VA - Red Alert [1980]

SAMPLER

VA - Red Alert [1980]

Released in 1980 by Polystar and pressed on vivid red vinyl, Red Alert is a high-energy Australian label sampler that captures the commercial pulse of disco, synth-pop, and crossover rock at the dawn of the new decade. Compiled by Dermot Hoy and distributed by PolyGram TV Merchandising, the LP was designed for mass appeal, pairing chart-toppers with emerging dancefloor staples in a tightly sequenced format.

Side A kicks off with Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown,” a defining synth-disco anthem, followed by Skatt Bros.’ “Life at the Outpost” and Kiss’s “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”, each track reflecting the genre-blending ethos of late ’70s pop. Isaac Hayes and Gloria Gaynor bring soul and disco pedigree, while Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” marks a pivotal moment in hip-hop’s crossover into mainstream compilations. Silicon Teens’ “Red River Rock” and Genghis Khan’s “Moscow” round out the side with novelty flair and Euro-disco eccentricity.

Side B leans into theatricality and futurism: Village People’s “Ready for the 80’s” and Meco’s “Empire Strikes Back” tap into pop spectacle, while Elton John’s “Are You Ready for Love” and France Joli’s “Come to Me” offer smoother transitions into dance-pop. The inclusion of Con Funk Shun and Festival’s cover of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” adds unexpected depth and variety.

Though not a promo in the strict sense, Red Alert was marketed through retail and TV channels, making it a widely distributed but now collectible item. For archivists, it’s a snapshot of PolyGram’s commercial strategy, genre fusion, visual impact, and radio-ready sequencing, all wrapped in a bold, candy-colored package. (B)

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Track list

01 Lipps Inc. - Funkytown 3:56

02 Skatt Bros - Life at the Outpost 4:58

03 Kiss - I was Made for Loving You 4:26

04 Isaac Hayes - Don't Let Go 7:17

05 Gloria Gaynor - Never can Say Goodbye 6:17

06 Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight 7:36

07 Silicon Teens - Red River Rock 2:54

08 Genghis Khan - Moscow 4:32

09 Village People - Ready for the 80's 3:54

10 Meco - Empire Strikes Back 4:04

11 Lipps Inc. - Rock It 5:41

12 Skatt Bros - Walk the Night 5:26

13 Elton John - Are you Ready for Love 4:21

14 Con Funk Shun - Spirit of Love 4:18

15 France Joli - Come to Me 4:11

16 Festival - Don't Cry for Me Argentina 5:04

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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