Robot Rock du Jour: Zodiac – Zodiac (1980)
Communist disco?! YES! This Latvian state-sponsored disco was actually composed in a music conservatory.
Zodiac is some seriously spaced-out synthy disco goodness. The simple composition of this eponymous track from their 1980 debut LP Disco Alliance brings the lush sythscapes and analog textures to the forefront. Loving those live drums. This exceptional track is essentially unknown in NA and generally available for about US$20 + international shipping. And peep that cover art!!
SCHEMATIC: Three more videos and some fantastic cover art…
Mysterious Galaxy is the lead track off the band’s second LP, Music in the Universe released in 1982. This track takes a funkier approach than found on the first album, as evidenced by the Latvians tearing up the parquet.
Provincial Disco is the third track off the Disco Alliance LP. Although clearly weaker than Zodiac, the synths are still highly unusual. I’m sure you’ll pick out quite a few interesting musical elements and a couple skillful transitions (2:15 & 3:36).
Pacific was the second track on the Disco Alliance LP. Again, clearly a weaker track than Zodiac, but pretty funky nonetheless.
Dabrye sampled that first track- it’s interesting to hear the original!
Tom
27 Aug 09 at 06:08
This is awesome.
alastair
27 Aug 09 at 07:56
Cool! Thanks for the intel. What is the name the Dabrye track?
beaker
27 Aug 09 at 10:54
Whoops- sorry for the late reply. It’s “Machines Pt. I” ( http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/7386/Dabrye-Machines%20Pt.%20I_Zodiac-Zodiac/ )
Tom
8 Sep 09 at 16:30
very cool guys ! thanks for the discovery
Seb El Nigno
17 Mar 10 at 13:57