Archive for the italo disco Category

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New Music Showcase- Rainbow Body Records/Night Gallery

Posted in 2000s, currently active, italo disco, Konnichiwa, new music, Night Gallery, Pendu Disco, Rainbow Body Records, synth, synthpop on September 24, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I know you folks are probably still digesting this week’s onslaught of music, but I’d like to bring your attention to a fresh new record label on the horizon. I know I don’t really touch on a lot of new music here, but I’m definitely an advocate of new and interesting sounds building upon a lot of the material posted. That said, Rainbow Body Records, based out of Chicago, has dropped only a handful of releases since their inception, but have quite an impressive roster under their belt. Acts associated with the label include the quirky and playful Konnichiwa, the darkly intense White Car, the lush Golden Birthday, and the hypnotic Robert A.A. Low (whose 2009 release should feel right at home for fans of Tangerine Dream and Conrad Schnitzler).

The label’s latest release is a 8 track LP from Night Gallery, a italo-inspired act from Chicago, feautirng members of Gatekeeper and Golden Birthday. Recorded over the span of two years, these tracks combine warm synths, catchy hooks, and dark, yet soulful vocals. Definitely for fans of the Sequins and Spandex compilations as well as the Pet Shop Boys and Boytronic. You can nab a few tracks here:

—> Constant Struggle
—> Too Many Men

For those in the NYC area, Rainbow Body Records is putting on a showcase tomorrow (Saturday) night at Secret Project Robot, in Williamsburg/Brooklyn. Featured on the bill are all five of the aforementioned artists, playing one after another, with DJs Vernoica Vasicka (Minimal Wave/2vm), Beau Wanzer, and DJ Harrison dropping sets in between. The night is being put together by Todd Pendu, of Pendu Disco, who is also stirring up quite a string of local shows, not to mention the killer NY Eye and Ear Festivals, which I’ve had both the honor of playing and DJing for. Going to be a pretty killer night, so hope all you local peeps can make it! Otherwise, be sure to keep an eye out on Rainbow Body Records!

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Sequins and Spandex Parts IV and V

Posted in 1980s, disco, hi nrg, italo disco, mixes, new wave, sequins and spandex, space disco, synth, wave on June 16, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Struck with the disco bug again, ladies and gentlemen, and what better way to celebrate the onslaught of summer than with a handful of killer jams. I know a lot of you enjoy this series of mixes, so to make up for its absence, I’ve constructed TWO full discs worth of classic space disco/italo/hi nrg etc. cuts for your listening pleasure. These are some of my all time favorite tracks these days, so I do hope you enjoy! Here’s the breakdown:

Sequins and Spandex: Part IV
1. Fog- Riccardo Cioni
2. Dark Silence- Art Fine
3. Domination- Flexi Cowboys
4. Spanish Run- Jaco
5. Valerie- Modem
6. My Love Won’t Let You Down- Nathalie
7. A Flash in the Night- Secret Service
8. N. 1,4/Magnetic Dance- Smiles
9. Driving- Sensitive
10. New Dream- Clay Pedrini
11. Eagles In the Night- Dario Dell’Aere
12. Heroes- Big Ben Tribe
13. Some Other Place, Some Other Time- Rockets

*download it here*

Sequins and Spandex: Part V
1. Let’s Dance Tonight- David Gray
2. I’m Looking For You- Ghibli
3. Escape From New York- John Carpenter
4. An English ’93- International Music System
5. Breakdown- Ray Cooper
6. Love’s Harmony- Paciscopi
7. Love & Magic (Dub Version)- Kristal
8. Secret Life- Clock On 5
9. Silent Smiles- Anthony’s Game
10. Future State- Future State
11. Main Theme (Remix)- Fabio Frizzi
12. Burn On the Flames- Paul Paul
13. Avventurieri- Jo Squillo Eletrix

*download it here*

Hope you kids enjoy! To download the previous installments, click here.

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Klein & M.B.O.- First LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, american, chicago house, house, italian, italo disco, Klein and M.B.O., minimal synth on May 21, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Second on the slab is this fantastic LP from Klein & M.B.O. It’s a little more disco-tinged than what I usually post around these parts, but there’s still some great minimal synth grooves kicking around here, combined with some classic italo production. As it stands, the project was not only successful in its native land, it also inspired the budding Chicago house movement.

The project was conceived by Tony Carrasco (USA) and Mario Boncaldo (Italy), two standout musicians in the disco scene. Vocals were performed by Italian jazz singer Roosanna Casal and a US singer named Naimy Hackett, while Davide Piatto lent a hand with some of the arrangements.

Despite the misleading title, this isn’t the band’s first release. However, it contains nearly all of the tracks released on various 12” singles, including the vocal version of “Dirty Talk” from 1982, their most famous track. In fact, it seems as if this release is simply a reissue of De-Ja-Vu, released a year prior on another label. I haven’t heard this LP, so I can’t be sure if the mixes are exactly the same, but my guess is that this LP is a clever reissue, released to capture the project’s growing influence in the US.

With that in mind, here’s the breakdown:

Klein & M.B.O.- First LP
1. The Big Apple
2. The MBO Theme
3. Wonderful
4. Dirty Talk
5. De-Ja-Vu
6. I Love You

*download it here*

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Body Electric- Magic Electronic 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, Body Electronic, denmark, disco, italo disco, space disco, Steen Gjerulff on February 18, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Secondly, here’s a rare 1984 7” by Body Electric, which is essentially another name for Denmark’s Steen Gjerulff. You can expect classic italo disco sounds here- pounding percussion, bright synths, and of course, copious amounts of vocoder. A real gem!

Body Electric- Magic Electronic 7”
1. Magic Electronic
2. 5595

*download it here*

3 Comments »

Zwischenfall- Gestern Und Heute CD

Posted in 1980s, 1990s, 1995, german, italo disco, minimal synth, synthpop, Zwischenfall on October 16, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

As promised, here’s a CD compilation of German new wave/minimal band Zwischenfall, who wrote some of the most underrated tracks of the ’80s. Several of the cuts on this collection are dance floor destroyers, especially “Sandy Eyes” (more of an italo cut), “Sacred Time,” “Atemlos,” and two versions of “Flucht.”

From what I gather, the Gestern Und Heute CD collects the band’s entire discography, including a rather ’90s sounding remix of “Flucht.” The collection was released in 1995, and fetches a rather high price, even for a CD. I can’t seem to find anything concrete on the band aside from the band members involved (Martin Urban, Michael Sass, & Stephan Kraemer), but Google tells me that a prominent European club takes their name from the band.

Perhaps their legacy (like most of the bands featured here) is stronger overseas. On that note, let’s get to the music.

Zwischenfall- Gestern Und Heute CD
1. Atemlos
2. Heimatlose
3. Millionen
4. Flucht ’82 (German Version)
5. Sandy Eyes
6. Flucht ’84 (English Version)
7. Polar Magazine
8. Sacred Time
9. Katastrophe
10. Tausend Jahre
11. Atemlos (Remix ’93)
12. Flucht (Remix ’94)

*download it here*

————-

ATTENTION, dear readers- you can now get a remastered copy of Zwischenfall’s debut 12” via the always excellent DARK ENTRIES label, an awesome reissue label based out of the west coast. Click here for more info!

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Amin-Peck- Complete(?) Discography

Posted in 1980s, 1982, 1983, 1984, amin-peck, italian, italo disco, minimal synth, synthpop on August 20, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop
After the latest Sequins and Spandex debacle, and failing to track down a skipless version of “My Frames” on my own (many thanks to Veronica once more for fixing up a proper version), I’ve decided to compile each of the Amin-Peck singles together for any interested parties.

Like most ’80s electronic bands, Amin-Peck walked a fine line between italo disco and minimal wave throughout the course of the early 1980s, oftentimes incorporating shameless pop melodies and avant-garde leanings. The band was primarily a three piece (gaining vocalist Giorgio Fiorini to contribute vocals on their final 1984 12”).

As there’s no official bio kicking around the net, let’s allow the music to speak for itself, shall we? Here’s all the proper info:

Amin-Peck- Girls On Me 12” (1982)
1. Girls On Me
2. Anxiety
3. Coda

Amin-Peck- Love Disgrace 7” (1982)
1. Love Disgrace
2. Singing In The Wind

Amin-Peck- Suicidal 12”(1983)
1. Suicidal (Disco Version)
2. Suicidal (Instrumental Version)

Amin-Peck- Running Straight 12” (1984)
1. Running Straight
2. My Frames

*download all four here*

According to a few record collector sites, there are various dub and instrumental remixes of a few of these tracks kicking around, but I am unable to track anything concrete down. Should any of you out there have these rare and elusive remixes, feel free to send them my way and I’ll happily post a follow-up. Otherwise, enjoy!

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Sequins and Spandex: Parte Tre

Posted in 1980s, disco, hi nrg, italo disco, mixes, new wave, sequins and spandex, space disco, synth, wave on August 18, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Since it’s been a regrettably long time since I’ve made one of these, I am pleased to unveil the latest addition to the Sequins and Spandex series. Unlike the previous installments, which featured a few modern cuts inspired by the original classics, the third in this series of italo, space disco, and hi-nrg dance traxx contains fourteen original tracks, dating from 1980-1987.

I had enough leftovers to make part four (and hell, maybe even a part five) in a few weeks time, so stay tuned! Otherwise, without any further ado, here’s the tracklisting:

Sequins and Spandex: Parte Tre
1. Cybernetic Love- Casco
2. The World at Your Disposal- La Grotta
3. When I Let You Down- M & G
4. Bad Passion- Steel Mind
5. Telephone Computer- Crazy Gang
6. Never Ever- Peppermint Lounge
7. Love is Like a Game- Hot Cold
8. ‘Cause I Need You, ‘Cause I Love You- De De Mo
9. Voyage, Voyage- Desireless
10. Disco Band (Vocal)- Scotch
11. Young Men (Special Radio Version)- Nite Lite
12. Body Heat- Fockewulf 190
13. My Frames- Amin Peck
14. I Wanna Fly Away- Blue Russell

*download it here*

If you’re new to the blog or missed the first two editions of Sequins and Spandex, click HERE to nab ’em!

NOTE: If you downloaded this earlier today (10am or so, EST), redownload this version, with a corrected version of the Amin Peck track, courtesy of Veronica!

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Sequins and Spandex (parts 1 & 2)

Posted in 1980s, 2000s, disco, italo disco, mixes, new wave, sequins and spandex, synth on January 30, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a slight deviation from the standard Systems of Romance fare to end the weekend. Though it’s a mere stone’s throw away from minimal wave as it is, my interest in Italo and Space Disco has been on the rise over the past six or seven months, and has culminated in two mixes of classic tracks both old and new. I created the first Sequins and Spandex collection in November of ’08 (and forgot to post it here during the blog’s forced downtime). Otherwise, I just finished the second mix last night, and am pleased to offer them both for your listening pleasure. The first is a little more glitzy, polished, and modern, while the second is a little more gritty and of-the-era. Here’s all the info:

Sequins and Spandex: An Introductory Disco Compilation
1. Friday Nights- Diamond Vampires
2. Hands in the Dark- Chromatics
3. Destiny- Vivien Vee
4. Veronica’s Veil- Fan Death
5. Digitally- Plastic Mode
6. Esc Hatch- Mount Sims
7. Pillow Talk- Lustt
8. Lady Operator- Mirage
9. 1991- Crystal Castles
10. Beatific- Glass Candy
11. No Regrets- Black Devil
12. Automatic Amore- Patriza Pellegrino
13. I’m an Indian Too- Don Armando’s 2nd ave. Rhumba Band
14. How Do You Dance?- Telex
15. Speakerphone- Kylie Minogue
16. Movie Star- Roisin Murphy
17. The Night (Original Mix)- Valerie Dore
18. Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (Mirage Mix)- Indeep

*download it here*

Sequins and Spandex 2: Electric Boogaloo
1. Spacer Woman- Charlie
2. Chase (Dub Version)- Sun La Shan
3. What Did He Say- Nite Jewel
4. Hide It- The Golden Filter
5. Somewhere in the Night (Extended)- Stereo
6. Main Theme From ‘Christine’- John Carpenter
7. Moscow Discow (Single Version)- Telex
8. Ikeya Seki- Kano
9. Magic Fly- Ecama
10. You- Boytronic
11. Into the Night- Tobias Bernstrup
12. Pulstar- Hipnosis
13. Baseball Furies Chase- Barry de Vorzon
14. Polaris- Cyber People
15. La Nuite Blanche- Munich Machine
16. Don’t Lose Control- Material
17. Flashing- Goblin

*download it here*

I hope to make a habit of these, so if you dig ’em, please speak up! Happy Friday, ladies and gents!

27 Comments »

East Wall- Eyes of Glass 12” & Silence LP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, 1990s, 1991, darkwave, italian, italo disco, minimal, synthpop on January 28, 2009 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post contains the entire discography for Italian minimal/electro/disco act East Wall, featuring the efforts of Fabrizio Chiari (previously involved with Kirlian Camera) on synthesizers and electronics and Wilma Notari on synths and vocals. Their initial 12”, 1985’s Eyes of Glass is a perfect slice of jagged minimal synth with a slight italo lean, while their 1991 lp Silence is a bit darker in spots, but equally catchy- possibly the closest thing to darkwave freestyle that exists!  Either way, both releases are club ready staples just itching to pack the dancefloor.

Without any further ado, here’s the download information for both releases. Enjoy!

East Wall- Eyes of Glass 12”
1. Eyes of Glass (vocal)
2. Eyes of Glass (instrumental)

East Wall- Silence
1. Silence
2. Ice Of Fire
3. Twenty Five Sunsets Before Dawn
4. Angelo
5. Blue
6. Privacy
7. Twenty Seven

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* – both of these essentials have been reissued by Dark Entries Records.

17 Comments »

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