Jon Of The Pleased Wimmin Acid Desert Island Discs
Desert Island Disco – Jon Pleased Wimmin – August 2019
"Jon",
These are by no means my favourite tracks / songs of all time etc, i’ve just chosen songs that I always reach for if I am having a bit of a sesh at home, tracks that make me want to dance and scream along to. I’ve purposely avoided going for full on ‘dance’ tunes though and chosen things that have informed and help sculpt what my tastes are (although a lot of these have sneaked into my sets over the years). Balearic, innit!"
1. Altered Images – Bring Me Closer (Dance Mix)
I’ve got about 5 copies of this glorious Chic-tastic 12”. It’s so lushly produced by the legendary Tony Visconti with strings and backing vocals to die for. It’s a total swish.
2.Koto – Jabdah
I was obsessed with Italo-Disco & Eurobeat in the mid 80’s when I was at Fashion College in London and used to spend my whole grant (remember them) in a couple of trips to the amazing Record Cellar shop in the basement of a sari shop in Chinatown.
I’ve still got all my vinyl from this period. This is one I always come back to, I love the intertwined call & response parts. Very musical and put together like a jigsaw.
3.Blancmange – Blind Vision (Extended Version)
I adore all of Blancmange’s releases but this one just sends me over the edge. The percussion, horns and backing vocals compliment Neil Arthur’s voice so well and the whole thing builds into a funk-fuelled panic attack.
Lovers Rock beamed in from Planet Moroder. I could listen to this on a loop for days.
5. The The – Uncertain Smile (LP Version)
I bought the 12” of this when it was released and adored that (still do) but when the Soul Mining album was released with this remixed version on with added piano, I almost fainted. It’s heaven-sent and must be played really loud with all windows open.
6. Japan – Visions of China
From their glam beginnings, through their Roxy & Moroder phases, I love all of Japan’s music. Again, I love the way this all fits together like a jigsaw and the percussion is so funky, the drum break at 2.11 is beyond. I so wish they had carried on and made a few more albums together after this.
7. U2 – Lemon (Original Version)
Zooropa is my favourite U2 album and this is one song I never tire of. I love the way it’s so experimental but with beautiful melodies and haunting lyrics. You can hear producer Brian Eno’s influence all over it (a good thing) and it’s so cinematic. The wobbly riff part at 5mins in just makes me go weak at the knees.
8. Grace Jones – Slave To The Rhythm (12”)
A bit of an obvious choice, maybe, but what a track! Trevor Horn’s production and Miss Jones’ powerhouse vocals combine to create a bona fide classic. I often play this at the end of the night, I just love it and her so much.
Thanks so much to Jon Cooper, AKA Jon Of The Pleased Wimmin'!
See his website at www.jonpleasedwimmin.com