Random Wednesday

January 15, 2020 — Leave a comment

The vocals of this track are as much a joke as the bass and melody are serious. And you can bet that at the right time of the night, when Larry Levan dropped it, in the dark Garage this had people tripping. With or without drugs …

• Bumblebee Unlimited – Lady Bug

“Originally released in 1978 on Greg Charmichael’s Red Greg Records, Lady Bug and Love Bug are probably Bumblebee Unlimited’s most recognizable hits. Much like Cloud One, Universal Robot Band and Inner Life, Bumblebee Unlimited was a studio-based disco unit conducted by Patrick Adams and Gregory Carmichael. Their only album Sting Like a Bee was released by RCA in 1979 with contributions from longtime Adams & Carmichael collaborators Leroy Burgess (vocals), Norbert Sloley (bass), and Richard Taninbaum (drums). With an undeniable groove, signature keys and arrangements by Patrick Adams in addition to the comically sped-up vocals, Lady Bug is considered by many to be one of the most important underground tracks of the Disco era.
As with the original Lady Bug 12 Single, the John Morales and Frank Trimarco Sunshine Sound mix takes the A-side of the RCA release. A true Disco version in every sense of the word, this almost 10 minute mix brings out the Latin percussion to the front making it a true dance floor classic and establishing John Morales as one of the best remixers in the industry.
The B-Side belongs to one of New York Citys hottest DJs at the time: Larry Levan. Despite being a very early remix by the Legendary Paradise Garage DJ, the talent was evident and his understanding of a club mix in wide display. Its no wonder Larry Levan would go to become one of the most respected and revered remixers of his generation. Similarly to the Morales/Trimarco version, the percussion are accented throughout the mix making it ready for the discotheque. However the two mixes are undoubtedly different with Levan’s bringing out more funk out of the Adams composition focusing more on the keys and the infectious bass lines.
No real point in arguing which is better, so lets just be glad we have both.”
https://earcandymusic.biz/bumblebee-unlimited-lady-bug-12-vinyl/

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