Machine [1979] - There But For The Grace Of God Go I [RCA Victor #PD-11457]

Cannonball Records have recently reissued a couple of unreleased 80s tracks by Jay 'Machine' Stovall (unearthed by DJ Camembert (eh haw, eh haw, eh haw) aka Yann Vatiste) which reminded me of a monster club sound circa 1979.  I don't know how well known this track is for those who 'weren't there'. I always had a soft spot for it but hadn't listened to it in years and was pleasantly surprised as I'd just dismissed it as a pop/disco tune when in fact the vocals are actually quite soulful (or am I just comparing it with today's standards?). 

What I hadn't realised was that it was written and produced by August Darnell (aka Kid Creole) and that he was in the group along with Jay Stovall.  Which, listening to it again, does make sense as it sort of sits between his Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band (1976-79) and Kid Creole  & The Coconuts (1980s) sound and you can see the progression.  Also, Kid Creole & The Cocunuts actually released a version of the song in 1980 - a more latin/carribean oriented version of it.

Machine were a studio disco band who released two albums, 'Machine' in 1979 and 'Movin' On' in 1980. Neither of the albums saw a UK release, in fact the only Machine record to get a UK release was 'There But For....', although they released 2 singles from each album. Much of their material was disco or just down right odd, but there were a couple of tracks of interest.

Mr Destiny

This is a mellow stepper which has been well known and respected by those in the know since release on the 'Machine' album, but it doesn't appear to be widely known.

The sound is a bit low on this track but it's the only one available.  

Is It Love

80s modern soul / boogie with a heavy (almost Chic'ish) bassline. A New York Disco 'Loft' classic played at the Paradise Garage. I don't ever recall this being played in the UK. It was on the second Machine album 'Movin' On' and also got a single release on 7" & 12".

You Didn't Really Love Me At All

Album only track from the second album 'Moving On' released in 1980. Blue-eyed vocals, which I presume are Jay Stovall's.  I would 'classify' this as 'Yacht Soul'.