Dimitri from Paris & Joey Negro: The Kings of Disco Part A 2LP Dimitri from Paris & Joey Negro

Vinyl sampler from the impressive 2CD disco comp from two DJ’s who unquestionably live up to the regal status that the title of this set bestows on them. Aside from being well-known for their work as DJs and producers, Joey and Dimitri are two of the biggest rare disco record ballers on the planet– in fact, they claim that the impetus for this compilation came from the desire to combine forces and stop outbidding each other on ebay auctions. Well, to mis-paraphrase a cliché, their gain is our gain. This comp should blow away even the most seasoned of disco heads with it’s impeccable selection, and as added incentive, every single track here has been nicely re-edited by the pair for extra DJ-friendliness and exclusivity. This sampler includes vibesman Vince Montana’s “It Looks Like Love,” a smooth, funky workout that’s really shines in Dimitri’s deft edit, as well the stunningly delirious “Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys” by reggae legend Derrick Harriott. The latter is a fat, dubby, synth-heavy monster that sounds cousin to Eddy Grant’s “Time Warp,” and I don’t think I’m reaching to assume that this must’ve been a Larry Levan favorite. That track and Spandau Ballet’s “Chant No.1” are worth the price of the vinyl alone. “Chant” is one of those magical ’80s records that seems to carve a whole new genre for itself, combining elements of new wave, jazz funk, electro, left-field disco and whatever else was in the air at the time to create a dubbed out dance masterpiece that seems to never get satisfied with itself. And Touche’s “Just Like A Doorknob” has a great early ’80s garage feel with a massive bassline reminiscent of Change’s “Lover’s Holiday.” 8 tracks in all over 2 LP’s; also includes Capuchino’s “He’ll Will Dance With Me,” Crystal Disco Band’s “Nuclear Night,” Vinzerelli’s “Skate Dancer,” and Mighty Fire’s “Love Fantasy.”

• music label: Rapster Records 2004

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