Wednesday, October 31, 2012

REISSUE: “Love Attack” by Ferrara - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







John Ferrara produced “Wuthering Heights” in 1979 - a modern day soundtrack to the Emily Bronte novel of unfortunate love. The disco tale is expressed through synthesizers and an operatic-like chorus which features Irene Datcher and Angie Bofill.

Side B of this project features a disco classic titled “Love Attack” which outlines a flurry of flute interludes into disco breaks and bass tracks. The song did quite well at the close of the disco era and was also featured on Disconet where a special remix was done by DJ Vallapucci - this mix was created using looping and a few sound effects from “Halloween sound effects albums.

“Love Attack” and pieces of the Vallapucci Mix are featured in this Disco Video Mix with the gruesome horror film “Friday the 13th” from 1980 and starring Kevin Bacon, Betsy Palmer and Adrienne King. The film depicts Camp Crystal Lake where a camp counselors are doomed thanks to the mishap of a small boy drowning while the two on duty were off making love.

It is a heinous and crazy ride in the Disco Video Mix and you will find that the Vallapucci Mix was definitely my motivation! Have fun.

The film was directed by Sean S. Cunningham

Featuring scenes from “Friday the 13th” - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Something Scary" by Zsa Zsa LaBoum - Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







In 1981 a film based on accounts from Carla Moran's experiences with an unknown source is "The Entity". The film was a good depiction of the possibilities of a negative energy crossing the parallel of human life. It was a very spooky outline and based on actual events.

Belgium New-Beat artist, Zsa Zsa LaBoum on Kaos Dance Records in 1988 -- Produced by S.M. - this track is a strange one, but not too distant if you had any knowledge of the new beat dance movement in the late 80's. Most tracks outlined intense synthesizers, weird subjects and play on words. I personally found it very interesting and innovative. From New Beat came Techno and Rave music.

"Something Scary" is an eerie tune -- enough to give you goose bumps. The samples from "The Entity" -- using Barbara Hershey's voice, "I was alone in my room...Something grabbed me, and smothered me." This always remained in my mind from the first time hearing it back in 1988 to someday create the outline for a video using excerpts -- here it is. You will hear the word "acid" repeated constantly throughout -- this influenced by the Acid House style of music, which is the predecessor of New Beat.

A bit on the dark-side it works the realm of the sound of New Beat in a mysterious way. Once again, the transition of dance from disco to where it is today encompasses many genres of dance music -- this is one of them.

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

REISSUE: “The Twilight Tone” by The Manhattan Transfer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







In 1979 the vocal ensemble of The Manhattan Transfer took disco music into their own hands.

"The Twilight Tone" is one of the most imaginative dance tracks to move the dance floor at the end of the 70's. The powerful lead vocals sk-ats and brings forth a new experience to disco music. Along with the narrative featuring a Rod Serling sound alike.

A creative track that still has a wondrous feel - it was producer and arranged by Jay Graydon.

I have take the Bert I. Gordon film, "Village Of The Giants" and paired it with "The Twilight Tone" to present a whole new episode for this mysterious place. The film stars Tommy Kirk, Johnny Crawford, Beau Bridges, Ron Howard and Joy Harmon. Quite a fun little adventure.

Featuring scenes from "Village Of The Giants" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, October 29, 2012

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

Sunday, October 28, 2012

REISSUE: "(I Lost My Heart to a) Starship Trooper" by Sarah Brightman and Hot Gossip - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







This is the BIG one! There is life in another galaxy - in Barbarella's galaxy that is.

One of my favorite movies of all time is brought into the dance arena with Sarah Brightman and Hot Gossip's disco classic, "(I Lost My Heart to a) Starship Trooper" - this one has more ammunition than any droid will ever handle!

Scenes from "Barbarella" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Friday, October 26, 2012

REISSUE: "You're My Magician" by Lime - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Lime created a sound in disco music, which resonates even today as a distinctive and classic feel. There is a style in the sound that Denis and Denyse created with their talent.

In 1981 their LP titled "Your Love" released a barrage of disco classics that are now known as the obscure early 80's disco sound. "You're My Magician" was another hit from the project and also contained the sound that set Lime aside and emphasized their unique sound.

As bizarre as the song is I have paired it up with a film from 1978 starring Anthony Hopkins and Ann Margret - "Magic". The film was quite terrifying to many people - from the start after seeing the preview with glimpses of the puppet star! My partner, Ken came up with the concept and again I ran with it. It is a bit strange - but works interestingly well with the odd sound of the single.

The film is directed by Richard Attenborough

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

Thursday, October 25, 2012

REISSUE: “R.O.E.” by Scarecrow – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







New Beat dance music was generated in Belgium and became apart of the late 80’s dance genre. Many producers with electronic knowledge and wizardry began creating dance music with a darker and ambient feel.

Scarecrow was a project produced by Talla 2XLC who had his hands in many New Beat projects including many remixes. His masterful sound was an industrial werk with ominous and underground sound.

I have taken the terrifying 1979 film, “The Amityville Horror” with James Brolin, Margot Kidder and Rod Steiger to create a small treat for Halloween 2008. The dark side of Disco Video Mix with a left-field track.

"R.O.E." was released in 1989 and was the B-side to Scarecrow's "Black Door"

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

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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, October 23, 2012

TOMORROW: "You're The One" by Boys Town Gang

TOMORROW: "You're The One" by Boys Town Gang

COMING SOON! (Edition 10/23/12) - "J'ai Deux Amours (Two Loves Have I)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Phylicia Allen

COMING SOON!
"J'ai Deux Amours (Two Loves Have I)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Phylicia Allen

COMING SOON! (Edition 10/23/12) - "Gloria" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Laura Branigan

COMING SOON!
"Gloria" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Laura Branigan

COMING SOON! (Edition 10/23/12) - "Street Life" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crusaders (with Randy Crawford)

COMING SOON!
"Street Life" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crusaders (with Randy Crawford)

REISSUE: Underwater" by Harry Thumann - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







At the peak of the disco era many artists were focusing their energy on the technological aspects of dance music. Some of the more refined projects were a combination of techno-keyboards and sequencers along with strings and manual instrumentation. Harry Thumann's "Underwater" released in 1979 was apart of this sound.

My first experience at hearing "Underwater" brought to mind Meco's production of "Star Wars" in 1977, but with a touch more of keyboard and sequencer technology. This video is a combination of images from "Star Wars" and Thumann's classic track.

Scenes from "Star Wars" - RENT THE VIDEO!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, October 22, 2012

COMING SOON! (Edition 10/22/11) - "Flashback" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rozalin Woods

COMING SOON!
"Flashback" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rozalin Woods

REISSUE: “Magnifique” by Magnifique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Magnifique is a single from a studio concept band originally titles Charisma – produced by disco producer Anthony Monn (Judy Cheeks, ORS). The track is one of the hardcore club records of the late 70s and onto the early 80s. The feel of the song is a bit erotic along with climatic synthesizers swirling into crescendos.

I have taken the mystique of the song and placed it along with the British science fiction/black comedy from 1985 “Brazil” starring Jonathan Price, Robert De Niro and Katherine Helmond. The dreamlike fantasy has a bit of the claustrophobia elements of the disco track which blend very well.

The film was directed by Terry Gilliam

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

Sunday, October 21, 2012

REISSUE: "Moonlight Madness" by Teri DeSario - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Teri DeSario’s “Moonlight Madness” was an underground track produced by H.W. Casey (K.C. and The Sunshine Band). This track became a favorite among disc jockey collectors even though it received only a small amount of club play. It is a simple track with a haunting vocal and percolating synthesizer pumping up the energy.

The 1981 John Landis left-field horror film, “An American Werewolf In London” is the montage for this disco track – stars David Naughton and Jenny Agutter.

Featuring scenes from “An American Werewolf In London” - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

REISSUE: "The Blue Danube Hustle" by Rice and Beans Orchestra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







The 1968 science fiction epic, "2001: A Space Odyssey" was my first influence as a child in both film and music. After spotting the soundtrack LP and being fascinated by the cover it became my first album. Soon after seeing the film in Cinerama I was completely in awe of its imagery and mystery.

I have taken the 1976 disco track "The Blue Danube Hustle" by Rice and Beans Orchestra (a disco version of Johann Strauss the Younger's 1867 composition, also used in "2001") and transformed it into a montage for scenes from the film. Produced by Pepe Luis Soto (Celi Bee, Roxie) and Tato Rossi

"2001: A Space Odyssey" was known for a "trip" for most young movie goers of the time -- I remember hearing stories of youngsters smoking grass and viewing the film for the special effects. It holds a great deal of ideas and technological concepts, which make the film one of the most incredible experiences. I honor both the film and the wonderful waltz piece, "The Blue Danube" for being a gift to us.

Featuring scenes from "2001:A Space Odyssey" -- RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, October 15, 2012

REISSUE: “Invasion” by Patrick Cowley - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Patrick Cowley has left a legacy of electronic music that moves us far beyond it’s meaning since there is so much mystery to his own talent. It is known that Patrick worked on many projects during the late 70’s infusing his own version of keyboards and sequencers to elevate dance music even more so. It was hits by disco star, Sylvester like “Dance (Disco Heat)” and “Stars” that moved him into the early 80’s with his own trademark sound.

“Technological World” is Patrick Cowley’s final project before he was taken from us by AIDS - it was a tragedy in that Patrick had only begun to inject his sound. There could have been so much more. “Invasion” is the second track on the LP which uses a science fiction theme to move the landscape of bustling keyboards and bass sequencers along.

I have taken the 1956 science fiction film, “Earth vs. The Flying Saucers” to fill in the soundtrack and give Patrick’s disco track some vivid life. The film was directed by Fred F. Sears and is one of the best Saturday matinee sci-fi flicks to date.

Featuring scenes from “Earth vs., The Flying Saucers” - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Friday, October 12, 2012

REISSUE: “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)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

REISSUE: "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps -- Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







In 1976 The Trammps topped their soulful success with a disco hit titled, "Disco Inferno - Produced by Earl Young, Norman Harris and Ronald Baker, this LP was the break into ultimate dance floor continuity for these guys.

The song was featured in the 1977 soundtrack "Saturday Night Fever" and the rest we all know about. This cut has been the most celebrated track in disco music and even today it a stamp for the non-stop sound of the disco mix. This one aided again by the talented and incredible Tom Moulton.

Being a teenager in the 70's left me exposed to the disaster film genre starting with films such as, "Earthquake" and "The Poseidon Adventure" -- it was an exciting time and lots of adventure. I have taken some scenes from Mr. Irwin Allen's (The Master Of Disaster) and segued them into this dance classic by The Trammps. In no way do I heckle or laugh at "fire" -- this is intended as a fun and harmless excursion. I in no way want to project that pain and suffering is amusing. I hope you will understand and enjoy my "hot" little project!

Note: "Disco Inferno" was supposedly influenced by this film.

Scenes from Irwin Allen's "The Towering Inferno" -- RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

REISSUE: "Quartz" by Quartz – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Quartz is Dider Plus, Laurent Taieb and Patrick Langlade – a French band and self-titled from 1978 remains one of the innovative new-age disco sounds to date. The project utilizes synthesizers and bass moogs in variation of disco themes which invoke mystery. “”Beyond The Clouds” is a classic among disco connoisseurs and even today has a unique rhythm quality and arrangement.

I have taken the title track “Quartz” – which sounds like it could be past or futuristic and paired it with the 1984 adventure film, “Conan The Destroyer” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones and Olivia d’Abo. The warrior fends his way through obstacles to rescue the Princess Jehnna and our disco chants help lead the way.

The film was directed by Richard Fleischer

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

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

REISSUE: “Harlem Shuffle” by Rinder and Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Rinder and Lewis cover Bob and Earl’s 1973 soul classic “Harlem Shuffle” in their 1979 album “Warriors” – seems as though this team does their best at freestyle productions of classic rock and roll tunes as well as their unique flavor of disco music.

I have taken scenes from the 1989 film “Harlem Nights” starring Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Della Reese – the story of “Sugar” Ray owner of an illegal casino and the gangsters involved in taking it away. The action moves well with the low-key sound of the disco track and gives a bit of light to some of the beauties, as well as the sets.

The film was directed and written by Eddie Murphy

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

Monday, October 8, 2012

"Jan Brady" - If they only knew she had the power!




"Jan Brady" - If they only knew she had the power!

A hilarious clip from YouTube - A+ IN MY BOOK - COULD NOT STOP LAUIGHING!!!

REISSUE: “Pulstar” by Mc Lane Explosion – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Mc Lane Explosion is a group created by Roland Romanelli (of Space) – electronic symphonies of disco orchestration with a space-age feel. The first project titled “Space Music” was released in France in 1977. It was re-released with remixes and a few additional tracks in the US in 1978.

“Pulstar” is a track written by Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou (also known as Vangelis) which is the title track to the American release. It is a piece similar to much of the sound and style of Space material.

I have taken the 1961 Italian science fiction film, “Battle Of The Worlds” starring Claude Rains and created a montage using the astronomical station, a military base on Mars and of course, “the big battle”. The film is an early special effects wonder with toy ships and real flames as the fuel. Quite campy!

The film was directed by Antonio Margheriti

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

Sunday, October 7, 2012

“Cruisin’ The Streets” by Cynthia Manley (WARNING: MATURE CONTENT)







Cynthia Manley of the 1981 disco group, Boys Town Gang brings us back to the 70s and the hardcore gay cruising scene with a funky groove and San Francisco disco sound. Bill Motley is founder and producer of Boys Town Gang is responsible for bringing the disco sound back to the underground club scene.

“Cruisin’ The Streets” is brought back to life with this video featuring the original vocalist from Boys Town Gang, Cynthia Manley. She has been one of the dedicated dance music artists who appreciate her audience and the dance floor. Today Cynthia continues to perform around the world and keep the uplifting feel of disco music alive.

Directed by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

This video is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Bill Motley

"Over The Rainbow" by Abbe - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Abbe Lane recorded her disco LP "Rainbows" in 1980 - produced by Norman B. Ratner (of Butterfly Records) and spotlights the singer/actress of the 1950's. This project contained a big disco hit, "You Make It Hard To Love" as well as several of Abbe's take on a few familiar remakes.

"Over The Rainbow" is her disco arrangement on the Judy Garland classic from the film "The Wizard Of Oz". It is truly Las Vegas camp. I have taken the album version and blended the two with several images and scenes from the all-time classic film and this disco cut. It makes Dorothy seem a bit more hip and her three friends more like chaperones.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to all "Friends of Dorothy"!

Featuring scenes from "The Wizard Of Oz" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Friday, October 5, 2012

REISSUE: “Sinner Man” by Sarah Dash – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera







Sarah Dash is one of the vocalists during the early 70s who worked with Labelle – a movement of soul, rhythm and blues and funk. This new fusion also bridged a connection to popular rock music of the time. Sarah’s solo recording career began in 1971 with her project “Close Enough” where her soulful and unique sound promised a new growth for the artist.

During the disco explosion in 1978 Sarah released the single, “Sinner Man” from her self-titled LP. The song was an instant club and radio hit creating a soulful vocal and glorious disco arrangement together for a new edge and classic disco recording.

I have taken the 1987 comedy-fantasy film, “The Witches of Eastwick” starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer for the images in this Disco Video Mix. The story-line remains the same and is only extenuated by “Sinner Man’s” defiant and cautious lyrics.

The film was directed by George Miller

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