The Twelve Inch 182 : Firecracker-Computer Games : Electro Disco/Spacedisco/Electro - 1979

This week’s mix dives into the twilight of disco, right on the edge of 1979–1980. We open with Yellow Magic Orchestra and their Computer Games/Firecracker, setting the tone for an electronic-leaning set. Expect plenty of Giorgio Moroder, alongside Kraftwerk, Telex, John Carpenter, and Patrick Cowley.

Several key tracks showcase the subgenre we now call space disco, born from the arrival of affordable new synths and the sci-fi craze sparked by Star Wars. The theme was everywhere, even in more traditional disco. A perfect example is Gene Page’s fantastic dance version of the Close Encounters theme.

Space disco also paved the way for Italo disco, represented here by Chilly and Love Robot.

To round things off, we hear how Giorgio Moroder transitioned into producing pop and rock acts at the turn of the new decade. Two gems from that period close the set: Japan’s Life in Tokyo (sticking with the theme 😁) and Sparks’ brilliant When I’m With You.