Today's playlist. This 21st installment is "DANCE CONTEMPORARY SPECIAL".
This is a compilation record released by a Japanese label in the 1980s.
I bought it at Flash Disc Ranch, my favorite record store in Shimokitazawa.
This is a record store I've been going to ever since I first moved to Setagaya. It's popular because of its amazing point card system, which is valid as long as the store is open. Once you collect 50 stamps, you can buy any number of records under 15,000 yen for half price.
Both the A-side and B-side are filled with songs with great vibes, and I'd like to introduce five artists from among them.
Men at Work
The rise and evolution of Men at Work, the legendary rock band from Australia.
Men at Work, born in Melbourne, Australia, began in 1979 as an acoustic duo by Colin Hay and Ron Strykert, soon evolving into a full band with the addition of Greg Ham, Jerry Spacer, and John Reece. They released their debut album, *Business as Usual*, in 1981, and the hit singles from this album, "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under," topped the charts worldwide, including in the United States.
Grammy Award winner and symbol of Australian rock
In 1983, Men at Work won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, acclaimed for their original sound and Australian humor. Their song "Down Under" in particular shaped Australian national identity and became synonymous with Aussie rock worldwide.
Success in Japan and subsequent challenges
In Japan, their album "Business as Usual" was particularly popular, topping the Oricon International Album Chart for four consecutive weeks. Their first tour of Japan in 1983 was a great success, starting at Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo and concluding at Shibuya Public Hall. However, after the release of their second album, "Cargo," members left the band and internal friction arose, leading to their hiatus in 1986.
Reunion and forever farewell
The band reunited in 1996, and their performance at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics provided another moment where their music resonated deeply. However, the band disbanded again in 2002, and tragedy struck in 2012 when key member Greg Ham passed away at the age of 58.
Colin Hay's solo comeback
Colin Hay has continued his solo career, resuming touring in 2019 with a new backing band. His music still strongly retains the charm of his Men at Work days and continues to attract fans around the world.
Men at Work is a band that has carved its own unique page in rock history with its distinctive musical style and Australian spirit. Their music continues to be loved by many people across generations.
Heatwave
Formed in London, England in 1975, Heatwave is an international disco-funk band with members from the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, and Jamaica. The band brought together diverse talents such as Johnny Wilder Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals), Rod Temperton (keyboards), and Roy Carter (guitar).
Hit singles and the evolution of music
They are known for singles such as "Boogie Nights," "The Groove Line," and "Always and Forever." "Boogie Nights" in particular achieved international success, reaching number 2 in the UK in 1977, and also charting highly in the US, eventually earning platinum certification.
Changes in members and difficult times
In 1976, they signed with GTO Records and released their debut album, "Too Hot to Handle." The band later released their second album, "Central Heating," but the band experienced frequent member changes, some of which were tragically affected. In particular, bassist Mario Mantese was stabbed and seriously injured by his girlfriend after returning home from a party. After waking from a coma for several months, he lost his sight and ability to speak, but chose not to press charges against his girlfriend and instead chose to continue living with her.
Rod Temperton's achievements
After leaving Heatwave, Rod Temperton, a member of the band, continued to work as a top-notch songwriter, contributing to numerous hit songs, including the title tracks for Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" and "Thriller."
Later activities and the deaths of members
Heatwave remained active throughout the 1980s, releasing many albums, but their commercial success waned from the late 1980s onward. One of the founders, Johnny Wilder Jr., passed away in 2006, and Rod Temperton also died of illness in 2016. Now, drummer Ernest "Bilbo" Berger will pass away in 2024, meaning all original members have passed away.
Heatwave, with their musical style and diversity, exerted a tremendous influence from the 1970s to the 1980s, leaving their mark on the history of disco, funk, and soul music.
Loverboy
Formed in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Loverboy produced hit songs like "Turn Me Loose" and "Working for the Weekend," which are now considered staples of arena rock and are still frequently played on classic rock radio stations in Canada and the United States.
Early struggles and breakthroughs
After being rejected by numerous American record labels, Loverboy signed with Canada's Columbia/CBS Records on March 20, 1980, and began recording their debut album. The band's founding members included lead singer Mike Reno (formerly Mike Rinoski of Moxy), guitarist Paul Dean (formerly of Scrubbaloe Caine and Streettheart), keyboardist Doug Johnson, bassist Jim Clenche (replaced by Scott Smith after their first gig), and drummer Matt Frenett.
Success in the 1980s
Throughout the 1980s, Loverboy produced numerous hit songs in Canada and the United States, achieved four multi-platinum albums, and sold millions of records. Except for a short hiatus from 1988 to 1991, the band has continued to perform live regularly and is currently based in Vander.
Origin of the band name
The band's name was inspired by Paul Dean's dream. One night, before going to see a movie with the band members and their girlfriends, he was looking through a fashion magazine when an ad for "Cover Girl" turned into "Cover Boy," and eventually became "Loverboy" in Dean's dream.
Persistent impact
Loverboy has continued to be active, releasing new albums and touring, captivating both new and old fans. In 2022, they released a new song, "Release," and toured with REO Speedwagon and Styx. Their music continues to attract listeners with its timeless appeal.
Loverboy's music is iconic of the Canadian and American rock scenes of the 1980s, and their songs will undoubtedly continue to be loved for many years to come.
KC & The Sunshine Band
The brilliant career of KC and the Sunshine Band, formed in 1973 and hailing from Hialia, Florida.
Formed in 1973 in Hialia, Florida, KC and the Sunshine Band continues to captivate the world with their disco and funk music. Their signature hits include "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way (I Like It)," and "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty." Five of these songs reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1970s, solidifying their status as disco music icons.
The band's origins and early success
The band was founded by Harry Wayne Casey (KC), who worked at a record store and had a part-time job at TK Records, and Richard Finch, who was a record engineer at TK. Their early hits led them to produce George McRae's "Rock Your Baby" in 1974, which became a worldwide number one hit.
The disco boom and its influence
In 1975, they released their self-titled album, "KC and the Sunshine Band," which became a huge hit. Songs like "Get Down Tonight" and "That's the Way (I Like It)" were particularly popular both in the US and internationally, accelerating the disco fever. In 1976, they were nominated for four Grammy Awards and won one, demonstrating the high regard for their musical talent.
Evolution of Style and Challenges
As disco's popularity waned in the 1980s, the band was forced to change its musical style. KC explored a new musical direction, finding success in the adult contemporary market with their duet with Terri DeSario, "Yes, I'm Ready."
Revival and the Present
In the 1990s, interest in disco music resurfaced, and KC reformed the band. They resumed activities with both old and new members, releasing new songs and compilation albums. In the 2000s, they also participated in film music, and in 2013, their names were inscribed on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
KC and the Sunshine Band is a band that built a great legacy in disco and funk music and continues to be loved by many fans. Their music transcends time and is enjoyed by many people of all generations.
Geroge Duke
George Duke: A musician who bridged the gap between jazz and pop.
Born on January 12, 1946, in San Rafael, California, George M. Duke worked as an arranger, music director, composer, and record producer with numerous artists, and also shared his knowledge as a music professor. He is particularly known for his collaborations with Frank Zappa, but his solo albums have also received high acclaim. Among them, "A Brazilian Love Affair," released in 1979, is one of his most popular works.
The one who ignited my passion for music
Duke's passion for music began when he was four years old and his mother took him to a Duke Ellington concert. The anecdote of him shouting, "Let me have a piano!" symbolizes the start of his musical career. He then began formally studying piano at his local Baptist church, majored in composition and trombone at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and earned a Master's degree in composition from San Francisco State University.
The transition from jazz and the leap in his career
Initially, Duke played classical music, but later switched to jazz.It is said that this was largely due to the influence of his cousin, Charles Burrell. Having found "freedom" through jazz, Duke subsequently expanded his talent, starting with an album with Jean-Luc Ponty, and joining bands such as Frank Zappa and Cannonball Adderley.
Success as a producer
In the 1980s, he also focused on his career as a music producer, working on hit songs for many artists including A Taste of Honey, Jeffrey Osborne, and Denise Williams. He also worked on projects for major artists such as Anita Baker and Smokey Robinson, making a significant impact on the music industry.
George Duke passed away on August 5, 2013, at the age of 67, due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia. His music spanned a wide range of genres, including jazz, funk, soul, and pop, and continues to be loved by many music fans to this day. His musical legacy, along with the numerous recordings he left behind, will undoubtedly be passed down to future generations without fading.
WAITER-U offers not only camping gear, but also a curated selection of music, books, and movies.
I've also created a playlist on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to it in the car on your way to a camping trip.
