Various Artists – Disco Gold (1975)

This is one of those mystery albums I own. I can't really remember where I got it in the first place. It either came from some of my relatives, or potentially I got it from one of my friends as a rogue purchase at the flea market. Anyway, this is a disco compilation album released in 1975 when disco wasn't really that strongly established genre yet. Most of these songs sound more like funk or soul to begin with. What's curious about this album is that I don't really know almost any of these artists. Usually disco compilations are filled with well-known artists, but this album is more obscure. It's really good though, because most of these songs are better than your average disco hit. I never expected anything interesting from this album but actually there are a few quite good songs on there that I could imagine listening to.



I mostly like disco when it's less commercial and closer to soul and funk, which means that these earlier songs are usually better than the songs closer to the end of the 70s. There's proper orchestration in these songs and the groove is not as plastic sounding.

I have to admit I didn't really know about disco music that much at all until fairly recently and I'm still not an expert. My friend from Finland who is a major record collector visited me here in London and we went to a few record stores where he bought old disco albums on vinyl. When we listened to those at my place, I finally thought I understood what disco was originally all about.

The album starts with a groovy and rhythmic song Wan Tu Wah Zuree by George Tindley. The choruses are quite conventional disco stuff, but the verses have excellent African influences, especially similar to 70s Nigerian funk. Next up is We're On the Right Track by Ultra High Frequency, which is closer to my conventional view of disco music. The production is surprisingly good for a song that was released as early as this album. Make Me Believe In You by Patti Jo goes back to more rhythmic and less melodic approach. There are some excellent flute sequences in the song and I really also like the use of bongo drums in there. I Love You, Yes I Do by The Independents has a proper funk beat throughout the song and the basslines are absolutely brilliant. Ain't No Love Lost, another track by Patti Jo also has some wild conga rhythms along with quite amazing high-pitched vocals. Another song by George Tindley, Pity The Poor Man is also an excellent funky disco song. This song sounds a lot more commercial than his previous song on this album, but it's still a great piece of work. Arise and Shine (Let's Get It on) by The Independents is probably the most typical disco song on the album. There are some brilliantly catchy parts in the song. The album ends with Needing You by Clara Lewis, which again is very much a typical disco song. For some reason, I'm quite reminded of Abba, even though this is definitely more funky and groovy, whereas Abba is more poppy.

I can't really think of that much to write about this album, since it's not an album I've listened to that much before. I just think it's great that seemingly random album I own proofed to be such a good and groovy thing.

Listen to the album on Spotify.