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