Koto

Koto's (Alex Cundari, Anfrando Maiola, Roberto Bisca, Stefano Cundari) sound can typify what people conjure up when they think of Italo Disco. The repetitive synth leads and percussive bass arpeggios became almost cliche and typify the sound of Italo in the 1985 and 1986. But on their own these are fun tracks with playful melodies that play counterpoint off of each other. Both tracks have contemplative bridges that emerge from the main theme that should not be missed. The use of vocal samples and dialog give these a character that is so indicative if the era. Memory Records released both of these tracks in 1985 and 1986 respectively. Check out Koto's catalog for more synthesizer goodness.

Raf Coney

The production on Raf Coney's "She's Mine" is pretty epic. The opening saxophone and piano set the stage for an elaborate production. The vocals are understated and an acquired taste but after a few listens this track rapidly becomes an ear worm. The piano refrain with the sax will have you craving another listen. Hiss Records released this one in 1983, they have a small catalog but there are some great tracks in there.

Joe Ericson - Take Your Time

"Take Your Time" is a full bodied, live production that stretches beyond the normal sequenced drums and synthesizers. The delayed female vocals, synth stabs and slap bass keep the energy rolling through this number. Layered by imporvised synth leads and rapid drum pattern changes "Take Your Time" is a drawn-out dance jam. Fun and funky!

Jo Jo - Mind Games

Here is a classic cut from 1982. Underground, rare and lo-fi "Mind Games" is another gem from Italy's Il Discotto Productions. Not too much info about this one but the vocals and instrumental are top notch.

Giani Velcreaux - Blubbermouth

I have always meant for Italobot to be a platform for sharing music, from the past and today. I have had a lot of great track submissions and plan on featuring many of them here in the near future.

That being said I have also intended to use Italobot as to showcase my own musical adventures. At the risk of turning this space into a tool for self-promotion I have decided to start uploading my own tracks (on the rare occasion that I think they are done or at least as finished as they are going to get). I am sure many of the musicians and artists who visit this site can sympathize with the difficulty an artist/musician has in letting go of a project, saying "That's enough!" Being a perfectionist I would as soon let all these tracks stay in obscurity, digitally festering on hard-drives and soon to be unreadable CD-Rs.

Perfectionism aside its good to let go of a project eventually and let it prosper or fail in the interwebs. "Blubbermouth" is both relaxing, cerebral, and anxious, inspired by many of the sounds you hear on Italobot. In the near future I will be releasing this along with a few other tracks on an EP. Stay tuned.

Giani Velcreaux - Blubbermouth

Quando Quango - Love Tempo

Manchester's Factory put out this synth pop number in 1983 by Quando Quango. Its a bubbly track that grooves on and on.

Quando Quango - Love Tempo