In this transmission we are heading back forty years, to May 1985 to hear the sounds of electro funk: a mix of rap, synth pop, cut-ups and electronic dance music. This is a mixtape of Electro Funk and Hip Hop 12″ singles that appeared in the Groove Electro charts in May 1985, forty years ago. The chart was compiled by the long-gone Groove Records of Greek Street, Soho, a chart that was the foundation of pirate radio shows throughout the country in the mid 1980s introducing a generation of fans to early hip hop, electronic dance music, dub mixes, vocoders, drum machines, synthesizers, graffiti art, body popping, break-dancing and turntable scratching. , so dust down your tracksuit, get out your boom box, pause buttons at the ready, let’s break.
TRACKLIST Knucklehead Rappers by Funkmaster Wizard Wiz Stick Up Kid by B-Boys Private Lessons (Vocal and Dub Version) by Master OC and Krazy Eddie Featuring “The Great Peso” And The Main Attraction King Heroin (Martian Mix) by Jazzy Jef Yo My Little Sister (Roxanne’s Brothers) by Crush Groove No More Roxanne (Roxanne No More) by Zelee Featuring Osé Non-Stop by Sweet Trio Drum Machine by MCA and Burzootie Def Jam by Jazzy Jay Itchin’ for a scratch by Force MDs I wanna be a B-boy by Newcleus King Cut / Bonus Beats by Word of Mouth and DJ Cheese Itchiban Scratch by Chris ‘The Glove’ Taylor The Battle by Sparky D Vs The Playgirls Facts of Life / Facts of Dub by Rock Squad Axel F (Latin Rascal Hammer Mix) by Det Reirruc & Latin Rascals 19 (Destruction mix) by Paul Hardcastle At the Marble Bar/Scratching Galaxies (Dub) by Death Comet Crew R9 by Cybotron Celebrate! (Everybody) (Vocal & Instrumental) by Globe & Pow Wow Fresh Mess (Jam…Your Radio) by The Knights of the Turntables D.E.F. Momentum by D.E.F. Featuring D.J. Three D Commando Rock (Vine Street Mix) by C-Jam & Kid Frost Juice by The World Class Wreckin’ Cru First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM and DAB in Brighton, UK on 4th May 2025.
Songs they don’t play on the radio: overlooked, under appreciated, and rediscovered sounds from UK, US, Brazil, South Africa, Jamaica and Saturn on cassette, vinyl and digital.
PLAYLIST 21st Century Romance by Sun Ra And His Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra from The Night of the Purple Moon LP, 1970 I Don’t Know (Instrumental) by Slum Village from Fantastic Vol 2.10 LP, 1998 King in Black by Quelle Chris from Deathfame cassette, 2022 The Walrus Hunt by The Residents from Eskimo LP, 1979 The Golden Vanity by Susan Reed from Susan Reed Sings Old Airs LP, 1954 Out of Nothing by O Yuki Conjugate from Into Dark Water LP, 1987 She’s Always Hiding by The Servants from She’s Always Hiding 7″, 1986 Red Lady by Phil Cordell from Red Lady 7″, 1969 A Puppet by The Mod 4 from Open Up Your Mind bw A Puppet 7″, 1968 Afloat in Fog and Feathers by Natalia Beylis from Mermaids LP, 2023 I wish I Were a Prostitute Again from The Magnetic Fields from Quickies 5 x 7″ Box Set, 2020 Water Sports by Man Parrish from Brown Sugar 12″, 1987 A Spiritual Life by Kerry Leimer from Film Noir – American Style Cassette Compilation, 1984 Tomorrow Never Knows by Junior Parker from The Outside Man LP, 1970 Autorizando by Jorge Autuori Trio from Jorge Autuori Trio – Vol 2 LP, 1968 Brazil Boca de Veludo by DJ Pablo from RB Funk.BR – São Paulo Compilation LP 2024 Taurus Dub 2 by Dub Specialist from Zodiac Sounds LP, 1982 Hiddenarea by Datassette from Split EP Plant43 / Datassette, 2006
Part 1 – a simultaneous playback and live mix of 18 sides of relaxation and meditation cassettes created over Christmas 2024 by the occasionally active, discarded audio enthusiasts, Soundless Mind Eraser. This includes tapes by: Thomas Condon & Carol Erickson Ron Allen & Dan Gibson’s Solitudes Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Phyllis Alden, Sister Guthrie, Doreen Darby and Angela Stephens
Part 2 – a selection of independently released new age cassettes from the classic era of the early to mid-1980s.
TRACKLIST The Daviner’s Spirit by Jonny Schlackman from self-released cassette (1989) Eternal Sanctuary by David Naegle from ‘Temple in the Forest’ Cassette (1982) collected on Numero Group compilation of private press New Age releases, ‘Bliss Out For Days’. Channel For the Light by David Storrs from ‘Channel For the Light’ Cassette (1984) The Eight Wave by Suzanne Ciani from ‘The Velocity Of Love’ LP (1986) R.E.M. by Georges Boutz from ‘Silver Eagles’ Cassette (1984) The Space Between by Joanna Brouk from the cassette ‘The Space Between’ (1981)
SHOW NOTES
The Daviner’s Spirit by Jonny Schlackman (1989) London-based Schlackman released at least 3 home-produced cassettes from 1989 to 1994 before moving on to work for a religious order.
Eternal Sanctuary by David Naegele (1982) An early tape by classical pianist who moved to California to work for Dick Sutphen’s Valley of the Sun Publishing organization as it began to create original new age cassettes for mail order alongside self-help books. Naegele worked with his neighbour, keyboardist and engineer, David Storrs on many releases included those under the name, Upper Astral. Naegele retired from producing music in 1986.
Channel For the Light by David Storrs (1984) Storrs’ ‘Progressive New Age Music’ (i.e., designed to accompany activity rather than meditation) overlapped with his involvement in the west coast Electro-Funk scene. As co-founder of Electrobeat Records, Storrs worked on records by Ice-T (Reckless, Body Rock, Killers) , Kid Frost (Terminator/Rough Cut) and Chris “The Glove” Taylor (Itchiban Scratch) in ’84/’85. Storrs produced 5 tapes under his own name for Valley of the Sun, and multiple others with Naegele and Upper Astral. The ‘Channel For the Light’ tape includes subliminal suggestions that are listed on the cassettte cover and include: ‘You are a channel for the light’ and ‘The light within you inspires you to be all you are capable of being’.
The Eight Wave by Suzanne Ciani (1986) Sound designer, composer, and pioneer of electronic music, well known for her use of the Buchla synthesizer and commercial applications of electronic sound. ‘The Eight Wave’ was the first track on her breakthrough second album, ‘The Velocity Of Love’ which followed 1982’s ‘Seven Waves’, which was initially released on vinyl in Japan and cassette in USA.
R.E.M. by Georges Boutz (1984) Some raging arpeggios, recorded at his home studio in France with no overdubs. Boutz self-released one other cassette in 1983. A track from ‘Silver Eagles’ can be found on Numero’s ‘Bliss Out For Days’ compilation
The Space Between by Joanna Brouk (1981) Electronic composer, author, and playwright from Missouri, released on her own cassette label, Hummingbird Productions. Brouk released 6 cassettes during the 1980s. Numero Group compiled this work on ‘Hearing Music’ (2017). On this track, the piano is played by William Maraldo who was co-director of the Center for Contemporary Music at Mills College – a place where Brouk studied for a Masters Degree – during the late 1960s.
Heading back 40 years to hear Electro-Funk and Hip hop 12” singles that were rockin’ UK Boom Boxes at the end of 1984. This mix is the B-side to the original Electro-Funk ’84 mixes that aired in 2021 (transmissions 93-96).
TRACKLIST Lunar Voyage by Rich Cason And The Galactic Orchestra Have Your Heart (Instrumental) by Fresh 3 MCs Matt’s Mood (Street Mix) by Breekout Krew It’s Not Right by Dynamic Force Placin’ The Beat by Spyder-D 2-4-6-8 Here We Are (Vocal and instrumental) by Crash Crew Loop by Tom Browne You Can Make It (Dub Mix) by The Rebels Rock On by Sugar Kay & The Mighty Three Body Rock by Ice-T Hard Rock (It’s The Beat Of The Street) (Vocal + Instrumental Edit Version) by Flea Troy by The Sugarhill Gang The New Adventures of Grandmaster by Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five Loveride (dub ride) by NUANCE. Just Having Fun by Doug E. Fresh Our Picture Of A Man (Vocal and Instrumental) by The Playgirls Hanging Out (Vocal & Instrumental) by U.T.F.O. Push (Vocal & Dub) by Clair Hicks & Love Exchange Drunk Driving (Instrumental) by Tuga Breakdance by King Tut Strut Jon Kaufman & Frank Doyle Sexomatic (Bonus Beats + Dub Version) by Bar-Kays People Hold On (Vocal & Instrumental) by Earl Flint Shake It Up (‘Til Ya Drop) (Vocal & Dub Mix) by Marcus Barone How To Be A Zillionaire (Wallstreet Mix) by ABC Break Anyway by Twilight 22 Space Connection 2012 Part 1 by Rich Cason And The Galactic Orchestra Surgery (vocal and instrumental) by The Wreckin Cru
Broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM and DAB, Brighton, UK, streaming on www.radioreverb.com in these timeslots:
Sunday 1st December at 11pm Wednesday 4th December at midnight Monday 9th December at 2pm Thursday 12th December at 11pm Tuesday 17nd December at 1pm Tuesday 24th December at 10am Friday 27th December at 2pm
SHOW NOTES Lunar Voyage by Rich Cason And The Galactic Orchestra Opening slice of new age synth sounds from Rich Cason’s Space Connection 2012 EP Cason was a west coast songwriter, producer and keyboardist who had recording credits going back to the early 1970s. In 1984, Cason also wrote and produced an electro version of Prince’s huge hit, ‘When Doves Cry’, a single for TV star, Mr. T (‘Treat Your Mother Right’), various artists who were part of the Rappers Rap Disco Co, as well as his own ‘Street Symphony’
Have Your Heart (Instrumental) by Fresh 3 MCs The second and final, single by Mr Bee, B-Unique and Jay Kool aka Fresh 3 MCs. Written and ,Produced by Dave Ogrin who also engineered Air Force 1’s ‘See The Light/Feel the Heat’ that charted at same time. In 1984 Ogrin also co-produced Master O.C & Krazy Eddie’s ’Masters of the Scratch’, and worked on records by Fat Boys, Tina B, Ultimate 3 MC’s, and Pumpkin and Profile All-Stars
Matt’s Mood (Street Mix) by Breekout Krew A US rap re-work of an instrumental from UK jazz pop band Matt Bianco’s debut LP. Produced by Tony Carrasco (from Italo-Disco group Klein & M.B.O.), with an uncredited rap by Spyder-D. In a review, Blues & Soul magazine wrote ‘Just watch this one fly!’ Echoes wrote ‘Tipped to be the hottest electro-rapper for ages’. An extended 12” mix of the Matt Bianco original was also released at this time, making the bassline and melody ubiquitous across a range of dance floors
It’s Not Right by Dynamic Force The only single by Dynamic Force who were Kid Seville, CYB, Master E and FG. In 1984, rapper and guitarist, Kid Seville also released his only single, a pop funk rap track, ’Do You Have A Car?’ on SalSoul records. In 1985 the Dynamic Force guested on Afrika Bambaataa’s single ‘Funk You’. Co-written by Michael Walker, co-writer and vocalist on Fatback Band’s ‘I Found Lovin’. Co-written, Produced and mixed by Eric Matthew, from disco funk group Gary’s Gang, who was the founder of New York disco label, Radar Records, and worked on Key-Matic tracks including ‘Breakin’ In Space’. ‘It’s Not Right’ was the sole release on Ebony Coast records, a New York electro hip hop label founded by Eric Matthew during the mid-1980s.
Placin’ The Beat by Spyder-D Duane Hughes aka Spyder-D, grew up in Hollis Queens, alongside childhood friend Russell Simmons. In 1984 Spyder-D produced and rapped on ‘Magic’s Message’ by Mr. Magic, Diamond D’s ‘Fresh Avenue’, The Playgirls, ‘Our Picture Of A Man’ as well as Matt’s Mood. The Playgirls guest on this track. In his Zulu Message column, Tim Westwood wrote that ‘Placin’ the Beat, along with Newcleus ‘Automan’, were ‘a couple of disappointing grooves…They’re not really worth the money.’ Earlier in the column he promoted his 6 days a week hip hop show on London Pirate radio station, LWR. ‘Highlight of the week’s listening was David Toop in interview, playing an explosive selection of early original hip hop beats brought back from New York. Perhaps it’s now time for legal radio to realise the enormous demand for electro. But if such a thing ever happens it would require a totally fresh DJ with an understanding of hip hop to front the show. Not an existing DJ like Tony Blackburn or Robbie Vincent jumping on the bandwagon. In all honesty the chance of Robbie Vincent playing an electro record is as likely as taking out Chaka Khan on a blind date!’ Westwood might have been aware that Capital radio was about to launch a show by a DJ who was 15 year’s older, Mike Allen, whose weekend evening Capital Rap Show which was dominated by electro singles throughout 1985.
2-4-6-8 Here We Are (Vocal and instrumental) by Crash Crew One of the original Hip hop groups formed in 1977 in Harlem. Crash Crew recorded between 1981 & 1985, mostly for Sugarhill Records. CRASH was an acronym for Cool Romantic Amazing Super Heroes. The group’s planned 1985 LP was cancelled with the IRS shutdown of Sugar Hill records. Produced with Howie T (Howard Thompson aka Hitman Howie Tee) English-born, but of West Indian origin, raised in Brooklyn, Hip-Hop DJ and producer formerly a member of CDIII (‘Get Tough). Around this time Howie T also worked with UTFO, Whistle, and Real Roxanne.
Loop by Tom Browne Written and Produced by David Spradley with Ted Currier who worked with Queens, NY-born horn player, Tom Browne on the LP ‘Tommy Gun’, producing two tracks (‘Loop’ and the title track) alongside Michael Jonzun’s brother, Maurice Starr. Browne established an adventurous pop-electronic approach in 1983’s Rockin’ Radio LP. Blues & Soul stated that ‘David Spradley’s contributions are probably more gutsy and adventurous that (Maurice) Starr’s…”Loop” trots along with a crashing beat and Browne’s extremely accomplished playing‘ In 1984 Currier and Spradley also produced ‘Beat Freak’ by Bobby Broom, The Boogie Boys’ ‘Zodiac / Break Dancer’ EP. The duo would go on to produce big 1985 hit, Sly Fox’s ‘Let’s Go All The Way’ along with further great tracks with Boogie Boys.
You Can Make It (Dub Mix) by The Rebels Released on French/US label, Celluloid Records this was an electro update of 1982’s The Smurfs,’Smurf For What It’s Worth’. Performed, produced and arranged by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Bernard Fowler along with Steven Brown from Peech Boys and Fred Fowler from Shango. Mixed with Dave Ogrin. In 1984 Bernard Fowler also played on Herbie Hancock’s ‘Sound-System’ LP, ‘Shango Funk Theology’ LP, featured on Beside’s ‘Odeon’ Single, and Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘Re-Ron’. In a 4-star review in Echoes, Ian McCann wrote ‘Heavy electronic drums belt their way into this, followed by some fuzzed our power chords on guitar. They’re kept mercifully short, and then the bass comes in, well heavy. At this point it starts to groove…This combines rock, hip-hop and funk in a manner that receives the McCann seal of approval…Get ya ears on the case.’
Rock On by Sugar Kay & The Mighty Three The only release by The Mighty Three. Produced by Clark Jay for New Jersey Label, Specific Records, also home to Divine Sounds. Jay also worked on 1984’s ‘Request Line/The Roof is On Fire’ by Rock Master Scott and Divine Sounds’ ‘What People Do For Money’ and Do or Die Bed Sty’. ‘Rock On’ featured on the 1985 compilation ‘Kings of Rap along with Run-DMC, Fat Boys, UTFO and Whodunit.
Body Rock by Ice-T The B-side of ‘Killers’, co-produced by the west coast’s Ice-T and ‘The Alien Wizard’ Dave Storrs ‘using the biophringique audio recording process’. The duo had a big hit in the UK with Reckless (Club Mix) made popular by it’s inclusion on the soundtrack for the movie, ’Breakin’ (‘Breakdance’ in the UK). ‘Reckless’ re-entered the Electro Funk charts at the end of the year. At some point, the Body Rock track might have been linked with the 1984 film of the same name. ‘Body Rock’ was the most poorly received of the year’s breakdance movies. Storrs was also a producer of New Age cassettes for the Valley of the Sun label. In 1984 he also worked on electro tracks with Kid Frost.
Hard Rock (It’s The Beat Of The Street) (Vocal + Instrumental Edit Version) by Flea One-off release under the artist name ‘Flea’. Produced by Flea and Eric Howard for Atlantic Records. It is not clear whether the artist has anything to do with Michael “Flea” Balzary from Red Hot Chili Peppers who was active at this time.
Troy by The Sugarhill Gang With raps by New Jersey Rapper’s Delight trio, Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike and Master Gee on the fashionable subject of a breakdancer overcoming all odds to become a success. Produced by Sylvia Robinson, the track was taken from the album ’Livin’ In The Fast Lane’, the groups last before disbanding in 1985. ‘Troy’ samples “Mosquito” by West Street Mob which, in turn, was a version of ‘Hobo Scratch’ by Malcolm McLaren and Trevor Horn. In true Sugarhill Records fashion, the source material was not credited. Sugarhill records went bust due to shady practices in 1986.
The New Adventures of Grandmaster by Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five Another release on Sugarhill records after the split between Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel following a royalties dispute following the worldwide success of ‘White Lines’. The tracks credits ‘all scratching executed by Leland Robinson (Vicious Lee)’ who was label founders Sylvia and Joe Robinson’s son. The group played UK dates from 1st to 13th November 1984. Previewing the dates in his Hip-Hop column in Blues & Soul wrote, ’this is going to be explosive!’ In a typically scathing live review Chris Wells from Echoes (24th Nov ’84) wrote, ‘rather tedious, but the shaven-haired trendies seemed to lap it up’. With further disdain, Dave Ramadan described the track as ‘an irritating and almost unlistenable hotchpotch of sounds and voices that adds up to nothing’. In a more positive review, Mark Webster (Blues & Soul 420) wrote, that this ‘real cut-up sound…will appease all of those souls who snap in their baggies or just plain enjoy F.U.N.K.’ Grandmaster Flash returned soon after with a run of singles on Elektra records.
Loveride (dub ride) by NUANCE. The follow up to ‘Take a Chance’, Produced by Ron Dean Miller (who assembled the 82/83 studio group Raw Silk for singles on West End Records. Mixed by Jay ‘Burzootie’ Burnett and Mark Kamins who worked prolifically across pop and dance genres at this time. Jay Burnett: ‘We Come to Rock’ by Imperial Brothers, Frantic Situation, Force MDs, ‘Time is Running Out’ by Jonzun Crew and ‘Out of Touch’ by Hall & Oates, the No1 Dance track from November 84. Mark Kamins: Beastie Boys’ ‘Rock Hard’, and pop tracks by Kim Wilde, Madness & Animotion. Loveride would go on to be the No 1 Billboard dance track in 1985. An LP with vocalist Vikki Love followed. Westwood wrote that Loveride as ‘loud, rocky, and baad’. (B&S 421) Loveride was edited by Albert Cabrera and Tony Moran, known as The Latin Rascals whose careers creating pioneering edits and radio megamixes for WKTU were taking off at this time. The Latin Rascals started to appear on records in 1984 with credits for Air Force 1’s ‘See the Light/Feel the Heat’, High Fidelity Three’s ‘B-Boys Breakdance’, Soulsonic Force’s ‘Frantic Situation’, Beastie Boys’ ‘Rock Hard’, C.O.D.’s ‘Uphill (Peace Of Mind)’, ‘Breakers’ Revenge’, Tina B’s ‘Honey To A Bee’ as well as Animotion’s ‘Let Him Go’. The Latin Rascals would carry on producing incredible edits throughout 1985.
Just Having Fun by Doug E. Fresh The 2nd single by Barbados-born American rapper, scientologist and human beat box, Douglas E. Davis aka Doug E Fresh, with DJs Chill Will and Barry B. Produced by Harlem record shop owner Bobby Robinson for Enjoy Records. Robinson was the father of Ronnie D from Disco Four and uncle of Spoonie Gee. A UK Release on Streetwise records followed in 85 and featured on Street Sounds Electro. Fresh’s next single was the worldwide pop smash, ‘The Show’.
Our Picture Of A Man (Vocal and Instrumental) by The Playgirls Produced by Duane Hughes aka Spyder-D for Sutra records, home to the Fat Boys. Playgirl, Doreen Broadnax (Sparky D) went on to release multiple tracks as part of the Roxanne Wars including an LP, ‘Roxanne Shanté Vs. Sparky Dee – Round 1’, produced by her then partner, Spyder-D.
Hanging Out (Vocal & Instrumental) by U.T.F.O. Produced and arranged by Staten Island hip hop group and R&B singers, Full Force who had own 84/85 hit with Lisa-Lisa And Cult Jam’s ‘I Wonder If I Take You Home’ U.T.F.O (UnTouchable Force Organization) consisted of The Kangol Kid, Dr Ice and The Educated Rapper. This unpopular A-side lead to adoption of the B-side, ‘Roxanne, Roxanne’ as most popular cut from single. In Blues & Soul (421) Westwood wrote, ‘Roxanne, Roxanne is the track to bust. Using a serious drum beat, def scratching and the Kango Kid’s occasional human beatbox, this track has everything’. Smarting after a no-show, Marley Marl and Mr Magic cut a revenge reply record with 14 year old Lolita Shanté Gooden under the name Roxanne Shanté. The 9 month, 20 track ‘Roxanne Wars’ were underway.
Push (Vocal & Dub) by Clair Hicks & Love Exchange Greg Carmichael & Shep Pettibone remake of Musique’s (Patrick Adams) smutty 1979 disco hit with female vocal disco trio, The Love Exchange. Greg Carmichael was a disco producer, songwriter. Harlem born, veteran disco, soul and boogie producer, Patrick Adams also contributed to Mr. Magic’s ‘Magic’s Message’, Louie Delight’s They Put Sex In Everything’ and The Cold Crush Brothers ‘Fresh, Wild, Fly And Bold’. Emerging DJ, producer, mixer and remixer, Shep Pettibone also injected some mid-eighties energy to Loleatta Holloway’s ‘Crash Goes Love’ and Barone’s ‘Shake It Up (‘Til Ya Drop)’ ‘Push (in the Bush)’ charted in the Electro Funk chart at the very end of 1984.
Drunk Driving (Instrumental) by Tuga Produced by The Jam – On Production Crew. This was a Newcleus song with Tuga (Al T McLaran) rapping on it. The production team included Robert Crafton III (Chilly B), Maurice Benjamin Cenac (Cozmo D) with regular Newcleus producers, Joe Webb and Frank Fair – who also produced Dynamic Breakers’ ‘Dynamic (Total Control)’, a big track at this time. The rap is a forgettable, cautionary tale about drink driving over Christmas. Newcleus’ customary clean punchy beats and arpeggiated synths make the track worthwhile. Westwood wrote, ‘this beat can’t be beaten’. (B&S 421)
Breakdance by King Tut Strut Jon Kaufman & Frank Doyle From an instrumental LP that promised ‘Breakdance Rhythms & Tracks for Rapping’ and ‘The Hottest Beats for Breakin’, Electric Boogie, Flashdancin’’. This cash-in on the Breakdance craze was produced by New York based drummer, Jon Kaufman and keyboard player and music journalist, Frank Doyle for Jazz record label, Inner City Records’. Another LP from the duo, ‘Ultra-Drums’ would follow on educational label, ‘Music Minus One’.
Sexomatic by Bar-Kays (Bonus Beats + Dub Version) The original Bar-Kays were formed in Memphis but most band members died in the plane crash that killed Otis Redding in 1966. Sexomatic was written and produced by the new Bar-Kays manager and veteran producer, Allen Avoid Jones who died in 1987. Remixed by Mark Berry (Hot Box) who, around time worked on records by Two Sisters, Alisha’s ‘All Night Passion’, Swans ‘Cop’, Animotion’s ‘Obsession’ and ‘Let Him Go. Mix engineer included Paul O’Duffy who, in 1984, worked on releases by John Rocca and Freeez
People Hold On (Vocal & Instrumental) by Earl Flint The only release on Flint’s label, Panda Records Produced by co-writer, James Mason, a jazz funk guitarist and keyboardist, former solo artist and member of Roy Ayers Ubiquity band. ‘People Hold On’ charted in Blues & Soul’s ‘The Beat Box Chart’ in early November, but this track didn’t appear in the Groove Electro Chart.
Shake It Up (‘Til Ya Drop) (Vocal & Dub Mix) by Marcus Barone Barone contributed to C.O.D.’s ‘Uphill (Peace Of Mind)’ before arranging and playing keyboards with David Hasselhoff and entering the the TV and movie business in various music consultant roles. ‘Shake It Up’ was mixed by Shep Pettibone, and co-written with producer Joel Diamond for his Silver Blue record label.
How To Be A Zillionaire (Wallstreet Mix) by ABC An electro slammer from the hugely popular Sheffield pop band. Arranged and produced by Mark White (ABC, Vice Versa) along with vocalist Martin Fry, and engineered by Martin Webster (Anne Clark, Aswad). This November 1984 single previewed 1985’s ABC album of the same name.
Break Anyway by Twilight 22 Taken from their 1984 LP, Twilight 22 was an Electro-funk project led by keyboardist/producer Gordon Bahary with Joseph Saulter and Errol Moore on vocals. Twilight 22 used a Roland 808, Prophet 5, E-Mul Emulator, Korg VC-10 Vocoder. Released on jazz and classical label, Vanguard, Bahary also wrote and produced Zero Hour’s ‘The Dark Side’. As a teenager, Bahary had programmed synthesisers for Steve Wonder’s Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants and Herbie Hancock’s ‘Feets Don’t Fail Me Now’. Gordon Bahary now runs Electric Kingdom Studios.
Space Connection 2012 (Part 1) by Rich Cason And The Galactic Orchestra Released on promo at the end of 1984 this charting in Blues & Soul’s ‘The Beat Box Chart’ at the end of November but didn’t appear in the Groove Electro Chart.
Surgery (vocal and instrumental) by The Wreckin Cru The second single by Los Angeles’ Wreckin’ Cru on Compton club owner Alonzo Williams’ Kru-Cut Records. DMX Drums and Keyboards were played by Oberheim employee, Daniel Sofer. Acting as a medical professional, Andre ‘Dr Dre’ young prescribed the scratch whilst Mark ‘Cli-N-Tel’ Hawkins provided the rap. ‘Surgery’ was followed by ‘Juice’, both featuring on Street Sounds compilations. Dr. Dre and DJ Yella later continued producing music with N.W.A.
Songs they don’t play on the radio: overlooked, under appreciated, and rediscovered sounds from UK, US, France, Japan, Poland, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Germany and Ireland on cassette, vinyl and digital.
PLAYLIST Mezame (Awakening) by Carlos Niño & Friends from Aquariusssssss LP, 2012 Ballade by André Jaume from Musique from Pour 8: L’Oc LP, 1982 Colors by Norman Riley from Underground Streets LP, 1980 As It is by Klang from No Sound Is Heard Mini-LP, 2004 Sky Hooks by Seefeel from Everything Squared LP, 2024 Nigatsu by Asa-Chang & Junray from Jun Ray Song Chang LP, 2001 Whisper V by Bartosz Kruczyński from Dreams & Whispers LP, 2024 Morning in China by Clä-Sick from Soft Selection 84 – A Nippon DIY Wave Compilation Cassette, 1983 Prayer for the People by Adele Sebastian from Desert Fairy Princess LP, 1981 Candles (Version) by V/Z from Suono Assente LP, 2023 Con Spirito by Elodie Lauten from Concerto For Piano And Orchestral Memory LP, 1984 Dewdrops by Daniel Sofer from The Sound Of The System 7″ EP, 1982 Summer’s Over by Dennis Harte from Summer’s Over 7″, 1973 Seaview by Lee Underwood from California Sigh Cassette, 1988 Rats by CHOPCHOP from Bellwell LP, 2024 Rugged Rugged (feat. Edan) by Kool Keith & Real Bad Man from Serpent LP, 2023 Omstart by Cornelius from Sensuous LP, 2006 Photon by Füxa from 3 Field Rotation LP, 1996 Visiting Song by Dorothy Carter from Troubadour LP, 1976 Haenim = 햇님 (the sun ) by Kim Jung Mi from Now LP, 1973 Crasher by Astrobrite from Crush LP, 2001 Systemize (Hz 30 Violin Cover) by Wrong Signals from Reshapes (Remix Compilation) LP, 2014 Rainful Memories by MDA Analog from MDA Analog LP, 1996 Punkte by Ursula Bogner from Recordings 1969-1988 LP, 1988 The Hurdy-Gurdy Man by Harry Plunket Greene from Searchlight Moonbeam Compilation LP, 1934 All Changing by Julius Eastman & Wild Up from Julius Eastman Vol. 1: Femenine LP, 2021 Syncopot by Ron Geesin from Electrosound – Kpm library LP, 1972
First broadcast on 3rd November 2024 on Radio Reverb, UK
Heading back 40 years to hear Electro-Funk and Hip hop 12” singles that were rockin’ the UK dancefloors in autumn 1984. This mix is the B-side to the original Electro-Funk 84 mixes that aired in 2021 (transmissions 93-96), including obscurities and tracks that that don’t quite match the classics used in the 2021 transmissions.
TRACKLIST Temper (Gotta Keep Cool) Dub + Vocal by Gifted 4 Ego Trip by Kurtis Blow Do or Die Bed Sty by Divine Sounds Jail House Rap (vocal and instrumental) by Fat Boys Make My Dreams Come True by Freedom Force M.C.’s Do the Right Thing by “Love Bug” Starski Break Easy (The Free & Easy Way) (Vocal + Dub Mix) by K’mch Out in the streets by Cat Claw (original released in 1982) They Put Sex in Everything (Dub Version) by Louie Delight Kick it out by Dr. Perri Johnson Slice by Yella of the Wreckin’ Cru, Rap by Cli ‘N’ Tel Emotions Can Be Serious (Dub Instrumental) by Hassan & 7-11 Don’t Let ‘Em Drop The Bomb (Vocal and Instrumental) by Kold Kreu The Truth by Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five Sequential Groove (Smurf Scratch Mix) Tidee-T Frantic Situation (Vocal, Instrumental and Frantic Mix) by Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force with Shango Street Love (Dub) by Twilight 22 Escape (I Need A Break) by Whodini Groove Jumping by 400 Blows Let’s Break (Smurf) vocal & instrumental by Sidney Featuring Black White And Co All tracks have been edited.
Broadcasting on Radio Reverb 97.2FM and DAB, Brighton, UK, streaming on www.radioreverb.com in these timeslots:
Sunday 6th October at 11pm Wednesday 9th October at midnight Monday 14th October at 2pm Thursday 17th October at 11pm Tuesday 22nd October at 1pm Tuesday 29th October at 10am Friday 1st November at 2pm
Heading back 40 years to July and August 1984 with a mixtape of Electro-Funk, Hip Hop and dance 12″ singles that were breaking into the Electro Funk charts in those months. In a summer that saw the realease of not one but two breakdance movies – ‘Breakdance’ (Breakin’ in the US) and ‘Beat Street’ – that introduced young people throughout the UK to the delights of Breakdancing, body poppin’ graffiti art, turntabilism and rap.
TRACKLIST It’s Yours (Scratch Party Death mix) by T LA Rock and Jazzy Jay AJ Scratch by Kurtis Blow Its Time to Rock by Great Peso and Mr Nasty Abele Dance (+ Dub Mix) by Manu Dibango Hardrock by Herbie Hancock Mosquito by West Street Mob Master of the Mix (& Dub Mix) by Warp 9 Summer / The Buck Stops Here (Vocal, Bonus Beats and Dub Mix) by Fantasy Three The Mexican (Funhouse Mix) by Jellybean B-Boys Breakdance by Hi-Fidelity Three Honey to a be (Extended Vocal & Dub) by Tina B Crash Goes Dub by Loleatta Holloway Breaker’s Revenge (Extended Vocal Version) by Arthur Baker Music (+ Dance Mix) by Syncbeat Fall – Out (Vocal and Instrumental) by Der-Mer Scratch Motion (Dub Scratch Version) by The Triple Threat Three Who You Stealin’ From / Who You Dubbin’ From by Guru Time is running out (Last Minute Mix) by Jonzun Crew Take it to the Max by Special Request Computer Age (Push the Button) by Newcleus Tour De France (Francois K remix) by Kraftwerk Reckless (Club Mix) by David Storrs & Chris the Glove Taylor, Ice T
All tracks have been edited. First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK on 4th August 2024
TRACK NOTES
AJ Scratch by Kurtis Blow Kurtis Blow’s tribute to Kool DJ AJ
Its Time to Rock by Great Peso and Mr Nasty Great Peso from the Fearless Four with his brother Mr Nasty. Music by Pumpkin, produced by Master O.C. of Fearless Four with Aldo Marin
Hardrock by Herbie Hancock Herbie Hancock with Rockit team, D.St and Bill Laswell.
Mosquito by West Street Mob Sugarhill records track sampling Trevor Horn and Malcolm McLaren’s ‘Hobo Scratch’.
Master of the Mix (& Dub Mix) by Warp 9 Warp 9 duo, Lotti Golden and Richard Scher’s 1983 single back in the charts.
Summer / The Buck Stops Here (Vocal, Bonus Beats and Dub Mix) by Fantasy Three Music by Hashim, produced by Aldo Marin. Legendary in the UK for ending Side 2 of Street Sounds Electro 5, following Breaker’s Revenge, Capt. Rock To The Future Shock, Release Yourself.
The Mexican (Funhouse Mix) by Jellybean The Funhouse DJ’s only credible release for electro kids in UK before he turned to the rewards of Madonna and Pop life.
B-Boys Breakdance by Hi-Fidelity Three Another Hashim Production that still sounded awesome 20 years later at techno all-nighters in London.
Honey To A Be (Extended Vocal & Dub) by Tina B Mrs Arthur Baker singing over an Arthur Baker and John Robie production with edits by the Latin Rascals.
Crash Goes Dub by Loleatta Holloway More Arthur Baker with Shep Pettibone on the mix
Breaker’s Revenge (Extended Vocal Version) by Arthur Baker Extended version of the track from from Beat Street Soundtrack. The film was released in the UK at the end of June 1984.
Music (+ Dance Mix) by Syncbeat Manchester musicians Martin Jackson & Andy Connell (later to turn pop) extend the version from Street Sounds UK Electro. DJ Greg Wilson on the Dance mix.
Fall – Out (Vocal and Instrumental) by Der-Mer Noel Williams: Jamaican DJ, reggae musician and record producer representing the Miami sound.
Scratch Motion (Dub Scratch Version) by The Triple Threat Three Part of the early West Coast releases from Saturn Records in California. Soon to be reworked for ‘Scratchin’ 100 Speakers’ with Dr Dre.
Who You Stealin’ From / Who You Dubbin’ From by Guru Arthur Baker and John Robie calling out the biters. Their only release under this name.
Time is running out (Last Minute Mix) by Jonzun Crew First heard on Paul Dodd’s Electro Show on JFM in the summer of 1984.
Take it to the Max by Special Request Slight pop produced by José “Animal” Diaz prominently featured on Tommy Boy compilations. At the time Diaz was releasing various ‘Bugger’ mixes which I assume were more instrumental dubs. However, I haven’t managed to track any down.
Computer Age (Push the Button) by Newcleus Ben “Cozmo D” Cenac from Jam on Productions attempts to follow the monster hit ‘Jam on it’ with this cautionary dystopia about machines taking over our lives.
Tour De France (Francois K remix) by Kraftwerk The original single was released in 1983 but was remixed by Francois Kevorkian and featured in the movie Breakin’ (in the UK released as Breakdance) at the end of June 1984. Always loved the electronic ‘click’ breakdown.
Reckless (Club Mix) by David Storrs & Chris the Glove Taylor, rap by Ice More West Coast sounds with another tribute to a DJ, in this case Ice-T pays tribute to Chris ‘the Glove’ Taylor. Music by the Glove and David ‘Alien Wizard’ Storrs. The B-side Tibetan Jam also received much b-boy attention. A much lighter mix appeared on the soundtrack to Breakin’ / Breakdance.
Currently Off Air presents part 2 of ’30 Sounds of June’: 30 x 2 minute audio recordings from each day in June 2024. Field recordings, ghost stories, music composition, sonic experiments and sound design by Currently Off Air, Xelís De Toro, Chris Phelon, Tim Boat, Soundless Mind Eraser, Naina Pari, Poor Celine, Super Spatial Biscuit Band and Sylviane De La Fleur
First broadcast on Sunday 7th July 2024 on Radio Reverb, Brighton, UK
