Fame - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Irene Cara

• Fame - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Irene Cara
1980 was a time when "Fame" rose from the disco ashes of pop music - along the lines with the Village People's disco film, "Can't Stop The Music." This cut was effective as a soundtrack hit but stood on it's own with the vocals of Irene Cara. Quite a few lasting impressions are here along with the backing vocals of the late, Luther Vandross. Michael Gore produced. A completely new feel is given to the track in this ReStructure - but why use any other vocals? Irene still smokes on this one.

Fame - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Irene Cara

• Fame - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Irene Cara
1980 was a time when "Fame" rose from the disco ashes of pop music - along the lines with the Village People's disco film, "Can't Stop The Music." This cut was effective as a soundtrack hit but stood on it's own with the vocals of Irene Cara. Quite a few lasting impressions are here along with the backing vocals of the late, Luther Vandross. Michael Gore produced. A completely new feel is given to the track in this ReStructure - but why use any other vocals? Irene still smokes on this one.

Disco Zip File #32: Disco Kitten, "Ann Margret", Michele and Patrick Cowley and Mark Farina

Ann-Margret
Label: MCA Records
Released: 1980

Credits: Arranged By, Guitar, Producer - Paul Sabu

The 60’s kitten did an excellent job at creating a rousing effect in the disco arena and along with producer, Paul Sabot these cuts remain some of the most sought after in the classic disco catalogue. “Love Rush” is Ann’s dance floor classic with its piercing strings (may have been influenced by Kat Mandu’s “The Break”) and “percussion delight”. Sabu had just worked with Gwen Jonae and Sister Power so musical elements are similar, if not duplicated. They work very well though.

Back to Margret – she shines like a treasure in this group of songs. Although her voice at this point appears frail over the strong instrumentals it works extremely well with its sexuality and alluring feel.

1) Midnight Message (6:53)
2) What I Do To Men (6:07)
3) Love Rush (12” Mix) (6:06)
4) Never Gonna Let You Go (5:03)
5) For You (4:50)

Bonus Tracks:

6) Hold Me, Squeeze Me (5:34)
7) Everybody Needs Somebody Sometimes (Part 1) (3:54)

Michele - Disco Dance
Label: West End Records
Released: 1977
Credits: Producer - Pierre Jaubert , Tom Moulton

Tracklisting:

8) Disco Dance (Mega Mix) (13:40) Mega Mix - Patrick Cowley

I have always had a feeling that Michele was also Chantal Curtis who performed “Get Another Love” in 1979. Pierre Jaubert also produced this classic. The LP that features “Disco Dance” is “Magic Love” – a wonderful piece of disco music during a maturing phase. Very European yet a big part of the New York disco scene. This cut was one of Patrick Cowley’s influences to create his psychedelic keyboard tracks over. He created a classic with Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” – this was not as effective yet still interesting to hear Cowley approach his style and work on his genius. The song moves with wonderful rhythm guitar and some raw percussion to tack the hips to the groove.

Mark Farina - To My Heart
Label: Asia Records
Country: Italy
Released: 1989

Credits: Arranged By, Producer, Written-By - Giuliano Crivellente , Mauro Farina
Mixed By - Laurent G. Newfield* , P. Pelloni*
Notes: Recorded and Mixed at Factory Sound Studio by "The Mixmaster Team"

This is one of my favorite Italo Disco tracks of this period – not much was going on that was innovative. Allot of the producers and their projects were sounding very similar and the usual sound of a thumping beat and simple keyboards were repeated. This track has some elements that stand out for me: a wonderful orchestral crescendo, very similar to “Always On My Mind” by Pet Shop Boys and Farina’s wonderful yearning vocals. The angelic vocal samples are wonderful. This one is a twirler!

Tracklisting:

9) To My Heart (Boom Boom Mix) (6:55)

Disco Zip File #32: Disco Kitten, "Ann Margret", Michele and Patrick Cowley and Mark Farina

Ann-Margret
Label: MCA Records
Released: 1980

Credits: Arranged By, Guitar, Producer - Paul Sabu

The 60’s kitten did an excellent job at creating a rousing effect in the disco arena and along with producer, Paul Sabot these cuts remain some of the most sought after in the classic disco catalogue. “Love Rush” is Ann’s dance floor classic with its piercing strings (may have been influenced by Kat Mandu’s “The Break”) and “percussion delight”. Sabu had just worked with Gwen Jonae and Sister Power so musical elements are similar, if not duplicated. They work very well though.

Back to Margret – she shines like a treasure in this group of songs. Although her voice at this point appears frail over the strong instrumentals it works extremely well with its sexuality and alluring feel.

1) Midnight Message (6:53)
2) What I Do To Men (6:07)
3) Love Rush (12” Mix) (6:06)
4) Never Gonna Let You Go (5:03)
5) For You (4:50)

Bonus Tracks:

6) Hold Me, Squeeze Me (5:34)
7) Everybody Needs Somebody Sometimes (Part 1) (3:54)

Michele - Disco Dance
Label: West End Records
Released: 1977
Credits: Producer - Pierre Jaubert , Tom Moulton

Tracklisting:

8) Disco Dance (Mega Mix) (13:40) Mega Mix - Patrick Cowley

I have always had a feeling that Michele was also Chantal Curtis who performed “Get Another Love” in 1979. Pierre Jaubert also produced this classic. The LP that features “Disco Dance” is “Magic Love” – a wonderful piece of disco music during a maturing phase. Very European yet a big part of the New York disco scene. This cut was one of Patrick Cowley’s influences to create his psychedelic keyboard tracks over. He created a classic with Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” – this was not as effective yet still interesting to hear Cowley approach his style and work on his genius. The song moves with wonderful rhythm guitar and some raw percussion to tack the hips to the groove.

Mark Farina - To My Heart
Label: Asia Records
Country: Italy
Released: 1989

Credits: Arranged By, Producer, Written-By - Giuliano Crivellente , Mauro Farina
Mixed By - Laurent G. Newfield* , P. Pelloni*
Notes: Recorded and Mixed at Factory Sound Studio by "The Mixmaster Team"

This is one of my favorite Italo Disco tracks of this period – not much was going on that was innovative. Allot of the producers and their projects were sounding very similar and the usual sound of a thumping beat and simple keyboards were repeated. This track has some elements that stand out for me: a wonderful orchestral crescendo, very similar to “Always On My Mind” by Pet Shop Boys and Farina’s wonderful yearning vocals. The angelic vocal samples are wonderful. This one is a twirler!

Tracklisting:

9) To My Heart (Boom Boom Mix) (6:55)

If There's Love - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amant

• If There's Love - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amant
One of the most memorable productions of the disco peak was Amant. "If There's Love" is one beautiful piece of music. A flowing love song that statesa powerful plea accompanied by lush strings and Afro-Cuban percussion that is perfection. Produced by Ray Martinez (Celi Bee, Passion, Ray Martinez and Friends, Sassy) and handled with care. This song is ReStructured with the animal percussion in mind. Brought in front and exit to make it even more memorable.

If There's Love - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amant

• If There's Love - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amant
One of the most memorable productions of the disco peak was Amant. "If There's Love" is one beautiful piece of music. A flowing love song that statesa powerful plea accompanied by lush strings and Afro-Cuban percussion that is perfection. Produced by Ray Martinez (Celi Bee, Passion, Ray Martinez and Friends, Sassy) and handled with care. This song is ReStructured with the animal percussion in mind. Brought in front and exit to make it even more memorable.

Chase - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio

• Chase - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio
Instrumentals were always refreshing on the dance floor when there was a groove that would work and work. Giorgio Moroder's "Chase" created that element and enhanced with his moog and synthesizer style which has never grown old. This cut was a part of Moroder's soundtrack to the 1978 film, "Midnight Express" - the 12" single mixed for discotheques was a take off on the keyboard track segment from the film. It brought to life the keyboard riffs which bring to a peculating synthetic percussion track and moog bass line to life. I have taken parts of the keyboards and sprinkled them throughout a new ReStructure of this fantastic piece of music.

Chase - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio

• Chase - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio
Instrumentals were always refreshing on the dance floor when there was a groove that would work and work. Giorgio Moroder's "Chase" created that element and enhanced with his moog and synthesizer style which has never grown old. This cut was a part of Moroder's soundtrack to the 1978 film, "Midnight Express" - the 12" single mixed for discotheques was a take off on the keyboard track segment from the film. It brought to life the keyboard riffs which bring to a peculating synthetic percussion track and moog bass line to life. I have taken parts of the keyboards and sprinkled them throughout a new ReStructure of this fantastic piece of music.

• Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Santa Esmeralda
Rarely do you find a song where the remake is the better half - I can remember a time working at a Tower Records as a teenager here in San Diego back in 1978 - a customer who resembled a rock-and-roll icon came to me and asked for the remake of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" - he said it was a disco song, which he never buys disco music but thought this was the most incredible remake ever. I agreed. This production featured Don Ray arranging strings and brass and producers, Jean-Manuel de Scarano and Nicolas Skorsky. Awesome production originally released in 1977 on Philips in France and then distributed on Casablanca in the US. I have taken segments of the original 16 minute mix and realigned parts for a more tight and thorough mix.

• Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Santa Esmeralda
Rarely do you find a song where the remake is the better half - I can remember a time working at a Tower Records as a teenager here in San Diego back in 1978 - a customer who resembled a rock-and-roll icon came to me and asked for the remake of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" - he said it was a disco song, which he never buys disco music but thought this was the most incredible remake ever. I agreed. This production featured Don Ray arranging strings and brass and producers, Jean-Manuel de Scarano and Nicolas Skorsky. Awesome production originally released in 1977 on Philips in France and then distributed on Casablanca in the US. I have taken segments of the original 16 minute mix and realigned parts for a more tight and thorough mix.

• The Runner - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Three Degrees
Giorgio Moroder and The The Degrees. Period. Enough to let you know it is good. Four talents that would make disco history and linger on forever. I can remember hearing that the group had recorded with Moroder in 1978 and was trying to hold back my excitement - but after picking up the 12" single of "The Runner" I could not contain myself. This cut was written by Sheila Ferguson and placed over the pulsating synths of the disco genius himself. The evolution of the keyboard was becoming more interesting at this point especially when you wrap the vocals of these lovely ladies around them. I was a bit unsure of how to even approach a remix of this classic - but after taking pieces of those synthesizers and breaking the song into parts the rest was done with such excitement.
Dedicated to Jeep for his reminder of just how incredible these ladies are!

• The Runner - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Three Degrees
Giorgio Moroder and The The Degrees. Period. Enough to let you know it is good. Four talents that would make disco history and linger on forever. I can remember hearing that the group had recorded with Moroder in 1978 and was trying to hold back my excitement - but after picking up the 12" single of "The Runner" I could not contain myself. This cut was written by Sheila Ferguson and placed over the pulsating synths of the disco genius himself. The evolution of the keyboard was becoming more interesting at this point especially when you wrap the vocals of these lovely ladies around them. I was a bit unsure of how to even approach a remix of this classic - but after taking pieces of those synthesizers and breaking the song into parts the rest was done with such excitement.
Dedicated to Jeep for his reminder of just how incredible these ladies are!

• Feel Like Dancing - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli
Another great Prelude classic from France Joli and Tony Green. This funky little number was a CO-play with "The Heart To Break The Heart" and is remembered well by many. Great classic disco percussion lingers below this track. I have pulled a lot of it to the surface and extended the song a bit.
This ReStructure is dedicated to VJC of Disco935 - Rhythm and Soul of New York for keeping the heart of disco music pumping!

• Feel Like Dancing - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli
Another great Prelude classic from France Joli and Tony Green. This funky little number was a CO-play with "The Heart To Break The Heart" and is remembered well by many. Great classic disco percussion lingers below this track. I have pulled a lot of it to the surface and extended the song a bit.
This ReStructure is dedicated to VJC of Disco935 - Rhythm and Soul of New York for keeping the heart of disco music pumping!

• From East To West - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage
Produced by Roger Tokarz and featuring many musicians from France (alias Cerrone sessions) this LP took the disco concept project into a whole new light. This LP was most likely heard in it's entirety or played out on either side with each song segued. It was one of the most brilliant disco albums of the year. The vocals on this LP featured Kay Garner and Stephanie De Sykes (Love & Kisses, Cerrone, Kikrokos) who create a lyrical sound that is influenced by the Euro-Disco sound emerging at the time. "From East To West" contains many fantastic musical elements from the bass guitars to the innovative keyboards of the time. Still fresh and very pleasing. My ReStructure only breaks the song into many parts featuring new breaks and more of the soothing vocals.

• From East To West - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage
Produced by Roger Tokarz and featuring many musicians from France (alias Cerrone sessions) this LP took the disco concept project into a whole new light. This LP was most likely heard in it's entirety or played out on either side with each song segued. It was one of the most brilliant disco albums of the year. The vocals on this LP featured Kay Garner and Stephanie De Sykes (Love & Kisses, Cerrone, Kikrokos) who create a lyrical sound that is influenced by the Euro-Disco sound emerging at the time. "From East To West" contains many fantastic musical elements from the bass guitars to the innovative keyboards of the time. Still fresh and very pleasing. My ReStructure only breaks the song into many parts featuring new breaks and more of the soothing vocals.

I Love You - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

• I Love You - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer
The double LP that created a world of make believe for many on the dance floor was 1977's "Once Upon A Time" - probably one of Donna Summer's most creative and excellent recordings. Thanks to Chris in New Orleans and his request for extending and setting "I Love You" in it's own place, this ReStructure allows more of the dreamlike aura of this song to linger on. The orchestration of this production is incredible - Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte and Donna must have all held the same dream when creating this masterpiece. Bob Esty however did have a large part of this project and much of his genius is heard throughout this cut and the LP.
May the magic live forever!

I Love You - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

• I Love You - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer
The double LP that created a world of make believe for many on the dance floor was 1977's "Once Upon A Time" - probably one of Donna Summer's most creative and excellent recordings. Thanks to Chris in New Orleans and his request for extending and setting "I Love You" in it's own place, this ReStructure allows more of the dreamlike aura of this song to linger on. The orchestration of this production is incredible - Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte and Donna must have all held the same dream when creating this masterpiece. Bob Esty however did have a large part of this project and much of his genius is heard throughout this cut and the LP.
May the magic live forever!

Grace Jones - in your face, Love & Kisses (smack), Bruce Springsteen and Ednah Holt & Starluv (Tom Savarese Mix)

Grace Jones - Muse
Released: 1979
Credits: Arranged By - Thor Baldursson
Backing Vocals - Barbara Ingram , Carl Helm, Carla Benson, Evette Benton, Phil Hurtt , Ron Tyson
Bass - Jimmy Williams
Drums - Keith Benson
Guitar - Craig Snyder
Keyboards - Thor Baldursson
Percussion - James Walker , Larry Washington
Producer - Tom Moulton
"A Tom Moulton Mix"

Grace Jones may be better know for her work in the mid-80’s – since her appeal worked best with the harshness of electronic dance fusion sound provided by Chris Blackwell and Sly Dunbar. But years prior to this her years in disco to me, were her most heroic. This LP “Muse” is probably one of the most interesting projects. Side A consisted of a medley dealing with Jones in several modes of corruption, sadness and finally virtue. The closing number of this medley, “Saved” is a great “holy-roller” number that is transformed for a dance floor and suits Jones demeanor so well – as most of this material does. Perhaps this was the training that Grace needed before coming the household name that we needed under our sinks. Her vocals appear thin and somewhat off key in some numbers, but work well regardless. The flip side consisted of one of my favorite number, “Don’t Mess With The Messer” – where Grace warns us that she may be a sweet thing – but can sting like bee if fooled with. Classic disco with an edge and never compromising beauty!


1) Sinning
2) Suffer
Vocals - Thor Baldursson
3) Repentance (Forgive Me)
4) Saved
5) Atlantic City Gambler
6) I'll Find My Way To You
7) Don't Mess With The Messer
Arranged By - John Davis (5)
8) On Your Knees

Love & Kisses

Alec R. Costandinos’ masterpieces of symphonic disco – the LP “You Must Be Love” is here in the full-length title cut and the B-side. Also, “You’re The Most Precious Thing” from the “Thank God It’s Friday” soundtrack – this is the import 12” version – not the limited remix from the special 12” DJ package – but, the title cut, “Thank God It’s Friday” is. The remix is interesting enough and refreshing to hear if you are used to hearing the short 2 record set versions. A bit more percussion and long segues throughout the wonderful chorus’.


9) You Must Be Love (16:49)
10) Ooh La La La La (7:37)
11) Your Middle Name Is Money (7:35)
12) Find Yourself A Dream (4:42)
13) You’re The Most Precious Thing In My Life
14) Thank God It’s Friday (Special 12-Inch Remix Version)

Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark
Label: CBS
Released: 1984
Mixed By - Bob Clearmountain

A little DOR – “The Boss” gives us a great 80’s dance number that has been transformed into a wonderful pumping mix.

15) Dancing In The Dark (Blaster Mix) (6:09)
Remix - Arthur Baker

Ednah Holt - People Come Dance
Label: Westend
Released: 1979
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco
Credits: Featuring - Starluv
Produced by Wiley Hicks.

This number could be described as a “cheerleaders delight”. Great pumping energy and wonderful vocals by Ednah Holt. Mixed by the fabulous, Tom Savarese who always knew how to transform a song into an experience! The siren fading into each bridge is fantastic and has always been one of those moments of mine, that when first heard I could never forget!

16) People Come Dance (6:06)

Grace Jones - in your face, Love & Kisses (smack), Bruce Springsteen and Ednah Holt & Starluv (Tom Savarese Mix)

Grace Jones - Muse
Released: 1979
Credits: Arranged By - Thor Baldursson
Backing Vocals - Barbara Ingram , Carl Helm, Carla Benson, Evette Benton, Phil Hurtt , Ron Tyson
Bass - Jimmy Williams
Drums - Keith Benson
Guitar - Craig Snyder
Keyboards - Thor Baldursson
Percussion - James Walker , Larry Washington
Producer - Tom Moulton
"A Tom Moulton Mix"

Grace Jones may be better know for her work in the mid-80’s – since her appeal worked best with the harshness of electronic dance fusion sound provided by Chris Blackwell and Sly Dunbar. But years prior to this her years in disco to me, were her most heroic. This LP “Muse” is probably one of the most interesting projects. Side A consisted of a medley dealing with Jones in several modes of corruption, sadness and finally virtue. The closing number of this medley, “Saved” is a great “holy-roller” number that is transformed for a dance floor and suits Jones demeanor so well – as most of this material does. Perhaps this was the training that Grace needed before coming the household name that we needed under our sinks. Her vocals appear thin and somewhat off key in some numbers, but work well regardless. The flip side consisted of one of my favorite number, “Don’t Mess With The Messer” – where Grace warns us that she may be a sweet thing – but can sting like bee if fooled with. Classic disco with an edge and never compromising beauty!


1) Sinning
2) Suffer
Vocals - Thor Baldursson
3) Repentance (Forgive Me)
4) Saved
5) Atlantic City Gambler
6) I'll Find My Way To You
7) Don't Mess With The Messer
Arranged By - John Davis (5)
8) On Your Knees

Love & Kisses

Alec R. Costandinos’ masterpieces of symphonic disco – the LP “You Must Be Love” is here in the full-length title cut and the B-side. Also, “You’re The Most Precious Thing” from the “Thank God It’s Friday” soundtrack – this is the import 12” version – not the limited remix from the special 12” DJ package – but, the title cut, “Thank God It’s Friday” is. The remix is interesting enough and refreshing to hear if you are used to hearing the short 2 record set versions. A bit more percussion and long segues throughout the wonderful chorus’.


9) You Must Be Love (16:49)
10) Ooh La La La La (7:37)
11) Your Middle Name Is Money (7:35)
12) Find Yourself A Dream (4:42)
13) You’re The Most Precious Thing In My Life
14) Thank God It’s Friday (Special 12-Inch Remix Version)

Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark
Label: CBS
Released: 1984
Mixed By - Bob Clearmountain

A little DOR – “The Boss” gives us a great 80’s dance number that has been transformed into a wonderful pumping mix.

15) Dancing In The Dark (Blaster Mix) (6:09)
Remix - Arthur Baker

Ednah Holt - People Come Dance
Label: Westend
Released: 1979
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco
Credits: Featuring - Starluv
Produced by Wiley Hicks.

This number could be described as a “cheerleaders delight”. Great pumping energy and wonderful vocals by Ednah Holt. Mixed by the fabulous, Tom Savarese who always knew how to transform a song into an experience! The siren fading into each bridge is fantastic and has always been one of those moments of mine, that when first heard I could never forget!

16) People Come Dance (6:06)