Happy Birthday Ms. Ross!

Happy Birthday to the legendary Detroit native, Ms. Diana Ross. Here is one the many dance floor classics by this iconic lady of soul and disco. "It's My House" was released in 1979 from her amazing LP The Boss. The song was written by Ashford and Simpson and it's pure magic, specially as a warm up to a great party due to it's slow BPM. Enjoy and to many more years of "The Boss". 

It's My House (12" Remix) - Diana Ross

You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine

Here is a brilliant remix by Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles of Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine".  It has been extracted from a live mix he did at the Boiler Room  last year.  It's nothing short of a brilliant treatment he did to this disco classic.  This remix has been circulating heavily on the internet and whether it will have a proper release I'm not certain. One thing for sure is that this remix it's a testament of Mr. Knuckles longevity and brilliance as a DJ/Producer. Enjoy!

You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (Frankie Knuckles live at the Boiler Room, 2013) - Lou Rawls



and here is the 60 minutes live mix as well:





....and here is Tom Moulton amazing treatment of it for your listening pleasure:

No Scrubs

Here is a very sweet re-work of TLC's "No Scrubs" by Drop Out Orchestra to start your Saturday. I love the disco/soul interpretation of this 1999 classic from their third album FanMail.  No need to go into detail about this amazing trio of girls who have become one of the all time best selling R&B, Hip Pop, Soul and Funk.   Also, the controversial history of this group, whether it was with their label, financial, personal and last with the sad and tragic death of member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez, has never hindered the amazing talent of this Atlanta group which is ranked as the best selling female group of all time with records sold more than 65 million world wide.  Enjoy!

No Scrubs (Drop Out Orchestra Rework) - TLC

and of course here is the original: 

No Scrubs - TLC

Homelands

 

There are many beautiful songs in the world and this is always a subjective choice for everyone of course, so on this beautiful Sunday afternoon in the city as spring is starting to show a sign and, I feel this is one the  most beautiful songs, Nitin Sawhney's "Homeland". It was released in 1999 on his album Beyond Skin, the album focused on the theme of nuclear weapons, religion and identity.  Nitin is a British Indian musician, producer and composer. His work is known to blend Asian and other worldwide influences with elements of jazz and electronica exploring the themes of multiculturalism, politics and spirituality.  He has done some amazing work with the London Symphony Orchestra, has worked on numerous film scores and collaborated with the likes of Sting, Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jeff Beck, Julian Lloyd Webber and Paul McCartney.  The Joe Claussel remix of "Homelands" was the first time I've heard this stunning song during the Body&Soul parties.  It's an understatement to say I was mesmerized on the dance floor.  The original is much more meditative and epitomizes this musical genius work.  Enjoy!

Homeland (Joe Claussell Remix)  - Nitin Sawhney

Homeland - Nitin Sawhney

Oscars: The Chase

Today it's Oscar night and here is an incredible disco song that earned Giorgio Moroder an Oscar. "The Chase" which was featured in 1978 movie Midnight Express. This  electronic instrumental was clearly labeled disco however it is a known fact that this song became the footprint for the hi-NRG genre of dance music. The song was arranged by Harold Faltemeyer under the leadership of Mr. Moroder. The song was aslo used for the NBA basketball season for that year and countless sports events. It was covered by Daft Punk during their live concerts and it has been sampled and covered to death as well. The group DuOuD did a great cover of it with Arab luths. 

Giorgio Moroder and Rachel Welch at the 1979 Oscars. 

The Chase - Giorgio Moroder

The Chase - DuOuD

Circle Of One

We start the month of March with a 1990's amazing dance vocal from American vocalist, pianist and song writer Oleta Adams.  Circle Of One  was her most widely acclaimed  LP. The album was produced by Tears for Fears, she used be one of their background voices. You can actually hear her beautiful voice on their song "Woman In Chains". The first two songs, "Circle of One" and "Rhythm of Life" didn't grant this amazing voice success outside the dance floors until they released her cover of Brenda Russell's "Get Here"which peaked internationally and  the US making this heartfelt song a favorite lip sync song among drag queens as I recall when I first heard it.  Here is "Circle Of One", the Full Circle 12" remix which I think deserves respect. It's a beautiful almost dance ballad and I remembered it was a favorite among the DJ's  when they would drop it late during nights or early mornings. Enjoy!

Circle Of One (Full Circle 12") - Oleta Adams