You cannot discuss this track without mentioning Bobby Orlando. He was the king of low-budget, high-energy Hi-NRG and proto-house. His signature sound: a Roland TR-808 drum machine, a simple but infectious bassline, synthesized stabs, and breathy, urgent vocals. Orlando later produced early hits for (“West End Girls” before they re-recorded it) and Divine . “Family Affair” is pure Bobby O magic.
Get together… get together… It’s a family affair. Have you heard this track? Drop your memories of hearing it at a club or on a mix-tape in the comments below. family affair 1983
While the title might immediately bring to mind Sly & the Family Stone’s 1971 masterpiece, this 1983 version is a completely different beast. Produced by (a legendary figure in early electronic dance music), this track is a raw, drum-machine-driven, post-disco floor-filler that became a massive underground hit in clubs like The Saint in NYC and the Paradise Garage. You cannot discuss this track without mentioning Bobby