Dance To The Best Of ESG (Triple LP)

Dance To The Best of ESG, from New York's legendary punk/funk family affair ESG (Emerald, Sapphire and Gold.) For the very first time, all of the songs that made the band such an innovative influence are available in a single release. Covering their earliest Martin Hannett produced tracks such as Moody and UFO right through their more recent killer tunes, this compilation leans heavily on the foundation that made them one of the most sampled artists of all-time, while touching on every one of their stellar records. Every cut runs deep and every ass had better shake. When ESG says dance you had better dance, dammit!

Born in the late 70s from their Mother's hope that they would avoid the dangers of the South Bronx by practicing their instruments instead of running the streets, the young Scroggins sisters soon formed a band naming themselves after their birthstones and christened ESG (Emerald, Sapphire and Gold.) Entered into a talent show, they caught the attention of 99 Records Ed Bahlman and soon were opening for the likes of PiL and Gang of Four. One such night playing before A Certain Ratio at Hurrahs caught the attention of Factory Records impresario Tony Wilson. Not long after, the four sisters, Renee, Valerie, Marie and Deborah, along with friend Tito Libran, were in the studio with producer Martin Hannett making the tracks that would instantly cement their legend.

You're No Good, UFO, and Moody (all included here) were classics upon arrival. Their relationship with Factory would soon be cemented by playing the opening night of the labels Hacienda nightclub in Manchester, England.

In the meantime, the group had a debut LP to assemble. Starting with the Dance To The Beat Of Moody EP, they then recorded the resulting Come Away With ESG, and it is an absolute stunner. Named by Pitchfork as one of the Best Records of the 80s - the songs are packed with the defining sound of their wonderful way of making a funk juggernaut from a three-note bassline and clattering sticks. Dubby vocals and chickenscratch guitar join clear two note melodies and incessant high hat and congas.

The world seemed to eagerly await what would come next. They had no idea how long that wait would last.

99 Records and Bahlman were soon embroiled in the groundbreaking lawsuit regarding Sugarhill Records use of Liquid Liquid's 'Cavern' in Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel's 'White Lines'. At the same time, ESG was suffering at the hands of hip hop, quickly becoming one of the most sampled (and least compensated) groups of all-time. It would all serve to derail their initial promise.

They never stopped playing live, including the final night of the mythic Paradise Garage club, confirming their place on the House DJ playlist, where Moody was a must spin.