Today's playlist, the 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.
I've been going to this record store ever since I started living in Setagaya. Their loyalty card, which is valid as long as the store exists, is popular for its amazing system where if you collect 50 stamps, you get 50% off any records under 15,000 yen, no matter how many you buy.
Both sides A and B are full of great vibe songs, and I'd like to introduce five artists from 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 as an acoustic duo with Colin Hay and Ron Strykert in 1979, soon expanding into a full band with the addition of Greg Ham, Jerry Speiser, and John Rees. They released their debut album 'Business as Usual' in 1981, and hit singles from this album, "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under," topped charts worldwide, including in America.
Grammy Win and Symbol of Aussie Rock
In 1983, Men at Work won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, recognized for their innovative sound and Australian humor. "Down Under" in particular shaped Australia's national identity and had such an impact that it became synonymous with Aussie rock worldwide.
Success in Japan and Subsequent Challenges
In Japan, 'Business as Usual' was particularly popular, topping the Oricon Western album chart for four consecutive weeks. Their first visit to Japan in 1983 saw successful performances starting at Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo and concluding at Shibuya Public Hall. However, after the release of their second album 'Cargo', member departures and internal friction led to the band's hiatus in 1986.
Reunion and Eternal Farewell
The band reunited in 1996, and their performance at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics again delivered a moment where their music resonated deeply. However, the band broke up again in 2002, and in 2012, there was the tragedy of key member Greg Ham passing away at the age of 58.
Colin Hay's Solo Resurgence
Colin Hay continued his career as a solo artist, and in 2019, he resumed touring with a new backing band. His music still strongly retains the charm of his Men at Work days, attracting fans worldwide.
Men at Work is a band that carved its own page in rock history with its unique musical style and Australian spirit. Their music continues to be loved by many generations.
Heatwave
Formed in 1975 in London, UK, Heatwave is an international disco-funk band with members from America, Britain, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, and Jamaica. Diverse talents converged, including Johnnie Wilder Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals), Rod Temperton (keyboards), and Roy Carter (guitar).
Hit Singles and Musical Evolution
They are known for singles such as "Boogie Nights," "The Groove Line," and "Always and Forever." "Boogie Nights" particularly achieved international success, reaching number 2 in the UK in 1977 and charting high in the US, earning platinum certification.
Changes in Members and Times of Hardship
After signing with GTO Records in 1976 and releasing their debut album 'Too Hot to Handle', the band released their second album 'Central Heating', but the band experienced frequent member changes, some of which were tragic. Bassist Mario Mantese, in particular, was severely injured after being stabbed by his girlfriend after returning home from a party. After waking from a coma lasting several months, he lost his sight and speech, but chose not to press charges against his assailant girlfriend and continued to live with her.
Rod Temperton's Achievements
Band member Rod Temperton, even after leaving Heatwave, continued to be a top-tier songwriter, penning numerous hits including the title tracks for Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" and "Thriller."
Later Activities and Deaths of Members
Heatwave continued to be active throughout the 1980s, releasing many albums, but by the latter half of the 1980s, they had moved away from commercial success. Johnnie Wilder Jr., one of the founders, passed away in 2006, and Rod Temperton also passed away in 2016 from illness. And drummer Ernest "Bilbo" Berger passed away in 2024, marking the passing of all original members.
Heatwave had a profound impact from the 70s to the 80s with their musicality and diversity, leaving their mark in the history of disco, funk, and soul music.
Loverboy
Formed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1979, Loverboy produced hit songs like "Turn Me Loose" and "Working for the Weekend," known as arena rock staples, and are still frequently played on classic rock radio stations in Canada and the United States.
Early Struggles and Breakthrough
After being rejected by numerous American record labels, Loverboy signed with Columbia/CBS Records in Canada on March 20, 1980, and began recording their debut album. The band's founding members include lead singer Mike Reno (formerly Mike Rynoski of Moxy), guitarist Paul Dean (formerly of Scrubbaloe Caine and Streetheart), keyboardist Doug Johnson, bassist Jim Clench (replaced by Scott Smith after the first gig), and drummer Matt Frenette.
Success in the 1980s
Throughout the 1980s, Loverboy produced numerous hit songs in Canada and the United States, earning four multi-platinum albums and selling millions of records. Except for a short period from 1988 to 1991, the band has consistently performed live and is currently based in Vancouver.
Origin of the Band Name
The band name was inspired by a dream Paul Dean had. One night, before going to a movie with band members and their girlfriends, he was flipping through a fashion magazine when an ad for "Cover Girl" transformed into "Cover Boy" and eventually "Loverboy" in Dean's dream.
Enduring Influence
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 emblematic of the Canadian and American rock scene of the 1980s, and their songs will continue to be cherished for a long time to come.
KC & The Sunshine Band
The illustrious trajectory of KC and the Sunshine Band, formed in Hialeah, Florida, in 1973
Formed in 1973 in Hialeah, Florida, USA, KC and the Sunshine Band has captivated the world with their disco and funk genres. Their signature songs include numerous hits such as "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way (I Like It)," and "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty." These songs achieved five number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1970s, becoming icons of disco music.
Band Origins and Early Success
The band was founded by Harry Wayne Casey (KC), who worked at TK Records while working at a record store, and Richard Finch, who was a record engineer at TK. With early hits, they produced "Rock Your Baby," sung by George McCrae, in 1974, which became a worldwide number-one hit.
The Disco Boom and Its Impact
In 1975, they released their self-titled album 'KC and the Sunshine Band,' which became a massive hit. "Get Down Tonight" and "That's the Way (I Like It)" were particularly popular both in the US and internationally, fueling disco fever. In 1976, they were nominated for four Grammy Awards, winning one, a testament to their highly acclaimed music.
Evolution and Challenges of Style
In the 1980s, as disco's popularity waned, the band was forced to change its musical style. KC achieved success in the adult contemporary market with the duet "Yes, I'm Ready" with Teri DeSario, exploring new musical directions.
Revival and Present
With the resurgence of interest in disco music in the 1990s, KC reformed the band. They resumed activities with new and old members, releasing new songs and compilation albums. In the 2000s, they also participated in film scores, and in 2013, they were honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
KC and the Sunshine Band has 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 people of all generations.
George Duke
George Duke: A Musician Who Bridged Jazz and Pop
George M. Duke, born on January 12, 1946, in San Rafael, California, 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 also highly acclaimed for his solo albums. Among them, "A Brazilian Love Affair," released in 1979, is one of his most popular works.
The Spark that Ignited His Passion for Music
Duke's passion for music was ignited at the age of four when his mother took him to see a Duke Ellington concert. The anecdote of him shouting "Get me a piano!" symbolizes the beginning of his musical career. He then formally began studying piano at a 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.
Transition from Jazz and Career Leap
Initially, Duke played classical music, but then transitioned to jazz, largely influenced by his cousin Charles Burrell. Feeling "freedom" through jazz, Duke then expanded his talents, starting with an album with Jean-Luc Ponty, and participating in bands with Frank Zappa and Cannonball Adderley.
Success as a Producer
In the 1980s, he also focused on his career as a music producer, producing hit songs for many artists such as A Taste of Honey, Jeffrey Osborne, and Deniece Williams. He also worked on projects by major artists like Anita Baker and Smokey Robinson, having 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 spans 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 continue to be passed down through generations without fading.
At WAITER-U, we curate not only camping gear but also music, books, and movies.
We also create playlists on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to them on your way to camping.
