Desert Island 8
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para_rigby
- Euroheater
- Posts: 1624
- Joined: 17 Sep 2005, 18:50
- Location: Wichita, KS, USA
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Desert Island 8
So this idea is based on the Desert Island Discs BBC radio show. What 8 songs, a book, and a luxury item would you have with you if you were on a desert island? The 8 songs need to be euro or italo-disco. Discuss why you chose those songs...
Go Go Money / Neo
If I had to think of one song that I considered the epitome of eurobeat, it would definitely be this. The heavy, flashy, and borderline funky style exudes of everything familiar and classic about the genre, collected into one perfect package. Thanks to nuances such as the suspenseful intro, descending chromatics during the already eclectic synthline, use of coin sound effects, and multiple bridges between major phrases, this track feels like an unprecedented masterpiece despite borrowing a lot from 90's eurobeat. Neo delivers such a passionate performance here that the song has actually caused me to shed tears.
Night of Fire / Niko
Regardless of how many times it has appeared on anniversary megamixes, Night of Fire is still deservedly Andrea Leonardi's most famous creation of all time. Fuming with energy and polished by masterful application of chromatic scales, this is easily one of the most organic eurobeat songs ever created. It's ironic how little other tracks have tried to replicate its success.
Dream of You / Alvin
Possibly the crowning achievement of Saifam's second golden age (the first being the late 80's/early 90's), this track completely masters Saifam's unique ability to strike the perfect balance between cheesy playfulness and pounding momentum. The infectious melody makes this a blast from start to finish, and the lush production puts all of the track's excellent ideas to perfect use.
Big in Japan / Robert Patton
Without a doubt, this is David Dima's magnum opus. What distinguishes it from everything else he's created is not just the passion fueling the performance and production, but really the way it all fits together into a dynamic whole. Opening with a grinding guitar solo and continuing to build suspense throughout its entire progression, Big in Japan showcases the artist/producer at his absolute greatest.
Shock Out / Fastway
Dark angst has never sounded more alive in eurobeat than here. If the title is an allusion to the finger, then the song itself certainly makes that point electrifyingly clear. This is another one of those tracks where the vocalist crosses the line between singing and outright yelling, which suits Ennio's gruff vocals perfectly, especially with some of the best production in any eurobeat song, most notably during the raging synth phrase. Fastway is usually the king of anthemic machismo, but this song sees him approaching a rare breaking point, making it both his most original, as well as intense moment in his career. It's a song with a suspenseful humanity that no other eurobeat track can match.
Roppongi Carillon / Blue Roses
If Dream of You reigns supreme over Asia's male-dominated mid-00's period, then this track is the peak of the label's equally strong early 00's era, which was dominated by its female vocalists. Like Night of Fire, this song is stimulated not only by its aggressive instrumentation, but also by the slickly elaborate structure of its melody, both by the vocalist, as well as the synths.
Mad Cow / Franz Tornado
This was the musical epiphany where Hi-NRG Attack finally realized everything that brought their work to life. The label is usually stereotyped as being zany, unrestrained, eccentric, and, most of all, high-energy, and this was the track on which all of those qualities converged into one. The fact that Federico Rimonti has assumed Mad Cow as one of his major aliases ever since is testament to how much of an impact the song made. Moo Moo Dollars is an excellent spiritual sequel to the track and is possibly even hammier than its predecessor, but the original still impresses me the most.
Story of My Life / Christine
Although eurobeat generally seems as though it was made to be fast and energetic, this track proves that such a speedy, heavily layered genre can still work just as brilliantly by taking a more tender approach. Most of the time, there's very little creative input present in softer eurobeat tracks, but that's certaintly not the case here. Through use of diverse instrumentation and sophisticated chord progressions, Story of My Life produces a dreamy atmosphere with a heavily sentimental undertone. Unlike most aishu eurobeat, this song's traveling pace ends up being conducive to its emotional depth, since it articulates the lyrics' hint of direction, in spite of its depletion of hope. Fittingly Christine's debut appearance on a eurobeat compilation, the artist sounds bright and youthful, yet tortured by her looming uncertainty. This track shows her pushing for optimism despite her feeling of vulnerability. Truly, this a songwriting masterpiece, and it's especially vital to my desert island compilation because of its stark contrast to the rest of my choices. If the other seven songs are a throwback to the colorfulness of life, Story of My Life is a beautiful representation of its realism.
As for the remaning two options, my luxury item would be a photograph of my most beloved individual at the time, while my book would be a copy of Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros.
If I had to think of one song that I considered the epitome of eurobeat, it would definitely be this. The heavy, flashy, and borderline funky style exudes of everything familiar and classic about the genre, collected into one perfect package. Thanks to nuances such as the suspenseful intro, descending chromatics during the already eclectic synthline, use of coin sound effects, and multiple bridges between major phrases, this track feels like an unprecedented masterpiece despite borrowing a lot from 90's eurobeat. Neo delivers such a passionate performance here that the song has actually caused me to shed tears.
Night of Fire / Niko
Regardless of how many times it has appeared on anniversary megamixes, Night of Fire is still deservedly Andrea Leonardi's most famous creation of all time. Fuming with energy and polished by masterful application of chromatic scales, this is easily one of the most organic eurobeat songs ever created. It's ironic how little other tracks have tried to replicate its success.
Dream of You / Alvin
Possibly the crowning achievement of Saifam's second golden age (the first being the late 80's/early 90's), this track completely masters Saifam's unique ability to strike the perfect balance between cheesy playfulness and pounding momentum. The infectious melody makes this a blast from start to finish, and the lush production puts all of the track's excellent ideas to perfect use.
Big in Japan / Robert Patton
Without a doubt, this is David Dima's magnum opus. What distinguishes it from everything else he's created is not just the passion fueling the performance and production, but really the way it all fits together into a dynamic whole. Opening with a grinding guitar solo and continuing to build suspense throughout its entire progression, Big in Japan showcases the artist/producer at his absolute greatest.
Shock Out / Fastway
Dark angst has never sounded more alive in eurobeat than here. If the title is an allusion to the finger, then the song itself certainly makes that point electrifyingly clear. This is another one of those tracks where the vocalist crosses the line between singing and outright yelling, which suits Ennio's gruff vocals perfectly, especially with some of the best production in any eurobeat song, most notably during the raging synth phrase. Fastway is usually the king of anthemic machismo, but this song sees him approaching a rare breaking point, making it both his most original, as well as intense moment in his career. It's a song with a suspenseful humanity that no other eurobeat track can match.
Roppongi Carillon / Blue Roses
If Dream of You reigns supreme over Asia's male-dominated mid-00's period, then this track is the peak of the label's equally strong early 00's era, which was dominated by its female vocalists. Like Night of Fire, this song is stimulated not only by its aggressive instrumentation, but also by the slickly elaborate structure of its melody, both by the vocalist, as well as the synths.
Mad Cow / Franz Tornado
This was the musical epiphany where Hi-NRG Attack finally realized everything that brought their work to life. The label is usually stereotyped as being zany, unrestrained, eccentric, and, most of all, high-energy, and this was the track on which all of those qualities converged into one. The fact that Federico Rimonti has assumed Mad Cow as one of his major aliases ever since is testament to how much of an impact the song made. Moo Moo Dollars is an excellent spiritual sequel to the track and is possibly even hammier than its predecessor, but the original still impresses me the most.
Story of My Life / Christine
Although eurobeat generally seems as though it was made to be fast and energetic, this track proves that such a speedy, heavily layered genre can still work just as brilliantly by taking a more tender approach. Most of the time, there's very little creative input present in softer eurobeat tracks, but that's certaintly not the case here. Through use of diverse instrumentation and sophisticated chord progressions, Story of My Life produces a dreamy atmosphere with a heavily sentimental undertone. Unlike most aishu eurobeat, this song's traveling pace ends up being conducive to its emotional depth, since it articulates the lyrics' hint of direction, in spite of its depletion of hope. Fittingly Christine's debut appearance on a eurobeat compilation, the artist sounds bright and youthful, yet tortured by her looming uncertainty. This track shows her pushing for optimism despite her feeling of vulnerability. Truly, this a songwriting masterpiece, and it's especially vital to my desert island compilation because of its stark contrast to the rest of my choices. If the other seven songs are a throwback to the colorfulness of life, Story of My Life is a beautiful representation of its realism.
As for the remaning two options, my luxury item would be a photograph of my most beloved individual at the time, while my book would be a copy of Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros.
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drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
- Posts: 6957
- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
- Location: searching for missing Eurogrooves trax
this one is hard. I would proboly choose at least one song from each label because I don't know how long id be at an island., but being introduced to Eurobeat even before the 90s ; 80s are a big part of my life, so In the end I would go back to the songs many have seen me choose over and over on this forum. So what happen to our cel phones? there is where all my fav Eurobeat lives? Anyway, here goes.
1. Dr. Money - Let It Go(TIME)
This one has all the ingredients I love about the genre 80s 90s and beyond. It is the perfect fusing of all eras. Reason number one. Gino Caria's vocals. For me he was the defination of 90's Eurobeat vocals. Number two. If you've heard that song; than you have heard the Bobby O-ish music melodies. Especially the bassline in the intro and break. It has female backup; which I always love and a catchy chanty chorus of "Let It Go", "Let It Go" is the red ribbon to tie it all together. Plus after all these years the vinyl still sounds flawless.
2. Mike Hammer - Mike Hammer(TIME)
This one is a certified classic of the eurobeat era. It has everything I love about Newfield's composing style. This is Bonini's masterpiece and it has that Dead Or Alive vibe I crave from Eurobeat.
3. Suzy B - I Can't Get Enough (HE103)
Maybe I lose you here, but Eurobeat/Italo had many labels back in the day. This one is from 1990. It's conciderable slower than 90s TIME but has a fast played Synth Riff that would sound right at home next to a classic; say like Ric Fellini - I Wanna Shout. The vocal work is a bit hypy, but fits well. Definately my favourite from Severo Lomardy's High Energy label.
4. NRG Boys - Heart and Bodyl (AbeatC)
allready have way thru. This is my favouite AbaetC record with one of my favourite vocal works. Once again I'm a total freak for the Dead Or Alive sound of "You Spin Me Round(Like A Record)" and this one carries that vibe all the way through. It hold a special p;ace in my heart, cuz the guys who portrayed NRG Boys; Danny and Eddy were the same two I purchased half of my Eurobeat collection from back in the 90s. I would call Netherlands, hey would play me a preview of the vinyl and just a few short weeks later I had the treasures in my hand.
5. Joe D. Toaster - Beautiful(HRG Attack)
Without a doubt my fav HRG Attack record. The riff isn't even played at fast HRG Attack level and it isn't why I choose this song. The reasson is Nick Festari's vocals; as this was one of his first songs singing at the label. The secons reason is the lyrical content and how easy it flows with the melody of the song. BE-AU-Ti-Ful is broken into 4 syllibles followed by "Witch You Light My Fire, Dirty Fiction over my love" It just fkow beautifully everyTIME. Plus killer intro and perfect break for mixing.
6. Blue Sunbeam - Dreaming(FL8463)
Another one of my fav labels. It's very much like TIME ,in the sence that most huge Eurobeat names sang on it. Gino, Clara, Elena, Claudio, Mauro, etc... I choose it for Dave Rodgers. This isn't even one of his regular aliases, but he sounds so fresh throughout the song. In his top shape. The song is more to the style of Chester- "Right TIME" or Thomas & Shubert - "In The Deep Of My Heart". relaxed in the synth riff, but not particularly a very Italo slow song.
7. Dave Rodgers - 1 Fire(Sun Fire)
If you've read my previous for this song, then you know why I must have it with me. While "Dreamin" shows the more relaxed Rodgers style, this one shows him at his most aggressive. This one is Dave Rodgers "guitar gone wild" style.
8. TIME All Stars - Christmas TIME(TIME)
I chose this one to round off all my favourite Eurobeat artists in one song. I was gonna choose a Gipsy & Queen song, but this one showcases all the TIME vocalists present at the TIME. Gino, Clara, Elena, Gianni, Bonini, Claudio,probly a few more. Plus It has a great uplifting melody to not feel so lonely during X-mas.
hard list to compile. I'd soarly miss Alphatown- Japan japan, Michael Southerland -54321 0, Fastway - Number One, Mike J - Touch & Go, david Essex - Victim Of Love, Paul Lekakis, Jimmy Bravo, David SRB and many many more, but the above ones would keep my interest in the genre alive and well so I could just pick up where I left when I return to civilazatio on memories alone. That's mainly why I chose these songs, cuz they would probly be the ones to bring me back from any amnesia phase I might expirience.
I forgot those last two items.
1. Photo with my family and girlfriend we all took together this summer
2. Copy of Demi Lovato's "Staying Strong" could be the one item that helps me keep my sanity.
1. Dr. Money - Let It Go(TIME)
This one has all the ingredients I love about the genre 80s 90s and beyond. It is the perfect fusing of all eras. Reason number one. Gino Caria's vocals. For me he was the defination of 90's Eurobeat vocals. Number two. If you've heard that song; than you have heard the Bobby O-ish music melodies. Especially the bassline in the intro and break. It has female backup; which I always love and a catchy chanty chorus of "Let It Go", "Let It Go" is the red ribbon to tie it all together. Plus after all these years the vinyl still sounds flawless.
2. Mike Hammer - Mike Hammer(TIME)
This one is a certified classic of the eurobeat era. It has everything I love about Newfield's composing style. This is Bonini's masterpiece and it has that Dead Or Alive vibe I crave from Eurobeat.
3. Suzy B - I Can't Get Enough (HE103)
Maybe I lose you here, but Eurobeat/Italo had many labels back in the day. This one is from 1990. It's conciderable slower than 90s TIME but has a fast played Synth Riff that would sound right at home next to a classic; say like Ric Fellini - I Wanna Shout. The vocal work is a bit hypy, but fits well. Definately my favourite from Severo Lomardy's High Energy label.
4. NRG Boys - Heart and Bodyl (AbeatC)
allready have way thru. This is my favouite AbaetC record with one of my favourite vocal works. Once again I'm a total freak for the Dead Or Alive sound of "You Spin Me Round(Like A Record)" and this one carries that vibe all the way through. It hold a special p;ace in my heart, cuz the guys who portrayed NRG Boys; Danny and Eddy were the same two I purchased half of my Eurobeat collection from back in the 90s. I would call Netherlands, hey would play me a preview of the vinyl and just a few short weeks later I had the treasures in my hand.
5. Joe D. Toaster - Beautiful(HRG Attack)
Without a doubt my fav HRG Attack record. The riff isn't even played at fast HRG Attack level and it isn't why I choose this song. The reasson is Nick Festari's vocals; as this was one of his first songs singing at the label. The secons reason is the lyrical content and how easy it flows with the melody of the song. BE-AU-Ti-Ful is broken into 4 syllibles followed by "Witch You Light My Fire, Dirty Fiction over my love" It just fkow beautifully everyTIME. Plus killer intro and perfect break for mixing.
6. Blue Sunbeam - Dreaming(FL8463)
Another one of my fav labels. It's very much like TIME ,in the sence that most huge Eurobeat names sang on it. Gino, Clara, Elena, Claudio, Mauro, etc... I choose it for Dave Rodgers. This isn't even one of his regular aliases, but he sounds so fresh throughout the song. In his top shape. The song is more to the style of Chester- "Right TIME" or Thomas & Shubert - "In The Deep Of My Heart". relaxed in the synth riff, but not particularly a very Italo slow song.
7. Dave Rodgers - 1 Fire(Sun Fire)
If you've read my previous for this song, then you know why I must have it with me. While "Dreamin" shows the more relaxed Rodgers style, this one shows him at his most aggressive. This one is Dave Rodgers "guitar gone wild" style.
8. TIME All Stars - Christmas TIME(TIME)
I chose this one to round off all my favourite Eurobeat artists in one song. I was gonna choose a Gipsy & Queen song, but this one showcases all the TIME vocalists present at the TIME. Gino, Clara, Elena, Gianni, Bonini, Claudio,probly a few more. Plus It has a great uplifting melody to not feel so lonely during X-mas.
hard list to compile. I'd soarly miss Alphatown- Japan japan, Michael Southerland -54321 0, Fastway - Number One, Mike J - Touch & Go, david Essex - Victim Of Love, Paul Lekakis, Jimmy Bravo, David SRB and many many more, but the above ones would keep my interest in the genre alive and well so I could just pick up where I left when I return to civilazatio on memories alone. That's mainly why I chose these songs, cuz they would probly be the ones to bring me back from any amnesia phase I might expirience.
I forgot those last two items.
1. Photo with my family and girlfriend we all took together this summer
2. Copy of Demi Lovato's "Staying Strong" could be the one item that helps me keep my sanity.
Going by the theme, I'd probably only bring along the newer SEB albums as I don't see myself revisiting old tracks too often. Still, I'll try to come up with something that is hopefully not too A-Beat-C/Sun Fire biased (keyword is "try")
1. The Road Is On Fire / Matt Land feat Kiko Loureiro
I don't think I can ever praise this song enough. This is the finest example of a singer and a guitarist who are at their pinnacle. We are no stranger to Kiko Loureiro's guitar prowess and Matt Land's smooth vocals so pair them up together on what I'd consider to be a very aggressive melody and you have a match made in heaven. This is a song that is so full of vigor that will single handedly fill you with energy on a boring desert island.
2. Fevernova / Dave Rodgers feat Kiko Loureiro
Similar to number 1, except that Kiko's guitar prowess wasn't nearly as impressive as the former. Still makes for good energy inducing material.
3. Black Shadow / Powerful T
4. 1 Fire / Dave Rodgers
5. New Race Game / Dave Rodgers
6. Louder & Faster / Powerful T
7. Fight / Rich Hard
^The more recent tracks that I put on heavy airplay most of the time so I cannot imagine not bringing them onto a desert island. This is not even close to the amount I place inside my 'recent eurobeat favourite playlist', as that would exceed the 8 limit, the above 5 are what I'd bring if you put an AK-47 to my head and demand that I choose.
8. Stormbringer / Dream Fighters
A song that symbolizes the times when Dima had so much inspiration, SO MUCH! The sheer masculine energy and the anthemic melody makes this a definite bringer to a desert island.
1. The Road Is On Fire / Matt Land feat Kiko Loureiro
I don't think I can ever praise this song enough. This is the finest example of a singer and a guitarist who are at their pinnacle. We are no stranger to Kiko Loureiro's guitar prowess and Matt Land's smooth vocals so pair them up together on what I'd consider to be a very aggressive melody and you have a match made in heaven. This is a song that is so full of vigor that will single handedly fill you with energy on a boring desert island.
2. Fevernova / Dave Rodgers feat Kiko Loureiro
Similar to number 1, except that Kiko's guitar prowess wasn't nearly as impressive as the former. Still makes for good energy inducing material.
3. Black Shadow / Powerful T
4. 1 Fire / Dave Rodgers
5. New Race Game / Dave Rodgers
6. Louder & Faster / Powerful T
7. Fight / Rich Hard
^The more recent tracks that I put on heavy airplay most of the time so I cannot imagine not bringing them onto a desert island. This is not even close to the amount I place inside my 'recent eurobeat favourite playlist', as that would exceed the 8 limit, the above 5 are what I'd bring if you put an AK-47 to my head and demand that I choose.
8. Stormbringer / Dream Fighters
A song that symbolizes the times when Dima had so much inspiration, SO MUCH! The sheer masculine energy and the anthemic melody makes this a definite bringer to a desert island.
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drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
- Posts: 6957
- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
- Location: searching for missing Eurogrooves trax
WNight
DAVE RODGERS- 1 FIRE(Sun Fire)
is the only song from the last 10 years I chose. If he hadn't released that one; I would have gone with "Fire Dragon"
Yeah! What happened to "Epic" Dima? Vibration records Dima. TIME records Dima. Where did he go????8. Stormbringer / Dream Fighters
A song that symbolizes the times when Dima had so much inspiration, SO MUCH! The sheer masculine energy and the anthemic melody makes this a definite bringer to a desert island.
DAVE RODGERS- 1 FIRE(Sun Fire)
is the only song from the last 10 years I chose. If he hadn't released that one; I would have gone with "Fire Dragon"
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