Everything Is Disco

This disco mix is dedicated to Jimmy Ellis, who died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease last Thursday. He was the soulful lead singer (and co-founder) of Philadelphian disco pioneers the Trammps. His melodious voice overlaid the funky guitar riffs of Norman Harris and the super tight Baker-Young rhythm section. He sang lead on most of the group’s songs, backed by bass singer/drummer Earl Young. His screaming and yelling ('ow, ow!') definitely gave their songs something extra. John Travolta did his classic dance moves on their 'Disco inferno' in the seventies movie 'Saturday Night Fever'.

A remake of 'Zing went the strings of my heart' from The Coasters (originally written for the Broadway musical 'Thumbs up') was their first chart single, reaching number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Despite their ground breaking work for what would become the typical disco sound, the Trammps didn't have a string of hits on the American pop charts, even during disco's heyday. They share this injustice with many other representatives of the so-called Philly sound, although the Trammps had a handful of hits in Europe, like 'Love Epidemic', 'Shout', 'Hold back the night' and 'The night the lights went out in NYC'. The latter I edited for this mix. Enjoy!

Tracklist:

Greg Henderson – Dreamin' (1982)
Hipnotic – Are You Lonely? (1983)
Vaughan Mason And Crew – Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll (1979)
The Trammps – The Night The Lights Went Out [Eddy's Edit] (1977)
Hunt's Determination – Rollerskate (1978)
Jake & Jody – She Freaks (1988)
Mondeé Oliver – Make Me Want You [Leftside Wobble Edit] (1991)
Little Boots + Baron Von Luxxury That Disco Beat (2012)
Transvolta – Disco Computer (1978)
The Socialytes – Beauty Of Chaos (2012)
Sound Troupe – Can You Really See Me (1982)
Sly & Robbie – Don't Stop The Music (1986)
Fat Larry's Band – Everything Is Disco (1979)
Mike & Brenda Sutton – Don't Let Go Of Me (Grip My Hips And Move Me) (1983)
Tara Laine – You Made Me Believe [Eddy's Edit] (1985)