Hi-NRG

Well, our third episode is a wrap. This time around I took some time to explore Hi-NRG, the form of disco that acted as a transition into the house music of the mid to late 80s. Hi-NRG takes its name from Evelyn Thomas' song "High Energy" (which also started the set) and is usually marked by beefed up tempos and trimmed down instrumentation. Thus, more heavy repetitive synths with even less emphasis on the vocal hook. I also had two special guests in the studio, Kael and Hofia. Though they were a bit mic shy, they were nevertheless a joy to have. As always you can listen to the show on BSR's archiving system here.

And here's a playlist for you all:

Evelyn Thomas- High Energy- 12"
Eastbound Expressway- Frantic Love- Best Of
Earlene Bentley- Caught in the Act- Ultimate Hi-NRG
Laura Pallas- Emergency- Ultimate Hi-NRG
Marsha Raven- Disguise- Best Of
Miquel Brown- So Many Men, So Little Time- 12"
Lipps, Inc.- Rock It- Mouth to Mouth
Material & Nona Hendryx- Bustin Out- Mutant Disco 1
Sylvester- You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)- Step II
Mino- Kama Sutra (Come and Play With Me)- Prime Cuts I
Sunbelt- Spin It- Prime Cuts I
Hot Posse- Ride It- Prime Cuts I

Because Hi-NRG music was never as popular in the mainstream as its earlier disco relatives, many of these artists have faded into relative obscurity, save the few who achieved huge crossover hits (Miquel Brown, Evelyn Thomas) and those whose careers expanded to other genres outside of disco (Nona Hendryx). Bands like Lipps, Inc. have long since dissolved, and sadly Sylvester died of AIDS complications in the late 80s.

But among the information I've come across online, Nona Hendryx especially has remained very active, scoring films, working on theatre productions, continuing to perform live, and acting as an executive at Rhythm Bank Entertainment. As a member of LaBelle (as well as Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells) Hendryx has maintained a sort of legendary air about her, which has been helped by numerous stylistic changes over the years. In addition to working with Material on Bustin Out, she has also collaborated with artists as varied as Prince, Peter Gabriel, and Talking Heads. Needless to say, her career is still going strong.

I'd love to hear from any of you out there if you have any news on these other great artists.

In the meantime stay tuned to BSR and Heaven is a Disco!

Take care,
Brice