be/wN7gtj9-w-w
“Break Me” by Charade featuring Norman Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/vYeI9eu3zNw


ReStructure Mix Update (4/12/18) “Good and Plenty Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Musique



Musique is a disco group from the funky minds of producers Patrick Adams and Ken Mazur. This sound is the New York disco feel with a touch of funk and euro-disco lightly accented. Vocals are the key part of Musique and features Christine Wiltshire, Jocelyn Brown, Gina Taylor, Denise Edwards and Mary Seymour. “Keep On Jumpin’” is the first project which helped to formulate a sexy disco outline with the touches of Patrick’s masterful arrangement. This follow up LP titled “Love Massage” followed closely in the familiar theme where a sexy and breathy delivery brought the groove just what it needed. A disco formula which took dance floors to that non-stop dancing rage.

I have taken the single “Good and Plenty Lover” from the album and recreated a new ReStructure Mix with a few riffs from a Harvey Fuqua soul classic. This one is a funk extravaganza with the disco magic of both Adams and Mazur making it complete. This remix is pumped a few more levels and gives way to those sensual chorus girl tracks.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/7/18) “Disco Power” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – U.N.



U.N. is a disco project from producer Tony Green who also delivered classic by France Joli, Freddie James, Norma Lewis, Geraldine Hunt, Caroline Bernier and many early disco and high energy projects. This production features the lead vocals of Goldie Alexander (“Show You My Love”) and backing are The Sweethearts of Sigma (Barbra Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton). “Disco Power” is the first release and pulls a punch with its tribute to the music of the time which created a unity and lasting feeling of good energy and celebration. This one is the essence of the energy which disco music became from the mid and late 70s.

I have taken the album version of “Disco Power” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix which adds more of the riffs in places where it pumps more energy out of this geyser of disco percussion, handclaps and bass. It is a tribute to Tony Green and Denis Le Page who arranged this powerhouse album.

DISCO APPLE - another taste of New York.

DISCO APPLE - another taste of New York.

"New York At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kelly Marie - 
https://youtu.be/KvzaBKhw5mQ
”The Sound Of The City” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – David London - https://youtu.be/AEPx2cKym4I
“In New York” by Passion – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/vkHDpclUUYY
"New York City Rhythm" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Barry Manilow - https://youtu.be/DludVA05yWY
“Manhattan Shuffle” by Area Code (212) – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/VpQnTiPFDsE


Friday, April 6, 2018

A NIGHT in 80's ELECTRIC - What a feeling...

A NIGHT in 80's ELECTRIC - What a feeling...

"Hands Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ottawan - 
https://youtu.be/JbWNmzsd00I
“Go Go Gorilla” by Gazuzu – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/6y-lZKCnT4Q
"Mama Told Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fantastique - https://youtu.be/DmiIXmigwh0
"Diamonds Never Made A Lady" by Lift Up - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/lJaxt3scgiM
“Don’t Stop The Classics” by Tempo Rubato – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/z5nOwGVTmIg


Thursday, April 5, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/18) “Gotta Be Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tiffany


ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/18) “Gotta Be Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tiffany

Tiffany is singer joining the pop-dance era of the 80s. Her popularity was started on a pop-dance cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now" – a hit from Tommy James and The Shondells from 1967. Her music included an array of teen love ballads and some playful dance numbers to follow up on her claim to fame. “Gotta Be Love” is a single which was featured on a 12” of her 1988 single “I Saw Him Standing There” – it was featured on this single exclusively. The high energy feel is much like an Italo-disco production with lots of gadgetry and an out in the front singer taking a ride on it. It was a big peak hour mover for the NRG playlists and I still find Tiffany’s performance loving sweet.

I have taken the 12” version of “Gotta Be Love” and reworked a ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to those 80s producers, artists and dancers who kept dance music history moving both on the floor and in pop culture, More percussion and an extended arrangement are also in this one. 

ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/18) “There’s A Woman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio



Gino Soccio is a disco producer, musician and artist with an innovative touch in many of the projects he has performed in. His work includes disco groups Kebekelektrek, Bombers, Gotham Flasher, Witch Queen and his four solo albums. “There’s A Woman” comes from his first titled “Outline” which features an abstract and electronic approach at dance music. Many of his touches are early signs of techno and ambient music where keyboards transform into a hypnotic feel. A modern approach from the earlier movements and experimental pieces from producers like Giorgio Moroder. “There’s A Woman” in its original form is a memorizing track. There are sounds used behind the electronic force that are strange yet intriguing. I have always heard this as a light hippy rock edge sound that is sucked into a disco vortex. It is a sound that Soccio brings in his own creation and this track has all of the elements at its best.

I have taken the album version of “There’s A Woman” and focused more on an energy driven ReStructure Mix where the light keyboards are working to the extreme. More of the vocal is exposed and replayed throughout this remix and several new percussion and drum effects are placed to give the hypnotic edge more of a stage.

Vandross In Disco: Luther Vandross - The Vocal

Vandross In Disco: Luther Vandross - The Vocal

"Searching" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change - 
https://youtu.be/DdYunhyXPzQ
"I’m Totally Yours" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hi-Gloss - https://youtu.be/9aZQ0EeJaNQ
"Don't Worry Baby" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Good Vibrations - https://youtu.be/I4fBNJe2fus
“The Glow Of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change - https://youtu.be/7-kpFpJUoVs
"Hot Butterfly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie - https://youtu.be/Bf6vldNrbbI


Tuesday, April 3, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (4/1/18) “Fade To Grey” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Visage



Visage is synth-pop project formed in 1978 and also enlightening a new style of music known as “new romantic”. Their 1980 self-titled project contained their mystic-synth hit “Fade To Grey” which gave them a following for the new 80s sound and adaption using elements of the disco era. A flattened arrangement where keyboards and sequencers replaced drums, guitars and percussion. This track plays out with a heavy rolling synthesizer which brings us warmth and reminder of how breaking down elements which were used in the disco perfection of the late 70s heavily influenced new artists as it still does today.



I have taken the 12” version of “Fade To Grey” and focused on the underground feel of the song and added a drum track from another project from Midge Ure to give the intro and foundation more pump. The ghostly vocals and eerie keyboards still tell this story and this ReStructure Mix simply adds a new chapter.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/31/18) “The Glamorous Life” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sheila E.



Sheila E. brought a wall of percussion into her brand of synth-funk. Her album “In The Glamorous Life” released in 1984 was a great entrance for the former Prince band member. “The Glamorous Life” is one of the big dance floor movers of the time and the horn riffs and rhythmic bells, drums and congas make it an infectious move. This was another turning point in dance music in the pop arena. Sheila E. has peaked with Prince and The Revolution entourage with a great energy and dedication. The mid 80s were made for the ever-changing sound of dance music especially as you can feel here.



I have taken the 12” vocal and “Part II” of “The Glamorous Life” and reworked a new layout for this event. More of the loops and edit create more of the dub feel and deliver a new stage for this number.

Blog Archive