Alexander Robotnick, aka Italian producer Maurizio Dami, is a pioneering figure in electronic music, helping to spearhead what would become known as Italo Disco in the 1980s, before embarking on a career in soundtracks and world music, and returning to his electro-disco roots in the 2000s.
“I have a signature sound that allows me to always be myself, no matter what style I’m using,” as he told us in an interview a couple of years back.
He continues to champion emerging voices and new cultural intersections in his music – as evidenced by his forthcoming compilation, Indian TechXpress 2, on his own Hot Elephant Music imprint which will showcase India’s electronic music scene.
In the meantime, 909originals is delighted to welcome Alexander Robotnick to 909originals for the latest #MyRecordBag feature, in which he showcases his favourite early 80s musical gems. As you might expect, it’s pure gold… 🙂
Alexander Robotnik – Celle Vache De Ma Mère
This song does not refer to my poor mother at all, nor to me, who have always been drinking milk and still do. As it often happens with me, I actually made a mistake in the lyrics. It should have been “cette vache” or “c’est la vache.” But “celle vache” sounded better to me…
John Foxx – A New Kind Of Man
“John Foxx’s Metamatic was a true revelation to me. Using only electronics for the arrangement was a huge innovation. Kraftwerk had already done it. But it’s John Foxx who did it rigorously and passionately, paving the way for British electro-pop.”
Suicide – Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne
“Alan Vega’s is a voice that speaks to the dark side of one’s soul. And Martin Rev creates a unique dimension with a brilliant use of electronics — repetitive but rich in nuances. It’s still one of my favourite albums.”
The Residents – Amber
“Electronica is somehow linked to dreams. Or nightmares. No one better than The Residents can take us into a dreamlike dimension: their tunes are timeless and belong to no place but to our imagination.”
Depeche Mode – Dreaming Of Me
“Is it true that the first one is often the best? Dreaming Of Me is the first track by Depeche Mode I listened to, and it’s still my favourite — for its pure electronic sound, not yet contaminated by samples and samplers. And then the rhythmic melody that opened up a totally new era. And also that chorus that’s so unusual in a song structure. Brilliant!”
Expansive – Life With You
“And now we come to Italo. Rago and Farina, two geniuses of Italo, who put together a true masterpiece. It’s not a hit — it’s an act of freedom within a genre sadly famous for the banality of many tracks. A lot of ideas and even a 70s disco chorus. Kaleidoscopic!”
San Giovanni Bassista – Summer Sweat
“Well, those were friends. They wonderfully represent the irreverent spirit of the early 80s in Florence. Claudio Bonaiuti, now sadly deceased, is the author of the songs. He took the best of Italo and filled it with hilarious content. Always fresh.”
My Mine – Hypnotic Tango
“This was a hit. Maybe it shouldn’t be here, but that bass-sequencer loop took me to a richer, more particular dimension compared to the flatness of many arrangements of the time. It paved the way for funkier rhythms in Italo.”
Future State – Future State
“The Italian melodic spirit, for better or for worse, has unique characteristics. So in Future State, the melody is the master, and you find yourself singing it when you least expect it. It happens because it has a development that lasts long enough to grab you — and there are no oh-ohs. Lovely!”
Yello – I Love You
“One of my favourite dance tracks at Tenax in Florence. It really made a huge impression on me. It matched the irreverent spirit of Florence in the early 80s. And then the voice… and the first-class arrangement. As soon as the first notes started, I would rush to the dance floor. I loved Yello.”
Thanks to Maurizio for his selections. Indian TechXpress 2 is released on Hot Elephant Music on 16 May.
Check out the top tracks that the 909originals team has recently discovered through Musosoup here. To feature your music on 909originals, click here. 🙂
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