Disco Songs That Are Way Too Loooooong

**Bernie** · June 1st, 2002, 08:35 AM

In another thread Mixmachine mentioned that he liked the Disconet remix of Viola Will's "If You Could Read My Mind." While I like the song I do find it to be way too loooong. It gets boring real quick with no memorable break downs...

Another song is Earth Wind & Fire's "Boogie Wonderland." Again, I like the song, but it's too long and just keeps going and going faster and faster to nowhere. Oops, got carried away.

Okay, Donna Summer. While many of her songs are very long they keep me reeled in and always offer something unlike the two above. Costandinos and Midney also indulged in pushing the time limit, but again, they kept me listening with changes and slight variations.

Any other songs that you guys feel are too long?

**BrunoRepublic** · June 1st, 2002, 10:16 AM

The thing about Midney and Costandinos is that, long as their tracks were, they kept adding things, changing things, building the excitement, going off in another direction, and then returning. Pulling off a 10+ minute track is no easy feat, yet they made it seem like one.

To me, the tracks that *seem* longest are the ones that simply repeat the same theme, over and over... like...

Wardell Piper: Super Sweet -- this is a 9-minute track that should've stopped at about 5.

Patrick Juvet: I Love America -- a 14-minute track that should've stopped at about 3.

Barbara Pennington: 24 Hours A Day -- Sorry Marky, but this one just goes on and on and on and doesn't add anything... when I restored this one, I was appalled at how many tape edits there are in this track. It looks like it was originally a 4-minute ditty that just got stretched waaaayyyy out.

The Trammps: Disco Inferno -- as if the ridiculous length isn't bad enough, this has gone on to become an immortal "wedding disco" track, so I'll never escape it!

**DISCODISK** · June 1st, 2002, 12:47 PM

[quote]
On 2002-06-01 11:16, Graham Start wrote:
Barbara Pennington: 24 Hours A Day -- Sorry Marky, but this one just goes on and on and on and doesn't add anything... when I restored this one, I was appalled at how many tape edits there are in this track. It looks like it was originally a 4-minute ditty that just got stretched waaaayyyy out.

sorry graham i have to dissagree!though i understand what you say about the tape edits it fully works for me.this record came out in england much before the states along with another of ian levines tracks james wells "baby im still the same man"[im still unsure if that came out in the states on 12" ive never seen one]that ran even longer & i suppose the same could be said of that i have never seen to this day two records that packed the floor like they did. 1500 people induced to a trance like state with those loooong repetitive strings on barbaras record,for me thats why it worked! only a handful of those 12s existed on u.k.labels and are very rare today both discs should have gone top 30 pop,but u.a. and polydor released them on 7" only[?????] and only achieved modest sales everyone expected the long version to be on the midnight ride album and it wasnt,that also bombed.i was sorry for barbara i met her when this was being promoted and she was so nice.nothing else james wells recorded really attracted much attention after this either.strangely ive never seen either of these tracks in their full glory on c.d.anywhere[correct me if im wrong]theyve both been on countless discs in 7" form. funnily enough i bought the james wells promo the other day for £10 even though i have a few copies you just cant walk past some things can you !!

**markydefad** · June 1st, 2002, 03:29 PM

I NEVER get tired of Miss Barbara Pennington's "24 Hours A Day"; in fact, I COULD DANCE TO THAT SONG ...well, maybe "24 Hours A Day"??? Ditto, those 2 lengthy, James Wells' tunes "True Love Is My Destiny" & "My Claim To Fame".

OTHER EURODISCO TITLES WOULD NOT GET MY SEAL OF APPROVAL. (But I won't open up that can of worms again, eh Graham???!!!)

One song that comes to mind-- "The Hills Of Katmandu" by Tantra. When this one started, I always wanted to go pee or get another drink. Dancing to this, I felt like a pack mule loaded down with a lifetime of my owners belongings trying to climb those damn "Hills Of Katmandu". Don't know why. It just seemed soooo long, murky and relentless.

Listening today, I don't HATE the record, BUT back in tha day--IT SEEMED LIKE PUNISHMENT FROM THE D.J. (of course, I exaggerate a tad)

**Bernie** · June 1st, 2002, 04:19 PM

On 2002-06-01 16:29, markydefad wrote:
I NEVER get tired of Miss Barbara Pennington's "24 Hours A Day"; in fact, I COULD DANCE TO THAT SONG ...well, maybe "24 Hours A Day"???

One song that comes to mind-- "The Hills Of Katmandu" by Tantra. When this one started, I always wanted to go pee or get another drink.

Marky,

I'll swap with you. "24 Hours a Day" is simply too long for me. I like it, but it's too long. "Hills of Katmandu" on the other hand is great and has enough variations throughout to keep me interested. This one will be on its way to Graham so we'll see what he thinks.

**sammyperez** · June 1st, 2002, 04:34 PM

I have two:

1.) 'I'm a man' by Macho. Great disco record but 17 minutes plus, please.
2.) 'Rapper's Delight' by The Sugarhill Gang.
Great party record but after awhile it get's played unlike another long rap original 'Super Rhymes' which tells stories.

Bernie, I agree that Donna Summer classics like 'Love to love you' and 'Try me', while they are long, have much to offer throughout.

Easy,

Sam "ALL JAM"

**nrgbeat** · June 1st, 2002, 04:56 PM

On 2002-06-01 16:29, markydefad wrote:
I NEVER get tired of Miss Barbara Pennington's "24 Hours A Day"; in fact, I COULD DANCE TO THAT SONG ...well, maybe "24 Hours A Day"??? Ditto, those 2 lengthy, James Wells' tunes "True Love Is My Destiny" & "My Claim To Fame".

OTHER EURODISCO TITLES WOULD NOT GET MY SEAL OF APPROVAL. (But I won't open up that can of worms again, eh Graham???!!!)

One song that comes to mind-- "The Hills Of Katmandu" by Tantra. When this one started, I always wanted to go pee or get another drink. Dancing to this, I felt like a pack mule loaded down with a lifetime of my owners belongings trying to climb those damn "Hills Of Katmandu". Don't know why. It just seemed soooo long, murky and relentless.

Listening today, I don't HATE the record, BUT back in tha day--IT SEEMED LIKE PUNISHMENT FROM THE D.J. (of course, I exaggerate a tad)

I agree with the Tantra song. Everytime I hear it, it reminds me of a bad LSD trip. I think the songwriter must have been on LSD when they wrote it.

**markydefad** · June 1st, 2002, 05:21 PM

On 2002-06-01 17:56, nrgbeat wrote:

I agree with the Tantra song. Everytime I hear it, it reminds me of a bad LSD trip. I think the songwriter must have been on LSD when they wrote it.

[/quote]

Thank you nrgbeat!!!. You're a gentleman and a scholar. And possess VERY GOOD TASTE TOO !!!

**Ricardo_Mata** · June 1st, 2002, 05:38 PM

Songs that are too long? I would have to say: Gloria Gaynor's "I'll Survive" no matter which version you choose. One second of that song is too much for me; it is just unbearable! I can't stand it!

I guess that opens up another possibility for a topic: Disco Songs You Absolutely Hate!
Ok, here I go to get that one started!

Ont eh other hand, I love Tantra's "Hills..." because that song brings back memories of the very first DJ battle we ever won. "Hills..." and "Mandolay" were the two songs that made the difference for us that night twenty-some years ago...

**NickNack** · June 2nd, 2002, 08:32 PM

The 12" of "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge goes on forever and ever. It's only a little over 8 minutes but because there are no changes it feel like 18! A five minute version would have sufficed, IMHO.

**camine** · June 3rd, 2002, 04:32 PM

how about love deluxe's here comes that sound again. 16 min song with the last 7 min. repeating the same 8 notes.

**DJ P** · June 3rd, 2002, 06:06 PM

I would say the 15 mix by Patrick Cowley of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love'. When I was DJ'ing in clubs I would only use the shorter (8 minute) version. Both sides are a beautiful remix

, but 15 minutes is just a tad too long!!!

_________________
Evolution only pertains to Disco, and the beat goes on...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DJ Phil on 2002-06-03 19:06 ]</font>

**keefelc** · June 3rd, 2002, 08:36 PM

I always thought those loooong suckers were designed to give the DJs a chance to go use the restroom!

As for the Tantra record sounding like the writer was on LSD, I thought that was the point of the whole song!

**disco1999** · June 4th, 2002, 06:52 AM

Santa Esmeralda's Don't let me be misunderstood is a great treat but always get fed up way before it ends. Same feelings on Party boys from Foxy, almost 11 endless minutes on same beat, same mood. Some 15 minutes tracks are always a true pleasure to listen to, like Giorgio Moroder's creative "Evolution".

**Jeff H** · June 4th, 2002, 08:35 AM

I agree, Phil: As much as I worship The Diva, the 15-minute-plus Patrick Cowley remix of "I Feel Love" is too long (and just a little too... I don't know--wired?) UNLESS you are doing drugs or having sex.

I also have to agree that the LP version of "I'm a Man" by Macho is too damn long. I first had the 12-inch mix (about 10 minutes long) and later picked up the LP because I thought I was missing something. Wrong!

**BrunoRepublic** · June 4th, 2002, 08:47 AM

On 2002-06-04 09:35, Jeff H wrote:

I also have to agree that the LP version of "I'm a Man" by Macho is too damn long.

Sorry, I love this one... the long instrumental break rules the nation with an iron fist in a velvet glove.

I first had the 12-inch mix (about 10 minutes long) and later picked up the LP because I thought I was missing something. Wrong!

Ahh, but you were. Look closely at the LP cover -- specifically, the reflection in the guy's sunglasses. Also, take the back cover and turn it upside down (thanks to Jussi for that tip!).

These alone make the album worth owning :grin:

**Jeff H** · June 4th, 2002, 09:14 AM

Yeah, I know, Graham. Like you can't see THAT sort of thing anywhere else....

_________________
"...a once in a lifetime feeling that returns every week..."

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jeff H on 2002-06-04 10:15 ]</font>

**Blaxman** · June 4th, 2002, 09:53 AM

On 2002-06-01 18:38, Ricardo_Mata wrote:

.... Gloria Gaynor's "I'll Survive" no matter which version you choose. One second of that song is too much for me; it is just unbearable! I can't stand it!.....

Ricardo, to me is too hard "to survive" to this song. It's an awfull song, arghh!

BTW, I like Gloria Gaynor. Great singer! But "I Will Survive"? No thanks.

Peace.

**BrunoRepublic** · June 4th, 2002, 10:36 AM

On 2002-06-04 10:14, Jeff H wrote:
Yeah, I know, Graham. Like you can't see THAT sort of thing anywhere else....

Well, certainly not anywhere else in a mainstream record store in 1979!

And the vocals -- look, I know they were Italian, but you have to wonder if the words were intentionally mispronounced...

"Well if I had to douche with butter
I would rather be with guys..."

**Jimmy-Michaels** · June 5th, 2002, 09:03 PM

Ommgggggggggg!!!! LOL, after reading that post about the Macho cover i pulled out the LP and took a look at the shades and turning the back of the cover upsidedown, too strange, hmm, also, with the mispronounced lyrics i also notice it sounds like "Im a man, yes i am and i can't help but love myself", does anyone hear that? Or just me. Now for what i was originaly gonna post about. Tantra's "Hills..." i can honestly say is good about the 16 min lp version for mixing only. Different sections to come in and out at. I really can't listen to the whole thing straight through just putting it on my turntable. The 5:45 12" edit is good and my favorite is the 8 min Bobby V. mix.

I agree with Santa Esmeralda "Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood" as well, gets annoying after all the vocals are done. Another two to add that i didnt see mentioned was the disconet versions of "Come On And Do It" - Poussez and "Set Me Free" - Three Degrees. The original 12s are fine for these. "Come On And Do It" is a wee too long at 14 min. The 7 min original is good.

DJ Jimmy M

**markydefad** · June 5th, 2002, 09:19 PM

On 2002-06-04 07:52, disco1999 wrote:
Some 15 minutes tracks are always a true pleasure to listen to, like Giorgio Moroder's creative "Evolution".

Hey Disco1999,

That track is my very favorite Giorgio Moroder track and I've repeatedly tried and failed to get someone else to say a kind word
--until now. Thanks for the mention. I totally agree. A Trocadero Classic. I voted for it as my #2 song on the Disco 500--strangely it did not even place!!! Hmmm, what do you suppose happened? A hanging chad, perhaps?

**Robbie** · June 6th, 2002, 08:18 AM

"Accidental Lover" by Love and Kisses is not only way too long (17 minutes-plus), but it's also my least favorite of any of Alec Constandinos' productions. It sounds like a Cerrone record and it's extremely redundant.

**NickNack** · June 6th, 2002, 08:31 PM

Playing the "Shaft" soundtrack today and really ran into that 'waaaay-too-long' song... "Do Your Thing" by Isaac Hayes. 19 minutes and 38 seconds --- dear god! At about 6:30 Isaac has a sort of 'climax' with some fierce horn rushes and a wild guitar solo. That's enough for me.

**Boodikka** · June 7th, 2002, 09:28 AM

I'm usually an advocate for extended versions, remixes, etc. However, the long version of "Bad Luck" becomes really annoying when Teddy P. starts "preaching" (it's more like incoherent rambling). I always had the idea that everyone else went to lunch or the bathroom during the recording
leaving poor old Teddy P. to rant and rave.

**Jimmy-Michaels** · June 7th, 2002, 04:06 PM

As for "Accidental Lover" sounding like "Love In C Minor", the actual reason is that "C Minor" is really Costandinos. Its a loooong story if u don't know it. I think i'll make a post about it. But, yes, i agree that "Accidental Lover" is a bit too long.

Also, Giorgio's "Evolution" is one of my favorite Moroder tracks. I never heard anyone down the song before. I think it's very artistic and creative. The A side of that is good too. Although it is kind of a Meco rip off, it is still good and has touches of Giorgio in it. I am referring to "Battlestar Galactica" by the way.

DJ Jimmy M