Disco Sunday #17: Lipps Inc.
This is a (semi) belated “Disco Sunday” post, but I promise it’s worth its Sunday facade. Lipps Inc. was the brainchild of one sole producer, like most disco outfits, from Minneapolis named Steven Greenberg. Greenberg produced the flop single “Rock It” in 1980 which, despite it’s lack of success, convinced Casablanca records to sign him the same year. Luckily for Greenberg he would have greater success with his next single. After recruiting the 1976 Miss Black Minnesota, Cynthia Johnson, as lead vocalist, two guitarists, a keyboardist and bassist Greenberg created disco history by producing “Funkytown” under the title of “Lipps Inc.,” intended to be a pun on the phrase “lip sync.” Now a seminal disco classic that still pulsates through San Francisco club speakers, “Funkytown” was an instant hit when it came out in 1980. It was number one for four weeks.
Alas, this post isn’t really about Funkytown! You’ve all heard that shit five thousand times over, right? Indeed. Lipps Inc. had some other cool shit that is frequently left in lonely disco vaults. One of the most interesting tracks they did after “Funkytown” was a cover of Ace’s “How Long.” “How Long” was a 70’s light rock hit that has worn my record player out on many occasion, so I was a little blown away when I realized there was a disco version of this track. I especially like the minimal, light yet slightly high pitched synth that accents the choruses. This track is for the more adventurous individual who enjoys slower disco.
And, who can forget a track that sat along side “Funkytown” on the 1980 Lipps Inc. record “Mouth to Mouth”? Well, lots of people… but I really love this track. It has a warm/Donna Summer feel to it. Fucking enjoy it already.
P.S. Steve Greenberg now makes webpages (is that an outdated term?) and harasses his poor wanna-be rapper son, Blizzard (Seriously click that.. it’s an MTV link…).
MP3: Lipps Inc. – All Night Dancing
Buy Lipps Inc.’s Funkyworld: The Best Of.
Also, check out this majorly rad Lipps Inc. boogie-woogie video. They dance so smooth I can only HOPE! that one day I can be that clean. Ass right in your face.