Dark Entries Records Presents: Patrick Cowley’s “Kickin’ In” – A Remastered Tribute to a Disco Pioneer
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Dark Entries Records is proud to announce the reissue of Kickin’ In, a testament to the groundbreaking work of the late Patrick Cowley. This release is not just a collection of tracks; it is a celebration of Cowley’s enduring influence on electronic and disco music. Originally surfacing in 2015 through Honey Soundsystem, Kickin’ In has now been meticulously remastered, offering fans a renewed experience of Cowley’s unique sound. This remastered edition features a new mixdown by Jim Hopkins, as well as an instrumental version that adds fresh layers to Cowley’s already dynamic compositions.
Cowley’s collaboration with Frank Loverde and vocalists Linda Imperial and Peggy Gibbons in creating “Kickin’ In” stands as a highlight of his career. The track, a 9-minute masterpiece, encapsulates the essence of Cowley’s Hi-NRG style—a genre he helped pioneer alongside other electronic luminaries like Giorgio Moroder. With a cybernetic groove that’s both spaced-out and intensely focused on the dancefloor, Kickin’ In originally debuted live in 1978 at The City, San Francisco’s iconic disco cabaret, where Cowley and Loverde opened for the legendary Sylvester.
This reissue doesn’t stop at “Kickin’ In.” It also includes two other tracks that showcase Cowley’s range and depth as a producer. “Thief of Love” and “Make It Come Loose,” both recorded in 1980, feature Cowley narrating excerpts from his erotic journals, adding a deeply personal touch to the slow-burning, sultry beats. “Thief of Love” also sees the return of frequent Cowley collaborator Paul Parker on background vocals, further anchoring the track in the vibrant, leather-clad culture of San Francisco’s nightlife during that era.
The package itself is a work of art. The reissue includes an illustration by Gwenaël Rattke, taken from Cowley’s own Mechanical Fantasy Box journal, alongside a postcard featuring lyrics. This release is more than just a record—it’s a journey into the mind of a musical visionary who, despite his untimely death at the age of 32, left an indelible mark on the world of music. As Dark Entries Records continues to honor Cowley’s legacy, Kickin’ In serves as a powerful reminder of the future he envisioned, one that continues to inspire and resonate in the world of electronic music today.
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