Monday, December 27, 2010

ReStructure Mix Update - 12/27/10- "Grateful" - ReStructure Mix by Glenn Rivera - Sylvester







Sylvester (Sylvester James) hit the disco scene in 1977 with a self-titled album containing the garage classic "Over and Over". His second project titled "Step II" was co-produced by Harvey Fuqua and featured synthesizers by Patrick Cowley.

"Grateful" is another track from the "Step II" album which contained the energy of the disco era and encompassed Sylvester belief in life - "to be grateful!" It is a celebratory track and still holds the key to keeping your life humble and happy.

I have ReStructured this track and extended it's 3:27 timing to a little over 8:00 to give the happiness a go at it a bit longer!

Note: All tracks are digitized from vinyl media and cleaned up using Adobe Audition

NOTE: YOU MUST BE A MULTIPLY MEMBER AND CONTACT TO LISTEN TO ANY POSTED TRACKS



Sunday, December 26, 2010

REISSUE: "Feels Like I'm In Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kelly Marie







REISSUE: "Feels Like I'm In Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kelly Marie

Kelly Marie burst back onto dance floors with "Feels Like I'm In Love" in 1979 - the track made it's way to the top of dee jay play lists all over. The "feel" of the song was definitely what dance floors were celebrating at the time.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Paul in New York - there are plenty of new elements here. Lots of drums, synths and beats to bring out a savage dancer in anyone :)

Note: All tracks are digitized from vinyl media and cleaned up using Adobe Audition

NOTE: YOU MUST BE A MULTIPLY MEMBER AND CONTACT TO LISTEN TO ANY POSTED TRACKS


REISSUE: Breathless - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Trax







This is the kind of gem that you reminds what disco music was about. Produced by Pete Bellotte (Donna Summer, Roberta Kelly, Munich Machine, Stainless Steel, Sugar Cane, Joy Fleming, Marsha Hunt, Three Degrees) and Keith Forsey (Billy Idol, Gen X, Disco Circus, Mick Rowley, Icehouse ) – this project may remind many of tracks by La Bionda and some Euro-disco productions of the late seventies. It has everything you need.

“Breathless” is from the LP “Watch Out” – this one cooks – it has several hooks which I have ReStructured to give an even flow of energy throughout the song. This is one of my favorites when it comes to horn sections, strings, percussion and killer bass hooks.

This one is dedicated to Michael Rosensteel who is a life-long friend and I have probably danced to this in our 70’s party days in some club. Michael loves this song and that proves to me that he knows his “disco.”

Thursday, December 23, 2010

W. Michael Lewis (El Coco) on Ray At Midnite Show




W. Michael Lewis (El Coco) on Ray At Midnite Show

First show in a series of interviews with music producers, composers, artists, arrangers and songwriters hosted by Ray Harris, CEO of SnailWorx. This first interview is with producer, composer & arranger W. Michael Lewis.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

REISSUE: "Vamos a La Playa" by Righeira - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Righeira is Stefano Righi and Stefano Rita

Their 1983 self-titled LP was an electronic dance project produced by La Bionda - the big hit, "Vamos a La Playa" was an instant hit in clubs. The translation "We Go To The Beach" was a perfect opportunity for me to use one of the 1960's teen romp films - "Beach Blanket Bingo" was the one!

Since "Vamos a La Playa" has such a festive tone many of the dancers and excitement of these films were the exact element for the tone. The film was shot at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, California

The film stars Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Deborah Walley, Harvey Lembeck, John Ashley, Jody McCrea and Linda Evans. It was directed by William Asher (of television's "Bewitched")

Featuring scenes from "Beach Blanket Bingo" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

"Magic Nights" by Zara-Thustra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Zara-Thustra is a German band consisting of Alfons Weindorf, Clemens Weindorf and Eberhard Wilhelm - their 1986 dance single "Magic Nights" was a track, which was quite popular in hardcore dance clubs. A perfect early morning record - very melodic and beautiful.

I have used the song in this Disco Video Mix along with scenes from the 1989 film "Longtime Companion" - a film that depicts the AIDS epidemic in the 80's and the crisis, tears and strength it created. I have dedicated this project to those who have lost loved ones to this devastating disease. The footage takes the scenes from the lives of the characters from the story and outlines the theme of the song.

I believe the "Magic Nights" will always live - the time we shares - laughed, loved and celebrated and eventually said "goodbye" to our unfortunate loved ones. It is meant as a tribute to the strength and courage of those survivors who still hold those great moments.

The film stars Bruce Davidson, Campbell Scott, Patrick Cassidy, and Brian Cousins - it was directed by Norman Rene

Featuring scenes from "Longtime Companion" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

MAD TV: Crest Strips




MAD TV: Crest Strips

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Christmas Message From Bill Maher




Something to think about, as you watch it happen.

REISSUE: "Tender Is The Night" by THP Orchestra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The 1949 Samuel Goldwyn Classic, "Our Very Own" with Ann Blyth and Farley Granger is blended with disco classic, "Tender Is The Night" by THP Orchestra to create a romantic interlude in this video mix.

The track from the 1978 LP by the same... name is given life by producers Ian Guenther & Willi Morrison -- a beautiful dance ballad with The Duncan Sisters (Phyllis and Helen Duncan) weaving magic with their alluring vocals. I have always held both this song and the film close to my heart. This being the perfect time to bring the two together -- and dedicate to my partner, Ken.

Featuring scenes from "Our Very Own" -- available on VHS only -- RENT IT NOW!
Video Edit by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Sunday, December 19, 2010

REISSUE: "The Fight (For The Single Family)” by Norma Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







"The Fight (For The Single Family)” by Norma Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Norma Lewis played a major part in bringing disco torch songs back onto dance floors in the early 80’s. She was actually Marsha Raven (“Catch Me”, “I Like Plastic”, etc.) and Charade (“Got To Get To You”) before she began recording under Norma Lewis.

And under Norma Lewis she was a phenomenal asset to dance music – with cuts such as “Break Me”, “Maybe This Time”, “Life Is The Reason”, “For All We Know”, “Tonight (Dancing With The Desperate)”, and “Surprise Me Tonight” as well as a current recording of a cover version of “Someone That I Used To Love”. This line up is a hard one to forget when you adore beautiful dance music.

“The Fight (For The Single Family)” was another tribute to the workingwoman – very similar to Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard For The Money”. It was released in 1982 and produced by Phil Harding.

I have taken one of my favorite comedies of all-time, “Private Benjamin” and literally placed “The Fight” over a “private in the war” – well her own war. This was a great time for me to use some wonderful footage of Goldie Hawn being the adorable and lovable character that we all loved in 1980 – the film was directed by Howard Zieff.

Featuring scenes from “Private Benjamin” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Boogie Claus?




Great Friends: Lou's Bday - Surprise Dinner @ Pioles in Coronado 12/18/10




Great Friends: Lou's Bday - Surprise Dinner @ Pioles in Coronado

Friday, December 17, 2010

WHERE DOES ALL THE MUSIC COME FROM?




REISSUE: "I Took His Money" by Hott City! - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Hott City was as disco project produced by Jeffrey Parsons and Jeffrey Steinberg. The LP contained various sessions with lead vocals performed by several performers. "It Took His Money" featured the vocals of Mildred Vaney and Ortheia Barnes who... also recorded under the title Cut Glass ("Without Your Love") with both Parsons and Steinberg.

I have take scenes from the 1990 film "Pretty Woman" starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts and placed the fairy tale premise along with "I Took His Money". I believe they work close enough together.

"Pretty Woman" was directed by Gary Marshall

Featuring scenes from "Pretty Woman" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Fire Night Dance" by Peter Jacques Band - Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Peter Jacques Band brought a new energy to disco music in 1979 - a fresh electronic fusion which paved a new direction for dance music.

I have taken their track "Fire Night Dance" from the LP by the same name and paired it with the 1983 film, "Stayin' Alive" with John Travolta and Directed by Sylvester Stallone.- the show in the film titled, "Satan's Alley" seemed appropriate for this "Fire Night Dance".

Featuring scenes from "Stayin' Alive" -- RENT THE DVD!
Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

MAD TV: Dot and Homeschooling




MAD TV: Dot and Homeschooling

A Lot of Adult Comedy from Lisa Lampanelli!!!




A Lot of Adult Comedy from Lisa Lampanelli!!!

AB LIVE: The Flirts sing "Jukebox" and "Pick Up The Telephone"




AB LIVE: The Flirts sing "Jukebox" and "Pick Up The Telephone"

LIVE on AB - The Flirts sing Bobby O productions of "Jukebox" and "Pick Up The Telephone" on AB - big move for independent disco artists.

Going through old VHS footage and digitizing it - so quality is fair. Enjoy!

Oh, the 80's!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

WASHED UP: "Car Wash" - Looking for Joe




WASHED UP: "Car Wash" - Looking for Joe

One of my favorite scenes for 2 reasons: the hookers attitude and Rose Royce's "I'm Going Down"

REISSUE: "Back To Music" by Theo Vaness - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Theo Vaness recorded his first LP titled, "Back To Music" - produced by Michaele, Lana and Paul Sebastian. This project was another sign that Euro-disco was on the rise. Disco dance floors loved moving to the beautiful sounds of strings and horns as well as bass and the disco beat.

"Back To Music" was originally released as a full-blown medley featuring a tribute to The Beatles, Brahms, Bob Dylan and other pop and musicians. The US release (which is used her as an edit) was remixed by Jim Burgess and featured snippets of the complete production.

I have taken the 1998 film, "54" which stars Ryan Phillipe, Salma Hyek, Neve Campbell and Mike Meyers playing disco dance palace founder and owner, Steve Rubell. I have used scenes from the film to outline a short storyboard using Vaness' medley as the foundation.

Featuring scenes from "54" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Cocoon" by Timerider - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The 1985 sci-fi adventure film "Cocoon" - Directed by Ron Howard is blended here with the Italo-disco track "Cocoon" by Timerider.

The 12" disco single "Cocoon" is produced by Tess who is also know for his work with Fancy - this instrumental is a fine arrangement of keyboards and sequencer tracks. It is as close to a John Williams disco-esque track you may here with the funky electronics of disco music tossed in.

The film stars Don Ameche (won Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role), Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn and Steve Guttenberg.

Featuring scenes from "Cocoon" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

AB LIVE!: Michael Sembello sings "Maniac"




AB LIVE!: Michael Sembello sings "Maniac"

AB LIVE!: Irene Cara performs "What A Feeling (Flashdance)" with interview




AB LIVE!: Irene Cara performs "What A Feeling (Flashdance)" with interview

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

"You Can't Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On)" by High Ingery - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







High Inergy is a female ensemble from the Motown Family who were styled after The Supremes - and even take their name from a Supreme's LP. The group shared a success with their 1977 LP "Turnin' On" which included the single "You Can't Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On)" which reached #2 on the soul charts and #12 on the pop charts.

The group recorded several projects up to 1983 and then disbanded - however their contribution with "You Can't Turn Me Off" keeps their memory alive forever in disco land.

I have taken the 1987 romantic comedy "Mannequin" and paired up the track for a spin with Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. It is a silly film about a window dresser who falls for a mannequin who comes to life thanks to an old Egyptian spell. The romance works well with the flow of the song.

The film was directed by Michael Gottlieb

Featuring scenes from "Mannequin" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

AMERICAN BANDSTAND: Laura Branigan plays "Solitaire"




AMERICAN BANDSTAND: Laura Branigan plays "Solitaire"

ANY "FANATICS" IN THE HOUSE? "The Fanatic" by Felony (Oh, the 80's!)




ANY "FANATICS" IN THE HOUSE? "The Fanatic" by Felony (Oh, the 80's!)

American Bandstand: Bananarama sing "He Was Really Saying Something" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye"




American Bandstand: Bananarama sing "He Was Really Saying Something" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye"

Their first US television performance in 1981 on American Bandstand - includes interview.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

"From East To West" by Voyage - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The 1977 LP "Voyage" by Voyage marks a place in disco history that is hard to forget. It is a time where Euro-disco painted strong images and feelings for a dance floor waiting to be taken away to a fantasy world. The title track "From East To West" is a classic and leaves the imagination feeling unlimited - as well as the dance floor ready for more.

The project was produced by Roger Tokarz and features musicians Marc Chantereau, Pierre Alain Dahan and Slim Pezin as well as many backup ensembles from Cerrone and Munich disco recording sessions.

I have taken the 1956 adventure film, "Around The World In 80 Days" based on the Jules Verne's novel and placed scenes and images in this Disco Video Mix. The scenic quality works quite well and leaves little wonder on how this song by Voyage has become a classic piece for disco lovers all over the world.

The film was directed by Michael Anderson

Featuring scenes from "Around The World In 80 Days" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

SCARY SHIT!: "Cloverfield"




SCARY SHIT!: "Cloverfield" - A few scenes that had me feeling scared and creepy! Still the best horror/sci-fi film in a long time.

Monday, December 13, 2010

"One Small Step" by Apollo II - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The 1988 electronic street beat track "One Small Step" from Apollo II gets the Disco Video Mix treatment. John Davies and Nigel Stock of Passion Records produce the song. It is highly influenced by tracks like "19" by Paul Hardcastle with the "Mars walk" in mind.

I have taken the 1977 film "Capricorn One" starring Elliott Gould, James Brolin and Sam Waterston - the film centered on a hoax and conspiracy from the government to keep a failed mission alive. The visuals are farther out into space - but work as well for the disco track.

The film was directed by Peter Hyams

Featuring scenes from "Capricorn One" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Saturday, December 11, 2010

POSEIDON PARODY: "The Purseidon Adventure" - Part 1




A hilarious parody of "The Poseidon Adventure from Paul from Phoenix, Arizona - allot went into the making of this fabulous parody!

POSEIDON PARODY: "The Purseidon Adventure" - Part 2




A hilarious parody of "The Poseidon Adventure from Paul from Phoenix, Arizona - allot went into the making of this fabulous parody!