Sunday, January 28, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/28/18) "I Still Love You (Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kylie Minogue



Kylie Minogue is a sensational pop-dance artist from Australia who made 1988 another landmark periods for dance music. Her productions were mastered by the trio Stock, Aitken and Waterman who were taking dance floors by lead with their innovative use of bass sequencer patterns and the soaring strings ala-disco arrangements. Rick Astley being their big win in their corner of this success. Kylie has become one of the top pop-artists of today and looking back it is no wonder. “I Still Love You (Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi)” is a single from her first album from 1988 – it is a beautiful love song that was a favorite among many dancers of the time as it brings out the sweetness of a questionable affair. The meaning on the French tern (“I don’t know why”) is an emotional tug of war in this piece. It most likely is one of the favs for any Kylie fan.

I have taken the 12” versions including pieces of “The Revolutionary Mix” house bass line and cut the two phases in "I Still Love You (Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi)” into separate pieces of this ReStructure Mix. Using the percussion and bass synths to weave a whole new delivery. It plays out with a classic element from Love Unlimited’s classic “Walking In The Rain” in a whole bringing another tug at the heart.

GOOD MORNING, SUN ... dancing in the early morning

GOOD MORNING, SUN ... dancing in the early morning

"Keep On Rockin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Hemyl - https://youtu.be/ChzFs8DYLGM
"Give Me Your Body" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lime - https://youtu.be/nL_hO_sdFjs
“Satellites” by Ellie Warren – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/UFfJR4g3ppg
“Poinciana” by Paradise Express – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/r0-YoB8pTWU
"In My Wildest Dreams" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio - https://youtu.be/zjDmq07-PG0


Saturday, January 27, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/26/18) "If I Do It To You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Claudja Barry




Claudja Barry is the flame of the disco – she has set many nights into hot dance sessions with many of her classic dance tracks. Her unique voice and delivery were always the lure for me. A touch of operatic and falsetto with a sexy lure. Her first album from 1976 titled “Sweet Dynamite” was a tug on the disco scene at the time. This released a new diva to feel the dance floors sexy lure and the power of a woman behind the microphone. “If I Do It To You” is a 12” single release from 1982 and is produced by Jurgen Korduletsch and in the alluring feel that Claudja delivers so well. This transition period brought the funk and synth-pop style into a new light and this single is a funk number with a lower BPM which happened in the early 80s. A great early evening song or those wet early morning revitalization moments.

I have taken the 12” of “If I Do It To You” and worked in a new ReStructure Mix to bring this one back to drum punching experiencing. Drums from a recent pop hip-hop hit pound out the message again and Claudja oversees our mood once again. This one may be “too sexy” to handle. Work it!

HALL OF HIGH ENERGY - Cast by your feet!

HALL OF HIGH ENERGY - Cast by your feet!

“Feel It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Samantha Gilles - https://youtu.be/21q778ODRWA
"Walk Right Now" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Jacksons - https://youtu.be/u6lcbgByW5s
"Helpless (You Took My Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Flirts - https://youtu.be/Co46nff04U0
"Keep On Jumpin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Musique - https://youtu.be/Jr6x_xu2pWk
“(Together In) Electric Dreams" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio Moroder and Phillip Oakley - https://youtu.be/tmS9nqo1F1o

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/22/18) "It’s A Holiday” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Material with Nona Hendryx




Material is a 80s studio band used for sessions with Herbie Hancock, Afrika Bambaataa and Nona Hendryx. Formed in 1978 and covering variations of punk, jazz and experimental funk. Along with Nona Hendryx in the early 80s the band placed some great music on dance floors including “Bustin’ Out” and “It’s A Holiday” which give us the Nona Hendryx in full form and so welcomed again for the time. “It’s A Holiday” has always been a favorite of mine and has the feel of noise funk which Material delivers so well. Nona adds the mystique and uplifting soul emphasis in the song and makes it very memorable.

I have taken the 12” version of “It’s A Holiday” and included it in the 80s Edition for this new ReStructure Mix which plays out not only lengthier but also uses those conga drums to lay down the excitement. This is a definite outbreak of party noise for those early morning revivals and reminds me of a night that never ends.

HOLLYWOOD DISCO - The stars are out!

HOLLYWOOD DISCO - The stars are out!

“In Hollywood (Everybody Is A Star)” by Village People – Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/2vqIGPp0tM4
“Stars” by Sylvester – Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/5Y0MZP9ROco
“Starstruck Lover” by Boiling Point – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/D-KX4vyozSA
“Hooray For Hollywood” by The Coney Island Chorus Girls – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/IhtsTMCEf7Q
“Sunset People” by Donna Summer - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/nNQj1qSnF6A

Saturday, January 20, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/20/18) "What’s On Your Mind” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nite Life




Nite Life is a Canadian disco project from 1978 produced by Tony Green (France Joli, Freddie James, U.N., Norma Lewis, Caroline Bernier). This early band sound is accompanied by Johnny Dorazio, Louis Todeda and Tony Bentivegna – who went on to form Nightlife Unlimited in 1979. “What’s On Your Mind” is a teasing early evening track that shifts attention on stares from across the club and an enticing invitation. Laid out as a live band feel and gentle on beats and percussion – it is light and airy. One of the sounds of disco in the early years which became a formula for pop disco.

I have taken the 7 inch version of “What’s On Your Mind” and pumped up the rhythm with percussion from a later Nightlife Unlimited classic. The vocal is a nice and gentle touch with a few chorus girls bringing the dream back down to reality. This disco rare pick is one that always looked to as a touch of disco magic.

ReStructure Mix Update (1/1/18) "Midas Touch” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Midnight Star




Midnight Star is an r&b and funk band created in the early 80s by The Calloway Brothers (Reggie and Vincent Calloway). Their brand of dance music was the deep driving electronic feel of 80s funk. Many of their tracks dominated the changing style of dance music including the new page of funk which they branded. “Midas Touch” comes from their 1986 album “Headlines” which is to date one of their most electric love-sonic pieces. It is a smooth piece of their soul given in a clever take on the old fable in love sonnets. A big hit for me and a sure old-school classic as it is today.

I have taken the 12” vocal, instrumental and vocal dub to re-touch this funk masterpiece with a ReStructure Mix. Giving it a new intro and flow with the verses breaking into parts only to expose more grooves. It is a salute to the ever changing dance sound of the 80s and a band that helped to make it happen.


ReStructure Mix Update (1/12/18) "Moonlight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Harlow




Harlow is a Canadian high energy ensemble featuring Johanna VanDerkley (also known for her lead vocal on Crystal In The Pink’s “Back To You” and Boiling Point’s “Starstruck Lover”), Joanne Perica and Linda Hanchar. This production from 1980 is a return to the disco sound of the late 70s also outlines the title track “Take Off” which is a high energy salutes to points of travel with disco alongside. A familiar theme that Voyage gave us in the late seventies. The female ensemble is also a return to the disco chorus girl feel where the energy is lifted and then brought to a sexy serenade. “Moonlight” is a track from the album which plays out as the band `wondering again without a care and justifying the musician’s carefree life in the disco realm. It is a nice number that salutes as aspects of disco music. The album was produced by Alex Alexander, Bertch Alyanak and Mike Alyanak.

I have taken the album version of “Moonlight” and extended the excitement enhancing the disco groove and lovely vocals with pieces and parts of the original. There are two breakdowns for the anthem feel of this song. The violin parts are placed here again to give the disco edge a landing.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/11/18) "Rock Your Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – George McCrae




George McCrae has the song from 1974 which changed soul and dance music from this moment on. The feel of Marvin Gaye and the new sound of Miami disco with H.W. Casey (K.C. and The Sunshine Band) and Richard Finch leading the production. The funkiest guitar licks have started here and kept K.C. and The Sunshine Band alive throughout the 70s. “Rock Your Baby” is a classic not only because it is unique for its time – but also it is haunting as well as rhythmic. A disco gem and a marker in music history.

I have taken the album version of “Rock Your Baby” and applied the ReStructure Mix formula to this number to give it more of that hip moving action as well much play on George’s outstanding and memorable performance. It is a bit lengthier outlines the groove in a new direction.


DISCO-LISH! That sweet funky stuff

DISCO-LISH! That sweet funky stuff 

“My #1 Request” by Destination – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera -https://youtu.be/1oMumX3FiQQ
“Disco Blood” by The Vamps – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/Z7AlhFukU80
"Magic Man" by Heart - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/PXfWDQubFNY
“Fly, Robin, Fly” by Silver Convention – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/jcLUAStVPro
“Captain Boogie” by Wardell Piper – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/vx_iF2myHDs

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/8/18) "Time After Time” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Parker




Paul Parker is a talent who emerged during a disco revival in the early 80s in San Francisco. With artists like Sylvester who brought the city to the disco world map around the world even during a time when disco music slowly lessoned in the market place and became an underground art once again. Paul worked closely with producer and artist Patrick Cowley during the late 70s and early 80s during the electronic high energy movement when dance music was overhauled and repackaged for a new period. “Time After Time” is a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 ballad with a high energy focus. Produced by high energy producer Ian Anthony Stephens who made the 80s high energy movement works with many of his productions by Marsha Raven, The Flirtations and Hazell Dean. This cover was a nice touch for dance floors to remember disco/dance history of years prior.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a fantasy-form of ReStructure Mix with Paul’s wonder vocal and Ian’s simple yet effective production. It is laid out with looping and more vocals from the original. Grab a fan and stand on the sidelines and you may understand how high energy became beautiful and energetic.

UNDER-GROUND ... dance it differently

UNDER-GROUND ... dance it differently

“New York” by MCL – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/76E83xQQTtc
"Revenge" by Revanche - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/kqg21XlRyQg
“Catch” by Sun-La-Shan - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/bVBnx7G7KwM
“Spacer Woman” by Charlie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/azMtFUUECs0
"White Rabbit" by David Diebold & Kim Cataluna - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/VC7otorv5dA

Sunday, January 7, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (1/7/18) "Daddy Cool” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Boney M.




Boney M. is Maizie Williams, Marcia Barrett, Liz Mitchell and Bobby Farrell – a studio project from producer Frank Farian. This ensemble brought dance floors a disco formula that would mark several periods in music history. “Daddy Cool” is from their first album in 1976 titled “Take The Heat Off Me” and echoes with a bass riff which gave the beat a best friend. This early powerhouse disco hit is a classic today and reminds us of how playful and funky the dance floor once was.

I have taken the 12” extended version and re-worked a ReStructure Mix which plays out with more added breaks and a couple of samples which blend in with the energy rolling in this number. A favorite from Boney M. of many disco connoisseurs and by all means another opportunity to feel that disco spark again.

ReStructure Mix Update (1/6/18) "Life In Tokyo” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Japan




Japan is an art rock band from the late-70s bringing a touch of glam to their music and unique. In 1979 the band was paired with disco producer Giorgio Moroder for a single titled “Life In Tokyo” which is one of the pieces that followers of Moroder’s work will find a detour in theme and vocals yet close to the computer age sound of disco which he brought to life. Deeply moody and slightly uplifting this piece has always been one of genius as touches of the disco electronic pulses bring a new sound to new life.

I have taken the 12” single version of “Life In Tokyo” and used the synths and some familiar parts of Moroder’s “E=Mc2” album into this ReStructure Mix. More of the soft jittery synthesizers are transformed into long breaks for a long adventure into this glam-disco number.

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