from the 12” single, Megatone Records, 1982Two days ago would have been renowned synth-master & producer Patrick Cowley’s 60th birthday, had his life not been tragically cut short by AIDS in late 1982. This track, which is sung by one of his closest friends (the legendary disco-drag performer Sylvester), was one of the last major pieces he helped put together, largely from his bed. Cowley was always something of a workaholic, and he worked his ass off until he literally couldn’t move any longer; he always managed to blend his many synthesizers & drum machines together into a sharp clarity of vision that feels both uplifting and assertive. In a cruel twist of fate, Sylvester also wound up contracting the AIDS virus and passed away later in the decade---it’s difficult to even fathom how many amazing people have been lost to this horrible illness. May they both rest in peace.
