Groovy, Sexy & Soulful Part 43 Fantasy Edition

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Astrud Gilberto
Enjoy the fantasy edition of ‘Groovy, sexy and soulful’! Ballerina (Prima Donna)' was written and produced by British songwriter/musician/producer Mike Batt and sung by Steve Harley. The latter became famous by penning classics, such as 'Make me smile' (1975) and 'Sebastian' (1973). Mike Batt is now known for his work with Katie Melua. Although the single's sleeve lists Harley's name alone, the vinyl itself credits the song to Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. I like the aggressive tone of the lyrics: the guy is totally fed up with his 'ballerina'... The song peaked at #51 in the UK for a total of six weeks, after originally debuting at #91 in early August 1983. At the time Steve Harley told Scottish television that he had taken a break for a few years, because he didn't want to be known for putting out a string of flops. The irony is that he actually brought out a number of flops by the end of the 1970s and during the 1980s (including the wonderful 'I can't even touch you with Midge Ure from Ultravox on guitar). He was able to pick up his career when he was asked to do the lead in 'The phantom of the opera', next to Sarah Brightman in the mid-eighties.

Painel De Controle is from the excellent Latin disco album 'The Brazilian Boogie Connection: From Rio To Sao Paulo (1976-1983)', out on Cultures of Soul on the 3rd of February. This album is filled with disco-era tracks produced for the Brazilian domestic marketplace, some of which were hits, others which were quite obscure. What binds them all together, besides their common origins, time period and overall musical approach, is the fact that their reputation has been steadily transcending Brazil's borders. I picked Painel De Controle from the album, but there’s much more to enjoy, with artists such as Jorge Ben, Marcos Valle and Banda Black Rio.

Z Records own the rights to the vocals of ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ by Choklate.

Tracklist:

Johnny Hammond – Fantasy (1975)
Dr. Hook – Sexy Eyes (1979)
T.S. Monk – Fantasy (1982)
Finis Henderson – Lovers (1983)
Amy Holland – Strengthen My Love [Northern Rascal Stronger Edit] (1980)
The Blue Nile – The Days Of Our Lives (2004)
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel – Ballerina (1983)
Daryl Hall & John Oates ‎– One On One (1982)
Steely Dan – Green Earrings (1976)
Bernard Wright – Spinnin' (1981)
Tee Mac Featuring Majorie Barnes – Talk To Me (1980)
Painel De Controle ‎– Relax (1979)
Astrud Gilberto – The Girl From Ipanema [Disco Version] (1977)
Professor Eddy Feat. Choklate – Don't Break My Heart (2014)
Nouvelle Vague – Just Can't Get Enough (2004)
Almo – Conscious Soul (2014)
Earth, Wind & Fire – Fantasy (1978)
Bryan Ferry – One Night Stand (2014)


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