THROWBACK THURSDAY: Electribe 101 – Talking With Myself [1988]

This past week saw the passing of Rob Cimarosti, the keyboard player and co-songwriter of Electribe 101, the house collective that launched the career of singer Billie Ray Martin.
Reportedly taking its name from a combination of a Soviet fridge manufacturer (!) and the Roland SH-101 synthesiser, the group’s breakthrough single, Talking With Myself, came out in 1988, riding the crest of the Balearic wave, with its sun-drenched vibe and infectious bassline.
Following on from its club success, the group released its debut album, Electribal Memories, in 1990, which included the memorable Frankie Knuckles mix of Talking With Myself, as well as a rare Larry Heard edit of Tell Me When the Fever Ended.
Commenting on Cimarosti’s passing, Martin said on her Facebook page that while they she hadn’t spoken much to him since the group disbanded in 1992, he “was a good person and a lovely man. There was talk of Skype chat to happen soon. I would have loved to say hi. May he travel onwards in peace”.
So turn it up loud, close your eyes, and cast your mind back to 1988… RIP Rob Cimarosti.