This was Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force's first record and was released in 1984. It was released on a European label as a single and was featured on the compilation album Breakdancing. In 1985, their first full length came out and it was a big success. LL&CG along with production by Full Force was a winning combination and led to the team dominating pop radio throughout the 80's.

Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam - I Wonder If I Take You Home
Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam - Ringtone

Electronics were really pretty in the Cold War era. Technology was changing so rapidly and a new modern style was emerging. I think a lot of people that had a Nakamichi 600 also had a DeLorean in the garage and a digital Seiko LCD watch on their wrist. If you were an audiophile with an extra $600 in your pocket, this was the deck for you. I happened to pick it up in the sticks for $40. Nakamichi didn't stop at one beautiful piece of gear though. They created the System One, which is the sexiest stereo ever made; it is sexy enough in black, I have never seen one in silver. I have been looking for a lazer soul cassette that would allow me to share with you digital media whores some fine analog gear. That said, this tape was mastered with a lot of distortion and it doesn't make for the best rip!

These lazer soul jamz from Ivy were released on their sophomore 1985 Ivy II cassette on Heat Recording and Filmworks out of Akron, Ohio. There are more than a few smooth jamz on this tape but these choice cuts have a lot of lazer soul flavor.

PARIS READERS: I will be visiting your fine city this coming weekend. Help me figure out where I can go to dance to some good music!

Tape End Ringtone
Ivy - It Must Be Magic
Ivy - Sweet Box
Ivy - Make Me Feel Your Love

This is a self produced track by Miami artist Michael Sterling. It was released by Success Records in 1983. This track combines a pop lock'n beat, great modern soul vocals, and a little garage house flavor to create a really unique sound. The cop sirens would become a theme later in his career as he played bass in Inner Circle, who is responsible for the pseudo reggae track Bad Boys (What Cha Gonna Do). Sterling is still making music, but his output seems to be strictly limited to smooth jamz.

I have been interested in the pre-Miami Bass sound from this region for a while, and this track makes me to dive deeper to see what else is out there. Also, a portion of this cut sounds pretty good as a ringtone.

Michael Sterling - Desperate
Ringtone