A Special Motown Disco Album 1976

Motown Records STML 12059

Going way back to the mid 70's for todays post. This was the heart of the Disco era, Saturday Night Fever was being filmed and the Bee Gees would soon destroy any credibility the genre had but for now it was considered cool.

'Disco was a dance fad of the Seventies with a profound and unfortunate influence on popular music.'
The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music 1989

Although disco was the most prominent form of popular music in the 1970s, it never got the credit it deserved. 1979's Disco Sucks revolution and in particular, Chicago's Disco Demolition Night all but destroyed the shallow, music industry gravytrain globally but it also permanantly scarred the term Disco. Thirty years later it's still a negative term and the reason I'm putting in so much info here.

Prior to 1975, Disco was not a recognised word. In New York, the underground club scene was spawning a new hybrid. A mixture of funk and soul with a particular sound developed into a new trend that would eventually take the world by storm. Songs like...

Zing Went the Strings of My Heart - The Trammps (Buddah, 1972)
Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango (Atlantic, 1973)
The Player - First Choice (74)

...played by DJ's such as Larry Levan at David Mancuso's Loft Nights, fed a dancefloor monster with a growing appetite.

Meanwhile, over in Detroit...

1971 saw the release of Motown Record's legendary Marvin Gaye release. What's Goin' On moved Motown music to a new level, changed their singles perspective to include albums and moved a whole generation. In June 1972, Motown announced that it was closing it's Detroit offices and moving it's headquarters to Los Angeles. While the move probably made sense , many Motown fans believe the company's heart and soul was lost when it abandoned Detroit. Motown slumped between 1972 - 1976 with only one Top 10 entry in 1975.

Back in New York...

In 1974 Tom Moulton was getting his first 10" acetate cut with nice deep grooves at Media Sound. Having run out of 7" blanks Tom got a 10" acetate and this 'accident' led to the DJ Only 12" promo. The 12" Single was the final ingredient to the breakthrough of what would become, the Disco Remix. The first official 12" release was in 1976. Salsoul Records released Ten Percent by Double Exposure, a three minute track turned into an eleven minute opus by Walter Gibbons, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In 1976, the fortunes of Motown rebounded with six releases reaching the Top 10. Three of them reached #1, including Love Hangover by Diana Ross and Love Machine by The Miracles. It's probably fair to say that Disco gave Motown a new lease of life. This album is clearly a collection of tracks Motown felt fit the bill. My favourites here are Diana Ross (Love Hangover is an Anthem!) & Eddie Kendricks but The Supremes & The Originals are also fair tunes, if somewhat dated. Thelma Houston is a fine artist but Don't Leave Me This Way has been tainted with Hi-Energy success?

OK, I admit it. I bought the album mainly for the glorious cover art by Helene Majera. Seems she lost her way after this album cover. ;-)

• Thelma Houston - Don't Leave Me This Way
• The Originals - Down To Love Town
• Dynamic Superiors - Stay Away
• Jermaine Jackson - Lets Be Young Tonight
• Diana Ross - Love Hangover
• Eddie Kendricks - Goin' Up In Smoke
• The Supremes - You're My Driving Wheel
• Tata Vega - Full Speed Ahead

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: A Special Motown Album.rar Filesize: 80.26 MB

Machine - There But For The Grace Of God Go I 1979

RCA Records PC 1456

• There But For The Grace Of God Go I
• Get Your Body Ready

There But For the Grace of God Go I was a monster on the dancefloor at the end of the 70's. Penned by August 'Kis Creole' Darnell, it was tarred as racist and homophobic, which of course it wasn't. It is a simple song of protest, a story of irony and hypocrisy, the stupidity of negative and ignorant thinking. The folks in the story thought that by removing their child from an environment that they considered 'less than perfect' they could protect her. In doing so, they turned her into a natural freak!

Oddly enough, in 1994 Farley & Heller in their Fire Island guise, released a cover of this song and received the same reaction. 15 years and people have learnt nothing. The title is a common saying meaning that another person's misfortune could have been yours but for the grace of God. In other words, it's not because your sh*t don't stink, it's simply that nobody smelt it. You got lucky?

Carlos and Carmen Vidal just had a child
A lovely girl with a crooked smile
Now they gotta split 'cause the Bronx ain't fit
For a kid to grow up in
Let's find a place they say, somewhere far away
With no blacks, no Jews and no gays

There but for the grace of God go I

Poppy and the family left the dirty streets
To find a quiet place overseas
And year after year the kid has to hear
The do's the don'ts and the dears
And when she's ten years old she digs that rock 'n' roll
But Poppy bans it from home

There but for the grace of God go I

Baby, she turns out to be a natural freak
Gaining weight and losing sleep
And when she's reached sixteen she packs her things and leaves
With a man she met on the street
Carmen starts to bawl, with her head to the wall
Too much love is worse than none at all

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Machine.rar Filesize: 17.58 MB

Linda Lewis - Sideway Shuffle 1995

Turpin Records TPN-1

• Sideway Shuffle (South Of The Border)
• For Lovesake
• Sideway Shuffle (Radio Edit)

The return of Linda Lewis: After a long hiatus, losing interest in the fickle music industry and being a parent, Linda 'Rock A Doodle Do' Lewis got back into the business. Linda, who originated from London's East End, had moved with her husband to L.A. Having rested for several years, she suddenly got the urge to make music again and returned home to the UK where she recorded an album called 'Second Nature' for Turpin Records in 1995. The album became a hit in Japan, a place where Linda's popularity has never diminished.

This single taken from 'Second Nature' features a new recording of Sideway Shuffle, originally from 1974's Heart Strings album which also featured Rock A Doodle Do and Fathoms Deep. For Lovesake is the superior track though, a solid, retro soul shuffler with extra 'feel good' factor.

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Linda Lewis.rar Filesize: 23.08 MB

Various Artists - The Cerrone Productions: The Best Of Disco 1980

Malligator Records 773 808



Back in 1977 when I got my driving licence, that was when I started my real clubbing era. My friends and I would travel to Canvey & Southend to vist the Bardots, Goldmine or the Zero 6. The Zero was really cool coz it had it's own record shop in the foyer. It used to sell all the latest imports which were very difficult to find back then. When Don Ray released Got To Have Loving I thought it was the best song ever (Hey, it was disco peaktime in '78!) and I bought a copy there and then, along with a couple of other 12"s (about 99p each, if I recall correctly). My mate Dave bought the album Garden Of Love and next day I was over his house listening to it.

The next week I tried to buy a copy but it was gone. I never did get a copy but I did get some of the tracks on vinyl. This album has Standing In The Rain which was one of my 'most wanted' tracks for many years. I've added a couple more to my CD version of the album and they're included.

The album has no year on it but it seems to be 1979, the tracks are all Cerrone productions and mostly French. Although it is called the Best of Disco there are some great tunes here, some strange ones too. Check out the oh-so-not-politically-correct Don't Refuse Me. Pado sings a love ballad, is that soulful. Hmmmm?

• Kongas: Africanism-Gimme Some Loving
• Pado & Co: Let's Have A Party
• Don Ray: Standing In The Rain
• Don Ray: Got To Have Loving
• Kongas: Tattoo Woman
• Revelacion: Crocos Dance
• Revelacion: The House Of The Rising Sun-Revelacion Suite
• Pado & Co: Don't Refuse Me
• Cristal: La Nuit Pour Nous
• B.O.F. Brigade Mondaine: Generique
• Max Berlin's: Dream Disco
• Five Letters: Disco Radio
• B.O.F. Brigade Mondaine: Phonic

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Cerrone.rar Filesize: 115.33 MB

Bobby Bland - Come Fly With Me 1978

ABC Records ABCL 5249

Probably not the best Bobby Bland album ever recorded but I think there are some good tracks on here. My picks have always been Come Fly With Me, Love To See You Smile and the track that made this album essential to me, Night Games. I love this track, still!

I have to admit though, Ain't God Something is a damn fine track and to a slightly lesser degree, This Bitter Earth.

• Come Fly With Me
• Lady Lonely
• Night Games
• To Be Friends
• I'm Just Your Man
• Love To See You Smile
• You Can Count On Me
• This Bitter Earth
• Ain't God Something

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Bobby Bland - Come Fly With Me 1978.rar Size: 53.72 MB

J. Blackfoot - City Slicker 1983

Sound Town Records ST-8002


This is all about 'Taxi' for me, which was highly thought of back in the 80's sitting at #81 in the Blues & Soul Top 100 (readers votes) but for the real soul fans, it may mean much more. I love the intro to the album, and 'City Slicker' has an interesting vocal delivery? 'One Of Those Parties' puts me in mind of 'Mama Told Me Not To Come'.

'Can You Hang' tells you a bit about the artist, of which I know nothing and 'I Stood On The Sidewalk' is a fine ballad. He's not particularly original and his material harks back to the 60's soul sound but he serves it up with conviction.

• The Way Of The City
• Taxi
• Street Girl
• One Of Those Parties
• Where Is Love
• I Stood On The Sidewalk
• City Slicker
• All Because Of What You Did To Me
• Can You Hang

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: J Blackfoot.rar Filesize: 61.59 MB

Atmosfear - Dancing In Outer Space 1979

MCA Records MCAT 543

• Dancing In Outer Space
• Outer Space

Hard To Find

The download link is: Download
Filename: MCAT 543 Dancing In Outer Space 1979.rar Size: 23.44 MB

The re-issue

Elite Records DAZZ 1.


For the trainspotters out there, notice how "Acute Productions" is turned into "A Cute Production"...

Quote: Jerry Pike

"As i started to write this page i received a phone call from an old friend Tony Monson, a dj, record supplier and a definite helper in the original promotion of Elite records and Level 42 music "he used to go shop to shop selling records". This was unfortunately not a good call, as he brought with him the sad news that last week Andy Sojka had died. Although I had not spoken to Andy for many years the passing of anyone at 48 years of age was truly sad. I first met Andy when we both worked for SoundScene, Harlesden, London NW10 (later to become All Ears),He was always cheerful, and had his finger on the button. Andy ran the shop, Rick Dejongh was his right hand man, and I was the new boy. Over the years he started a football team "from the shop", called Stanley Accrington, All three of us were in it, and we were very successful, recruiting players from customers and friends alike. One of the team was Trevor Wyatt, who worked at Island Records and was greats friends with and an expert on Bob Marley. The Elite label was founded on the need originally to put out tracks by our own group Atmosfear(who rehearsed in the shop), but things progressed far beyond that as you probablyknow. Due to a quiet time at the shop in 1982, it was closed after seven years and we went our separate ways. I had probably only spoken to Andy twice on the phone since then, but realised what a great loss his passing will be to many. " Jerry Pike

Viola Wills - Dare To Dream (Mixes) 1985

London Remix
Streetwave 1985 MKHAN 66


In 1979 Viola Wills was heard everywhere when her Top 10 disco hit 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now' lodged its sugar sweet hook into everybody's brain. Then she disappeared?

Five years later, seemingly out of nowhere, 'Dare To Dream' spread its wings and took over the world. Screaming class with every note, this beautiful song weaves its hypnotic spell over a solid rhythm that is relentless without getting in the way. Insidious yet sublime.

• Dare To Dream (London Remix)
• Both Sides Now
• Dare To Dream (Original U.S. Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Viola Wills - Dare To Dream Lond..rar Filesize: 27.44 MB






Diva Mix Streetwave MKHAX 66


The Diva Mix is basically an Instrumental version and jolly good it is too. Ripe mix fodder, if you're into that kinda thing. I love it personally, can't do it but thoroughly enjoy it. Special Edit-London Remix should read London Remix Edit but I guess they didn't want to put people off. It's a good radio edit.

I can't work out whether the Celebration Dance Mix of 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now' is '85 or '79 but my guess would be '85. Be warned, if you play it, you'll find it hard to get the tune out of your head.....

Viola Wills sang:

"A-ha, Oo-ooh, I'm gonna get along without you now"

• Dare To Dream (Diva Mix)
• Dare To Dream (Special Edit - London Remix)
• Gonna Get Along Without You Now (Original Extended Version)
• Gonna Get Along Without You Now (Celebration Dance Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Viola Wills - Dare To Dream Diva..rar Filesize: 25.52 MB

Hi Tension - Hi Tension 1978

Island Records ILPS 9564

A defining moment in the history of UK Dance. Amongst the Disco dross that was stagnating on the dancefloors across Britain there arose a new sound. 'Hi-Tension' battered its way through the crowd with its "Bless The Funk" chant, nobodys feet were still. A few months later the 'British Hustle' shimmied onto the floor with its incessant guitar and percussion. New life was injected into the artery of the dance scene, albeit short lived.

Pioneering Brit Funk group Hi Tension evolved from NW London band Hot Waxx (which included Phil Fearon, later of Galaxy). They created a big buzz in a short period of time and certainly left their mark. The band split in the early '80's with David Joseph pursuing a solo career. They enjoyed much airplay on the 90's Rare Groove scene via the resurrection of their 1979 release 'There's A Reason'. After David's solo career lost its impetus, the group reformed for a short spell covering the Surface classic 'Happy'.

• You're My Girl
• Searchin'
• Autumn Love
• Power And Lightning
• Unspoken
• British Hustle
• If It Moves You
• Hi-Tension
• Peace On Earth

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Hi Tension 1978.rar Filesize: 70.22 MB

The Five Stairsteps - O-o-h Child 1975

Buddah Records BDS 429

This isn't a 12" but it's a beautiful song, unfortunately I don't have the album. If you don't recognise the title, you'll recognise the tune cos it's featured in several films and it was even ripped off in a De La Soul track.

• O-o-h Child
• Because I Love You

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: The Five Stairsteps - Ooh Child .rar Size: 12.87 MB

O-o-h Child
(S. Vincent)

Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll get brighter
Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter.

Some day, yeah
We'll put it together and we'll get it all done.
Some day
When your head is much lighter.
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun.
Some day
When the world is much brighter.