Club Music & Remixes
Song: Come Into My Life
Artist: Joyce Sims
Album: The Best Of Joyce Sims (2010)
Genre: Dance Music
WOWOWOWOW!!! Talk about old school! Talk about nostalgia!!! And talk about the now obscure! You know, maybe my readers might be tired of me saying this, but……. Damn! It’s really a shame that great artist like her are allowed to literally fall in to obscurity! It’s just not right! Where are all those that claim “they’re into all kinds of music?” What a bunch of bullshitters! That’s what they are. ? I laugh, but, it’s sad, for real.
This Song Was So Popular, At Times It Felt Like A Joyce Sims Marathon On The Radio!
Let me tell you guys something. Her song “Come Into My Life” was such a hit in the 80s! At one time it felt like various radio stations literally had a Joyce Sims Marathon, almost on that one song! In 1987, “Come Into My Life” hit #10 on the R&B US Charts, and #7 on the U.K. Charts. The entire album itself reached #5 in the U.K. However, in the US, it only reached #22 on the R&B category. But, that’s alright, because her song had already made its fierce mark on music fans everywhere.
It was hard for me to categorize her music, because her style fluctuated quite a bit. There are times when she’s all about standard club music, then other times she leans more towards freestyle. Her strong soul vocals made her music sound very unique. Her music was something that we didn’t hear everyday, and in my opinion it was quite refreshing. I also remember one more very popular dance song she sang; however, it doesn’t seem like I can locate any stats on it right now. The song is called “All And All (1986).” Do you guys remember this song? Personally, I don’t think it was in the Top 10 range, however, I’m sure it registered somewhere on the American Billboard. Maybe in the range of #50(ish) (I’m guessing, but hell if I know LOL)
I’m sorry to say that in my opinion, her label did not make the best use of her talents. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the two hits she gave us, but at the same time (overall) the type of voice she had was best suited for traditional R&B. That’s just my opinion. I mean Listen to her greatest hits album, and compare that with her album called “All About Love LP (2008).” I think that, hands down, “All About Love” was a much better album. Now, I do acknowledge that this album is still “freestyle(ish),” but the beats and tempo has changed to sound more closer to R&B. Think so? I don’t know, that’s what I hear when I listen to it. There were no hits from this album, but, it was the best example I could think of. LOL.
Song: You’re The One For Me
Artist: D-Train
Album: You’re The One For Me EP (1981)
Genre: Dance
How many of my readers remember D Train? As a classic music blogger, I think it’s safe to say that they are on that borderline of being obscure. Most of his biggest hits were on the Dance and R&B charts. And in my opinion, the one song I heard people play the most growing up (including myself) was his hit called “You’re The One For Me (1982).” This song hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. This song was like an anthem in the Black community.
This Song Was Barbecue Worthy!
Black folk know what I’m talking about when I say this… Back in the day, in the 70s throughout the 80s, there were songs that we played that where compulsory of any Black barbecue; then there were those other songs that were worthy, and we still enjoyed. “You’re The One For Me” was one of those songs! ? I’m I right!?! You all know I’m right. ?
You know, when I first heard this song, for a long time I thought Rick Ashley sang background vocals. You guys remember Rick Ashley right? The lead singer, James Williams, sounded so much like him (in my opinion). Needless to say I was shocked when I finally had money to purchase his 12 inch vinyl. It’s a damn shame that I haven’t heard anyone play his music past the 90s. And mind you, I listen to a LOT of DJ stations and internet radio.
Both James & Hurbert Mastered Funk Infused Dance Music!
The amazing duo consisted of James (D-Train) Williams, & Hurbert Eaves. Now, unless you were already a huge D-Train’s fan, you may not be aware of some of his other popular songs. Check out his dance cover of Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By,” also check out “Trying To Get Over,” and “Music.” All four are my favorite from D-Train. If you like funk/dance 80s music, I think D-Train is worth investigating!
Song: Too Blind To See It
Artist: Kym Sims
Album: Too Blind To See It (1992)
Genre: Club
You know what? I don’t think I even have to ask, I KNOW that most of you dance queens (and kings) completely forgotten about this artist. In my opinion, as far as dance music is concern, this song is really obscure. It’s been decades since I’ve heard this song on any radio. Damn! Twenty six years ago this song was released! Can you believe it? Sometimes it still feels like only yesterday to me.
This Song Was #1 In All Dance Clubs!
Everybody loved this song. It was in heavy rotation, inside both straight (perhaps in more Latino clubs more so) and gay dance clubs. Although it only reached #38 on the Hot 100 Charts, it didn’t matter, because it shot up to #1 on the Dance Singles Chart, and stayed their for about a week. That digital keyboard organ sound some how gave its uniqueness I think. We didn’t hear that many club music using digital organ sounds. Although, I’m sure there are those who’d disagree, because it’s easy to just shove this song in the synth dance category. Technically they’d by right. However, synth dance music had a distinct sound back then. I just can’t put this song in that same category.
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Song: Dancin’ In The Key Of Life
Artist: Steve Arrington
Album: Dancin’ In The Key Of Life (1985)
Genre: Pop Music
Wow!!! Talk about nostalgia!! Talk about “Black in the day!” Do you guys remember Steve Arrington? Stop lying! No you don’t!! ? ? ? “Dancin’ In The Key Of Life,” was my sh*t back in the day! This was my all purpose song! You can dance to it, exercise to it, clean the house to it, anything you needed to do, this song was a great song to play to start your day. Another beautiful thing about this song was, everyone of all ages were grooving to amazing composition. Shockingly, the song only made it up to #68 on the Top 100 Charts ?. However, in the dance category it reached #2. As popular as I remembered this song was, I’m stunned that it was at such a low position on the main chart. Another great dance hit you should check out is “Feel So Real,” which happens to be on the same “Dancin’ In The Key Of Life” album. This song reached #5 on the Billboard Dance Charts. To my understanding, Steve started his career being a former drummer for the group called Slave.
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Song: Del Ray
Artist: Sola Rosa
Album: Get It Together (Deluxe Edition) (2009)
Genre: Multicultural/Club Mixes
This is an amazingly talented and multicultural group, that I’m guessing came together around 2000. Believe it or not, I was listening to an independent radio station using Windows Media Player, yeah, I know, who the hell still uses WMA anymore? ? Well, I did! As a true lover of music, people like me don’t allow ourselves to be hogged down to a single source of music. This is one of the ways you find great music by venturing out places you normally wouldn’t. Anyway. The song “Del Ray” was playing, and I just lost my mind. In my opinion, this composition was (and still is) HOT!! It has a mixture of Mexican, hip hop, & club all in one. I kept thinking this was a remake; I can’t help the feeling I heard the melody before. But then again, I’ve listened to so much music since I was little, many will sound familiar to me. Check it out will you?
Ok, guys, I decided to give you a treat this weekend. I put together a hand picked playlist (by yours truly as always) of 20 of what I consider some of the BEST Latino club mixes of the 80s and 90s! This playlist will not only make you go down memory lane, it will make you sweat by the time you finish playing it. Like many other types of music, I am saddened that we don’t hear this kind of music anymore. It’s as tho all Latin dance music was replaced with either EDM or Reggaeton. I guess Boricua club music follows the same path that disco did, a once thriving genre now considered defunct by the younger Latino generation.
You many not care about that, but I see it as a huge problem. Because 80s Latin club music was listened to by everyone. It didn’t matter if it was in English or Spanish. I don’t give a sh*t what you think, when I was growing up, if you really wanted to party hard, we’d go to a Latin club. Also, the kinds of people Latin music attracted was different. It was very rare I heard fights, gun fire, or any of that sh*t in a Latin club. When people came to Latin clubs, people moved every inch of their bodies, and perhaps forget about their stresses for the night, and just let go. Today, it seems the only thing people interested in doin’ is reggaeton, and twerking their ass region until their ass claps. Sorry…. Let me get off my soap box.
The songs in this playlist has been either produced by Latinos, or Latinos strongly had influence! So, what’s in this playlist? How about “Sume Sigh Sey” by Todd Terry. Or How about “Funkete” by The General. I’ll give you one more. How about personal huge favorite “You & You & You (Mambo Mix).” I don’t know what it is, Latin musicians have a way of taking strange and unusual sounds that people don’t hear every day, and turning it in to a club hit. Listen to my full playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!
The one thing Donna Summer fans can’t complain about, is the fact that Donna left us with more 12 inch singles, remixes, mega-mixes, and more redos we could ever handle. There was a reason why we called her the disco dance queen! She certainly earned that title! The above 12 inch single is probably one of my most favorite Donna Summer dance albums. This is actually a double hit album. Side B has my favorite “Winter Melody (1976).” This was from her “Four Seasons Of Love” Album. However, this extended mix with additional lyrics was not published as a single 12 inch until about a year later (if I’m correct). Unfortunately, because I didn’t own the original album I’m really not sure, it’s an assumption.
You know, Winter Melody was such a mellow “easy listening,” song that sometimes it’s hard for me to still perceive it as disco music. This song always reminds me of just how diverse music is. there are sub genes upon sub genres. On side A of this 12 inch album was a song called “Spring Affair (1976).” This is actually a great disco to do moderate exorcise with. Both these songs was recorded as a combo on American Billboard. I’m guessing this is the actual album I’m writing about, apposed to what was on the original commercial album. They both only peaked at #43. Great songs tho.
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I don’t remember if I wrote about him on my old blog but.. What the hell.. Today I’d like to quickly write a little about Johnny Kemp. Johnny was a talented Bohemian singer who started his music career in the late 70s. He had a unique look and a unique sound. Johnny did not hit it big until about ten years later, when he released his smash hit “Just Got Paid (1988).” The song shot up to #1 on both R&B/Hip Hop & the Dance Charts. This song was made for Johnny, I never thought that anybody could thing that song the way he did. Also, seeing him dance to this song on his music video was electrifying in my opinion. By mid video, it reminded me a lot of the original “Fame (1980)” soundtrack video.
“Just Got Paid” was the biggest hit of his career. In fact I think that was his only #1. On The same album, he had a #5 dance hit called “Dancin’ With Myself (1988).” I didn’t particularly like that song, but a lot of people did. After shaking my ass to “Just Got Paid,” it seems like this song was a downgrade or something. It just didn’t seem danceable to me. However, I did love his 1986 song called “Just Another Lover.” The song only peaked at #26 on the Dance Charts.
Johnny died in 2015, at the young age of 55. As far as I can tell, I still don’t think there was an official cause of death. According to what I’ve read, he fell over a cruise ship he was actually scheduled to perform in. I’m not even sure if they knew exactly how he fell. I guess for most, it was written off as a freak accident.