How to approach disco music

[PeaceFroggy]

I'm sixteen years old and although I've been into it for a while, I still consider myself a disco music newbie.

I used to like disco for it's novelty value, but never really took it seriously (a trait that I now find really annoying in other people!). My knowledge never graduated beyond YMCA, Gloria Gaynor, Bee Gees and a few other staple party hits though, until about a year ago when I had a wealth of pocket money and decided quite impulsively to buy this disco compilation CD at the record store. It was a good US $20, not one of those cheapies they practically give away!

Anyway, the first song was Chic's Le Freak, and I just fell in love with it so much that I chose it as my pop song analysis for music last year, which meant listening to it over and over again for weeks on end, but I still couldn't get sick of it! Although there were a few clunkers on the CD, I started exploring disco music more.

But now I've arrived at a problem. Seen as most of you grew up with disco since it's conception, you've taken it all in bit by bit through it's evolution, so you understand it. But for me, looking back on an era which I was never a part of, it all just seems like this huge ocean of songs and bands that I've never heard of. And I've kind of arrived at a standstill.

I think my first real dose of a disco band/artist was the Bee Gee's, then KC & The Sunshine Band and Chic and recently a bit of Sister Sledge and Gloria Gaynor. At first the gritty sound of pre-1977 disco/funk didn't really capture me that much but now I think I like it, after trying a few Parliament Funkadelic and Kool & The Gang numbers.

Probably one of the disadvantages I have that you never did is that I can't just head over to the record store and walkout with an armful of disco records. There is a big second hand record store nearby which often has some good buys but it's just a matter of being there at the right time for them. So basically I rely on p2p sharing but I can't get the rare songs on there either.

Anyway, what I want is some suggestions on an approach to exploring disco. I like the Chic-sound. What bands/artists can you reccomend that have consistently solid grooves like Chic? What are some good early 70s funk bands/artists that are not overtly experimental (Parliament can be a bit too much so for me) and just have a good funky listenable and danceable sound?

[QUINNY]

Trouble is, most disco was one-offs. There were very few bands that scored consistantly over any lengthy period of time.

From what you've written I'd try and find:

A Solar records compilation (there are some good ones knocking around and the grooves are tight)
possibly a Shalamar compilation (they were slightly poppy light disco funk, but if you like Chic, you'd like them)
A Fatback Band compilation (lotsa early goodies on that)
A Hamilton Bohannon compilation (ditto above)
A TK/Sunshine sound compilation (this will be a little more hit and miss possibly)
A Kool & The Gang compilation ( if you don't already have one)
A Prelude records compilation (Go for greatest hits first, as some of the other deeper comps do have a large non-descript element)
A Salsoul records comp (ditto above. You can always explore deeper if you like what you hear)

As for Chic....... Chic was Chic. IMO. Nearly all imitations are pale by comparison.[/b]

[K-Bee]

Well, disco is really a producers music (don't beat me for saying so :lol: )
I'd say anything with producer names like Cerrone, Alec R Costandinos, Jaques Fred Petrus, Boris Midney, Nile Rogers & Bernards Edwards a.o. in the credit list is worth investigating further into. Some of it may sound dated and cheesy (especially to the newbie ears) but it will grow on you...trust me, it will!

For the more funky stuff, Try out some of the early Atlantic Starr LP's....nothing like the pop stuff they ended up doing in the mid 80s.
A few other grups would be:
- Kleeer
- L.T.D.
- Earth Wind & Fire
- Undisputed Truth

Also try to get a hold on the "Disco Forever" 3cd set mixed by Dimitri From Paris. Lots of good stuff in there hard to get elsewhere (on cd that is).

[Bernie]

It's great to have another new fan of Disco music. Welcome aboard.

Since you are really just starting out and want to get a broad sampling before finally settling on something, I recommend that you try our Top 500 Disco Songs list. It is by no way perfect, but I think in your case it will give you a good foundation from which to build on.

You should be able to find most songs on CD or p2p (gasp!). Once you hear something you like go and look it up in the Disco Records Vault A-Z section and make a note of the producers and associated artists. In no time flat you will have gotten a pretty good picture of what style, producers and era you like best. Once you know the artists you want you can then go and check out all the Disco CD compilations out there or even consider getting a turntable and the original vinyl for the ultimate experience

Lastly, you have one of the best resources on the subject: all the knowledgeable members here in the forum. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[born2disco]

Kia-ora Peacefroggy! Choice ay bro!

(Sorry had to throw in some Kiwi-isms)

Welcome to the site... you may not have grown up with disco (neither did I really... I was born in '74 but listened to disco in the womb) but you seem like a pretty clued up 16 year old! You'll have so much fun discovering disco! :D

[paul]

Hey PeaceFroggy. Welcome!
First off let me add something that also will reflect on the period. Rent "Summer Lovers." Yah, I know the peanut gallery here is probably saying there he goes again with that movie. :lol: My thing though is as nice as Saturday Night Fever was, esp. the soundtrack, it was too much on the down side. That wasn't my experience. Summer Lovers captures in my mind the cultural experience that was apart of "Disco."
Now to your specific questions. Chic like sound is something you mentioned. The first group that came to mind was "Sister Sledge." You probably already heard songs like from them such as "We Are Family" and one of favorites "He's The Greatest Dancer." A greatest hits cd would be something nice to get.
As for disco funk, I know what you mean about Parliament/Funkadelic. Their music can get a little wierd at times. I'll recommend Ohio Players, Average White Band, Rose Royce, Cameo, Brothers Johnson, and Kleeer.
My other suggestion is that Funkydude help you. He is also a relatively young member :D who is well versed on the music from the period. I'm sure he can tell you the things to avoid if you're a person who didn't live through the era but wanted to get to know the music.

[JussiK]

You like Chic, meaning you're into big basslines, right? Note that in discotheques there are dark corners where spotlights don't necessarily reach. There one can find exciting grooves ignored by the dancing masses, tracks with underground cult reps etc. My advice is start with the Earthtone mix cd series and discover vintage beats being sequed into modern music, Mongo Santamaria going into Djinji brown going into Grupo X and on to mighty Joe Clausell tunes, like in the volume 3 of the series. The label is Fruitmeat. GET IT. Then, time for the French comps of oddball afro boogie from the mid 70's, anything on Fantomas label for instance. Totally timeless, fresh and hip to the lip (?). With stuff like this, the unexpected mixed with the classics, it's easy to get a great set going and win anyone's respect.

[buckaroo]

Hiya Froggy,
I'm gonna go against the grain because I'm a bit of a fussy purist :lol: , and recommend that - where you can afford it - buy the vinyl originals of your fave artists. The main reason I am a bit discouraged from buying too many compilations, is because they usually contain the same old tracks - Sister Sledge etc. - and not the hidden gems that you will hear on a certain artist's album. I know there's a down side in this strategy as a lot of these '70s albums may be scratched to high heaven. But try finding a decent radio station, whether on the net or airwaves, which has a DJ knowledgeble enough to play the better obscurer tracks and groups, so that you can be much more selective in your purchases. As a previous poster mentioned, there was a lot of crap around at the time too, so it's easy for the uninitiated to think that all of disco music was classy and well produced.

You're into Chic 'n' stuff, so I'd recommend trying a band called Kano (1980) who were a good Chic sound-a-like. "Can't Hold Back Your Lovin' " is a good 'un from their album to get hold of. And bear in mind that disco was still around during the early 1980s (renamed dance in some cases) which was a fabulous time when black music transitioned towards a more electronic sound. :lol: So don't be put off if a record label doesn't have the year 1977 on it.

I agree with you about Parliament...It's an accuired taste P Funk. But...Funk Fusion is a different fish kettle, and there's a lot of Herbie Hancock (pre-disco daze :) ) on CD if you don't want to dip your toe into an vynil just yet. Other good groups are Pleasure, Azimuth, and the Blackbyrds. I guarantee Froggy, that eventually, you will veer off into the world of Fusion as it's so closely related.

Buckaroo's Floor Bursters:
Chic-a-likes
Change "Glow Of Love", "Lover's Holiday"
Shiela & B Devotion "Spacer" (Chic produced group)

Dancin' Disco
Tony Rallo & His Midnight Band "Holdin' On"
Slave "Watching You"
Fatback Band "Lookin' For Love Tonight"

Phonky Fusion
Roy Ayers "Chicago" "Running Away"
Azimuth "Jazz Carnival"
Herbie Hancock "Watermelon Man"

I won't bore you any longer.

[dbmc]

Hiya PeaceFroggy - yes another Kiwi!
Where do ya live? I'm in Auckland.

All the advice above is right on the money. I've been collecting disco for 25 years and am still buying up new disco! You just gotta read mags and forums like these to pick up on tracks and artists that others are recommending.
Its a little understood genre as the masses only percieve disco as the mainstream artists when in fact there is mountains of amazing music to be explored.

I've found most of my gems of late at Borders or Real Groovy in Auckland and I also order from Tower in the US and UK for rare compilations and artist CD's from the disco period.
Happy to hook up and chat if ya like . Drop me an email dbmc@dancemusic.net.nz.

Check out Change, EWF, Fat Larry's Band etc and Cerrone - you gotta check out Cerrone!!and Alec Costandinos for some masterpieces.

[born2disco]

Kiwis rock! :D

[manny p]

Get yourself a copy of: Cerrone 3 Supernature, Love and Kisses, Chic, Beautiful bend, Dr.Buzzards Original Savannah Band, Anything from Love Unlimited Orchestra, Silvetti (spring rain) Alec R. Constandinos (Romeo and Juliette), these are available on cd , Cerrone has his own web page, check amazon, e-bay. I know they're available because I have them on cd.

Good Luck,
Manny P

[QUINNY]

PeaceFroggy: I don't want to piss on anybody, but I feel some of the suggestions given won't be what you're looking for, as they don't contain grooves, just thump, thump, thump. There is a difference!!

It might be instructive to list the disco records you don't like, as this might help narrow things down a little.

[PeaceFroggy]

Hello again.

Firstly, thanks to everyone for reply with your pearls of funky wisdom! I have written down all the suggestions so I will make sure to try them all. I'm actually just out to buy a Sly and the Family Stone Compilation. It's part of "The Essential..." series. I don't know if your familiar with the series. But there were 36 songs on double CD for like US $7.50 which is damn good.

What records _don't_ I like? Well I am not into electronic disco. Stuff like Imagination, and that Kano number, "Can't Hold Back Your Lovin" was really good, and there was a hint of the electronic sound in them, but what I mean is that heavily synthesised 80's sound is what I don't like; I think it's called Hi-NRG or EuroDisco.

I have a big question about records though. Do you think it is worth me getting a turntable? I really love records, like the warm crackly sound. And I also feel records just have so much more personality than CD's. Maybe that sounds silly. But are there any other advantages of records? I would so love to have a big record collection to sort through and stuff.

[paul]

Hello again.

I have a big question about records though. Do you think it is worth me getting a turntable? I really love records, like the warm crackly sound. And I also feel records just have so much more personality than CD's. Maybe that sounds silly. But are there any other advantages of records? I would so love to have a big record collection to sort through and stuff.

Oh, ohh. No you've really opened a can o' worms :lol: There is a neverending debate concerning cd vs. records. I love records in part for that fullness of sound. Anyway, I say yes. Go get yourself a turntable. There are many songs that are difficult if not impossible to get on cd. Besides, it needn't be either or. Very good cd players are available at low prices.

[QUINNY]

What records _don't_ I like? Well I am not into electronic disco. Stuff like Imagination, and that Kano number, "Can't Hold Back Your Lovin" was really good, and there was a hint of the electronic sound in them, but what I mean is that heavily synthesised 80's sound is what I don't like; I think it's called Hi-NRG or EuroDisco.

I have a big question about records though. Do you think it is worth me getting a turntable? I really love records, like the warm crackly sound. And I also feel records just have so much more personality than CD's. Maybe that sounds silly. But are there any other advantages of records? I would so love to have a big record collection to sort through and stuff.

If you don't like Eurodisco & Hi-NRG then forget Costandinos, Cerrone, Midney et al. Throw in a high cheese factor and that makes these absolutely NOT what you're looking for. It sounds like you may be into even grittier stuff than Disco had to offer, if you're going for a Sly Stone comp. Maybe you should concentrate on 1970 -1974/5 to begin with, or even check out some of the '60s soul and funk hierarchy, which is well documented.

As for records versus CD. Go for vinyl if it makes you feel good :roll: You do know that this route will probably cost you an almighty wad of cash?

[Forrrce]

I really love records, like the warm crackly sound. And I also feel records just have so much more personality than CD's. Maybe that sounds silly. But are there any other advantages of records? I would so love to have a big record collection to sort through and stuff.

Peacefroggy, can you explain this 'warm' sound that plastic 'audiophiles' rave about so much? It seems to be nothing but a buzzword. No-one can back it up. I think it's complete bollocks, myself. Can you tell me what 'warm' vinyl is? In what way is it so?

[buckaroo]

Hello again.

Firstly, thanks to everyone for reply with your pearls of funky wisdom! I have written down all the suggestions so I will make sure to try them all. I'm actually just out to buy a Sly and the Family Stone Compilation. It's part of "The Essential..." series. I don't know if your familiar with the series. But there were 36 songs on double CD for like US $7.50 which is damn good.

...Do you think it is worth me getting a turntable? I really love records, like the warm crackly sound. And I also feel records just have so much more personality than CD's. Maybe that sounds silly.

:lol:
PeaceFroggy dear boy, you've mislead us all. You don't crave da funk. There'll be no disco dancin' for you. What you're after by the look of things, is late '60s early '70s Psychadelic soul. I reckon, you should check out the Temptations stuff from around that era. What you want isn't really disco as such. It's much more instrumental and live.
:P
You gotta you gotta you gotta get A PAIR of turntables...then by a CD player...about five years afterwards :lol:

[manny p]

I THINK THE BEST ADVICE IS FOR YOU TO TRY MUSIC ON YOUR OWN, HEAR WHAT YOU LIKE ,EXPERIMENT, EVERYBODY ON THIS SITE WILL GIVE YOU THEIR"EXPERT" OPINIONS, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE A PLUNGE---DO ANY OF YOUR FRIENDS HAVE DISCO THAT INTERESTS YOU? TAKE IT FROM THERE, SEE WHAT MAKES YOU JUMP OR GO TO RECORD STORES AND SAMPLE CDS AND VINYL......ONE THING IS COMMON TO ALL MUSIC NUTS OUT THERE, WE ALL STARTED BY LISTENING AND EXPERIMENTING....THEN YOU'LL START DEVELOPING YOUR PREFERENCES AND WILL BE ABLE TO NARROW OR EXPAND YOUR TASTE.

GOOD LUCK!

[PeaceFroggy]

I really love records, like the warm crackly sound. And I also feel records just have so much more personality than CD's. Maybe that sounds silly. But are there any other advantages of records? I would so love to have a big record collection to sort through and stuff.

Peacefroggy, can you explain this 'warm' sound that plastic 'audiophiles' rave about so much? It seems to be nothing but a buzzword. No-one can back it up. I think it's complete bollocks, myself. Can you tell me what 'warm' vinyl is? In what way is it so?

Actually I can't back it up. Even less so because I wasn't around when records were in their hey day, so I can't play the nostalgia card. But I do feel like they give off this "warm" vibe that I can't describe.

So are records a lot more expensive than CD's? I haven't taken sides or anything, I'm still just exploring my choices.

I got The Essential 'Sly and the Family Stone' and 'Earth, Wind & Fire' and I love pretty much every song on those compilations! But like I said, I also crave much more discoey stuff like the sunshine band and Chic. But they are somewhat similar because they also have the sound of live instruments, which I like.

[buckaroo]

So are records a lot more expensive than CD's? I haven't taken sides or anything, I'm still just exploring my choices.

I got The Essential 'Sly and the Family Stone' and 'Earth, Wind & Fire' and I love pretty much every song on those compilations! But like I said, I also crave much more discoey stuff like the sunshine band and Chic. But they are somewhat similar because they also have the sound of live instruments, which I like.

If you're after the big groups who had the major hits in the '70s, then it may cost you a pretty penny or two. Those old KC & the Sunshine Band albums are pricey here in the UK...EWF stuff is quite affordable (I'm talkin' vinyl only here...I'm a purist don't forget )

Another poster was bang on the money. You'll have to dip your toe into the musical waters, see what you hate, and what boogies y'butt. Don't worry about not being able to play a nostalgia card. Some people just go on too much about '...the good ol' days.' and all that crap. There's actually some decent soulful deep house around, and funky stuff from new artists, which is worth a look.

Try some SLAVE...Very tasty horn section!!!
Their 'Great American Funk Song' is good.

[ruoffended]

Hello Froggy , i have 3 suggestions for you
3 lp's that have been re-issued on vinyl , easy to find
1. WOOD BRASS and STEEL - Wood brass and steel TURBO 1976 , new jersey funk with an uptempo feel at its best
2. BRICK - Good high BANG RECORDS 1976 , disco with soul from Atlanta , famous track is Dazz ...excellent.
3. HERMAN KELLY and LIFE - Percussion explosion ALSTON 1978 , monster miami groover , it feature the fantastic track Dance to the drummers beat which have been sampled many times in hip-hop band ,
That's a good start if you're looking for brand new vinyl re-issue ......RU ! :P



''Starstruck , that's what you are''

[PeaceFroggy]

If you're after the big groups who had the major hits in the '70s, then it may cost you a pretty penny or two. Those old KC & the Sunshine Band albums are pricey here in the UK...EWF stuff is quite affordable (I'm talkin' vinyl only here...I'm a purist don't forget )

Is there any important reason why I should buy the originals? Or is it just so I can say "I have the original"?

I looked at records in the second-hand record store the other day and there was a lot of EWF, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, etc. for US $4-10 a full album. That I can afford easy. Is it because they aren't originals? I don't think I really mind.

[K-Bee]

If you're after the big groups who had the major hits in the '70s, then it may cost you a pretty penny or two. Those old KC & the Sunshine Band albums are pricey here in the UK...EWF stuff is quite affordable (I'm talkin' vinyl only here...I'm a purist don't forget )

Is there any important reason why I should buy the originals? Or is it just so I can say "I have the original"?

I looked at records in the second-hand record store the other day and there was a lot of EWF, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, etc. for US $4-10 a full album. That I can afford easy. Is it because they aren't originals? I don't think I really mind.

Peacefroggy,
Are these 2nd hand items LP's or cd reissues. If we're talking about cd's and you don't wanna go through the whole "getting a turntable thing", I'd say go for those.

This thread has really been showing what a big difference there is depending on where you actually live. Over here, 2nd hand stores pratically throw all these 70s/80s disco funk lp's in the bargain bins for almost no money at all. The prizes I've paid for stuff like EWF, Lake Side, Kleeer and even Patrick Juvet, Change & Chaz Jankel have been ridicolously low even though many of the copies have been sealed.
LOL sometimes it really pays off to live in a country mostly caring about noisy rock music

[buckaroo]

If you're after the big groups who had the major hits in the '70s, then it may cost you a pretty penny or two. Those old KC & the Sunshine Band albums are pricey here in the UK...EWF stuff is quite affordable (I'm talkin' vinyl only here...I'm a purist don't forget )

Is there any important reason why I should buy the originals? Or is it just so I can say "I have the original"?

I looked at records in the second-hand record store the other day and there was a lot of EWF, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, etc. for US $4-10 a full album. That I can afford easy. Is it because they aren't originals? I don't think I really mind.

You don't have to buy the vinyl originals...It's just that sometimes, the compilations don't include the full mix of a track. If you're not so anal about records as I am :lol: , by all means grab a CDs worth of choonz that you like. Also, I guarantee that eventually you will discover a group or artist that you really like. And you'll want to buy all their back catalogue, which may not be totally available on CD. I do have CDs by the way. :D

...Over here, 2nd hand stores pratically throw all these 70s/80s disco funk lp's in the bargain bins for almost no money at all. The prizes I've paid for stuff like EWF, Lake Side, Kleeer and even Patrick Juvet, Change & Chaz Jankel have been ridicolously low even though many of the copies have been sealed.
LOL sometimes it really pays off to live in a country mostly caring about noisy rock music

Mmmmm...That can be another problem with collecting vinyl-besides some of the records being scratched. But, if you're as lucky as K-Bee is...well, get going!

I've been told in the past to buy this, buy that...But at the end of the day, musical tastes are individual. The best thing I can do is repeat what I typed a few days ago. You'll have to find a radio station and a DJ that plays the sort of things that turn you on. Then pick and chose what you want to buy.

[PeaceFroggy]

Peacefroggy,
Are these 2nd hand items LP's or cd reissues. If we're talking about cd's and you don't wanna go through the whole "getting a turntable thing", I'd say go for those.

These were 2nd hand LP's. I don't know if they were originals though, but they were full albums with all the songs on. So do you think it's worth it?