Songs they don’t play on the radio: overlooked, under appreciated, and rediscovered sounds from UK, US, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, France Japan and Australia on cassette, vinyl and digital.
TRACKLISTING 星ふたつ Hoshi Futatsu byYura Yura Teikoku from Me No Car LP, 1999 Melodies of Love by Pink Rhythm from Melodies of Love 12″, 1985 Bafana Bafana by Lazarus Kgagudi from Don’t Hold Her Ruff LP, 1987 Perpetual Motion by Elecktroids from Elektroworld CD, 1995 That Night Together With Her by Pablo’s Eye from All She Wants Grows Blue CD, 1998 Missing Apart by tim boat from Villards EP, Bandcamp Another Country by Mimi and Richard Farina from Celebrations For A Grey Day LP, 1965 The Moon Has No Heart by Connie Converse from Musicks reel-to-reel tape, available on bandcamp, 1951 Forever Walks A Drifter by the Monzas, 7″ Single, 1965 In the Light by Toshifumi Hinata = 日向敏文 – Reality In Love = ひとつぶの海 LP, 1986 Lost in Translation by The DNA Lounge from Antipodean Anomalies 2 compilation LP, 2023 Deepness by Rosa Mota from Wishful Sinking LP, 1995 No One Around to Hear it by Bo Harwood and John Cassavetes from The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, 1976 and Searchlight Moonbeam CompilationLP, 2023 Es Zieht Herauf by The Inner Space from Agile & Blubbo Soundtrack LP, 1968 The Burning Spear by Sonic Youth from Sonic Youth EP, 1982 One More chance (alternative mix) by Nico from Drama of Exile LP, 1981 or 1983 Acts from Under and Above: Scared Song by Meredith Monk from Do You Be LP, 1987 The Quiet One – A by Bonnie Guitar & Edna Leal Williams from Bonnie Guitar/Edna Leal Williams LP, 1965 My Father’s Sheep is Dead by Milkweed from Folklore 1979 Cassette, 2024 Chienne De Vie by Sebastian Gandera from La Marche Sur Les Toits Cassette, 1990
First broadcast on 6th March 2024 on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB+, streaming live on radioreverb.com
TRANSMISSION DATES: Sunday 10th March at 11pm Monday 11th March at 2pm Thursday 14th March at 11pm Tuesday 19th March at 1pm Tuesday 26th March at 10am Friday 29th March at 2pm
Heading back 40 years to February 1984 with a chart run down of the top 30 Electro-Funk, Hip Hop and Freestyle 12″ singles in the Groove Electro Chart from 4th February 1984.
New entries from Melle Mel, Davy D.M.X’s first single, Jenny Burton’s (John Robie produced) ‘Vena Cava’ and Soul Sonic Force’s Renegades of Funk arrives.
TRACKLISTING U.F.O by Treacherous 3 Intelligence (Instrumental + Vocal) by Monzie D Lectric Ziggee Groove (Dub) by Ziggee Toir Hey DJ (Instrumental) by World’s Famous Supreme Team CHART TRACKS: Martin Luther by Hurt ‘Em Bad Megamix by Herbie Hancock Jesse by Grandmaster & Melle Mel We Are Known As Emcees by Crash Crew Jam The House (Instrumental) Felix & Jarvis Getting To the Point by Vicious 4 Vena Cava by Jenny Burton Chicken Scratch (Dub Mix) by G. Adams & D.J. Freeze One for the Treble by Davy D.M.X. Fresh (Vocal + Instrumental) by Fresh 3 MC’S Break It Up/Breaking Point by Contact-U Big Apple Noise by Trans-Lux Renegades of Funk by Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force Fresh (Scratch Mix) by Tyrone Brunson No Sell Out by Malcolm X
First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK on 4th Februa4ry 2024
Full chart from Echoes newspaper, 4th February 1984:
TRACKLISTING Tonglen | In Vain by Circuit Des Yeux from -io, 2021 Intro by De La Soul from Buhloone Mind State, 1993 Step Night Up by Sambalanço Trio from Reencontro Com Sambalanço Trio, 1965 Stars and Rockets by Peter Thomas Sound Orchester from Chariots of the Gods, 1972 Lazy Day by Boo Radleys from Everything’s Alright Forever, 1992 Heart In A Hurry by Yukihiro Takahasi from 四月の魚 = Poisson D’Avril, 1985 Hibernaculum Acid by Enofa from All Roads Lead To Polesworth, 2021 Sonar Panel Asses by The Locust from Plague Soundscapes, 2003 Woodwork by David Thomas Broughton and Juice Vocal Ensemble from Sliding The Same Way, 2014 Can You Hear the Rooster Crow by Cybe from Tropisch Verlangen, 1986 The Final Card by Woo from It’s Cozy Inside, 1989 Castles of America by The Magnetic Fields from Quickies, 2020 A Woman Can Take You To Another Universe – Sometimes She Just Leaves You there by John Lurie from Stranger Than Paradise, 1984 Father of Night by Bob Dylan from New Morning, 1970 Coding Sequence by Carl Craig from Versus, 2017 Comme Les Deux Doigts De La Main by Gabriel Yared from 37°2 Le Matin, 1986 Voyage to illumination by Felt from Let The Snakes Crinkle Their Heads To Death, 1986 Abide With Me Thelonious Monk Septet, Monk’s Music, 1957
Cordeiro De Nanã by João Gilberto, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethânia from Brasil, 1981 Rage Quit by bar italia from Bedhead, 2022 Vingt secondes by Brigitte Fontaine from Brigitte Fontaine, 1972 Early Morning Melody by Meredith Monk from Book of Days, 1990 Dream by Ryuichi Sakamoto from L.O.L (Lack Of Love), 2000 September by David Sylvian from Secrets Of The Beehive, 1987 Prelude by Satoshi Ashikawa from Still Way, 1982 Cue #53/62 by Ned Rifle from Music From The Films Of Hal Hartley, 1993 Sorry by Ghost Orchard from Bliss, 2016
Insider Story’ PBS TV Spot by Suzanne Ciani from Lixiviation (1969-1985), 2012 Yenuro Tesfa Alegne by Hailu Mergia And The Walias from Tche Belew, 1977 El Rey by Secos & Molhados from Secos & Molhados, 1973 Among the Naeporu by Aksak Maboul from Figures, 2020 Slow Swoop by Fenella from Fenella – Inspired By The Marcel Jankovics Film Fehérlófia, 2019 Scissors by Adam Janota Bzowski from Saint Maud (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), 2021 Reset – Yamaha TG33 by Suren Seneviratne from Vector Music, 2022 Detroit by Disasterpeace from It Follows, 2015 Unbraiding Boundless Energy Within Boundaries by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith from The Mosaic Of Transformation, 2020 Intro by Kool Keith from Keith, 2019 A Foggy Day by The Nu-Sounds with Sun Ra Arkestra from Singles (The Definitive 45s Collection Vol. 1: 1952-1961), 1957 Momento Ritmico by Piero Umiliani from Effetti Musicali, 1968 Bless the Telephone by Labi Siffre from The Singer And The Song, 1971
Dew by Don Ellis from Haiku, 1973 Sit Down by Ivor Cutler & Linda Hirst from Privilege, 1983 Jack Smith by Low from Transmission EP, 1996 Hexigazmel Sandwiches by Robyn Rocket, 2011 DM送ってやろうか (Do You Want Me To Send A DM) by Otoboke Beaver from Super Champion, 2022 Communion Song: The World by Mary Lou Williams from Music for Peace, 1970 6 Phrazes by Tirzah from Trip9love…???, 2023 Glass Jar by Lloyd Cole from Plastic Wood, 2001 The Watcher by Michael Small from Klute (Original Soundtrack Score), 1977 Capri by Georges Delerue from Le Mépris – Bande Originale Du Film De Jean-Luc Godard, 1963 How the Wild Wind Blows by Molly Drake from Molly Drake, 2011 Fralité by The Books from Music For A French Elevator And Other Short Format Oddities By The Books, 2006
First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK on 7th January 2024
Heading back 40 years to December 1983 with a mixtape of Electro-Funk, Hip Hop and Freestyle 12″ singles that were breaking into the UK dance charts that month.
TRACKLISTING (version 2, 19th December 2023, update to follow) B-Boys B Dubbed/B-Boys Beware (Club Mix) by Two Sisters In The Spirit’ (Vocal & Instrumental) by Twilight 22 Crazy Cuts / Dub by Grandmixer D.ST. Cuttin’ Herbie by The B Boys Watch The Closing Doors (Vocal & Dub versions) by I.R.T. (Interboro Rhythm Team) Out Of Sight (instrumental) by Lefturno Do You Wanna Lover (Dub Mix & Club Mix) by Hot Box Jungle Swing’ (Dub Version + Nasty Jungle Scratch Version) by B Beat Girls Players/Remember What You Like (Long Version) by Jenny Burton Spacey Lady (Extended Version) by Maurice Starr On The Upside (Vocal & Dub version) by Xena Al-Naafiysh (The Soul) + Bonus Beats by Hashim Beat Wave (Dub + Vocal) by Warp 9 Frankenstein Rap by Edgar Winter Party Rap (Vocal + Instrumental) by Rhythm Makers Ltd. Jam-Master Jay (Instrumental and vocal) by Run D.M.C. No Sell Out by Malcolm X& Keith LeBlanc The Party Scene (LV & Instrumental) by The Russell Brothers Funky Beat by Bernard Wright The USA is the Best by T. Ski Valley Get Tough by CDIII Get into the Mix / Scratcher’s Delight (Bonus Breaks) by DJ Divine Beat Box by Art of Noise King of the Beat by Pumpkin Nervous by Kurtis Blow Rat Rapping (instrumental) by Roland Rat Superstar Get Streetwise by Messinger Service Hot Tasty Love (Instrumental) by ZEST
all tracks have been edited First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB in Brighton, UK on 3rd December 2023
In this transmission you can expect to hear music that has been under-played and overlooked, from the rediscovered and the unjustly neglected to the brand spanking new: electronics from UK, France, Finland and Sweden, new wave explorations from Belgium, Japan and USA, Lo-fi Gospel from USA, Afrobeat from Nigeria, Post-rock, Alternative rock, Soundtrack cues, and a Flexi-disc ghost story, on cassette, vinyl and digital.
TRACKLISTING Talausblick Vom Hohlichtpass by Matthias Puech from Alpestres LP, France, 2018 L’Essor Du Roraima by Vague Imaginaires from L’Île D’or Cassette , France, 2020 Parsi by Adult Fantasies from 8 Neo-Pathetic Scenes LP, Belgium, 1988 Intuition by Dennis Young from Audiologie N°3 Compilation cassette, USA, 1985 Liikaa Liimaa by Cucina Povera from Donne Che Corrono Coi Lupi cassette compilation, Finland, 2021 Beneath RAF Brawdy by The Night Monitor from Spacemen Mystery of the Terror Triangle Cassette, UK, 2021 Ghosts Story by Haress from Ghosts LP Bonus Flexi Disc, UK, 2022 Sand Return by Aaron Cupples from Island of the Hungry Ghosts (OST) LP, UK, 2021 White Lace & Promises by Romance & Dean Hurley from In Every Dream Home a Heartache Cassette, USA, 2022 The Crystallisation of Salt at Night by Movietone from Day and Night LP, UK, 1997 Raoul by Inre Kretsen Grupp from Raoul LP, Sweden, 2022 Shiasate by Yasuaki Shimizu from Kiren LP, Japan, 1984 Shadows Of Fear (Short Version) by Roger Webb from Shadows of Fear 7″, UK, 1970 Song of Love (instrumental) by Ayo Manuel from Love Candidate LP, Nigeria, 1983 Come Back by Otis G Johnson from Everything – God is Love LP, USA, 1978 Flame Up Yours by Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 from These Things Remain Unassigned (singles, compilation tracks, rarities & unreleased recordings) LP, USA, 2023 Monstertronics by The Carbonators from Monstertronics Digital, UK, 2021 Entr’acte by K. Leimer from A Period of Review (Original Recordings 1975 – 1983) LP and Installation View Cassette, USA, 1983 Your Dream by Masumi Hara from 4 X A Dream LP, Japan 1984 Still Lives Romance by Romance & Dean Hurley from In Every Dream Home a Heartache Cassette, USA, 2022
First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK on 5th November 2023
Heading back 40 years to October 1983 with a mixtape of Electro-Funk, Hip Hop, Freestyle and Scratch 12″ singles breaking into the UK dance charts that month.
‘Electro Funk’ brought together drum machines, synthesizers, turntable scratching and FX-heavy extended dub versions as a backdrop to uptempo raps on space themes and the struggles of late 20th century city living, introducing a generation to breakdancing, graffiti, rap and turntablism.
Broadcasting on Radio Reverb 97.2FM and DAB, Brighton, UK, streaming on www.radioreverb.com in these timeslots:
Sunday 1st October at 11pm Tuesday 3rd October at 1pm Monday 9th October at 2pm Thursday 12th October at 11pm Tuesday 17th October at 1pm Tuesday 24th October at 10am Friday 27th October at 2pm Tuesday 31st October at 1pm
TRACKLIST A Dub Break by Clappa Club Dog Talk by K-9 Corp (Featuring Pretty C) Atomic Dog by George Clinton Caveman Rock by Junior Gee Scratch The Rock by Master-Funk Get Up by Treacherous Three On A Journey (Dub) by n.y.c PEECH BOYS Feel it (The MExican) by Funky Four Cruisin’ (Dub) by Tom Browne The Wildstyle (Special New Mix) Instrumental by Time Zone Sweet Stuff by Kevie Kev (Waterbed Kev) I wanna Be With You (Part 2) (Instrumental) by Armenta The Breaker by Richie Scott Take it to the Bridge (instrumental) by Adele Bertei Let the Music Play (Dub) by Shannon (Hey You) the Rocksteady Crew instrumental by The Rocksteady Crew Radio Activity (vocal + instrumental) by Royalcash Play That Beat (vocal and instrumental) by G.L.O.B.E & Whiz Kid Fantastic Freaks at the Dixie (from the film, ‘Wildstyle) Cavern by Liquid Liquid White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It) (Bonus Beats + Vocal) by Grandmaster & Melle Mel Bad Times ( I Can’t Stand It) (Greg Wilson Edit) by Captain Rapp Quote from film ‘Style Wars‘ Tech No Bop by Bill Summers and Summers Heat The Key (Instrumental) by Wuf Ticket Pump your Body (Club Version) by Brian and Zan Electric Kingdom (vocal and instrumental dub version) by Twilight 22 Cheap thrills (instrumental) by Planet Patrol
Playlist notes:
A Dub Break by Clappa Club B-side of Bobby Gilliom’s single, ‘Gimme A Break’ on Clappers Records, which released Hip Hop and Roots Reggae records from 1980. Gilliam was a guitarist and vocalist with 80’s disco-funk band, The Strikers, from New York. The Strikers debut LP was released on Prelude Records who regularly released electro singles that made the dance charts. Milton Brown, from the Strikers became vocalist for Warp 9.
Dog Talk – K-9 Corp (Featuring Pretty C) – Capitol 12” & Atomic Dog – George Clinton – Capitol 12”. The 1982 track, ‘Atomic Dog’ reappeared in the UK charts in Oct ’83 because the backing track was used on the ‘Dog Talk’ single, which also appeared on Street Sounds Electro 1, released on 23rd October 1983 as a cheap, accessible way of owning expensive import 12″ mixes. Produced by P-Funk maestro George’s Clinton’s manager, Archie Ivy, with vocals by Lane Strickland (aka Pretty C), ‘Dog Talk’ was available in ‘Censored’ and ‘X-rated’ versions. Although not a home to electro, Capitol records also had hits with Thomas Dolby in 1983.
Scratch The Rock / Caveman Rock by Funk Masters / Junior Gee – (Master-Funk Records) ‘Funk Masters’ was the B-side to Junior Gee’s single ‘Caveman Rock’. Produced by British reggae DJ, Tony Williams, for release on his MasterFunk label. Junior Gee was the artist name of Paul Sevier, then a 16 year old. Sevier and Williams teamed up the following year on the underappreciated UK hip hop track, ‘Check Us Out’ under the artist name, The Capitol Boys. Following a Peel session and TV appearances, Sevier worked on a variety of UK rap projects throughout the 1980s.
‘Get Up’ by Treacherous Three (US Sugarhill SH-462) Produced by Reggie Griffin who is also credited with arranging October ’83 smash hit ‘White Lines’. His other 1983 credits included ‘Break Dance-Electric Boogie by West Street Mob’, ‘No Sell Out’ by Malcolm X (with Keith LeBlanc) and Waterbed Kev’s version of ‘All Night Long’. Treacherous Three were rappers Kool Moe Dee, Special K and LA Sunshine who, by then, were an old school Hip Hop trio from Harlem. Part of a strong batch of releases on Sugarhill Records until they shut down in 1985 as a result of shady ‘White Lines/Cavern’ dealings.
In this transmission, we’ll be heading back 40 years to September 1983 with a mixtape of Electro-Funk 12″ records hitting the UK dance charts that month. ‘Electro Funk’ brought together drum machines, synthesizers, turntable scratching and FX-heavy extended dub versions as a backdrop to uptempo raps on space themes and the struggles of late 20th century city living, introducing a generation to breakdancing, graffiti, rap and turntablism.
TRACKLISTING The Return of Capt. Rock by Captain Rock Love Tempo by Quando Quango Problémes D’Amour by Alexander Robotnik The Other Side by Rusty Egan Confused Beats / Confusion (instrumental) by New Order Rockin’ Radio (Special Mix) by Tom Browne Magic Mike Theme (Remix / Club Version) by Magic Mike Crew It’s Like That (instrumental) Run DMC Electricity by Midnight Star Nonline by I.M.S (International Music System) Feel The Force (Instrumental Mix) by G-Force Featuring Ronnie Gee It’s Alright (Extended Dub Version) by N.V Scratch Goes My Dub by Freeez Kick it Live from 9 to 5 by Sugarhill Gang Break Dance-Electric Boogie by West Street Mob Dr. Jam (In the Slam) (instrumental) by Men At Play Hip hop Be Bop (Don’t Stop) (Jose Animal Diaz Remix) by Man Parrish Rock the Beat (Dub Version) by Chilltown Search and Destroy (instrumental) by Arkade Funk (GTM) Get The Money (Dub Mix) by Valerie Oliver Wave Craze (Instrumental) by Stockingcap Scratch Break (Glove Style) by The Motor City Crew Two, Three, Break by The B Boys Get on out of my mix by Dolby’s Cube Get Outta My Face (instrumental) by Ken C You’ve Gotta Believe (instrumental) by “Love Bug” Starski Gettin’ Money (Instrumental and vocal) by Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde Sucker D.J’s (I Will Survive) Marley Marl’s Sucker Dub) by Dimples D Right There (dub-A-Pella) by Two Sisters
All Tracks have been edited First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK on 3rd September 2023.
Playlist notes:
The Return of Capt. Rock by Captain Rock Written by the Aleem Brothers & Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde. The second release for Captain Rock, and the first in a series of classic electro cuts produced by ‘The Fantastic Aleems’ which featured on the Street Sounds Electro compilations. Vocals by Ronald Greene – who started out as a DJ for Jeckyll & Hyde shows.
Love Tempo by Quando Quango Electro-dance band from Manchester via Holland, released on Factory Benelux Records. Produced by members of New Order and A Certain Ratio. Benefited from a later New York club remix by Mark Kamins.
Problémes D’Amour by Alexander Robotnik Debut single by Italian Producers, Maurizio Dami and the Bigazzi Brothers. A US remix by Bruce Forest, resident DJ at NYC Better Days, became a hit in 1984.
The Other Side by Rusty Egan B-side of ‘the Twilight Zone’ single. Under the name ‘Wunderverke’, Egan’s backing track was used for Timezone’s ‘The Wild Style’, that remained in the dance charts throughout the second half of 1983.
Confused Beats / Confusion (instrumental) by New Order First collaboration between New Order and Arthur Baker / John Robie, both in demand after production work on singles by Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force. ‘Confusion’ was the follow up to New Order’s ‘Blue Monday’ hit, from the spring and summer of 1983.
Rockin’ Radio (Special Mix) by Tom Browne Produced and written by brothers, Maurice Starr and Michael Jonzun (from the Jonzun Crew). In 1983, the Jonzun Crew would release an album and four singles on Tommy Boy records. Tom Browne was a soul/jazz-funk singer, songwriter and trumpeter on a major record label who dipped into the electro sound in 1983 and 1984.
Magic Mike Theme (Remix / Club Version) by Magic Mike Crew Vocoder funk, written and produced by Rich Cason in Los Angeles. Cason was a songwriter, producer and keyboardist who had recording credits going back to the early 1970s. In 1983, Cason also wrote and produced electro tracks by ‘Formula V’ and ‘Rappers Rapp Disco Co’. The track appears on a 1983/84 ‘Breakmixer’ mix 12″, credited to Victor (Flores) & The Glove (Chris ‘The Glove’ Taylor).
It’s Like That (instrumental) by Run-DMC Second single from the rap legends, with ‘Sucker M.C’s’ on the b-side. Music credited to ‘Orange Krush’, who were were Larry Smith (bass), Trevor Gale (drums) and Davy DMX (guitar / turntables). At this time, Run DMC were on Profile Records who, in 1983 alone, also released Hip Hop records by Rock Master Scott And The Dynamic Three, The Rake, Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde, Disco Four, Fresh 3 MCs, Rammellzee, K-Rob and Pumpkin.
Electricity by Midnight Star Following the success of hit single ‘Freak-A-Zoid’, the opening track from the 1983 LP ‘No Parking On The Dance Floor’, ‘Electricity’ was released as a b-side on a Canadian 12” reissue. Midnight Star made conventional R’n’B LPs throughout the 1980s but would release further electro-crossover tracks such as 1984’s ‘Operator’.
Nonline by I.M.S (International Music System) Italo-Disco from Vincenzan producers, Giorgio Stefani and Maurice Cavalieri. In 1983, the duo also released Electro/Italo-Disco track, ‘Spacer Woman’ under the name ‘Charlie’.
Feel The Force (Instrumental Mix) by G-Force Featuring Ronnie Gee & Captain Cee. The only release by G-Force, a collaboration between Producer, Will Crittendon (‘Captain Cee’, founder of the SMI disco record label) and writer, Ronnie Gordon, who worked on several minor hip-hop related tracks in the 1980s. This track featured on ‘Street Sounds Electro 1’, released in Autumn 1983. It’s Alright (Extended Dub Version) by N.V A studio project by producer, Darryl Payne (Sinnamon, Sharon Redd, Electrik Funk) presented as a Shep Pettibone remix.
Scratch Goes My Dub by Freeez B-side of ‘Pop Goes My Love’, Freeez’s follow up to I.O.U. Arthur Baker production, scratches by Whiz Kid.
Kick it Live from 9 to 5 by Sugarhill Gang Produced by Joey Robinson Jr, son of Sylvia & Joe Robinson, founders of Sugar Hill Records. Music is credited to Portland, Oregon band, ‘Pleasure’.
Break Dance-Electric Boogie by West Street Mob West Street Mob included Joey, Leland and Rhondo Robinson, sons of Sugar Hill Records founders with multi-instrumentalist, Reggie ‘Mirda Rock’ Griffin who also gets credits for work on 1983 Hip Hop tracks: ‘No Sell Out’, ‘White Lines’, Treacherous Three’s ‘Get Up’ and Waterbed Kev’s version of ‘All Night Long’. ‘Electric Boogie’ is credited to Jerry Lordan, English songwriter of original ‘Apache’ instrumental. This track featured on ‘Street Sounds Electro 1’, released in Autumn 1983.
Dr. Jam (In the Slam) (instrumental) by Men At Play One-off 12″ single written and produced by Walter “Kandor” Kahn for his own eighties disco label based in Philadelphia. The rap concerns Julius Erving aka Dr. J, basketball legend and NBA champion with Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.
Hip Hop Be Bop (Don’t Stop) (Extended Remix) by Man Parrish A dancefloor staple throughout 1983, the late 1982 track gets an extended remix by Jose Animal Diaz (known for his remix of ‘Clear’ by Cybotron), originally made for ‘Disconet’ remix service for DJs.
Rock the Beat (Dub Version) by Chilltown One-off single on A&M records, produced by prolific team, Lotti Golden & Richard Scher of Warp 9 and Ladies Choice, who worked across genres during this period from New Wave, to R’n’B, Disco and Electro-pop.
Search and Destroy (instrumental) by Arkade Funk Arkade Funk was a vocoder alter-ego of Washington DC Go-Go band, Trouble Funk for release on their own DETT label. Confusingly, the band had previously released a vocoder track called ‘Arkade Funk’ under the band name, ‘Tilt’ as well as releasing a vocoder/Go-Go version of Kraftwerk’s Trans-Europe Express under the ‘Trouble Funk’ moniker.
(GTM) Get The Money (Dub Mix) by Valerie Oliver Freestyle record from Raul Rodriguez & Mark Berry who also produced electro cuts for Two Sisters, Man Parish and C.O.D in 1983. Valerie Oliver released two further singles.
Wave Craze (Instrumental) by Stockingcap One-off single, produced and arranged by Sugar Hill session musician, Ed Fletcher aka Duke Bootee (famous for his rap on ‘The Message’ and ‘Survival (Message II’)). Far too much rock guitar solo-ing tarnishes this – otherwise sparse – electro track.
Scratch Break (Glove Style) by The Motor City Crew Motown Records, LA, short-lived attempt to dip into the rap/hip hop market. Scratches by west coast legend Chris “The Glove” Taylor who began a run of his own electro classics (‘Reckless’, ‘Itchiban Scratch’) in 1984, and would go on to work with Ice T and Dr Dre.
Two, Three, Break by The B Boys Scratches by Bronx-born Kiss-FM DJ ‘Chuck Chill Out’ aka ‘DJ Born Supreme Allah’. Produced by Vincent Davis for release on his own Vintertainment Record label. B Boys also released ‘Cuttin’ Herbie’ and ‘Rock the House’ in 1983 featuring rappers Donald D & Brother B. The group returned with the classic ‘Stick Up Kid’ in 1985. ‘Two, Three, Break’ features on Street Sounds Electro 2. Vintertainment would go on to have hits with Keith Sweat later that decade.
Get on out of my mix by Dolby’s Cube Thomas Dolby cutting up his 1983 smash hit, ‘She Blinded me with Science’ in his dance-floor orientated studio project, Dolby’s Cube. This track also includes vocals from Dolby’s 1981 track, ‘Europa & the Pirate Twins’.
Get Outta My Face (instrumental) by Ken “C” Educational Party track with kid rap. Sole release for Ken C. Written and produced by Dave Ogrin, who also wrote and produced Fresh 3 M.C.’s classic ‘Fresh’ in 1983. The record label, ‘Telestar Cassettes’, also released minor rap singles by Spyder-D and the Rapologists.
You’ve Gotta Believe (instrumental) by “Love Bug” Starski. Starski was resident rappin DJ at the famed Bronx club ‘Disco Fever’ and 70’s pioneer who credited himself with creating the term ‘hip-hop’. Starski released several gimmicky electro-rap tracks (Amityville, The House On The Hill) before a spell in jail curtailed his activities. Produced by Kurtis Blow, Larry Smith and Russell Simmons.
Gettin’ Money (Instrumental and vocal) by Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde Third, and greatest, single on Profile Records by duo who performed in Brooks Brothers business suits. Andre Harrell aka Jeckyll went on to form commercially successful Uptown Records – home to Puff Daddy, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., ). Alonzo Brown aka Hyde became an A&R for A & M records and worked in TV & Film industries. Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde released one LP, ‘the Champagne of Rap’ in 1985 before moving on to other projects. Writers of ‘The Return of Captain Rock’.
Sucker D.J’s (I Will Survive) Marley Marl’s Sucker Dub) by Dimples D Along with CD III’s ‘Get Tough’, this was Marley Marl’s first appearance on record. Marley Marl started his career as Mr. Magic’s sidekick and DJ on the influential radio show Rapp Attack and went on to mix the incredible Captain Rock singles, ‘Capt.Rock to the Future Shock’, ‘Cosmic Blast’, Aleem’s timeless ‘Release Yourself Dub’ in 1984, as well as produce the debut single by Roxanne Shante. A hip-house remix of ‘Sucker DJs’ re-launched Dimples D’s career in 1990
Right There (dub-A-Pella) by Two Sisters Vocalists Theresa and Tracey Pesco under the name ‘Two Sisters’ with ‘Hip Hop Be Bop’ team of Mark Berry and DJ and producer, Raul Rodriguez. Dub version of track from debut LP released in 1983. Co-written by Tessa Marquis, and keyboardist, arranger and producer, Marcus Barone who swapped the music industry for the film industry in mid-80s.
Research for this transmission includes various 1983 editions of ‘Black Echoes‘ (‘Britain’s only soul, funk ‘n’ reggae newspaper) and the invaluable archive of James Hamilton’s columns for Record Mirror for 1983 housed at jameshamiltonsdiscopage.com Groove Records charts for 1984 onwards have provided some historical perspective and can be found at: mikeallencapitalradio.com
In this transmission, we’ll be heading back 40 years to August 1983 and counting down the top 20 Electro-Funk 12″ records according to Groove Records, Soho. ‘Electro-Funk’ brought together 808 and DMX drum machines, synthesizers, turntable scratching and FX- heavy extended dub versions as a backdrop to uptempo raps on space themes and the struggles of late 20th century city living. The emergence of Electro-Funk in ’82/’83 introduced a generation to breakdancing, body popping, graffiti, rap, cuttin’ and scratchin’.
TRACKLISTING Cloud Nine (Ready Mix) by Play By Numbers Keep It on (Instrumental) by G-Five The Lone Wolf Theme (Instrumental) by Quadrant Six The Grand Mixer Cuts It Up by Infinity and Grandmaster D.ST Nasty Rock by The “P” Crew Clear by Cybotron * Get Wet (instrumental) by C-Bank Ray-Gun-Omics by Project Future It’s Your Rock (Instrumental) by Fantasy Three Fourteen Days by Lex The Roxy by Phase II Dance Sister (Instrumental) by N.Y.C. Peech Boys Girls Night Out (Serious Party Dub) by Ladies Choice Jam on Revenge by Newcleus London Bridge is Falling Down (Dub Mix) by Newtrament Shango Message by Shango Street Justice by The Rake Wildstyle (Original Mixes) by Time Zone High Noon by Two sisters Rockit by Herbie Hancock
All Tracks have been edited unless marked *
First broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK on 6th August 2023.
Playlist notes: 20 – Cloud Nine (Speciality Mix) by Play by Numbers Only available track by this artist. Released on Ice Water records, whose only other release was a 7″ single of Rolling Stones covers by Television guitarist Richard Lloyd. Produced by Harley Fine who still runs a studio in New York.
19 – Keep it on (instrumental and vocal edit) by G-Five A tribute track to the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team who swept the LA Lakers in the finals in May 1983. G-Five released two singles, both on Novarro Records. In 1983, writer and producer, Kae Williams Jr also worked on records by Funk artists, Cashmere and Galaxxy.
18 – Lone Wolf (instrumental and vocal edit) by Quadrant Six The first appearance of keyboardist and producer, John Robie, a crucial part of 1982 Electro blueprints, ‘Planet Rock’, ‘Hip Hop Be Bop’ and ‘One More Shot’, working under the name Quadrant Six. Atlantic records.
17 – Grandmixer Cuts it Up! By Grandmixer D.ST with the Infinity Rappers Another prominent figure from this time, D.St, originally named ‘Dee Street’, known as D-S-T, before changing his name to the current ‘DXT’. The Infinity Rappers appeared on D.St’s ‘Why is it Fresh?’ mix in 1984, ‘Home of Hip Hop’ single in 1985, and with Jalaluddin Mansur Nuriddin of the Last Poets on ‘Mean Machine in 1984. All released on Celluloid records. NY based arm of French label. The back cover is part of a Futura 2000 graffiti artwork, that links up with four other record covers.
16 – Nasty Rock by The P crew The vocoder B-side of the smoother, ‘Party Rock’. Short-lived electro outlet for songwriter and disco, soul and boogie producer, Patrick Adams on Prelude Records.
15 – Clear by Cybotron A 21 year-old Juan Atkins goes some way to inventing Detroit techno on this Fantasy Records classic with a punchier (uncredited) remix by Jose Animal Diaz, that would eventually replace the original mix on Cybotron’s album, ‘Enter’. Part of the peerless ‘Street Sounds Crucial Electro’ compilation LP released in the UK in 1984.
14 – Get Wet (instrumental) by C-Bank John Robie returns on a Electro-Freestyle C-Bank project on Next Plateau records. A follow up to their 1982 hit, ‘One More Shot’.
13 – Ray-Gun-Omics by Project Future Following appearances on P-funk records by George Clinton and Boots Collins, Rahni P. Harris, Jr. made a one-off electro track under the name ‘Project Future’. Released on Capitol Records. Appeared on Street Sounds Electro 1 compilation released in UK in October 1983.
12 – Fantasy Three – It’s Your Rock (instrumental and Vocal edit) Old school Hip Hip group from Harlem, NY. Produced by Master O.C, and creatively re-edited by Aldo Marin on the instrumental. Specific Records
11 – Fourteen Days (vocal and dub version edit) by Lex Released on ‘Flip’ a short-lived sub-label of Vanguard Records which aimed to specialize in new wave dance/rock music but only released ‘Fourteen Days’ and a Scottish synth-pop track. Produced by Ray ‘Pinky’ Velazquez, A&R man and “Disco consultant” for Vanguard who also mixed the classic ‘Electric Kingdom’ for Twilight 22 in 1983. . The track is written by three members of Düsseldorf post-punk band, Fehlfarben and is an English language cover of their 1982 track, ‘14 Tage’. The track was mixed by Mark Berry, who is also credited on tracks by Two Sisters, Man Parrish, Planet Patrol, C.O.D and Freeez in 1983.
10 – The Roxy by Phase II Music by Material, scratches by D.ST. Phase II was a Bronx Graffiti artist, active in the 1970s, who is credited with bubble letter style of writing known as ‘softies’. Phase II had created graffiti walls for Roller Rink nightclub, The Roxy, a place that was highly influential in Hip hop circles from 1982 – 83. UK release of track previously only available as a 1982 import on Celluloid records. The back cover is part of a Futura 2000 graffiti artwork, that links up with four other record covers.
9 – Dance Sister (biofeedback) by NYC Peech Boys
Produced by Larry Levan and Michael de Benedictus, released on their Garage Records label (named after the Paradise Garage where Levan was resident DJ). After releasing four singles, NYC Peech Boys split up in 1984.
8 – Girls Night Out (Serious Party Dub) by Ladies Choice A side project for Lotti Golden and Richard Scher, whose other project, Warp 9 had several hits in this era. Released on Arthur Baker’s Streetwise Records
7 – Jam on Revenge (Wikki Wikki Song) by Newcleus First single by Brooklyn collective on Sunnyview records. First of a series of classic electro records released by Newcleus on the Sunnyview label. Second track on Street Sounds Electro 1 compilation released in October 1983.
6 – London Bridge is Falling Down by Newtrament An edit of Vocoder and Dub mixes. Credited as the first UK hip Hop record, by London DJ, Bertram Johnson, on Jive records. The track was produced by Roy Carter, a musician from brit-funk bands, Heatwave and Central Line. Used as cover art for this transmission.
5 – Shango Message by Shango Shango was a collaboration between Afrika Bambaataa and Material on Celluloid Records that resulted in a few singles and a 1984 LP, ‘Shango Funk Theology’. Also released ‘Zulu Groove’ single in 1983.
4 – Street Justice by the Rake A one-off release with a hard-hitting rap by Keith Rose chronicling robbery, rape and revenge, released on Profile records. The subject matter follows the trend set by the 1982 success of ‘The Message’. Profile Records released the first singles by Run DMC and Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde.
3 – The Wildstyle by Time Zone (original mix) This is the original mix (featuring recordings from 1933 musical, ‘Footlight Parade’) before Francois Kervorkian was brought in to tidy up the mix for re-release later that year. The original backing track was recorded in Germany by Rusty Egan and credited to ‘Wunderverke’. Vocals by Bambaataa, Amad Henderson, Motivator and French female rapper, B-Side. Released on Celluloid Records. Final track on the peerless UK compilation LP, ‘Street Sounds Crucial Electro 1’.
2 – High Noon by Two Sisters Produced by ‘Hip Hop Be Bop’ team of Man Parrish, Engineer Mark Berry and DJ and producer, Raul Rodriguez. The vocalists were sisters, Theresa and Tracey Pesco. Co-written by Tessa Marquis. Two Sisters went on to release multiple singles, remixes and an LP in 1983 before disbanding. Released in the USA on Sugarscoop records, in the UK on Morgan Khan’s Streetwave label.
1 – Rockit by Herbie Hancock Groundbreaking dance and pop hit from the unlikely source of a 43 year old Jazz pianist, an experimental production team, Bill Laswell & Michael Beinhorn (Material), and a young scratch DJ, Grandmixer D.ST. ‘Rockit’ was the first single from Herbie Hancock’s LP, ‘Future Shock’ that was released in August 1983 and continued the experiments present in this single.
Research for this transmission includes various 1983 editions of ‘Black Echoes‘ magazine (‘Britain’s only soul, funk ‘n’ reggae newspaper) and the invaluable archive of James Hamilton’s columns for Record Mirror for 1983 housed at jameshamiltonsdiscopage.com Groove Records charts for 1984 onwards have provided some historical perspective and can be found at: mikeallencapitalradio.com
Currently Off Air presents ’30 Sounds of June’: 30 x 2 minute audio recordings from each day in June 2023. Field recordings, music composition and sound design.
First broadcast on Sunday 2nd July 2023 on Radio Reverb, Brighton, UK
A road trip through 1980’s Europe featuring cassette tapes, self-released singles and LPs by short-lived bands in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Denmark and Sweden.
FRANCE: Vapanda’s Electric Garden by Vox Populi! from Alternatif Réalisme 89 – 94 Re Bop Electronic by Marie et les Garçons from New York Sessions 79 EP, Désordre et distorsion by Philippe Laurent aka Hot Bip from Beep Beep, self-released cassette, 1985 Paris-Orly by Deux, 1985 Julia by Asylum Party from Picture One LP, 1988 SPAIN: Arrebato Soundtrack Excerpt by Iván Zulueta?, 1979 2 by Juan José Relaño from Non Plus Ultra 1980-1989 Vol.2 Compilation LP, 2013 Amor Industrial (Original Version) by Aviador Dro, 1983 Megaciclos de Verano by TodoTodo from Non Plus Ultra 1980-1987 Compilation LP, 2012 Digital by Kalashnikov from Ultraviolencia 7″ 1987 Moscu Esta Helado = Moscow Is Frozen by Esplendor Geométrico from Fix Planet! Compilation LP, 1981 Malagueñas 2 by Javier Segura from LA OLA INTERIOR Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticism 1983-1990 Compilation LP, 1990 Horizonte Paseo by Suso Sáiz from LA OLA INTERIOR Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticism 1983-1990 Compilation LP, 1990 PORTUGAL: Rotas by Telectu from Belzebu LP, 1983 ITALY: Not Love (Instrumental) by Trilogy from Not Love 12″, 1982 Stop Bajon Club Mix by Tulio De Piscopo from Acqua E Viento LP 1983 Harry Batasuna by Musumeci from Schwarz Morgen cassette, 1985 Don´t Stop Dancing (Instrumental) by Kerida from 12″single, 1987 In movimento by Surprize from In movimento EP, 1984 Listen Over the Ocean by Violet Eves from 12″ single, 1985 SWEDEN: Silent Face by Artificcial Control from Orgelvärk cassette compilation, 1986 DENMARK: Speed by Daily Fauli from Fauli Til Dauli LP, 1983 Q, Q, Don’t Understand by Grønvirke from Grønvirke mini LP, 1982 Lied by Ballet M.Ecanique fromThe Icecold Waters Of The Egocentric Calculation LP, 1981 Igen og Igen by Kliché from Supertanker LP, 1980
First broadcast on 15th May 2023 on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB, Brighton, UK
