Burning The Ground Exclusive
This post kicks off our Mirrorball Memories series, where we’ll be spotlighting Disco and Hi-NRG singles that made dance floors light up. Think of it as the spiritual successor to Disco Friday, bringing vintage grooves and 12″ classics to the spotlight, one post at a time.
As the 1980s dawned, disco was evolving, and electronic dance music was taking over the clubs. Out of San Francisco emerged Frank Loverde—known professionally as Loverde—whose energetic Hi-NRG tracks captured the spirit of the era. One track that stands out is his electrifying rendition of “Iko Iko”, a classic reimagined for the dance floor.
A Classic Reimagined
Originally written by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford in 1953 as “Jock-A-Mo,” “Iko Iko” tells the playful tale of a Mardi Gras Indian confrontation. The Dixie Cups’ 1965 version turned it into a national hit, but Loverde’s take, produced by Patrick Cowley, brought it into the Hi-NRG era. Pulsing synthesizers and a driving beat transform the New Orleans classic into a dancefloor-ready anthem that still thrills DJs and collectors today.
Loverde and Hi-NRG Magic
Hi-NRG music—fast, energetic, and synth-driven—was booming in early ’80s clubs, and Loverde excelled in the style. His soaring vocals combined with Cowley’s electronic production gave “Iko Iko” a unique edge, perfectly bridging the gap between traditional rhythms and modern dance music. While it didn’t dominate mainstream charts, it became a beloved gem among club-goers.
Remembering Frank Loverde
Frank Loverde (1947–1990) made a lasting mark on San Francisco’s music scene, most notably with the 1982 Hi-NRG classic “Die Hard Lover.” Tragically, he contracted AIDS in the late 1980s, a disease that devastated the city’s music community. Loverde passed away on December 20, 1990, at age 43, with his family by his side. His music, however, continues to shine, keeping his legacy alive on dance floors and in Hi-NRG collections worldwide.
Why “Iko Iko” Matters
Loverde’s “Iko Iko” is a perfect example of how classic songs can be reinterpreted for new audiences without losing their original charm. It’s joyful, infectious, and full of energy—a reminder of why Hi-NRG and disco will always have a special place in music history.
SIDE A:
Iko Iko 7:01
Producer – Jeffrey Cohen, Megatron*
Synthesizer [Uncredited] – Patrick Cowley
SIDE B:
San Francisco Serenade 5:04
Arranged By – Frank Loverde, Mike Finden*
Producer – Don Miley, Jeffrey Cohen
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Prism – PDS 406 RE
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Disco
NOTES:
GIANT SINGLE
Track Side B (P) 1979
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
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!
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Patrick Cowley was one of disco’s most mysterious figures.
