Billboard Hot Dance/Disco

Man Parrish - Hip Hop, Be Bop (Don't Stop)

2008-02-01T07:38:00.001-08:00

FROM CDNOW REVIEW: "Although he produced only a handful of tracks of renown and disappeared into obscurity almost as quickly as he had emerged from it, Manny ( Man ) Parrish is nonetheless one of the most important and influential figures in American electronic dance music. Helping to lay the foundation of electro, hip-hop, freestyle, and techno, as well as the dozens of subgenres to splinter off from those, Parrish introduced the aesthetic of European electronic pop to the American club scene by combining the plugged-in disco-funk of Giorgio Moroder and the man-machine music of Kraftwerk with the beefed-up rhythms and cut'n'mix approach of nascent hip-hop. As a result, tracks like "Hip-Hop Be Bop (Don't Stop)" and "Boogie Down Bronx" were period-defining works that provided the basic genetic material for everyone from Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys to Autechre and Andrea Parker -- and they remain undisputed classics of early hip-hop and electro to this day. A native New Yorker, Parrish was a member of the extended family of glam-chasers and freakazoids that converged nightly on Andy Warhol's Studio 54 club. His nickname, Man, first appeared in Warhol's Interview magazine, and his early live shows at Bronx hip-hop clubs were spectacles of lights, glitter, and pyrotechnics that drew as much from the Warhol mystique as from the Cold Crush Brothers. Influenced by the electronic experiments of his good friend and co - writer Klaus Nomi and Brian Eno as well as by Kraftwerk, Parrish together with "Cool" Raul Rodriguez recorded their best-known work in a tiny studio sometimes shared with Afrika Baambaata, whose own sessions with Arthur Baker and John Robie produced a number of classics equal to Parrish's own, including "Wildstyle, " "Looking for the Perfect Beat, " and the infamous "Planet Rock." What distinguished "Hip-Hop Be Bop, " however, was its lack of vocals and the extremely wide spectrum of popularity it gained in the club scene, from ghetto breakdance halls to uptown clubs like Danceteria and the Funhouse. After he discovered a pirated copy of his music being played by a local DJ at theinfamous "Anvil" club ( NYC ), Parrish found his way to the offices of the Importe label (a subsidiary of popular dance imprint Sugarscoop and Disconet DJ mixing service), which whom he inked his first deal. He released his self-titled LP shortly after, and the album went on to sell over 2 million copies worldwide. He was signed to Electra Records and managed by David Bowie's notorious manager Tony De Fries and the infamous Main Man Ltd management team. Tony De Fries had managed careers of David Bowie, New York Dolls, Mott the Hoople, Mick Ronson and Dana Gillespie to name a few. Following a period of burn-out that followed, Parrish recorded and remixed tracks for Michael Jackson, Boy George, Gloria Gaynor, and Hi-NRG group Man2Man, among others, and served as manager for the Village People and Crystal Water to name a few. While Parrish's subsequent material has achieved nowhere near the success or creative pitch of his earlier work, he continues to record from his brooklyn studio and is a frequent DJ at New York's eclectic night spots and SM clubs. His Sunday Underground Party "Sperm" at the "Cock Bar" on New Yorks lower east side, is notorious, to say the least ! He is main DJ and co founder for a circut party called "Hustlerball" which has parties in many cities worldwide. He also has several adult websites and online businesses which keep him busy as a webmaster, and "jack of all trades". His second LP, DreamTime, appeared on Strictly Rhythm in 1997."

For more information on Man Parrish, visit his website.

Taken from the original 12" single on Importe/12 321
Hip Hop, Be Bop (Don't Stop) - 5:23
Song charted on December 11,1982. Spent 19 weeks on the chart and reached #4

Aaliyah - One In A Million

2008-01-31T11:29:00.000-08:00

First off, I tried to get a cleaner version from the CD of yesterday's Abbe post but was unable to. I first listened to the CD when I got it and thought that it was a clean rip. (I listened to it a low volume during dinner). After listening to it with headphones on, I found it wasn't a clean rip to begin with. The scratchy sound is actually on the CD. Must have been a used record that is was recorded from. Oh well, things happen.

Today, I'm posting another song that one of my readers sent to me from my request list. Bob sent me the songs from the Aaliyah promo 12" single of "One In A Million". These are great rips and hope you all enjoy this song. Boy these mixes are totally different from the radio single version. Thanks goes out to Bob for the great mixes.

Aaliyah was born Aaliyah Dana Houghton On January 16, 1979 in Brooklyn, New York; moved to and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She starred in the movies Romeo Must Die and Queen Of The Damned. In 1994, she got married to R. Kelly but that marriage was later annulled.

Her life was tragically taken in a plane crash on August 25, 2001. She died at age 22. ;-(

Todays post was the first time that Aaliyah saw one of her songs hit the dance chart, and with these cool remixes you can see why this was such a big dance floor filler.

Taken from the original double disc promo 12" single on Blackground Records
One In A Million (Armand Van Helden Drum N Bass Mix) - 7:09
One In A Million (Nitebreed Mongolodic Mix) - 9:31
One In A Million (Geoffrey Curtis Housemix) - 11:48
Song charted on March 22, 1997. Spent 13 weeks on the chart and reached #2

Abbe - Armed & Extremely Dangerous / Thunder & Lightning

2008-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! I can't believe that I finally got my hands on a copy of this hard to find disco classic. Many thanks goes out to Richard, of West Palm Beach, Florida, for sending me a copy of one of the hardest to find records....Abbe - Rainbows

Abbe was born Abigail Lassman on December 14, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York. She was a singer/actress who became known as Abbe Lane and appeared in several Italian movies. She was married to bandleader Xavier cugat from 1952-1964.

Today I'm posting the two songs from this LP that charted on the Billboard dance chart. First is Armed and Extremely Dangerous, which was originally a Top 30 pop hit in 1973 for the group First Choice. The second track, Thunder And Lightning, is her version of the Top 20 hit for Chi Coltrane from 1972.

Taken from the Original LP "Rainbows" on Butterfly 3107 (THANKS RICHARD)
Armed & Extremely Dangerous - 7:55
(After I uploaded this I noticed it's a bad rip...I'll fix this tomorrow)

Thunder & Lightning - 3:57
(this one ripped great)
Both songs charted on February 16, 1980. Spent 5 weeks on the chart and reached #81

Company B - Full Circle

2008-01-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I posted Fascinated by Company B. Today is the follow-up single to that song. A late summer release, this saw similar response on the dance floor. It sound so much like their first chart single that it is no suprise this one did well too.

Although this release, "Full Circle," received extensive club play, along with the groups appearance on such programs as Showtime At The Apollo, the song received little attention at radio and never cracked the Top 100.

Taken from the original 12" single on Atlantic 86674
Company B - Full Circle (Vocal / Club Version) - 7:48
Song charted on August 8, 1987. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #5

Company B - Fascinated

2008-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

The first chart sucess for the female Dance trio from Miami, Florida called Company B was this classic diddy from winter of 1987.

This song was the lead off single from the groups self-titled debut LP. Still a club classic since I still get tons of requests for this one.

The original line-up of Company B consisted of Charlotte McKinnon, Lori Ledesma, & Susan Johnson. McKinnon was replaced by Lezlee Livrano before their debut album was released. Livrano and Johnson were replaced by Donna Huntley and Sheena, who was soon replaced by Julie Marie, though Livrano and Johnson would return and replace Huntley and Marie for various albums. The group recently reformed, with original members McKinnon and Johnson (now Susan Marie) and new member Rachel Leslie

Taken from the original 12" single on Atlantic 86731
Fascinated (Club Mix) - 7:30
Song charted on February 14, 1987. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Artist Spotlight Week #5 - Nitzer Ebb - Getting Closer

2008-01-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

The second single to be released from "SHOWTIME" was "Getting Closer" As the follow-up to Lightning Man, it found greater audience appeal in the club. This song gave Nitzer Ebb their highest chart success on the US Dance charts as it peaked at #3.

Getting Closer" captures an atmosphere of impending, imminent doom better than just about anything, while the heavy synth distortion makes the track rock, all without using guitars. The way the song literally revs up alone is worth the listen.

This song was produced by Flood and Nitzer Ebb. Mixed by Flood. Recorded at Swanyard Studios and The Garden. Mixed at Swanyard Studios with remix and additional production by Arnaud Rebotini

Taken from the original 12" single on Geffen 21606
Getting Closer (Pool Mix) - 5:15
Getting Closer (Trance Mix) - 7:09
Song charted on July 14, 1990. Spent 8 weeks on the chart and reached #3

Artist Spotlight Week #2 - Nitzer Ebb - Control I'm Here

2008-01-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Continuing the week long Nitzer Ebb Artist Spotlight.

In 1988, Doug and Bon set out to record "the perfect electronic album", resulting in the LP Belief. Preceded by the classic club track 'Control I'm Here', their second album, Belief, was released in 1989 and was co-produced by Flood (Depeche Mode, U2),who went on to produce their next 3 albums and remix other tracks. The band was now down to a core duo of Harris and McCarthy, with Julian Beeston on drumming duty. Two further singles 'Hearts & Minds', (which will be featured tomorrow) and Shame were released in 1989 with extraordinary remixes from Daniel Miller and William Orbit. The band was asked to be the opening act for labelmates' Depeche Mode's Music For The Masses tour (European Leg).

Taken from the original 12" single on Geffen 21111
Control I'm Here (Command Control Confront Mix) - 6:43
Song charted on January 14, 1989. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached # 14

Artist Spotlight Week #1 - Nitzer Ebb - Join In The Chant

2008-01-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

This week featuring 5 songs from a particular artist. To begin with, since the Packers are not going to the Super Bowl, I am kind of in a dark mood. So this week the feature artist will be Nitzer Ebb.

Nitzer Ebb (pronounced night-zer or nit-zer—the band themselves pronounce it either way) is a music group formed in 1982 by Essex schoolfriends Douglas McCarthy (vocals, synthesizer), Vaughan (Bon) Harris on synthesizers and drums, and David Gooday.

In May 1987, they released their debut album on Geffen Records, That Total Age, which spawned a hit with the pounding bass rhythms and barked vocals of "Join In the Chant" and "Let Your Body Learn". Both tracks found favour with the Euro club scene and the nascent Balearic Beat movement. Today posting their first ever dance chart single in the US. JOIN IN THE CHANT.

Taken from the original 12" single on Geffen 20786
Join In The Chant (Burn) - 5:26
Song charted on October 31, 1987. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #9

Blue Mercedes - See What Must Have

2008-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

Blue Mercedes is a pop music duo from London, England, made up of David Titlow and Duncan Millar. Titlow was infamous for wearing purple shorts with the words "Funk Ass" printed on them, whilst Millar played a large portable synth with double keyboards — they dubbed their musical style 'Street Latin Wolff'. Their only Hot 100 hit was "I Want To Be Your Property," which climbed to #66 in 1988 and spent four weeks at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. They had two more dance chart entries in 1988.

After releasing the single "That Beauty Is You", they evolved into indie dance band, Nixon, and released 'The Rolling Stones gone baggy' sound of "Sweet Temptation". A second single was recorded and manufactured by MCA records, a cover version of the Sex Pistol's "Submission" with trippy cover artwork by Designers Republic, however this was never released and seven inch copies of this track are an extremely rare find. Nixon also remixed the Blur song "Bad Day" from their first album for Food Records, whilst the mix was rejected by the band a mislaid DAT of the song was picked up by unscrupulous bootleggers and released as a white label twelve inch, also very rare.

David Titlow then went onto form indie rock band Heave who signed to Warners subsidiary Radar Records in the early nineties releasing the singles "Suna/12XU" and "Pig Pretty" (on 7 inch pink vinyl) they followed this with the album "Scaramanga" which was produced by Bryce Goggin and released in both the UK and Japan.

Today's post is the follow-up to the #1 dance single "I Want To Be Your Property". This one didn't do as well as it barely reached the Top 20 on the Dance Singles chart. I still like this song anyway.

Taken from the original 12" single on MCA 23857
See What Must Have (Funk Ass Mix) - 6:55
Song charted on April 30, 1988. Spent 8 weeks on the chart and reached #18

Fixx - Less Cities, More Moving People

2008-01-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Fixx is a British new wave band formed in 1980. The group was formed by college friends Cy Curnin (vocals) and Adam Woods (drums). The pair placed an ad for additional members. Jamie West-Oram (guitar), Rupert Greenall (keyboards) and Charlie Barret (bass) joined the band as a result. Barret left just after the recording of the first album and was replaced by Alfie Agius. However, Agius' stint in the band was short-lived, as he left in the middle of sessions for the following album. His bass work is featured on the album's two hit singles "Saved By Zero" and "One Thing Leads to Another" though. The bass spot was then filled by Dan K. Brown, who remained with the band until 1994.

The band is best known for the smash hit, One Thing Leads to Another. Todays post is one of the lesser known songs. Taken from their third LP, the 1984 release Phantoms. This has to be one of my favorite Fixx songs along with Red Skies.

Taken from the original 12" single on MCA 1230
Less Cities, More Moving People - 7:10
Song charted on November 24, 1984. Spent 3 weeks on the chart and reached #68

Ministry - Cold Life / I'm Falling / Primental

2008-01-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

The following information was stolen from discogs.com....
"Ministry is the brainchild of Alain Jourgensen. The band started in 1981 playing a sugar-filled synth pop in the vein of Depeche Mode and Human League. The first changing arrived in 1986 when Ministry's second LP "Twitch" was produced by Adrian Sherwood. The music shifted to an heavy and menacing EBM/electro sound. The third album "The Land Of Rape And Honey" (1988) was a revolution, with the arrival of Paul Barker and other new members Ministry started to play a crossover bewteen EBM, industrial and heavy metal. The formula was perfectioned with the following "The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste" (1990), where the rock elements became more relevant. Ministry's masterpiece is considered "" (1992), a very dark, powerful and violent album, where the band experiments a wide range of combining thrash metal with techno, industrial and noise. The following records have progressively abandoned the experimental side. Paul Barker left the band in January 2004, leaving Al to put together a new line-up for "Houses of the Molé". After 2004 Evil Doer Tour few members left and new came - besides Jourgensen & Scaccia new members are Tommy Victor on guitar and Paul Raven on bass. Band started to work on new album, which finally came out in May 2006 titled "Rio Grande Blood". Following album release Masterbatour 2006 will include John Bechdel on keyboards and Joey Jordison (from Slipknot) on drums."

This is one of my favorite groups of the 80's. Since then they have gotten to political for me. Hey Al...if you don't like living here I have one word for you...MOVE!!!!

Taken from the original 12" single on Wax Trax 110072
A1. I'm Falling - 4:04
A2. Primental - 5:13
B1. Cold Life - 6:11
All songs charted on May 22, 1982. Spent 13 weeks on the chart and reached #45

Advance - Take Me To The Top

2008-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Been wanting to post this for a long time - Oh, sorry, going just under two months.

Advance seemingly put out no other song than this there was one released a few years later called "Take It To The Top" which I have never had a listen too, but as names do not differ much I expect it to be close to the original. Nevertheless this song is fantastic with its surplus vocals, groovy synth lines, dreamy pads and classic muted guitars it for sure is one of my all time favourites. It was produced by Alvaro Ugolini and Dario Raimondi I would have never subsumed it under the term Italo Disco, but hey lets compromise: An All Time Dance Classic.

Taken from the original 12" single on Polydor 811539
Advance - Take Me To The Top (Vocal) - 6:15
Song charted on April 30, 1983. Spent 6 weeks on the chart and reached #55

Bonzo Goes To Washington - 5 Minutes

2008-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

While I was searching through my classic vinyl, for something to post today, I came across this little classic jem. I thought that I lost this song a long time ago. I was so excited when I found it that I thought it would be great to share it with everyone.

This group was a one-time collaboration of Jerry Harrison (of the Talking Heads) and Bootsy Collins of Parlament. This song contains several samples of President Ronald Reagan's infamous joke statement: "My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes."

Taken from the original 12" single on Sleeping Bag 13
5 Minutes (C-C-C Club Mix) - 5:33
Song charted on December 8, 1984. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #36

Colonel Abrams - Colonel Abrams (all cuts)

2008-01-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

Another Colonel Abrams post for you today. This time around is an entire LP that peaked at number one on the Billboard Dance Disco chart.

Colonel Abrams is the self titled debut album of Colonel Abrams, released in 1985. This album consists of rhythm and blues influenced House music songs with excellent lyrics and charismatic vocal performances from Abrams. Includes four Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart hits, "The Truth", "Over and Over", "Trapped" and "I'm Not Gonna Let You" as well as the minor R&B chart hit, "Table for Two"

"Trapped", "I'm Not Gonna Let" and "Over And Over" also charted seperately as 12" singles that will be posted in the future. For now enjoy the entire LP that placed Colonel Abrams on the House Music map.

Here is the track listing for this remarkable LP
A1. Trapped - 3:41
A2. I'm Not Gonna Let You - 4:48
A3. Over And Over - 4:24
A4. Margaux - 5:50
A5. Table For Two - 2:44
B1. Truth - 4:45
B2. Speculation - 5:00
B3. Never Change - 5:47
B4. Picture Me In Love - 4:30

Taken from the original LP on MCA 5682
Colonel Abrams - Colonel Abrams
(all songs on one zip file)
LP charted on December 28, 1985. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Vote for DJ Shooter's Year-End countdown

2008-01-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

I was searching around for new songs and came across DJ Shooter's Club 80's. If you don't know about this site, it is a DJ mix site where he creates a special mix everyday. While browsing around I noticed he stopped for quite awhile and is now back posting the Ultimix Series in mix form. He is also offering the individual tracks. This might take some time!!!!!!

Anyway, that is not the reason I'm posting this about the site. The real reason I'm making this special post is while I was downloading from his site, I noticed that he is trying something that I don't think any blog has tried before. (At least no to my knowledge)

He is asking all the readers to send him an e-mail with their Top 5 favorite club tracks of the 80's. He will then take all those favorites and rank them from 100 to Number One in a year end mix show. Send him an e-mail at Jklebar@bradyanglin.com and tell him your favorite songs and see what comes out at the end of the year.

You probably guessed that DJ Shooter is me. That is my other site.

All for now.

Bryan Adams - Let Me Take You Dancing

2008-01-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

Let Me Take You Dancing is a song recorded by Bryan Adams. It was written by Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams and was later remixed by John Luongo. It is notable for being Adams' first solo single and his first ever release as a solo artist.

The song is a disco track that is somewhat different from Adams' later rock sound. It was one of the first songs that Adams and Vallance wrote together and was based on a rag-time piano riff inspired by Robbie King that Vallance had written. The writing took place during February 1978 and the song was recorded at Pinewood Studios by Geoff Turner. Although the single experienced some minor radio success, respected remixer John Luongo was recruited to remix the song to make it sound like a proper disco track ready for release in the USA. For the remix to be a success, Luongo deemed it necessary to increase the tempo of the song. Unfortunately due to the lack of time compression at that time, it was impossible to increase the tempo of the song without increasing the pitch of Adams' vocals. Adams was disappointed with the sped-up sound.

Co-writer Jim Vallance states that "I don't doubt the single's success contributed to Bryan eventually being signed directly to the label [A&M Records]". However, to this day Adams has distanced himself from the single and has only performed it live on a handful of occasions.

Taken from the original 12" single on A&M 12014
Let Me Take You Dancing (Disco Mix) - 5:35
Song charted on April 28, 1979. Spent 23 weeks on the chart and reached #22

Colonel Abrams - How Soon We Forget

2008-01-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Colonel Abrams was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. A pioneer in the House Music movement of the early 80's.

Abrams enjoyed a string of very successful entries on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart in the 1980s and 1990s, including four entries that hit number one. In 1987, he had his fourth number-one U.S. dance hit with today's post, "How Soon We Forget".

Taken from the original 12" single on MCA 23767
How Soon We Forget (Extended Version) - 7:49
Song charted on July 25, 1987. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and reached #1

ABC - Vanity Kills/Be Near Me

2008-01-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

You all probably have this but here it is again. Another ABC post. This one is taken from the IMPORT that was released in 1985. It was a double sided 12" single that contained Vanity Kills and Be Near Me. Both of these songs also charted seperatly on their domestic release but those had different mixes than what is being posted today and will be featured here in the future.

"Be Near Me" is a song by ABC. The hit single from How to Be a...Zillionaire!, it is a message from the group's lead singer, Martin Fry, to an unknown addressee. He commands the addressee not to leave him. It peaked at #9 in the U.S. in the fall of 1985 and at number #26 in the U.K. earlier that year.

The song’s music video depicts the band as a group of cartoon characters that have entered the real world. They are seen performing the song against a white background. During this, the camera makes a series of rolling panning shots, suggesting that the band is inside a ping-pong ball. The song also appeared in the movie The Breakfast Club but was not featured on the album.

While your here check out the US version of the video for Vanity Kills

Taken from the original 12" Import on Neutron Records
Vanity Kills (Mendelsohn Mix) - 6:13
Be Near Me (Ecstasy Mix) - 4:42
Both songs charted on August 10, 1985. Spent 6 weeks on the chart and reached #7

Count Coolout - Rhythm Rap Rock

2008-01-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

Can we copy "The Sugarhill Gang" and have a hit ourselves? That is exactly what Count Coolout did with this club hit from 1981.

Listen to this track and I'm sure you will think that your listening to Rapper's Delight (except without the Chic sample.

Count Coolout is really James Minor, who was born in Brooklyn. His style was heavily influenced by Jimmy Spicer and began his career as a background singer for him.

His first record came out in 1980 on Boss Records and was produced by Billy Nichols & the Count. He also recorded on WMOT records.

Although "Rhythm Rap Rock" and "Here To Stay" were his two big records, only Rhythm Rap Rock charted on the dance chart.

As of Summer 2003 he is running his old label, Jathom Records, with product to be released prior to the end of this summer. He is even got some new music of his own in the works.

Taken from the original 12" single on Boss 73
Count Coolout - Rhythm Rap Rock (12" Version) 12:43
Song charted on January 31, 1981. Spent 2 weeks on the chart and reached #82

sorry for the missing posts!!!

2008-01-03T05:27:00.001-08:00

With the holidays that came and went I was too busy to post some tracks for you. That has ended and now it's back to normal. Starting on Monday, new post will be coming your way so stay tuned.

E-Type - Calling Your Name

2007-11-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Bo Martin Erik "E-type" Eriksson was born in Uppsala, Sweden, in 1965. In his teens he moved to Bromma, and now he lives in the middle of Stockholm. His musical career started early. After having been a drummer for many years he met up with Stakka Bo in 1991, with three singles as a result. This lead to a work as a VJ at one of the most popular TV-station in Sweden - Z-TV! In the summer of 93, his first solo single, called "I'm Falling", was released without reaching any great success.

This was the third and last time he charted on Billboard's Dance Disco Chart.

Taken from the original 12" import single on Stockholm records
Calling Your Name (Pierre J's Q-Type Mix) - 5:47
Calling Your Name (Antiloop Garage Club Mix) - 5:42
Song charted on February 8, 1997. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and reached #17

KISS - I Was Made For Loving You

2007-11-29T08:12:00.001-08:00

Kiss, one of the greatest rock bands of the last 30 years, tried their hands at some disco. At the time it was not a rare oddity for rock to go try disco. Take for instance Rod Stewart and the Stones.

This song was released as the first single from the album "Dynasty". It happened to become the band's second gold single, selling over 1 million copies. On the US pop charts, the single reached #11, and also became a top ten hit in Australia in 1979. It was also one of the band's few singles to chart in the UK in the 1970s, though only peaking at No. 51.

This song draws heavily from the disco style that was popular in the United States in the late 1970's. Paul Stanley, who co-wrote the song with Desmond Child and Vini Poncia, has stated that "I Was Made For Lovin' You" was a conscious effort on his part to prove how easy it was to write and record a hit disco song.

Although Peter Criss appeared in the video and on the album cover, he did not actually play on the track. As with most of the Dynasty album, session drummer Anton Fig took his place after he was deemed unfit to play by producer Vini Poncia.

Throughout the years since its release, the song has become a permanent staple in Kiss's live performances, despite sounding different from the studio version. Starting from the 1992-1993 Revenge tour onwards they featured the song with a more-metal, less-disco feel.

As you can well imagine, this was the only time that KISS appeared on the Dance chart.

Taken from the original 12" single on Casablanca 20169
I Was Made For Loving You (Original 12" version) - 7:55
Song charted on July 14, 1979. Spent 5 weeks on the chart and reached #37

John Adams - Strip This Heart

2007-11-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a flash to the past. Do you remember anything about this "flash in the pan". The only thing that I could find is that John Adams was white dance singer born in Brooklyn, New York. If anybody know anything about this artist, please send me a message. I would like to know more about him.

Strip This Heart was the only appearance on the Dance chart, for John Adams, and came in 1987. It reached #9 and spent only 7 weeks on the chart.

Taken from the original 12" single on A&M 12241
Strip This Heart (12" Version) - 8:10
Song charted on August 29, 1987. Spent 7 weeks on the chart and reached #9

Ta Mara & The Seen - Everybody Dance

2007-11-20T07:40:00.000-08:00

Ta Mara and the Seen was a Minneapolis-based R&B group, signed byA&M Records to capitalize on the mid-'80s chart success of "Minneapolis Sound" by acts such asPrince, Vanity 6, Sheila E and The Time. They achieved Top 40 success with this single, which peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1986.

Lead singer Ta Mara was born in Kenitra, Morocco and lived there as a child before moving to Minneapolis with her family at the age of seven.

Other members of the group includedbassist Keith Woodson, guitarist Oliver Leiber (son of the famed songwriter Jerry Leiber), keyboardist Gina Fellicetta, and drummer Jamie Chez. A 1988 follow-up album, Blueberry Gossip, failed to catch on and the group disbanded in 1989. Their albums are no longer in print.

Taken from the original 12" single on A&M 12149
Everybody Dance (Original 12" Version) - 5:42
Song charted on October 26, 1985. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #9

B-52's - Mesopotamia / Deep Sleep / Cake

2007-11-19T09:27:00.001-08:00

A few weeks back I featured the full LP of "Party Mix" by the B-52's. This time around, it's the follow-up to that.

The fourth chart appearance for the B-52's came from their LP "MESOPOTAMIA". Released in 1982, Mesopotamia is the result of what was intended as the third full length album from the B-52's. Produced by David Byrne of Talking Heads, the recording sessions were aborted prematurely and only six songs were released. Due to a record company error the initial copies of the EP released in the UK and other non-US territories contained some extended versions and different takes of the songs.

Taken from the original EP "Mesopotamia" on Warner 3641

Mesopotamia - 3:51
Deep Sleep - 3:30
Cake - 5:36

All songs charted on February 27, 1982. Spent 16 weeks on the chart and reached #13

Psychedelic Furs - India / Pulse / We Love You / Flower

2007-11-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

The self-titled debut LP from The Psychedelic Furs produced a whopping 4 tracks that charted on the Billboard Dance chart. This group consisted of brothers Richard And Tim Butler, John Ashton, and Vince Ely.

They first hit the chart on August 9, 1980 with the Import 12" of We Love You. This 12" was not a remix but rather the LP Version. It spent 4 weeks on the chart and reached #77. Once the LP was released, clubs jumped on it and played India, Pulse, We Love You, and Flowers. With these 4 songs it was the first 2 times they charted. They went on to chart 5 more times. These will be featured soon.

Here they are from the LP Psychedelic Furs.

Taken from the original LP on Columbia 36791
Click here to download all four songs in one .zip file
India - 6:22
Pulse - 2:39
We Love You - 3:28 (originally charted on an import 12" on August 9, 1980 #77)
Flowers - 4:12
All four charted on November 8, 1980. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and reached #36

ABC - Look Of Love

2007-11-12T09:52:00.001-08:00

No need for me to tell you about this group from Sheffield, Yorkshire, England that consisted of Martin Fry, Mark White, Stephen Singleton, Mark Lickley And David Palmer. Everybody knows about this group.

Here is ABC's first appearance on the Dance chart. After this release they went on to chart 10 more times between 1982 and 1991. Of course, three of their songs did chart twice with different remixes. (Those songs will be featured a little later.)

Anyway here is the 12" single of LOOK OF LOVE.

Taken from the original 12" single on Mercury 4023
Look Of Love (USA Remix - Dub Version) - 7:37
Look Of Love (Part 3 - Dance Version) - 4:17
Song charted on September 4, 1982. Spent 26 weeks on the chart and reached #1

AB Logic - Get Up (Move Boy Move)

2007-11-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

With today's post, I am choosing the follow-up single from post. After AB Logic had success with Hitman, they picked another track to pack the dance floor. This one has all same things the other song had (It's almost the same song). However this song had better dance floor success reaching #15. Hope this brings back some memories for you. I know it did for me....

Taken from the original 12" single on Interscope 96096
Get Up (Move Boy Move) (12" Extended) - 5:55
Get Up (Move Boy Move) (Killer Mix) - 5:20
Get Up (Move Boy Move) (Street Mix) - 5:05
Song charted on December 26, 1992. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #15

AB Logic - Hitman

2007-11-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for the lack of posts, but, I was out of town for work with no access to my music collection. Man, I hate working...I just want to dance and party. Anyway, on with the Billboard posts.

Today is the first single to chart on Billboard Hot Dance/Disco chart by the techno-rave group AB Logic. This group is actually Jacko Bultinck and Peter Gillis (both Belgian) with vocals by Marianne and rapping by K-Swing.

I remember when this song came out in the summer of 1992. It was one of those catch rave songs that it seemed like everybody requested. Truly a 90's classic. It even made it to the sports stadiums across the country and became known as a "Jock" Jam.

Taken from the original 12" single on Interscope 16168
Hitman (Original Mix) - 5:20
Hitman (Piano Mix) - 5:52
Hitman (Extended Mix) - 6:05
Hitman (Killer Mix) - 4:40
Song charted on July 11, 1992. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #20

Monyaka - Go Deh Yaka (Go To The Top)

2007-10-26T11:28:00.001-07:00

Monyaka was a funk group based out of Los Angeles, California. The members included Beres Barnett (vocals, guitar), Errol Moore (guitar), John Allen (keyboards), William Brown (keyboards), Larry McDonald (percussion), Val Douglas (bass), and Richie Bertram (drums)

Go Deh Yaka is a disco reggae stomper from the early 80s, really love this song especially when the sun is shining.

Taken from the original 12" single on Easy Street 7502
Go Deh Yaka (Go To The Top) (Club Mix) - 6:32
Song charted on August 6, 1983. Spent 7 weeks on the chart and reached #48

Level 42 - Micro Kid

2007-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Level 42 is a popular Pop-Rock-Dance group from Manchester, England. The group had a number of worldwide and UK hits during the 80's & 90's.

The band gained fame for its high calibre musicianship, especially that of Mark King, whose percussive slap bass guitar technique provided the driving groove of many of the band's hits.

They are also known for the combination of King's lead vocals and keyboard player Mike Lindup's falsetto backing vocals. After originally disbanding in 1994, they reformed in 2001. Level 42 have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

"Micro-kid" is a song, released in 1983, by the british musical group Level 42. It was from their fourth studio album "Standing In The Light".

This was their second appearance on the Dance/Disco Chart in the US and faired well reaching #25.

Taken from the original 12" single on A&M 12091
Micro-Kid (Special Remixed Version) - 7:36
Song charted on June 9, 1984. Spent 8 weeks on the chart and reached #25

Jamiroquai - Deeper Underground

2007-10-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Jamiroquai is an interracial alternative dance group led by singer/songwriter Jason Kay. They are probably best know for the song from "Napolean Dynomite" where Napolean dances for the school election skit. VOTE FOR PETRO!!!!!!!!

Over the years there has been numerous personnel changes with the only constant being Kay. The core members during the 90's included Toby Smith, Wallis Buchanan, Stuart Zender, And Derrick McKenzie.

"Deeper Underground" was the first single from the album "Synkronized" as a hidden track and was included in the soundtrack of the movie GODZILLA. It is the only single from the band to have reached number 1 in the UK charts and their 8th appearance on Billboards Dance Chart.

Taken from the original 12" promo single on Work records
Deeper Underground (Metro Mix) - 6:59
Song charted on August 22, 1998. Spent 9 weeks on the chart and reached #22

Ultra Nate - Free

2007-10-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

Born in 1968 in Baltimore Maryland, Ultra Nate is a female dance singer/songwriter. Before her being discovered by the Basement Boys, she was a pre-med student. Of course, she dropped that and it's a good thing she did since she has made a name for herself on the dance floor.

Ever since Ultra released the internationally renowned deep house classic, "It's Over Now" with the esteemed Basement Boys in 1989, which led to her equally eminent debut album, "Blue Notes in the Basement" (Warner Bros., 1991), Ultra has been a perennial force in dance music, regardless of idiomatic styles. Considering the ephemeral nature of dance/electronica music, Naté's endurance attests to her musical acumen.

This post incorporates the Mood II Swing remix of her number 1 song from 1997.

Taken from the original 12" single on Strictly Rhythm 12512
Free (Mood II Swing Extended Vocal Mix) - 12:09
Song charted on May 24, 1997. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Brainstorm - Lovin' Is Really My Game

2007-10-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Brainstorm was a disco group formed 1976 in Detroit, Michigan (USA) as a spinter group of 5th Revelation.

Members included Renell Gonsalves, Belita Karen Woods, Charles Overton, Jeryl Bright, Larry H. Sims, Gerald Kent, Trenita Womack, E. Lamont Johnson, Willie Wooten

They made an inspirational/message track in 1977 called "Wake Up And Be Somebody" but enjoyed their biggest breakthrough, later that year, with "Lovin' Is Really My Game". Here it is in it's entire 12" majestic version.

Taken from the original 12" on Tabu 10963
Lovin Is Really My Game (Original 12" Version) - 7:37
Song charted on May 14, 1977. Spent 26 weeks on the chart and reached #14

Garbage - Push It

2007-10-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

"Push It" was written and recorded at Smart Studios during the 1997 sessions for Version 2.0. released in 1998. It became a worldwide hit in the spring of 1998, preceding the long awaited second album from the group. Its success was in no doubt helped by being accompanied by one of the darkest, original and one of the most award-nominated video clips of that year. This track is a dark, schizophrenic track with an industrial techno edge, "Push It" delved into the psyches of two frustrated lovers trying to sort themselves out.

This song contains an interpolation of 60's Californian band the Beach Boys "Don't Worry Baby" and 1990s act Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It".

They originally sampled the actual Beach Boys vocal track, but it wouldn't work with the song, so Shirley re-sung the lyric. After debating whether to keep the line, they sent a tape to Brian Wilson, who gave them permission to use the sample, and also said he liked the song and asked if he could keep the tape.

Taken from the original 12" single
Push It (Victor Calderone Club Mix) - 7:20
Song charted on July 11, 1998. Spent 13 weeks on the chart and reached #5

Check out the video

Soccer - Dancin' Game / Give Me Your Love

2007-10-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

Soccer was a studio group assembled by producers Angelo Venuto And Tony Valor. Tony originally charted in 1976 with The Tony Valor Sounds Orchestra.

In 1979, Soccer first recorded for Salsoul records, then switched to Roy B in 1980. They first chart hit on the dance disco chart was Come And Get It On. That was followed up by todays post. Both songs were listed as on entry, by Billboard magazine, since both sides of the 12" recieved considerable club play. Enjoy Soccer

Taken from the original 12" single on Roy B Records 2509
Dancin' Game - 5:07
Give Me Your Love - 6:44
Both songs charted on May 31, 1980. Spent 6 weeks on the chart and reached #73

Mike & Brenda Sutton - Don't Let Go Of Me

2007-10-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

The husband and wife team of Mike & Brenda Sutton hail from LA and first worked together as staff writer and singers for the Motown label in the early 70's.

Mike was discovered by Stevie Wonder and during their time with Motown, they wrote for Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Thelma Houston and Jerry Butler. In 1978 both were a member of the group Finished Touch which recorded for Motown.

After their stint with Motown, they continued to write and produce for Detroit Spinners, Anita Pointer and Cheryl Lynn. Then in 1981, they performed and recorded for SAM records. They first charted with "We'll Make It" and followed that up with today's post.

Although they are now separated, Mike worked with Brenda on a solo project in 2002.

Song taken from the original 12" single on SAM 12351
Don't Let Go Of Me - 6:52
Song charted on September 25, 1982. Spent 9 weeks on the chart and reached #37

Lil' Mo' Yin Yang - Reach

2007-10-16T10:19:00.001-07:00

This group is a duo of electronic producers Little Louie Vega And Erick Morillo. Before they collaborated on this track, Little Louie Vega released Ride On The Rhythm in 1991. Vega was also a member of Masters At Work.

After this release, Morillo released and charted with his own solo track, Jazz It Up, as Erick Morillo Project in 1996. He was also a member of Reel 2 Real.

This is the only the time the two charted as a duo. This song eventually reached #1 on the dance disco chart.

Taken from the original 12" single on Strictly Rhythm 32380
Reach (Little More Mix) - 7:50
Song charted on October 21, 1995. Spent 15 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Wrecks-N-Effect - New Jack Swing

2007-10-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wrecks-N-Effect originally comprised of then adolescent; Aqil Davidson, Brandon Mitchell, Markell Riley, and Keith "K.C." Hanns. They were formed around 1988 with their first release being an eponymous EP of six tracks for Atlantic Records. This EP included the singles "Go For What You Know", "Let's Do It Again" (which sampled The Staple Singers hit song), and a self-titled track sampling Jimmy Castor's "Bertha Butt Boogie". They received little promotion from Atlantic however, and, with the help of one-time manager and alleged gangster Gene Griffin, jumped ship for the Motown Label

When they released their self-titled debut album the following year, "K.C." had left and the group had become a trio. Wrecks-N-Effect was then produced by Teddy Riley (brother of Markell Riley), and rapper/producer Redhead Kingpin. This debut LP reached #16 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #103 on Billboards Top 200 LP chart.

The single "Juciy", off this LP, met a similar fate. However, the follow-up, "New Jack Swing" becoming a #1 single on the Rap Chart. This release also landed them their first Dance Chart single. (The first of two...guess what the second was) Mitchell was killed in a shooting incident shortly after its release in 1990.

Taken from the original 12" single on Motown 4654
New Jack Swing (Original 12" Version) 5:27
Song charted on November 25, 1989. Spent 2 weeks on the chart and reached #48.

Young MC - I Come Off

2007-10-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Young MC is really Marvin Young. Born on 5/10/67, in London, England, he is best known for his hit "Bust A Move" in 1989. You may not know this but he is also the co-writer of "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" for Tone Loc

"I Come Off" was his follow-up, on the dance chart, to "Bust A Move". Even though the above three songs were huge, this one did not fair too well. Heck, you might not have even heard this song before. I think it was OK at best. This is his second and final time he charted on the Dance/Disco Chart.

Song taken from the original 12" single on Delicious Vinyl 96499
I Come Off (Southern Comfort Mix) 6:31
Song charted on April 14, 1990. Spent 3 weeks on the chart and reached #36

Booker Newberry III - Love Town

2007-10-08T09:15:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all the congrat's for my new son. It is greatly appreciated...now on with the music.

Booker Newberry III (born 19 January 1956, in Youngstown, Ohio) is a singer and keyboardist, who was a member of the mid 1970s soul groups Sweet Thunder ("Baby I Need Your Love Today"), and Impact before pursuing a solo career.

Newberry began his professional singing career in the group Mystic Nights around 1971. Moving to Philadelphia he became the lead singer of Sweet Thunder, which also included drummer John Aaron, bassist Rudell Alexander, and guitarist Charles Buie. Signing with the Philly-based record label WMOT Records, the group's single, "Baby I Need Your Love Today" b/w "I Don't Care What You Say," stirred interest and was picked up for distribution by Berkeley, California based Fantasy Records.

The group recorded three albums, Above The Clouds (1976), Sweet Thunder (1978), and Horizons (1979), the latter of which listed the single "I Leave You Stronger," which went to #63 Billboard R&B chart in late 1979. Newberry joined another WMOT Records group, Impact, who was best known for the dance hits "Give a Broken Heart a Break" and "Rainy Days Stormy Nights."

Newberry signed with Neil Bogart's Casablanca Records in 1983 and today's post "Love Town" was a Top Ten UK hit. The "Love Town" album was issued the same year. He has also recorded for Malaco Records and Omni Records

This was the first and last time any of his solo hits charted on the Billboard Dance Disco Chart.

Song taken from the original 12" single on Boardwalk 99905
Love Town (Long Version) - 5:18
Song charted on June 4, 1983. Spent 3 weeks on the chart and reached #66

My new son has arrived......

2007-10-02T09:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of post over the past few days. I have an excuse...my new son arrived on September 27, 2007. Here are a few pictures for you of Ian James.

I will post new songs on October 8, 2007. Talk to you then

Sly Stone - Sing A Simple Song / Dance To The Music

2007-09-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sly Stone (born Sylvester Stewart, March 15, 1943, in Denton, TX) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, most famous for his role as frontman for Sly & The Family Stone, With that band he played a critical role in the development of soul, funk and psychedelia in the 1960s and 1970s. Sly & the Family Stone which started in Vallejo, CA had 18 top 100 hits before calling it quits in 1975. I believe the split was due to the band's shaky reputation for not showing up at concerts (which caused promoters to avoid booking them), and a disastrous engagement at Radio City Music Hall in January of 1975.

In 1979, Epic Records released Ten Years Too Soon, an album of remixes of Sly & the Family Stone songs. Many rock jounalists denouced this LP as a cheap and shameless exploitation. As they saw it, great works of art were being tampered with and just a way for a record company to try to make money. Of course, at this time, critics hated disco music and were determined to condemn the LP before hearing it. However, I feel that John Luongo, the remixer of the LP, did a fantastic job on these songs. I feel they might even be better than the real thing. Enjoy

Songs taken from the original 12" single on Epic 50794
Sing A Simple Song - 6:12
Dance To The Music - 6:45
Both songs charted on October 27, 1979. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and reached #36

Taste-T-Lips - Hypnotize

2007-09-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't find anything on this group anywhere. The only thing I know is that this was the only Billboard chart single by this group. I don't even own the original 12" of this. This version I found on another blog and according to discogs.com, this is the House version from the original 12" single. If anyone knows anything about this group please leave me a comment. I would like to hear other songs from this group. They kind of remind me of Black Box.

From the original 12" single on Mercury 870169
Hypnotize (12" House Mix) - 6:11
Song charted on December 19, 1987. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and reached #9

Sinnamon - Thanks To You

2007-09-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

In order for a song to have an impact on a listener for the first time, there has to be something in it from the very beginning that blows the listener away. In the early 80's, there were many dance trax that did just that, but they were underground songs, mainly designed for dj's to surprise people with at discos, so the mainstream public never knew about them. Most of these songs never made the charts (think of Toney Lee's "Reach Up" and Brenda Taylor's "You Can't Have Your Cake And Eat It Too") But if there was one song that broke this despicable rule, it was "Thanks To You" by Sinnamon, a female vocal trio of Connecticut natives Barbara Fowler, Marsha Carter and New Yorker Melissa Bell. When it was released on May 22, 1982, it hit #44 on the black singles charts for eleven weeks. As the song begins, you are hypnotized by the keyboards and the arcade-like rhythm, while lead singer Fowler takes you on warm journey too start off the summer.

The reason this song was big was because it was popular and high in demand, especially in the New York area. Radio stations like WRKS(98.7 KISS-FM)and WBLS(107.5 FM) were the big supporters who played it constantly. Sinnamon would also keep things going that same year with "He's Gonna Take You Home(To His House)", which has a seductive nightime mood. Unfortunately no other Sinnamon songs charted on the Dance chart.

Taken from the original 12" single on Becket 508
Thanks To You (Original 12" Version) - 6:59
Song charted on May 15, 1982. Spent 17 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Simply Red - Ain't That A Lot Of Love

2007-09-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Simply Red is a band from Manchester, England consisting of Mick Hucknall. Born on June 8, 1960, Mick got the nickname "Red" because of his red hair. The rest of the band included Fritz McIntyre (keyboards), Tim Kellett (keyboards), Sylvan Richardson (guitar), Tony Bowers (bass), And Chris Joyce (drums).

Today's post was the eighth and last time that they saw one of their songs make the dance chart and is also their third Top 10.

By far, this has got to be THE greatest Simply Red song. ENJOY

Taken from the original 12" single on EastWest 67014
Ain't That A Lot Of Love (Club 69 Underground Club Mix) - 8:18
Song charted on November 13, 1999. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and reached #3

Veronica - Let Me Go...Release Me

2007-09-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Veronica (born Veronica Vazquez in 1975 in the Bronx, New York) is a dance music singer and theatrical actress. Along with singers Ultra Nate, Deborah Cox, she is considered to be one of the leading divas of the 1990s club music scene. She also is one of the few Latinas to become a successful artist in the English-language dance music genre.

She began her career, in 1995 with the release of her debut album V...As in Veronica. The album was a mixture of R&B and Hip hop and also featured production from Rodney Jerkins and Dallas Austin. In 1997, Veronica released her second album Rise. This album was again R&B and Hip Hop influenced. She released two singles/videos off of this album. The first single was No One But You and it feautured Craig Mack. The second single and album title track, Rise, was released and that featured guest vocals by Big Pun & Cuban Link. As one of the first artists to signed to Jellybean Recordings, a label founded by legendary music producer Jellybean Benitez, Veronica had a string of hits on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, including three reached the top ten. Her first number one on this chart is today's post, Let Me Go... Release Me. Soon afterwards it was followed by the legendary club anthem Someone To Hold (which peaked at the number two slot) and was remixed by producer Johnny Vicious and played heavily in the club circuit scene. The song still remains a classic among clubgoers today and it was featured on the soundtrack to the independent film Trick released in 1999 and starred Christian Campbell and Tori Spelling. She scored a second number one dance hit in 2000 with her cover of Evelyn "Champagne" King's classic R&B song I'm In Love, which was rerecorded for a club setting. She remains a very popular singer to this very day among gay audiences and especially in the club circuit scene.

She moved away from New York and the club music scene for a few years. During these years, she pursued her love for musical theater and was given the opportunity to portray slain Tejano singer Selena in a traveling production about her life and times. The production, titled Selena Forever traveled to numerous cities with a large Mexican-American population for over a year. Shortly after the successful run of the production, she decided to return to New York and start a family and return to her love of music. In 2004, Veronica recorded a song with rapper Triple Seis titled "Krazy". The song was featured on Triple Seis' debut album Time'll Tell. After a brief hiatus, Veronica returned in 2006, with music producer Tim Rex on her first dance single in over five years, Relentless...Just a Game. She soon will be seen in the film The Singer where she plays Hector Lavoe's mother in his younger years. The film is scheduled to be released in fall 2007.

She presently resides in New York City with her husband and their son, C.J. After her son was diagnosed with autism, Veronica has become a tireless advocate for further research and has led several efforts, including charitable walkathons, to raise research funds and awareness for the disorder.

Taken from the original 12" single on H.O.L.A 341031
Let Me Go...Release Me (Johnny Vicious Club Mix) - 8:47
Song charted on August 22, 1998. Spent 15 weeks on the chart and reached #1

ABBA - Lay All your Love On Me-Super Trouper-On And On And On

2007-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

The most commercially successful pop group of the 1970's, the origins of the Swedish superstars ABBA dated back to 1966, when keyboardist and vocalist Benny Andersson, a onetime member of the popular beat outfit "The Hep Stars," first teamed with guitarist and vocalist Bjorn Ulvaeus, the leader of the folk-rock unit "The Hootenanny Singers." The two performers began composing songs together and handling session and production work for Polar Music/Union Songs, a publishing company owned by Stig Anderson, himself a prolific songwriter throughout the 1950's and 1960's. At the same time, both Andersson and Ulvaeus worked on projects with their respective girlfriends: Ulvaeus had become involved with vocalist Agnetha Faltskog, a performer with a recent Number One Swedish hit, "I Was So in Love," under her belt, while Andersson began seeing Anni-Frid Lyngstad, a onetime jazz singer who rose to fame by winning a national talent contest.

In 1971, Faltskog ventured into theatrical work, accepting the role of Mary Magdalene in a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar;" her cover of the musical's "I Don't Know How to Love Him" became a significant hit. The following year, the duo of Andersson and Ulvaeus scored a massive international hit with "People Need Love," which featured Faltskog and Lyngstad on backing vocals. The record's success earned them an invitation to enter the Swedish leg of the 1973 Eurovision song contest, where, under the unwieldy name of Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha & Frida, they submitted "Ring Ring," which proved extremely popular with audiences but placed only third in the judges' ballots.

The next year, rechristened ABBA (a suggestion from Stig Anderson and an acronym of the members' first names), the quartet submitted the single "Waterloo," and became the first Swedish act to win the Eurovision competition. The record proved to be the first of many international hits, although the group hit a slump after their initial success as subsequent singles failed to chart. In 1975, however, ABBA issued "S.O.S.," a smash not only in America and Britain but also in non-English speaking countries such as Spain, Germany and the Benelux nations, where the group's success was fairly unprecedented. A string of hits followed, including "Mamma Mia," "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do," "Fernando," "Take A Chance On Me," and "Dancing Queen" (ABBA's sole U.S. chart-topper and first promotional-only 12" single), further honing their lush, buoyant sound; by the spring of 1976, they were already in position to issue their first "Greatest Hits" collection.

ABBA's popularity continued in 1977, when both "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "The Name of the Game" dominated airwaves. The group also starred in the feaure film "ABBA-The Movie," which was released in 1978. That year Andersson and Lyngstad married, as had Ulvaeus and Faltskog in 1971, although the latter couple separated a few months later; in fact, romantic suffering was the subject of many songs on the quartet's next LP, 1979's "Voulez-Vous." "Voulez-Vous" was the groups second promotional-only 12" single. Shortly after the release of 1980's "Super Trouper," which contained the double-sided hit promotional-only 12" single of "On And On And On" and "Lay All Your Love On Me" (which thanks to a Disconet Remix propelled them to number one in the clubs.) Andersson and Lyngstad divorced as well, further straining the group dynamic. "The Visitors," issued the following year, yielded yet another promotional-only 12" single of the title track, and was the final LP of new ABBA material. The release of "Abba-The Singles The First Ten Years" contained two new tracks "The Day Before You Came" and "Under Attack" and the foursome officially disbanded in late 1982.

Although all of the group's members soon embarked on new projects & both Lyngstad and Faltskog issued solo LPs, "Somethings Going On" and "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" respectively, while Andersson and Ulvaeus collaborated with Tim Rice on the musical "Chess" � none proved as successful as the group's earlier work, largely because throughout much of the world, especially Europe and Australia, the ABBA phenomenon never went away.

Repackaged hits compilations and live collections continued hitting the charts long after the group's demise, and new artists regularly pointed to the quartet's inspiration: while the British dance duo Erasure released a covers collection, "ABBA-esque," an Australian group called Bjorn Again found success as ABBA impersonators. In 1993, "Dancing Queen" became a staple of U2's "Zoo TV" tour � Andersson and Ulvaeus even joined the Irish superstars onstage in Stockholm, while the 1995 feature "Muriel's Wedding," which won acclaim for its depiction of a lonely Australian girl who seeks refuge in ABBA's music, helped bring the group's work to the attention of a new generation of moviegoers and music fans.

ABBA recently turned down an offer of one billion dollars (yes, one billion) to reform for a 2000 world tour. Instead, Benny and Bjorn unveiled a new musical set to ABBA's music to great success entitled "Mamma Mia!"

Today, I'm posting every song that charted by this group. First off, three songs from the SUPER TROUPER LP. Billboard listed all three as one entry. They also listed the LP as the source so today's post is all LP Versions. You all probably have these versions but since it charted I'm posting it.

Taken from the orginal LP Super Trouper on Atlantic 16023
Lay All Your Love On Me - 4:34
Super Trouper - 4:14
On And On And On - 3:40
Songs charted on January 24, 1981. Spent 28 weeks on the chart and reached #1

ABBA - Visitors - When All Is Said And Done

2007-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today's second post comes from ABBA's last LP together as a band. Billboard, also, listed these songs as from the LP and as one listing. These were the only songs by ABBA to chart on Billboards Dance/Disco Charts. ENJOY

Taken from the original LP Visitors on Atlantic 19332
Visitors - 5:48
When All Is Said And Done - 3:14

Songs charted on January 23, 1982. Spent 21 weeks on the chart and reached #8

Expose - Tell Me Why

2007-09-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Formed in 1984, Miami-based Exposé (originally X-Posed) was the brainchild of dance music producer Lewis A. Martinee. The all-girl trio consisted of Sandra “Sandee” Casanas, Aléjandra “Alé” Lorenzo and Laurie Miller.

After just two singles, “Exposed To Love” and “Point Of No Return,” both of which became major club hits, Exposé split up. Alé and Sandee embarked on solo careers, and Sandee had great club success with her solo album “Only Time Will Tell”, which included the dance smash “Notice Me”.

When it came time to record a third single, “Come Go With Me” , an entirely new lineup, Ann Curless, Jeanette Jurado and Gioia Bruno, was brought together by Martineé.

The album “Exposure” was released in 1986 and sold over two-million copies and reached the top 20. The album was released with the original versions of Point Of No Return and Exposed To Love, with the vocals of Alé Lorenzo et al intact. Martineé chose to re-record and re-release Point Of No Return with the new vocalists, and the song was a hit.

Exposé released a second successful album in 1989, What You Don't Know, and had many more hits. But in 1992 Gioia left the trio due to health reasons. She was replaced by Kelly Moneymaker for a self-titled release later that same year, but the album didn't make much of an impact and the group broke up.

Gioia has since released several solo singles and a solo album, called Expose This.

Taken from the original 12" single on Arista 9918
Tell Me Why (Extended Version) - 6:37
Song charted on January 13, 1990. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and reached #3

B-52's - Party Mix (all cuts)

2007-09-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

TAKEN FROM THE OFFICAL B-52'S WEB SITE.....

It has been said that the B-52's are as quintessentially American as the Beach Boys. And thirty years and over twenty million albums into their career, they remain the among the most beloved rock stars ever. Known as “the world’s greatest party band,” the B-52’s have attracted legions of faithful, fun-seeking fans with their unique sound and electrifying stage show.

Formed on an October night in 1976 following drinks at an Athens, GA, Chinese restaurant, the band played their first gig at a friend's house on Valentine's Day 1977. Naming themselves after Southern slang for exaggerated 'bouffant" hairdos, the newly-christened B-52's (Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Ricky Wilson) began weekend road trips to New York City for gigs at CBGB's and a handful of other venues. Before long, their thrift store aesthetic and genre-defying songs were the talk of the post-punk underground. A record deal soon followed and their self-titled debut disc, produced by Chris Blackwell, sold more than 500,000 copies on the strength of their first singles, the garage rock party classic "Rock Lobster," and "52 Girls." The B-52's had tapped into a growing audience for new music that was much larger than anyone could have anticipated. “We’ve always appealed to people outside the mainstream,” says Kate Pierson, “and I think more people feel they’re outside the mainstream these days.”

With the release of their second studio effort, Wild Planet (1980), the B-52's and co-producer Rhett Davies proved their success was no fluke with hits with "Private Idaho," "Give Me Back My Man" and "Strobe Light." In just two albums, the B-52's created a lexicon of songs, styles, phrases and images which would set the standard for the development of the 'alternative music scene.' The success of Mesopotamia, produced by David Byrne (1982), and Whammy! (1983) positioned the B-52's as MTV regulars as well as alternative radio staples.

At the time of their greatest achievements, however, they suffered their greatest tragedy — the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson from AIDS. "He really had a vision…," said sister Cindy Wilson. "He was one of the strongest elements of the B-52's from the beginning." Ricky Wilson's passing in 1985 came just after the sessions for Bouncing Off The Satellites (1986). The album, dedicated to Wilson, had taken nearly three years to complete but was worth the wait, serving up the fan favorites "Summer of Love" and "Wig." After a period of mourning, Keith, switching from drums to guitar, gradually resumed writing music for a new album. Working together on vocal melodies, lyrics and arrangements for the new tracks, Keith, Kate, Fred and Cindy re-emerged with the Don Was/Nile Rodgers co-produced Cosmic Thing (1989). The album yielded their first-ever Hot 10 hits — "Love Shack" and "Roam" and a Top 40 hit with "Deadbeat Club." Its success propelled the band to international superstardom.

After an exhaustive 18-month tour in support of Cosmic Thing, Cindy amicably left the band. "I'd been a B-52 for a long time, and it just felt like time for a change," said Cindy. Before long, Wilson had successfully completed her first solo project — a baby girl. Meanwhile, Kate collaborated with other artists, including Athens compatriots R.E.M., for whom she guest-starred on their 1991 album Out of Time. She also scored a hit with fellow CBGB's alum Iggy Pop on his lovelorn duet "Candy." Fred, meanwhile started work on a solo project, Just Fred (1996), with producer Steve Albini, his second solo project following the release of 1984’s Fred Schneider and the Shake Society.

As a trio, Fred, Keith and Kate re-enlisted the tag team of Was and Rodgers to produce the energetic Good Stuff (1992). With its popular title cut and concert favorite "Is That You Mo-Dean?," the album stands as the group's most overtly political album. "We're out there to entertain people," said Fred, "but it's great to get people thinking and dancing at the same time."

In 1998, reuniting permanently with Cindy, the B-52's wrote and recorded two new tracks that fit perfectly into Time Capsule, a stellar collection of greatest hits. The first single from the collection, "Debbie" was a metaphorical tribute to band friend and supporter Debbie Harry and the whole CBGB's scene of the late '70s. With the release of the two-disc collection Nude on the Moon: the B-52's Anthology (2002), the B-52's took much-deserved credit for a body of work that is unique, beloved and timeless in its own way. The B-52's have always cut a wide path through much of so-called 'modern rock' — from the low-fi efforts of nouveau garage bands to the retro-hip of ultra-lounge, to the very core of dance music itself. "We've always just done our own thing, which is a combination of rock 'n 'roll, funk, and Fellini, and game show host, and corn, and mysticism," says Fred. “Maybe people are beginning to pick up on what we’ve been doing all along,” muses Keith. “The underlying message of the B-52’s is that it’s ok to be different.”

The B-52’s have just completed recording a brand new album, their first in 15 years, with producer Steve Osborne (KT Tunstall, New Order, Manic Street Preachers) and programmers Damian Taylor (Bjork) and Pete Davis (New Order). Set for an early 2008 release, it maintains the band’s classic party vibe, but with a more modern direction. "There's more electronica on it," he said. "It's up-tempo and a bit sexed-up. It's sexier than ever,” says Fred.

There’s no doubt that fans are looking forward to this new release. Thirty years into their career, the B-52’s continue to keep the party going, serving up their own unique blend of music and showmanship to millions of people worldwide, and with no signs of slowing down.

This mini-album is one of the first REMIX albums to chart on Billboards Top 200 Album chart. This album, reaching #55 on the Top 200 chart, contains 6 remixes of previous songs. Side 1 contains 3 songs from "Wild Planet", while side 2 contains 3 songs from their debut album "The B-52's" Enjoy

Songs taken from the original LP PARTY MIX on Warner 3595
Download PARTY MIX in one zip file
A1. Party Out Of Bounds - 5:12
A2. Private Idaho - 4:04
A3. Give Me Back My Man - 7:02
B1. Lava - 6:08
B2. Dance This Mess Around - 2:59
B3. 52 Girls - 2:58
Entire LP charted on August 29, 1981. Spent 4 weeks on the chart and reached #55

Al Downing - I'll Be Holding On

2007-09-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Al Downing was born on January 9, 1940 in Cetralia, Oklahoma. Exposed to both R&B and country music as a boy, he taught himself piano on an instrument he found on a rubbish dump. in 1940. In 1958 he took the unusual step, for the time, by joining a whit group called "The Rhythm Rockers", led by Bobby Brant. After changing their name to "The Poe Kats", which also featured country great Buck Owens, they recorded a regionally successful hit called "Down on the Farm"

Just after they recoded that song, the group was signed to sing backup for Wanda Jackson, for whom they played during most of 1958. Some of the songs they appeared on were "Let's Have A Party", "Right Or Wrong" and "In The Middle Of A Heartache".

While Downing enjoyed moderate success with his recording of the Marty Robbins song, "Story Of My Life", his early recording contracts did little for his career. Finally, in 1974, he had his first big hit with the club classic "I'll Be Holding On" which made it to the R&B Chart and disco chart.

Billboard listed the source for this song as the 45 single which also happens to be the "DISCO VERSION" Unique for it's time, since it ran over 5 minutes, today's post has an insistent guitar hook that had clubbers cutting the rug and made this a northern soul favorite. One thing to note is that the single lists the time of this song at 5:35 but actually runs for :13 longer at 5:48. It is also the first and last time he appeared on the Dance Chart.

Taken from the original 7" single on Chess 2158
I'll Be Holding On (Disco Version) - 5:48
Song charted on November 16, 1974. Spent 21 weeks on the chart and reaching #1

Cate Bros. - Union Man

2007-09-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

The Cate Brothers are the singer-songwriter-musician duo of twins Earl and Ernie Cate, brothers born in Fayetteville, AK on December 26, 1942. In the mid 1960's, they became performers of southern soul music at clubs and dances throughout the regional South of the United States. Both brothers are singers, with Earl on guitar and Ernie on piano. They became prolific recording artists during the mid to late 1970s, and again since the mid 1990s.

In their 1950's Fayetteville hometown, where rock pioneer Ronnie Hawkins had also grown up during the 1940's, Hawkins owned and operated the Rockwood Club. There, some of Rock music's earliest pioneers came to play, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Conway Twitty.

During the late 1950's the Cates associated with Hawkins and his original band members in Arkansas, known as the Hawks, including Hawks drummer Levon Helm. After 1958, Helm and Hawkins left, and settled in Canada, where they went on to form the core of the group The Band.

In 1975 Levon Helm introduced the Cates to a record company representative in Los Angeles. The Cates, soon after, received a recording contract with Asylum Recods, and so began their recording career.

Their 1975 debut self-titled album was produced by guitarist Steve Crooper, who also appeared on the record along with Levon Helm, Donald "Duck" Dunn and Poco bass guitarist Timothy B Schmit, who later joined the Eagles. Today's post was from this LP.

Two more albums followed in 1976 and 1977.

In 1979 they reached a wide audience when they appeared on the PBS music television program Austin City Limis, taped in December of the prior year.

In 1979 the brothers released their fourth and final album of the period, Fire on the Tracks, which reached number 24 on the album charts that year from the success of the single "Union Man." That single was one of the songs the brothers had performed during the Austin City Limits television show, leading up to the album's release.

During the 1980s the band's recording career went on hiatus, though they remained a popular touring act around the southern country rock and blues circuit of the Tennessee and Arkansas region.

In the early 1980s, the brothers joined Levon Helm on tour for a reconstructed version of The Band, without guitarist Robbie Robertson, and also worked with blues singer Maria Muldaur.

The Cate Brothers resumed recording in the mid 1990s, on a series of independent label albums.

Billboard listed this song as from the 7" single and not the LP so that is the version included here today. This is also the only time they appeared on the dance chart.

Taken from the oringinal 7" single on Asylum 45294
Union Man - 4:48
Song charted on January 31, 1976. Spent 2 weeks on the chart and reached #19

Visage - Moon Over Moscow / Tar

2007-09-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

The new romantic dance-rock group from England known as Visage. The memebers consisted of Steve Harrington (vocals), Midge Ure, John McGeoch (guitar), Billy Currie (violin), Dave Formula (keyboards), And Rusy Egan (drums). Ure and Currie were later members of Ultravox.

Visage signed to Radar Records and released their first single, "Tar" (which was originally composed whilst Steve was in 'The Photons') in September 1979.

The following year saw the release of their self-titled debut album, which sold extremely well and raised the band's popularity mainly because of the single "Fade to Grey". The single quickly became a huge hit, went to number one in 21 countries and marked an imminent commercial breakthrough for electronic music and the whole New Romantic movement, for which the first Visage album became a kind of soundtrack.

Billboard, for some reason, listed both songs as one entry on the Dance Chart. There were no 12" singles for either of these tracks, so Billboard listed the LP as the source. These versions are included in today's post.

Even though club's would play other Visage songs, including "Night Train" and "Pleasure Boys", this was the only time that Visage made this chart.

Songs taken from the original LP VISAGE on Polydor 6304
Moon Over Moscow - 4:00
Tar - 3:31
Both songs charted on January 10, 1981. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #40

Go West - Eye To Eye

2007-09-07T07:01:00.001-07:00

The british duo of Peter Cox and Richard Drummie called themselves Go West. Formed in 1982, they quickly had a publishing deal and possessed a porastudio, but, lacked a band or recording company. With the support of their manager, John Glover, the two recorded two demo tracks ("We Close Our Eyes" & "Call Me"). These songs landed them a recording contract with Chrysalis Records. Both songs, also, landed them their first two pop hits in America and they never looked back.

They contributed their biggest hit to date to the Pretty Woman soundtrack called "King Of Wishful Thinking". This song gave them their only top 10 as it peaked at#8 in the spring of 1990. Currently, the two is still touring and recording.

Today's track comes from the duo's debut LP Go West. This song gave them their third and final appearance on the dance chart.

Taken from the original 12" single on Chrysalis 42900
Eye To Eye (Horizontal Mix) - 5:10
Song charted on September 28, 1985. Spent 4 weeks on the chart and reached #32

Various Artists Compilation - Philadelphia Classics

2007-09-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

If you have been an avid reader of this blog, you know that Billboard magazine did not chart only 12" singles for the Dance/Disco chart, but they also included 7" singles and full LP's. Today I pulled out one of those entire LP's . It's a great double LP compilation from 1978.

Philadelphia Classics is a compilation of the great Philly sound of the mid-late 70's. It is also sort of a label sampler, since every artist on this compilation was with Philadelphia International. All songs on this compilation were mixed by Tom Moulton, who isn't credited on the LP issue. Some of the longer versions, like MFSB - Love Is The Message, were created especially for this release.
The original press of this was in a gatefold sleeve, while the repress had the 2x12" vinyl together in one sleeve.

Taken from the original double LP on Philadelphia International 34940
Download entire LP in one Zip file
A1. MFSB - Love Is The Message - 11:27
A2. MFSB - TSOP (Sound Of Philadelphia) - 5:42
B1. Three Degrees - Dirty Ol' Man - 8:17
B2. O'Jays - I Love Music - 9:39
C1. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Don't Leve Me This Way - 11:00
C2. O'Jays - Love Train - 6:14
D1. Intruders - I'll Always Love My Mama - 9:41
D2. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Bad Luck - 8:00
Entire LP charted on January 7, 1978. Spent 1 week on the chart and reached #34

Mister President - Coco Jamboo

2007-09-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Mr. President is a dance group consisting of German-born vocalists Judith Hildebrandt (T-Seven aka T) who left the project in 2000, Daniela Haak (Lady Danii aka Lady Dany aka Danii) who also appeared in Kai Matthiesen's project "Reset feat. Danii", and rapper Sir Prophet Of Funk, who was kicked out of the project when the two girls refused to work with him anymore because of his attitude after the success of "Up 'n' Away". He was replaced with rapper Delroy Rennalls (Lazy Dee aka Lazy). When Judith left, a female singer called Nadia took her spot, but she didn't stay for long. Her part was eventually given to Myra who did background-vocals for Mr. President before and was also involved to the project "Paffendorf".

Released in 1997, this is the only time the group charted in the US. I can't believe it's been 10 years.

I feel this song was ahead of it's time. It's got a nice African grove, basic lyrics and a catchy hook. (I still don't know what a Coco Jamboo is or what it means).

Song taken from the original promotional 12" single on Warner Bros.
Coco Jamboo (Extended Version) - 5:45
Song charted on August 2, 1997. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #17

Poussez - Poussez!

2007-09-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Poussez (pronouced poo-Say) is the studio disco group assembled by Alphonse Mouzon. One of the steamier disco groups of all time. (This has to be one of my all, time, favorite, disco, groups.)

Poussez debuted in 1979 with their first album, aptly titled, Poussez!, on the Vanguard label. The album contained only 4 tracks but, they were such, huge, hits in the clubs that, 3 of them were released as 12" singles. You're All I Have, was the only song missing this distinction but, not by much. A great Disco classic by itself, it was merely overshadowed by the popularity of the other tracks. All the tracks, however, only charted from the LP according to Billboard magazine. Alphonse Mouzon's, wife, according to one source, provided the steamy, moany, vocals on the track, "Come On And Do It".

Poussez went on to release only one more album in 1980.

Taken from the original LP on Vanguard 79412
One zip file DOWNLOAD ENTIRE LP
A1. Come On And Do It - 7:38
A2. Boogie With Me - 7:54
B1. You're All I Have - 8:40
B2. Never Gonna Say Goodbye - 7:43
Entire LP charted on April 14, 1979. Spent 23 weeks on the chart and reached #15

Paula Abdul - Crazy Cool

2007-08-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

You all know her from "American Idol". The ex-Laker cheerleader from San Fernando, California.

She has done alot since being a cheerleader. (And you all thought cheerleaders were BIMBOS) :-) Since breaking into the music scene, Paula Abdul has choreographed the video for Janet Jackson's Control and Tracy Ullman's TV show. In 1988, she released her debut album with great acceptance. The follow-up was OK. But, In 1995, the LP she released, Head Over Heels, simply flopped.

There was, however, two highlights on this LP. The songs My Love Is For Real, which reached #28 on the pop chart, and Crazy Cool, which reached #58.

The remixes to both these song were accepted by clubs nation wide and produce 2 big dance songs for Paula Abdul. Today, I'm posting the lesser known of the two, CRAZY COOL. The video for this song was deemed "TOO HOT" for MTV. I don't understand why, since, they didn't even play videos anymore at this time.

Song taken from the original 12" single on Captive/Virgin 38510
Crazy Cool (Deep Dish's Crazy Cool Remix) 10:08
Song charted on September 23, 1995. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #13

Martha & The Muffins - Black Stations-White Stations

2007-08-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

The rock group, out of Toronto, consisted of Martha Johnson and Mark Gane. The name, Martha & The Muffins, was chosen to distance themselves from the aggressive names of many punk bands of the era. According to Mark, it was to be a temporay name until they could agree on something better, but, it ended up sticking for over 7 years.

Over the years, they had numerous personel changes. One member, Jocelyn Lanois, is the sister of Daniel Lanois who is a noted producer of U2 & Peter Gabriel.

In 1984, Martha & the Muffins shortened their name to M+M and released Mystery Walk. This LP gave them their biggest hit. (which is todays post.) It is an anti-racist anthem whose first verse took radio stations to task for refusing to play songs about mixed-race romances. It is ironic that radio stations of the time banned the song from being played on the airwaves. Clubs, however, kept playing the song over and over and it eventually reached #2.

Song taken from the original 12" single on RCA 13802
Black Stations/White Stations (Remix) 6:22
Song charted on May 12, 1984. Spent 16 weeks on the chart and reached #2

Alisha - All Night Passion

2007-08-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

With confidence, maturity and an indisputably powerful voice, Alisha stands out as one of music's most dynamic artist. She became a pioneer in the music industy by achieving a successful music career by the age of fifteen. By doing this, Alisha has inspired and paved the way for many of today's young female artists.

This US electronic dance music singer hailed from Brooklyn, New York. In self-titled debut, produced by Mark Berry, was released in 1984. This LP has got to be her best LP to date. It sold over 2 million copies, produced 3 dance floor hits, yet, failed to reach the Top 200 LP chart. Don't ask me how this could be, but it's true.

Today's post is the first release from this LP. "All Night Passion" reached the whopping #103 spot on Billboard's Bubbling under chart. The dance floor had a better reception however, reaching the top 10 during the spring of '84. This was the first of seven hits by Alisha to reach the dance chart, 5 of which reaching the top 10.

Today, Alisha is trying to make a comeback after she took time off to raise a family. Most recently, she has re-recorded this single and released a Hi-NRG version.

Song taken from the original 12" single on Vanguard 72
All Night Passion (Club Mix) - 6:45
Song charted on March 10, 1984. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and reached #4

Red Flag - Count To Three / Give Me Your Hand

2007-08-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Red Flag is a Duo originating from Liverpool, England. The group consisted of brothers Mark & Chris Reynolds, who, in 1979, moved to San Diego.

They first started playin electronic music in 1982, when Mark bought a Roland JUNO-60. They started recording under the name Shades Of May. During 1984, after they recieved offers to play live, the two began to study music and computer technology. During this time, they changed the name to Red Flag. Many would associated this with the flag of the Soviet Union. The brothers, however, insisted that it was taken from a surfers warning flag.

After their first release in 1988, the band was critisized as being a Depeche Mode knock off. I feel however their sound is alot darker and more meaningful than Depeche Mode's.

Today's post is the fourth time the group made and dance chart. At the time, Billboard listed both songs on the 12" as one chart position. On the original 12", Razormaid Remix Service contributed 2 songs, which, I'm including in today's post.

Taken from the original 12" single on Enigma 75545
Count To Three (Razormaid Remix) - 6:48
Give Me Your Hand (Razormaid Mix) - 6:53
Songs charted on June 16, 1990. Spent 9 weeks on the chart and reached #13

Rodney Dangerfield - Rappin Rodney

2007-08-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Rodney Dangerfield was born Jacob Cohen on 11/22/21 in Babylon, Long Island, New York. He was a popular stand-up comedian/actor who coined the phrase "Gets no respect".

He did, however, get lots of respect, with his stand up routine. (He always get me laughing with his one-liners.) He took his stand-up routine to the dancefloor in 1984. Todays post is all about his one liners and just makes me laugh.

I've never seen anybody post this song on the internet. Maybe they just forgot about it. Maybe they never heard it. Well what ever the reason, I'm posting it today in the entire 12" version. Enjoy

Taken from the original 12" single on RCA 13657
Rappin' Rodney (Long Version) - 5:06
Song charted on January 7, 1984. Spent 3 weeks on the chart and reached #70

Eurythmics - 17 Again

2007-08-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

After almost twelve years from the chart, Annie Lennox and David Stewart made a huge comeback in 1999. That was the year that they released their CD "Peace". This album was produced following their first performance together in eight years at a record company party. David and Annie were approached by their label to write some new songs, with the intention of them being released on another greatest hits package. After writing several of the key tracks that would eventually make their way onto the album, the duo decided to go and make a full-length new record.

This album was a more acoustic and quieter album than their previous releases and was largely seen as part of the 80's revival seen of the late 90's. It managed to crack the top 20 in the UK and reached #25 on the Billboard Album chart.

The lead off single from this album, I Saved The World Today reached #11 on the UK Singles chart, but, failed to even crack the Top 100 in the US. However, the follow up single, which is today feature post, exploded on the dance chart in the US thanks to some awesome remixes by Thunderpuss and Peter Rauhofer.

Today's post is taken from the Thunderpuss Remixes 12"

Taken from the Arista Promo 12"
17 Again (Thunderpuss Vocal Remix) - 9:37
Song charted on November 27, 1999. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Click here to check out the video

Eric Clapton - (I) Get Lost

2007-08-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Do I need to say anything about this artist???. Yes, it's true, Mr. Slowhand, himself, charted on the Dance chart. It was his first and only time with this gem. Originally from the 1999 LP Clapton Chronicles, I don't think anybody thought this would be released. Then the remixes came out and people went crazy over this song. This has got to be one of my favorite songs of all time.

Taken from the original 12" single on Reprise 44783
I Get Lost (David Morales Club Mix) 8:11
Song charted on December 18, 1999. Spent 13 weeks on the chart and reached #8

Flash & The Pan - Midnight Man

2007-08-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Australian duo, Flash & the Pan, consisted of George Young & Harry Vanda. Both use to be in the group Easybeat in the 60's. With that group, they charted in the Top 40 with the song Friday On My Mind.

After Easybeat split, the duo went on to write and produce for other artists such as David Bowie, Peter Frampton, Blondie, Rod Stewart, among others. Then, when George's younger brothers Angus and Malcolm started a group, he help launch AC/DC.

In The 80's the duo went New Wave and had a few minor hits with Hey St. Peter and Media Man. In 1985 they released Midnight Man and became a quick dance floor favorite. Here it is in it's entirety.

Taken from the original 12" single on Epic 05188
Midnight Man (Extended Version) 6:56
Song charted on February 9, 1985. Spent 9 weeks on the chart and reached #19

Stone - Time

2007-08-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

A top 10 club hit in the early 80's. This was the only time that the group Stone charted. I'm suprised at this since this this old school disco funker has a killer bassline and stabbing synth riffs that still sounds as good today as they did back in '82.

I could not find any information on this group anywhere on the web. If someone knows anything on this group, feel free to leave me a comment. I would enjoy reading more about them. I would also like to know if they attempted any other releases other than this one.

Taken from the original 12" single on West End 22139
Time (Original 12" Version) 7:27
Song charted on January 30, 1982. Spent 18 weeks on the chart and reached #9

Snatch - Another Brick In The Wall

2007-08-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

Yes, another Pink Floyd remake. This time it's by the group Snatch. A funny detail about this record, the vocoder answers "Yes, you need an education". I don't know if it's meant as dark sarcasm or as a serious comment.

The only information I could find on this record is that it was produced by Geoffrey Chung. He was also the person who produced Maxi Priest's Close To You.

Even though it didn't have a big impact on the dance floor, I feel it is a great cover version. It's the first and last time they appeared on any of the Billboard charts. Enjoy.

Taken from the original 12" single on Millennium 11793
Another Brick In The Wall (Original 12" Version)
Song charted on September 27, 1980. Spent 7 weeks on the chart and reached #77

Hipsway - Honeythief

2007-08-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

The pop group from Scotland, Hipsway, consisted of Graham Skinner (vocals), Pim Jones (guitar), John McElhone (bass) and Harry Travers (drums). Johnny who was formerly with Altered Images formed the band in 1984, and quicly their music was characterised by deep vocals and tight guitar playing. In 1985, they were signed with Mercury, in the UK, and Columbia, in the US, and released their self-titled debut. After the sucess of this LP, McElhone left to form the band Texas (remember I Don't Want A Lover). They finally released their second LP in 1989. Shortly after, the band went their seperate ways.

Today's post was the third single off their debut. The first two, Broken Years and Ask The Lord, failed to crack the US chart. This song, however, was a top 20 pop hit in both the UK and US. With their first appearance on the dance chart, it broke the top 10.

Taken from the original 12" single on Columbia 05988
Honeythief (Extended Version) 4:36
Song charted on February 21, 1987. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #9

Rosebud - have A Cigar

2007-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Rock goes Disco!!! That's the slogan for the day with today's post.

Remember Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar"? Of course you do!!!! Well did you know a disco group called Rosebud covered this tune in 1979. This is the only time they charted on any of Billboard's charts.

I don't know anything about this group except that it's a fun song to listen to.

Taken from the original 12" single on Warner 8784

Have A Cigar 6:27
Song charted on April 14, 1979. Spent 19 weeks on the chart and reached #4

Dead Or Alive - Youthquake (All Cuts)

2007-08-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

In the early days of the Dance Disco chart, Billboard magazine would not only list 12" singles but also 7" singles and Full LP's. Todays post is one of the few times that Billboard listed the entire LP.

Released in 1985 "Youthquake" was one of the best selling albums of that year. Every song on this LP is a must have for the dance floor.

Three songs from this LP charted seperately as a 12" single (You Spin Me Round, Lover Come Back To Me & My Heart Goes Bang), but, in August of 1985, clubs played the entire LP so often the whole LP charted. As a result....here is todays post.

YOUTHQUAKE
A1. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)
A2. I Wanna Be A Toy
A3. DJ Hit That Button
A4. In Too Deep
A5. Big Daddy Of The Rhythm
B1. Cake And Eat It
B2. Lover Come Back To Me
B3. My Heart Goes Bang
B4. It's Been A Long Time

LP Charted on August 17, 1985. Spent 5 weeks on the chart and reached #30

Deep Dish w/ Everything But The Girl - Future Of The Future

2007-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Iranians can dance???? I didn't think so either until Deep Dish came along. The Washington DC based production duo of Ali Shirazinia & Sharam Tayebi were both born in Iran. Moving to America in the early 90's, they established themselves as one of the most top-flight producers & DJ.

First rising to prominence after the release of Junk Science in 1998, they have spent their time trotting around the glove creating celebrated remixes. Some of their work can be heard on Nitzer Ebb's Control I'm Here Dubfire Remixes. They even worked with Paul Van Dyke, Dido, Timo Maas, Justin Timberlake & Depeche Mode (just to name a few). In 2002, the two landed themselves their first Grammy for the remix of Dido's Thank You.

This post is the only time they appeared on the Dance Disco chart with one of their own songs. It is a collaboration with Everything But The Girl. Remember them? What happened to Everything But The Girl. In 1998, this song really packed them in on the dance floor.

Taken from the original 12" single on Arista 13566
Future Of The Future (Stay Gold) (Main Mix) 9:28
Charted on October 10, 1998. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #1

Watch the video

Boomtang Boys - Popcorn

2007-08-09T06:43:00.001-07:00

The Boomtang Boys are an electronic production trio from Toronto, Canada, consisting of brothers Paul and Tony Grace with Rob DeBoer. They are one of Canada's most popular remix outfits creating remixes for Canadian non-dance artists such as The Philosopher Kings, Bif Naked, Cory Hart and Ashley MacIsaac. In 2002 they changed their name to just Boomtang since Paul Grace left the group.

In 1999 they finally made a splash in the US with the release of Popcorn. This song is a remake of the 1972 top 10 single by Hot Butter. It even incorporates a computer generated voice saying POPCORN. This was the first and only time the Boomtang Boys appeared on the US dance charts. It a fun little ditty. Hope you enjoy it.

Taken from the original Virgin Canadian Import
Popcorn (Like Butta Mix) 5:24
Song charted on February 13, 1999. Spent 9 weeks on the chart and reached #26

Hues Corporation - I Caught Your Act

2007-08-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

In 1994, Hues Corporation's #1 pop song "Rock the Boat" is considered one of the first commercially successful "Disco" songs. In 1977, they saw their highest position on the Disco chart with today's post.

Formed in 1969 in L.A, their name was taken as a pun on the Playboy corporation owned by Howard Hughes. They consisted of Hubert Ann Kelly, St. Clair Lee and Flemming Williams. Tommy Brown eventually replaced Williams and he can be heard on this track. They finally called it a day in 1978.

I Caught Your Act, the title track of their 1977 LP, was their third appearance on the Disco chart and was greeted on the dance floor with great success. It peaked at #3, however, radio didn't like and would not play it. It only peaked at #92 on the pop chart.

I feel this was one of their better efforts. It comes very close to the polished sound of Rock The Boat. Let me know your thoughts on this song.

Taken from the original 12" single on Warner Brothers 8400
I Caught Your Act (Disco Mix) 4:30
Song charted on April 9, 1977. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and reached #3

Wink - Higher State Of Consciousness

2007-08-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

Wink is electronic musician/producer Josh Wink. A native of Philadelphia, he was a pioneering DJ in the American rave sene in the early 90's.

He was the most prominent exponent of the tribal forms of technow and house in the US. His current style is a mixture of techno, acid, house, and drum and bass.

Todays post topped the dance floor in Europe and reached the top 10 in America. It's a song that everyone knows. I call it the R2-D2 Orgasm Song. Listen to found out why.

Taken from the original 12" single on Strictly Rhythm 12321
Higher State Of Consciousness (Tweekin Acid Funk) 6:15
Song charted on march 25, 1995. Spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached #10

Gayle Adams - Love Fever

2007-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Gayle Adams first broke on the scene in 1980 with the release of her self titled debut. In 1981, she stirred dancefloors with the LP "Love Fever", which included today's post.

The 12" single of "Love Fever" preceded the album. With it's urban funk appeal, it quickly shot up the club charts. It also faired well on the Urban Chart reaching #24.

Another song from her sophomore effort, Baby I Need Your Loving, received airplay at the clubs, yet never charted. Other than this song, no other song charted. With disco in a turmoil in the early 80's and her label, Prelude, at a loss on how to handle her success, she was forced out of what could have been a more successful career.

Here is Love Fever in it's entirety

Taken from the original 12" single on Prelude 618
Gayle Adams - Love Fever (Vocal Version) 7:07
Song charted on November 14, 1981. Charted for 16 weeks and reached #6

ATB - 9pm (Til I Come)

2007-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

ATB is German producer Andre Tanneberger. He was born in Freilberg in 1973. Earlier in his career he recorded under the aliases Andre Tanneberger, Danny Lee, Naughty A.T.

He has produced music, not only for the dance scene, but, stars like Heather Nova, Moby, William Orbit and Michael Cretu from Enigma has called on him. A-Ha even asked him to supplied remixes for them. Andre has also set up a production school, The School for Engineering and Audio Producing (SEAP), in Bochum. This school helps young producers find their way to a professional career.

Today's post put really put Andre over the top in the summer of 1999. As his first track as ATB, it reached the top of the UK charts and put him on the international scene. I still remember when this track came out. Every night it packed the dance floor and everybody wanted to know the name of the song I was spinning.

Song taken from the original double 12" single on Radikal 99004
Purchase the original 12" single here

9PM (Til I Come) (Sequential Remix) 6:09
Song charted on June 5, 1999. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and reached #7

Check out the video for this song

Genty - You Don't Know Like I Know

2007-08-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

This was a pop hit that peaked at #90 as recorded by Sam & Dave in 1966. Today, it is by Genty. By definition, Genty means neat or clean, that is exactly what this song is. Released in 1980, it sounds as good today as it did then.

This song was hard to find since it did so poorly on the charts and didn't sell well. It only peaked at #62. It is also the only time Genty saw any of their songs on the Billboard Dance Chart.

Song taken from the original 12" single
Purchase the original 12" single here

You Don't Know Like I Know 6:40
Song charted on December 27, 1980. Spent 7 weeks on the chart and reached #62

Abigail - Let The Joy Rise

2007-08-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Abigail aka Abigail Zsiga was born in England. This female singer has accomplished alot during her career. Here is the biography of Abigail according to her web site.

Abigail Zsiga used to get into trouble for sneaking vinyl out of her father's record collection. While her classmates were busy listening to Wham and Madonna, Abigail was educating herself with Carole King, James Taylor, Squeeze and Supertramp. While only 8 years old Abigail was asked to perform at her school's parent night. The connection she felt that night with her audience was so great that she realized her future could only be that of a singer and a songwriter – communicating her life through music and song.

Trained as a classical vocalist, she later began to experiment with other styles of music, seeking new opportunities while exploring and developing the deep, rich quality and texture that defines and distinguishes her voice. While still a teenager Abigail had her first chart success as a featured vocalist for the UK trance outfit, "The Love Decade". She then teamed up with British producer Ian Anthony Stephens and together they recorded her first full-length album, "Feel Good", which earned her awards for Best Album, Best Female Vocalist and Best New Artist.

Having achieved extraordinary success as a vocalist Abigail knew it was time to once again pursue her other passion; songwriting. Her first writing credit came with the release of “You Set Me Free” in 2000 on Strictly Rhythm Records. Abigail began to visit major publishing companies in search of collaborators with whom she could develop and refine her craft while determining her musical niche. Her art as a singer-songwriter was evolving and it was soon time to put together a collection of her songs which expressed her deepest thoughts, feelings and observations. Abigail’s long-awaited second album, “Home …again” is that stunning collection. It delivers a breathtaking journey of love, loss and triumph that surveys a huge range of emotions and experiences. The title track of the album, a touching tribute to her grandfather penned shortly after his death; the hauntingly beautiful “Songbird”, written at a time of deep personal turmoil; and the proven radio hit “Better With You”, co-written with Dimitri Ehrlich who also co-wrote Moby’s single ‘Where You End’; all prove that Abigail Zsiga’s authenticity is established by her principle that artistic creation establishes and maintains credibility.

In addition to her musical achievements Abigail is also an dedicated advocate for the human rights organization Justice for Children International who work to combat child sex trafficking through advocacy, prevention and aftercare.

Song taken from the original 12" single on Interhit 54035

Purchase the original 12" single here

Let The Joy Rise (Thunderpuss 2000 Club Mix) 8:03
Song charted on May 8, 1999. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and reached #9

Kraftwerk - Robotronik

2007-07-31T07:10:00.001-07:00

THE innovators of the electronic sound, Kraftwerk, formed in Dusseldorf Germany in 1971, consisted of Ralf Hutter, Florian Schneider, Klaus Roeder And Wolfgang Flur. The Kraftwerk sound combines a driving rhythm section with catchy, synthesized melodies and harmony; mainly following a classical style of arrangement accompanied by simple lyrics which are sometimes sung through a vocoder or generated by computer speech software. The Moog Synthesizer is heavily present in the majority of the group's works, adding to their signature sound creations. In the mid to late 70's & early 80's, the Kraftwerk sound was revolutionary for its time, and it has had a lasting impact across nearly all genres of modern pop music.

In 1991 the band released The Mix which featured newly arranged, re-recorded versions of a selection of songs which had originally appeared on the albums Autobahn through Electric Cafe. Hütter stated in interviews that he regarded this album as a kind of "live album", as it captured the results of the band's continual digital improvisations in their Kling Klang studio. The track sequence mostly followed the same order as they were performed in concerts.

The album met with a rather mixed reception on its release. Many were disappointed at the lack of new compositions and, moreover, the production values of the re-recorded tracks did not strike many listeners as particularly cutting edge, something which Kraftwerk had previously been renowned for. The Mix was created entirely digitally, albeit during a period when the technology had yet to reach its maturity, and thus featured a sound which many listeners tend to find somewhat "sterile" compared to the analogue electronics employed on most of Kraftwerk's previous recordings of these songs.

The album sleeve was somewhat obtuse in the information it offered. However, the reality was that longstanding members Wolfgang Flur & Karl Bartos had now left the band (although Bartos claimed in later interviews that much of his programming work was still featured on The Mix, uncredited).

All songs taken from the original 12" single on Elektra 66526
Purchase the original 12" single here

Kraftwerk - Robotnik (Kling Klang Extended Mix) 7:40
Kraftwerk - Robotronik (Kling Klang Mix) 4:52
Kraftwerk - Robots (Single Edit) 3:43
Song charted on Augus 17, 1991. Spent 4 weeks on the chart and reached #42

Check out the video for the remix....

Heavy D & The Boys - Mr. Big Stuff

2007-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Born In Queens, New York in 1967, Dwight Meyers is a rapper who was the former president of Uptown Records. What hasn't this guy done...read futher.

In 1987, Heavy D & The Boyz released their debut Living Large, which was a commercial success. It wasn't until 1989, when Big Tyme was released, that they really broke through to commercial sucess. That LP produced 4 hits including We Got Our Own Thing.

He also appeared in the movies Life & Cider House Rules. He was also in the TV show Boston Public and the sit com Tracy Morgan Show.

Today's post was taken from Heavy D & The Boys debut LP. This was the lead off single for that LP. On the dance chart, it faired OK with a respectable peak position of #26.

Song taken from the original 12" single on MCA 23691
Purchase the original 12" single here

Mr. Big Stuff (Extended Version) 4:57
Song charted on January 10, 1987. Spent 6 weeks on the chart and reached #26

Karen Young - Deetour

2007-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Karen Young was a disco singer best known for her dance floor smash "Hot Shot" from 1978. Born in Philadelphia on March 23, 1951. She met a shocking end in January 1991 when she died at age 39 from a bleeding ulser.

In the early 70's she performed with a group named "Sandd." Featuring local musicians Frank Gilckin on lead guitar, George Emertz on rythym guitar, Frank Ferraro on bass and Dennis Westman on drums. They had no recordings but were popular in clubs in the Philly and NJ area. One of their last gigs was at the Spectrum supporting The Rascals.

Today's post was the last time that Karen saw one of her songs make the Dance/Disco chart. It didn't fair too well with the clubbers at the time and only reached #34 in the summer of '82.

This song took me a long time to find and now the world won't have to wait to have it. Here is the promotional 12" Party Mix for Deetour

Song taken from the Original 12" Promo on Atlantic 333
Purchase the original 12" single here

Deetour (Party Mix) 8:22
Song charted on June 12, 1982. Spent 13 weeks on the chart and reached #34

Perfect Phase - Horny Horns

2007-07-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Another one hit wonder from the late 90's. Perfect Phase consisted of Freek Fontein & Willem Faber. They also recorded under the aliases Freak & Mac Zimms, Freespirit and Those 2.

This song was their only appearance on any of the Billboard charts. Peaking at #4 in 2000, it is a great dance song for those of you who love instrumental dance songs.

This song was taken from the original 12" single on Groovilicious 204

Purchace the original 12" single here

Horny Horns (Club Mix) 6:35
Song charted on December 25, 1999. Spent 14 weeks on the chart and peaked at #4

Avant Garde - Get Down

2007-07-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

"Get down, get all the way down. Get your feet back on the ground. That was Avant Garde's slogan at the end of the 90's.

Not much is know about this group. The only thing I could find anywhere was at Discogs.com. From that web site, Avant Garde consisted of DJ Maui, Jerry Ropero & Terri Bjerre.

This song was their only appearance on Billboard's Hot Dance/Disco chart. I'm suprised at this since their sound is very similar to that of Daft Punk. Maybe it was so similar that people thought is was them. Anyway, it was released in 1999 and was one of the biggest dance songs of that year peaking at #12. If you like Daft Punk, be sure to check out this song. It's one of my favorites!

Taken from the original 12" single on Groovilicious 200
Purchase the original 12" single here

Get Down (Club X-Tended) - 6:56
Get Down (Klubbheads Mix) - 6:20
Song charted on November 6, 1999. Spent 13 weeks on the chart and peaked at #12

Check out the video for Get Down (Again)

Avantgarde - Get Down (Again) - kewego

Avantgarde - Get Down (Again) - kewego
One of the biggest club tracks ever. "Get Down Put Your Feed Back On The Ground".

Jaydee - Plastic Dreams

2007-07-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Jaydee is actually Robin Albers. He was born in 1958 in the Netherlands. He began his career as a DJ in 1978 at age 20. In 1984 Jan Steeman of AVRO Radio offered him a contract and started a long career on national radio. That same year he started the Dutch mixing championships which came many of the stars today (DJ Jean, DJ Gizmo, Michel de Hey and many others).

In 1991 he started his own dance club, Binnenplaats, but, because of the success of today's post, he could not be there all the time and the club closed in 1994. In 1992 he was the first DJ to perform in Moscow.

Today's post will always have it's place in history in the club scene. EVERYONE knows this tune. It all started in late 1992-Early 1993 and it has scene several yearly remakes, several bootlegs and several mashups. But this time, it's legit. It's the original "Plastic Dreams" that started it all. Can it get any more real than that? BTW it's the only time this song OFFICIALLY CHARTED and the only appearance from Jaydee on the charts

From the original 12" single on Epic 74992
Purchase the original 12" single here
Jaydee - Plastic Dreams (Original 12" Long Version) 10:11
Song charted on May 22, 1993. Spent 12 weeks on the chart and peaked at #1

Prince - Let's Go Crazy / Erotic City

2007-07-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Prince sure was one in the eighties. Everything he seemed to touch turned to gold. If it was acting, writing songs, production work or releasing his own music, it was a sure hit. This post is no different.

Taken from one of the best movies of 1984, the second single from Purple Rain, spent a whopping 20 weeks on the chart and eventually peaking in the #1 spot. The flip side, a single only release until the A-side B-side greatest hits package, is still a dance floor filler to this day and one that people will be requesting for many years to come. A true party song.

You can check out the video for Let's Go Crazy here

Billboard listed both songs as one listing and I'm posting both today.

Taken from the original 12" single on Warner Bros. 20228
Purchase the original 12" single here

Let's Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix) - 7:35
Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive) 7:24

Both songs charted on August 18, 1984. Spent 20 weeks on the chart and peaked at #1

Blur - There's No Other Way

2007-07-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

Blur...what can I say? A band located in London, England with Damon Albarn (vocals), Graham Coxon (guitar), Alex James (bass), and Dave Rowntree (drums). Todays feature post, which is now widely critisized as a "Plastic Mancherster sounding song", was their second single from the LP Leisure and their first top 10 in England. In the US, barely cracking the Top 100, it reached #82.

Yet in the clubs, it heated up the dance floor. As their first chart appearance on the Dance chart, it peaked at #15, while spending 10 weeks on the chart. Both of today's posts were taken from the US 12" single on SBK 19747

Purchase the original 12" single here

There's No Other Way (Red Sleeve Mix) 5:01
There's No Other Way (Rock Mix) 5:36
Charted on November 9, 1991. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and peaked at #15

Check out the video for this on YouTube

EBN/OZN - AEIOU Sometimes Y

2007-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

EBN/OZN consisted of two males from New York. On synthesizer was Ned Liben (aka EBN) and the vocals were by Robert Rosen (OZN). They met when a friend of Rosen's girlfriend intorduced them.

In the early 80's, they started going to clubs together and listening to different types of dance music. Then got a record deal with Elektra with the release of their first single AEIOU Sometimes Y. An album, Feeling Cavalier, soon followed and their follow-up was released called Bag Lady (I Wonder). Soon after the album release, the duo went their seperate ways.

Liben went on to work with Scritti Politti and Rosen formed a studio group before leaving music altogether to become a screenwriter. In 1998 Liben died of a heart attack.

Today's post includes both of their songs to reach Billboard's dance chart.

Purchase the original 12" single here

AEIOU Sometimes Y (Long Version - Vocal) 7:38
Charted on July 30, 1983. Spent 10 weeks on the chart and reached #20

Check out the video for AEIOU here

EBN/Ozn - Bag Lady (I Wonder)

2007-07-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Purchase the original 12" single here

Bag Lady (I Wonder) (Extended Version) 6:35
Charted on March 3, 1984. Spent 8 weeks on the chart and reached #36
P.S. - Contact me if anyone has the Late Nite Version

Boys Don't Cry - I Wanna Be A Cowboy

2007-07-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

On December 28, 1985, Boys Don't Cry made their first, and only, appearance on Billboard's Hot Dance/Disco charts with a silly little song called I Wanna Be A Cowboy. Even though they only spent one month on the chart and reaching the #44 position, many people recognize this song song since it peaked at #12 on the Pop chart.

I don't know too much about this band other than they originated from England. Boy's Don't Cry (consisted of Nick Richards on vocals, Nico Ramsden on guitar, Brian Chatton on keyboards, Mark Smith on bass and the rhythm guy was Jeff Seopardi. They were discovered by the now famous Paul Oakenfold, who at the time was a talent scout for Profile Records.

The video for this song featured Lemmy from Motorhead (of all people). It is sooooo Kooky that it worth watching. Watch it here

I'm posting the Original 12" version from Profile 7084

Purchase the original 12" single here

I Wanna Be A Cowboy (12" Saddle Mix) 6:05

Double Exposure - Ten Percent

2007-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is the first "Commercially Available" 12" single produced. I felt it would be a great way to start this new blog.

Double Exposure was a disco group out of Philadelphia featuring James Williams, Leonard "Butch" Davis, Charles Whittington and Joseph Harris. They formed in 1968 under the name of United Image. As United Image, they recorded for Stax Records in the early 70's and released "African Bump". They then signed to Salsoul Records, thanks to their friend Norma Harris, who also produced their first three albums with Salsoul.

Ten Percent is the first release off their album Ten Percent. It charted on Billboard Hot Dance/Disco chart on April 17, 1976 and reached the #2 position. It stayed there for 6 of the 18 total weeks it spent on the chart. It is also the first of 5 songs to make the Billboard Hot Dance/Disco chart.

Purchase the original 12" single here

Ten Percent (Walter Gibbons Mix) - 9:45

Please tell me you comments/thoughts/reactions on this song.

Just Starting

2007-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is my new blog!!!! Dance lovers are some of the most passionate and active fans in all of music. Whether you're a fan of classic disco, new wave, post-punk, techno, rave, house, acid, electronica, trip-hop or any of the other numerous permutations of the above, it is my sincere hope that you will find this blog an invaluable spot in your favorites list.

During the summer of 1974, Billboard magazine started reporting on the large number of new discotheque clubs opening around the US. These clubs attracted a huge youth following with such songs as "Rock The Boat" by Hues Corporation and "Rock Your Baby" by George McCrae. (These two songs are often cited as the first commercially successful "DISCO" singles.) The first chart to appear in Billboard was October 26, 1974 and was based on audience response in New York clubs. That chart eventually splintered into a rotation of charts from other cities as well including but not limited to Atlanta, LA, San Fransisco, and Chicago. On August 28, 1976, Billboard introduce their first "National" chart called National Disco Action Top 30. This became a Top 40 chart on September 11, 1976, then to a Top 60 chart on April 7, 1979. The next week they released a Top 80 chart and continued this until September 8, 1979 with the Disco Top 100. Eventually it got reduced to a Top 50 chart on March 16, 1985 and has been that way until the present.

With this blog, I will start posting the songs that charted on the various Billboards Hot Dance/Disco Charts between 1974-2004. Also included will be little tid bits of each song. Hope you will find this blog one of your favorites and it is my sincere hope that it will satisfy your hunger to find out more about dance music and it's ever-evolving styles.

The first post will be here on Monday July 16, 2007. Please stay tuned.