Shango was one of many solo guises of the legendary Afrika Bambaataa, a lo-fi and early electro cult classic, ‘Shango Message’ was released in 1983 and was produced by Bill Laswell. A Celluloid Records staple,  it combines Bambaataa’s wizardry with some fresh breaks ‘n’ beats resulting in a sparse yet funk-fuelled breaker’s anthem. Shango!

Shango – Shango Message (edit/instrumental)

C’mon, stop what you’re doing and check out this booming SOTD from Black Gold!

Released in 1983 on the mighty Prelude label, ‘C’mon Stop’ was written by unsung electro hero Jon Robie. As Arthur Baker’s right-hand man during the early eighties, Robie helped to produce seminal tracks from Afrika Bambaataa’s ‘Planet Rock’ to Man Parrish’ ‘Hip Hop Be Bop (Don’t Stop)’. A reappraisal of the man’s work is surely over due, but ‘C’mon Stop’ is one helluva example of the Robie’s genius.

A fantastic proto-house track, the combination of hypnotic disco horns and rhythms with futuristic synths and percussion, results in a spacious yet incredibly tight record. Still sounding timeless, it is a big favourite with the legendary Mark Seven. It’s easy to see why, if you know what I mean. Prepare yourself for ten minutes of unbridled dancey joy!

Black Gold – C’mon Stop

Cat Stevens In A Weird-Disco-Record Shocker Alert!!

By the late seventies, Cat Stevens managed to annoy the majority of his fanbase by going through a crazy ‘electronic/disco’ phase.  As most established stars experimented with the ‘new disco craze’ (Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Kiss, etc etc), today’s SOTD is Cat Stevens’ wonderful and weird attempt.

Originally from the album ‘Izitso’, this is the rare 1977 special disco version released on A & M. With futuristic electronics and a truly exuberant bassline, it inspired everyone from Afrika Bambaataa to New Order and a whole host of legendary New York DJs (this was a huge favourite at Jellybean Benitez’s Funhouse back in the early eighties). Not to be confused with his 1966 hit ‘I Walk My Dog’, this is the finest track ever to have a dog bark as its intro. If that doesn’t entice you to have a listen I don’t know what will.

Cat Stevens- Was Dog A Doughnut