HOT WAX by Gregg Witbeck.

It seems that recently the independent record labels have been most in tune to what is happening in the dance music field. Whether it has been the high energy sound, the New York street sound, or new music, the small lavels have been the ones to jump in there first. The big labels get there, but this month is serving as a tribute to the little guys who are giving us what we want right now!

BOBCAT RECORDS

This label is the brain child of producer, writer, composer Bobby Orlando. He is well known not only for his solo efforts, but also his work with Roni Griffith, the Flirts, and Divine. His sound is very identifiable and has become as much a part of the dance scene as anyone His latest offering is no exception. Waterfront Home. "Take a Chance on Me" (12")

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This is very similar in sound and arrangement to the recent Oh Romeo release. At 132 BPM, it fits right into the slot where most of us like to dance. This is Bobby O's sound at its best. Pumping synthesizers and driving percussion as only he can do it.

KOMANDER

With the resurgence of disco/dance music, we are seeing many new labels forming. This is one of those. It is centered in Texas ard has claimed a familiar (to us) artist for its

first release. We hope that any of their future releases will be this good..

Pamela Stanley, "I don't Wanna Talk about it". (12") The old "This is Hot" girl has come back and it was worth the wait. The vocals are a bit smoother than they were before, but she still belts it out like always. The effects and arrangement of this record resembles others, but few ..ave done it this well.

MEGATONE

This label hails from San Francisco which has become a recent hot bed fro new labels and releases. Probably the first and most familiar artist to start out with this label was the late Patrick Cowley. His special musical magic has caused us to scream many a night. Paul "Right on Target" Parker is probably the other one that you will remember that does not have a release in this months column.

Sylvester, "Band of Gold" (12"). Even with the success of his last LP, Sylvester is back stronger than ever. The vocals are more in the gospel style we recognize so quickly as his. This record will be probably end up being one of this summer's classics. Freda Payne probably wishs she had done it this way.

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Magda Layna, "When Will I see you Again" (12"). This is an old Three Degrees classic revisited. It has been given the very current synth sound but it also sounds as if there are real strings and keyboards as well. This is probably due to the fact it was produced by Bill Motley of Boystown Gang fame. The vocals are beautiful and anyone who remembers this song will appreciate this new rendition.

MOBY DICK

Also coming from the great city of San Francisco is a great label. We have heard the quality in pressings that were half speed mastered to the artists and songs that were very carefully chosen. This is also the label that has brought us the wonderful "Moby Mixes" of "Hit and Run Lover" and "Hot Leather". They have also picked up on many hard to get imports and given them stateside

distribution. Their new artists have turned out to be some of my favorites however. Pick up their "Dance Party 101" cassette for a preview.

Gay Old Days

"How about this one?" GWM, hung, into bondage..."

Stonewall Features Syndicate, 1982