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Ah, the mid-70s »Me Generation«, not so happily remembered. And for years now in the taste-conscious music world, people have laughed at the L.A.-sound with its super-smooth, over-lavish, luxury-laden excesses. Chord progressions as thrusting as that bridge across the bay. Love the white blazer by the way. Neiman-Marcus, right?

But »Too slow to disco – vol. 1« isn’t interested in your ageing hang-ups. As you know, as music ages the best parts shine through, and this collection is a delectable document of this forgotten phase of the mid-70s West Coast music world. We’ve unearthed some of the lesser-known but still beautiful mood music of this period, by people who were often just starting out, or would write their biggest hits years later, but who surfed the West Coast wave penning some total gems. So, yes, welcome to phase 1 of our PRM (Personal Rediscovery Movement, cult fans).

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This sound is everywhere these days, echoing down the years, influencing the likes of Midlake, Haim, Gonzales, John Grant, Ariel Pink, Jonathan Wilson, Rhye, Devendra Banhart, Destroyer, Phoenix, out to the more discofied sounds of Chromeo, Breakbot, and recently Darkside. And what was Daft Punk’s »Random Access Memories«, if not an album entirely dedicated to late 70s L.A.? (And indeed Thomas and Guy recorded with some of the most legendary late 70s studio musicians, quite a few of whom appear in younger guises on this very compilation). And it’s not just dusty rediscoveries in old record shops, there’s also a growing »new sound of L.A.« spearheaded by bands like Poolside, Classixx, Miami Horror, Kisses whose music is infused with the city’s trademark mellow, sunny pop and disco notes.

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And anyway, You can’t blame music-loving youngsters for falling in love with this style and sound – it’s almost otherworldly in its deft smoothness, so effort­lessly uplifting, all those warm and breezy melodies. You think anyone ever got tired of an endless beach with a beautiful sunset? That’s why across Europe and the USA soft-rocking mixes and re-edits are gently filling up the music clouds, and once more tastemakers putting quality songs in the party playlist. Looking at you Todd Terje, Northern Rascal, LNTG, Alkalino, … – Too Slow to Disco