Moonbeam Levels

Eh up, people!An expanded edition from London Town on a style and period of music that’s very close to my body and soul.When most people think of 80’s music with synths and drum machines, the usual electro-pop suspects come to mind: Kraftwerk, Moroder, Depeche Mode, Human League, Gary Numan, maybe Patrick Cowley.What we should be talking about is how black musicians quietly – ok, maybe not so quietly – revolutionised popular culture through their adventures in R&B from the 70s into the 80s. They could be smooth and sophisticated, but the tracks made you move.Glasgow-based journalist Steven Vass has achieved something significant with his book Let The Music Play, plotting a course through those decades and tracing the evolution of these sounds through the constellation of artists who invented them.The level of research is encyclopaedic yet he’s managed to keep it breezy, capturing the thrill of hearing these records for the first time – minds being blown, often on a weekly basis – as underground club culture broke into the mainstream.I caught up with Steve a couple of months after this launch in Brixton to talk about: how he got into writing; reasons and reservations in doing the book; being inspired by Coming To America; giving flowers to Kashif and Paul Lawrence, Patrice Rushen, Cameo, Kleeer, Gwen Guthrie, Jam & Lewis and many more.He also offers theories on what drew listeners and dancers to these synthesised sounds, why black artists weren’t given more credit as pioneers and the differences between the UK and US markets.Expect a Questlove Supreme level of discourse, along with a big bag of that boogie-street-soul type of thing. A bit of house too, of course. You’ll feel it all.Questions, comments or abuse to @amarofpatel * HERBIE HANCOCK – Quasar (featuring Patrick Gleeson) [Warner]* STEVIE WONDER – Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) [Tamla Motown]* THE SPECIALS – Ghost Town (Extended Version) [Two-Tone]* TOMORROW’S WORLD THEME TUNE (1982)* DESMOND DEKKER – Reggae Recipe [Music For Pleasure]* IMAGINATION – Just An Illusion (original 12” mix) [Unidisc]* PRINCE – Raspberry Beret (New Mix) [NPG]* GWEN GUTHRIE – Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan 12” Club Mix) [Polydor]* JOYCE SIMS – Come Into My Life (Extended Version) [London]* FATBACK BAND – Is This The Future? [Spring]* PATRICE RUSHEN – Kickin’ Back [Prestige]* PATRICE RUSHEN – Forget Me Nots (12” version) [Elektra]* NONA HENDRYX – Transformation [RCA]* MELBA MOORE – Love’s Comin’ At Ya [EMI]* KASHIF – The Mood [Arista]* HANSON & DAVIS – I’ll Take You On (Dub Version) [Fresh]* KLEEER – She Said She Loves Me [Atlantic]* CAMEO – Single Life (Extended Version) [Casablanca]* JUNIOR – Is This Love [Mercury]* PRINCESS – Say I’m Your Number One [TELDEC]* SHANNON – Let The Music Play [Emergency]* JANET JACKSON – Nasty (Cool Summer Mix Part 1) [A&M]* STEVE ‘SILK’ HURLEY – Jack Your Body (1986 Home Made Mix) [Underground]PS Catch me broadcasting live at Horniman Museum in SE London on 15 June. A rare appearance in public as part of the Sister Midnight x Daytimers takeover. Come through. There may be guests. There will be 🔥 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amarofpatel.substack.com

– click on each track to purchase –IASOS – The Angels of Comfort [Numero]LAUREL HALO – Belleville [Awe](Laurel Halo live at Jazz Cafe, London – 5 June) SUN RA – Love in Outer Space (solo live @Haverford College, 1980)BOJAN DROBEŽ – Krog Na Vodi [NTS]GANAVYA – I walk again, eyes towards the Sky [Native Rebel Recordings]ROLAND P YOUNG – Estimationism [EM Records]SC SHARMA – Dance Music 1 [State 51 Conspiracy](Full story here)MK.GEE – How Many Miles [R&R]RAINY MILLER X SPACE AFRIKA – Maybe It’s Time to Tay Down the Arms [Fixed Abode]JOHN GLACIER – Tripsteady [Young]CORINNE BAILEY RAE – Earthlings [Black Rainbows Music](Corinne on the making of Black Rainbows and being inspired by Chicago’s Stony Island Arts Bank)TRACY KERR – If U Need My Lovin (Instrumental Dub) [Isle of Jura]DELASI – Learn From Adversity (featuring Lollise) [Brownswood]X-CERTS – Untogether [Emotional Rescue]HOLY TONGUE – Threshing Floor [Amidah Records](Valentina Magaletti with 99Chants live at ICA, London – 9 May)GARY NUMAN – A Dream of Siam (featuring Pino Palladino) [Beggars Banquet](Pino Palladino on Questlove Supreme)V/Z – Candles (Version) [AD 93]BULLION – Rare (featuring Carly Rae Jepsen) [Ghostly]MARIA RITA – Brasileira [Mr Bongo]JAHARI MASSAMBA UNIT – Otis’ Tambourine [Law of Rhythm]GRUPO IRAKERE – Juana 1600 [Mr Bongo]AMARO FREITAS – Encantados (Psychic Hotline)AMANDA WHITING – Liminal [First Word]MARVIN GAYE – T Plays It Cool (Unedited Version) [Motown](Harmony Holiday’s meditation on another Trouble Man track, ‘Cleo’s Apartment’, is a must-read)CAN – Oh Yeah [Spoon](One-time lead singer Damo Suzuki on being Damo Suzuki)DAVID WERTMAN – Sunshine – [Finders Keepers]AMY GADIAGA – Full Sun (해찬) [Jazz Re:freshed](Amy Gadiaga live on Jazz re:freshed weekly, 2022)YOSHIKO SAI – Aoi Galasu Dama (Blue Glass Ball) [Time Capsule]MARLENA SHAW – I’m Back For More [Columbia]*Shockout Business interlude [Death Is Not the End]KARIN JONES – Here I Go Again [Tidal Waves]HAMID AL SHAERI – Dari Demou’ak [Habibi Funk]MATERIAL – I’m The One (dance version) [Elektra](Plucked from Steven Vass’ Let The Music Play, which explores the impact of synths and drum machines on 70’s/80’s r&b. Special coming soon.)*Pure Wicked Tune interlude [Death Is Not the End]OJERIME – In The Know [Never Seven]JAWNINO – 2trainsKELELA & LORAINE JAMES – Divorce (Loraine James Remix) [Warp]KOKOROKO – We Give Thanks (KeiyaA mix) [Brownswood](KeiyaA live at The Lower Third – 8 May) MILLSART – Transistor Love [Axis Records]JULIAN D’ANGELO & SPECTER – Drunken Noodles [Visions Recordings]LOST SOULS OF SATURN – LOST SOULS OF SATURN [R&S]FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON – Across The Rivers [FSOLDigital]NEW SECTOR MOVEMENTS – Stand (New Sector Bruk Flex featuring Mike City) [First Word]HARUOMI HOSONO & YASUHIKO TERADA – Turquois [Rush Hour]LORD OF THE ISLES – Ultraviolet [Adult Contemporary]B-EDIT – Hold tightBAS NOIR – My Love Is Magic [Nu Groove]KERRI CHANDLER – Joykerri This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amarofpatel.substack.com

Amp Fiddler – Grandma’s Radio (featuring Soundboy) [Ampliphonic] https://ampfiddler.bandcamp.com/album/amp-dog-knights?from=embedAmp Fiddler – Too High (live on the Ralph Armstrong Show 2011) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwwPx0usQKYAmp Fiddler – Superficial (Amp’s Soul Special) [Camp Amp Studios]https://www.discogs.com/master/1173843-Amp-Fiddler-Rare-And-UnreleasedAmp Fiddler – Heaven [Strut]https://bleep.com/release/306801-amp-fiddler-afro-strutAmp Fiddler – Eye to Eye [PIAS]https://www.discogs.com/release/226033-Amp-Fiddler-Waltz-Of-A-Ghetto-FlyDon Was Detroit All-Star Revue – If I Don’t (featuring Amp Fiddler, Wendell Harrison, Bubz Fiddler live in Detroit, 2014)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUtCckTV5zcThe Detroit Experiment – Midnight At The Twenty Grand (featuring Amp Fiddler) [Planet E]https://www.discogs.com/master/133279-The-Detroit-Experiment-The-Detroit-ExperimentAmp Fiddler – (Your Love Is Like) Dope [Genuine]https://www.discogs.com/release/688060-Amp-Fiddler-Hope-DopeAmp Fiddler – Through Your Soul (featuring Bubz Fiddler & J Dilla) [Ampliphonic]https://ampfiddler.bandcamp.com/track/through-your-soul-feat-bubz-fiddler-j-dilla?from=embedAmp Fiddler – I Believe in You (Jaylib Remix) [Genuine]   https://www.discogs.com/release/261990-Amp-Fiddler-I-Believe-In-YouAmp Fiddler with Sly & Robbie – Black House (Paint The White House Black) [Strut]https://ampfiddler.bandcamp.com/album/inspiration-information?from=embedWill Sessions & Amp Fiddler with Dames Brown – Reconcile [Sessions Sounds]https://willsessions.bandcamp.com/album/the-one?from=embedMeshell Ndegeocello – ASR (co-written with Amp Fiddler) [Blue Note]https://store.bluenote.com/products/meshell-ndegeocello-the-omnichord-real-bookAmp Fiddler – Afro Butt (featuring Tony Allen) [Camp Amp Studios]https://www.discogs.com/master/1173843-Amp-Fiddler-Rare-And-UnreleasedAmp Fiddler – Love & War (Version) [Genuine]https://www.discogs.com/release/145601-Amp-Fiddler-Love-And-War-EP Moodyman with Amp Dog Knight – I’m Doing Fine (Main Mix) [Mahogani Music]https://ampfiddler.bandcamp.com/album/im-doing-fine?from=embedMoodyman – People (featuring Amp Fiddler) [Peacefrog]https://peacefrog.bandcamp.com/album/silence-in-the-secret-garden-album?from=embedAmp Fiddler – Superficial (JAN mix) [Genuine]https://www.discogs.com/release/48172-Amp-Fiddler-BasementalityAmp Dog Knights – Over U [Mahogani]https://ampfiddler.bandcamp.com/track/over-u?from=embedMoody – It’s 2 Late 4 U And Me (featuring Amp Fiddler) [KDJ]https://www.discogs.com/master/256766-Moody-Ol-Dirty-VinylThree Chairs – Midday Blues at Midnight [Three Chairs]https://rickwilhite.bandcamp.com/track/midday-blues-at-midnight?from=embedTheo Parrish – Gentrified Love Part 1 (instrumental featuring Amp Fiddler and Alena Waters) [Sound Signature]https://boomkat.com/products/gentrified-love-part-1Theo Parrish – Trust (with Amp Fiddler and Ideeyah) [Sound Signature]https://www.discogs.com/release/10047978-Theo-Parrish-Amp-Fiddler-Gentrified-Love-Part-3Amp Fiddler – Energy (Waajeed’s Doughboy Mix) [Ampliphonic] https://ampfiddler.bandcamp.com/album/basementality-3?from=embedSki Oakenfull – Let Me Be (featuring Amp Fiddler) [BBE]https://bbemusic.com/product/rising-sonGlenn Underground – Mornin (GU Nostalgia Forever Mix) https://www.discogs.com/release/6079787-Glenn-Underground-GU-Edits-1Only Child – U Bring Me Vibes (featuring Amp Fiddler) [Grand Central]https://www.discogs.com/release/165690-Only-Child-U-Bring-Me-VibesFunkadelic – Let’s Take It To The Stage (Amp Fiddler Laughin @Ya Mix) [Westbound] https://www.juno.co.uk/products/funkadelic-reworked-by-detroiters-vinyl/663433-01/George Clinton – Do Fries Go With That Shake (12” featuring Amp Fiddler) [Stateside]https://www.discogs.com/release/1357779-George-Clinton-Extended-Pleasure-12-Extended-Versions-And-MixesWas Not Was – Out Come The Freaks (featuring Amp Fiddler) https://www.discogs.com/release/1616346-Was-Not-Was-What-Up-DogGeorge Clinton – There I Go Again (co-written by Joseph Fiddler) [Paisley Park]https://www.discogs.com/release/170148-George-Clinton-The-Cinderella-TheoryMaxwell – Sumthin’ Sumthin’ (Mantra Uncut) [Columbia]https://www.discogs.com/release/541600-Maxwell-Sumthin-Sumthin-The-MantraMr Fiddler – Cool About It [Elektra]https://www.discogs.com/master/804072-Mr-Fiddler-With-RespectSundown – Spaced Outta Place Pt 2 [Sound Signature]https://bleep.com/release/391341-sundown-spaced-outta-placeThe Unit – Ain’t No Need (Edit) (featuring Amp Fiddler) [Sound Signature]https://www.discogs.com/release/18998623-Theo-Parrish-Special-Versions This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amarofpatel.substack.com

Moonbeam Levels 012 – November 2023Compiled and blended by AmAr Patel@amarofpatelwww.imakesense.orgANDRÉ 3000 – I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A "Rap" Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time [Epic]https://shop.amyriadofpyramids.com/https://tinyurl.com/andre3000-finds-himselfCARLOS NINO & FRIENDS – Boom Bap Spiritual (featuring Surya Botofasina) [International Anthem]https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/im-just-chillin-on-fireROSIE TURTON – Wandering Wonderinghttps://rosieturton.bandcamp.com/album/wandering-wondering DANIEL VILLARREAL – Things Can Be Calm (featuring Jeff Parker & Anna Butterss) [International Anthem]https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/lados-b DURUTTI COLUMN – Twenty Trees [London Music Stream]https://tinyurl.com/3bx2wbsfhttps://tinyurl.com/vini-reilly-guardian-interview APPENDIX – Autumn Song [Mad About]https://tinyurl.com/mthpmpw2 GO: ORGANIC ORCHESTRA & BROOKLYN RAGA MASSIVE – Turiya [Meta]https://tinyurl.com/yc7vu738 MIGUEL ATWOOD-FERGUSON –Tzedakah [Brainfeeder]https://tinyurl.com/du529updhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001s2pv KOFI FLEXXX – Increase Awareness (featuring ganavya) [Native Rebel]https://kofiflexxx.bandcamp.com/album/flowers-in-the-dark MO KOLOURS – Tatamaka Pt 2https://mokolours.bandcamp.com/track/tatamaka-pt-2 LONNIE HOLLEY – Better Get That Crop in Soon [Jagjaguar]https://lonnieholley.bandcamp.com/album/oh-me-oh-my MONZANTO SOUND – Eja (Dave Okumu remix) [None More]https://monzantosound.bandcamp.com/album/tt-t-remixed ELIZA – A Tear for the Dreadful (Live at RAK) [Different Recordings]https://eliza.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-rak JAYE P MORGAN – Can’t Hide Love [Wewantsounds]https://jayepmorgan.bandcamp.com/album/jaye-p-morgan ACTRESS – Its Me (g 8) [Ninja Tune]https://actress.bandcamp.com/album/lxxxviii KNXWLEDGE – itstartshttps://knxwledge.bandcamp.com/album/vgm-29 SLY & THE FAMILY STONE – Remember Who You Are [Warner Bros]https://tinyurl.com/sadynj8dhttps://tinyurl.com/sly-interview YUSSEF DAYES – Rust (featuring Tom Misch) [Brownswood]https://yussefdayes.bandcamp.com/album/black-classical-musicCASISDEAD – Marilyn (featuring Connie Constance) [XL]https://casisdead.bandcamp.com/album/famous-last-wordshttps://tinyurl.com/casisdead-the-face PAYFONE & KYD NEREIDA – I Feel You (Mudd Remix) [Leng]https://tinyurl.com/5yrhmku6 APHEX TWIN – Acrid Avid Jam Shred [Warp]https://aphextwin.bandcamp.com/album/i-care-because-you-do RAINY MILLER X SPACE AFRIKA – It’s Time To Lay Down The Arms (featuring Mica Levi) [Fixed Abode]https://rainymiller.bandcamp.com/album/a-grisaille-wedding-2 TIRZAH – No Limit [Domino]https://tirzah.bandcamp.com/album/trip9love HOLE IN ONE – Spiritual Ideas For Virtual Reality [Amazing]https://amazing-ams.bandcamp.com/track/spiritual-ideas-for-virtual-reality MK/MM – Zu zweit durch die Alleen [Trilogy Tapes]https://thetrilogytapes.bandcamp.com/album/ich-sehe-vasen THEO PARRISH & MAURISSA ROSE – I’m Done [Sound Signature]https://boomkat.com/products/free-myself-39076485-c6da-4040-8065-1dd9a3177993https://tinyurl.com/theo-on-nts-maurissa LASEECH FEATURING DESNAY BAILEY – Hey Love (Patrice Scott Remix) [Forbidden Dance]https://tinyurl.com/mr3rbza2 PEVEN EVERETT & DEETRON – Evermore [Character]https://www.traxsource.com/title/2106613/evermore DIGITAL JUSTICE – Theme From ‘It’s All Gone Pearshaped’ [Melodies International]https://boomkat.com/products/melodies-record-club-003-hunee-selects DREXCIYA – Hightech Nomads [Clone]https://cloneaqualungseries.bandcamp.com/album/grava-4 HOLLIS P MONROE – I’m Lonely (DJ Decent Acid Mix) [Groovin]https://tinyurl.com/bdz2yac7 DJ RASHAD – Let U No (featuring DJ Spinn) [Partisan]https://partisanrecords.com/moment/dj-rashadhttps://bleep.com/dj-rashad--double-cup-partisan-records L’RAIN – New Year’s UnResolution [Mexican Summer]https://lrain.bandcamp.com/album/i-killed-your-doghttps://tinyurl.com/lrain-pitchfork  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amarofpatel.substack.com