Italo Rhythmic beats: 'Dance NRG'.

I came across an immeasurable Goldmine of euro-beat, Italo and synth pop for 1980-85 (roughly) in one. This pot of gold yielded alot of dance gems but mostly, ignited a "similar artists" recommendation list I accumulated just from their related links. There is so much to love about eurobeat, even though to glean such a library, it can occasionally (and critically) sound all the same, however those true diamonds amongst the placid sea of Italo are the ones that dare to be different. With memorable and addictive hooks, synth breakdowns, and vocal transitions that need to be heard, to be believed. Goldmine. The producers here range from Shep (of the Pettibone variety) to Ben Liebrand - talents in their own rights that revise and retouch, some already smooth tracks.

Enjoy.

Fox on Fox

Precious Little Diamond (Shep Pettibone Mix)

Time

Holding On To Love (12 Inch Mix)

New Romantique

Shy Like An Angel

Paul Rein

Lady-O (Extended Mix)

And lastly, in a effort to highlight the myriad of covers of Frankie Valli's hit, 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You' that took place in the era of eurobeat -here's the best of many.

Ross - Can't take my eyes off of you

Wham! Early Rarities

Came across a few tracks of Wham! from their first album 'Fantastic'. It's alot of fun, pop inflected tunes that range from quasi-emotional journeys of love, light and life. A few rockier numbers and other synth pop influenced structures, the below (rare instrumental remixes) feature a very spaced out slower track, pinch hit by softer keys that are overwhelmed when the original arrangement comes in. Sheds alot of light on the early talent and creative expression of George Michael, irrespective of personal circumstances, the music stands alone as emotionally charged, rock infusions drizzled in dance.


Wham! - A Ray Of Sunshine (Instrumental Remix)


Wham! - Nothing Looks the Same in the Light (Instrumental Remix)


BOnus ROund:


Wham! - Blue (Armed with Love)


NB: This track was released on the B-side to the 12" of Club Tropicana - it's the only studio recording of the song and was recorded without verses. The entire song with verses included was only ever released on a compilation as a live recording.

Pet Shop Boyz.

Late 80's Pop dance classicism at it's finest: The Pet Shop Boys.


There's 3 here: An Acid remix rerub 'n' dub, an extended 12 inch mix and lastly, a Julian Mendelsohn (whose recent exploits were seen remixing Catcall's 'Swimming Pool') extended dance version of their popular cover.


Rarities ensued.


Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls (Acid Dub)


Pet Shop Boys - Was it Worth It (12 Inch Extended Mix)


Pet Shop Boys - Always on My Mind (Julian Mendelsohn Remix)

Every Time, Kashif Connects!

Some Gold from an extremely talented producer/ artist.

It really establishes the early 80's production sounds and R&B. The soul melds with the advancing technics on such a level, its danceable.

Melba Moore (Production duties on her album 'Other Side of the Rainbow)

Love's Comin' at Ya - Melba Moore

His own original productions yielded a few (alot) of albums.

Stone Love - Kashif