Nights In White Satin

This week a re-issue of Linda Law's classic disco single Nights In White Satin was released. This original 1978 release featured two amazing cuts, the title track "Nights In White satin" and my personal favorite "All The Night". From what I can tell, this was the only solo release from Linda Law, whom also spent some time as a backing singer on some lesser known disco releases during the 1970's. Regardless, this is a great re-issue of a much hard-to-find classic and I recommend everyone picking up a copy while they still last.

Linda Law - All The Night

You Got a Slow Hand...And a Smooth Touch

One of the more memorable cuts from this past Wednesday's STUDIO! was Karen Silver's classic 1981 disco cut "Nobody Else". This Gino Soccio produced song came off of Silver's second LP, Set Me Free. I hadn't played this track for quite a while with her 1979 "Hold On I'm Coming" usually getting more of the spotlight, however I thought I would change it up a bit and give the crowd something different. That being said, "Nobody Else" is probably my favorite Karen Silver track with it having a that Gino Soccio "stut-to-this" groove that made songs like "Try It Out" and "Dancer" such great classics. A great track that has been sitting on the shelves for too long.

Karen Silver - Nobody Else

Freakin' Upside Down to the Space Bass

To get you ready for this evening's disco workout, here is Slick's classic 1979 disco cut "Space Bass". Slick were basically comprised of the instrumental section of another great disco/funk group, Fat Larry's Band. "Space Bass" along with another great cut "Sexy Cream" became the group's most memorable tracks off their solid Fantasy Records released self-titled debut LP. Even though Slick never captured the same magic on their follow-up record Go For It, they left behind a true classic with their explosive debut record.

Slick - Space Bass

Lights! Camera! Action!STUDIO! Tonight!

Join us this week at Havana (1010 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA.) for a 'Special' rendition of STUDIO! This week will be very unique as we will be filming for an upcoming short-documentary about the night, so please fill free to dress-up, dress ridiculous, dance and freak-out, show some skin, everything goes this week! Let's make this night the most ridiculous and fun party we have ever had!

As always, fill free to get on the guestlist by emailing STUDIO!'s myspace page.

Just Trying To Make A Dollar

This weekend, I found myself listening to more than once, Jim Capaldi's 1979 disco classic "Shoe Shine". British drummer and former member of Traffic stepped into the 'disco world' back in 1979 and released Electric Nights on RSO Records. This record included the track "Shoe Shine", which was the album's single and standout track. I can't say that I know much about Capaldi's music career outside of this record and I can't say that I'm much of a Traffic fan, however that being said, Capaldi has definitely won me over for at least one record.

Jim Capaldi - Shoe Shine

From The Constellation of Capricorn

Well, I've been away from the computer most of the day so I haven't been able to post anything 'til now, so I'm going to keep this short with an italo classic "Capricorn" from, that's right you guessed it, Capricorn. This song originally came out in 1980 and was produced by the same duo, Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo, that were behind both legendary groups Easy Going and Kasso. I posted the instrumental of this track a while back, however here is the vocal edit in it's original form. A great track to start your weekend off with.

Capricorn - Capricorn

Last Night's Photos!!!

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to STUDIO! One of the best nights we have had in a while. Join us again next Wednesday night as we will be actually filming the night for an upcoming short documentary film based on the actual night and disco music in Seattle. Dress up in your most ridiculous outfits as the night is sure to be one of the craziest STUDIO night's to date!!!

See all the photos here (Definitely Worth Seeing!)

See You Next Wednesday Night!

STUDIO! Tonight @ HavanaAnother Hot Disco Night!

Rare disco, italo, cosmic, and mustache grooves all night long with deejays Pat les Stache and H.M.A.. Should be another amazing night of hot love-dancing and boogie delight!

See you at the Havana!

I Was Born This Way

What would be more fitting on the afternoon before a STUDIO! night, than posting one of the all-time greatest gay anthems "I Was Born This Way" by gay gospel singer Carl Bean. This record originally came out in 1977 on Motown Records, and was more recently re-released by West End Records. The song was produced by Motown and disco legend Norman Harris and was mixed by the 'one and only' Tom Moulton (whom else). Singer Carl Bean was very passionate about doing this song, not only musically but politically, as it's explained on the West End Record website -
"The lyrics to 'I Was Born This Way,'" he says, "are as relevant today — perhaps even more so in the current political and social climate — than they were when this record was first released back in 1977."

Overall the song is a powerful and amazing disco gem, that will truly serve as more than just a memorable dance classic, however a pollitical anthem for gay rights and equality.

Carl Bean - I Was Born This Way

Like a Fox on the Run

Along with finding a used copy of Machine's 1979 self-titled record a few weeks back, I picked up a lesser known classic in Gregg Diamond's 1979 Bionic Boogie release Tiger Tiger. When it comes to Gregg Diamond, I've been a pretty big fan of both Bionic Boogie's 1978 Hot Butterfly LP and his 1978 Star Cruiser LP, however until now, I had never heard the Tiger Tiger record. That being said, I think I enjoy Hot Butterfly a bit more, however that doesn't mean Tiger Tiger doesn't have it's moments. The song that I by far enjoy the most has to be the titled track "Tiger Tiger (Feel Good For A While)" which has a similiar feel as his "Chains" single. Other highlights include "Take The Boogie Home" and "Lay It On The Line". Overall I would recommend picking up a copy of the record, especially if you've enjoyed some of Mr. Diamond's other Bionic Boogie releases.

Bionic Boogie - Tiger Tiger (Feel Good For A While)

There But For The Grace of God Go I

About a week ago I was excited to find a used copy of Machine's 1979 self-titled record that features the disco classic "There But For The Grace of God Go I" which is one of the most requested songs at STUDIO!. Machine was basically a studio disco group put together by legendary producer August Darnell, a founding member of both Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band and Kid Creole And The Coconuts. The album's single, "There But For The Grace of God Go I" remains to be the most memorable and known track from the group's existence. Other stand out tracks on the record consist of the lesser known "Marisa", "You've Come A Long Way, Baby", and "Get Your Body Ready". Overall, it's hard to think of a more classic release from August Darnell's impressive catalogue which certainly includes a number of great dance gems. I'm just happy to now have the ability to fulfill those 'few rare enjoyable' requests each and every Wednesday.

Machine - There But For The Grace of God Go I

Takin' It Easy

I'm pretty exhausted today, which seems to always be the case 'the day after' every STUDIO! night. So instead of rambling off a lot of info, I'll just share a disco classic with Easy Going's 1978 version of "Suzie Q". This is just one of the many classic cuts from the legendary italo disco group's brilliant and influential career. And even though I think Easy Going got better with future releases, "Suzie Q" remains to be one of my early favorites from the group. On a side note, the artwork to the self-titled release must be one of the best I've seen to date.

Easy Going - Suzy Q

Midnite Rhythm

Another great track that legendary disco producer Alec R. Costandinos had his finger prints on, was Tony Rallo & The Midnite Band's 1979 disco classic "Holdin' On". This co-produced Costandinos cut was conducted and arranged by Tony Rallo, whom also helped write music for 70's groups Shake, Dalida, The Syncophonic Orchestra and many many others. "Holdin' On" was one of the major highlights from the 1979 Casablanca Records released album, Burnin' Alive which was also co-produced by Danny Goldschmidt. And even though this was Mr. Rallo's only outing with The Midnite Band, "Holdin' On" as well as the Burnin' Alive LP remain to be classic disco releases.

Tony Rallo & The Midnite Band - Holdin' On

STUDIO! Tonight Hot Bodies & Disco Queens

Same time, same place with deejays Pat les Stache and H.M.A. playing the choicest slections in rare disco, italo, cosmic, and mustache grooves all night long. Last week was ridiculous, don't miss out while the weather is still nice!

Hope to see you there!

Do It For Me

I'm not much in front of the computer today so I'm going to keep it brief with Jennifer's (aka Disco Jennifer) 1977 classic "Do It For Me cut. This song was realeased as single and later featured on her funky Walking In Space LP, which I'm hoping to hear more of in the coming future. If anybody has a copy of it and can let me know if the record is any good, I'd appreciate it. Here is the 7" version of the track. Enjoy!

Jennifer - Do It For Me

More Mucho Macho

Here is another rare Macho cut, this time "You Got Me Running" from the 1980 album Roll. First off, I'll just say that as a whole, I don't think this record even stands up to there classic 1978 debut I'm A Man. That being said the record has a couple of classic tracks including "You Got Me Running", as well as "Got To Make A Move" and "Montreal". You can tell that as the 1970's were ending and disco as a genre was somewhat dying out, as far as in the mainstream, Macho, which consists of Mauro Malavasi along with co-producer Celso Valli, where experimenting with there sound, using a lot more distorted and gritty guitar riffs. However, not all was lost, as the album cut's of both "You Got Me Running" and "Got To Make A Move" have become two of my many favorite tracks by the group. Even though I think the record is a considerable drop-off from their debut, I still think the record contains some lesser known hidden gems worth owning.

Macho - You Got Me Running
Macho - Got To Make A Move

Shoogie Wanna Boogie

One of my favorite records that I picked up over this past summer is David Mathews & Whirlwind's 1976 jazzy disco classic Shoogie Wanna Boogie. I heard of David Mathews (no, he's not the same guy that plays in that over-rated hippie jam band) through an older unreleased Rune Lindbæk re-edit, as well as his solid production work with jazz-funk artist Idris Muhammad. From that point I was excited to hear what else Mr. Mathews had in store. I must say after one listen of Shoogie Wanna Boogie, I was pretty blown away by entire record which features mostly disco and funk covers of popular known songs like "You Keep Me Hanging On", "California Dreaming", "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "My Girl". The record has all of those signature elements that exist on most of the great records released by the Kudu label, great production and solid jazz-infuenced instrumentation over a disco-funk groove. In my opinion, this record is definitely a true masterpiece, especially if your one of those people like me who enjoy disco cover versions of popular known songs. I definitely look forward in the future to hunting down some more of this legendary producer's work, however for now I'll sit back and enjoy this rare and collectable treasure.

David Mathews - You Keep Me Hanging On

STUDIO! - Last Night's Photos

Here's what last night looked like! Same Time, Same Place Next Week!

Don't miss out!

Click here for all the 'hot & sexy' photos from last night

Lookin' Tonight...For Love

A classic disco track that I've been enjoying throughout the summer has been Fat Larry's Band's 1979 "Lookin' For Love". This classic boogie cut was released as the title track to the Lookin' For Love LP, which is another fine release from the legendary Fantasy label. The song also gained some more recent attention as it was re-edited and included on Dimitri From Paris's In The House of Love mix compilation which came out a few years back. Many believe the groups 1982 boogie classic "Act Like You Know" is the group's finest effort, however, being a bigger fan of late 1970's disco genre music, I believe the Philadelphia based funk band shined the brightest on "Lookin' For Love, a true disco gem that reminds me of all those early classic Salsoul releases by groups like Double Exposure, Moment of Truth, Love Committee, and Instant Funk.

Fat Larry's Band - Lookin' For Love

Calling On All Disco Lovers STUDIO! - Tonight!

Join us again this Wednesday Night at Havana (1010 E Pike Street) as we are back at it again with another rendition of STUDIO!. Resident deejays Pat Les Stache and H.M.A. will be spinning the best in rare disco, hi-energy italo, cosmic, and mustache grooves all night long for your listening and dancing pleasures. Don't miss out on another ridiculous and fun night!

PLUS:

Some free promo copies of Pat Les Stache Presents Cabana Disco Vol.01 coming out everywhere very soon!!!

Move Your Ass Gringo

Recently I picked up a copy of Blackwell's 1978 disco LP Boogie Down. This record was arranged and composed by Charles Blackwell, as well as co-produced by David Baker and Larry Page of Larry Page Orchestra. This album features a number of solid disco classics including the opening cut "Boogie Down And Mess Around", "I Love To See Ya Dancin'", "Give It All Ya Got", and my personal favorite "Move Your Ass Gringo". Even though this record was Charles Blackwell's only stab at the disco genre, overall he put together a solid production with Boogie Down.

Blackwell - Move Your Ass Gringo