DISCO & MONSTERS - DESTRUCTION & DANCE!
ReStructure Mixes by Glenn Rivera, Video Mixes and Classic Disco Tracks
REISSUE: "Sandstorm" by La Bionda - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
The 1978 track by La Bionda is a sweepingly beautiful track - "Sandstorm".
The production for the LP titled "La Bionda" is a wicked one - engineered and mixed by Harry Thumann ("Underwater") and features some wonderful percussion and Middle Eastern strings.
I have placed the 1999 film, "The Mummy" starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz below the pulsing beats of "Sandstorm" - although there is not much a sandstorm occurring, the actions follows well with the energy of this Disco Video Mix.
This video dedicated to Armin P. - thanks for always being very supportive.
Featuring scenes from "The Mummy" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Magic Fly” by Kebekelektrik – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Kebekelektrik was originally thought of as “Quebec Electric” – a studio concept from Gino Soccio and Pat Deserio in 1977. The track “Magic Fly” being one of the first releases from the LP – written by Ecama and being one of the innovative instrumentals of the late 70s. I have taken the track and paired it up with the 1958 science fiction/horror flick, “The Fly” starring David Hedison, Patricia Owens and Vincent Price. It is one of the most terrifying films of the 50s. The “magic” of Kebekelektrik and the film speak for themselves. The film was directed by Kurt Neumann Featuring scenes from “The Fly” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: "Chase" by Giorgio - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
In 1978 Giorgio Moroder created the icon instrumental movement of his career - "Chase" - from the soundtrack of the film "Midnight Express".
This electronic masterpiece is one of Moroder's best known by ear since it's reverberation and sequencer timing is almost haunting. It is also one of the years most celebrated 12 Inch singles that repeat the orchestral sound of its melody and climax over and over.
The theme was always haunting to me, which moved me to match the piece up with the 1922 horror film, "Nosferatu" - with enough images to haunt any night. The German film is based on the Bram Stoker legend of Dracula. Covering the part of The Count is Max Schreck.
A pairing that should bring the effect of shivers and images that will be placed inside your eyelids before bedtime.
The film was directed by F.W. Murau
Featuring scenes from "Nosferatu" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Pick Me Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Marz Marz is an Italo-disco project from 1984 with Bill Pettaway, Dwayne Herndon, Gerard Mackell, Gregory Mackell, Keith Rowel, and Marvin Ennis. Their big track “Pick Me Up” is an unforgettable song that echoes out a touch of sophisticated funk along with the innovative feel of Italian disco which became its own brand of funk during the early 80s with bands like Change and Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens Band. “Pick Me Up” is a beautiful New York funk stylized piece and has many qualities and riffs that stand out to give a bravo at the closing. I have taken the 12” on Italian label F1 Team label and reworked the electronic funk to a new ReStructure Mix. This arrangement allows for more of the pumping energy that comes along with the song and gives more of the piano interlude attention for a new intro and fades.
REISSUE: "Funkin' For Jamaica" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tom Browne Tom Browne (Thomas Fredrick Browne) released his second jazz album in 1980 titled "Love Approach" - a big surprise was the funk/jazz track "Funkin' For Jamaica" which became a hardcore track on dance floors that went lower BPM and experimental for some good. The song is now considered an old-school classic. I have taken the LP version and ReStructured the funky grooves, as well as Tom's kick-ass trumpet to create a dub-like groove version to pull the rap and jazzy arrangement into a new piece.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/29/20) “The Blue Danube Hustle” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rice and Beans Orchestra
Rice and Beans Orchestra is an early disco ensemble from producer Pepe Luis Soto – who also gave us Celi Bee and worked with Miami Sound Machine in the early 80’s. The sessions included Carlos "Kiko" Melendez, Eduardo "Sabu" Rosado, Hector Garrido, Raul Paonesa, Tato Rossi and Pepe Luis Soto. Their first self-titled project from 1976 which included a disco-fied version of Stauss’ “The Blue Danube”. This 70’s funky version is in pure disco camp as many movie themes and classic standards were dipped into the disco arena with the pop-mainstream in mind. The wah-wah guitars and rolling bass are the foundation for this disco orchestral piece. Rice and Beans Orchestra are one of the early disco ensembles to relay the new standard of disco music created by dance floors and disc jockeys early on.
I have taken the 12” version of Rice and Beans Orchestra’s “The Blue Danube Hustle” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix with added beats and percussion from the original track. A longer intro paces the new version and excerpts of the majestic “Blue Danube” are placed within this mix.
REISSUE: "And Love Goes On" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Earth Wind & Fire Earth Wind & Fire created a pinnacle sound in soul/funk and disco music during the early 70s. A legacy of energy and peace is always injected in their music. From their 1980 album “Faces” comes the single, “And Love Goes On” – once again outlining the emotions which pour from a pure and unified heart in the kingdom of Earth Wind & Fire. I have taken the album version of “And Love Goes On” and have given it an alternative arrangement in this ReStructure Mix – giving the intro a longer induction to the swirling chorus which is accentuated with t\hose classic horns.
REISSUE: “Shining Star” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Earth Wind and Fire Earth Wind and Fire are the soul-funk solution which began in the early 70s. The inspiring titles and music brought a new flair by blending soul and jazz into a fusion which brought the 70s into a new phase of sound. “Shining Star” comes from the 1975 album “That’s The Way Of The World” – a project that brings a world beat into play. Produced by Maurice White and began a force for this talent man to bring not only Earth Wind and Fire a fierce fire, but groups like The Emotions alive and Denise Williams’s classic ballads. It was a new day for this music and the transition from soul to disco music included tracks by Earth Wind and Fire for those DJs who knew the source of soul music. I have taken the album version of “Shining Star” in its 2:50 length and recreated this ReStructure Mix to extend and play out the brass-explosion and rhythm in a new way. Some of the feeling is given some drop out breaks to leave a touch of that fantasy which discotheques provided.
REISSUE: “Let’s Groove” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Earth, Wind and Fire
EWF is a soul/funk band discovered by Maurice White in the early seventies and evolved as one of the innovative and a powerful musical presence. Their 1981 album titled “Raise” is one of the 80’s prized releases with the track “Let’s Groove” as its first single. The funk driven dance piece plays out with more of the pump and soul that disco music had moved into in the early 80’s. A big hit for EWF and also one that resonates like a party favor! I have taken the 12” remix version of “Let’s Groove” and recreated a funk-fest for this ReStructure Mix with more of the beats and horns exclaiming the best of this number. It has a longer duration and some loop effects to bring this type of energy back.
REISSUE: “Boogie Wonderland" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Earth, Wind and Fire Earth, Wind and Fire made the 70's complete with their big disco hit "Boogie Wonderland" - a sensational dance track which also featured The Emotions. The song has lasted throughout time to give the excitement and fusion of soul and pop music in the disco arena. I have ReStructured the original 12" vocal mix and added a few breakdowns with a dub-essence. In addition to allot of looping there is a new arrangement.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/27/20) “Love Pains” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lorenza Johnson
Lorenza Johnson is a vocalist performing a cover of the classic Yvonne Elliman song from 1979 – “Love Pains”. This song has lasted throughout time with many artists taking on the emotion and yearning in its lyrics. This high energy cover produced by Marvin Howell is a taste of the 80’s genre of dance music with its fury of percussion and adorning of the pounding disco beat. Was another cover necessary? It never hurt and this one plays out much like a lounge version of the song with the diva in the echoes of the club singing her heart out. The electronic production has some mighty nice riffs including the pounding percussion and a few bluesy saxophone interludes. One of the dance palaces of the 80’s hidden gems.
I have taken the 12’ versions of “Love Pains” by Lorenza Johnson and recreating a new version for this ReStructure Mix. I have sprinkled more of the percussion amongst the track and also given it a non-apologetic fade out.
REISSUE: "Obsession" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Animotion Animotion is an 80s synth-pop band who made playlists all over with their 1984 hit “Obsession” – a twist of nu-wave and the electronic 80s intro. Astrid Plane and Bill Wadhams are the lead vocalists who reveal a secret desire with some strange analogies which seem a bit tame today. The song soared up the charts on alternative radio stations as one a cult band then soon became one of the pop sensations of the 80s. Later releasing hits “Let Him Go” and “I Engineer”. Original production is from John Ryan and displays the band feel of the 80s and the 12” dance release features a touch of club from Mark Kamins. I have taken the US 12” vocal and dub version to piece together this ReStructure Mix which attempts to take the track a bit deeper into a dub-like fantasy. The nu-wave-ish feel is presented with more effects place on the original synthesizers, sequencers and confessions. This one was always a great way to start the evening and now it can be a better way to end the morning.
REISSUE: “The Politics of Dancing” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Re-Flex Re-Flex is an 80’s band featuring Baxter, Paul Fishman, Roland Vaughan Kerridge and Nigel Ross-Scott. In 1983 their track “The Politics Of Dancing” became one of the alternative dance numbers which fit into the 80’s with every sound in place. The production by John Punter was on spot with rhythms that down-beat and a filtered percussion accompaniment which added to the infectious vocal. The 80’s became the period where nu-wave, punk, alternative and rock were blended well with synth-pop and left a sound that again, was mastered out of the elements of disco for the time period. “The Politics Of Dancing” is a clever take on world leaders and heads and the control on which they decide for all. This number transforms the premise into a nice little “message” which seems to glorify and detest the many effects – either positive or negative. I have taken the 12” version of “The Politics Of Dancing” and stomped out an alternative arrangement for this ReStructure Mix. There is more of the emphasis on the groove here rather than the warning. A few new breaks roll out the news and much of the existing percussion is reworked.
REISSUE: “Situation” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yaz Yaz (known as Yazoo in the U.S.) is Vince Clarke and vocalist Alison Moyet. Their music brought the 80s into a new phase of dance music known as synth-pop and introduced the powerful voice Alison over the electronic formation of Clarke’s nu-wav vs. funky grooves. “Situation” is from the project “Upstairs At Eric’s” from 1982 and was an outline for their new style and success. The early 80s made their move easier since much of the dance circuits were looking for a new underground sound. It was the formation of a new dance era. I have taken the single “Situation” into the ReStructure Mix outline and played with the classic sounds from the original 12” vocal and dub. Working on completing an arrangement completely odd to the dance mix and yet keeping the power-moments intact in a new manner. It is one of the great remix opportunities for the double 12” vinyl war I fought with each night in the clubs to present a new version each night during peak hour. And now done with the ReStructure Mix formula and mood.
REISSUE: “I’m Your Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – WHAM! WHAM! Are George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley who began in the early 80s as a pop duo bringing a funk and synth edge to radio music. Their success began the solo career of George who later became one of the biggest selling artists of the late 80s. Their single “I’m Your Man” from their album “Music From The Edge Of Heaven” from 1986 brought more of their be-bop-pop sound to the forefront. With George’s vocal upfront and as creatively affected by this love song it was a great pop dance single of the time. I have taken the 12” versions including the “Extended Simulation”, “Instrumental” and “Accapella” to recreate a deep down disco ReStructure Mix. Using more emphasis on the “man” theme and another disco classic by Macho – uniting the two for a new feel. This one was always a favorite since it delivers that sound which WHAM! conquered the early 80s with.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/26/20) “Party Boy” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sean Heyden
Sean Heyden (Robert “Bobby” Koops) is a performer who released a single titled “Party Boy” in 1984 – produced by Mal Luker. The track is one of the high energy pieces that worked in underground clubs and dance floors who had a savvy disc jockey who picked up on this one. “Party Boy” is a guitar driven dance number that pulls out more energy by adding a wonderful percussion riff which echoes throughout the song. Sean tells us of the “hunter captured” by a woman in the night who shows him a new thing or two. It is pure “American Gigolo” with an 80’s dance twist. One of my favorites from the period and one that lasted in my clubs for a long time.
I have taken the 12” version of “Party Boy” and used both of the 12” mix and “Cocktail-Mix-Version” to recreate a new ReStructure Mix. A longer phasing in intro is added and more of the guitars roar with some new breaks.
REISSUE: “Magic” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bella & Blue “Magic” by Bella & Blue is one of the releases of its time which brought me back to the essence of disco music. The ideal beauty flowing through the air in an energetic form is one of the greatest since rock ‘n roll. The disco era filled dance floors with many variations of the style of the music that brought the concept alive and made people around the world take part in the fantasy. 70’s disco was beautiful and sweet with many soulful grooves pumped up. Hearing this release in 1991 and being strongly recommended by my good friend and high energy enthusiast, Dean Ferguson the whole essence of this Italo-disco track brought back that swirling above the disco dance floors which was beautiful music to bring the world together…with a beat. Bella & Blue are Alessandra Mirka Gatti, Claudio Magnani and Emanuela Gubinelli. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to bring this ReStructure Mix alive again with the sound of a touch more percussion to guide it along the way. A new arrangement and breaks are new turns and roads.
REISSUE: “Be My Lady” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vanessa Vanessa is an Italo-disco project from Giacomo Maiolini, Giuliano Crivellente and Mauro Farina. “Be My Lady” is the first single which features Clara Moroni on lead vocals. This one is a swirling piece of Italo-dance fest with allot of the girl-twirl elements which took over the late 80’s with a vengeance. It was the energy of the high energy scene with more sweeteners added. “Be My Lady” was a huge success in my club and may have been there for months. It was a recognizable track that was also a heck of a lot fun to dance to. There a few similarities to Sabrina’s “Boys” yet this one still hold its own sexy feel and energy. I have taken the 12” version of “Be My Lady” and reworked the synths and drums into a new ReStructure Mix. The male rap is separated and played out in a new way throughout the mix.
REISSUE: "Freak On" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lemon Kenny Lehman (Rhetta Hughes, Chic, Roundtree) created Lemon – and the name obviously came from his sir name, Lehman. This production was one influenced by the late 70’s style of disco. The single “Freak On” was originally released on Salsoul Records in 1978 then released on the LP titled “Lemon” later 1978 on Prelude Records. This track obviously worked off of the sensation created by Chic’s “Le Freak” but also had it’s own sound and funkiness. I have taken “Freak On” and recreated the scenario with more looping and self-contained percussion and also added some new base tracks to enhance a new excitement.
REISSUE: "Sweet Dynamite" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claudja Barry Disco diva extraordinaire Ms. Claudja Barry was a burst of energy during the mid-70's. Her stature and charisma in disco music are one of the factors that make the style lasting and memorable. "Sweet Dynamite" is from her 1976 LP by the same name and is one of the classics of the Salsoul label. The project was mixed by Mr. Tom Moulton and displays the early declaration of a pure disco production. I have taken the track into the ReStructure realm focusing on the beats and bass lines - and having a little play with the funky guitars and a few riffs. It is one of the most definitive disco tracks. This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to my wonderful partner, Ken - it is one of his favorite disco tracks.
REISSUE: “Magic Bird of Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Salsoul Orchestra The phenomenal sound of The Salsoul Orchestra at it's best! This cut creates an "orchestral tour de force" of disco heaven. Vince Montana arranged this incredible piece of music which takes Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" and transforms it into a jazzy/disco mover. Perhaps inspired by "Fifth of Beethoven" by Walter Murphy. But this one stands on it's own. Some of the best percussion and strings over a disco beat ever! This ReStructure keeps the best of everything in one little package with more breaks and effects along the way.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/24/20) “Thank God For Men” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Modern Rocketry
Modern Rocketry is a San Francisco based disco/high energy project from producers Ken Kessie and Morey Goldstein – and features on vocals Jo-Carol, Kathy Kennedy and Katie Guthorn. Their 1985 project featured several dance floor singles which were successful in helping to create the outline for high energy music. “Thank God For Men” is an anthem that follows the celebratory state of machismo and all about it lure. This one may have been the sequel to “It’s Raining Men” with the uplifting feel and gospel lingering. The full on electronic production is one of the style that the label Megatone Records was popular for during the early and mid-80’s.
I have taken the 12” remix version of “Thank God For Men” and rewired the track for this ReStructure Mix. The airy feel in the mix is now covered with some added percussion and pieces of the action disbursed in a new way.