Ahead of the release of Bargrooves Disco, mixer and compiler Andy Daniell picks out some of the tracks included on the compilation that send him to disco heaven.
Sister Sledge - Thinking Of You (Dimitri From Paris Remix)
I was over the moon to get this cleared for the compilation as this remix had previously only been available on the wonderful Chic Organisation box set (well worth checking out). This is one of my all-time favourite disco records and shows why every man and his dog are queuing up to work with Nile Rodgers again. Dimitri turns in one of his finest ever remixes here. It’s just paced to absolute perfection, with all the elements given enough time to breathe. Can you tell I like this record??
Hercules & Love Affair - My House (Tensnake Remix)
Two of my favourite disco-leaning artists combine on this record: Andy Butler’s superb Hercules & Love Affair project and the ever-excellent Tensnake. This has been a bit of a secret weapon in my DJ sets for a very long time so I’m very happy to finally get it on a compilation. This record is like audio sunshine, I just love it. Make sure you check out the video for the original as well, well worth a watch.
The Tailors feat. Ashibah - Overdue (Late Nite tuff Guy Let You Go Remix)
Late Nite Tuff Guy is a very talented chap coming out of Australia who's making disco waves worldwide with his edits and remixes, perhaps most noticeably his Prince ‘Controversy’ remix. This record sees him in remix mode and he’s made The Tailors’ excellent original into a pure disco work out. It makes me want a cold beer in the sunshine. Has Ibiza started yet??
Freeform Five feat. Roisin Murphy - Leviathon
Two musical heavyweights team up here: Moloko vocalist Roisin Murphy and the superb Freeform Five. When I got sent this I was pretty excited as I’m a huge fan of both and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed. Again it’s the perfect sunshine music; I wanna be lying on a beach listening to this one.
The KDMS - Tonight (Morgan Geist Remix)
Morgan Geist is a hero of mine within dance music, but many will know him a bit better via his other names. He is 50% of genre-defining act Metro Area and the mastermind behind Storm Queen. In this record you can hear the elements of both projects; the drums and bassline feel pure Storm Queen, but there are loads of disco touches that are straight Metro Area all topped off with KDMS’s amazing vocal. This record is a class act.
Sally Shapiro – I’ll Be By Your Side (Tensnake Remix)
This remix came from Tensnake around the same kind of time as Coma Cat and is actually on the same original label, Permanent Vacation. Tensnake’s backing track is just so good on this, so upbeat. For me it’s the perfect counterpoint to Sally’s vocals. Elements of it give nods to the Nordic disco crew of Todd Terje, Lindstromm etc. This is a long-term personal favourite of mine.
Candi Staton Hallelujah Anyway (Original Mix)
I’m guessing a lot of people listening to this will know the Larse remix of this wonderful record, but I wanted to feature the original version which is a class act in its own right. I love the more laid back tempo to it, the garage-esqe plucked strings and ace chords. Candi’s vocals as always just soar above the track. So good.
Midnight Magic Beam Me Up (Jacques Renault Remix)
It’s was via this record that I was first musically introduced to the excellent New York DJ and producer Jacques Renault. We ended up getting him do a couple of remixes because we loved what he did with this record so much; again a record that hasn’t left my record box for getting on for 3 years.
Bargrooves Disco is out 23rd March - order from iTunes
