The Sonic Origins of Electronic Dance Music

Episode 70

The Sonic Origins of Electronic Dance Music

Trying to understand the evolution and history of electronic dance music (EDM) is a daunting task. We’ll explore some of the sonic roots to see how we got to EDM—a beat-driven music powered by electronics and often focused on creating a trancelike musical state.

Playlist

1. Jesse Saunders, “On And On” from On and On (1984 Jes Say Records). Possibly the first DJ-created album created as a commercial public release. Produced, Performed, Arranged By Jesse Saunders; written by Jesse Saunders, Vince Lawrence. 8:02
2. Armin Van Buuren, “Sail” from Sail (2006 Armind). This 12” original mix was written by and produced by Armin van Buuren. 7:29
3. Amelie Lens, “Linger On” from Let it Go (2016 Second State). EDM performer and producer from Antwerp, Belgium. 7:41
4. Timmy Thomas, “Why Can't We Live Together,” from Why Can't We Live Together (1972 Glades). Timmy Thomas, Hammond organ and drum machine. Note the rapid-fire drum sequences sprinkled in here and there, a premonition around the future sound of drum machines. 4:38
5. Kraftwerk, “Uranium” from Radioactivity (1975 Kling-Klang). Not so much a danceable turn, but the choir sample was later repurposed by New Order in Blue Monday, so a worthy acknowledgement to Kraftwerk. 1:26
6. Kraftwerk, “Transistor” from Radioactivity (1975 Kling-Klang). Electronic percussion, Karl Bartos, Wolfgang Flür; Voice, Electronics, Florian Schneider, Ralf Hütter. 3:43
7. Kraftwerk, “Europe Endless” from Trans Europe Express (1977 Kling-Klang). Electronic Drums, Karl Bartos, Wolfgang Flur; Electronics, Voice, Florian Schneider, Ralf Hutter. 9:38
8. Biddu Orchestra, “Bionic Boogie” from Bionic Boogie (1976 Epic). A 45 RPM single from the disco era, featuring some electronics in the form of synthesizers. Biddu was an Indian-British music producer, composer, songwriter and singer. This was a departure for the Biddu Orchestra, which was normally engaged in full disco orchestrations, not the sonic textures of synthesizers, which are heard here, if somewhat overlayed by the other instruments. 2:59
9. Donna Summer, “I Feel Love” from I Remember Yesterday (1977 Casablanca). Written and sung by Donna Summer; produced by and Moog Synthesizer, Giorgio Moroder; Moog Synthesizer, Robby Wedel; Moog Bass, Thor Baldursson; Drums, Percussion, Keith Forsey; Bass, Les Hurdle.5:52
10. Space, “Save Your Love For Me” from Just Blue (1978 Vogue). Space was a French group, created around Didier Marouani (aka Ecama) and Roland Romanelli, acclaimed for their 1977 UK disco hit "Magic Fly." 5:45
11. Space, “Final Signal” from Just Blue (1978 Vogue). Space was a French group, created around Didier Marouani (aka Ecama) and Roland Romanelli. 4:21
12. Yellow Magic Orchestra, “Computer Game (Theme From The Invader)” from Yellow Magic Orchestra (1978 Horizon). Japanese techno band, parallel to later Kraftwerk. Drums, Percussion, Other Electronics, Vocals – Yukihiro Takahashi; Keyboards, Other [Electronics], Percussion, orchestrated by Ryuichi Sakamoto; Produced by Harry Hosono; Micro Composer programmer, Hideki Matsutake. 4:28
13. Mandré, “M3000 (Opus VI)” from M3000 (1979 Motown). Produced and Arranged By Andre Lewis. Lewis was a keyboardist who went on to collaborate with many artists, not the least of which for Frank Zappa for whom he played keyboards for The Mothers of Invention after the departure of George Duke. 5:43
14. New Order, “Blue Monday” from Blue Monday/The Beach (1983, Factory). This was a 12-inch 45 RPM single of the song which became a top seller. New Order was firmly entrenched in the synth-pop dance/crossover genre at that time and this song with its funky samples, mechanical progression and even references to Kraftwerk (the vocal choir heard is indeed a sample from Kraftwerk’s “Uranium” released in 1975 effectively put a few more bricks in the bridge to electronic dance music. 7:27
15. Michel Huygen, “Take Now Music (Extended Instrumental Version)” from Capturing Holograms (1984 jive Electro). Recorded early 1984 in Barcelona (Spain). Composed, performed, produced, and programmed by Belgian born synthesist Michel Huygen, a member of the Spanish group Neuronium in 1976. 5:34
16. Kraftwerk, “Der Telefon Anruf (German Version)” from The Telephone Call (1987 EMI). Listen to this track and you will hear similarities in later work by New Order, particularly the comping synth chords and pattern. 3:47
17. New Order, “World (The Price Of Love) (Radio Edit)” from World. (The Price Of Love) (1993 London Records). CD single of the track also found on the album Republic (1993 London Records). This sounds as if New Order is still thanking Kraftwerk for their inspiration. 3:39

Opening background music:

New Order, “Confusion (Instrumental)” (1983 Streetwise). Mixed by Arthur Baker and John "Jellybean" Benitez. New Order's sixth single and their first collaboration with Arthur Baker. Released August 22, 1983.

 

Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.

Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.