Shot - Main Thing

A very significant record in my life and one which commands a special place in my 12" Box of Love, the place where all my treasured tunes live. Once I'd bought this Easy Street release "on import" in 1986, for a whole five pounds, there was no turning back; US vinyl was 3 or 4 times the price but it looked nicer and even seemed to smell better. I managed to convince myself that US releases sounded superior (thicker vinyl? deeper grooves? louder pressing?). The guys on the Turntable Forum over at www.vinylengine.com have debated this issue here

But in any case, now I didn't have to wait 6 months for Streetwave or some other British indie label to get round to releasing it, I'm a vinyl junkie - US vinyl for me please! I'm also a sucker for the cheesily romantic lyrics from Kim Marsh that peak with the demand:

"Bring the roses and the wine, together we'll have a really good time"

Dedicated to my Main Thing, Gabrielle

Danny Williams - Dancin' Easy

A floaty disco winner that was a club and Top 30 hit in Britain in 1977. It has the "... any time, any place, any where ..." lyric that became lodged in the public consciousness as the soundtrack to a series of kitsch Martini Bianco ads, which I must admit to finding rather sexy as a young lad. Have a listen to Danny Williams original



Now watch the ad men (mis) appropriate the song to entice us into a world of 70's glamour - white suits, big hair, ski-ing, yachts, hot air balloon ... the lot. Who's in?

Cleveland Eaton - Keep Love Alive

A great album whose title track inspired the name of this blog and the Keep Love Alive musical mission.

Keep Love Alive Mix - Welcome Aboard

To launch this blog here is a Keep Love Alive mix  inspired by a wonderful piece of music from Webster Lewis with Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra. The lyrics of this track say it all:

"Welcome Aboard ... Welcome Aboard

You don't need no reservations, 

All it takes is you, 

Music is your ticket (That's Nice!), 

Hope You Enjoy It Too."

Great lyrics supported by sublime strings and a snare-heavy drum pattern that sounds way ahead of its 1981 release. Welcome Aboard is featured in this mix a few tracks into an hour long selection of soulful dance music that includes Melba Moore, The Jackson 5 and, ahem,  Hot Chocolate. We hope you enjoy this Valentine's Day  offering of musical love