This track needs little introduction. If you are a boogie nerd and dig that 1984 sound, then you probably know and love the lone Exquisite Taste 12" on NYC imprint Starlite Records.

Exquisite Taste - It's You That's Happening
Exquisite Taste - It's You That's Happening (Instrumental)
Exquisite Taste - It's You That's Happening (Acappella)

This release compiled and edited by Ron Hardy in 1989 showcased some of Frankie Knuckle's finest work on the groundbreaking Chicago label, Trax Records. From his time as the house DJ at Chicago's legendary Warehouse club circa '77-'82, Knuckles was at the forefront of the original and only legit American House music movement. Nowadays Knuckles has a fetish for chillin' out in his ample collection of Louis Vuitton gear. I scored his cell phone number from my friend who works in the LV call center but I haven't had the nerve yet to cold call him and fire up a conversation. Anyways, my apologies for the somewhat dicey quality of these recordings. I picked this sealed copy up at a flea market but most Trax records were cheap shit and I think they forgot to master the recordings for the wax pressings. I believe that was actually a big part of the label's charm.

This Plastic Bertrand edit by the late great Ron Hardy has a loop that you can listen to forever. It evokes a patient dance floor full of enchanted people. Here also is a mix is from Ron Hardy's own club in Chicago, the Music Box which was in the old home of the Powerplant. This mix really well represents his playful and eclectic mixing style.

Plastic Bertrand - Stop Ou Encore (Ron Hardy Re-Edit)

Playlist:
1. Nightlife Unlimited: Peaches & Prunes (edit)
2. Two of China: Los Niños Del Parque (Tormenta-Mix)
3. Virgo: Free Yourself
4. Frankie Knuckles: It’s A Cold World
5. Frankie Knuckles: Baby Wants to Ride
6. Tempest Trio: Do You Like The Way It Feels
7. Hercules: 7 Ways
8. The Originals: Down To Love Town (edit)
9. Parlet: Pleasure Principle
10. Sleeque: One for the Money
11. Carl Bean: I Was Born This Way (Better Days Version)
12. Billy Paul: Only the Strong Survive (edit)
13. Loleatta Holloway: Catch Me on the Rebound (Disco Madness Remix edit)
14. Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes: Don’t Leave Me This Way
15. Loose Joints: Is It All Over My Face (Male Version/Female Version)/reversed
16. Blue Magic: Welcome to the Club (edit)
17. Teddy Pendergrass: The More I Get, The More I Want (edit)

Ron Hardy - Live at the Music Box 1986

Beyond the fact that singer/guitarist Steve Shelto (or Mr. Class as he is now known) recorded an exceptional 12" for Sam records in 1983, he also managed to perform at Ronald Reagan's 2nd inauguration and the Queen of England's 60th birthday party. Not bad for a guy with one solo 12" and a only a couple of releases with his previous band Area Code (212). These days you can find Steve as an extra in the upcoming Will Ferrel film The Other Guys and performing with his band during tourist season in Naples, Florida. Nice one.

Steve Shelto - Don't You Give Your Love Away (Shep Pettibone Mix)
Steve Shelto -Don't You Give Your Love Away (Instrumental)

This lazer soul jam was released in 1985 on Genius Records, a Macola subsidiary. This track was born in the days of ultra slick modern soul production. It could have done without the guitar solo, but nevertheless, it would be a good track for a good old fashioned dance off.


Kristine - No One Can Tell Me (Long Vocal)

The not so aptly titled Wreckin' Crew formed in Chicago, Il. in the late 70's and you can read their bio here. At least regionally Found The Groove was a fairly well known boogie-funk cut that was released in 1981 on several different imprints including this 7" version on private Chicago label Starville. We received an email a while back requesting we post the b-side modern soul cut You Don't Care as it was included on the Funkacise mix LeBaron and I put out early last year. After giving it a listen the other nite I came to the conclusion that edits were in order for both sides of this 7". You Don't Care was a minor one, a bad horn solo desperately needed removal. Found the Groove on the other hand needed pretty major surgery. Some outdated P-Funk bits and a shit chorus made a potentially stellar track fall flat.

Wreckin Crew - Found The Groove (BT Magnum Edit)
Wreckin Crew - You Don't Care (Edit)

Happy New Year from B.E, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves to excess. I guess this is the first post of 2010, so to keep things in a jubilant, optimistic mood I'm going to post a feel good proto boogie number, yet again, from the West End stable.

I Get Lifted was written by H.W Casey and Rick Finch of K.C and the Sunshine Band fame, and comes with a mix by label owner Mel Cheren himself.

The Sweet Life - I Get Lifted