Don't Walk, Boogie

Don't Walk, Boogie

Released in 1978 on EMI Records, Don't Walk, Boogie is a superb 20-track compilation that captures the eclectic sound of the late-seventies dancefloor, bringing together disco, funk, soul, pop and new wave across an impressive selection of international artists. Originally issued in the UK as part of EMI's television-advertised compilation campaign, it offers a fascinating snapshot of the musical styles competing for attention during disco's commercial peak.

What makes this collection particularly enjoyable is its variety. Alongside major disco favourites, it includes British pop, reggae-influenced sounds, glam rock and dance-oriented new wave, making it a broader portrait of the era than a straightforward disco compilation.

The opening run is particularly strong, featuring A Taste Of Honey's infectious disco classic 'Boogie Oogie Oogie', Tavares' smooth, irresistible 'More Than A Woman' and Sheila B. Devotion's exuberant disco reworking of 'Singin' In The Rain'. Italian disco outfit Macho contribute their energetic interpretation of 'I'm A Man', while Evolution's version of 'Summer In The City' and Patsy Gallant's 'From New York To L.A.' continue the dancefloor momentum.

Tavares feature three times across the collection, also contributing 'Whodunit' and the wonderfully uplifting 'Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel'. Other highlights include Gonzalez's sophisticated funk groove 'Just Let It Lay', Gloria Jones' soulful 'Bring On The Love (Why Can't We Be Friends Again)' and Clout's dramatic pop-rock hit 'Substitute'.

Side B is equally varied, opening with La Belle Epoque's infectious 'Black Is Black' before moving into Marshall Hain's catchy 'Dancing In The City' and Sylvester's groundbreaking disco anthem 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)'. The latter is a particularly significant inclusion, representing the emerging electronic disco sound that would become hugely influential in dance music.

The collection also ventures beyond conventional disco with Matumbi's reggae-inflected 'Empire Road', Jesse Green's lively 'Nice And Slow' and Sun's deep funk favourite 'Sun Is Here'. T. Rex bring a touch of glam-rock swagger with 'I Love To Boogie', while John Forde's 'Stardance' adds another interesting dancefloor selection.

Closing the album is the Tom Robinson Band's politically charged new wave classic '2-4-6-8 Motorway', an unexpected but enjoyable inclusion that underlines the compilation's broad musical approach.

An entertaining and revealing collection of late-seventies sounds, Don't Walk, Boogie is ideal for fans of vintage disco, funk, soul, boogie and seventies pop. Its mixture of familiar classics and less obvious selections also makes it an interesting period piece for collectors exploring the musical landscape of 1978.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Taste Of Honey – Boogie Oogie Oogie

2. Tavares – More Than A Woman

3. Sheila B. Devotion – Singin' In The Rain

4. Macho – I'm A Man

5. Evolution – Summer In The City

6. Patsy Gallant – From New York To L.A.

7. Gonzalez – Just Let It Lay

8. Tavares – Whodunit

9. Gloria Jones – Bring On The Love (Why Can't We Be Friends Again)

10. Clout – Substitute

Side B

1. La Belle Epoque – Black Is Black

2. Marshall Hain – Dancing In The City

3. Sylvester – You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)

4. Tavares – Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel

5. Matumbi – Empire Road

6. Jesse Green – Nice And Slow

7. Sun – Sun Is Here

8. T. Rex – I Love To Boogie

9. John Forde – Stardance

10. Tom Robinson Band – 2-4-6-8 Motorway