Best Italy Schallplatten & CDs

Review: First released on the obscure Derby label way back in 1982, Dr Togo's debut single "Be Free" has long been an in-demand Italo-disco rarity. It was co-produced by Louis Figino, who had previously produced Kano's legendary single "I'm Ready", and featured that band's lead vocalist, Glenn White, as the headline-grabbing Dr Togo. This much-needed reissue boasts both versions from the original 12: the deep disco warmth of the A-side vocal version, in which White's invitation to come dance rides rich chords, rubbery slap-bass and spacey synthesizers, and the dub style flipside "Instrumental" mix. In keeping with the style of the time it was recorded, this includes additional layered percussion and selected snippets of the original's female backing vocals.