Album Reviews

Album Review: Joey Negro Presents Doug Willis – Doug’s Disco Brain (Z Records)

By Paul Vig | Published on Monday 10 November 2008

Dave Lee aka Joey Negro returns under the veil of his disco-loving alter-ego Doug Willis – apparently named after a early 90’s ‘Neighbours’ character. Spread across two disc, the album certainly opens with some authentic disco, ‘Power To The People’ and ‘Get Your Own’, the latter of which was released a few years ago and features classy vocals from Taka Boom. But things then begin to move away from disco, with nods to Europe, (‘Begun 2 Love You) and Africa (‘Dougswana’) along the way. The Timmy Vegas rework of ‘You & I’ is a true dance stormer and reminiscent of Kerri Chandler’s ‘Bar-a-Tyme’ – far removed from disco and a contender for best cut. Finally on the first disc, ‘Disco Owl’ is a track I could almost write an essay on. Tongue-in-cheek with its zany piss taking – it left me highly amused. Disc 2 keeps things pumping with opener ‘Skate Dancer’ featuring, as it does, some brilliant strings and synths. ‘Discotizer’ is a bit more modern sounding with its backdrop, while ‘Loving Game’ is a wee bit old now but classic nontheless, with its funky little ruffles. ‘Doug’s Place’ then goes retro in your face, before ‘Tonight Is The Night’ takes you into early dancefloor house and ‘Dancin’ goes true disco. ‘All Over My Leg’ is another madcap ending with a tale about spilling a drink on his leg while dancing. Out there, but far less amusing than ‘Disco Owl’. This is an interesting double pack, DJ friendly too, some solid cuts and a smidge of comedy. A worthwhile investment. I have no idea why Dave Lee isn’t huge yet, he has heaps of talent. PV

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