Music
10 classic disco tracks from the genre's golden era
Disco aficionado and Glitterbox resident Melvo Baptiste dives deep into his record collection – and picks ten '70s and '80s tracks still shaking up dancefloors today.
Disco is a central pillar in the history of the modern dancefloor. Rooted in funk and soul, disco was born in marginalised clubbing communities in the early '70s, and famously pioneered in New York by DJs like David Mancuso in the parties hosted in his own downtown loft. Not only did it usher in a new era of unified, body-to-body dancing and DJ's mixing techniques, but the anthemic, liberating and soul-drenched sounds have endured for nearly half a century – and still feel as fresh today.
Someone who has lived within this musical world for quite some time is Melvo Baptiste. Raised on soul, funk and disco by a family of dancers and record collectors, over the past few years the DJ and radio host has been at the helm of Glitterbox, the party and podcast pumping out golden-era disco and the dance music it later inspired. From interviewing icons like Jocelyn Brown on air to steering the brand's residencies in Ibiza superclubs, Baptiste knows intimately how disco can still rock the dancefloor.
Glitterbox at Hï Ibiza
© La Skimal
Read an interview with Baptiste below, then scroll down as he selects the 10 iconic disco hallmarks from the '70s and '80s that are never far from his record box.
Can you talk a bit about your musical background, and how you first started DJing?
My dad was a dancer on the London scene and also a big record collector. He heavily influenced the music I like today. In addition to that, I have always loved radio; from a teenager I’d go along and sit in the studio for my uncle Norman Jay MBE’s Giant 45 Show on BBC Radio London. I was then a part of the family sound system and for a long time, Good Times basically was Notting Hill carnival for many people.
What is it about disco that makes it such an enduring genre fit for the dancefloor?
Have you ever tried to listen to Teddy Pendergrass' You Can’t Hide From Yourself and not dance? Or at least smile? Great songs, written and produced by some of the finest musicians in the world. These records have never gone away; they have been continually played on the radio since their release. We are just now in a position where a new young generation are demanding to hear them in super clubs across the world.
What have been some of your favourite milestone Glitterbox events that you’ve been a part of?
There's been quite a few, but Sydney stands out for me. We took Glitterbox on a three-date tour of Australia last year; our first night was in Sydney and it was everything we could have wished for and more. Another moment for me was playing back to back with Simon Dunmore at Ministry of Sound. We played for 3 hours but felt like we could have played all night! Saying that, I have to mention playing the Theatre at Hï Ibiza for the first time – that’s an intimidating room!
What are some of the key ingredients that make up a Glitterbox party?
The people! Maybe that sounds cliché but I mean it. I have to mention our performers too – dancers, queens, drags that bring it every single time! If I was going as a punter, I'd arrive early and grow into the night. It's not just a party, it's an experience.
Are there any new or up-and-coming artists who are pushing disco forward at the moment?
Absolutely, it's so important to populate our line-ups with legends as well as the next generation. A stand out for me is Folamour –the guy makes great records and is such a good DJ. Another guy who is releasing on the label and playing for us is Yuksek. I think he will have an amazing future with us and some big releases on the way too! I should mention Fiorious, a super talented guy from New York who is currently producing an album with us. And shout-outs to Natasha Kitty Katt, she really lives for this scene. I love seeing her play – amazing DJ!
Melvo Baptiste behind the decks at Glitterbox
© La Skimal
Dancers take to the stage at Glitterbox, Ibiza
© La Skimal
It's all disco love at Glitterbox
© La Skimal
Melvo Baptiste's 10 best classic disco tracks:
1. Teddy Pendergrass – You Can’t Hide From Yourself (1977)
Teddy Pendergrass is a king! Easily one of my favourite male vocalists of all time. I could have chosen a number of his records that regularly rock Glitterbox parties. This one needs little introduction, coming from the golden era at Philadelphia International, this is just gold. Check out the Dmitri From Paris Disco Blend, too.
2. CHIC – My Forbidden Lover (1979)
We all know CHIC are one of the most important bands of the era and again I could have chosen numerous essential releases. As Dimitri does, he released this perfectly crafted remix last year – I played it in Sydney on the first night of our Australian tour and the place erupted. It's been sampled so many times but a stand out for me was Luther Vandross' Shine.
3. The Fatback Band – Are You Ready (Do The Bus Stop) (1975)
So much groove, so much funk and a bassline you can’t help but move to. One for the dancers! Joey Negro did an amazing job on the remix to retain the funk – a big hit on Glitterbox dance floors.
4. Trussel – Love Injection (1979)
No need for any edits or remixes, nor does anyone need to get their phone out to catch a ‘moment’, this is straight funky NY disco at its finest. I play this in most of my sets.
5. Jenny Burton - Bad Habits (1985)
ATFC released Bad Habit in 2000, borrowing elements from this and Chaka Khan's I Know You I Live You. It's a huge record for many of us. However, the original has an entirely different energy, an amazing song (which I know for word-for-word).
6. Jean Carn – Free Love (1976)
Powerfully inspiring ladies for generations! More music from the golden age at Philli, both written and produced by Gamble and Huff.
7. Sylvester – I Need You (1980)
If you speak to many of our residents – such as Horse Meat Disco, Honey Dijon, Joey Negro – they will time and time again tell you the importance of this man. An enigma, an icon and a legend. Play this at any Glitterbox event and just see the reaction. I could listen to those strings forever.
8. Hamilton Bohannon – Let's Start the Dance (1978)
We ran a guest feature on the Glitterbox radio show for almost two years, where we’d ask guests such as Jazzy Jeff, David Morales, Armand Van Helden and Purple Disco Machine to select three songs. This was the record most requested or talked about. Full of funk and always works no matter where I am in the world.
9. The Salsoul Orchestra – Take Some Time Out (For Love) (1982)
We couldn’t pick 10 songs and not dip into some inspirational Salsoul Orchestra, records that will always sound amazing. Patrick Adams, Tom Moulton and Jocelyn Brown on vocals. A message in the music we could all listen to from time to time!
10. Chaka Khan – I Know You, I Live You (1981)
It's crazy to think that Chaka Khan has been releasing music for in excess of five decades now – of the countless essential releases, this will always create a special moment at a Glitterbox party. Ralphi Rosario played it at Ministy of Sound in The Box and I'll never forget the reaction.
Find out more about Glitterbox on their website, and follow Melvo Baptiste on his Facebook page.
Like Red Bull Music on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @RedBullMusicUK
