Review: Italian singer Elena Ferretti was popular on the Italo and Eurobeat scene between the early '80s, produced by the likes of Giacomo Maiolini, Mauro Farina, Sergio Dall'Ora and Giancarlo Pasquini. One of her best known hits is the song "My World" (as Sophie). Here we have a reissue of Feretti's highly valued Italo classic (to those who know) in the form of "Witch" under the Helen alias - with which she used for half a dozen or so tracks in her career. A typically neon-lit Italo disco anthem of the timeless variety, with additional remixes by Centre Neptune chief Flemming Dalum and mad Aussie Hysteric - both of them giving the track a nice reshape for modern dancefloors.
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.
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: Italy's go-to elder shaman Mauro Picotto has been a leading figure in the trance and techno scenes for over two decades, and his classic track Komodo is a relatively emergent track for the development of its hypier corners. As with the original radio edit on the A-side, this new 12" release homes in on five more exclusive mixes, primed for completely different scenarios ranging from deep, to serene, to crazed.
Review: Hard-hitting Italo/darkwave from Italian group Kirlian Camera, a longtime act in the genres and one of their many defining bands. 'Communicate' is reissued from an initial release in 1983, and is as dubious and 'dark' as this kind of music can get, sounding like what would have happened to Talking Heads if each member had been given a hoverbike and rode it into a Miami sunset. Remixes from Flemming Dalum and Vanzetti & Sacco appear on the B-side - while brightening, warming and changing the instruments in parts, they prove little needs to be altered about the track in order to bring out its best parts.
Review: 49ers were the fivesome of Gianfranco Bortolotti, Luca Cittadini, Diego Leoni and Pieradis Rossini and vocalist Ann-Marie Smith and 1989's 'Touch Me' came as their second ever single after 'Die Walkure', which did comparatively less well in the charts. Ingenious of the association now often made between Italo house/disco and lewd sexuality, this was an early experiment in the style and came without vocals from Smith. Instead, it sampled Aretha Franklin's 'Rock-A-Lott' and Alisha Warren's 'Touch Me', producing a nebulously sexual sound, in which the samples songstresses are made to sound much... tenderer. For the more squeamish among us, there is of course an instrumental B-side.
Review: Hypnosis (more often than not written 'Hipnosis') enjoyed success in their native Italy in the early-to-mid 1980s, initially with club-focused Italo-disco interpretations of then contemporary cuts by fellow European synth-fanciers. Having debuted in 1983 with a cover of Vangelis's 'Pulstar', they followed it up by taking on Jean-Michel Jarre's global smash 'Oxygene'. Here it gets a deserved reissue, allowing a new generation to revel in its alluring mixture of arpeggio-style bass, rubbery bass guitar licks, cascading electronics, triple-time drums and electrofunk inspired translations of Jarre's famous, insatiably hooky melody. Also included is original B-side 'Borpaz', a deliciously spacey, delay-laden original composition that includes some seriously funky synth licks and a proper early morning groove.
Review: .An Italo disco rarity from 1985 now available again via XYZ on a colour 12' maxi single: Karl Olivas' 'Follow Me!!!'. The A-side features the rare original version in all its neon-lit glory, and as a highlight they proudly present two new and exclusive remixes by Flemming Dalum (who hands in a mesmerising slo-mo rendition) and the new dance fantasy continues on the flip with an F. Ricci version (The Ri-Mix).
Review: 'Chance To Desire' by Radiorama is a quintessential example of 1980s Italo house music, characterised by its dramatic flair and smooth synth melodies. The vocal version, a classic of the genre, features the smooth vocal performance that makes the track still exciting 40 years later. The instrumental version allows listeners to focus on the intricate synth work and infectious groove. The remixes on Side-2 offer fresh takes on the original. Flemming Dalum's remix extends the track, highlighting key elements and giving it a new energy. DJ Tin Tin's remix offers another perspective, showcasing the versatility of the song. Overall, 'Chance To Desire' is a timeless piece of Italo house that deserves this much anticipated reissue.
Review: Come Back by Jimmy & Suzy, a hidden gem from 1985, resurfaces with an infectious blend of Italo Disco and New Beat vibes. The vocal version is pure nostalgia with its catchy melodies and groovy rhythms. The instrumental version strips it down, highlighting the impeccable production. Flemming Dalum's remix breathes new life into the track, subtly updating elements while preserving its original charm. DJ TinTin's remix shines with emphasis on keyboard parts, bassline, and melody, elaborating on the sounds. This release by XYZ showcases their commitment to quality reissues, bringing back a timeless disco treasure for a new generation to enjoy.
Review: We find ourselves writing this a lot but this really is a top-tier Italo disco record that is as rare as an honest politician and way out on its own atop many people's want list. Wish Key was founded by Manlio Cangelli and their debut in 1983, 'Orient Express' quickly gained popularity and led to further releases like 'Easy Way' in 1984 and 'Life.' It's a track drowning in echo and reverb and 80s drum sounds with a nice-paced bassline and camp vocals. It comes in various versions here as well as with the signature Flemming Dalum for more club-friendly vibes
Review: If there is one thing ZXY knows about, it is unearthing and reissuing Italo disco rarities from the 80s. This one is from 1984 and finds Rank tapping into the perfect nostalgic aesthetics of the time - silvery drums that are not overly produced, wispy synths that bring cosmic energy and some loved-up chords. 'Happy World' comes with a vocal and instrumental version as well as a signature Flemming Dalum remix from the man who never lets us down.
Review: Effusive, full-bodied Italo disco from Maurice Yesterday and reissued by ZYX; 'Come On' sounds like it could've been released yesterday and yet this reissue still retains all of the character of its original 1986 pressing. The Italian DJ's sole single emerged shortly after his affectionate nicknaming by a fellow Maurizio, producer Maurizio Sangineto; 'Maurice Yesterday' is a translation of the artist Maurizio's surname Ieri. 'Come On' and its inverse side 'My Best' are as clean but electric as the best in Italo disco can possibly get.
Review: Back in the mid-90s, Rednex dropped their global smash 'Cotton Eye Joe' as part of their album Sex & Violins and it topped plenty of charts. It was also a school disco favourite that paired euro-dance beats with country melodies and redneck vocals as well as the very singable chorus. Now it comes with a series of edits, instrumentals and remixes by the likes of Madcow on this new 12" from the ZYX label who have pressed it up to limited orange vinyl. It is still silly but lots of fun so why not cop this ultimate edition.
Review: G.J. Lunghi's 'Acapulco Nights,' originally released in 1984, returns with a reissue on ZYX Music, celebrating its timeless appeal. This Italo-Disco classic blends moody, epic piano melodies with influences from freestyle and disco music, creating a magical soundscape. Side-1 features the original and its instrumental version, both thriving on the nostalgic essence of the 80s dance scene. The romantic atmosphere and epic piano lines remain as strong as ever. Side-2 introduces two exciting remixes by Flemming Dalum. His remix updates the track for modern listeners, adding fresh energy while respecting the original's charm. The remix edit provides a concise, yet impactful version. Thanks to ZYX Music, this reissue brings 'Acapulco Nights' back to the forefront, allowing a new generation to experience its enchanting allure. Italo House forever!
Review: 'Humanoid Invasion' is a stone-cold Italo disco classic from 1986 that now gets reissued on the irrepressible ZYX label. It comes in various forms starting with the Dance Mix which is bright and led by shiny, irresistible arps and squelchy synth bass. The jittery rhythms demand you jerk your body and the Space Mix then adds extra effects and reverb with more shine on the chords. A Digital remix feels more crisp and contemporary but still in a retro-future way and then a 7" and an epic Megamix Vol 1 are included to make this the ultimate ode to a classic.
Die Klapperschlange (Escape From New York) (vocal)
Die Klapperschlange (Escape From New York) (instrumental)
Die Klapperschlange (Escape From New York) (edit)
Die Klapperschlange (Escape From New York) (Nomoo remix)
Review: One of legendary filmmaker John Carpenter's few forays into electro-disco proper, 'Die Klapperschlange' is an instant throwback, the title theme from the 1981 sci-fi film Escape From New York. Everyone knows this melody, yet few could point to its origin, and that's likely due to the German release of the John Carpenter film being titled 'Die Klapperschlange' ('The Rattlesnake'). And yes, you heard us right: John Carpenter himself made this piece of music. A multi-talented man indeed, though he did work with fellow composer and sound designer Alan Howarth to add the finishing touches here. It's as if this track were made for the anarcho-discos of the future, its inherent darkness rendering it seemingly unassailable by the crumbling of society or public breakouts of violence depicted in the film. Plus, there's *that* unmistakable four-bar extension, in which a three-note hook has permanently wedged itself in our minds - wowee. And on this new release via ZYX, we've got two new alt-mixes and an outrun techno remix from Nomoo. Sweet!
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: Italian synthpop group Koto dropped their most seminal tune 'Jabdah' in 1986 and it has been a real dance floor classic ever since. Often coming out over the years with plenty of remixes (there have officially been 12 in all over) and versions as part of best of comps and whatever else, here it comes on a dedicated 12" picture disc with one extended version and one for DJs. It was the band's first single that charted and is still the sort of catchy and emotive tune that gets the dancefloor going and locked into its lush synth sounds and beguiling lyrics about space newspapers and waltzes.
Review: Martinelli - presumably not the Brazilian one who plays in the midst of Arsenal's attack - has his classic disco gem 'Cenerentola (Cinderella)' reissued here by ZYX, a label that is well known and revered for doing just that. First up is served as an extended vocal mix that places the sentimental vocals front and centre with the sleazy sax lines also shine bight. Following the more direct Italo disco workout that is the instrumental comes a remix of the vocal that has a much more bright, tropical and steamy hot feel perfect for summer sessions and then last of all a remix of the instrumental that might be the perfect balance of everything.
Review: Germany's ZYX records picks of the reissue of Mauro Picotto hit Iguana. Perhaps the most famous Mauro composed track in his discography, many of the most important original remixes are gathered on this one 12"! Included, is the hard trance version with the Megavoices mix, the pulsating peak time version RAF and the anthemic Blank & Jones remix. The Megamind and Mas remixes should not be overlooked! Each version on here give you all the feels of this mega trance hit.
Review: A real doozy of an early Italo, proto-darkwave heater from Fred Ventura-led Fokewulf 190, bound to illicit dancefloor devastation any darn time of year. Straddling the boundary between the more uptempo chapters of Italo and the more austere permutations of synth pop, Fokewulf's timeless anthem lends itself well to DJ Tin Tin and Flemming Dalum's respectful but gently modernised remixes. If anything though, they cast the original in a more innovative light, with its sparse, classy drive.
Time For Changes (Flemming Dalum remix edit) (4:19)
Review: It is now 40 years old but copping a reasonably priced vinyl version of Faxe's 'Time For Changes' is still a tough ask. But no need to worry because ZYX have got this super reissue version out in time for its 40th anniversary. It comes with the dazzling original version complete with silky Italo arps and chilly retro drum machine sounds and also an instrumental, plus the usual remixes from Flemming Dalum on the flip. He extends the breaks and makes the tune a little more suited to contemporary DJ play.
Acknowledge (DJ Con-t & Opposite Direction remix) (5:52)
Review: First released back in 1990, a year after Dutch producer Michael van der Kuy took ownership of the Koto project from its' Italian founders (a duo responsible for such Italo-disco classics as 'Japanese War Game' and 'Visitors'), 'Acknowledge' returns to stores in remastered and refreshed form. Side A sports two versions first showcased on the 90 12-inch: the throbbing, deep space Italo-disco-meets-hi-NRG cheeriness of the original extended mix (A1), and the slightly moodier, dancefloor dub style 'Knowledge Mix'. Turn to the flip and you'll find two new interpretations. First, 21st century Italo hero Flemming Dallum does a terrific job in making the record sound like it was made in 1984 -unsurprisingly, the analogue-sounding synths are particularly attractive - before DJ Con-T and Opposite Direction give it a house leaning Italodance tweak.
I Feel Love (Karl8 & Andrea Monta rework extended) (6:38)
Review: Produced by a quartet of experienced Italian producers, CRW's debut single 'I Feel Love' was a huge international dancefloor hit following its original release in 1998. Joining the dots between uplifting 90s trance, Eurodance and the colourful and saucer-eyed end of the superclub progressive house spectrum, it has been remixed countless times since. This EP brings together the best of those versions, flitting between melody-rich peak-time joy (the piano-sporting On Air and Red mixes), stomping trance muscularity (the J&R Mix), speed garage-influenced, bass-heavy Eurodance (the RAF Zone version), 21st century hard dance (the buzzing riffs and thickset grooves of DJ Isaac's recent revision) and atmospheric progressive trance (Karl8 and Andrea Monta's extended 'rework').
Review: How many Italo disco records leave you saying, "now *this* is where it's at!"? Even many classics miss the chi-spot, but oh do ZYX Music know where to look for such satiate sounds. Originally released in 1986, JD Jaber's Don't Wake Me Up gleams in new citrusy light: the new 12" maxi single recirculates a genius work by Gianluca Bergonzi, whose clattery percs, rattly sweet melodies, and spandex stabs leave our breaths taken. The hard-to-find original versions feature on the A, while the B-side stirs up two new exclusive remixes mouth-to-mouthing new life into the track (and we're not talking CPR): Flemming Dalum's is steeped in retro finesse, while Dstrtd Sngl takes a more modern route, injecting darker textures and punchier dynamics.
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