Advance Promo Copy [Level 3]
I Love This record...
http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/572_0_2_0_C/
It's a shame they didn't do more Disco...it's on cd by the way...it's on Hot 97 presents ATLANTIC DANCE CLASSICS on the TURNSTYLE RECORDS Label
714210-2 released in 92'.It is a pretty rare cd...this is the long version clocks in at 6:30...
No Longer Charting
Personally, I'm VERY ambivalent about this record and Manhattan Transfer.
On one level, they were very accomplished, well produced and cannot be faulted for what they were good at.
On another level they smacked of pure cynical revivilism and should have never got into making a Disco record, 'cos their whole raison d'etre was reveiving music from a totally different era. Twilight Zone smacks of even greater cynicism to me and yet another reason why Disco was doomed (in the U.S.).
Chart Hit [Level 6]
Twilight Zone is indeed an awesome record, I also like their version of "Birdland" and they also had a modest hit with the song "Spice of Life" (1983) another of their "few and far inbetween" forays into disco/dance/r&b. :(
Chart Hit [Level 6]
They released a great track in 19984 called 'The Spice of life'.
It was written by Rod Temperton and the very underestimated Derek Bramble. Give it a lsten!!
Indie Release [Level 4]
In addition, 'Spice Of Life' also has a neat harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder during the bridge part of the song!
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
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--- I 'm with you on this one Quinny .... I agree that the Manhattan Transfer to me came off a bit confused with their " We're old .... but ... we're new .." sound .
I DJ 'd during the run of "TWILIGHT ZONE " and I never played it . Couldn't figure out why anyone would want to dance to the theme from the Twilight Zone no matter how souped up . Yes it was well mixed/produced but that didn't disguise the fact that it was a contrived , absurd tune with annoying lyrics sung with even more annoying vocals.
And ... of course ... as with any song ..... to quote Van McCoy ..."TEHO" ... :D
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Advance Promo Copy [Level 3]
Iam sorry but I totally disagree with REMICKS... The Manhattan Transfer are what vocals are all about...I should know iam a studio singer.As far as... can't figure it out? what's to figure out...For me its about a having a good time..great melody.I think the lyrics are pretty clever.But then again opinions are like ass%#@!*'s everybody's got one...
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
*****
Ya and some really stink ... right DD ! :D :D I often liked Manhattan Transfer .... and of course their harmonies are killer . Their rendition of "WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO " is my favorite version of that great song ...
BUT (I know... everybody's got one of these too ) .....but... "TWILIGHT ZONE " doesn't showcase their vocal talents.. ....I'm not sure how they tweeked those voices to be more nasal /alien /twilight zoneish .. but I hear them as annoying . The entire song ..the sound effects, those vocals etc. ... brash and noisy ....
There's that thin line between being innovative and clever and being gimmicky ... this one for me tips to the latter.
StillI can't argue that many liked it and still do . ( I wonder where it peaked on the Billboard disco chart ? Very high , I know that .)
I imagine that there could have been a similar rework of the theme to Gilligan's Island and many would have been able "to have a good time " to that too... and similarly, I wouldn't have been able to figure that out either.... I suspect it would have gotten my veto as well though . :)
:)
*****
Chart Hit [Level 6]
It seems everyone is looking at this from the standpoint of what "they" think a good record should sound likeAnd, of course that's the way it'll always be....lol. You ONLY like what YOU like... But I disagree with some of the comments on this song, can some of the sounds and vocals come off as "annoying"? Sure in the traditional sense, but understand what song you're talking about, this was a "tribute" to the show "The Twilight Zone" Full of references (vocally, lyrically, and musically) to "the show" and any fan of the series understands that, and is thankful for that, that's one of the main reasons so many people love this song. All the lyrics make sense to me, (because I know what episodes they are referring to) All the sounds that "seem like" they don't belong, are welcome to me because I know them from the show, this was the concept and it was well executed (people jump up anytime I play it at a party) I consider this song as innovative as what Walter Murphy did with "Beethovan".... :D :D
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