8 Tracks: Of Intergalactic Voyage with Horse Meat Disco

From the man who gave us ‘I Feel Love’. The ultimate in sci fi/futuristic sounds from the disco era is his take on one of my all time favourite sci fi tv shows from when I was a kid. Disco really came of age post the release of the first Star Wars film. The cannon of disco is littered with references and influences from the boom in science fiction films spurred on by the overwhelming success of Star Wars. In this clip, which features on the first side of the LP, is one of Giorgio’s best pieces in my opinion. Evolution.

The cover art of this album has been a mainstay of club night flyers ever since i’ve been going to clubs. An intergalactic dance floor space ship traversing the galaxy with a crew of party people. I always thought of this cover when I used to go to boat parties on the Thames. Although the output of Motown had somewhat decreased by the time Space Dance came out it still features some of the best musicians around – creating an energetic disco stormer of cosmic proportions.

How many times has Star Wars been an inspiration for the disco concept album?!? Boris Midney was undoubtedly one of the best when it came to the disco concept. Here he takes on the love theme between Han Solo and Princess Leia before turning it into a sexy two step rare groove monster with a hint of Donna Summer’s “State Of Independence” (which came out two years after this). It comes from the album ‘Music From The Empire Strikes Back’. Another producer who also took on the music of Star Wars was Meco but for my money Boris Midney did it better although Meco’s reworking of the Ewok Song is a cosmic gem

The Little Dabs were 2 children of 4 and 6 (although they might have had some help from a grown-up) who embarked on a short-lived pop career – topping the Canadian charts with their smash hit ‘E.T’. Unfortunately, the world of drugs and floozies they found themselves in eventually took its toll, and they were both in rehab within six months. Gangsta! Here they take on the story of Elliot and E.T. in a punk funk boogie swirl of cuteness.

Taken from their fantastic 1985 album “Mystery” this is quite possibly one of the most beautifully devastating records ever made. A desperate wife is trying to contact her husband on an interstellar space craft suffering from connectivity issues. Love longing and loss punctuated by sappy sax stabs and the most stuck up computer since Hal! A sci-fi sleaze anthem from mr Richard Hewson who’s work has been an inspiration for us at Horse Meat Disco for a long time.

Nancy Nova’s real name is Carol Ann Holness. Anyone my age would maybe recognise the surname. Yes, she was the daughter of “can i have a P please’ Bob Holness of Blockbusters fame. Bob’s other daughter was in another New Wave outfit, Toto Coelo – it confirms how much a legend the host of blockbusters was. This tune’s again inspired by Star Wars and came out in 1981 the same year as The Empire Strikes Back. Its an insanely crazy record. Perfect for an after-hours house party!

A candidate for the longest song title in pop music history :the full title is “Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft (The Recognised Anthem Of World Contact Day)”. I love the Carpenters. Karen Carpenter is up there in my estimations for best female vocalists alongside Aretha and Ella Fitzgerald (the latter having performed together). Whilst she doesn’t have their power she has an instantly recognisable voice that is just so soothing and haunting. The success of their version led to the duo receiving many letters from people asking when World Contact Day would be held. The song ultimately led to a successful Carpenters television special, The Carpenters…Space Encounters.

Although to many Boney M will be most fondly remembered for cheesy belters such as “Rasputin” and “Brown Girl In The Ring” they actually had a few tracks that stand up on today’s dancefloors. This being one of them. A driving, rocky, percussive, spacey, disco barn stormer. People are always surprised to hear that its boney M when I play this one and I love that. A perfect blend of sci-fi, grooves and campness. It always makes me happy!