Larry Levan is widely celebrated as one of the greatest DJs of all time. As the main attraction at the iconic Paradise Garage, a venue designed with him in mind, his innovative and experimental DJ style crafted the sounds he wanted to hear in the club, helping to launch the careers of singers like Gwen Guthrie and Taana Gardner. His tracks played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of dance music, creating a bridge between Disco/Electro and modern House music. Here, we explore ten tracks that define Larry Levan's legacy, including his remixes and a couple of favorites from his legendary sets, all available at Car Boot Soul.
1. Gwen Guthrie – "Seventh Heaven"
Larry Levan's mix of "Seventh Heaven" highlights the signature Paradise Garage sound with its uplifting rhythms and Guthrie's powerful vocals. Levan's magic touch turned this song into an enduring classic that still resonates today. It also boasts the superb rhythm section of Sly & Robbie, who also produced the track.
2. Gwen Guthrie – "It Should Have Been You"
"It Should Have Been You" is another gem featuring the collaborative A-team of Guthrie, Sly & Robbie, and Levan. The track's infectious groove and soulful lyrics made it a staple at the Garage. Larry Levan's influence is evident in the way the song seamlessly blends elements of soul and dance, creating an irresistible vibe.
3. Peech Boys – "Don't Make Me Wait"
As a member of the Peech Boys, Larry Levan co-wrote and produced "Don't Make Me Wait," a track that became an anthem for the early house music scene. The track’s pulsating bassline and hypnotic beats, combined with the soulful vocal delivery, reflect Levan's forward-thinking approach to music production.
4. Class Action – "Weekend"
Levan's remix of "Weekend" by Class Action is a testament to his remixing skills. He transformed the original into a high-energy, dance floor filler that captured the essence of a carefree weekend. This track became synonymous with the Paradise Garage experience, showcasing Levan's ability to elevate a song to new heights.
5. Loose Joints – "Is It All Over My Face"
"Is It All Over My Face" is a quintessential Levan track, where his remixing skills turned an already great song into a masterpiece. One of the vocalists, Melvina Woods, whose lyrics “Is it all over my face? You’ve caught me love dancing,” originated the Strictly Rhythm house classic “Luv' dancing,” years later. Levan’s remix transformed the track as highlighted in this article on how the track was produced.
6. Jimmy Castor – "It’s Just Begun"
The original version “It’s Just Begun” featured on Jimmy Castor’s 1972 album of the same name is a Jazz Funk classic with a heavy funk rhythm and signature brass sound. Levan’s remix brings the beat to the front of the track to transform it into a dancefloor hit and shows his influence on early House music.
7. Change – "A Lover's Holiday"
"A Lover's Holiday" by Change is a feel-good track that Levan frequently played at the Paradise Garage. Its upbeat tempo and joyous melody made it a perfect fit for his sets. This song reflects Levan's talent for curating music that uplifted and united the diverse crowd at the Garage.
8. Janice McClain – "Smack Dab in the Middle"
Larry Levan's remix of "Smack Dab in the Middle" by Janice McClain showcases his ability to bring out the best in a track. The song's catchy hooks (Gamble & Huff) and driving rhythm (Sigma/Philly), enhanced by Levan's remix, made it a huge hit on the dance floor. This 12” single is now pretty rare in the UK.
9. Cognac ft. Salsoul Orchestra – "How High"
"How High" by Cognac featuring the Salsoul Orchestra is a track that highlights Levan's influence on the dance music scene. His remix brought a new level of energy to the song, making it a favorite at the Garage. The combination of lush orchestration and driving beats is a hallmark of Levan's ability to blend different musical elements.
10. MFSB – "Love Is the Message"
"Love Is the Message" by MFSB is perhaps one of the most iconic tracks associated with Larry Levan. The Philly Soul sound and powerful message of inclusivity resonated deeply with the Paradise Garage crowd. Levan often used this track as a closing song, encapsulating the spirit of unity and love that defined his legendary sets.
Browse the entire collection here. And listen to this playlist here. Give us your feedback below – we’d love to hear from you.
Boost your vinyl collection with these legendary tracks, available now at Car Boot Soul. Explore the sounds that defined an era and experience the magic of Larry Levan and the Paradise Garage.