Last week charismatic singer Errol Brown of the legendary band Hot Chocolate died, which was a very sad thing to read. It was one of the first bands I liked when I started to listen to the radio and I never stopped enjoying their music. They made such wonderful singles in the 1970s. Not many people know that Hot Chocolate was discovered by John Lennon. When he heard their version of 'Give peace a chance' he immediately signed them for the Apple label that was owned by The Beatles. But the Fab Four split and Mickie Most contracted Hot Chocolate to RAK a little later He also produced their biggest hits. They were at their best around the mid-seventies when Errol Brown sang passionately about his love life, supported by the distinctive guitar sound of Harvey Hinsley. They were not just another disco band (they even made anti-disco songs like ‘Mindless boogie’). Hot Chocolate made a unique cocktail of soul, rock, pop and a tiny bit of disco (or simply 'Funky rock 'n roll', as they call it in one of their songs') and Errol Brown was the architect. It made him one of the most remembered personalities of pop music in the 1970s. Inspired by his 'Tears on the telephone' I selected a couple of 'funky telephone' tracks and a lesser-known song by Hot Chocolate, called 'Rumours'. They're all groovy, sexy & soulful.
By the way, the opening track is not from an old Chic album, but it's a brand new song by Cool Million and Kiki Kyte. The track by Finnish act Disco Despair is brand new as well. Enjoy this 50th part of ‘
Groovy, sexy and soulful’
Tracklist:
Cool Million Feat. Kiki Kyte – Good Time (2015)
Beau Williams – If You're Ready (1982)
Skyy – Call Me (1982)
Craig David – 7 Days (2000)
Marcos Valle – A Paraíba Não E Chicago (1981)
Chicago – Saturday In The Park (1972)
Tony Scuito – Island Nights (1980)
Johnny Bristol – I Got Your Number (1974)
The Moments – Nine Times (1976)
Carol Douglas – Doctor's Orders (1974)
Ben E. King – What Do You Want Me To Do (1975)
Hot Chocolate – Rumours (1973)
Demis Roussos – Let It Happen (1977)
Cannons – Evening Star (2015)
Chas – For Your Love (1985)
Peaking Lights – Telephone Call (2014)
Bobby Caldwell – You Belong To Me [Jolly Mare Twisted Edit] (1982)
Disco Despair Feat. Her Favorite Flavor – I’m No Good [Roisto Remix] (2015)
BC & The Basic Boom – Baby Come Back (1991)
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