Just a Groove (Glen Adams Affair song)

Last updated

"Just a Groove" was a 1980 single for the Glen Adams Affair. It was a hit for the ensemble in the United States, but in the UK where it was first imported, then released as "Just a Groove (Remix)" was where it had its best success.

Contents

Overview

It was reported in the 8 November 1980 of Billboard that Daniel Glass of SAM Records was pinning a lot of hope on the pending release of "Just a Groove" in the US which had already been released in the UK via a distribution deal with Excalibur Records. [1] The UK release on Excaliber records was remixed for the UK market. [2]

Both versions, the original Sam Records version (115 BPM) and the remix version on Excaliber Records (117 BPM) charted in the UK. [3] [4] The UK release was remixed for the UK market. [5] The remix version when it became available took the place of the original version. [6] [7]

Just a Groove

"Just a Groove"
Song
A-side "Just a Groove"
B-side "We've Got to Make It"
Released1980
Length6:18 (US release)
Label Sam Records S-12335
(US release)
Songwriter(s) Glen Adams
Producer(s) Glen Adams

Background

"Just a Groove" backed with "We've Got to Make It" was released in the United States in 12" format on Sam Records S-12335 in 1980. [8]

Reception

In the US, Brian Chin wrote in his review in the 27 September 1980 issue of Record World that the record was what the title suggested. He said that the female vocals were similar to those of the group Skyy and with it currently appearing on the magazine's reporter lists, it could be one of those grass -roots street hits that has a sudden pick up. [9]

In the UK, editor Beverley of the UK Smash Hits magazine asked readers about their thoughts on the local clubs, music and fashion scene. Two weeks later in issue 27 November - 10 December, the answers were printed. Glen Adams was one of the favorites for jazz funk enthusiasts for Friday night at the Goldmine in Canvey Island. [10]

Airplay

According to the 25 October issue of Cash Box , the record was added to the playlist of WILD in Boston. [11]

Club

Discotheque Hit Parade

The record was on the Record World Discotheque Hit Parade chart, High Rollers New York list for the week of 27 September. [12] It was on the Record World Discotheque Hit Parade chart, Electric Circus list for the week of 7 November. [13]

Chart

Record Mirror

On the week of 25 October 1980, "Just a Groove" (US Sam release) made its debut at no. 46 in the Record Mirror UK Disco chart. [14] It got to no. 27 on the week of 15 November. The following week, the remix version on Excaliber Records was in its place at no. 26. [15] [16]

Smash Hits

In the period of 30 October - 12 November, "Just a Groove" debuted on the Smash Hits Disco Top 40 chart at no. 23. [17] By the following fortnight, it was no longer in the chart. [18]

Just a Groove (Remix)

"Just a Groove (Remix)"
Song
A-side "Just a Groove"
B-side "Just a Groove"
Released1980
Length5:36
Label Excaliber Records Ltd EXCL 502
(UK release)
Songwriter(s) Glen Adams
Producer(s) Glen Adams

Background

According to James Hamilton in his Odds 'n' Bods section (Record Mirror 18 October, 1980) "Just a Groove" was to be issued on the Excaliber label with a nicely flowing remix flip. [19] The label was headed by Morgan Khan. Adams who used to live in England was quoted in the 29 November issue of Record Mirror, as saying to Kahn that he was keen for him to make the record a smash so he could do Top of the Pops and see London again. [20] According to the 3 November 1980 issue of Record Business, the Excaliber release of "Just a Groove (cat# Excaliber EXC(L) 502) was one of the records due in the shops that weekend. [21]

In addition to the 12" format release, the record was also issued in the UK in a 7" format. [22]

Reception

"Just a Groove" was one of the Select Singles in the 15 November issue of Music Week. The record was reviewed by Tony Jasper. He mentioned that the record was re-mixed for the UK market. He also mentioned the girls and their chanting of disco instructions, the long instrumental break on the 12" version and the return of the girls' vocals. [23] Also the same week, James Hamilton of Record Mirror gave a review that wasn't that complementary. He said it was another shopgirl-aimed Young & Co-like monotonous mindless chix-chanted thudder. He also made a remark that it was set to a Chic beat with 117bpm and the original on the flip side was 116bpm. [24]

Adams was pictured with two female singers from his Glen Adams Affair ensemble in the 29 November issue of ''Record Mirror. [25]

Airplay

On the week of 6 December as reported by Music Week, the record was seeing airplay action at Manx Radio where it was on the station's A list, Pennine Radio where it was on the station's B list and Piccadilly where it was on the station's B list. [26]

On the week of 20 December, the record was a Hit Pick at Radio Hallam, on the B list of Radio Pennine and the C list of Piccadilly radio. [27]

On the week of 27 December, record was on the Picadilly C List. [28]

Chart

Smash Hits

During the period of 11 November - 24 November, the Just a Groove" remix version on the Excaliber label debuted in the Smash Hits Disco Top 40 chart at no. 8. [29] By the next fortnight, it had dropped down to no. 17. This was its final chart position. [30] [31]

Record Mirror

The week of 22 November marked the first appearance of the remix version on the Excaliber label in the Record Mirror UK Disco chart. The record had moved up from no. 29 to no. 27. Prior to that, all chart entries were for the Sam Records version. [32] [33] On the week of 3 January 1981, "Just a Groove (Remix)" peaked at no. 11 on the Record Mirror UK Disco chart. [34] [35]

Record Business

By the week of 24 November, the Excaliber remix version of "Just a Groove" was at no. 49 in the Record Business Disco chart. [36] Two weeks prior, the Sam Records version was in the chart at no. 51. [37]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atomic (song)</span> 1980 single by Blondie

"Atomic" is a song by American rock band Blondie from their fourth studio album, Eat to the Beat (1979). Written by Debbie Harry and Jimmy Destri and produced by Mike Chapman, the song was released in February 1980 as the album's third single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Feel Love</span> 1977 single by Donna Summer

"I Feel Love" is a song by the American singer Donna Summer. Produced and co-written by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, it was recorded for Summer's fifth studio album, I Remember Yesterday (1977). The album concept was to have each track evoke a different musical decade; for "I Feel Love", the team aimed to create a futuristic mood, employing a Moog synthesizer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jump to the Beat</span> 1980 single by Stacy Lattisaw

"Jump to the Beat" is a song written by Narada Michael Walden and Lisa Walden. It was originally released by American singer Stacy Lattisaw in 1980 when it became a big hit in the UK, peaking at No. 3. It was later covered by Australian singer Dannii Minogue on her debut album, Love and Kisses, in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Trick of the Night</span> 1986 single by Bananarama

"A Trick of the Night" is a mid-tempo ballad recorded by English girl group Bananarama. It was written and produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain and released as the final single from Bananarama's album True Confessions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Relight My Fire</span> 1979 single by Dan Hartman

"Relight My Fire" is a disco song written and released by American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer Dan Hartman as the title track from his 1979 album of the same name. It was also performed by Costa Anadiotis' band Café Society in 1984 and British boy band Take That in 1993, five months before Hartman died.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It Only Takes a Minute</span> 1975 single by Tavares

"It Only Takes a Minute" is a 1975 song by American soul/R&B group Tavares, released as the first single from their third album, In the City (1975). The song was the group's only top-10 pop hit in the United States, peaking at number 10, and their second number one song on the American soul charts. On the US Disco chart, "It Only Takes a Minute" spent five weeks at number two and was the first of four entries on the chart. The song was subsequently covered by Jonathan King performing as 100 Ton and a Feather in 1976 and by boy band Take That in 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glen Adams</span> Musical artist

Glen Adams was a Jamaican musician, composer, arranger, engineer, producer, based since the mid-1970s in Brooklyn, New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Say Yes</span> 1986 single by Five Star

"If I Say Yes" is a 1986 single by British pop group Five Star, and was the follow-up to their biggest-ever UK single, the #2 ranked "Rain or Shine". It was the fourth release from the group's Silk & Steel album. A 3:43 remixed version of the song, which was the version released in the U.S., appeared on the group's 1989 Greatest Hits album.

"Keep On Jumpin'" is a song written by musician Patrick Adams and Ken Morris. This track has been remade, remixed, and sampled numerous times, but only the 1978 original by Adams's group Musique and Todd Terry's 1996 updated version with Martha Wash & Jocelyn Brown reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Musicians on the tracks include Rich Tannenbaum on drums, Ken Mazur on guitar, and Norbert Sloley on bass. Listed here are the most notable versions.

Bobby Eli was an American musician, arranger, composer and record producer from Philadelphia. He was a founding member and lead guitarist of Philadelphia studio band MFSB.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disco's Revenge</span> 1996 single by Gusto

"Disco's Revenge" is a song recorded by American house producer Gusto. It was released in February 1996 as a single only. The song, which mainly consists of a looped sample from Harvey Mason's 1979 song "Groovin' You", reached number nine in the United Kingdom and number one on the RPM Dance/Urban chart in Canada. The title quotes Frankie Knuckles, who had described house music as being "disco's revenge".

Linda Taylor is a performing singer, recording artist and songwriter. She had success with her hits with "(You're) in the Pocket", "You and Me Just Started" and "Every Waking Hour". She also sang lead on the hit "Roberto Who?" which was credited to Cayenne featuring Linda Taylor. She was once a member of Gonzalez. She is also one of the UK's top session singers. Her career has seen her working with acts such as Morrissey–Mullen.

Groove Production was a record label formed by Chris Palmer. The majority of recordings were in the dance and disco genre. Artists to have their material released on the label include Bunny Brown, Cayenne, T. C. Curtis, The Evasions, K.I.D., Morrissey-Mullen, Surface Noise, and Linda Taylor. Hits that came though the label include "Body Shake", "(You're) In The Pocket", "You and Me Just Started", "Roberto Who?" and "Wikka Wrap" etc.

Eddy and the Soul Band was a Dutch-based musical ensemble who were active during the 1980s. Led by Eddy Conard they had hits with their versions of Soul Cha Cha", and "Theme from Shaft".

"It Must Be Heaven" was a 1984 single for the UK r&b dance group Mercy, Mercy. It became a chart hit for them that year.

T-Ski Valley is an American rapper who had several hits during the 1980s. His song "Catch the Beat" was an early rap favorite in the US in 1981. He had a hit in the UK in 1983 with "Valley Style" which spent six weeks in the UK disco chart, and another hit the following year with "Catch the Beat " which spent more than two months on the UK disco chart.

"Catch the Beat" was an early song for rapper T-Ski Valley. It was a hit for him in 1981. Over the years it has been sampled by many artists as well as charting with remixing and new titles.

"Valley Style" is a 1983 single for American rapper T-Ski Valley. It became a hit for him that year. Registering on the UK disco chart, it stayed in the chart for six weeks.

"Catch the Beat (Scratch the Beat)" was a 1984 single for T-Ski Valley. It became a hit for him that year on the UK Disco Top 85 chart. It stayed in the chart more than two months during its run.

"Saturday Night" was a 1984 single for the Glen Adams Affair featuring T-Ski Valley. It was a chart hit in England, spending four weeks on the Disco 85 chart.

References

  1. ↑ Billboard, November 8, 1980 - Page 32 Disco Business, Sam Exec Views Disco, 12 -Inch Importance By Radcliffe Joe
  2. ↑ Music Week, November 15, 1980 - Page 38 Select Singles Reviewed by Tony Jasper, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove (12" 12 EXC 502, 7" EXC 502, PRT)
  3. ↑ Record Mirror, November 15, 1980 - Page 47 UK Disco, 27 29 Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair US Sam 12in
  4. ↑ Record Mirror, November 22, 1980 - Page 39 UK Disco, 26 27 Just A Groove/Remix Glen Adams Affair Excaliber 12in
  5. ↑ Music Week, November 15, 1980 - Page 38 Select Singles Reviewed by Tony Jasper, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove (12" 12 EXC 502, 7" EXC 502, PRT)
  6. ↑ Record Mirror, November 15, 1980 - Page 47 UK Disco, 27 29 Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair US Sam 12in
  7. ↑ Record Mirror, November 22, 1980 - Page 39 UK Disco, 26 27 Just A Groove/Remix Glen Adams Affair Excaliber 12in
  8. ↑ Disco Disco - Sam Records, The SAM Records Catalog, 12" Singles, S-12335 Glen Adams Affair "Just A Groove" / "We've Got To Make It" 19870
  9. ↑ Record World, September 27, 1980 - Page 21 Disco File By Brian Chin
  10. ↑ Smash Hits, 27 November - 10 December 1980 Vol. 2 No. 24 - (page unknown) Disco
  11. ↑ Cash Box, October 25, 1980 - Page 20 Black Contemporary, Black radio Highlights, WILD Boston - Butterball Jr., PD, Adds:
  12. ↑ Record World, September 27, 1980 - Page 21 Discotheque Hit Parade, High Rollers New York DJ: Sergio Munzibai
  13. ↑ Record World, November 8, 1980 - Page 20 Discotheque Hit Parade, Electric Circus / New York DJ: John Jellybean Benitez
  14. ↑ Record Mirror, October 25, 1980 - Page 47 UK Disco, 46 -, Just A Groove, Glen Adams Affair, US Sam 12in
  15. ↑ Record Mirror, November 15, 1980 - Page 47 UK Disco, 27 29 Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair US Sam 12in
  16. ↑ Record Mirror, November 22, 1980 - Page 39 UK Disco, 26 27 Just A Groove/Remix Glen Adams Affair Excaliber 12in
  17. ↑ Smash Hits, October 30-November 12 1980 Vol. 2 No. 22 - Page 27 disco top 40, This Week 23, New, Title/artist Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair, Label SAM (IMP), BPM 115
  18. ↑ Smash Hits, November 13-26 1980 Vol. 2 No. 23 - Page 23 disco top 40
  19. ↑ Record Mirror, October 18, 1980 - Page 41 Discos By James Hamilton, Odds 'n' Bods
  20. ↑ Record Mirror, November 29, 1980 - Page 33 Discos By James Hamilton, GLEN ADAMS, here seen with his Affair
  21. ↑ Record Business, November 3, 1980 Volume Three Number 33 - Page 15 New Releases Due in the shops this weekend
  22. ↑ Music Week, November 15, 1980 - Page 38 Select Singles Reviewed by Tony Jasper, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove (12" 12 EXC 502, 7" EXC 502, PRT)
  23. ↑ Music Week, November 15, 1980 - Page 38 Select Singles Reviewed by Tony Jasper, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove (12" 12 EXC 502, 7" EXC 502, PRT)
  24. ↑ Record Mirror, November 15, 1980 - Page 41 Discos By James Hamilton, UK Newbies, GLEN ADAMS AFFAIR: 'Just A Groove (Remix)' (Excaliber EXCL 502)
  25. ↑ Record Mirror, November 29, 1980 - Page 33 Discos By James Hamilton, GLEN ADAMS, here seen with his Affair
  26. ↑ Music Week, December 6, 1980 - Page 10 Airplay Action, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove Excaliber EXC 502 (A), MANX A List; Pennine B List; Piccadilly B List
  27. ↑ Music Week, December 20, 1980 - Page 8 Airplay Action, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove, Hallam Hitpicks; Pennine B List; Piccadilly C list
  28. ↑ Music Week, December 27, 1980 - Page 6 Airplay Action, Glen Adams Affair Just A Groove Excaliber EXC502 (A), Picadilly C List
  29. ↑ Smash Hits, 11-24 December 1980 Vol. 2 No. 25 - Page 26 disco top 40, This Week 8, New, Title/Artist Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair, Label Excaliber BPM 117
  30. ↑ Smash Hits, December 25-January 7 1981 Vol. 2 No. 26 - Page 38 disco top 40, This Week 17, Two Weeks Ago 8, Title/Artist Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair, Label Excaliber BPM 117
  31. ↑ Smash Hits, 8-21 January 1981 Vol. 3 No. 1 - Page 19 disco top 40
  32. ↑ Record Mirror, November 15, 1980 - Page 47 UK Disco, 27 29 Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair US Sam 12in
  33. ↑ Record Mirror, November 22, 1980 - Page 39 UK Disco, 26 27 Just A Groove/Remix Glen Adams Affair Excaliber 12in
  34. ↑ Record Mirror, January 3, 1981 - Page 30 UK Disco, 11 18 Just A Groove/Remix Glen Adams Affair Excaliber 12in
  35. ↑ Record Mirror, January 10, 1981 - Page 30 UK Disco, 15 11 Just A Groove/Remix Glen Adams Affair Excaliber 12in
  36. ↑ Record Business, November 24, 1980 Volume Three Number 36 - Page 8 The Disco Chart, This 49, Last 42, Wks, Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair Excaliber EXC(L) 502, Dist. A, BPM 117, % 91%
  37. ↑ Record Business, November 10, 1980 Volume Three Number 34 - Page 7 The Disco Chart, This 51, Last 47, Wks 5, Just A Groove Glen Adams Affair (Sam S-12335), Dist. Imp, BPM 115, % 100%
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.