Ray Mang – Bullet Proof review

Artist: Ray Mang
Title: Bullet Proof
Label: DFA
Genre: Disco/Nu-Disco
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

This is a great if slightly unexpected collision between two legends (well, strictly speaking, three legends). Edit and disco king Ray Mang has been a constant source of delight for DJs for 10 years now, working with The Idjut Boys and The Glimmers, as part of Block 16 or for his superb disco edits on his own Mangled imprint. He’s joined on this DFA release by Lady Miss Kier, the unforgettable vocalist with Dee-Lite, whose classic “Groove Is In The Heart” still rules after all these years.

And the third legend is George Clinton, who had a hit with “Bullet Proof” in the early 80s. This version really pushes the boat out though, coming in faster and way more frenetic than Clinton’s already fairly bouncy number. With wild keyboard stabs and fierce snare hits running rampant, it’s a hell of a lot of fun and sounds like a party kicking off right between the ears as LMK repeats the chorus “I ain’t bullet proof and I won’t wear a ball and chain”. Mang’s production excels as ever, and this should easily set a crowd off with no delay.

The flipside, “Look Into My Eyes”, is calmer and more cosmic than the title track, but it’s still a true beauty with a luscious breakdown in the middle. Yet another superb job all round by the reliable Mr. Mang.

Review: Oliver Keens