For Grace Jones Fans..."Muse"

[FrontPage22]

Well, I admit, my obsession with Ms.Jones runs deep!

Was just listening to "Muse" last night and as thinking how it stood out as the more consistent of her disco projects. Yes, "Portfolio" has the classic "La Vie En Rose" and "Fame" as "Am I Ever Gonna Fall In Love In NYC?"...but "Muse" has tighter production and more of a "Grace" flavour. Listening to Side A's medley it's got a definite harder lyric and concept. You can see the start of what would eventually become Grace's signature post-disco sound...firmer vocal intonation, tuff lyrics, etc. And "Atlantic City Gambler" has a reggae feel to it, preceding "Warm Leatherette"'s singles. And then...well, then we get to "On Your Knees"....classic!!!

It's a shame this album hasn't been rereleased on CD as my mp3's are all rips from vinyl. And it was shamefully omitted from her Island Life retrospective. I hope others share some love for Grace's disco opus... :oops:

[Robbie]

I think Grace's "Do Or Die/Pride/Fame" medley is one of her two best songs (the other being "Pull Up To The Bumper"). I also like "Demolition Man" (from Warm Leatherette), although I don't consider that a disco song.

[SandraDee]

I totally agree with u FP22 that 'Muse' was Grace's best & most under-rated disco LP. The tracks u mentioned are all excellent but have to admit that my favourite track is 'Ill Find My Way To You'. I believe it was featured in an Italian movie before inclusion on the Muse set. I'd love to see the movie.

[FrontPage22]

Grace's voice on "I'll Find My Way To You" sounds very strong I think...and yes, it's a great cut. I still like "Don't Mess With The Messer". Playlists for the Garage from 79' show that this got play...can anyone confirm if that's so? :oops:

[Rab]

"Muse" has tighter production and more of a "Grace" flavour. Listening to Side A's medley it's got a definite harder lyric and concept.

I think what is interesting is the way music in general evolves...specifically disco. If you listen to disco from, let's say 1976, it sounds different from what was coming out in 1978 for example. In 1979 disco really peaked. Look at Donna Summer with her Bad Girls album, or Michael Jackson's Off the Wall album. The talent that was out during this year was beyond incredible. I love On Your Knees on the Muse LP. It has that hard core "1979" sound. The DJ's used to just "drop" in from no where when they would mix it in the clubs back then. Also, I have seen Muse as a CD. It seems to be strictly a foreign pressing....maybe bootleg. I've only seen it on ebay...

[SandraDee]

Well, I've mentioned it b4 on this site but 1979 was my very favourite year for disco & music in general. Production levels definitely peaked in this year before the overblown 80's & the sanitised 90's! Its just such a pity that so many records got released in 1979 which meant that lots of brilliant records got lost in the rush! :cry: I'd give anything to time-travel back 24 years & be mega-rich so I could buy every disc released that year.(I'm sad I know but hey, I've heard much more worrying fantasies from some of my friends!)

[Sami M]

I'm also a big fan of Grace. Haven't seen Muse on cd either, though at least her first album has been released in cd here in Europe so I guess Muse can be on legal cd as well.

Saved on Muse is a very eneggic song too. I have also always liked Suffer. It's so kinky and camp :P

[JussiK]

Has anyone info on the soundtrack of the Italian crime film Colt special squad 38 on which Grace sang "I'll find my way to you" , looking hot in a turban and revealing dress? I got the film on vhs but not the soundtrack vinyl. IMB does not list the film, incidentally. That ost could be the ultimate rare Jones realese, unless those tunes she belted out nearly nude on the 1978 tv show Stryx got pressed too.