Digger, DJ, remixer, producer and member of the Parisian collective Funky French League, Young Pulse is an emblematic French figure in the current disco scene. Don't miss his new EP « Reachin' Out », a prelude to his next album. Whether it's a classic or an obscure title, he is always looking for a banger. For this special edition, he has selected eight disco gems from his private collection. Content from the special disco edition – star wax #74

Allan Harris and Perpetual Motion / Get Ready

Label: Exact Change Records | Year: 1979 | Format: 12"

A proper disco track with all the right ingredients—fast tempo, soulful vibe, and an energetic break. Produced by Billy Butler from Baltimore and arranged by the great Al Johnson from D.C., this rarity comes from a Baltimore-based label with only two releases. I assume the artists are local to Maryland or the DMV. One of my favorite underground disco finds from a record fair.

Mass Appeal / Let's Funk It Up

Label: Premiere Records | Year: 1980 | Format: 12"

Monster record from Miami, this was their only release. Both sides are completely different but absolute killers. Let’s Funk It Up is the club banger of the two, with top-notch production, a deep vibe, and powerful, gospel-tinged vocals. The clavinet gives it the feel of an unstoppable train. My friend Matt from Fréquence Listening Bar in Paris introduced me to it.

Darcus / It's Got To Be Love

Label: RCA | Year: 1977 | Format: 12"

A sublime disco track that transcends the genre. Uplifting arrangements and angelic vocals create an emotional journey. This record embodies disco with soul, capable of moving listeners to tears with its sheer magnificence. It did and still does to me.

Larry Houston / Promise

Label: HFMP Records | Year: unknown | Format: 12"

No release date on this one, but I’d guess 1980 or 1981. A masterful Chicago production with powerful orchestration, a slapping bassline, and a super tight mix over a mid-tempo groove, all carried by a strong soul vocal. My buddy Danilo (MCDE) first put me onto this track, and after years of searching, I finally scored a perfect copy. Definitely one of my disco soul bangers!

Javaroo / Breakin' In

Label: Capitol | Year: 1980 | Format: 12"

Javaroo was a one-album project by UK composers Barry Ian Green and Paul Greedus, who also worked with Heatwave. The LP features a shorter edit, while the rarer 12" extends the groove. And this is why the 12" is a must-have—the real magic happens when the break takes over. A heavy, hypnotic synth bass and drum loop, big sound with the right system.

High Frequency / Summertime

Label: NIA | Year: 1980 | Format: 12"

A stellar track from a legendary disco soul and boogie pioneer. This record showcases Leroy Burgess and Aleem brothers signature sound. A dancefloor weapon later covered by Curtis Hairston, and a testament to Burgess's enduring influence on dance music that never fails to move the crowd.

Kim Taylor / Stump Your Feet And Dance

Label: Queen Constance | Year: 1979 | Format: 12"

Killer track from 1979 on Queen Constance, one of my favorite underground NYC labels. Produced by Peter Brown, who also owned P&P Records, this gem is a club connoisseur’s cut. Fairly easy to find, with multiple colored vinyl pressings that year. Guaranteed to bring serious energy to the dancefloor!

The Bleechers / Party Rock

Label: Bleecher Music | Year: 1980 | Format: 7"

On the funkier side of disco, or vice versa, this 7" is a true banger. With 3 minutes and 30 seconds of pure energy, it’s a killer B-side. The A-side is solid too, but "Party Rock" is the one that gets dancers moving - just like the title promises.

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