Sharon Redd [2023] - Can You Handle It (Francois Kevorkian Remix) [Unidisc Music Inc.]

The Special Remixed version of Sharon Redd's "Can You Handle It" by Francois Kevorkian is out digitally today. I believe that it is the original Special Remix that was from 1981 that came out as a B side on the 12" for "You Got The Love"  and not a new mix. The remix was done in Philly at Sigma Sound studios.

This release also comes with the 1980 self-titled album version and a third mix, the Mastermix which I believe is the 'Shep Pettibone Kiss 98.7fm Mastermix' from 1982.

This one certainly brings back memories of sweaty club nights slaving over a hot console when yours truly had a six night club residency back in the day as this got a hammering and still sounds good.

Sharon Redd is the sister of Penny Ford and Gene Redd Jr who owned Red Coach records and was the manager of Kool & The Gang. She died of pneumonia on 1 May 1992 aged 46.

Francois Kevorkian is a French producer and DJ based in NYC from the mid 70s. He was A&R man for Prelude who he did a number of remixes for, as well as DJ at iconic venues such as Paradise Garage and Studio 54.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

Details

Rating:	8.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Dance Classic
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Unidisc Music Inc.
Cat No:	None
Date:	17/03/2023 / 1980
Key/BPM:	11A/112
Price:	£1.79

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Gap Band [1982] - Outstanding [Total Experience #TEX 001 (UK) / TED 704 (US)]

Probably pretty well known to most soul connoisseurs, but what surprised me is that this never hit the UK Top 40. I thought it had, but even though it was #1 US R&B #24 Hot 100 it reached only #68 in UK so would never have been on TOTP or get much airplay, so probably got most exposure in clubs.  

It, therefore, occurred to me that there may be some, especially younger readers, who weren't old enough to attend clubs back then (or weren't even born!) who have yet to appreciate this gem. If you're in that category then you're in for a treat as I personally think that this is by far their best track - forget 'Oops Upside Your Head', adopted by the hand bag brigade, and join the grown ups 😉

Co-written by Charlie Wilson (who is still going strong - I posted his latest release featuring Smokey Robinson a week or so ago) with band members Lonnie Simmons (R.I.P. 6 Feb 2019) and Raymond Calhoun who later formed Sunfire with Rowland Smith and Reggie Lucas who released a dance floor classic 'Step In The Light'  (written by Reggie Lucas & James Mtume) that did absolutely nothing on any chart either here or across the pond!  ... criminal!.

UPDATE I have just received a comment from an 'indignant' reader stating that in fact it was Raymond James Calhoun alone who wrote this track.  I have since verified that on BMI, however, the US & UK 12" and UK 7" labels all credit the 3 above as writers.  Only the US 7" credits Calhoun alone, although they have mis-spelled his name as Raymond Cathound and the Dutch 7" release has R. Cathound! ... so what can I do except double-check with BMI for every item I post - which I simply do not have time nor intend to do, so please, by all means leave a comment if you think something is not accurate and I will investigate.

Here's 'Outstanding' in it's full unexpurgated 12" glory

I Found My Baby - Outstanding Part II?

This came off the Gap Band VI album and I think has the same vibe and feel as Outstanding - it could almost be part II