Indie Release [Level 4]
As far as I know there aren't any 18 year olds interested in house any more - run of the mill or not.
As someone who lost touch a bit in the mid 80's and has got back into in the last 5 years I have noticed there does seem a lot more looking to certain american clubs and DJ's for guidance on old music. Unfortunately, this normally isn't from 18 year olds but from considerably older cats who weren't going to the clubs that were playing that music over here at the time. I can see why this annoys you Forrrce, Quinny and Leatherman - it pisses me off too!
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Leatherman: Undoubtedly, James Hamilton got it wrong. The great thing for me, was that his taste was more or less spot on and his descriptions really did give you a great idea of what to expect. I wish I still had some of those old columns of his. Unfortunately, a less than understanding wife (very unfair of me, but gets the point across) and a small house, sort some things OUT!!!!
Underground Hit [Level 5]
I agree with you about his unique descriptive powers and I would have concurred with you more about his taste 10 years ago. Don't get me wrong, IMO he was very good and much better than B&S were at the time but re reading his column recently he was off the mark a lot more than I realised. Records have since come to light which I didn't check out at the time which I noticed he dismissed out of hand. Lots of crap given good reviews - reading between the lines often because individuals involved were mates. Embarrassing shameless self promotion and congratulating "Was I right or was I RIGHT", whilst forgetting about the many wrongs. I think if you re-read some of his columns now you'd see what mean, but he was the best way to keep up back then.Originally Written by QUINNY
Leather is the way forward!
No Longer Charting
Leatherman: Just out of interest, any samples of rec ords he got wrong? It would be interesting to know a few.
Underground Hit [Level 5]
I'd need to go back to the mags for some proper examples and quotes but from memory -
On a 79 issue he gave lead import review to the dodgy Mantus "Midnight Energy" LP and raved about it - describing it as "superb", when it is very average, slightly rocky disco. Where as he moaned "Let no Man put us under" was so boring and rambling he could hardly be bothered bpming it.
I will have a look to find more concrete examples. To be fair, I think he got better between 80 - 86, though he was always a bit of a big head!
Leather is the way forward!
Gold Record [Level 7]
Pete's got game on this one. I've said before that I'm all for those with a genuine interest and liking for whatever - after all, we ALL had to start somewhere. But the cats I'm talking about aren't that much younger than me. When you witness people aged say, 25-40 change their musical allegiances en masse, you can't really take them seriously - especially when they were so nonplussed by their new fad before it was the 'in thing'.
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Forrrce, Quinny, et.al.
The subject is very interesting but it's taken originalbigm's thread waaay off course. If you guys would like to start another thread and continue, I believe I could move these posts (not sure, have to check with the boss :) ) to your new one.
originalbigm --- sorry I didn't step in sooner. I was too busy reading the posts and forgetting what I'm supposed to be doing. :oops:
Chart Hit [Level 6]
Hey no problem.I think if one discussion leads to another constructive discussion it's a positive thing.After all aren't we all learning something because of this.I know I am
Different eyes see different things. Different hearts beat on different strings. But there are times for you and me when all such things agree...Rush
Gold Record [Level 7]
Hey, Nicky -
Quinny and I love a good moan. Maybe we should get a "whingers' corner" on the new-look site! :o
What would you do without your muesli...where would you be without a bowl?
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Forrrce: Speak for yourself. Me a moaner? Who would have guessed it? What next?:lol:
Underground Hit [Level 5]
If you don't mind moving it, I think it would be worth it as I beleive there is some more milage in this particular gripe!
Leather is the way forward!
No Longer Charting
As one guy who used to get somewhat miffed when the first or second post of a thread went 'off road', perhaps I should be glad that a mediator has at last stepped in........but the original poster doesn't seem to mind and got lotsa replies before it went cross country..........so,
Forrrce, Leatherman; WE are all guilty of jumping ship at times aren't we. We're all victims of fashion to some degree. Let's face it, modern day consumerism is all to do with fashion (and sod all else). It's hard to get away from it at times. Fashion, in its widest sense, defines culture. Who can blame people for suddenly liking something that they hadn't given a second glance to only a few weeks or months before? It just means they're gullible in the most part, but yes, professional fashionistas, who float like butterflies from one 'flower' to the next, seeking fresh nectar at every stop, are the pits.
Music has, and always will have, a glut of fashion butterflies.
As a DJ, I was forever playing records that were currently 'hip'. That's what disco was ALL about. Records could have a very short shelf life.
I just find retro hipness, in this MP3 , get to hear it for nowt first, read all about it age, as somewhat hollow. Doesn't the comparitive ease with which hipness can be obtained also make that same hipness a throwaway commodity? Where IS the passion, the pain, the ecstacy of collecting something where nearly every parameter is known?
Indie Release [Level 4]
Thank you Forrrce. Hopefully these Johnny come latelys will move onto the next big thing as dance looses its kudos.
Regarding Wood Brass and Steel "Funkanova".
I was thinking about this and why someone wants to release an edit of it really mystifies me. I know from working in my local Fopp Record shop that the track is currently available on a few comps we stock. I'm sure the original LP was re-released fairly recently and is still orderable. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it also one of those American bootleg EP's with the black sleeves and gold stickers - someone here must know the ones I mean and could confirm this.
While not wanting to cast aspersions on your editing abilities LBG, there is only so much you can do chopping something around in the computer. It's a bit of fun and I'm sure most who post on here have had a go "editing" - it's actually pretty easy and doesn't demand much skill or musical ability. Often it just seems like a way for DJ's who can't actually make a record to get their name on vinyl. However, (& back to WB&S) it's not like some new version has been unearthed or the multitrack found and proper remixes commissioned. If I heard an edit of a song in a club that extended certain sections and I wanted that "edit", I'm sure I could bung that track in the PC and have it a couple of hours later. So why would anybody re-buy this already thoroughly rinsed out record at this stage - edit or no edit? I for one don't understand the logic at work here.
Gold Record [Level 7]
Good point about re-edits, Pete - though I don't think it's all bad (not implying you do, either).
Ideally, we'd probably like to change elements of most records we like. Lengthen, shorten, extend certain passages or omit others. There's definitely a skill there (in the better cases) which can enhance a record. For instance, I prefer Tony Garcia's edit of 'Spank' because it works up a full head of steam and doesn't drop the excitement, even if it's longer than the original but uses less of it! Dimitri From Paris's edit of Skyy's 'Here's To You' is so expertly executed (and well thought out) that I hold it on a par with the original. Or the Canadian 12" of EWF's 'Fantasy' - all thoughtful re-workings of a standard, available mix.
I baulked at the notion of a 'Funkanova' re-edit because I can't see how the track can be improved. There are too many bits that bleed over to the next section, the track itself has a lot of changes and it flows just fine, exactly how it is. A shorter edit? Yeah, would work...a longer edit? Maybe, but I just can't see how the track can be built upon. I'm evidently too used to it. And I hope it hasn't been housed up, either, or I'm on my way to Grimsby!
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
The original poster has no complaints. Rock 'n' Roll, y'all. :D
No Longer Charting
NickNack: Does this mean that little ol' me can invoke the threadcrapping rule in future and you'll be in MY gang? 8) :lol:
Chart Hit [Level 6]
In Australia our retro radio stations mainly play the disco songs that charted on the Aussie charts, well the stations pretty much belt the living **** out of most of the chart toppers so I'll select some of my favourite flogged to death disco songs:
Van McCoy - The Hustle 1975 (Always loved this song, plus it was used as background music in 1975 on Australia's no.1 pop show 'Countdown')
Rick Dees & His Cast Of Idiots - Disco Duck 1976 (A lot of people hate this song including people on this board and the disco critics would blast DJ Rick with negative remarks but I always enjoyed it, I love the funky drum beat and funky bass to it especially, and it's a funny song too. Seeing on one of the 1976 Top Of The Pops shows where the dancers groove to this song, some of them were dressed in the dopiest looking duck suits ever and I was pissin' myself laughing :lol: )
Leif Garrett - I Was Made For Dancing 1978 (This song is brilliant, plus Leif even performed it live on 'Countdown' in late 1978 and guest hosted the show)
Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye 1974 (I would have to say this song is groundbreaking for the disco genre in 1974, she was at least one year ahead of her time with this song. Anyhow I always love listening to this song especially the 6 minute version)
Boney M - Sunny 1976 (Though "Rivers Of Babylon" was more popular, I reckon Boney M's best hit is "Sunny" and of course their best songs are on the "Take The Heat Off Me" album. Plus "Love For Sale" is a fantastic song and should of been recorded in 1976 on the "Take The Heat Off Me" album)
Andrea True Connection - More More More (I certainly agree with Outsider that this is one of THE best flogged to death disco songs. I have her "More More More" album and LOVED every song on it!!! :D )
Marcia Hines - You 1977 (This song was pretty much a hit in Australia only from what I know, anyhow I always love hearing that song and her other material. She was the queen of pop in the 70s and queen of Countdown too. Now she's one of the 3 judges on Australian Idol along with Mark Holden and Dicko.
Bee Gees - Jive Talkin' 1975 (From all of their disco songs that hit the top of the charts I always preferred this one. Though my favourite on the "Main Course" album is "Nights On Broadway" as it's pretty funky)
Patrick Hernandez - Born To Be Alive 1979 (PLEAAAAASSSEEEEE forgive me for saying this but I LOVE hearing this song, it was flogged to death on radio and even the Soap Factory clip was belted on Countdown in 1979 but I always enjoy it)
Peter Allen - I Go To Rio 1976 (Australia's own Peter Allen!!! I always digged this song! I heard Norman Gunston (Gary McDonald) did a funny sendup version of this song on Countdown in 1977. Anyhow "I Go To Rio" is fantastic though my favourite disco song from Peter is "Don't Wish Too Hard")
La Belle Epoque - Black Is Black 1977 (This song was VERY popular in the Australian discos in 1978 and to me is by far the best cover version. Cerrone's version in 1976 comes very close but La Belle Epoque did a super 14 minute version and after hearing the 14 minute version I vote La Belle Epoque!!! :D )
La Belle - Lady Marmalade 1974 (I too love this song, I hear it a lot on radio and see the clip flogged on pay TV channel musicMAX but it's always fantastic to hear)
Isaac Hayes - Theme From Shaft 1971 (This song was EXTREMELY popular in Australia as well as USA and is defined as early disco. Always loved hearing this song, groudbreaking stuff!!!! :D )
The Emotions - Best Of My Love 1977 (This is a nice piece of soulful disco, the Soul Train clip is often played on musicMAX and I always enjoy watching it)
Vicki Sue Robinson - Turn The Beat Around 1976 (I love fast disco songs and this one of my favourites)
The Sylvers - Boogie Fever 1975 (This song is one of the most overplayed mid 70s disco songs and I always enjoy it, plus it's the best from their "Showcase" LP)
Chick - Le Freak 1978/Dance Dance Dance/Everybody Dance 1977 (The clips are played a lot on musicMAX and "Le Freak" is flogged to death, but they are fantastic songs, the funky disco bass/guitar work kicks arse)
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AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!! OI OI OI!!! :D :D :D
Australia mate! The land of many great funkateers!
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