blanco y negro

Lovables – It’s Beautiful [BYN055]

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In classic Italo-disco fashion, Lovables was a one-off project masterminded by Mauro Farina, a producer who delivered a dizzying array of club cuts-turned-pop hits throughout the 1980s and early 90s. First released in 1984 and here reissued by Spanish mega-label Blanco Y Negro, ‘It’s Beautiful’ sits at the more melody-driven, synth-pop-influenced end of the Italo-disco spectrum – all cheery lead lines, Bobby Orlando-influenced motifs, chugging bass and classic ’80s electrofunk. As the original did 42 years ago, this re-release pairs the familiar, much-loved full vocal mix with a jaunty and ear-catching instrumental mix.

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Lovables – It’s Beautiful [BYN055]

Tokio – You Cant Stop This Game [INDX116]

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In the mid 1980s, it wasn’t just Italian producers and artists making distinctive, US-influenced electronic disco records. As Blanco Y Negro’s ongoing reissue series shows, plenty of Spanish acts made inspired and ear-catching blends of synth-pop, freestyle and Hi-NRG too. Tokio’s 1986 jam ‘You Can’t Stop This Game’ is a terrific example. Taking cures from NYC/Miami freestyle, the productions of Arthur Baker, Bobby Orlando’s Hi-NRG and big synth-pop acts of the period (think Pet Shop Boys for one), it’s a jaunty, attractive and thoroughly synthesiser-powered affair. This reissue naturally features both mixes from the original 12″ – the vocal mix and superior instrumental take – as well as the punchier and shorter radio edit.

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Tokio – You Cant Stop This Game [INDX116]

Baby’s Gang – My Little Japanese Boy [BYN053]

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“Challenger was the debut and unique album from the iconic and unique italo disco band Baby’s Gang. Although officially it had only two singles (Happy Song and Challenger), some other labels found extra tracks to be released as single (America) when Memory Records decided to focus on new releases. Produced by Anfrando Maiola (KOTO), Stefano Cundari and Alessadro Zanni, ‘My LIttle Japanese Boy’ is one of those tracks so it was worth buying the album. The album did not neither included the original version for Happy Song, but a ‘Remix’. Probably someone back in the days should have made this EP including both track…now we have done it. This 12″ included the original versions plus two Razor’s Edit to make it more DJ Friendly.”

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Baby’s Gang – My Little Japanese Boy [BYN053]

FLEXX – Theme From Flexxy-Ball [BYN052]

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If we think about what’s the best italo disco label considering the number of release and success, Hole Records would be on the top three of each italo disco lover. Aimed by Mikki Chieregato and Roberto Turatti, every single release on the label is a gem. Joe Yellow, Den Harrow or Stylóo started an succesfull carreer on the label but also Fred Ventura. He was the vocalist of Flexxy-Ball. Produced by Chieregato and Turatti and bring it to light at the Manlio Cangelli studio Love Theme From Flexxy-Ball, Love Theme from Flexxy-Ball is a record that can be missed in any italo shelf.

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FLEXX – Theme From Flexxy-Ball [BYN052]

Hugh Bullen – Alisand [BYN051]

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Directly from the Many Records files, an iconic italo disco track from early 1985 written and arranged by Enzo Vallicelli (the man behind great hits from Cruisin’ Gang of Max-Him). No remixes or updates are needed for this track, it still sounds as fresh and powerful as the day it was released.

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Hugh Bullen – Alisand [BYN051]

Cetu Javu – Por Que? [BASIX134]

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Reissue of this fantastic 12 from 1994. Pure European techno pop with Spanish vocals. Includes the English version ‘Don’t Leave Me’, and the original remix from 1994.

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Cetu Javu – Por Que? [BASIX134]