Evelyn Thomas "HIGH ENERGY "

[Westwood]

I always read in magazines how this is the quintessential erm, High NRG song and has its place in history, at least gay music history. I finally heard what the fuss was all about when I got this 3cd box set with extended mixes and this, along with Miquel Brown (mother of Sinitta, queen of my heart!!!)'s hit.
I was disappointed because as you said people, it's not very busy or special. But after a while you get addicted to it. The last straw was when I saw this movie "Edge of Seventeen" and they played it in a club and I said, ok, I LOVE THIS!! Also I love it more because I grew up with that 80s music, especially Italo Disco and I love these sounds, even though they sound extremely dated now.

[remicks]

Originally Posted by discokicks

][

I've been djing in the gay bars of my hometown on a part-time basis forever it seems...over 22 years:o (wait...let me get the calculator 'cause that just can't be). Many times, I was tempted to move to a bigger city to see how well I would do in the club scene but family, friends and a need to keep a good day job won out over my desires.

I still dj on Saturday nights in our one and only gay club (not an easy thing to do with such a variety of tastes). !

Sorry I never responded to this DK. :oops:

I've been djing in the gay bars of my hometown on a part-time basis forever it seems...over 22 years

This is really amazingly cool . For you and also for your listeners who get to benefit from your years of experience . I'm impressed that they are receptive to the concept of a .... shall I say .... more mature DJ at the helm. 8) How great that you are keeping the music alive .

I seem to have this natural desire to share the music I love with others and djing allows me to do this.

8) 8) 8)

*****

[Energyguy]

Originally Posted by swerzer

remicks - I know where you're coming from because when I hear it now, it's very hum-drum garden variety of that type song. HOWEVER, when it first came out it really had a unique sound that was quite different for it's time and was therefore a huge hit in the South Florida area (of course, Evelyn Thomas also lives here - if that had anything to do with it). Even so, after you heard it in the clubs over 100 times, my friends and I referred to it as "Low Energy."

FYI.........My favorite songs by her were "High Voltage" and "How Many Hearts" - neither of which were hits, but I still liked them.

swerzer

I Have never heard the track "High Voltage".. Did this get a release in the UK or was it one of these "limited edition/Promo only" releases ?? Can you tell me who produced it ??

[disquotay]

Originally Posted by Energyguy

I Have never heard the track "High Voltage".. Did this get a release in the UK or was it one of these "limited edition/Promo only" releases ?? Can you tell me who produced it ??

Another production by Ray Martinez on Paris International Records (US only). The song had some potential, but lacked a proper arrangement and/or mix-down. Not too bad, though, and well worth having. A Disconet edit was out, too, but didn't add much excitment.

[discokicks]

Originally Posted by remicks

I'm impressed that they are receptive to the concept of a .... shall I say .... more mature DJ at the helm. 8) How great that you are keeping the music alive.

Thanks for the compiment Remicks...and believe me, there are many many times when the frustrations of dealing with arrogant, know-it-all youth (and bloody stupid management) gets the better of me and I struggle with quitting. None of my friends would be upset that's for sure! :lol:

I think the best djs out there are the mature ones who have their ears open to the newest releases but also hold the reigns on their dance music staying to what they hold true to their hearts.

In regards to the song 'High Energy', for example, Evelyn's vocals soar and, at that glorious time, dance music in gay clubs still relied on clear, talented vocalists. There was So Many Men, Earthquake, Menage's Memory, Norma Lewis' Maybe This Time, Earlene Bentley's The Boys Come To Town, Marsha Raven's False Alarm. 'High Energy' also came on the heels of Lime's huge hit Guilty which used a similar piano-synth arrangement.

I still have a love for talented vocals and lively arrangements in the dance music that I program today. It's somewhat different than the minimalist, dark, tribal sound prevalent in North American dance clubs. :roll:

[straight acting]

Originally Posted by remicks

*****

Evelyn Thomas ---- "HIGH ENERGY "

I finally came across this record , played it , and am now wondering ....... I haven't noticed this song being discussed here , maybe I missed it .... but am I supposed to be impressed by it for any particular reason ??


Hearing it today out of it's original context .... I find it very lackluster ( in fact I'll use the word "noisy" ) ... so was it a groundbreaker for its time ... or just another song to come along the turnpike ...

???


*****

At the time it was massive in the clubs, and it was very much a record of its time. It kind of captured a moment as all great records do. I don't know what else to say about it really except it sold millions worldwide. Listening to it twenty something years later it just takes me back I guess..

[Simon White]

What does it take you back too? Your wedding?

[prays2ce]

I wanted to post a reply because I really do not believe anyone knows how much was at stake when Evelyn Thomas recorded High Energy. I am her daughter born in the 70's. When my mother left for Europe to make a better life for us she set out and accomplished just that. I grew up alright. Not poor or neglected. See my mother tried very hard to provide a life she lacked. She traveled day and night , I went with her alot, to perform show after show. She worked hard and most people don't know that it was mainly to provide for me. Somehow I know she is disappointed that she didn't get to take it to the very top and stay there, but she can never say what if. She is still in the studio recording music which she is soon to release. A jazz/gospel cd. I hope you understand the meaning of love when you listen to a mother trying her hardest to provide for a child alone. This is what fueled her in those days. High Energy was a statement not only for those on the outside looking in, but for those on the inside looking out. I grew up with a mother who grew up with you. Although most people don't know I exist, here I am none the less. I can always be proud of her. She really made a difference in my life. What an example of a single mother, Huh? myspace.com/evelynthomas
God bless
Kim Thomas

[gunbuck]

Wow, thanks for posting prays2ce. That puts the song in a whole new perspective. And as a fan of her's, I'm glad to hear that your mother is doing well. :D

[discokicks]

Originally Posted by prays2ce

I hope you understand the meaning of love when you listen to a mother trying her hardest to provide for a child alone. This is what fueled her in those days. High Energy was a statement not only for those on the outside looking in, but for those on the inside looking out. I grew up with a mother who grew up with you. Although most people don't know I exist, here I am none the less. I can always be proud of her. She really made a difference in my life. What an example of a single mother, Huh? myspace.com/evelynthomas
God bless
Kim Thomas

So neat!

Your mother's voice resonated across many happy dancefloors throughout the 80's. I know, for myself, that I excitedly grabbed any new release with the name Evelyn Thomas on it and am happy to hear that she is working on a new jazz cd!

Thanks for writing!:D