Evelyn Thomas "HIGH ENERGY "

[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 ...

???


*****

[Nrgfan125]

Well this is the record that in the uk at least took high energy out from the gay clubs and into the british charts where it then became mainstream for a short period,artists like divine even managed to appear high in the british charts,trouble was it then became too comercial for many gay clubbers and they moved onto acid house etc,and house music in general,high energy was driven back underground where it remains today,still a bit of iconic tune though here in the uk,and always gets played in clubs that play 80s music...

Gaz... :) :) :)

[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

[speculator]

i never understood why is was so popular either..
i guess i just got it for historical significance or something.. i don;t think i have ever even listened to it at home or played it in a club.

[discokicks]

Great vocals, interesting instrumentation and fun lyrics...what's not to like? The song came out shortly after Miquel Brown's So Many Men, So Little Time on the same label, UK's Record Shack, so it really was a no-brainer that this was going to be a hit. The tap-tap-tap synth/piano rhythm bounces merrily along, building momentum to Evelyn's last 'lifting me highhhhhhhhhh' at the end of each chorus...it really was a fun song to play and watch the crowd's response. And it was a great track to mix out of! Any song that fit within that bpm range could easily blend into her final note...Body Rock by Maria Vidal comes to mind.

There have been quite a few remixes over the years as well...a 90's mix on the Passion label was very good but the recent Almighty mix is definitely the best. The song is just classic gay dance music from 1984...not as 'high' energy as a lot in this genre, but an anthem fitting for that time.

[remicks]

*****

"

The tap-tap-tap synth/piano rhythm bounces merrily along .... "

Yes .... that's it..... That's what I was trying to figure out .... what other song this pattern was reminding me of :
The repeated "tap tap tap " has a tinge of Village People ...... as in ......"They want you . They want you .They want you as a new recruit" .... tap tap tap ......


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[discokicks]

*****

"

The tap-tap-tap synth/piano rhythm bounces merrily along .... "

Yes .... that's it..... That's what I was trying to figure out .... what other song this pattern was reminding me of :
The repeated "tap tap tap " has a tinge of Village People ...... as in ......"They want you . They want you .They want you as a new recruit" .... tap tap tap ......


*****

That's funny! When I pulled out a copy of the song and listened to it because of this topic, I heard that same rhythm. Too bad that I didn't recognize that twenty years ago...it would have made a great mix!

[remicks]

*****

.....that's very funny/odd ......
I must have picked up your vibe about it ........

..........so where were you DJing then , Mr. Kicks ??

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[discokicks]

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..........so where were you DJing then , Mr. Kicks ??

*****

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

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). I have to say that since I discovered this website, I've been re-visiting the music of my past. There simply is no comparison to what was then and what young people are having to dance to now. Major pity!

[Energyguy]

Never been a huge fan of this particular track (some of the later remixes are far better than the original mix). Evelyn is one of my favourite divas and it is probably the "weakest" track from her back catalogue. I do remember it was top 5 pop hit here in the UK and got plenty of club/radio airplay.

[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]

][

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]

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]

remicks -


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 ??

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]

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]

*****

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]

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

[prays2ce]

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

I am gratefull that she still has people who truely love her and her music. She has been through alot. Knowing that others have not written her off is great to know. Just look out for her new music. She is even better now than before and I pray she can accomplish what she really wants.
Kim

[remicks]

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. 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. 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.
Kim Thomas

Thank you so much for taking the time to drop in here Miss Thomas !!8)
I'm hoping that the overall tone of your input doesn't mean your Mom wasn't also having a good time with her experiences during those times ? And surely she didn't just record HIGH ENERGY for the sake of mouths to feed ??? Did she not take heart to the song?? I have to be reading it wrong.

Anyway, I have held on to her first album since it was released over twenty-five years ago .....so that has to tell you something. If she ever decides to check in here in person ... she will find many friends waiting to greet her. ( (I hope she does !!!8-)8-)8-) )

Also don't mind me ....as is the nature of music ...no one is going to like it all ....no matter how great or significant the song may be . It's just the way it is and you'll find every song discussed here gets tossed around no matter how successful ..... Many members jumped to your Mom's record's defense ...becaue of course it wasn't a HUGE record for no reason !!!:D
I suspect that HIGH ENERGY will forever be a classic reference song for that era's style 8-)

High Energy was a statement not only for those on the outside looking in, but for those on the inside looking out.

This is an interesting comment ....that I don't fully understand :roll::oops: could you elaborate a little ??

[prays2ce]

Thank you so much for taking the time to drop in here Miss Thomas !!8)
I'm hoping that the overall tone of your input doesn't mean your Mom wasn't also having a good time with her experiences during those times ? And surely she didn't just record HIGH ENERGY for the sake of mouths to feed ??? Did she not take heart to the song?? I have to be reading it wrong.

Anyway, I have held on to her first album since it was released over twenty-five years ago .....so that has to tell you something. If she ever decides to check in here in person ... she will find many friends waiting to greet her. ( (I hope she does !!!8-)8-)8-) )

Also don't mind me ....as is the nature of music ...no one is going to like it all ....no matter how great or significant the song may be . It's just the way it is and you'll find every song discussed here gets tossed around no matter how successful ..... Many members jumped to your Mom's record's defense ...becaue of course it wasn't a HUGE record for no reason !!!:D
I suspect that HIGH ENERGY will forever be a classic reference song for that era's style 8-)


This is an interesting comment ....that I don't fully understand :roll::oops: could you elaborate a little ??

Of course my mother loved what she did and still does. Her heart is always in her music! I mearly stated that because of me her goals had to hit. Any parent could understand that even when doing something you love you also have obligations to your family. I am a business person with children and I love what I do, but I also understand that what I do has to work because of the obligations to my family. That's all.
As for the last question: I am saying that when a person looks at someone successful they form an opinion of that person based on outside opinions of others, magazines, and their professional state. But when you are on the inside, you know the truth, why you do what you do, and it can be a bit overwhelming at times. My mother learned many lessons from her insider status. I am sure you can teach someone on the outside of your profession. You can also cast down myths and ideals that really aren't substantial. What she now knows is accredited to her experience on the inside. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. I am not so eloquent with words sometimes. I am however, trying to get my mother to respond to some of her questions. Go to myspace.com/evelynthomas and message her there. I am going to continue to talk to her about this.
God Bless
Kim Thomas

[DawnOfTheDead]

Could you please ask your mother what was up with her make-up in the video for "High Energy"? For me, that was truly a riot!

[DISCODISK]

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

hi kim great to see you here,i met your mother when she first came to the u.k i found her warm, honest and real, yes she did work really hard must have been really tough for her back and foreward to the u.k
my question to you is[and i dont want to ask a woman her age:oops: ] were you born back then at the time of the 20th century recordings?
i hope you keep looking in on this thread as id like to come back in a few days and talk about this period, im just a little busy till after the weekend, but then ill be free to talk all things evelyn:p and in the meantime ill see if i can find a couple of things to scan and post here....dont run away:icon_mrgreen: