ReStructure Mix Update (2/8/17) “Sweet Sensations” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – L’ectric Funk

ReStructure Mix Update (2/8/17) “Sweet Sensations” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – L’ectric Funk

L’ectric Funk is a disco project from 1980 and is also a soundtrack to a B-film titled, “The Gas Pump Girl” from the same year. It is produced by John Ferrara – who also gave us “Love Attack” (releases under Ferrara) and The Average Disco Band from 1977. The A-side to this single is “Shanghaied” which brought the disco sound a full electronic arrangement into the high energy era of the early and mid-80s. The project was also co-produced by David and Isaac Blech who wrote by tracks. “Sweet Sensation” was also a track that received a lot of club play and became a favorite among early high energy lovers and is now a classic B-side.

I have taken the 12” version of “Sweet Sensation” and re-edited and looped pieces of the production for this ReStructure Mix. It is a dub-like edge with more temptation from those deep hardcore keyboards and pounding bass beats. A reason for high energy to take flight and another opportunity to feel the erotic tease that this lead vocal brings out.

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ReStructure Mix Update (2/7/17) “Shining Star” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Earth Wind and Fire

ReStructure Mix Update (2/7/17) “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.

POCKET funk - Wear them out!

 

POCKET funk - Wear them out!
"Hot Number" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy - https://youtu.be/zMqTs-Pw5lg
"(Your Love Has Got Me) Screamin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Blacksmoke - https://youtu.be/3KT7SPqrQtw
"Cisselin' Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chuck Cissel - https://youtu.be/lgslw4wifrw
“We Call It The Box" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bill Summers Summer Heat - https://youtu.be/pwldOff3dEc
“Hold Tight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vicki Sue Robinson - https://youtu.be/Pm5d0Pqg2LA

ReStructure Mix Update (2/6/17) “Life Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sonia Belolo

ReStructure Mix Update (2/6/17) “Life Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sonia Belolo

Sonia Belolo’s beautiful dance piece “Life Dance” from 1985 is one of the tracks which emphasize the wave of clubs with the continuance of disco music’s flowing control. It is an early morning piece that always brought out the fan dancers after 3 AM for me and also invigorated the energy into a form of celebration. The instrumental piece offers a few simple riffs that sound like a piano recital with some pulsating bass synths guiding the energy. It is quite beautiful and one of the many in its class which belong among the classics.

I have taken the original 12” version of “Life Dance” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix to give the hardcore dancers from the time period another trip. It breaks into the mix with new break-beats and more use of the sequencers and synth-loops. A new approach to break the melody into pieces and offer more breaks.

ReStructure Mix Update (2/3/17) “Three Time Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bardeux

ReStructure Mix Update (2/3/17) “Three Time Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bardeux
Bardeux is Acacia Smith and Melanie Taylor – a 80s duo sweetly displaying the disco production of Jon St. James who also gave the familiar sound of Stacy Q (“Two Of Hearts”). This was the rebirth of the high energy sound in a stripped down West Coast sound that echoes a touch of the gentle female vocal exuding a sensual and pulsating dance momentum. The mid-80s gave way to another side of the dance floor where a light cowbell filled the thumping beat for a new period. “Three Time Lover” from 1987 is close cousin of “Two Of Hearts” with an attraction which dominated the late period of the 80s.

I have taken the 12” “Circus” and “European” mixes and reworked a slippery and pulsating new ReStructure Mix with more of those warm bass synth patterns re-edited and reworked. A few samples from The Partridge Family give a flavor that repays the call to love here. This is one that used to drive my dance floor into a frenzy on a peak hour-Saturday night and this homage to the high energy force is a welcomed.

CALL HER Ms DISCO - If the ball fits

 

CALL HER Ms DISCO - If the ball fits
"Supermodel (You Better Work)" by Rupaul - Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/z4OAGWTRMvc
“Did You See That Girl?” by Lime - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/vi…/lime_didyouseethatgirl.html
“Club Tropicana” by WHAM! – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/Yk6xRxW-eiQ
“Back To My Roots” by RuPaul – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/TANtsVLfuSk
“Cherchez la Femme” by Dr. Buzzard’s Original – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/c5U6SYbwrq8

Oh, Thank Heaven For 1977 ... yes, misbehaving!

Oh, Thank Heaven For 1977 ... yes, misbehaving!
"Boogie Oogie Oogie" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - A Taste Of Honey - https://youtu.be/XBwQAzBTknQ
"Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chic - https://youtu.be/3eFaX-6IYXM
"Disco Nights (Rock Freak)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - GQ - https://youtu.be/LyXPCiFS1Fs
"Freak On" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lemon - https://youtu.be/TM5ttqYUOTY
"Je Suis Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cerrone - https://youtu.be/Mi3Y3nxhVkM

WICKED DISCO...fear for her!

 

WICKED DISCO...fear for her!
"Jealousy" by Amii Stewart - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/vide…/amiistewart_jealousy.html
“Follow Me” by Amanda Lear – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/vb-RW3rzKJg
"Fire" by Madleen Kane - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/K8j5ekKrH7s
“Mirror, Mirror” by Diana Ross – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/SLwd0K4ygSY
“Fairy Tale High” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/KrDPKBbDMCw

ReStructure Mix Update (1/21/17) “C’mon Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chilly

ReStructure Mix Update (1/21/17) “C’mon Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chilly
Chilly is a German disco band created by producer Bernt Möhrle whose debut single “For Your Love” paved a unique sound for disco in 1978. A deeper and rich sounding cover of The Yard bird’s classic rock song is one of the hardcore pieces of a nice transition production to disco. From the same album is a track I always found intriguing with the powerful soulful male vocal and the rock-edged female lead together titled “C’mon Baby”. The short 3 minute version from the LP was always set in my mind for a lengthier remix.

I have taken the short album version and recreated a ReStructure Mix to honor this disco band and their early creation of the hardcore disco edge. I have pieced more of the fantastic guitar work along with more of the verses leading to the pounding chorus. A new experience for this underground feel and another reason to celebrate the sound which brought dance floors a new flavor in the late 70s.

SYNTHESIZER MODE - sequencer of dance

SYNTHESIZER MODE - sequencer of dance

“The Duel” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Giorgio Moroder - https://youtu.be/HmrpH9xb7iU
“Robot Is Systematic” by ‘Lectric Workers - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/xuBeZg63OGA
"Fly With The Wind" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Jacques Band - https://youtu.be/UJaXh28vxa8
“Magnifique” by Magnifique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/TZQmVN8u_UY
“I Feel Love”/”Love To Love You Baby” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bronski Beat - https://youtu.be/ObJqRwdbIK4

Lady Night ... it follows her.

Lady Night ... it follows her.
"Dangerous" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Natalie Cole - https://youtu.be/QMZlNGt02Uw
"You Can Get Over" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stephanie Mills - https://youtu.be/JqPoFp2ZMWM
"Can't Give It Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carly Simon - https://youtu.be/yWSudn3ilLU
“Love, What You've Done To Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Celi Bee - https://youtu.be/cL7JbM33ZHE
"Love Condition" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Nina Schiller - https://youtu.be/HaV07lKm1xA

ReStructure Mix Update (1/15/17) “Another Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Aretha Franklin

ReStructure Mix Update (1/15/17) “Another Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul has another moving moment in the 1986 dance track “Another Night” – produced by Naratha Michael Walden. This piece was released during the house music explosion of the mid-80s where a taste of sampling and heavy bass dominated the remix and execution of many dance numbers. A big influence here with a 12” remix from Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero where the sampled pushed to the vocal level to enhance the rhythm and pump the beats. Most of this done in the dub and instrumental parts yet outlined in the vocal remixes. This lonely yet positive and strong song emphasizes survival after a painful breakup gives Aretha more of the emotion as many of her past soul hits did. A great song for dance floors and a ReStructure Mix.

This ReStructure Mix divides the heavy 12” vocal version with the house beats into more of an instrumental breakdown where Aretha is given more breathing space. The heartbreak is emphasized through a few looping effects and the dramatic ending. I have always love this one and felt it is one of the great emotion driven dance tracks – so a ReStructure Mix pays tribute to its beauty.

DISCO REVIEW ... "Has a good beat and you can dance to it."

DISCO REVIEW ... "Has a good beat and you can dance to it."

“Beatles 60’s Medley” by Stars On 45 – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/HvBfI1C1DDU
"Ready For The 80s” by Village People – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/EjF8mHl6E9I
“Music” by Montreal Sound – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/HZZR2qPsA8M
“(Everybody’s) Dancing All Over The World” by Busta Jones - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/8vl8oOjewhk
“Hey, You Should Be Dancing” by Gene Farrow – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/_yZzVYmLESM

ReStructure Mix Update (1/1/17) “Destiny” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Two Sisters

ReStructure Mix Update (1/1/17) “Destiny” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Two Sisters
Two Sisters are Theresa and Tracey Pesco and an electronic production with a blend of hip-hop, Latin and disco touches. The New York sound during the early 80s being polished by many of the dee-jays, engineers and producers of the Disconet era became one the progressive faucets of dance music and tracks like “Destiny” brought a blend of various styles together in the new tradition. This piece produced by Mark Berry who also gave us numbers from Amy Bolton, Roni Griffith, Poussez!, Bonnie Forman and more. His touch was more of the sound of underground dance music with a pop flair – a perfect blend for the early 80s.

I have taken the 12” vocal and “Desti-Dub” from the Sugarscoop Records vinyl and recreated a more ethereal feeling mix in the ReStructure Mix edge. This one was a big hit for me a favorite since I first heard those street beats pounding as the Latin percussion danced over them. A new dance trip for those who take the 80s dance scene seriously.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Like A Virgin” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Like A Virgin” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

Madonna’s career not only spans a creative path from the simplicity of 80s synth-pop to complex ballads and dance floor anthems. “Like A Virgin” is Madonna’s play with upbeat electronic dance music and along with producer Nile Rogers began a new journey for her talent. This 1984 number was also Madonna’s start with a controversial stage performance igniting the imagination of both the lyrics and her iconic style.

I have taken the 12” extended version of “Like A Virgin” remixed by John “Jellybean” Benitez – with the great percussion lift and transferred the story into a new chapter. This ReStructure Mix pays homage to the 80s dance floor and uses the focus of the songs feel stretched here and there.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Keep On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D-Train

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Keep On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D-Train

New York Funk is a sound filling dance floors with a mixture of electronic funk and a soulful vocal ensemble. D-Train is one of the leading bands to bring the shift from full-orchestrated disco to this New York sound. James Williams and Hubert Eaves III released their first album “You’re The One For Me” in 1982 and along with the powerhouse remix assistance from Mr. François Kevorkian their sound became the leading force in disco label, Prelude Records new focus. “Keep On” is the second single from the album and offers a similar dose of funk with an uplifting message and choir bringing more to a willing dance floor.

I have taken the original 12” release of “Keep On” using the vocal and dub to recreate a more break driven arrangement with a few more underground moments to give this classic a new rode ticket. The power of the original mix by François is never forgotten here and I can only testify that his magnificent sound is a big influence on my own work from dee jay years to present remixes play.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/16/16) “La Cage Aux Folles” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Le Jeté

ReStructure Mix Update (12/16/16) “La Cage Aux Folles” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Le Jeté

Le Jeté is a studio band produced by Ken Kessie, Marty Blecman and Morey Goldstein on the high energy label Megatone Records. Their only single “La Cage Aux Folles” from 1983 is a disco version of a song from the Broadway Musical which is based on the 1978 Italian comedy. This production follows the high energy pace set my tracks like “So Many Men, So Little Time” and “The Boys Come To Town” which give disco music a new facelift with the electronic percussion and heavy synthesizers. A big hit in many clubs either as a vocal or the flip-side instrumental. Lots of the breaks and flowing energy that made the early and mid-80s a great place to dance.

I have taken the original Megatone 12” vocal and instrumental to work this new ReStructure Mix. It extends the song and places some new re-edits as the breaks and re-worked synthesizer parts. The vocals are re arranged and given more opportunities to entertain and welcome a sample from Mr. Robert Preston.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/16) “So Emotional” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/16) “So Emotional” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is a voice that brings back the 80s with the excitement of a new dance era and artists keeping the dance movement alive. Whitney’s big pop dance song, “So Emotional” is from her 1987 album “Whitney” produced by Narada Michael Walden. This one was as exciting as the arrival of Houston’s presence in 1985. This is a love song overflowing with the juicy pieces of Whitney’s voice and attitude which helped to make her the pop-princess of her time. I can remember having to play this one more than once and with the help of the 12” magic by Shep Pettibone and Junior Vasquez it was easy.

I have taken the 12” extended remix, dub version and the acapella to work this ReStructure Mix which takes the song onto a pounding trip. More pieces of the voice and also the killer 12” production provide a new playground for Whitney.
ends.

http://www.glennrivera.com/multiply/whitneyhouston_soemotional_special80sedition_restructuremix.jpg

ReStructure Mix Update (12/11/16) “Summing Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Electric Mind

ReStructure Mix Update (12/11/16) “Summing Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Electric Mind

Luciana Cirrillo and Michele Violante are the Italian group Electric Mind. Along with producer Andrea Candelora a venture to bring a New York funk edge to Italo-disco began its ringing throughout clubs. Inspired by bands like Change and Chic there is an electronic take on the funky guitars and electro vibe here. “Summing Up” from 1982 is their first release and a big long time floor packer in my club. This one has the smooth piano riffs that many tracks were incorporating and Electric Mind placed them to complete a jazz air.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a ReStructure Mix with more play and extended portions of the great streamline production. A catchy riff in the chorus and plenty of beat and groove to move onto a new era of dance without the need for change.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/1/16) “Call Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

ReStructure Mix Update (12/1/16) “Call Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

Skyy is a disco-funk band which filled the gap between funky and disco. Produced by Randy Mueller of B.T. Express and Brass Construction this sound was the 80s new dance groove. The band members included Anibal "Butch" Sierra, Bonny Dunning, Delores Dunning Milligan, Denise Dunning Crawford, Gerald Lebon, Larry Greenburg, Randy Muller, Solomon Roberts Jr., Tommy McConnell and Wayne Wilentz. Skyy’s 1981 album “Skyy Line” featured the single “Call Me” that is an old school classic at its best. The song topped club lists and radio play during its release and even today brings it all back properly.

I have taken the 12” version of “Call Me” and created a new ReStructure Mix to give Skyy their place in the funk/disco category of dance music history. This one is broken down with some new breaks and a few more areas where a simple plea for romance is contagious as the groove. An homage to Skyy and this classic.