italo-disco

VA – You Can Trust A Man With A Moustache Vol. 6 [MST054]

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Some 17 years after the first missive landed in record stores, Moustache Records popular multi-artist EP series, ‘You Can Trust a Man With a Moustache’, returns for its sixth instalment. Doctr gets us going with the spiralling Hi-NRG-meets-acid thrills of ‘Our Minds Belong Together’, before Theo Scuera joins the dots between rave-igniting early 90s house and the more muscular, sweat-soaked end of mid 90s progressive house on the colossal ‘Your Virus’. David Vunk and Ben La Desh join forces on B-side opener ‘Unrealized Prophet’, a veritable whirlwind of muscular techno drums, buzzing riffs and broken modem electronics, while Patricio Diaz’s ‘Welcome To My Hell’ is a bouncy and mind-mangling slab of peak-time acid nostalgia tailor-made for dark basements and flagging dancefloors. This release is a tribute to Bob the Landlord, who became known in Rotterdam after appearing in a documentary about the harbor cafe Willems Kantine.

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VA – You Can Trust A Man With A Moustache Vol. 6 [MST054]

Miguel Hernandez – Neon Cyberwave EP [BOSCO057]

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Bosconi Records introduces Neon Cyberwave, the first solo EP on the label by Italian electronic visionary Miguel Herrnandez, marking a milestone in the evolution of an artist who has consistently bridged Detroit-rooted aesthetics with the experimental pulse of the European underground. Based in the Val d’Elsa region between Florence and Siena, Miguel has forged a unique sonic identity shaped by his devotion to vinyl, his deep connection to the techno capital the Motor City, and his passion for deeply rooted yet still futuristic electronic culture.

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Miguel Hernandez – Neon Cyberwave EP [BOSCO057]

Modem – Your Fun / Valérie [BST-X112]

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Among the Italian discos of ’70s and ’80s, that represented a cultural phenomenon that has remained in the collective imagination, stands out the Picchio Rosso discotheque from Formigine (Modena). Besides serving as a meeting place and entertainment venue for thousands of young people, it also served as a bridge between its DJs and many talented young musicians from the region. Picchio Rosso was the laboratory for Italo-Disco productions recorded at the Amin-Peck studios in Bologna. Amin-Peck are also the musical architects of Peecker Melody label. “Your Fun” and the instrumental “Valérie” by Modem are two simple, slightly hypnotic, well-constructed, and catchy songs, released in 1984 at Peecker Melody. Now, 40 years later, Best Record has reissued them for the young generation.

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Modem – Your Fun / Valérie [BST-X112]

Franz Scala – Cafe Futuro Remixes [SLOMO055R]

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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]

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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]

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

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]