Wednesday, November 30, 2011

REISSUE: “Pillow Talk” by Sylvia – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Sylvia (Sylvia Van der Pool Robinson) is a singer, musician, music producer and record label executive. Her solo career from 1973 began with her hit single “Pillow Talk” (which she wrote for Al Green – but he never recorded it) – the song was an instant soul classic with its risqué sound.

The song was #1 on the R&B charts for two weeks in 1973. It is now considered a disco classic.

I have taken the 1959 romantic comedy by the same name, “Pillow Talk” starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson and placed the two love birds below to frame this Disco Video Mix. Although the films center more along the comedic edge I have used the footage of love and romance to complete the sound.

The film was directed by Michael Gordon

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/29/11) - "Girls Are Back In Town" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque

COMING SOON!
"Girls Are Back In Town" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque

REISSUE: "The Visitors" by ABBA - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







In 1980, ABBA released "Super Trooper" which contained now classic dance tracks, "Lay All Your Love On Me" and "Super Trooper" - it was as if the band was transformed dance floors into an alter to worship another period of grand music.

Without a pause, "The Visitors" was released in 1981 creating more excitement than ever. The title track is a diamond and continues to leave dancers restless and faithful. It relays several stories - one that I placed below the images and scenes from the 1977 film by Steven Spielberg, "Close Encounters of The Third Kind". The film is a look at the strong possibility of "visitors" from another world connecting with earth. Makes better sense to me than most traditional theories.

This Disco Video Mix outlines the films glorious special effects and main characters - for the many years of entertainment and talents he has shared, I dedicate this Mix to Mr. Spielberg and also ABBA - the band with no end.

Featuring scenes from "Close Encounters of The Third Kind" - RENT THE DVD again!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, November 28, 2011

REISSUE: “Mirror, Mirror” by Diana Ross – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Diana Ross returned in 1981 with an LP titled “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” featuring the track, “Mirror, Mirror”. This song was a funky as Ross’ earlier session with Chic producers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards in 1980.

The project was produced by Diana Ross and was a big part of the dance fusion of the early 80’s and was co-written by Michael Sembello (“Maniac”)

Taking the Walt Disney children’s classic, “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs” from the Brothers Grimm Fairy tale collection and placing it below the theme of “Mirror, Mirror” was an easy one and flowed wonderfully. This animated classic was released originally in 1938 and had some of the most frightening visions as well as the most sinister figure, The Wicked Queen.

This idea came about thanks to Ken Emmons – connecting the two became my job. I hope it entertains you as well.

Featuring scenes from “Snow White” - RENT THE DVD
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Saturday, November 26, 2011

REISSUE: "Always Something There To Remind Me" by Viola Wills - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Viola Wills contribution to disco music is majestic. Several of her cover versions of rock and pop songs are embedded on dance floors all over the world. "If You Could Read My Mind" from 1980 being one of the most memorable.

In 1981 she released a cover of "Always Something There To Remind Me" - a beautiful ballad written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David - covered again by Naked Eyes in 1982. Viola's production was by Jerry McCabe and Nick Straker.

I have taken the track and paired it up with the 1990 film, "Ghost" starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore - the story of a soul unable to leave his love as he protects and reminds her of a very special love. The concept is perfect with the mood of the song and the angle of the mix.

The film was directed by Jerry Zucker

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

This Disc Video Mix is dedicated lovingly to the memory of Viola Mae Wilkerson (1939 - 2009) - thank you Viola - your memory will always live on!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

REISSUE: “Strive” by Gloria Gaynor – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







From her 1984 LP, “I Am Gloria” comes “Strive” – a very high energy and upbeat dance track. Produced by Joel Diamond (Silver Blue, The Invitations, Lew Kirton, Joel Diamond Experience, Jack Black, etc.) and featured keyboards by Marcus Barone (“Savage Lover” by The Ring”).

Gloria gives another outstanding performance with a great message tagged along.

“A Chorus Line” –The Movie is featured as the visual for this Disco Video Mix – released in 1985 – it is the film version of the 12 times Tony Award winning Broadway play which ran for 6,137 performances. The late Michael Bennett (“Dreamgirls”) who passed in 1987 choreographed the original production.

Richard Attenborough directs the film.

The energy is in the hopes and dreams of these performers.

Featuring scenes from “A Chorus Line” – The Movie – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/22/11) - "Moonlight Lovin' (Menage A Trois)" by Issac Hayes - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

COMING SOON!
"Moonlight Lovin' (Menage A Trois)" by Issac Hayes - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Featuring scenes from "Summer Lovers" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Megatron Man" by Patrick Cowley - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The sound of keyboards and synthesizers exploded in 1981 with Patrick Cowley's project "Megatron Man" - this being the new age of electronic disco. The mid and late 70's were given a taste of sequencers and robotic keyboard melodies as artists like Giorgio Moroder left a wide space in our minds for synthetic disco music.

Patrick Cowley had been a vital part of disco's transition to high energy during the second dance explosion in the early 80's. It was obvious with tracks like "Menergy" and "Megatron Man" that disco music was ready for another growth period.

I have taken "Megatron Man" and blended it with the 1982 sci-fi adventure film, "Tron" starring Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner and David Warner. The graphics and adventure are appropriate in the fantasy of Cowley's now classic.

The film was directed by Steven Lisberger

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

Dedicated to my partner Ken - for having the patience with me as I bury my mind in these projects

Monday, November 21, 2011

REISSUE: “Behind The Groove” by Teena Marie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Teena Marie (Mary Christine Brockert) is better known as Lady T – a R&B artists who brought a new style and edge to soul and disco music in the late 70s. Her music was poetic and a very powerful inspiration to the soul. Her second album in 1980 titled “Lady T” contained the dance single “Behind The Groove” which I have taken into the Disco Video Mix arena thanks to an ideal from Ken Emmons.

The 1980 musical “Xanadu” starring Olivia Newton John, Gene Kelly and Michael Beck is the visual in this project – the big dance segments lend some energy and mystique to the mythical land of Xanadu. The film is a campy piece of 80s dance that always makes the magic of disco and the era come alive again.

The film was directed by Robert Greenwald

Featuring scenes from “Xanadu” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons (based on his concept)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

“I Have A Destiny” by Denise Mc Cann – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Denise Mc Cann released her second album in 1979 titled “I Have A Destiny” which showcased the disco concept of the late seventies as well as Denise’s unique vocal. The project was produced by Guy Sobell.

I have taken the title track and mixed the visuals from the Moly Shannon character Mary Katherine Gallagher from SNL in “Superstar – Dare To Dream” – the story of an aspiring and nerdy Catholic schoolgirl who is constantly dreaming of stardom takes the disco track and gives it a face.

The film was directed by Bruce McCulloch

Featuring scenes from “Superstar – Dare To Dream” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Stand Up - Sit Down" by AKB - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







From Andy Kahn (who also wrote and produced "Hot Shot" by Karen Young on the West End label) wrote, produced and arranged tunes including "Stand Up Sit Down" on the RSO label. Along with Philadelphia DJ Kurt Borusiewicz, Andy was one-half the collaborative team of AKB in 1979.

I have taken the 1935 film "Top Hat" starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and placed the excitement of tap dancing on the disco beat.

The film was directed by Mark Sandrich

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

Friday, November 18, 2011

REISSUE: "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" by Alec R. Costandinos - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The masterpiece by Alec R. Costandinos is blended with the 1956 film version of "Notre Dame de Paris" - the beautiful and lush strings and funky disco bass outline the story with drama and emotion.

The film stars Gina Lollobrigida, Anthony Quinn and Jean Danet - it was directed by Jean Delannoy.

Costandino's whose work in the disco arena is well respected and often referred to - his concept LPs were most popular on dance floors as well as audiophiles turntable to study the arrangements and beauty of his orchestrated disco sound.

Featuring scenes from "Notre Dame de Paris" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Loulou from The Netherlands - the beauty of this story speaks to hearts and souls - thank you for giving mine so much.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/17/11) - "Havah Nagilah" by Azoto - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

COMING SOON!
"Havah Nagilah" by Azoto - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Featuring scenes from "Fiddler On The Roof" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Armed and Extremely Dangerous” by First Choice – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







First Choice is Rochelle Fleming, Joyce Jones and Annette Guest – originally known as The Debonettes. Their first album in 1973 titled “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” contained the title cut that is now a disco classic. The project was produced by Norman Harris and Stan Watson.

I have taken the title track and matched it with the action and romance between our lead characters in “Bonnie& Clyde” from 1967 and stars Warren Beatty (who also produced) and Faye Dunaway. I have outlined the songs caution along with the notoriously violent life of the infamous couple.

The film was directed by Arthur Penn

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Dan Butler of San Diego –who always brought this song to life for me

Featuring scenes from “Bonnie & Clyde” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/17/11) - "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rozalin Woods

COMING SOON!
"Whatcha Gonna Do About It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rozalin Woods

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/17/11) - "You Can" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madleen Kane

COMING SOON!
"You Can" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madleen Kane

REISSUE: "I Love New York" by Metropolis - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







One of Salsoul Records biggest treats during the disco era was Metropolis - a Tom Moulton production along with Thor Baldursson on arrangements. This being a Munich Land Studios (Munich) and Sigma Sound Studios (Philly, USA) collaboration, with very favorable results.

"I Love NY" is a single form the project which was used in the revitalize New York ads in the late 70's - a great orchestrated and upbeat track. One of those numbers, which makes the soul, feel alive.

I have taken the 1981 film "Arthur" starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli into the Disco Video arena along with Metropolis - and although the film did not feature much of the magnificent city I did add a few wonderful images to pace it all along with the fun and excitement of the story.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Mr. Tom Moulton and Mr. Thor Baldursson in appreciation for their talents

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

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

“My #1 Request” by Destination – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Destination is Danny Lugo, Kathleen Bradley and Lovechyle Theus – and Mr. Elton Farokh Ahi producing arranging and playing several instruments on this session. It is one of the most incredible disco arrangements of the 70s.

I have taken the “Departure – My #1 Request” segment which include “Put It Where You Want It” and “Fantasy From Mortisha to Gomez Adams” pieces and blended the suite with the 1991 black comedy “The Adams Family” starring Anjelica Houston, Raul Julia and Christina Ricci. The movie version of the television show which ran from 1964 – 1966 is a hilarious affair.

I have paired up a few surprises to keep the Destination track alive and give it a whole new meaning!

The film was directed by Barry Sonnerfeld

Featuring scenes from “The Adams Family” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Sounds that create a reaction...




REISSUE: “(Everybody’s) Dancing All Over The World” by Busta Jones – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Busta Jones was featured on Gino Soccio’s 1979 “Outline” LP performing as bass guitar. Pairing with Pat Deserio and co-producing by Soccio he released “(Everybody’s) Dancing All Over The World”. This track helped to keep the disco beat alive on many dance floors with its electronic feel and funky bass line. Quite similar to what Jones and Deserio were creating with Bombers (“Everybody Get Dancing” – which featured Busta on vocals).

Busta Jones also produced Nona Hendrix’s 1981 single, “Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart” along with Jerry Harrison.

This track has been combined with 1978 disco feature film, “Thank God It’s Friday” featuring Donna Summer and The Commodores. The film set the disco scene quite adequately during the peak of disco. It has a light and comical view of the world of lights and disco beats.

The film was directed by Robert Klane.

Featuring scenes from “Thank God It’s Friday” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons
www.discovideomix.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/15/11) - "Menhungry" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Maxine Dee


COMING SOON!
"Menhungry" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Maxine Dee




HOUSE MUSIC ALL NIGHT LONG: "Got A Love For You" by Jomanda (1991)




One of my favorite house records of 1991!!!

COMING SOON! (Edition 11/15/11) - "My #1 Request" by Destination - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

COMING SOON!
"My #1 Request" by Destination - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Featuring scenes from "The Adams Family" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Capricorn” by Capricorn – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Capricorn are Italian disco producers Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo – who also brought us projects by Easy Going, Kasso, Vivian Vee and Walter Martino. Their influence on Italo-disco music in the early 80s was an important faucet for disco music history.

“Capricorn” is a single released in 1980 – a funky track disco track about a space traveler from the constellation of Capricorn who travels through the galaxy in search of a woman to bring back to his planet – where there are no other women.

I have taken a film from the same year, “Saturn 3” starring Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas and Harvey Keitel a story similar to “Alien” where a cyborg runs amok and threatens the safety of Farrah. It was looked at as a cheesy sci-fi flick but works quite well with this disco over—haul.

The film was directed by Stanley Donen

Featuring scenes from “Saturn 3” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons (based on his idea)

REISSUE: "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

Monday, November 14, 2011

DISCO SOUNDTRACKS: "Monique" (1979) - Dennis Parker - "Fly Like An Eagle"






Very strange film from 1979 with music produced by Jacques Morali. A violent film about a disturbed woman

Monique(1979)

Monique is a French-Canadian woman who was traumatized as a child by seeing her mother murdered and continues to be haunted by the memory. Soon after her wedding, Monique's marriage encounters problems when her new husband begins staying out late. When Monique learns that he has a secret life, the discovery sends her into madness.

Directed by Jacques Scandelari
Music by Jacques Morali
From Story by Jacques Scandelari

Starring Florence Giorgetti and John Ferris

Special thanks to Joseph A. for the DVD of this rare film

A test. Are you gay? Look at the following picture.

A test.  Are you gay?  Look at the following picture:

“Tequila” by Bo Boss – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Bo Boss is Paolo Minioni, Massimilano Di Carlo and Roberto Masala – a trio of Italian writers and producers who created a few very progressive dance landmarks in Italo-disco history. Their studio project Bo Boss covers The Champs oldies-favorite “Tequila” in a robotic-like approach and gives the song a whole new essence.

I have taken the 1985 comedy-adventure film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” starring Paul Reubens and singer, E.G. Daily and pasted the famous “tequila-dance” scenes along with the new beat of the classic. It gives Pee-Wee a whole new spin on the disco version and also an opportunity to see this uproarious movie once again.

The film was directed by Tim Burton

Fearturing scenes from “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Sultana" by Taracco - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Reinhard Tarrach produced and arranged "Sultana" - a wonderful disco instrumental piece with a very dramatic feel along with a vision for adventure and fantasy. Many of Tarrach's past projects have included artists like Luisa Fernandez and Overdrive.

"Sultana" is more of a guitar and drums piece with a flickering synth track - great for after-hours or strand up environments.

I have blended the 1955 science fiction film, "It Came From Beneath The Sea" with the adventure feel of the disco track. Sam Katzman and Charles Schneer produced this film - the special effects are wonderfully master by Ray Harryhausen - mostly model animation.

Robert Gordon directed the film

Featuring scenes from "It Came From Beneath The Sea" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons