The Essential Sylvester Playlist

Dimitri from Paris, Kon, Theo Parrish and more make an appearance in the essential Sylvester playlist, compiled by DEL for his Foundations column.

Related: Foundations: Sylvester Fabuloso!

You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)

(’78; #1 Dance-Disco/#20 R&B charts) – Sylvester literally got the “key to San Francisco” after this one! Check out the reprise “Epilogue” version on the LP. Find the accapella, Kon Edit, and Ultimix. Covered by Byron Stingily (#1 hit), Sandra Bernhard (seriously), and Jimmy Somerville (of the Communards/Bronski Beat).

I Need You

(’80; #6 Dance-Disco chart) – This classic stills kills today! I Love the Unreleased Mix, Dim’s Maxi Disco Blend, and Lovebirds’ inspired “Dancin”.

Over and Over

(’77; #18 Dance-Disco chart) – It was bound for greatness with the Ashford & Simpson pedigree. Ron’s Re-edit and John Julius Knight’s “Find A Friend” both do it justice.

Dance (Disco Heat)

(’78; #1 Dance-Disco / #4 R&B charts) – Come on and dance… dance with me to the disco heat! Pure disco goodness. Get Theo Parrish’s Remix.

Tell Me

(’82; #49 Dance-Disco chart) It’s impossible not to sing the hook or bop to the groove with this mid-tempo jam, trust me! The Munga Verseless Version is top-notch.

Be With You

(’82; all LP cuts #3 Dance-Disco chart) Definite similarities in structure to his other hits at that time but with a haunting vocal. You really feel Patrick Cowley’s brilliance.

Don’t Stop

(’82; all LP cuts #3 Dance-Disco chart) Similar to my comments for “Be With You” but more driving with a hot vocal build-up before the break.

Won’t You Let Me Love You

(’82; all LP cuts #3 Dance-Disco chart) More rare, upbeat, and rock-tinged. It has the signature structure and synths to drive the dance floor crazy.

Do You Wanna Funk

(’82; #4 Dance-Disco chart) – Patrick Cowley featuring Sylvester – Most everyone did “wanna” when this hit exploded on the dance scene. Cowley finally got a top billing. Utah Saints sampled this. Get Gay Marvine’s provocatively named, “Doyouwannafuck? Do You?” edit.

Sex

(’82; all LP cuts #3 Dance-Disco chart) The title alone will drive many to check it out but the quality of Ian Levine’s Mix will make you buy it.

Can’t Stop Dancing

(’79; #2 Dance-Disco / #43 R&B charts) Well… you can stop… but it would be difficult with this hit.

Grateful

(’78) A lesser known, 139 BPM, raise your hands in the air homage to gospel with the Two Tons of Fun girls and Sylvester in a great call and response.

Someone Like You

(’86; #1 Dance-Disco/#19 R&B charts) The Larry Levan Mix and original Keith Haring art on the 12″ cover are reason enough to get your hands on this Paradise Garage classic!

Some others to check out: “Give It Up (Don’t Make Me Wait)” / “In My Fantasy (I Want You, I Need You)” / “I (Who Have Nothing)” / “Down, Down, Down” / “Sooner or Later” / “Mutual Attraction”.

Related: Foundations: Sylvester Fabuloso!