Native New Yorker: Lillian Lopez R.I.P.

We start this September month on a sad note honoring the voice of the late Lillian Lopez who passed away this past Tuesday, September 4th at the age of 76 due to complications with cancer.  Ms. Lopez along with sister Louise formed the group Odyssey with singer Tony Reynolds.  The group didn't put that many albums but the few they did became instant dance floor classics.  Released in 1977, "Native New Yorker" is the "other" New York anthem in my book with lyrics that surprisingly still rings true about our beloved city.  The song was written by Sandy Linzer and Danny Randell for the group. It reached number five on the UK charts. In the US, the song went to number three on the disco chart. The song has been recorded by Frankie Valli, Esther Phillips and Black Box.   Nothing can beat the sultry voice passion of Ms. Lopez.  Your legacy will live on forever. 

Lillian Lopez 1936-2012

Native New Yorker - Odyssey   

“Runnin’ pretty, New York City girl
Twenty-five, thirty-five
Hello, baby, New York City girl

You grew up ridin’ the subways, running with people
Up in Harlem, down on Broadway
You’re no tramp, but you’re no lady, talkin’ that street talk
You’re the heart and soul of New York City”

Janice

Happy Labor Day! Here is a Salsoul dance classic to put you in the mood.  "Janice (Don't Be So Blind To Love)" by Skip Mahoney.  Released in 1980, this disco gem never disappoints with the flawless production by James Purdie and arrangement by Matthew Allen.   This mix is by legendary Dj Bobby "DJ" Guttadaro.  Guttadaro became one of the first DJ's that made a name for himself in the 70's and transition from the decks to mixing and remixing.  Rumor has it he used to party hardy with the late Whintey Houston. He was the resident dj at the Ice Palace in Fire Island and contributed to the music selection for the Casablanca Records and Filmworks soundtrack  Thank Got It's Friday. In Manhattan, he was the resident dj at Le Jardin and Infinity. He also did many mixes for the early development period of Disconet.  Sadly he was one of the first Dj's who succumbed and passed from AIDS in the '80s.  I'm sure he is one of the leading Dj's in Disco Heaven.  This is a gorgeous song that will sure lift up.  Enjoy!

Janice (Don't Be So Blind To Love) - Skip Mahoney

Two Man Sound: Que Tal America

Last night I was watching a funny heartfelt Peruvian film titled Octubre about a money lender. The funniest part was when a borrower was giving his record collection as collateral and one of the records was Two Man Sound's dance classic Disco Samba.   Two Man Sound was a Belgian pop trio from the 70's that combined disco with samba and bossa nova.  Their signature hit  was "Charlie Brown" and the medley "Disco Samba" which became a huge hit in Europe in 1980.  "Que Tal America" was quite the underground disco anthem in New York City during the mid to late '70s.  So here it is in it's full extended glory for your disco pleasure.  Enjoy!

Que Tal America - Two Man Sound

1900 Yesterday by Betty Everett

  So crazy what's going on in this country with handguns! Something has got to change! On an lighter note, it's Friday and I'm so happy to feature this gorgeous song by Betty Everett.  Lately, I have been entering lots of vinyl that's been sitting on my shelves for months and finally have the precious time to do it.  And speaking of time here is "1900 Yesterday" from her 1969 LP  There'll Come A Time .  Ms. Everett was an American sould singer and pianist, best known for her hit single, the million-selling "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In his Kiss)". There'll Come A Time is an amazing record from beginning to end. It was co-written and produced by lead singer of The Chi-Lites, Eugene Record.  Also, Ms. Everett did a beautiful version of "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys.  Ms. Everett is no longer with us but her beautiful music and spirit lives on! Enjoy

1900 Yesterday - Betty Everett

First Sparkle: Cécile and Refleksie

It's vacation time and sorry I haven't tended this blog properly; however,  with time on my hands, I have been entering some amazing vinyl that's long been sitting on my shelves and excited to post new material.  Speaking of, here is a dance number that keeps on giving and to tell you the truth, I can't quite pin this one yet but one thing for sure it hasn't escaped my mind in weeks already.  "First Sparkle" is by Cécile and Refleksie, a collaboration between Milan-based duo Carlo Dall'Amico (Cécile) and Matteo Lavagna (Refleksie) whom have previously recorded as Esperanza.  There is a sunny, psychedelic take on dance music here with some intense hungry bass.  In "First Sparkle", a chorus from 1950's easy listening is layered with some amazing disco breaks and a great modular acid bass line that reminds me a bit of late '80s S'Express stripped down.  Enjoy!

First Sparkle - Cécile and Refleksie

Disco Photography

Disco Dancing at the Cove Cabaret, Superior, Wisconsin, 1981. Photo: Bob King/Duluth Herald

Centipede

Rain, rain and more rain today in the city and here is a song that's been on my mind lately "Centipede" by Rebbie Jackson.  The eldest of the Jackson children the song was released in 1984 as the debut single from her first LP.  The song was written and produced by her brother Michael in 1984 at the hight of Thriller.  It reached #4 on Billboard's R&B chart, and was certified gold.  It was Rebbie's first and last single despite releasing more albums and a handful of singles. I discovered that singer Martha Wash actually sings some of the lead adlibs and was never credited for it.  Ironically, that is one my favorite parts of this song that brings it home with such power to this cool and soothing '80s mysterious song.  Enjoy!

Centipede - Rebbie Jackson