Communist disco?! YES! This Latvian state-sponsored disco was actually composed in a music conservatory. Zodiac is some seriously spaced-out synthy disco goodness. The simple composition of this eponymous track from their 1980 debut LP Disco Alliance brings the lush sythscapes and analog textures to the forefront. Loving those live drums. This exceptional track is essentially unknown in NA and generally available for about US$20 + international shipping. And peep that cover art!!

SCHEMATIC: Three more videos and some fantastic cover art...

Mysterious Galaxy is the lead track off the band's second LP, Music in the Universe released in 1982. This track takes a funkier approach than found on the first album, as evidenced by the Latvians tearing up the parquet.

Provincial Disco is the third track off the Disco Alliance LP. Although clearly weaker than Zodiac, the synths are still highly unusual. I'm sure you'll pick out quite a few interesting musical elements and a couple skillful transitions (2:15 & 3:36).

Pacific was the second track on the Disco Alliance LP. Again, clearly a weaker track than Zodiac, but pretty funky nonetheless.

For you design nerds, this classic posting on Core 77 chronicles the cartooned adventures of Lunchbreath and Fueledbycoffee at the International Housewares Show in chi-town. Great for a laugh.

Silver droids + wall of speakers + dancing space chick = hot video. Leave it to a Frenchman (Barclay manager Fabrice Cuitad) to put out a super-cool concept 7", 12" and LP based on the iconic film Star Wars. This video covers Part I. Part II has a funkier vibe.

SCHEMATIC: HQ vinyl rips of Part I and Part II, sources, cover art...

This is a very affordable, and relatively available record as a 7". I totally recommend picking it up from discogs or ebay.

(Do You Feel) The Force Part I

[audio:http://www.innernerd.de/audio/The Droids/The Droids_(Do You Have) The Force Part I.mp3|titles=(Do You Feel) The Force Part I|artists=The Droids]

(Do You Feel) The Force Part II

[audio:http://www.innernerd.de/audio/The Droids/The Droids_(Do You Have) The Force Part II.mp3|titles=(Do You Feel) The Force Part II|artists=The Droids]

VIGR is in the house. 4+ hour rare vinyl set. Need I say more? Hope to see you there! I'll try to keep track of the setlist...

This unstoppable Italo electro-disco jam from 1982 spawned the fabled Fuzz Dance label. Italo master Maurizio Dami (aka Alexander Robotnick) was heavily involved with this label as both a producer and remixer. Does anyone out there know if he produced this track, too? http://youtu.be/zcL2FMnoSbk

Here's the spacey instrumental version ripped from my vinyl copy.

[audio:http://www.innernerd.de/audio/Trophy/Slow_Flight_Instrumental.mp3|titles=Slow Flight (Instrumental)|artists=Trophy]

SCHEMATIC: Record scans and Alexander Robotnick dropping some disco knowledge...

This video spurred me to go on a one-year rare disco vinyl collecting rampage and start this blog. Consider yourself warned!

http://youtu.be/yNv9FIU6un4