In the world of music, there is a subculture that holds a unique fascination with a bygone era. A time when bell-bottoms and disco balls reigned supreme, and the air was filled with the sultry, soulful tunes of the 1970s. Here at Discoholics Anonymous I’ve made this my permanent vacation from the stress of modern life.
This subculture is known as Yacht Soul, a genre that encapsulates the smooth, luxurious sounds of the era, often accompanied by the image of an idyllic yacht cruising through the crystal-clear waters of a tropical paradise. At the helm of this musical voyage, we have Too Slow To Disco‘s Marcus Liesenfeld aka DJ Supermarkt, a dedicated curator of the genre’s finest treasures.
Two years after the first voyage into this enchanting sonic world, Too Slow To Disco is back with the second edition of their Yacht Soul compilation.
The anticipation is palpable, and fans of the genre are eager to see what treasures lie in wait within the grooves of this new release. The first edition set the bar high, earning the reputation of a golden standard in the world of slow groovers, and now, Yacht Soul 2 – The Cover Versions promises to continue the legacy.
As you immerse yourself in this collection, you’ll find a treasure trove of cover versions of golden classics from the golden age of Soul and Disco, the 1970s.
These songs are like time capsules, preserving the essence of an era that exuded style, glamour, and an irresistible groove, all sounding cleaner, crispier and fuller than ever… AND graciously collected for your listening pleasure.
One of the standout tracks on this compilation is Impact’s rendition of Hall & Oates’ “Sara Smile.”
It’s a delicate and emotive interpretation that pays homage to the original while adding a new layer of soulful richness.
Chaka Khan’s “Fate,” originally a cover of The Dukes, sounds absolutely breathtaking in this brand new mastering, showcasing her unmatched vocal prowess and charisma.
The Doobie Brothers are no strangers to Yacht Soul, and on this album, they receive not one but two glorious makeovers. Dionne Warwick’s take on “Dedicate This Heart” and The Isley Brothers’ rendition of “Listen To The Music” infuse these classics with a fresh coat of splendor and stardust, rekindling the magic of the originals.
However, the crowning jewel of Yacht Soul 2 – The Covers is Roy Ayers’ interpretation of Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love.” It’s a sensual, funky, and inspired performance that captures the very essence of Yacht Soul.
Ayers’ mastery of the vibraphone and Caldwell’s timeless lyrics are a match made in musical heaven, creating a piece of art that transcends time and place.
Yacht Soul 2 – The Cover Versions is a delightful journey through the past, an ode to a bygone era when music was a means of escapism, a celebration of life’s pleasures, and an expression of love and desire.
As you listen to this compilation, you’ll find yourself smothered in yachty goodness, and you’ll be eager to sail the tranquil waters of this musical paradise once again, if you were a fan of the first release in the series.
Again the attention to detail, the lavish new mastering and restoration of the old originals is truly amazing to behold.
Too Slow To Disco has once again reminded us that the allure of Yacht Soul is eternal, and that even in a fast-paced world, there’s always time to slow down and savor the magic of the 1970s.
Yacht Soul 2 – The Cover Versions will be released November 10th 2023.
Links:
Various Artists – Yacht Soul 2 (The Covers) [Too Slow To Disco]
