A few months back Harmless Records launched a new series of compilations under the ‘Mixology’ banner. The idea was (indeed is) to highlight the work of the key labels of the dance/disco era. That first, hugely successful compilation focused on the wonderful Salsoul label; now, for the second compilation Harmless turns its spotlight onto another iconic label – New York’s Sam Records.
Sam Records was founded in 1976 by SAM WEISS and it was most active during Disco’s Golden Age – 1976- 1983. The label slowed down its activities in the late 80s but was revitalised in 1991 when SAM’S son, MICHAEL WEISS took over the helm and launched Nervous Records.
This new collection – ‘Sam Records Extended Play’ – is a two disc set. The first CD offers 11 of the very best Sam sides including the hypnotic ‘Keep On Dancin’ from GARY’S GANG AND ‘Up Jumped The Devil’ from JOHN DAVIS and the MONSTER ORCHESTRA.
CD 2 is very different. For this one American DJ and mixer JAQUES RENAULT has assembled over a dozen famous remixes of Sam Records material . Two of those tweaks he leaves well alone – VOLTA BUREAU’S edit of MIKE and BRENDA SUTTON’S ‘We’ll Make It’ and CATZ N DOGZ’ remix of JOHN DAVIS ‘ ‘Bourgie Bourgie’. For the rest, well, he assembles one huge (almost 1 hour) mix of SAM goodies and though it won’t challenge the head (this music was never intended for that) it’ll keep feet of a certain vintage very happy… oh, and play it loud!
MIXOLOGY – SAM RECORDS EXTENDED PLAY is out now on HARMLESS RECORDS.
