14 Caucciu
& more Deep Jams from the Mediterranean
WOW it’s Enjoy Music, back once again to deliver you five (plus one) Enjoyable Tracks from across the wide world of Music. This is a very special week of Enjoy Music, as we dive deep into the Music of Italy.
Of all the many musical cultures from around the world, I’ve always found myself constantly drawn to seemingly never-ending trove of Enjoyable Music from Italy. The Italo Disco of the 80s, the Dream House of the 90s, and more recently, the prolific and endlessly enjoyable Napoli Scene: there’s something inherently Enjoyable about all this music!
Maybe this has something to do with The Italian Way Of Life? Perhaps!
Let’s take a look at a few Choice Cuts this week! Without giving away too much about our Guests this week, keep in mind: I’m under no pressure to unveil or reveal five deep cuts from the Great Italian Pop Music Songbook (our Guests are much better suited for that), rather I hope to provide with you with a quick glimpse at five of my favourites. There’s more than enough to go around!
As always, share some of your Italo favourites in the comments!
SO, time to fill up a large wine glass full of crushed ice, pour in some Aperol (about half the glass), finish off the other half with Prosecco, throw an orange on the rim, stir it up, and Enjoy The Music of Italy!
Godersi La Musica!
Tony Esposito - Caucciu (1984)
Tony’s Back Baby! We talked about Tony’s absolute jam of a single, Conga Radio, a few editions back, and I’m so thrilled to present another gem from Mr. Esposito. This one is an absolute joy: a floating flute melody leads us across 4:17 of sweet Mediterranean flavours. Conga Radio felt like it was shooting for the stars, while this one feels pretty cozy just staying here on Planet Earth. This makes me think it must be summer all year round in Italy?
It’s also so wild to think about what else was happening in Italian music at this time. Here’s some of the other tracks that came out the same year as this tune:
Pardon my Italian, but Santa M*rda! I love how this tune separates itself from what was happening in Italo Music at that moment. Don’t get me wrong, all those tunes above RULE, but Tony was in his own lane, and I respect him for it. As always, Enjoy Tony!
DJ Ralf - Da Lord (1996)
Let’s jump ahead a bit: we’re out of the Italo Disco era, and fully into the Italian House sound of the 90s. Now this tune was recently reissued as a part of a lovely compilation called Ciao Italia Generazioni Underground, which of course comes on the heels of Young Marco’s legendary series, Welcome To Paradise 89-93, both of which are very much worth your time if you’re looking for an education on this dreamy sound. Anyways, of all the tracks included on these comps, this one specifically speaks to me: gentler than a the standard 90s house track, this one gives a lot of space to the guitar parts and the fretless bass. Dare I say, this feels a little more Balearic than Mediterranean? You decide! Enjoy!
Ron - Hai Capito O No? (Live) (1983)
Okay let’s go back in time once again for this one: RON is here, and he brought his Prophet 5 with him. Seriously, that synth next to that guitar, I have some questions Ron! Anyways, this song has been stuck in my head for the entire week. What Hall & Oates put into the universe, RON HATH PERFECTED. It’s always wild when you hear a cover that so clearly surpasses the original. And look! I have no problem with Hall and/or Oates, but if this tune doesn’t just HIT THE SPOT. Honestly, I think it’s the “whoa-oo-oh”s in the chorus really elevate it. Can I Go For That? YES! Enjoy RON!
Mina - Amante Amore (1977)
Back in time, one more time, all the way to the late 70s for this slice of Italo Disco funk from Mina. This one predates the big Italo Disco swing by a few years, but you can’t tell me this one wouldn’t have gone off at Studio 54 or Paradise Garage. I’ve also got to assume there’s a wild synth remix of this one that would have come out a few years after the initial release. Enjoyers: get digging, we gotta hear that hypothetical version. Anyways, I’ve been playing this one out this summer, and the contrast of the huge vocals in the chorus, with the soft flute lead after is a thing of beauty! People love to Dance To This Song! Enjoy Disco, and Enjoy Mina!
Morenas - Hazme Soñar (Massimino & Cutmaster-G Club Mix) (1989)
This was my Song Of The Summer, meaning I played it in every single set I played this summer. Chill, mellow-vibe events, 2 AM club nights, open air sunset affairs: this one was a hit at all of them. A perfect distillation of everything we’ve just talked about: fun, vibey music that is easy to dance to. What Else Could You Need! That piano line in the chorus could be the sort of thing you hear an entire football stadium chanting. It’s like the Seven Nation Army of Italian House Music. Quote me on that shit baby! Truly, I love this tune so much, and a huge shout out to DFC (Dance Floor Corporation) for having the best design aesthetic and releasing some of the best music of this era. Enjoy Hazme Soñar (Massimino & Cutmaster-G Club Mix)!
BONUS GUEST ENJOY CHOICE: ETERNAL LOVE
I am ridiculously excited to have my buds Eternal Love (aka Federico and Edoardo) contribute a BGEC this week, and of course, it’s only fitting to have two of Milan’s best DJs in the mix in this Italo Edition of Enjoy Music. Okay, the trajectory that these two have been on is wild: I first came across their Youtube channel, which is an incredible source of deep cuts, and a legit inspiration to this Stack. Then, I kept seeing their mixes pop up, each one seemingly more enjoyable than the last. Then they dropped the Altar EP on Planet Trip, which was an immediate add to my USB sticks! Then, this summer, they took on an absolutely monstrous run of DJ dates, playing possibly every club and festival across the entirety of Europe!! PHEW, I’m tired just talking about these guys, what an insane couple of years. The fact that they had a spare moment to provide us with a Bonus Guest Enjoy Choice is a true testament to their Love Of Music, and their Lovely Personalities. Take it away fellas.
Two Men Out And One Inside - Free Flight (1990)
This track is so special for us for multiple reasons. First because it is still quite unknown and difficult to find (and we love unknown stuffs ehehhee). Secondly because we found this record right before pandemic and we remember really struggling for not being able to play it to people. And finally, and most importantly, because it was made by two huge legends of the Italian scene who both unluckily passed away not so long ago. Hope you enjoy!
Grazie mille to Federico and Edoardo, what a treat to have two legitimate diggers share such a beautiful deep cut with us. I’ve already spoken at length about how and where to get into Eternal Love, but one last plug for them: their Boiler Room set from last month is an absolute party. Go show the boys some love, and for the love of god, if they play in your city, go have a dance! HUGE shout out to the boys, and hey…keep your ears open for a little something involving EL & myself?
OKAY in Teen Daze world: Today is the the release day for The Wind Surfer EP! It’s a thrill to have my third release of 2023 out in the world! A BIG shout out to all the folks who came by and hung at the Bandcamp Listening Party we had on Wednesday night. What a lovely experience!
Go stream The Wind Surfer wherever you Enjoy Music!
What a week! See y’all next week for more Enjoyable Music! Ciao!
Next time please invite me to a listening party.
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