Release The Pressure: Happy New Near!

We celebrate the end of this year with this amazing classic from Leftfield's "Release the Pressure" this was the showstopper among the many from their seminal release Leftism.  Hard to believe this is from 1995! 20 years later and still ever sounded so fresh and poignant! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year filled with love, peace and health. Enjoy!

My Love (Dubtribe Dub)

Disco Monk Glamjack wishes you a very Happy New Year filled with love, health and prosperity. Here one I picked up from the vaults which I renamed " Dubtribe Dub". It used to be Track 06 from a CD I did titled Mixology in 2003. You can hear my voice...."My Love". Enjoy!

Oh the memories

Late Autumn 15 Mix

Late Autumn '15 Mix by Dj Glamjack on Mixcloud

Here is a brand new mix for the Autumn. Enjoy it!

J'aime Paris

"Eiffel" Sharpie on Paper. Paris 2009

My heart goes out to the victims, families and to the beautiful city of Paris! Peace in the world! Here is the great Edith Piaf to soothe.  J'aime Paris!

Disco Reading: I'll Never Write My Memoirs

I have been reading Grace Jones' fabulous auto biography,  I'll Never Write My Memoirs which is so much fun  specially since it's written with so much warmth as if she would  be talking to you in her kitchen.  To celebrate her genius, here is "One Man Show" a film by Jean-Paul Goude which sums up her essence as a truly unique force to reckon with both musically and visually. Enjoy!

Look Me Up

Here is beautiful stunning disco classic by Blue Magic to get you through the Monday blues. The break is pure bliss thanks to the genius of Tom Moulton. Enjoy!

GIF Poetry

Here is an oldie fun gif I made out of some my drawings with some poetry. Enjoy

...Let the glamour of the truth and honesty be known as we fall into the Fall

So let the surplus and demand of the mind unfold

Circumferential ideas that unfold from your own cosmic core

as we deliver tangential individualism with or without control

singing and dancing to  the divine raptures that we choose to ignore

such emotional interventions that are yet to be told

Let me inspire you and make my day as I wait for your fantastic interventions

since we live in a parallel world do not be filled with limitations and

intimidations

Glam-minds are always hungry for more more more

temptations

Love,


Glamjack

From the vault: Vinyl Mix 016

Vinyl Mix 016 by Dj Glamjack on Mixcloud

From the vault...found this great mix.  Happy Saturday! Enjoy

That's the way love is

Happy Saturday! Here is a fierce rendition of the Ten City late eighties club classic "That's The Way Love Is" by Gloria Scott. I released a full length album in the early 70's. At first listen, I thought that this was the disco original and Ten City was doing a cover. But it seems this was released in 2010. Mystery. I'm loving this discofied version. Enjoy

An Existentialist Disco Chant by Glamjack

Here is an Existentialist take of a disco classic with spoken word and instrumentation added by yours truly.  Enjoy

Welcome back: Some Love

 

welcome back to the city. It has been a great time off catching up with family. Great to know that they were ok for the most part. So here is to an exciting rest of year with the one and only Chaka Khan's "Some Love". A true classic! Enjoy

Notice Me

Here is a new remix of Sandee's house classic "Notice Me". This song in it's original state is flawless and it's one of those songs that should be appreciated for it's purity and beauty. If you have ever experience this on a big the dance floor space consider yourself lucky! This treatment is very subversive, almost dub style but not quite. Enjoy!

and here is the "Shhhhhh....Suite" which is pretty much a continuation but on another plateau focusing on the brilliant Miles Davis! Enjoy

Disco TV: Voguing The Message

Without a doubt the last great American dance movement we've seen so far! Amazing

Rock To Rock

Happy Saturday! Here is an oldie that totally brought me back to the days living in Miami going roller skating as a teenager! It was released in 1983 on Street Wise Label. Brilliant! Enjoy

Disco TV: Ann Margret The Swinger Paint Dance

I'm loving this creative mess!

Disco TV: Rare Larry Levan 1989 video interview

A rare video interview from Larry Levan has recently emerged on YouTube from  what appears from Japan. This is incredible since there is very little footage out there of the man himself adding to his mystique. The video is sort of a  NYC documentary log/time capsule at capturing the dawn of the '80s dance music. The video starts at the now defunct East Village's  Dance Tracks which was one of the last go to places for dance music. I was lucky to go there and catch some great Loft Classic repress on vinyl that now feel like a treasure.  Then on to Vinyl Mania which was the shrine record store for dance music. Then the footage goes to the famous Choice parties where Levan was doing his magic and then clocking at the 41:47 minute mark we get to experience a 10 minute interview with the man himself.  It's quite a treat to hear the man discuss the current state of clubs at the time, house music, sound systems and gives some amazing advice to new club dj's.   Enjoy!

Disco TV: Some Fabulous Rave Footage

Here is some amazing footage from a rave from England. Oh the good ole days when dancing was still dancing!

S-Express: Mantra For A State Of Mind

 

Happy Sunday! Here is an amazing overlooked tuned by British Acid House crooners S'Express that needs to be re-evaluated and give it its deserved praise. This song pretty much sums up the Acid House movement from London. Enjoy!

Love Wins!

I'm not sure I want to be married but it's nice to know that it is a right for all! This is a historical decision that makes me proud to be a citizen of USA! Finally

Disco Photography: Carmen D'Alessio

 

 

Carmen D'Alessio at Studio 54

Here is a great photo of Studio 54's Public Relations maverick. Without her the place wold have been just another disco in town. She was responsible for getting all the celebrities in the door.

NIce & Easy (I Want A Dog)

Here is new Glamjack Remix! Enjoy!

I'm Searching

     

Happy Saturday! Here is a free style throwback from the '80s. "I'm Searching" by Debbie Deb.  Funny how it seems that all we seem to do nowadays is Searching. 

Don't Make Me Wait

In Colour

Here is the amazing "Loud Places" (ft. Romy) from British producer/remixer Jamie xx's new and first full release In Colour. Using a sample from the classic  "Could Heaven Ever Be Like This" by Idris Muhammad he manages to create a stunning track.   Other stand out's from this LP are "Sleep Sound" and "Stranger In A Room". This sound should be the new direction for dance music. Simply brilliant!

You Can't Hide From Yourself

Horse Meat Disco at Cielo. NYC May 2015

It was packed, lot's of dry ice. Horse Meat Disco turned out!

Happy Birthday Ms. Jones, Ms. Grace Jones!

Happy 67th Ms. Jones, Ms. Grace Jones. Here is one of my favorites of her disco years: the sadomasochist camp fest "Suffer" from Muse. By the way, Muse has been re-released as a box set along with Fame and Portfolio titled Grace Jones: The Disco Years.  It's full of extended mixes instrumentals and 12" disco versions. Pure candy for us disco heads! Now, Take that! And That! 

Welcome back Ms. Murphy!

Here is the first of the amazing new release from Roisin Murphy's Hairless Toys! Already an original! 

Disco 'O' Lypso

Happy Spring from Disco Monk. My other work has kept me from disco duties! So here is an amazing compilation I just got in the mail. Brilliant fusion of Disco and Caribbean sounds. Here is the stunning rework of the cosmic "Praise Jah" by Oluko Umo. Other stand out is the ten minute "Disco Stomp" by The Star Beams. Pure bliss! Enjoy!

Cosmic

Disco Photography: Studio 54

Andy Warhol, Steve Rubell, Kalvin Klein planting a fat kiss on Brooke Shields?. Studio 54

and here is  "Your Love" by Lime which I heard used to be Andy's favorite song at Studio 54!
Enjoy

Disco Photography

Lulu De La Falaise at the The Palace

Disco Cover Art: Love Dance

Ann Joy "Love Dance". Unidisc, 1980

Here is the second posting of the Disco Cover Art series.  Love Dance by Ann Joy (a.k.a Anna Gioia) depicting a very unique and sexy composition from her 1980's debut LP by the same name.  This Canadian release has four powerful disco shakers heavy on congas, and even some electric guitar.  Enjoy!

Love Dance (It's Got To Be Magic) - Ann Joy

Disco Cover Art: Bad Girls

Bad Girls LP - Japanese version

I'm starting a new series called Disco Cover Art. It will be devoted to interesting cover art and of course with a song to go along with it. Here is the first one from a Japanese version of the Bad Girls LP by Donna Summer.. The cover artwork has Ms. Summer in the role of a prostitute. Giorgio Moroder produced it and made an appearance on the inside of the gatefold sleeve as a prospective sex buyer approaching Ms. Summer. It was also produced by Pete Bellotte.  Here is the amazing throbbing "Lucky".  Enjoy!

Lucky - Donna Summer

Oscar night: Black Emanuelle

For this year's Oscar night tradition, Disco Monk is proud to present you with some wonderful tunes from Black Emanuelle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Italian singer and in this case composer Nico Fidenco. Black Emanuelle was an Italian/Spanish softcore sexploitation film from director Bitto Albertini from 1975. The film was shot mostly in Kenya to justify the fact that the lead actress wasn't even black! The soundtrack was released on West End Records. It has an amazing funk, jazz and soul feel and I am sure it did very well at the discos. Enjoy

Sudden Ride - Nico Fidenco

Black Emanuelle - Nico Fidenco

Samba Safari - Nico Fidenco

Gentlemen Take Polaroids

Here is a brilliant song from Japan's fourth studio and last album with the same title and with the original lineup consisting of David Sylvian on vocals and guitar,  Richard Barbieri on keyboards, Steve Jansen on drums, Mick Karn on bass and Ray Singer on guitar.  "Gentleman Take Polaroids" was the single released and it holds up quite amazing.  This was the song that truly defined their sound. The band broke up in 1982 over creative differences and they all went on to make other projects as a result with some degree of success. I don't think some of the band members were happy that they were identified with the New Romantic movement which I think it's dumb. Anyhow they were brilliant while they lasted and here it "Gentleman Take Polaroids" to prove it. Enjoy!

Gentleman Take Polaroids - Japan

Winter '15 Mix (Bjorkish Inspirations)

Here is a new mix inspired by the music that inspires the great Bjork based from a recent article published regarding her upcoming exhibition at the MoMA where they mentioned the kinds of music that inspires this truly amazing artist.  The mix is as eclectic and unpredictable reflecting the wide rage of music. There are some Glamjack sprinkles and overlaps for added effect. This mix has made me discovered the brilliance of Meredith Monk, early Aphex Twin, James Blake, The Range, Black Dog Productions, Thai funk and disco pop sounds. Also her inspirations has made me rediscover the genius of Kate Bush, Nico, Public Enemy and Joni Mitchell.  The mix ends of course with "Atom Dance" from Bjork's new offering titled Vulnicura which is a true exceptional and deeply emotional work that is already considered the best among her amazing work.  Enjoy!

Winter '15 Mix (Bjorkish Inspirations) by Dj Glamjack on Mixcloud

Poisson Arrow

Here is British band ABC doing "Poison Arrow".  Released in 1982  from their LP The Lexicon Of Love which was their first foray into a more pop sound by infusing a more disco feel from their previous post-punk sound/new romantic sound.   This was huge at the clubs back then. Here is the Jazz Remix for your listening pleasure and Happy Valentine's day. Enjoy!

Poisson Arrow (Jazz Remix) - ABC

The video is great as well!

Disco TV: Steve Strange

I'm officially starting a new series called Disco TV which will be devoted to some interesting videos and documentaries devoted to disco and and dance music in general.  Here is a nice homage to the late great Steve Strange! RIP

R.I.P. Steve Strange

'80's British icon, born in Welsh sadly passed away today. He was a true original who created a new look and sound during the early part of that decade.  Strange formed the band Visage,  he also appeared in Bowie's video "Ashes to Ashes" while he was the host with the most at the seminal and famous London nightclub " The Blitz" where he originated the New Romantics movement which became the backbone of the British new wave "invasion" that took over pop music during the most part of the '80s inspiring several of the big names in music of that amazing time in music where art, fashion and music melded with such beauty and purity.   Here is a sample of his brilliance that pretty much became my soundtrack   of self discovery while growing up in south Louisiana.  You will be missed and your legacy will live on forever, thank you Mr. Strange. RIP

Tar - Visage

Fade To Gray (Dance Mix) - Visage

Blocks on Blocks

We Move (Dance Mix) - Visage

What I Like: Happy Birthday Disco Monk!

Hard to believe it Disco Monk has turned five this month! and to celebrate here is nice one that pretty much sums up the backbone of this blog. "What I Like" by Anthony and the Camp. It was written and produced by the legendary Jellybean Benitez. Thank you to all of you wonderful followers of dance music. Yeah, this is what I like and I hope you do too.  Here is to many more years of Disco Monk! 

What I Like - Anthony and the Camp

Disco TV: The Joy of Disco

Here is a really nice documentary about disco I just recently discovered by the BBC. Enjoy!

Any Day Now

Here is a  house song that I just recently discovered called "Any Day Now" by Scott Ferguson. It  has a great old school vibe that is totally irresistible to the ears and feet for that matter. It was released in 2007 on Germany's Deep Vibes Recordings label on an EP titled Walden Ponds which has some other nice ones as well. Dare I say that we are starting to look at songs from the aughts for inspiration? Anyhow, this ElectroVox remix is a total killer! Enjoy

Any Day Now (ElectroVox Remix) - Scott Ferguson

Disco TV: Amazing clip of Arthur Russell's documentary.

This clip always gives me chills. Amazing time capsule of pure genius and great times!

This is a re-edited excerpt from the documentary by Matt Wolf: Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell. Love this part of the movie. David Mancuso's legendary Loft parties and the night he dropped Go Bang! (Francois K edit). So good.

RIP Rod McKuen

 RIP poet, singer, songwriter and composer  Rod McKuen.
 He was one of the best-selling poets in the United States during the late 1960s. Throughout his career, McKuen produced a wide range of  recordings, which included popular music, spoken word poetry, film soundtracks, and classical music. He earned two Oscar nominations and one Pulitzer nomination for his serious music compositions.  McKuen's translations and adaptations of the songs of Jacques Brel were instrumental in bringing the Belgian songwriter to prominence in the English-speaking world. His poetry deals with themes of love, the natural world, and spirituality, and his thirty books of poetry have sold 
 millions of copies. He released a controversial disco record in 1977 titled Slide Easy In....and it's considered an disco classic of epic kitsch proportions featuring songs with titles such as "Amor, Amor", "Don't Drink the Orange Juice" and "Full Moon Over the Ansonia Hotel" and disco orgasmic instrumental "Slide Easy In...". The cover art caused an uproar when released and had to settled for a hetero-friendly one with a glossed over sexualized female. Here is the single "Amor, Amor" and the entire LP with the original cover art for your gay pleasure. Enjoy

Amor, Amor - Rod Mc Kuen

Disco Monk: Cathedrals

Found this old photograph of yours truly from 1992 and thought I post it along with DC LaRue's emblematic epic disco classic "Cathedrals". This is the 1976 original version in all it's glory.  Enjoy!

DC LaRue - Cathedrals

RIP Anita Ekberg

This homage goes to this beautiful Swedish lady who enchanted us in her role as Sylvia on Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Anita Ekberg, your iconic beauty will live on forever. RIP

....and what better way to celebrate her life by listening to Nino Rota's: 

La Dolce Vita (Finale) - Nino Rota

Me! I Disconnect From You

We start the new year with an amazing vinyl only unreleased gem from Grace Jones' seminal LP Nightclubbing Compact Point All Stars sessions making this cover of Gary Numan's sync pop song a total sublime dance floor experience by combining disco and reggae brilliantly.  This 12" offering was part of last years' well received Record Store Day, the other side featured "Feel Up". Enjoy!

Me! I Disconnect From You - Grace Jones