Girls and boys it’s here again, and where has the time gone? I haven't quite put last year’s edition of Disco Heaven to rest, it’s quite simply seen me through all the dull and miserable moments that life has thrown at me during the last 12 months, but it’s back and glitzier than ever.
The cover artwork is simply stunning! The traditional blonde Kandi girl is obviously relaxing in the heavens with a mojito after too many years of disco pouting, and we now have a stunning brunette making her DH debut. Checkout the inside cover for the full length disco-stomping version, Bellisima!
It’s strings, snare and percussion galore as the wonderful 'Love Hangover' by Joey Negro opens Disc One. It’s a tune and a half that even the most discerning Salsoul fan wouldn't be able to resist! Michelle Weeks is a favourite of mine, I tend to gush over any track she graces and 'Love 4 Love' is a bonafide Kandi-coated groove. The collection progresses into ‘80s-tinged disco with 'Push The Fader' - and a future-disco synth extravaganza on 'More Man Than Man'. 'Jammin With The Band' is my pick of this disc. It’s got a sexy, electronic bassline and infectious vocal to die for! It’s Stardust-style par excellence. DJ Memê is consistent in whipping up a floor-burning anthem and ‘Chanson Du Soleil’ couldn't be any more uplifting. Its tinkling piano, driving strings and filtered twists are like a magnetic force! Guaranteed to get everybody's arms up in the air.
'Something Come To Nothing' kicks off Disc Two in glamorous style. Its kitsch melody is divine, and it reminds me of something out of a fantasy land and I can’t quite place it! Answers on a postcard please, haha. 'A New Society' invites you to come dance in the spotlights. Its dreamy strings and sprightly pings come courtesy of the classic 'High society' by Norma Jean Wright (former lead singer of Chic), and the diva-tastic vocals from Sessomato - Movin On. The one and only Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, makes her Kandi debut with 'I’m A Fire'. It does exactly what it says on the tin, camp attack disco meets the Freemasons. It only raises the question: what took her so long?? 'Another Day' is peak-time dancefloor gold! Possibly one of the best Hott 22 remixes I have heard. I’m listening to the piano breakdown now and the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up, it’s total bliss! They say all that glitters is not golden and I have to agree.. Disco Lies is a force not to be reckoned with, bringing another stellar release to a seductive close with its enigmatic vocal and murky beats.
Described as life-affirming house on the sleeve-notes, it truly is. Disco Heaven is Hed Kandi to the core, and this compilation is a testament to that. I believe every Kandi fan, old and new, will be able to take something special away from this release. It incorporates many flavours and interpretations of what modern disco house is about.. I think I’m pretty much set for the next 12 months.
So if you fancy cracking open that canned heat in your heels, now you have the excuse.
Until next time
Disco D
**NB Hed Kandi accepts no responsibility for the damage to your home or personal items as a result of opening canned heat!