This collection of smooth and funky Italian yacht rock and AOR begun a few years ago when I acquired a number of records from an Italian-Australian collector. Most of the records were on major Italian labels such as CGD, Polydor and RCA Italiana and dated back to the late 70s and early 80s. They would have been filed under Italo pop, soft rock or singer-songwriter back in the day. Although some veered close to schmaltzy MOR, they often had one or two groove-based tracks that embraced the popular flavours of the era. These cuts took a smoother R&B approach, incorporating genres such as funk, soul, disco, jazz and Latin music. Mellow electric piano, syncopated guitars, tropical percussion, twitchy bass lines, sleazy saxophones and killer grooves intersected with the melodramatic and lush songwriting characteristic of Italian pop music. So, sit back and enjoy 90 minutes’ worth of warm and sophisticated balearic grooves from Italy.

In Alto Mare: Smooth and Funky Italian Yacht Rock & AOR, 1977-84

Live recording at Amsterdam Open Air 2022

Artist: Norm (@memorabiliarecords)

Norm @ Radio TNP x Open Air

@curiousaboutmusic

Curious Music crosses boarders with this Coastal Guide through unpredictable landscapes. 

I had the pleasure of meeting the Pembrokeshire native at this year's @westivalrecords and am fortunate to present his guide through uneven paths of Synth, AOR, Folk & More!

Coastal Cruising - Curious Music (#10)

Some tracks we've been enjoying during the summer months

Hell Or High Water

https://www.juno.co.uk/products/balearic-london-001-vinyl/1006989-01/

https://www.phonicarecords.com/product/balearic-london-balearic-london-001-balearic-london/195082

The debut release from the recently-launched London party of the same name, Balearic London shines a light on lesser known grooves from the past in this new edits series - and reappraisals of some classics given a new twist. A1 will result in spicy synchronised dancing wherever you play it so proceed with caution. 

Balearic London summer dates:

May 25 - Paper Dress Vintage, London
July 13 - Multi Multi, London
July 28 - Secret Garden Party, Cambridgeshire
Aug 16 - Field Maneuvers, UK
credits

Release The Hounds!

Mixtape for Den Magiska Samlingen. A swedish music blog that features various selectors. 
My enders mix is a collection of favourites from my years of djing that i have used as my ending track at one time or another. Firm Leo-classics that have stood the test of time. Enjoy!

Check out the other selectors here: www.denmagiskasamlingen.se

Den Magiska Samlingen - Enders

Gumshoe Discockey 06/09/25

REALITY (EXTENDED EDIT)

Better Must Come

This mix digs into the smooth, soulful and funky world of Nordic Yacht Rock and AOR Disco, showcasing acts from European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland and focusing on music from the early to the mid-1980s. Like my Australian 'Oceanic Breeze' mix, this special is inspired by compilations such as the 'Too Slow to Disco' series, which have compiled some of the best examples of 70s and 80s Yacht Rock, AOR and Soul, and the recent compilation series 'Pacific Breeze' by Light in the Attic, which shun light on the Japanese version of this smooth and funky style of music known as 'City Pop' in Japan. Sit back and enjoy a Nordic-oriented mix of smooth, funky and sophisticated grooves that drew inspiration from genres such as smooth soul, funk, jazz, disco and soft rock.

REALITY (EXTENDED EDIT)

Gustav Sundh

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