Burning The Ground Exclusive 1979
“There but for the Grace of God Go I” by Machine is a classic Disco track, known for its socially conscious lyrics and powerful beat. Released in 1979, the song was written by August Darnell, also known for his work with Kid Creole & The Coconuts, and his brother Stony Browder Jr. Its story addresses themes of societal pressures, racism, and the desire for a better life.
The song follows a Latino couple, Carlos and Carmen Vidal, who move from the South Bronx to try to raise their daughter in a safer, more affluent environment. However, in their attempt to distance her from the influences they consider harmful, they isolate her and ultimately face the irony of trying to shield her from the very world they were once part of. The line “Too much love and protection can lead to your child’s rejection” captures this tragic twist perfectly.
Musically, “There but for the Grace of God Go I” combines funky basslines, driving percussion, and a memorable horn section, encapsulating the disco sound with a touch of Latin influence. Machine’s vocals are intense and commanding, matching the urgency of the lyrics. The song was both popular on the dance floor and impactful in its message, resonating with audiences who appreciated its unique blend of a danceable beat and socially aware storytelling.
The song became a cult classic, especially in the dance and disco scenes, and its influence has endured, with various artists and DJs sampling or covering it. It remains a staple for those looking to explore disco music with a deeper message, showcasing how the genre could offer not just infectious rhythms but also poignant reflections on society.
“There but for the Grace of God Go I” enjoyed notable success, especially within the dance and disco communities. The song quickly became a club favorite, thanks to its infectious groove and powerful social message. In the United States, it achieved significant success on the Billboard charts, peaking at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 but making a much bigger impact on the dance floors. It reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Disco Top 100 chart, a reflection of its popularity in nightclubs and discos across the country.
The song resonated in New York’s vibrant disco scene and quickly spread internationally, particularly in Europe. It became a hit in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, where its socially conscious lyrics and energetic beat struck a chord with fans of both disco and funk. “There but for the Grace of God Go I” helped establish Machine as one of the bands that pushed disco into a slightly edgier, message-driven direction, paving the way for future dance hits with more substantive themes.
SIDE A:
There But For The Grace Of God Go I 4:59
Written-By – August Darnell, Kevin Nance
SIDE B:
Get Your Body Ready 4:07
Vocals [Uncredited] – Jocelyn Brown
Written-By – Kevin Nance
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | There but for the Grace of God Go I | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #77 |
| 1979 | There but for the Grace of God Go I | U.S. Billboard Black Singles | #91 |
| 1979 | There but for the Grace of God Go I | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance / Disco songs | #8 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA Victor – PD-11457, Hologram Records (3) – PD-11457
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Disco
CREDITS:
- Mastered By – RSE*
- Producer – August Darnell
NOTES:
Produced for ITC Corp. Productions
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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