Jules - I Want To

Here is a seductive and haunting number from 1985. Produced and arranged by Antonio d'Addezio for XYZ Records, Jules' "I Want You" relies heavily on the standard melodic tools of other Italo ballads but still manages to deliver a unique romantic flair.

Koto

Koto's (Alex Cundari, Anfrando Maiola, Roberto Bisca, Stefano Cundari) sound can typify what people conjure up when they think of Italo Disco. The repetitive synth leads and percussive bass arpeggios became almost cliche and typify the sound of Italo in the 1985 and 1986. But on their own these are fun tracks with playful melodies that play counterpoint off of each other. Both tracks have contemplative bridges that emerge from the main theme that should not be missed. The use of vocal samples and dialog give these a character that is so indicative if the era. Memory Records released both of these tracks in 1985 and 1986 respectively. Check out Koto's catalog for more synthesizer goodness.

Camomilla

Queen of the Night and Indian Reservation were featured on Camomilla's 1985 12-inch "Queen of the Night" on Magnum. Queen of the Night really typifies the Italo sound of the mid 1980s, thick accented female vocals and a melodic, ear-worm synth lead that wiggles into your brain. Indian Reservation is the story of a lonely Native American girl looking for a love. Its a little more nuanced and erratic, with a chunky bass, percolating rhythms, and sustained electric piano that give it a darker feel. Both fun tracks. Enjoy!

Zenobia Conkerite

Zenobia cut this pop number in 1985 for Streetwise Records, co-produced by Michael Wooten. I have a personal preference for the dub version because it leaves a lot to the imagination. The vocal single is pretty good and has a tinge of a yacht rockin feel. Before dropping this she had a hand in song writing for a few soul numbers in the 70s and 80s including one or two for motown. Check out this immaculate rare soul number she did for Platinum Hook, produced by Deodato.

Plastic Mode

"Mi Amor"  by Plastic Mode is the perfect song for a perfect day. Spring is so close and this Plastic Mode track beckons for more warm, clear days. You may be familiar with Plastic Mode's "Baja Imperial." It was re-released on Morgan Geist's Unclassics compilation. Both of these tracks are stellar. Tony Carrasco has his hands on "Mi Amor" in addition to Mariano Boncaldo and Angelo Valsiglio. Both songs appeared on their EP "Plastic Mode."

Magazine 60

I have meant to write up Magazine 60 for a while now. Some of you may already be familiar with these tracks but I had to get it up here for those who aren't. Don Quichotte made some waves in the U.S. market and there are few versions of it out there. Great breaks and fun lyrics. It was sampled by Will.I.Am for his song "I Got It From My Mama" (another mindless contribution to pop music).

Diana Barton and Merak Music

Diana Barton - Tango

This one is funky. 1986 and in the mix with a real funky synth bass sound and booming electronic drums complimented by the addictive rhythms of electronic toms. This production is a sweet balance of R&B and the Italo sound. Its like Keith Sweat met Valerie Dore in a smoky European night club and cut a record after tripping the light fantastic. Produced by Marco Tansini for Merak Music, the label that released Valerie Dore's "The Night" and a few other tracks that I am planning on showcasing here very soon.

Diana Barton - Tango (download)

Ruth - Roman Photo

Ruth - Roman Photo

French New Wave from 1985 with some really crisp drums. A great blend of live and synthesized instruments here with the clever incorporation of old camera sounds in the intro that make this one a captivating, moody peace. The brain child of Philippe Doray, Ruth Ellyeri, and Thierry Müller, they also teamed together for some experimental electronic music in the late 70s and early 80s under the name Ilitch.

Ruth - Roman Photo (download)

Bandeaux and Gazebo

A wonderful song from Bandeaux, Black & White was written by Gazebo and Romano Musumarra and produced by Mario Tagliaferri. This production is super clean and the use of the stuttering vocals and signature delayed guitar part makes me want to listen to it over and over again. Gazebo is better known for the track "I Like Chopin" a whimsical ballad that was one of my first entries into Italo.



Bandeaux - Black & White (Club Mix) (download)

New Look - Stage

New Look - Stage (instrumental)

A fun track by New Look from 1985. Youtube only has the instrumental on video but the vocals on this one really bring it together. I got them mixed up with the group Stage who had a string of Italo songs in the 1980s but from what I can find this is a different group.

New Look - Stage (download)

Kata - Fires In The Night

Kata - Fires In The Night (Italo-Disco 1985)

Not much to say because I'm running out for the night but I stumbled on this one today. Its fun!!

Shah - Serenade

Shah - Serenade (1985)

A beautiful song that I stumbled on a few weeks ago. Not much else from Shah as far as I can tell.

Morris - Tonight's the Night

Been busy setting up a website for the Happy Boys so I haven't been able to get a new podcast together. Hopefully this feel good German slow jam from Morris will put your mind at ease for the weekend. Its hard not to bob your head to this song's addictive chorus.