Bobby “O”

Again we return to all matters Divine as Cherry Pop re-issue this album which first appeared on Bobby O’s â€œOâ€ Records back in 1982. Although this time round you’re treated to a second disc crammed with the delight of various remixes etc. But back to the original with its killer line-up of material. All the early and infamous singles are present: Native Love (Step by Step), Shoot Your Shoot plus the uber trash classic Shake It Up, as well as hidden nuggets like the proto-electro Alphabet Rap. Of course it’s all about the singer, although in reality it’s also very much about Bobby O’s fierce production ethic which kicks and screams at you, much as Divine does. So onto Disc two which has remixes by Jon Of The Pleased Wimmin and Mark Moore amongst others lending their sheen to the favourites.Â Essential living.

Release: April 28

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/jungle-jezebel-deluxe-edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si3rNypdZdE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvl4jaC2CDQ

Disclaimer: Bobby O was a highly influential cornerstone covering an indispensable set of four on the floor beats and European influenced, syncopated rhythms which I had first tuned into some three years before House Music hit. His music and production values from 1983, soon to be copied and commercialised in the UK, still resonate now via gritty instrumentation and suggestive lyrics. His record label â€œOâ€ Records which this debut album first appeared on also had the likes of Divine and The Flirts to boast. Ironically, for this review, it’s actually the bonus tracks containing the Club versions of his early singles that really set the floor alight. Although, honorary mentions are certainly due to German Girls alongside the life lesson of How To Pick Up Girls â€“ learn to dance! John â€œJellybeanâ€ Benitez remixed the seminal I’m So Hot For You plus the equally glorious She Has A Way â€“ incidentally Bobby O’s first single – while Beat By Beat (Try My Love) was excitedly handled by Cha Cha Garcia. Hit cowbells, dance, sing and be happy.