Back catalogue: Disco/Nu-Disco

Review: Master compilers ZYX outta Germany have pulled off another masterstroke here. The fourth edition of their
80s Electro Tracks Vinyl Edition collection comes on wax and is packed with gems you will know, and some you won't. All of these tunes very much defined the 80s electro era in their own way and plenty have all kept their edge and energy 40 years on. From catchy synth-pop ditties to the more edgy and experimental beats via several infectious rhythms and retro vibes, this is a time capsule back to this most wonderful decade.

Review: ZYX's Disco Tanz compilation strand proudly boasts a tagline that reads: "many ways for deejays". The idea, as we understand it, is that the music on offer may be rooted in 'Italodance' (the 1990s successor to Italo-disco and a country specific variant of Eurodance) and 'lento violento' (a slower, sub-130 BPM take on hardstyle), but frequently also touches on sounds more often found in earlier styles and other global sub-genres of electronic dance music. There's certainly plenty of variety on show, from the downtempo synth-pop of Gigi D'Agostino, the chugging 'classical-goes-synth' cheeriness of Officia Emotiva and thw warped bass and creepy melodies of Woofer, to the lento violento throb of Uono Suomo, the bouncy badness of Orchestra Maldestra and the analogue-rich, warehouse-ready, triple-time sleaze of DJ Pandolfi.

Review: The ZYX label always deals in timeless disco sounds from across the ages whether commercial or underground. It has done for years and now it assembles some of what it calls its finest Italo Disco Dub Versions across an unmixed double CD compilation. All of these are instrumentals and things kick off with the glistening 80s chords of Paul Paul's 'Good Version' then take in delights such as Felli's hot-stepping 'Diamond In The Night', Raggio Di Luna's chugging and steamy slow motion work out 'Comanchero' and Duke Lake's soul-drenched 'Dance Tonight' (Do It Yourself Verison). A great collection.

Review: Analogue Africa's latest deep dive into the forgotten corners of global music culture shines a light on Mexico's 'pirata' (bootleg) compilations of the early 1980s - sets that contained edited, pitched down and distorted versions of genuine dancefloor hits from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and other central and South American countries. The compilations themselves were, of course, highly illegal, came with very strange covers, and - because of the in-demand nature of the music on offer - sold well. It's a great collection of trippy tropical music all told, with the accompanying booklet - written by a local specialist in 'pirata' musical culture - doing a great job of providing background information and showcasing the movement's strong link with Mexico's soundsystem-powered 'dance-party' scene of the turn of the 80s.

Review: This two-disc collection is a brilliant collection of soulful delights, capturing the vibrant spirit of a golden era in music. Featuring a seamless blend of smooth grooves and electrifying dance tracks, it's a joyous celebration of 80s soul, funk and r&b. From silky ballads to funky floorfillers, the compilation offers something for every mood and taste. The energy kicks off with electrifying beats and infectious basslines from artists like Uncle Louie and Carl Carlton, whose dynamic performances set the tone for the journey ahead. Soulful standouts like Lamont Dozier and Valerie Horton-Brown bring heartfelt emotion, while The Chi-Lites and The Jones Girls channel timeless sophistication into their tracks. Hidden gems such as Funk Fusion Band's captivating groove and Spencer Jones' dub mix showcase the innovation and versatility that defined the decade. The seamless interplay of upbeat anthems like Aurra's joyful energy and introspective offerings from Today, Tomorrow, Forever creates a rich, varied listening experience. With its expertly curated tracklist, this compilation is a delightful rediscovery of an era when bold rhythms and heartfelt melodies ruled the airwaves, leaving an enduring legacy.

Review: Some 21 years after volume one appeared in stores, PTG's ongoing Masterpiece: The Ultimate Disco Funk Collection series has reached its 36th instalment. Given the series' longevity and the sheer number of tracks already showcased across volumes one to 35, the cuts on display here are genuine rarities, cult classics and sought-after gems. As usual, highlights are plentiful, from the soulful vocals, dreamy chords and rubbery slap-bass of In Touch's 'Why Did You Stop Loving Me' and the boogie-era sunshine shuffle of 'I'm Yours' by Hollywood Tucker, to the big studio swell of Spence's mid-80s jam 'Gonna Party', the 80s soul smoothness of Jimmy Scott's 'Games' and the synth bass-propelled post-boogie brilliance of 'Divided Love' by Haywoode.

Review: The Nighttime Lovers series, which deftly showcases the forgotten and overlooked corners of 1980s disco, electrofunk and synth-powered dancefloor soul, reaches its 36th instalment. As you'd expect given the high number of previous volumes, the selections tend towards the defiantly deep, with more familiar artists being represented by lesser-known treats. So, instead of the much-loved 'Love Me Like That', Reel To Reel offers up the glossier, slap-bass propelled 80s soul of 'Don't Keep Me Hanging On', Cashmere contributes the sweet and tactile 'We Need Love' and GQ drops the eyes-closed lead vocals and horn-heavy peak-time hustle of 'Is It Cool'. Other highlights include Phil Upchruch's Marlena Shaw-sporting 'It's Got To Be You', Linda Clifford's superb 'I Want To Get Away With You' and the squelchy synth-disco of 'Decisions' by Anthony Lockett.

Review: The seventh volume of Cosmic Discotheque continues its exploration of 1970s disco with aplomb. This series is all about uncovering rare and overlooked gems from the era and in particular, this edition spans Afro-disco, funk, space disco and Middle Eastern-inspired dance music. The label does a fine job of bringing forgotten singles back to life here and saves you the (albeit pleasurably) effort of digging through flea markets for hidden treasures. With classic disco elements all featuring like drum breaks, soaring violins and vintage synths this collection delivers an authentic sound perfect for any party and full of the thrill of discovery.