New releases last eight weeks: Disco/Nu-Disco

Review: Manchester mavericks A Certain Ratio have been on a rare run of form of late, with 2023's 1982 counting as one of their most vibrant and endlessly entertaining albums for decades. Of course, all their albums are of a consistent quality, but It All Comes Down To This genuinely crackles with energy. From the word go, the veteran band's inherent funkiness is present, but this time it comes cloaked in fuzzy funk-rock guitar riffs, acid-fried effects, and vocals that are amongst the most forthright they've committed to wax (or, in this case, CD). In many ways, it is - as the band and producer/Sopeedy Wunderground boss Dan Carey intended - a 'back to basics' sound that focuses on the key aspects of ACR's sound. When those 'basics' are so strong, it's no surprise that the results are this impressive.

Review: The Pete Hammond Hi-NRG Remixes presents a nostalgic journey into the classic 80s sound with 11 tracks from Dead Or Alive, expertly remixed by Pete 'Mixmaster' Hammond. Renowned for his work with the band's later recordings, Hammond breathes new life into these tracks with throwback Hi-NRG remixes. Originally issued as a 2LP colored vinyl set for Record Store Day, this project is now available as a 2CD set, catering to both RSD enthusiasts and CD aficionados. These remixes reimagine newer songs in the style of the 1980s, offering a retro take on their original sound. Included in the album are fresh remixes of hits like 'Hit And Run Lover' alongside the 2000 remix of the iconic 'You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)'. Each track is meticulously re-played and reworked by Hammond, capturing the essence of the era and paying homage to Dead Or Alive's iconic sound.

Review: For their latest deep dive into Italo-disco history, ZYX Records have enlisted the help of Guiseppe "Joey" Mauro - an Italian producer, songwriter and keyboardist whose career stretches right back to 1984. His "Italo-disco legends" selection is heavy on his own work - no bad thing given his credentials - and contains a wealth of material that has never appeared on CD before. Highlights are plentiful, with our picks including Mauro and Ventura's sparkling and uplifting 'You & I', Italowarriors' throbbing and colourful crew cut, 'The Warrior (120 Italo Version)', the bubbly cheeriness of 'Crazy (Classic Mix Version)' by Malcolm & The Bad Girls, and the effortless Italo funkiness of Raf Coney's 'Horsepower'.

Review: In the midst of disco's golden era, The Ritchie Family released their vibrant second album, 'Arabian Nights' a captivating fusion of disco and Broadway showmanship. The track, 'The Best Disco in Town', exudes an infectious energy, featuring elements of funk and disco that ignite the dance floor. Another standout track, 'Baby I'm on Fire', embodies the excess and drama of the disco scene. Its sultry lyrics and pulsating beats evoke a theatrical ambiance. The album's mesmerising anthem, 'Istanbul' combines disco rhythms with dramatic crescendos, creating an unforgettable musical experience. With its diverse range of tracks, from energetic to sensual, Arabian Nights captures the spirit of the disco era.

Review: In 1975, Silver Convention burst onto the global stage with their hit song Save Me, introducing the world to The Munich Sound. The album included the Grammy-winning smash hit 'Fly Robin Fly,' which topped both the disco and pop charts for weeks and became the band's signature song. Now, Omnivore Recordings and Good Time Records present an expanded reissue of this classic debut, featuring five bonus tracks and insightful liner notes detailing the album's genesis and global impact. With its original international cover art and a 12-page color booklet filled with photos and ephemera, this reissue is a must-have for fans of Eurodisco and music history enthusiasts alike.

Review: Disco Discharge: Classic Disco Deluxe Edition, offers a refreshing take on disco's late 70s and early 80s heyday. Unlike typical compilations, it features both classics and hidden gems, showcasing the genre's diversity. From unlikely DJ favorites like Manhattan Transfer's 'Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone' to well-known hits like Cheryl Lynn's 'Got to Be Real' the collection caters to seasoned disco enthusiasts. Tracks like Change's 'Paradise' sit alongside lesser-known gems like 'It Burns Me Up,' providing a deeper dive into disco's rich history. This double-disc set serves as a reminder of disco's enduring influence and offers a treat for those looking beyond the mainstream hits.

Review: Demon's 'Disco Discharge' series, originally released as 2CD collections from 2009 to 2012, is back in print. These compilations of extended disco originals were curated by the enigmatic "MrPinks" and featured detailed sleeve notes by disco expert Alan Jones. They have remained highly sought-after and here the revival begins with 'Disco Fever USA' in deluxe 2CD gatefold packaging. The album highlights 20 American Disco classics, including tracks from Fern Kinney, Gloria Gaynor, and Boys Town Gang. Notable rarities like an instrumental version of Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Boogie Wonderland' and Dennis Parker's 'Like An Eagle' are also featured, making it a must-have for disco heads.

Review: Four Flies continue their mission to plunge Italy's funk-historical depths. The pinnacle of their search so far for the sure-to-exist pearly gems on the sands thereunder is the new Africamore compilation, which homes in like a heat-seeking torpedo on the particular Afro- ends of the funk sound prevalent in the nation, in the crucial years between 1973 and 1978. This period was notable for its facilitating fertile ground for the emerging discotheque market in Italy at the time. From psychedelic-tinged tunes like Jean Paul & Angelique's 'Africa Sound' to Afrobeat-esque club banger 'Kumbayero' by Albert Verrecchia; from groundbreaking Afro-cosmics like Chrisma's 'Amore to mind-blowing floor-fillers like Beryl Cunningham's 'Why O', this is a multivalent compilation, among the best out there to document the burblings of that crosswise stew of disco, funk, electro and world musics.