Tuesday, May 29, 2012

"Get Your Kicks" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fancy

"Get Your Kicks" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fancy

Fancy is Manfred Alois Segieth - a German disco group that moved upon the 80s high energy scene and gave it another taste of the mystique which makes the music an underground phenomena.

"Get You Kicks" is the groups first LP from 1985 and features the sound which makes Fancy a staple in most club play-lists at the time. A rolling wall of bass synths and dark but uplifting themes. The song is one of the time which gives Fancy it's place as one of the innovative of the time.

I have taken the 12" version of "Get Your Kicks" and have reworked the track with some new and familiar "kicks".

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Lloyd C. on Facebook - thanks for the request Lloyd!

Monday, May 28, 2012

"Take Me To Paradise" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kelly Marie

"Take Me To Paradise" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kelly Marie

Kelly Marie is one disco diva who is hard to forget! With dance hits like, "Run To Me" from 1977 and "Feels Like I'm In Love" from 1979, Kelly was a fixture that would not soon go away.

Here LP "Feels Like In In Love" was a great way to transition from 70s disco to 80 high energy - the sweetness and simple message to dance was intact. "Take Me To Paradise" is a track from the project produced by Peter Yellowstone.

I had always admired the sensual feel of this song and also climatic moments we find our diva in. It was a great early morning song and worked for me each time. I have given the album version a ReStructure Mix and focused on a more electronic mix in along with more crescendos to make this escape a more memorable experience.

Dedicated to Ms. Marie for her unique vocal style and talents to bestow to disco dance floors everywhere.       

Thursday, May 24, 2012

"Not The Boy Next Door" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Allen

"Not The Boy Next Door" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Allen

Peter Allen is a performer and artist from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. His music releases span from 1974 through 1990. His approach was a slick-Broadway fare for pop-dance music and disco which displays the elegance of the night club scene and the stage drama of a Barry Manilow concert.

"Not The Boy Next Door" is from his 1983 LP by the same title and has the message which gives way to the impression that experience has not matured this man in heart and manner. It is one of the themes which make up a sense of excitement for the soul.

This ReStructure Mix was requested from Paul C. from New York City and who I admire very much for his savvy in both music and films. The album version was used here for the ReStructure Mix and a whole new mood I worked to create for a new dance experience holding onto the same energy!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

"Marisa" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

"Marisa" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

Machine is August Darnell, Clare Bathé, Jay Stovall, Kevin Nance, Lonnie Ferguson and Melvin Lee - their big disco hit "There But For The Grace Of God (Go I)" was one of the most innovative and intense dance floor tracks on of it's time.

The first LP was a nice production from August Darnell (who also gave us Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Gichy Dan's Beachwood #9, and Don Armando's Second Avenue Rumba Band. The second single from their first self-titled album was "Marisa" - one of my favorites!

I have taken the 12" version of "Marisa" and used the funky-keyboards and groovy guitars to create a whole new ReStructure Mix for this bass-thumping love song.

"Hit!" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tommy Seebach

"Hit!" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tommy Seebach

Tommy Seebach (Tommy Seebach Mortensen) is a Danish musician and singer. He was formerly a member of a band called Sir Henry & His Bustlers in 1965 and later branded his own style of disco music with his first album "Wheels" in 1975.

From his 1981 LP "Love On The Line" comes the track "Hit!" which was the theme for a TV quiz show by the same name. It is a melodic instrumental with swirling sytnhesizers and angelic-like choirs. It was introduced to me by Jussi K. and instantly became a favorite!

I have take the album version and have given it a new ReStructure Mix extending the sweeps and crescendos. A real treat for those high energy/hardcore dance moments and a lingering feel of the 80s.

Thank you again, Jussi - this one is for you.

Monday, May 21, 2012

"Arista Vista" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gregg Diamond's Star Cruiser

"Arista Vista" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gregg Diamond's Star Cruiser

Gregg Diamond is mastermind behind disco groups Bionic Boogie, Hardware, I.O.B. and Star Cruiser. He also produced projects by Gloria Gaynor, Andrea True Connection, and George McCrae.

Star Crusier's 1978 album is one of the most iconic and tightest disco productions from the period. The first single off of the project to hit dance floors is "This Side Of Midnight" featuring vocals from Diva Gray. Several other cuts also became favorites for DJs and record collectors. One of my favorites from this incredible album is a funky instrumental called "Arista Vista" - a rhythm and percussion similar to Andrea True's "More More More".

I have taken the album version and ReStructured the piece to play with the guitar, percussion and rhythm tracks to see what I could come up with - this is it!

Dedicated to Jussi K. and Lloyd C. from Facebook - thanks boys for reminding me what a "genius" Mr. Diamond is and continues to influence.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

"Newsy Neigbors" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Double Exposure

"Newsy Neigbors" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Double Exposure

Double Exposure is Jimmy Williams, Joe Harris and Leonard Davis - a soul vocal group originally called United Image in 1968. Their disco ventures are some of the original Philadelphia classics including "My Love Is Free", "Ten Percent" and "Every Man (Has To Carry His Own Weight)".

"Newsy Neighbors is from their 1978 album " Fourplay" and is built on that classic rolling Philly-disco sound. It is the outline of those who just cannot keep their noses out of someone elses business. Wouldn't be bad of it were a dance circle and they were invited in.

This ReStructure Mix is using the album version and extending the drum and bongo intro along with some loops and pieces to give a disco track some "exposure" and respect to a great vocal ensemble.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

"Benihana" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marilyn Chambers

"Benihana" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marilyn Chambers

Marliyn Chambers is a porn star from the mid 70s who also starred in David Cronenberg's horror-flick "Rabid" from 1977 - and also her one-and-only disco track, "Benihana" is featured in a short segment.

The disco 12" "Benihana" was more of a novelty recording obviously attempting to place Chambers in the disco arena along with successes like Andrea True also a porn star with her smash hit "More More More" - the great part about this recording is that it was produced by Michael Zager ("Let's All Chant").

It is one of my favorite sexy/camp disco tracks and I have taken the 12" and given it a new ReStructure Mix and added a new intro and some sexy loops.

Friday, May 18, 2012

 “Space Trouble” by Why Not – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Why Not is Italian producer Gianni Salvatori (Matia Bazar, RAF, Italian Boys, Ross, The Nasty Boys) along with arranger Ricardo Eterno – their 1987 project “Space Trouble” is an electronic dance track which is similar to Italian acts like Koto and Laserdance. It is a fusion of synthetic percussion and wild-and-50’s sci-fi edged keyboards.

I have paired this Italo-disco track to the 1979 sci-fi horror flick “Alien” starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt and Veronica Cartwright. The story centers on a mining ship investigating a suspected SOS on a distant planet and ends up discovering a strange alien “terror”.

The film moves well with the disco syncopated groove and the wacky-voice overs – it is a new way of seeing this flick where “in space no one can hear you scream!”

The film was directed to Ridley Scott

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

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

"Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Jacques Band

"Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Jacques Band

Peter Jacques Band is studio band from disco producer Jacques Fred Petrus and composer and arranger Mauro Malavasi. "Fire Night Dance" was their first Lp from 1978 and changed the disco scene to a high energy mode. It was electronic dance music in it's early stages along with a full disco orchestration.

"Welcome Back" is the second album from 1980 and contained the single "Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" which is a fast paced disco extravaganza with the energy level of a Studio 54 dance floor. The album was a departure to a new era of dance music and did so appropriately.

I have taken the album version of "Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" and have given it a ReStructure Mix focusing on much of the riffs and fast paced synthesizer pulses.

Dedicated to Tina A. from Facebook - for her kindness and undying disco energy!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

"Love and Passion" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cheryl Barnes

"Love and Passion" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cheryl Barnes

Cheryl Barnes is a pop-singer and actress who starred in the Milos Forman's film version of "Hair" in 1979. In 1980 she was featured on the "American Gigolo" soundtrack - produced by Giorgio Moroder - singing "Love and Passion" - a point of the film which features a Hollywood club (The Probe) and an somewhat underground dance party.

"Love and Passion" is an essential cross over track for Moroder, as It was a bit more on the rock-edge with his disco fusion as you can hear with his deep-production. A nice transition to the 80s.

I have taken the album version and recreated a whole new ReStructure Mix to emphasize the pounding beats, roaring guitars and glory-esque choruses.

This ReStructure Mix was requested from Rick S. - who I thank for reminding me this song needed an update and longer mix.

Monday, May 14, 2012

"Lost Angeles" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio

"Lost Angeles" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio

Giorgio Moroder has made many marks in both disco music, innovative motion picture soundtracks and pop-dance projects. His genius has created a world where imagination and dance collide. One of the motivations for my disco excursion as a teenager was thanks to Mr. Moroder.

"From Here To Eternity" is Moroder "masterpiece" of electronic disco music - it is a trip to another level of existence. I have take the movement "Lost Angeles" from the side one medley and created a whole new mix for another taste of Moroder's sound and brilliance. Using loops and phasing to give the once new edge a whole new pump up.

Dedicated to Moroder fans and of course, the man himself!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

"I Was Made For Loving Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ellie Warren

"I Was Made For Loving Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ellie Warren

Ellie Warren is from the Scottish seaside town of Gourock. She recorded her first single "Lover's Theme" in 1979. Her second single "Shattered Glass" from 1980 was later covered by Laura Branigan in 1987. "I Was Made For Loving You" was released the following year in 1981.

I have taken the original 12" version of "I Was Made For Loving You" and haven given it a ReStructure Mix to extend the intro and add a few breaks along the way. The production is much like an Italo-disco high energy feel with the rolling synthesizers. This cover of Kiss' 1979 is a lighter fare but gives a nice disco-fluff added for a new dance floor experience.

Dedicated to Ian S. and Ms. Ellie Warren

Friday, May 11, 2012

"I Was Born This Way" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carl Bean

"I Was Born This Way" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carl Bean

Carl Bean broke a barrier in 1977 with the Motown 12" single "I Was Born This Way - a gay who decided to follow the "homophobic" church and become a clergyman. His faith is felt and heard in this powerful anthem.

I have taken the 12" vocal and recreated a ReStructure Mix which centers more on the classic disco production by Norman Harris, Ron Kersey and T.G. Conway - also Tom Moulton mixing and engineering. The new anthem add a new intro and fade out with some recent historic words from President Obama.

This ReStructure Mix was requested by the wonderful and talented, Mr. Bob Esty - and is directed as energy to bring on the calling of diversity acceptance and of course, disco energy! Thank you again, Bob for your beautiful music and care.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

"Breakaway" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Watson Beasley

"Breakaway" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Watson Beasley

Watson Beasley are Alfred Beasley and Gina Watson - an incredible duo from 1980 - their LP "Watson Beasley" produced by Peter Alves and Watson Beasley.

"Breakaway" is the big hit from the album and has become a classic at the end of the disco era. It remains one of the most loved high energy/disco tracks for many disco connoisseurs. The vocals always brought to mind an Ashford and Simpson-like driving disco energy sound.

I have taken the album version (not the 12" remix) and ReStructured a longer and more break injected mix for the lovers of this monster hit.

Dedicated to Mr. Alfred Beasley and sending lots of good energy and thanks for your talent!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

"White Horse" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Laid Back

"White Horse" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Laid Back

Laid Back is John Guldberg and Tim Stahl - am electronic 80s band that infused a unique blend of pop, reggae, and synthetic dance. Their 1983 album "...Keep Smiling" was a notable project thanks to the single, "White Horse".

I have taken the album version of "White Horse" and created a new ReStructure Mix taking the "White Horse" for another wild-and-chopped ride. This mix utilizes lots of the funky-synth grooves and makes a new effort to take this horsey to the floor again!

Mixed for those innovative 80s dancers - you know who you are!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

"Dancing In A Disco" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ganymed

"Dancing In A Disco" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ganymed

Ganymed is an Austrian space-disco group consisting of Rudolf Mille, Gerhard Messinger, Ernst Nekola, Daniele Prencipe, Yvonne Dory and Gerry Edmond

"Dancing In A Disco" is from their 1979 album "Future World" - it is the electronic 70s blending to a disco format. A simple yet contagious song with lots of galactic effects.

I have taken the 12" single version and ReStructured this cool-cosmic number - extending and adding few new elements. It was great fun to play back in the day and a nice little planetary homage to the band.

Walter Murphy - "Bolero" / Prototype - "I Feel Love"


Walter Murphy - "Bolero" / "Mostly Mozart"
New York International Records
1979
Produced and mixed by Jim Burgess

Walter Murphy is best known in the 70s for his disco-update of a classical Beethoven piece: "A Fifth Of Beethoven" - also featured on the soundtrack to "Saturday Night Fever". His work throughout the 80s also includes advertising jingles and now, in the millennium he is known for his music and theme from the popular television cartoon-comedy, "Family Guy".

His 1979 album titled "Discosymtphony" was another take on some classic compositions - featured on this 12" single are Ravel's "Bolero" and few movements from Mozart set to an identical insert of Jimmy 'Bo' Horne's "Spank". A nice full disco production which is the "head" of the disco era and then of course the last of it.

This features a full orchestra and can be heard on these tracks - and also was produced and mixed by the legendary disc-jockey and remixer, Mr. Jim Burgess.

Prototype - "I Feel Love"
Double-Down Records
1987
Produced by Bibi A. LaRed and Efrain Enriquez

Prototype is a studio group from producers Bibi A. LaRed and Efrain Enriquez - their music is an electronic edge with a touch of Miami freestyle. This 12" single takes Donna Summer's disco icon, "I Feel Love" and transforms it into an 80s Miami-feel.

Vocals are by Tere Costa and give the tinkling percussion a nice twist along with the New Order-ish ("Blue Monday") beat intro. It is a nice departure from the sequenced synthesizer of most covers. The haunting keyboards inserts give the remake a nice haunting feel.

This one worked well for me till the end of the 80s and always reminds me of a new generation of dancers asking about more Donna Summer after hearing this one during an early Saturday night.


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Monday, May 7, 2012

"Super Sweet" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Wardell Piper

"Super Sweet" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Wardell Piper

Wardell Piper (formerly a member of First Choice) recorded her solo LP in 1979 - produced by John H. Fitch Jr. and Reuben Cross. "Super Sweet" went to #33 on the R&B charts in 1979 and many clubs were giving this funky-disco treat a home.

"Super Sweet" always struck me as an early visit to the garage sound with Wardell's soulful vocal and the raw bass guitar which keeps the groove lazy and tight! It was always a favorite of mine and a great way to start the dance in the early evening.

I have taken the 12" mixed by Jimmy Simpson and have given it a new twist in this ReStructure Mix - using parts of Wardell that always made me snap my fingers - and create this funk-a-fied tribute to this diva!

Thank you, Wardell - your are "The Wonder Boogie-Diva" in my book! This mix is for you!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

"Magic Dancer" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tamara

"Magic Dancer" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tamara

Tamara (Tamara Lorincz) is the voice behind the classic disco hit, "(Everybody) Get Dancin'" by Bombers from 1979. Her solo LP "Magic Dancer" is one of the early Canadian disco gems of the 80s. Produced by Vincent Ciambrone - who also gave us Boogie People, Debbie Wilson and Valdaro.

Tamara's title "Magic Dancer" is a roaring high energy/disco number that is powerful beyond belief. This one was a huge hit in my club after a few plays during peak hour. It remains one of my favorite early 80s dance tracks and is one of those songs once I start humming I cannot get it out of my head.

This ReStructure Mix takes the LP version and re-edits and segues the big parts of this "mover" - for another chance to create some magic.

Thanks to Tamara Lorincz for her kindness and also for sharing her talent with disco fans everywhere. This mix is for you, Tamara!

Friday, May 4, 2012

"Shadow Of Your Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque

"Shadow Of Your Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque

Risque is a Dutch disco "four-gy" of lovely vocals that makes one wonder who came first: Bananarama or Risque? Does it matter - they are both workin' the feet and soothin' to the soul.

"Shadow Of Your Heart" is a single released in 1984 and produced by John Tilly - a nice musical escape from the dreamy disco sound to a more funky almost Miami-electro beat edge. It is a nice track and thanks to a request from Juergen L. from the UK - a new ReStructure Mix outlines the funky synthetic percussion and the gals on their sensual vocal journey!

For you, Juergen and thank you again for all of your wonderful support!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

"Crusader" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Trax

"Crusader" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Trax

Trax is Pete Bellotte of Donna Summer/Giorgio Moroder fame and Keith Forsey a drummer and producer of Mick Rowley, Gen X (Billy Idol) and Icehouse. This project created two albums - "Watch Out" in 1977 and "Dancing In The Streets" (a disco cover of Martha Reeves and The Vandellas) in 1978.

"Crusader" is a track from the "Dancing In The Streets" and is one of the first big percussion instrumental pieces from this period. It rolls over-and-over with plenty of cowbell, bongos, and congas beating to the chorus riff. I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix with some new segues and production effects.

NOTE: This mix does not give my approval of the crusades, which is where the term "crusader" is from. I do not support violence that the Christians used in military campaigns nor do I support their current standing in today's social realm or politics.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

"Mirage" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kebekelektrik

"Mirage" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kebekelektrik

Kebekelektrik is a studio concept group from disco producer, Pat Deserio (Bombers, Bob-A-Rela, Rational Youth) - he was originally a part of the disco band, Dogs of War along with Derek Kendrick and Jack August.

"Mirage" is from the only LP Kebekelektrik released in 1977 - assisting on the project is Gino Soccio. The track is a bouncy keyboard odyssey with a Eastern-feel. It has always been on the great instrumentals from the band - which seems to be the trend from the project - they are all classics.

The album was remixed by Mr. Tom Moulton

I have taken the LP version and ReStructured a new experience with a few new riffs and break beats to spice up the the rhythm. It is a pleasure to work on a track like this and it may seem to go on-and-on but wait until it's over. You may want more!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

"Computer Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q

"Computer Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q

Suzy Q began a studio concept by Canadian producer, Jerry Cucuzzella - during the period of "Computer Music" which was released in 1985 lead vocals were performed by Angie Vileno.

"Computer Music" is one of the 80s high-NRG gems. It has the lovely and sweet melodic disco diva welcoming fantasy for the dance floor and music pumping out an aerobic-like workout.,

I have taken the original 12" and ReStructured a journey for this track and added a few "computer" elements to fit into a new technology and meaning.

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