Review: Legalize Lambada Vol 6 brings a vibrant Italo homage that showcasing the talents of Albion, Ric Piccolo, and Hysteric. Side-1 kicks off with Albion's 'Nucleare,' an early 80s DIY sound track seasoned with robotic Italian vocals, serving as a unique introduction. Next, Ric Piccolo's 'Disco Teacher' delivers a potent mix of early disco and 80s electro sounds, setting the stage for some serious dancefloor action. On Side-2, Ric Piccolo returns with 'Alright,' continuing the danceable energy with another infectious groove. Finally, Hysteric's 'Moment' offers a moody, keyboard-rich Italo house track, exuding a sexy, soulful vibe that prompts deep, introspective dance moves. This compilation is for fans of Italo disco and disco and those seeking something fresh in these genres. Legalize Lambada Vol 6 is steeped with that Italo sound with modern twists, making it perfect for both nostalgic disco enthusiasts and new listeners alike. Whether you're looking to fill a dancefloor or enjoy some soulful Italo vibes, this release delivers.
System Breakdown On Wikileaks (feat Fred Ventura) (6:54)
In The Night (6:03)
The News (feat Fred Ventura) (7:09)
Review: Lovin', freedom, passion... just three key ingredients make up the bare necessities of wellbeing, which must be secured before we venture into the endless subjectivities of human happiness. Crack this emotional code, and you're in for a good time, so say the Bordello A Parigi resident players Also Playable Mono (Rafal Lachmirowicz) and Fred Ventura. Teaming up for the first time for a blistering take on nu-glossy Italo disco - informed by the former's nascently needly version of the sound, and the latter's contrastingly classic post-punk come club education of the same - this insanely glittered plumper features Ventura feature on vocals through alternating takes on the present global condition, the A-sider marking a stark contrast to the A2 side's suddenly socially charged statement, 'System Breakdown On Wikileaks'. The B-side ventures veer vocoded, flipping the script onto two further, emphatic pleas for change.
Review: Anbau's debut on Bordello with a Giro d'Italia themed EP pays homage to the legendary riders of the race, notably the late Marco Pantani. Coinciding with the 108th edition of La Corsa Rosa, celebrates Pantani's iconic victory at Passo del Mortirolo in 1994. Inspired by disco and nu-disco, the tracks exude energy and rhythm reminiscent of the exhilarating atmosphere of the race. Each copy includes a limited edition sleeve adorned with a rare original Merlin collector's sticker from the 78th Giro in 1995, adding a unique touch to the release. With its blend of disco house and Italo disco, Anbau's EP is a vibrant tribute to the passion and determination of Giro d'Italia's heroic riders.
Review: Ahead of an oncoming Tbilisi party set to be thrown by the Sameheads crew, their latest 7" appears ahead of time as the latest offering by fellow friends, Andrea & Alexander. With just 300 copies available, this dreamy duo share a juxtaposed space with a more esoteric, gritty B-side, occupied by TINA's 'Vacation', which breaks from the usual Sameheads sound, almost entirely, to indulge a massively wonky inhumation. The A's own 'Olias', by contrast, is light and sixteen-thy, dotting along with detuned Italo saws and descending cadences of relief. Once performed live at the fabled Sameheads festival, City Of A Thousand Suns, the label here celebrate its recorded version for the world to hear on repeat.
Review: Best Italy continues to do a wonderful job of unearthing much-sought after gems and giving them the re-press they deserve. Lily Ann was a quintessential one hit wonder of Italo disco perfection that surfaced in 1984, and "Going Crazy" captures the mood of early 80s dance music perfectly. Adding value to the release beyond the fresh mastering job and high-end modern pressing, as well as the previously released vocal and instrumental we also get treated to a dub mix of "Going Crazy" to give you even more options for dropping this impeccable slice of Italian dance music history.
Review: Army of God's 'Salvation'' back in 2012 soon became a cult coldwave cut. It was the one and only release by the pair of Aroy Dee and Miss Jagroe... until now. More than ten years on they are back with 'Endless Skies' which is a new EP full of analogue warmth, signature synth designs and aching strings. Of course, Jagroe's unique voice features and brings extra allure to the beats. Aroy Dee steps up with an edit of the title cut and lays in some more form drums and pairs back the vocals to make things even darker. On the flip you'll find the throbbing bass and off-kilter keys of 'Fear the Night' with a dark version going even more into the shady unknown.
Review: San Francisco's Dark Entries label does a good line in reissuing obscure, long-forgotten, left-of-centre gems (their excellent collection of Patrick Cowley's little-known soundtrack work for gay porn films, School Daze, was arguably one of the compilations of 2013). Here, they've unearthed another overlooked gem - Art Fine's previously rare-as-hen's-teeth dark Italo-disco gem 'Dark Silence'. It's pretty much a straight copy of the New Wave-inclined original, with the sparser, looser 'Long Version' joining the dense 'Art Fine Version'.
Review: It might sound like an overlooked European dance record from 1985, but 'Surrender' is brand new. It's the debut from Babes in Love, a collaboration between DJ Subaru (real name Benny Howell) and best-friend Bella Quinn. Musically it's devilishly simple and lo-fi, with Quinn singing sweetly and expressively over a lo-fi drum machine rhythm, Italo-disco-meets-Hi-NRG bassline, spacey chords and memorable synthesiser motifs. Castro provides the flipside 'Babes in Love Dub', smothering elements of the original in delay and reverb while adding lashes of psychedelic intent. It's the kind of trippy, wildly dubbed-out hedonism we could imagine the Idjut Boys playing in a very dark room at four in the morning.
Review: Since launching in 2018, the Belpaese imprint has delivered a string of must-check EPs featuring re-edits of old Italian songs and instrumentals. It's a bit of a niche pursuit, but given the country's contribution to dance music culture over the years one that makes total sense. Volume ten in the series arrives with two sweat-soaked cut-jobs to enjoy. 'Ancora Un Baccio' is a quirky and eccentric Italo-disco number that boasts both rubbery slap-bass (including some energetic soloing) and surging electronic bass, alongside suitably camp lead vocals and heady vocalisations. 'Un Sogno Per La Testa' is a bit more Balearic minded, with the shadowy scalpel fiends making merry with what sounds like a holiday-ready 1980s pop song full of glistening guitar licks, jazz-funk bass and unfussy beats.
Review: Larry Pignagnoli, Alessandro Zanni and Stefano Cundari created Brando, the quintessential short-lived Italo project. The first two singles from the group landed in 1983, one of which is now lovingly repressed by the original label, ZYX Music. As well as the vintage versions, we get treated to a couple of versions from the go-to remixer for tracks from this period, Flemming Dalum. It's released as a 40th anniversary piece commemorating this classic slice of sentimental, full-fat Italo, but with these new remixes there's plenty to appeal to die-hards and casual observers alike.
Talking To The Night (instrumental version) (6:41)
Talking To The Night (Flemming Dalum remix) (5:52)
Talking To The Night (Hysteric edit) (6:04)
Review: After making it over the hurdle of misreading the name of the artist behind this one as "Brain Ice" comes the realisation that 'Talking To The Night' is an unorthodox kind of release, a suave, svelte mixture of Italo disco, synth, electro and hip house. First released in 1985 by the hip Italian actor and singer, real name Fabrizio Rizzolo, this was his debut release, and saw to a thoroughgoing musical career predominantly with the likes of Memory Records and ZYX Music. Popular at the time of its release, we chalk up its debutant acclaim to the offhand, subtly pitch-inflected character of its lead line, and the tomming, lighter-waving feeling of drama evoked in its four-chord progression. New remixes by Flemming Dalum and Hysteric lend an extra sense of deconstruction, and recreation, ex nihilo, to the original's demure taste for the night, providing ample sense of how scarily far we've come as modern dance artists.
Review: Hora Libre label head Bruno steps up to translate the joy of a real-life love story into an equally memorable dancefloor experience. Side A of this one is perfect for the club with 'Dance With Me' and 'Looks At The Disco' both getting things going with some well-crafted rhythms and fresh disco details. Side B is more suited to the freaky vibes of an afterparty when you want to cut more loose. 'Losing For You' has raw 80s hits and a nice motorised groove that's topped with a deadpan but alluring vocal and 'After Kisses' slows down with deeper, dubbier disco vibes.
Review: Red Laser Records continue their stellar form with another knockout release, blending Manctalo fire from old hands and fresh faces alike. Frank Butters opens the EP with The Call Of The Wild, a dazzling blast of crystalline synths, thunderous bass, and cosmic effects that showcase his forward-thinking production skills. Bob Swans delivers 'Bodyform4U', a dreamy arpeggiated groove that builds an uplifting, futuristic atmosphere, perfect for igniting the dancefloor. Lone Saxon switches things up with 'Hypersleep' a breakbeat-infused piano gem that oozes nostalgic charm, before Franz Scala and Il Bosco finish strong with Webo, a late-night, tension-filled Manctalo banger.
Review: Reissued from the 1983 original press on House Of Music - and subject to many a reissue since, for good reason - the Italian duo BWH hear their enduring classic 'Livin' Up / Stop' rereleased once more. Something about the collaborative effrots of Stefano Zito and Helene Zito made for a dizzying concoction in Italo, and the lasting interest in this single is backed up by the song's squeezy-clean mix and Hi-NRG synth rollicks. 'Stop' on the B-side, too, is slower and more rapacious, and without it, the single wouldn't be the same.
Review: Parisian crew Discomatin have come up with some little known boogie brilliance here from Belgian producer Jay Alansky, with lyrics by Jacques Duvall and falsetto vocals from Clara Capri. It's a fine fusion of Italo disco basslines, shimmering electronics and 80s pop and r&b, with more than a hint of early house vibes also thrown in for good measure. All remastered from the original tapes, the tracks are loud and crisp and are perfect dance floor hymns. The long version is the one DJs will reach for, with its sleek lines and hypnotic leads all finished with some elastic bass.
Review: A genuine one off, largely made using the then-new Yamaha DX-7 synth, Joe Car's sole single from 1984 has long been one of the rarest Italo-disco 12" singles around. This reissue has been a long time coming, with the revitalised Best Record finally securing the rights to re-release it earlier this year. It remains a fun and surprisingly on-point release. It appears in two takes, both of which we think were laid to tape at the time. On the A-side you'll find the 'Electro Potato Mix', where chiming lead lines, Fairlight style sampled stabs and male vocals rise above a chuggig, arpeggio style bassline and machine drums. Nestled on the flip is the original vocal version, which sounds like the sort of thing Chris Lowe from Pet Shop Boys may have been dancing to during the period - there are certainly a few cuts in the duo's earlt catalogue that utilise similar sounds and grooves.
Review: Since making her production debut last year, Courtney Clarke AKA CC: Disco has released a handful of inspired and colourful singles which the boundaries between styles. The Lisbon-based Aussie is at it again here. She begins with the sun-soaked ambient shimmer of intro track 'Feel The Peak', where decidedly Balearic classical guitar flourishes catch the ear, before heading towards peak-time dancefloors on the wide-eyed dancefloor synth-pop flex of 'Touch The Vibe', which sounds Pet Shop Boys' Chris Lowe after a fistful of happy pills. She lays down another atmospheric interlude before going darker and moodier on the psychedelic nu-disco throb of 'Me Gusta Is Dead (Period Pain Mix). The new beat-meets-proto-trance throb of 'Yes Papi (Miami Daddy Theme)' completes a fine EP.
Review: This week Best Italy take their reissue romp of Roman rarities down to the infamous Rimini discotheque Cellophane. Crafted as a tribute to the 80s club, "Gimme Love" is an absolute gem of an Italo record, pitched at the more subtle end of the spectrum without ditching the hallmarks of the style. The bass arpeggio still thrums with purpose and the vocals revel in a bath of vocoder processing, but the camp histrionics are replaced here with a more measured delivery that should go down a storm in all kinds of different sets. As well as the original version on the A, the B-side features the Italian version of the track.
Review: Riccardo Cioni is well-known as a mastermind behind early Italo disco, coming up in the Florentine disco scene with his troupe, Bella Band. His later solo outings, first made on the cusp of the 1980s, marked a more electronic shift, and 'Darkness Inside' is a strong example of his best work from that time. First released in '84, the three tracks on this early nu-disco heater cement Cioni's chops as a deft, swift and talented producer, with vocoded jams such as 'Go Break' and city slap-bassers like the title track locking in something timelessly futurologic. It could only ever have been a product of its time, though; these are three serene, yet hard-hitting, proto-nu-disco bangers.
Review: Clarita y Los Pecho Lobo's Marcelo EP encapsulates a mesmerising nightlife narrative through diverse mixes. The original version unfolds with evocative imagery of strobe-lit trajectories and cocktail-fueled allure, set against a backdrop of pastel shirts and Cuban-heeled boots. The Energy Mix amplifies the pulse with its extended dancefloor vigor, while the Club House Version infuses a deeper, rhythmic groove. The Makina Mix adds an edgy, experimental flair, contrasting with the stripped-back intimacy of the Acappella. Each iteration enriches the nocturnal saga, where encounters like Marcelo's magnetic presence and seductive allure unfold effortlessly. This release not only celebrates musical diversity but also paints a vivid tableau of desire and escapism, echoing through the pulse of the night.
Review: First released way back in 1984 as the debut single from singer Maria Chaira Perugini - the first of three 12" singles she released before disappearing into obscurity - 'Eyes' has long been regarded as an underground Italo-disco classic. This reissue, which boasts new artwork based on the Italian singer's later singles, presents remastered versions of the single's two mixes. The A-side 'Original Mix' is top-notch, synth-powered Italo-disco, with Perugini singing in heavily accented English atop beats, bass and stab-happy lead lines that sit somewhere between classic Italo-disco and the Hi-NRG work of NYC producer Bobby Orlando. Arguably even better is the flip-side Dub, which doffs a cap towards the Afro-cosmic movement via Marimba melodies, echo-laden vocal snippets, and a more chugging, arpeggio-powered groove.
Review: Parisian label Cracki Records has once again collaborated with Hong Kong's Fauve Records, which is headed up by producer and DJ Romain FX, for another fine edition of the Make Italo Disco Great Again series. This is volume four and it comes after artists like COEO, Arash & Quasar and Mangabey made their amir in the past. This new one continues to showcase global talent and has artists from Ireland, Korea, Mexico, Germany and beyond each sharing their unique take on Italo disco. This volume includes dazzlers by Mystery Affair, Shubostar, Sara Miller, COLE, Maltitz and Romain FX who all impress.
Review: CVP's Always Never draws heavily from the early 80s Electropop and Italo Disco genres, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh sound. The trioiCostas Andriopoulos, Vicky Archontouli, and Panos Papapetrosibrings their collective expertise to this project, resulting in a blend that feels familiar to fans of those eras while offering a dark twist. Andriopoulos, known for his work with 23rd Underpass, infuses the production with a moody, atmospheric tone, creating a unique backdrop for Archontouli's vocals, which carry a haunting yet catchy quality reminiscent of vintage synth-pop. Papapetros' guitar work adds depth and texture, further enhancing the album's layered sound. Listeners can expect an interplay of nostalgic synth lines, driving rhythms, and a touch of melancholy that sets this release apart. CVP's dedication to the 80s shines through in every track, making Always Never a solid listen for those who appreciate both classic and modern interpretations of Electropop and Italo Disco.
Review: Dandy was the alias of choice of Italian singer Alessandre Persone, who collaborated with a string of producers to craft Hi-NRG and 'Eurobeat'-powered synth-pop hits between 1987-91. 'For Your Heart' dates from 1989. Rooted in the kind of sing-along, Hi-NRG pop pioneered by Bobby Orlando but developed commercially by Stock, Aitiken and Waterman, the song is a genuine earworm and comes complete with weighty, arpeggio-driven bass, echoing drum fills and classic Italo-disco style stabs. The killer version is the EP leading, extended 'Mix version', though plenty will also reach for the jaunty and heavy instrumental take. The short bonus 'MYOM version' is a DJ tool that cycles through various riffs and echoing vocal snippets.
Review: This release marks Netherlands-born Luca dell'Orso's debut on CWPT, showcasing his talent for crafting lush, melodic Italo tracks with a timeless feel. 'Solitair & Solidair' sets the tone, its soft fanfare and confident groove evoking the spirit of Balearic ecstasy. 'Dear Rosie,' featuring Jolisa's wistful vocals, is a highlight, its melody reminiscent of a classic Eric Rohmer film. 'Winter Scent' delves into a more introspective mood, capturing the essence of a winter walk with its evocative vocoding and deep sonic layers. 'Love By Association' injects a sense of optimism, its driving rhythm and pitch-shifting synthesis reminiscent of classic Eurodisco. 'Propaganda' takes a more forceful approach, offering a glimpse into the industrial pleasures of Dusseldorf in the 1980s. 'This Time (Things Will Be Different)', finally, wraps up an impressive package with a touch of elegant minimalism.
Review: Stockholm's DJ City debuts on Dresden's Uncanny Valley with his COSMICOMICS EP, a playful, sensory-filled record inspired by Italo Calvino's 1965 short story collection. The record channels the essence of 80s Italo disco and 70s sci-fi films by blending high-energy tracks with a sense of fantasy and drama. Each one draws from Calvino's blend of scientific facts and fictional narratives and mixes in comical absurdity with metaphysical depth. With nods to Hi-NRG and dancefloor-driven rhythms, this is a high concept EP even without the back story. It comes with a cover which is a censored painting by Jens Fange. Artful stuff.
Review: 'Vision Of Love' is a Euro-disco gem released initially in 1987 by DJ's Project, a supergroup made up of two core members, Hamburg's Mike Mareen and Italian singer Silvano Pulignano. Their third single landed them conveniently in the laps of long-runners ZYX Records, whose continual activity in the retro Italo reissues game is the best reason one can have for a 2024 reissue. This new 12" version stays true to the DJ'ses' best-loved and most-well known hit, bringing the duo's authentic electro-tom hits and up-down basslines to our attentions once more.
Review: The debut release in a new EP series from Bordeaux's Monomoods label, ordained for nu-disco and Italo disco lovers. The label call on four resident producers - Doctr, Brian Ring, Astore, and Hysteric - to each deploy their very own dancefloor finesser here. Ensuring maximum satisfaction at a near constant drip-fed rate, 'Boxer' and 'Open Secret' bring us nonstop synthy, glam-glittered gusto; the latter track is special indeed, and a highlight of ours. The feeling of pure glee is tossed asunder by the B-side, however, with 'Mandarin Energy' bringing profound chord-data to an anomalistically expansive mood, and 'Adventure' fitting perfectly as the lighter, but still heavy, gated-snared Italowave number of eclectic choice.
Review: Doctr's third trip to Bordello A Parigi delivers another gem with 'Now You Can Fly'. This time, he's teamed up with Julia to create two tracks brimming with peak-time energy and infectious rhythms. The title track is a burst of hi-NRG euphoria. Doctr expertly layers bending synths and sharp stabs over relentless beats, all while Julia's vocals add a soulful edge. There's a sense of anticipation in the air, each key change lifting the track to new heights. As the vocals weave in and out, the uplifting melodies build a strong synergy, creating a seamless blend of emotional depth and dancefloor power. On the flip, 'Now You Can Fly' takes a different approach. The vocals are stripped back, allowing the track's instrumental elements to shine. Sun-soaked synth lines float effortlessly above calypso-tinged percussion, creating a summery vibe that's both breezy and energising. The contrast between the two versions is striking, with the instrumental allowing the track's deeper textures and melodic layers to take centre stage. Doctr's latest offering is a masterclass in how to craft uplifting, feel-good music that doesn't sacrifice depth for accessibility. Whether it's the vocal-driven euphoria of the A-side or the more understated warmth of the flip, 'Now You Can Fly' is a testament to his ability to create tracks that resonate on multiple levels - exactly what the doctor ordered.
Review: Some suitably sizzling summer fare here from the dusty-fingered Thank You crew, whose latest reissue focuses on a little-known, house-era Italo-disco gem from 1990. First time round, the single was a private press seven-inch, meaning that only a limited number of copies were ever pressed up. In its original vocal mix form 'Tengo La Sangre Caliente' blurs the boundaries between Euro-synth-pop, colourful Italo-house and Italo-disco. It's good, but the accompanying instrumental mix is even better. Over on the flip, Castro delivers two killer re-edits: an extra-percussive version that emphasises the more house and Flamenco-inspired elements of the 1990 original ('Tengo Las Castanetas Caliente'), and a sweat-soaked 'beats' version for those who like getting busy in the mix.
Review: An anthem often heard at Mexico's Sonidos movement parties, "Sweet Magic" was originally released in 1989 at the tail end of Hi-NRG and when house music emerged. Produced by Los Angeles-based duo Michael J & Abbe Kanter, better known as Dreams Come True (aka Tyrants in Therapy) with singer Stacy Dunne, it has remained an underground hit ever since. Faithfully remastered from the original tapes, which Berlin's Thank You managed to find and digitise in Los Angeles, there's the inclusion of a new stripped down extended mix by Castro (Sound Metaphors) using the original stems.
Review: Chris Barratt aka Eagles & Butterflies possesses the rare ability to unite a larger-than-life peak time personality with the understated production method of comparatively underground records, techno pop and Italo. Bridging such gaps of authenticity and palatability can be a mean feat, but Barratt sacrifices few opportunities on his new 'Heartbreaks & XTC' EP to really think about how both poles can be met. Focussing on skeletal, hands-off mixing and yet apotheotic buildup production, Eagles & Butterflies truly do fly in unison on this stonker.
Review: Eagles & Butterflies has had plenty of notable tunes over the years. No doubt that is why he gets the nod from Gerd Jansen's legendary Running back label to offer up Retropolis Vol 01. It is a four-track EP that shows off the producer's well-realised sounds. The title track is the real standout - 'Retropolis' brings electro-styled synth work with brilliantly future retro euro-disco energy. It's packed with hints of Italo and is sure to light up any club scene. Says the producer of the EP, "Retropolis is the past meets the future. I love influences and technology from the past and making music that sounds like it could be from a time yet to arrive." Mission accomplished.
Review: A pivotal moment for this label, Easy Going marked a milestone in Italian disco culture. In the late 1970s, nestled in Rome's Piazza Barberini, a vibrant gay club thrived as a meeting place for cultural icons and DJs. Founded by Claudio Simonetti, the group paid homage to this iconic spot with their eponymous debut album, originally released in 1978, which is now remastered and reissued on glossy white vinyl by FullTime Production. The album's standout track, 'Baby I Love You,' with its hypnotic keyboards and captivating melody, epitomises Italian disco brilliance. Other tracks like 'Do It Again,' a dancefloor anthem reminiscent of Studio 54, and covers like Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Suzie Q' and the ballad 'Little Fairy,' are sure to ignite parties around the world once more.
Review: The reissue of Electric Mind's Can We Go single brings back the early electro and post-disco vibes of 1983, captivating listeners with its Italo-Disco and Electro stylings. The album cover itself exudes retro charm, hinting at the futuristic soundscapes within. It transports listeners to a bygone era of electronic experimentation, with elements of Italo-Disco and Electro, creating a captivating sonic journey that feels both nostalgic and ahead of its time. With this reissue, fans old and new can rediscover the magic of Electric Mind's pioneering sound, a highlight to the enduring appeal of early electronic music.
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