Patterns In Rhythm: A Funky Time Capsule from 1983 That Still Slaps
Alright, let’s talk about Patterns In Rhythm, the wild little gem dropped by Barry Morgan and Paul Manning back in '83. This UK-born album is like a musical kaleidoscope—equal parts Electronic zing, Funk/Soul swagger, Pop charm, Latin vibes, Stage & Screen drama, and even some Hip Hop edge. It's all glued together with breakbeat wizardry that feels as fresh today as it did four decades ago. Released under Red Bus Music Library, this thing wasn’t your typical chart-topper, but man, does it have personality.
First off, shoutout to the dream team behind the scenes. You got Barry Morgan and Paul Manning wearing multiple hats—composing, producing, basically doing everything except delivering vinyls door-to-door (though wouldn’t that be something?). Diane Waller and Tim Gates nailed the cover art too, giving it that retro-cool vibe, while engineer Gordon Milne made sure every beat hit just right.
Now onto the tracks because, honestly, there are so many bangers here it’s hard to pick favorites. But two really stuck with me: “Enchillada Mixa 2” and “Walking On The Bright Side.”
Let’s start with “Enchillada Mixa 2.” I mean, what kind of name is that? Sounds like someone spilled salsa on their keyboard mid-recording session. But don’t let the quirky title fool ya—it’s an absolute groove monster. The track starts with these tight percussion loops that feel like they’re tapping directly into your brain stem. Then BAM, the bassline kicks in, smooth as butter melting over hot toast. Add in those faint Latin flourishes, and suddenly you're not in rainy ol’ Britain anymore—you’re sipping mango juice somewhere sunny. It’s playful yet sophisticated, like a dance party for intellectuals.
Then there’s “Walking On The Bright Side,” which sounds exactly how hope smells after a good cry. It’s got this uplifting synth melody paired with funky guitar riffs that make you wanna grab life by the horns—or at least pretend you’re starring in an ‘80s movie montage where you jog through city streets while dramatically shedding your jacket. There’s a sense of optimism here that doesn’t feel cheesy or forced; instead, it’s warm, inviting, almost nostalgic for moments you haven’t lived yet. And isn’t that kinda magical?
But hey, beyond these standout tunes, the whole album has this weirdly timeless quality. Listening to Patterns In Rhythm now feels like eavesdropping on a conversation between genres before anyone told them they couldn’t hang out together. It’s messy, experimental, and full of heart—a reminder that music can be whatever the hell it wants if you’ve got the guts to try.
So yeah, wrapping up: If you stumble across this record in a dusty bin somewhere, snag it. Not only will you own a piece of eclectic brilliance, but you’ll also get to brag about discovering hidden gems most folks missed entirely. Oh, and one last thought—how cool would it be if Barry and Paul randomly decided to reunite for a remix EP? Just saying, legends never truly retire… sometimes they’re just chilling, waiting for us to catch up.
