As thrilled as I am by the prospect of pretending to be the fellas from Daft Punk, I'm not sure the thousands of imminent mash-up train wrecks are worth it. Daft Punk and scratching? Really? I'm skeptical at best. Now if, for example, I can mix components of their tracks freestyle using this funky setup, then we've got something to talk about. Riddle me this...Why not make a serrato-compatible version so people can use real decks?

RAD is to BMX what Gleaming The Cube is to skateboarding. An instant cult classic when it hit theaters in 1986, RAD is an absolutely essential piece of 80's history.

This next clip features a sick "bicycle boogie" set to Send Me an Angel by Australian band Real Life. I watched several versions of this clip on youtube and this one presents the best clip length, video and sound quality. Keep your eyes peeled for the Crimson Twins, Xamot and Tomax!!

SCHEMATIC: RAD BMX credits and three versions of the Send Me An Angel music video...

RAD (Opening/Ending Credits)

SEND ME AN ANGEL (1983 LP Version) Featuring Chewbacca's Cousin??

SEND ME AN ANGEL (1989 Video Version)

SEND ME AN ANGEL (1983 12" Extended Mix)

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.

This decidedly bizarre pre-Spike Jonze/Michel Gondry video features mutants, naked chicks à la Rio, a vintage Rolls-Royce and a kick-ass rainbow-coloured acrylic drum set. Supernature is a cautionary post-apocalyptic tale of scientific hubris and genetic experimentation gone awry. Although there are numerous tracks from the 70s and 80s that pay homage to space, robots and computers (thank God), few disco/synth tracks really drop earth science. Me like! Me like!

http://youtu.be/QgGK4qBTwpw

SCHEMATIC: High quality extended vinyl rip MP3, lyrics, cover art...

The Cerrone 3 LP is readily available on vinyl for only $10 or so. The LP version of the song is nearly 10 minutes long, but is actually only the first of three movements that comprise a totally epic Side A. Not really sure what happened on Side B, but who cares?!! The tracklisting and run times are:

a1) Supernature (10:20) a2) Sweet Drums (3:30) a3) Into The Smoke (4:40):

[audio:http://www.innernerd.de/audio/Cerrone/Cerrone_Supernature.mp3|titles=Supernature + Sweet Drums + In The Smoke (Side A)|artists=Cerrone]

Once upon a time Science opened up the door We would feed the hungry fields Till they couldn't eat no more

But the potions that we made Touched the creatures down below And they grow up in a way That we'd never seen before

<chorus>Supernature, supernature Supernature, supernature</chorus>

They were angry with the man Cause changed their way of life And they take their sweet revenge As they trample through the night

For hundred miles or more You could hear the people cry But there is nothing you can do Even God is on their side (God is on, God is on, God is on their side)

<chorus>Supernature, supernature Supernature, supernature</chorus>

Cars will break the light Come flowing in the air The creature will decide Who goes where

How can I explain Things are different today Darkness all around No one makes a sound Such a sad affair No one seems to care

<chorus>Supernature, supernature Supernature, supernature</chorus>

Better watch out There's no way to stop it now You can't escape It's too late Look what you've done There's no place that you can run The monsters made We must pray

Maybe nature has a plan To control the ways of man He must start from scratch again Many battles must he win Till he earns his place on earth Like the other creatures do Will there be a happy end Now that all depends on you

<chorus>Supernature, supernature Supernature, supernature</chorus>

This may be the single greatest manifestation of Italo every pressed. Who the hell is this guy?! Claudio (Clay) Pedrini Came out of nowhere, cooked up this tasty Italo biscuit and then went back into the night kitchen forever. Even when you can find it, be prepared to dish out upwards of $500 for an excellent copy. Fortunately for vinyl nerds hit by the recession, this has been officially repressed by I.D. Limited, complete with reinterpreted cover artwork. You'll have to pay shipping from Europe, tho. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2giIqmORPGI

SCHEMATIC: The full track and cover artwork...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h--L4ze-OAI