Ritchie Family

Jacques Morali & Ritchie Rome's pre-Village People group. First single release, "Brazil", was a major US disco record in 1975 - it's a disco version of the theme from the 1930's movie of the same name. B-side "Hot trip" is a great (non LP) latin-groove track.

Ritchie Family albums were concept albums. Their first was "Brazil", the second "Arabian Nights", then a 1930's themed album followed by "African Queens". These LP's (apart from "Life is music") all featured a 15 or 20 minute disco medley - espeically good is the "Arabian Nights" medley. From this LP also came their biggest hit, "The best disco in town", which was itself a medley of disco hits of the time. From the rest of their Marlin albums, the best disco tracks are "Life is music", "Lady Luck" and "Quiet Village".

Then in 1978 the band switched labels to Casablanca; they also changed their style of disco for a more eurobeat feel. "American Generation" includes the great title track and also their best song of all "I feel disco good". Their final album of the 1970's includes "Put your feet to the beat" and "Where are the men", the latter signifying a return to their earlier style of music.

The Ritchie Family also recorded several tracks for the Village People movie "Can't stop the music".

"I want to dance with you (dance with me)" was one of the first ever 12" singles.

I want to dance with you (dance with me) / (same) (20th Century 12" TCD-51, 1975) Life is music / Lady luck (TK Disco 12" 26, 1977) American Generation (TK Disco 12" 97, 1978) Put your feet to the beat / Bad reputation (Casablanca 12" NBD 20192, 1979) Give me a break / (blank) (Casablanca 12" NBD 20213, 1980)

 

  1. Brazil (20th Century LP, 1975)
  2. Arabian Nights (Marlin LP, 1976)
  3. Life is music (Marlin LP, 1977)
  4. African Queens (Marlin LP, 1977)
  5. American Generation (Marlin LP, 1978)
  6. Bad reputation (Casablanca LP, 1979)
  7. Give me a break (Casablanca LP, 1980)                      BACK