D.C. LaRue's "Forces Of The Night" LP Question

[Cdnbob]

Something odd has always stuck out with me regarding the track Hot Jungle Drums and Voo Doo Rhythm by D.C. LaRue on the Forces of The Night album. On the copy of the album I have, this song just cuts dead and then progresses on to the next track. It seemed the track was just getting going and then the producers decided "oh well, 5 minutes, time to end the song". Is this a fault on the pressing I have or are all copies of this album this way? I've always found this odd and wondered if others did too?

[BrunoRepublic]

Well first of all, which pressing of the album do you have? Does it end at a logical point, or does it sound like they ran out of tape?

I'll try to remember to check this when I get home. I have a 12" of this which I *think* runs about 9 minutes long, but I'm not sure on that.

[markydefad]

according to the Vault listing...it is 4:46 on the LP

D.C. LaRue Forces of the Night (LP) Disco Music.com

[Cdnbob]

Originally Posted by Graham_Start

Well first of all, which pressing of the album do you have? Does it end at a logical point, or does it sound like they ran out of tape?

Going by memory here - its the Casablanca album version (same as on the Vault listing) - picked up years ago for about $1.99 in the deleted/sale records section of a record store here in Canada - and to me its what I'd call a cold dead stop - the music is playing, the background singers are singing and then it just cuts dead. One of the female background singers does a kind of "whoooo hoo hooo" and the song cuts just as she does this. It doesn't fade out, or otherwise. It just stops dead like the song was cut short instead of the usual slow fade out. (It's time like these I wish all my vinyl wasn't in storage.)

[BrunoRepublic]

Okay, I have the Canadian pressing on Pyramid, and it too ends cold and abruptly (but still at the end of a bar, so I'm assuming it's an intentional effect).

The 12" is not a promo but a commercial release (with a custom sleeve; rather unusual for the time) and the label clocks it at 9:16. It ends with a fade-out.

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Originally Posted by Graham_Start

Okay, I have the Canadian pressing on Pyramid, and it too ends cold and abruptly (but still at the end of a bar, so I'm assuming it's an intentional effect).

The 12" is not a promo but a commercial release (with a custom sleeve; rather unusual for the time) and the label clocks it at 9:16. It ends with a fade-out.

They're both the same as the Casablanca releases. And the LP mix does fade-out abruptly. (The 12" even moreso. Though after a looong period of repetition.) But as Graham mentioned, it does happen at the end of a bar, finishing out the 2nd repeat of the 2-part chorus. (Albeit a quick, 32-beat fade.) So, mathematically and lyrically, it's intentional. Sloppy, yes! But intentional.

I've heard a couple interviews with DC and he still carries a grudge over this LP. When asked if he's warmed-up to it, after all these years, his answer was "No". He says that Bob Esti completely took-over the production and wouldn't listen to anyone else's ideas. As DC put it..."he was working with Barbra Streisand, and all these major stars. So there was just no talking to him." Even "Hot jungle Drums..." was concieved around a hot drum/percussion line that DC came-up with. It's nowhere to be found, in the final version.

[SandraDee]

Talking of the 'FOTN' LP, I recently got 'Cant Stop The Music' on DVD (yes I'm the one!) & it's the first time I've noticed pictures of this LP on the wall of the record company's office in the film. (I must get out more!). Proof I s'pose that the film was made in '79 when D.C.'s LP was out.

[discokicks]

Originally Posted by STEPHEN L FREEMAN

I've heard a couple interviews with DC and he still carries a grudge over this LP. When asked if he's warmed-up to it, after all these years, his answer was "No". He says that Bob Esti completely took-over the production and wouldn't listen to anyone else's ideas.

That's sad to learn this as I've always enjoyed this album although I have to say that Hot Jungle Drums is my least favourite song on there. The entire first side is a joy for me...just love the chorus to the title cut Forces Of The Night...a proud, celebratory message called out to the dancefloor. I've always pictured this being one of those songs mixed in early to unite a half-full floor and entice the rest to join in. Was this cut well-received? How popular was this album in general? What months of '79 was it most played?

Have A Good Time and On With The Dance are such standouts too. Fun and joyous...smiles all around!

[SandraDee]

'Dont Be Afraid Of The Dark' is a lovely song with a nice lyric.

[discokicks]

Originally Posted by SandraDee

'Dont Be Afraid Of The Dark' is a lovely song with a nice lyric.

Love it and Makes Me Believe In Love Again...soooo beautiful! Sorry to disappoint you Mr. Larue but it's a great album!