NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Just Died In Your Arms"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Savage
Monday, December 6, 2021
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Just Died In Your Arms" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Savage
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Just Died In Your Arms"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Savage
ReStructure Mix Update (12/6/21) “Full-Tilt Boogie” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Uncle Louie
Uncle Louie is Eugene Pistilli and disco producer, Walter Murphy (“A Fifth Of Beethoven”) in a session band which was released 1979 during the disco wave. The recording also features backing vocals by Alex Brown, Stephanie Spruill and Angela Winbush – a definite trio for these tracks and heard throughout the songs. “Full-Tilt Boogie” is the first single from the project and one of the driving pieces which define this combination of talent. It plays out with plenty of groovy riffs and blaring horns and defines the 70’s funk era in a nutshell. Perhaps one of the TK Records 12” singles which I would reach for as an alternative piece in this genre.
I have taken the 12” version of “Full-Tilt Boogie” (remixed by Michael Arato and Steve Thompson) and revised the funkiest pieces of this track for a new ReStructure Mix. Moving of few pieces of the original layout into re-edited grooves make this play out in a new junky way.
LONG TRAIN RUNNING ... all aboard!
LONG TRAIN RUNNING ... all aboard!
“Moskow Diskow” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Telex - https://youtu.be/ysujz9WcHeU
"Disco Express - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Plastic Surprise - https://youtu.be/JZaEUW7hE3s
"Chattanooga Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tuxedo Junction - https://youtu.be/eMA33dhg9Zw
“Don’t Stop The Train” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kristeen (alias Viola Wills) - https://youtu.be/5rHHNq6gv9k
"Disco Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Nightlife Unlimited - https://youtu.be/iPRDouGbMXk
REISSUE: "Disco Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Nightlife Unlimited
The Canadian disco explosion was a during the mid and late 70's when a formula had been extracted from years of dance floor action - it was obvious that the break was no longer added - it was essential.
Bands like Nightlife Unlimited created dance floor pieces that were with every aspect of disco in mind. It was then that scattered percussion and synthesizers were in song and not just the mix itself.
"Disco Choo Choo" is from the LP "Nightlife Unlimited" from 1979 - produced by George Cucuzzella and Peter Dimilo of Erotic Drum Band success.
I have taken "Disco Choo Choo" and given it some news "tracks" to ride on - adding a couple of snippets from the fantastic soundtrack of the 1976 adventure film, "Silver Streak" by Henry Mancini. It is a disco flowing trip!
REISSUE: “Don’t Stop The Train” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kristeen (alias Viola Wills)
Kristeen is a cover name for disco legend, Viola Wills on a 1985 release of “Don’t Stop The Train” – a dance floor hit released by Phyllis Nelson in 1981 and produced by Yves Dessca – who also produced this Kristeen (Viola Wills) version. Earlier in 1979 he recorded Viola on a track titled “You Will Forget”. Another fantastic performance for Viola who seemed to top every performance with the next thanks to her beautiful voice and range – her big hit in 1980 with “If You Could Read My Mind” which started another row of hits for her. In “Don’t Stop The Train”, Viola performs this like a Shakespearean actor exuding the emotion and drama nonstop – it is quite a feat and understandably why she was brought in again as a session singer but then of course under the alias Kristeen (even a photo of another woman on the 12”), But all in all we know Viola and the tremendous talent we had pin the dance floor and this is another reason to celebrate her magic.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Don’t Stop The Train” and the beautiful arrangement by Yves Dessca to bring to life again the heartbreak and tale woven by Viola Wills here. There are some new percussion pieces added to give it a new rhythmic life and a few reedited pieces to make this one last longer than Ms. Will's anticipation for the ride.
REISSUE: "Chattanooga Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tuxedo Junction
W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder (El Coco, La Pamplemouse, St. Tropez, Discognosis, In Search Of Orchestra) along with A.J. Cervantes created Tuxedo Junction.
This was a studio ensemble featuring vocals by Marilyn Jackson, Sue Allen and Marti McCall - covering tunes by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and sound of the Big Band Era. The disco-fied "Chattanooga Choo Choo" was that big breakout in 1977 which created the forefront for this concept.
I have take the wonderful production and created a ReStructure Mix which takes the train deeper into the disco realm.
Dedicated to Rinder and Lewis along with A.J. Cervantes for gioving the dance floor a great twist during the creative years of disco music.
REISSUE: "Disco Express - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Plastic Surprise
Plastic Surprise is producer, Peter DiMlo and his concept of what disco music is - a driving energy for dancing feet to appreciate. His past work including Erotic Drum Band, Extensive Care, and Pussycats are the framework of great Canadian disco music.
"Disco Express" from the "Bang Bang" project feature the fabulous Sweethearts of Sigma (Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson, Evette Benton) guiding us through a disco fantasy.
I have taken the Canadian 12" single and recreated a ReStructure Mix addign some elements that may be familiar to retro-television fans. Mixing the track in-and-out of a journey for disco lovers everywhere! Dance! Shout! Freak Out!
Dedicated to the very talented, disco producer, Mr. Peter DiMilo!
REISSUE: “Moskow Diskow” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Telex
Telex is Dan Lacksman, Marc Moulin and Michel Moers – an electronic dance band from the late 80s with an alternative edge and theme properties. “Moskow Diskow” is from their 1979 album “Looking For Saint Tropez” and is one of the dance floor pieces that followed in the vein of bands like M (“Pop Muzak”). It was a breath of a subtle nu-wave sound using the disco beat and focus – dancing. “Moscow Diskow” was a favorite for many clubs who had innovative jocks that could weave this pulsating sound into the changing sound of disco in the late 70s.
I have taken the original 12” version and recreated a new ReStructure Mix adding a few familiar elements (a la Moroder) to the new journey. This one breaks down the riffs into a spaced out feeling that many afterhours’ clubs would have appreciated. It bears the rumbling bass and of the original and the infectious chorus that makes this one hard to resist!
Sunday, December 5, 2021
LOVE ELECTRIC - Watt Is Love?
LOVE ELECTRIC - Watt Is Love?
“Illusion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Illusion - https://youtu.be/oXwRgzOmKXs
“I'm Starting Again" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Kennedy - https://youtu.be/ytKsIMgEKvc
"Don’t Lose Your Heart Tonight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Joy Peters - https://youtu.be/lubjA-v74zw
“Always On My Mind” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pet Shop Boys - https://youtu.be/YqeZH5Wo2bM
"Journey To The Centre Of Your Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/PPoVwuqOxfo
REISSUE: "Journey To The Centre Of Your Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer
From Donna Summer's phenomenal "Bad Girls" double LP released in1979 comes the original track, "Journey To The Centre Of Your Heart". The track is a throbbing disco mover which I always new had more potential then then a segue to the next track in Donna's musical medley.
I have taken "Journey To The Centre Of Your Heart" steps deeper with a new industrial intro and breaks to create a longer and more satisfying journey for dancers who want to be swept away on the dance floor again. This song is a fine example of Donna's hold on the dance floors throughout the late seventies.
I dedicate this track to Andy and Loulou on Multiply - for sharing their disco energy and believing that it never ends.
REISSUE: “Always On My Mind” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are the 80’s super group in the direction of keeping dance music alive in the electronic age of synth-pop. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe were creating a new edge of music which encompassed a moody feel in many new areas and themes. In 1987 their production of a dance version of Willie Nelson’s 1982 ballad “Always On My Mind”. Quite a feat for the raised energy and sound of the new Pet Shop Boys venture with a symphonic edge layering the rolling sequencers. This one was an instant hit for the duo and for me kudos to them for taking one of the beautiful ballads and placing it on the dance floor in a whole new way.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of Pet Shop Boys’ “Always On My Mind” and rewound the recording for this ReStructure Mix. I have used more of the bass beats as a foundation for the new layout and also added a few new beats and percussion for the finishing touch.
REISSUE: "Don’t Lose Your Heart Tonight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Joy Peters
Joy Peters is an Austrian Euro-dance artist who released a big Italo-disco hit titled “Don’t Lose Your Heart Tonight” in 1986 – produced by Bert Mayer. A big hit in my club and one of the haunting tracks which always resurfaces for me time after time. It has a powerful hook and some of the most hard-hitting keyboards for the time.
IU have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Don’t Lose Your Heart Tonight” and re-visited the song in the ReStructure Mix vein. It has samples of another classic by Hugh Masakela which helps to emphasize the longing for this love.
REISSUE: “I'm Starting Again" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Kennedy
Grace Kennedy is a disco singer who ‘started’ her disco career in the 1980 musical/sci-fi film, “The Apple” where she performs and sings her single “Desire”. He career brought three albums to the disco arena - each produced by Phillip Swern who also produced Polly Brown, Inner City Express, and Patti Boulaye.
Grace’s 1981 single “I’m Starting Again” is from her album by the same name. It was a big hit in many clubs still clamoring for the classic disco chanteuse songs. It is one of my favorite and also one of the songs co-written by Thor Baldursson who worked with many disco projects from the Munich recordings in the late 70s and also First Choice.
I have taken the 12” single of “I’m Starting Again” and created a new ReStructure Mix to give the song an alternative version - and also play with some of the fantastic keyboard and vocal elements.
This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Jerry Joseph Arko from Facebook with thanks to his inspiring look back and forward of the great music which has given so many happiness, freedom and dancing feet!
REISSUE: “Illusion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Illusion
Illusion is an Italo-disco project from Dutch producer Bert Ruiter from 1984. This sharp beat driven track follows closely the Miami-freestyle sound coming from the club scene. This sound used a Latin-flair to accentuate the beat box stylized drum arrangements. “Illusion” uses this technique along with the Italo-disco sound to create a heartbreak tune with a sweetness which most of the female groups of freestyle were containing as a staple. This one works as the Italo-disco drums inhabit parts of the mix and rolling percussion adds to the new rhythm. The vocal has a sweetness that cannot be ignored. A nice piece of dance music from 1984 and floor filler for me.
I have taken the 12” vocal and “drum mix” elements to create this ReStructure Mix which adds some new freestyle beats to give it a lift and make it move more than the hips.
Friday, December 3, 2021
MECO musik - THE MAGIC OF MECO MONARDO
MECO musik - THE MAGIC OF MECO MONARDO
“Keep Doin’ It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Showdown - https://youtu.be/8OEjklN7AIk
"Music Inspired by 'Star Wars'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Meco - https://youtu.be/sa_AuAlPAz8
“Grazing In The Grass” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco - https://youtu.be/zuvlw3z5hqM
“The Wizard Of Oz” by Meco – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/oISqHlRsv44
"Never Can Say Goodbye" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gloria Gaynor - https://youtu.be/EEDv_jZilmY
REISSUE: "Never Can Say Goodbye" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gloria Gaynor
This was an exciting year for disco. 1975. Gloria Gaynor's "Never Can Say Goodbye not only took a classic Motown ballad and transformed it into a dance floor gem - it also was one of the first disco LPs to segue a dance mix throughout several cuts. Meco Monardo, Jay Ellis and Tony Bongiovi produced this project and orchestrated quite a flair for disco music during this time. It made disco a chic experience. This classic cut is ReStructured with the full on original LP mix with plenty of new guitar breaks and plenty of loops to keep a new feel.
REISSUE: “The Wizard Of Oz” by Meco – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Meco Monardo has been producing and arranging disco music since the early 70’s with artists like Don Downing, Gloria Gaynor and Carol Douglas. His first solo album was a very successful disco-pop version of “Star Wars” in 1977 which helped to bring the magic to disco music of the period. In his fourth project he covers the soundtrack to the classic “The Wizard Of Oz” – his disco version includes the extensive storyline tied into the various excerpts and songs from the 1939 film production.
I have taken scenes from the 1978 film “The Wiz” – an adaption of the 1974 Broadway play which gives the “The Wizard Of Oz” an African-American experience on the tale. The film stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross. The Meco version based on the original and the clips from “The Wiz” are worked in synch to create the adventure and magic all over again.
The film was directed by Sidney Lumet
Featuring scenes from “The Wiz” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Grazing In The Grass” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco
Meco Monardo is one of the big sounds of the disco ball on any dance floor. His big dance hit from 1977 was the orchestrated disco version of “Star Wars” which remains one of the exciting moments in pop culture where pop music met film with a new attitude and sound. His fifth album “Moondancer” from 1979 is one of the quiet pieces but not for any reasons of its content. This one remains true to the galactic theme with a funky edge, jazz feel and heavy disco rhythms.
I have taken the short album version of Meco’s cover of Hugh Masekela
S 1968 hit. This is a nice trumpet blaring dance call with lots of the original feel and some great drum work. This ReStructure Mix not only extends this nice work – but also gives it a touch of the original.
REISSUE: "Music Inspired by 'Star Wars'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Meco
Meco Monardo is a disco producer and arranger whose music is the disco symphonic sound of the dance floor during the late 70s. His funky beat-driven revivals work with several motion picture soundtracks both classic as he created with his “Wizard Of Oz” project and then leaning towards the pop-edge taking soundtracks from “Star Wars”, “Close Encounters of The Third Kind” and “Superman” to a rhythmic sensation. His 1977project “Music Inspired by Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk” is included in the disco Top 100 since it dominated radio and helped to introduce disco music’s new path to an AM audience.
I have taken the “Star Wars Medley” from this album and created a ReStructure Mix which uses the fantastic theme from John Williams and gives it a new bass driven arrangement to use snippets of the work into a new collage of disco sound. Done in the ReStructure edit style where anything can happen and usually does. It is a return to the pop-sound of disco and a glimpse of impact of both the film and John Williams’s fantastic musical soundtrack.
REISSUE: “Keep Doin’ It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Showdown
Showdown is a disco project from Jay Ellis and Meco Monardo – known in the recording industry as The Disco Corporation of America. They have been responsible for many of the new paths dance music took in the early and mid-70’s. Responsible for the big Gloria Gaynor “Never Can Say Goodbye” project and the extended disco format that soon became the 12’ single. Showdown is Casey Spencer, Eugene Pitt, and Richard Harris and “Keep Doin’ It” is from the 1977 album. One of the tracks that resemble the Miami disco sound close to the K.C. and the Sunshine Band feel. This one is a gift to dance floors as it incorporates the excitement of the moment and then takes on an uplifting chorus that disco music was built on. It is truly a moment for dance music history when the music grew unto itself.
I have taken the 12” version of “Keep Doin’ It” and reworked a ReStructure Mix for a longer and more exercised trip. The elements that make the song a piece of dance magic are intact and only accentuated by new beats and percussion.
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