Jacques Morali - Best Of?

[EricHG23]

I admit for a long long time I kinda ignored the productions of Jacques Morali. I knew the major Village People stuff and they were fun enough but not really what was getting me into disco, also knew Eartha Kitt's Where Is My Man? and again it made me think all his stuff basically existed on camp appeal alone. But the more I get into the Ritchie Family, or realize absolute faves of mine (like Like An Eagle) were by him the more interested I am in his work--and I admit now that I'm getting older I appreciate the camp even of the Village People more.

I admit I also know his Joesphine Superstar album--well I HEARD it once but remember only appreciating for its camp value. Should I give that another listen?

So what tracks, albums, etc would people recommend as essential? Especially would be interested in hearing about rarities.

[Cory Ander]

Originally Posted by EricHG23

I admit for a long long time I kinda ignored the productions of Jacques Morali. I knew the major Village People stuff and they were fun enough but not really what was getting me into disco, also knew Eartha Kitt's Where Is My Man? and again it made me think all his stuff basically existed on camp appeal alone. But the more I get into the Ritchie Family, or realize absolute faves of mine (like Like An Eagle) were by him the more interested I am in his work--and I admit now that I'm getting older I appreciate the camp even of the Village People more.

I admit I also know his Joesphine Superstar album--well I HEARD it once but remember only appreciating for its camp value. Should I give that another listen?

So what tracks, albums, etc would people recommend as essential? Especially would be interested in hearing about rarities.

It seems Morali's production approach was different from Moroder's in that Morali and his associates seemed to emphasize the presentation of music and less emphasis was placed on vocals and lyrics. Everyone will have their own favorites but my own Morali production favorites are the entire first side of the Ritchie Family's "Brazil" and the unedited "African Queens" suite. Most of the VP's hits were so overplayed I don't ever care to hear them again, but I do still enjoy the raunchy and less known "Sleazy". You and I share an appreciation for the Eartha Kitt song, and I'm also fond of Patrick Juvet's "I Love America". By the way, did you notice that "Where Is My Man?" is co-written by comedian Bruce Vilanch? Wonder if Morali ever produced Donna Summer or Cher?

[PierreConstantin]

Lesser known songs and acts:

Gypsy Lane - Predictions (1978 lp)
Soul Philadelphia Orchestra - Soul City (1975 7", split in two parts)
The Ritchie Family - Te Deum (forever dancin') 5:05 (from film "La barbichette")
Mimi Coutelier - Boogie Lady 5:14 (from film "La barbichette")
The Lovers - Discomania 6:12
Blanche Carter - My Man 3:12/ Rain 3:00 (1975)

80's:
Rox - self-titled lp from 1981
Julius Brown - Diana 3:53 (West End)
Julius Brown - Party 6:10
Julius Brown - Never Too Late 5:29
Sean Taylor - I Can't Live Without You 6:14
Sean Taylor - Come Back To Me 6:49
Diva - Memories (Theme From The Broadway Musical "Cats") 6:56 (Prelude)
Pia Zadora - I'm In Love Again 3:56
Break Machine - Street Dance 6:27
Régine - Reine de la nuit 3:40
Ray Stephens - Cat's Eye 6:00
Tess - I Wanna Dance 6:20
Lova Moor - Et Je Danse 4:00
Beckie Bell - Let Me Know 5:33
Man 2 Man - At The Gym 3:45
David Dean - Bye Bye Baby Goodbye 6:32

[kdavid13]

I agree about the fact that most of the Village People's well known songs have been played to death but I still find myself playing those more obscure or underplayed Lp tracks like Citizens of the world,I wanna shake your hand,Hot Cop,The women/I'm a cruiser (Medley),Village People,Ups & downs,My roommate,Sodom and Gomorrah,Rock & roll is back again,Save me (Uptempo),Liberation,Can't stop the music (12in) and New York City.

And also David London's The sound of the city (from the Can't stop the music soundtrack).

Ritchie Family's I'll never be able to set you free (from 1980) is my favorite. The complete Ritchie Family catalogue is available on iTunes btw.

[remicks]

*****

For beautiful. full-flavored , unapologetic, glorious disco ....its Jacques Morali


imo....No one put the D-I-S-C-O in "disco" like he did .


Not rare
but make the point:









******

[BrunoRepublic]

My fave from him is probably the Ritchie Family's African Queens album. I quite like Brazil too, particularly the first side. Give Me A Break is good too, although he didn't write most of that one. He has no involvement on the two subsequent RF albums (the ones released on RCA in the US).

The Gypsy Lane album is quite good, although IIRC he didn't write any of it, he only produced it.

"Like An Eagle" is a classic song, but the rest of the album leaves much to be desired.

The Lovers was a one-off medley project... same concept as "The Best Disco In Town" but not nearly as good IMHO.

I quite enjoyed the Eartha Kitt album, although it's rather one-dimensional.

[Charlie Windle]

Patrick Juvet - Lady Night I love the whole album and give Saint Louis a listen - Josephene Superstar.

[kdavid13]

I love Patrick Juvet's Lady Night album - in fact I just bought it on CD. The Gay Paris (Medley) has always been a favorite of mine.

And Got a feeling from the 1st Juvet/Morali/Bellolo collaboration is also a highlight.

[Dayna]

Originally Posted by Charlie Windle

Patrick Juvet - Lady Night I love the whole album and give Saint Louis a listen - Josephene Superstar.

I LOVE Patrick's "Lady Night" album as well~! It's very very underrated and even seen as obscure to most people in the United States..although the running time of the Lp is very short..It's one of my fav of Morali's..The Gay Paris Medley is my fav too ,Kris~!
It's beautiful.

[drlove]

.... and I'll have to join BrunoRepublic and Cory Ander as Officers in the Ritchie Family "African Queens" LP fan club, as not only do I think that's Jacques M at his very best, but that particular LP (with the stunning "Quiet Village", "Summer Dance" and the aforementioned "African Queens" suite) ends up my favorite disco LP of all time