The 10 best 80s boogie tracks, according to My Panda Shall Fly

Ahead of his appearance at Oxjam’s Brixton Takeover with Cooly G later on the 19th October, loveable London producer My Panda Shall Fly has put huge grins on our faces today with this thoughtfully curated list of his favourite 80s boogie tracks. At first glance it wouldn’t seem to have much to do with his actual music, which tends more towards bass-drenched, shimmying electronic experimentation, but at the heart of these gentle feel-good choruses is a glimmer of elation that also comes through MSPF’s work. Basically, it’s just a blast, so scroll down and dive in. 

1. Shalamar – A Night To Remember

   My Panda Shall Fly: “Such a good party track, love the production on it. Instrumental would be just as amazing as the vocal I think…Love the up and down, corny move across the dancefloor. Happy-go-lucky vibe.”

2. Howard Johnson – So Fine

   MPSF: “I imagine this being like a slow-grooving happy slug.”

3. Odyssey – Inside Out
   
   MPSF: “This was one of the first songs of this genre I ever heard, not sure. Really strange androgynous-like voice that contrasts well against such sparkling, bright backing track.”
4. Oran “Juice” Jones – The Rain

   MPSF: “One of the best things about this song is the video, which is just classic stuff – with your mandatory video-only voice-over segment. Very atmospheric, terrible lyrics, but has got such a great chorus. Hauntingly catchy.”

5. Mac Band – Roses Are Red
   
   MPSF: “Could this possibly be my favourite disco/boogie track ever. I’m not quite sure why, but I just can’t resist getting down to this…Gets right in there. Very stompy. The beat is the key thing here, the voice secondary… but easily one of my favourite songs of the whole genre.”
6. The Fatback Band – I Found Lovin’
   
   MPSF: “Such a perfect song, with perfect parts.. This version goes on for a full seven minutes without once not sounding interesting. Probably the best song out of the lot to choreograph a dance to.”
7. Loose Ends – Hangin’ On A String
   
   MPSF: “One of the best disco hits from one of the finest British R&B groups of the 80’s.”
8. Billy Griffin – Hold Me Tighter In The Rain 

   MPSF: “Conjures up an image of doing sideways body ripples on the dance-floor. Also amazing falsetto.”

9. Evelyn “Champagne” King – Love Come Down

   MPSF: “Makes me wanna run down the street singing this out at the top of my voice. Summer soundtrack 4evz.”

10. The Whispers – And The Beat Goes On
    
    MPSF: “Self-fulfilling prophecy – it just keeps going on and on. But in the best way possible.”