Tuesday 20 January 2009

My Disco Top 150: (11-20)

11. Loleatta Holloway Dreamin' (1976 Gold Mind)
Disco diva Loleatta Holloway is one of the most recognized vocalists in Disco history and this is her finest moment. Beautiful composition by Felder, Harris and Ron Tyson (of Love Committee), and an early B-H-Y production (Baker-Harris-Young).

12. Donna Summer I Feel Love (1977 Casablanca)
Donna Summer enjoyed huge chart success with various Disco hits, and alongside the infamous "Love To Love You Baby", it's this futuristic classic that has achieved legendary status. Co-produced by electronic Disco pioneer Giorgio Moroder - still goes down a storm in clubs today.

13. Al Hudson & The Soul Partners Spread Love (1978 ABC)
Al Hudson enjoyed success with both The Soul Partners and One Way in the Disco era - and the cream of the crop was this uplifting classic with a stunning arrangement with famed Motown arranger David Van De Pitte.

14. Sylvester Over and Over (1977 Fantasy)
Epic version of an Ashford & Simpson original, made his own by Disco superstar Sylvester.

15. The Salsoul Orchestra ft. Loleatta Holloway Run Away (1977 Salsoul)
Seminal Salsoul classic featuring the powerful vocals of Queen of Disco Loleatta Holloway. A slice of pure Philly arranged by Vincent Montana Jr.

16. Change The Glow Of Love (1980 Warner Bros.)
Mid-tempo, uplifting classic from the Petrus and Malavasi organization (B.B. & Q. Band, Cheri, etc). Featuring the sublime vocals of Luther Vandross and immaculately produced.
 
17. Ashford & Simpson It Seems To Hang On (1978 Warner Bros.)
Mid-tempo and serious Disco from the legendary song-writing partnership of Ashford & Simpson. Perfectly mixed by Jimmy Simpson.

18. Atmosfear Dancing In Outer Space (1979 MCA)
Unique, space-age Disco from the UK. Originally released on independent label Elite and soon licensed to MCA as it rocketed into the mainstream charts. 

19. Philly Devotions I Just Can't Say Goodbye (1975 Columbia)
Early Disco blueprint from Philadelphia. written, arranged and produced by John Davis who had much success with his Monster Orchestra on SAM Records later in the decade. Features an early mix by Tom Moulton.

20. Lenny Williams You Got Me Running (1978 ABC)
Former lead singer of Oakland funksters Tower Of Power, Lenny Williams scored with Disco cuts from his solo albums in the mid-seventies, including this epic, with it's super funky breakdown.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

What an education!!

Thanks so much for this list Kirk - I reckon my 'record wants' list is going to grow quite considerably after I've worked my way through this lot!

Kerry xx