Franz Scala – Cafe Futuro Remixes [SLOMO055R]

Following the acclaimed release of Franz Scala’s sophomore album ‘Cafe Futuro,’ Voodoos And Taboos, Marta Paradise, and fellow Slow Motion label head Fabrizio Mammarella lend their unique interpretations to three distinctive tracks from the record.

Franz Scala – Cafe Futuro Remixes [SLOMO055R]

Lovables – It’s Beautiful [BYN055]

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]

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]

VA – Dam Swindle x Salsoul Remixes Vol. 1 [ABSALSDS1]

Dutch duo Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets, better known as Dam Swindle, are the latest in a line of decorated contemporary producers taking on rework duties for legendary New York disco label, Salsoul Records. On this volume the pair provide fresh takes on the classic ‘Let No Man Put Asunder’ by First Choice and a funky edit of “War Dance” by Kebekelektrik.

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VA – Dam Swindle x Salsoul Remixes Vol. 1 [ABSALSDS1]

DayVentura – The Midnight Man [SLOMO056D]

DayVentura graces Slow Motion Records with his debut EP ‘The Midnight Man’ a release that champions his perceptive ear, expanding on his refreshingly charged approach to Italo Disco and its smokier corners. Opening with the hefty heat of the title track ‘The Midnight Man’ FM arps flicker from ear to ear, riding explosive bass and a familiar effervescent tone. Sultry vocals drift over the track, igniting the acid lines. ‘Into The Mirror’ follows this thread, soaked in steam and infectious energy. It features vocals from Marina Leggieri. DayVentura leans into the dark and throws listeners into a peak time, wall-climbing setting. Pushing the envelope with each transition with gutterall weight DayVentura fuels the fire. Wrong Era affiliate and Italo, Electro icon Leona Jacewska, joins DayVentura in ‘Fashion District’ a driving collaboration dripping in infectious sleaze. His signature percussion rides through with Charlie’s enigmatic synths and commanding vocals. ‘The Horizontal Technique’ plays with the tongue-in-cheek nature of its title. Crisp claps and thunderous synths thrust the track into action, allowing the vocals to saunter through

DayVentura – The Midnight Man [SLOMO056D]

Mr. Pauli – Cyber Shadow [USR037]

Undersound Recordings brings on board Mr. Pauli. After 9 years from his last vinyl appearance, Mr. Pauli is back with a 3 tracker EP showcasing his melodic and emotional side. A release devoted to the Italo-Disco and Synth Pop sound, with an electro touch here and there, that will bring you to another deep dimension towards your inner self.

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Mr. Pauli – Cyber Shadow [USR037]

Bobby O – Rarities Vol. 1 [IDL076]

Bobby Orlando is regarded as the innovator in the hi-NRG genre for developing his signature sound. In the early years he became famous for his hits with Divine, The Flirts and The Pet Shop Boys. During the years 1987 and 1988 he created more obscure tracks, which are really hard to find on vinyl. On this compilation you will find 4 of those tracks in full versions. Nancy Dean comes in the exclusive BobCat Remix.

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Bobby O – Rarities Vol. 1 [IDL076]

DayVentura – Fashion District [SLOMO056S]

DayVentura anticipates his debut EP on Slow Motion with “Fashion District”. Wrong Era affiliate and Italo, Electro icon Leona Jacewska, joins DayVentura in this driving collaboration dripping in infectious sleaze. His signature percussion rides through with Leona’s enigmatic synths and commanding vocals. Marta Paradise joins this explosive release with their arcane, simmering ‘Midnite Compulsion Dub’. Keeping the augmented synths at the forefront, they swim in the murkier depths of the track, building upon the vocals of the original, letting instrumentation brood with their glistening Italo class.

DayVentura – Fashion District [SLOMO056S]

Italoconnection – Like A Star / Make It Real [BAP239]

Two vocal tracks and two instrumentals. The classic EP structure reflects the class act that is Fred Ventura and Paolo Gozzetti. Italoconnection are back at the Bordello weaving their synthesizer magic. And those analogue lines are what immediately wash over the listener in “Like A Star.” Crisp percussion and sailing melodies break to a glorious hook before Ventura’s unmistakable voice takes hold. Paying homage to Moroder’s “From Here To Eternity”, Italoconnection deliver a vocoder dipped love affair as smouldering vocals pitch ever higher. The instrumental strips back all lyrics, but allows the breathy keys to remain and keep that human touch amidst the addictive chords and rich textures. Bold machine brass introduces “Make It Real.” These blasts form the melodic backbone for this ballad to self-belief where Ventura’s impassioned words are impeccably coupled with Gozzetti’s sparkling synthwork. That synthwork comes to the fore in the finale. With lyrics pared back, the machines sing a different song as that energy packed melody is charged with even more intensity. Quality through and through, as always with Italoconnection.

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Italoconnection – Like A Star / Make It Real [BAP239]

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

“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]

Lauer – Smack Is The Message [IM022]

Frankfurt’s melodic mastermind Lauer is back, and this time he’s landing straight on Italo Moderni with a brand-new 4-track heater titled ‘Smack is the Message’. Known for blending deep-house warmth, 80s italo sparkle, and synth-driven nostalgia, Lauer once again proves why his sound hits that sweet spot between dreamy and dance-ready. 

Lauer – Smack Is The Message [IM022]