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Giorgio Moroder offers proto-disco gems on Soundcloud for free

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Fans of classic disco and early electronic dance music have reason to rejoice: The respected and innovative Italian producer Giorgio Moroder has started offering classic rarities via his new Soundcloud page.

Moroder, 72, is best known for his work with Donna Summer during her rise in the 1970s. He helped launch her career and composed an important proto-techno song in her “I Feel Love.” But beneath that towering achievement, the producer crafted dozens of influential -- if lesser-known -- tracks that have made their way into superstar DJ mixes over the years.

Some of the more vital ones are available once again -- and for free. The best is the 13-minute version of “Chase,” which came out around the same time as “I Feel Love” and is just as amped-up. Equally intriguing is what sounds like a live version of the same song.

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Moroder also unveiled a few 1975 electronic experiments from his album “Einzelganger,” as well as some less interesting work from the 1980s, when the composer was chasing the then-trend of big-echoed snares and over-pumped kick drums.

Alas, though Summer is once again nominated to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, Moroder is seldom acknowledged in the United States for his work, even though his focus on synthetic beats predicted electronic dance music’s future.

Yes, parts of songs such as “From Here to Eternity” sound dated, but the underlying, throbbing beats helped set a pace and a rhythm for ‘80s house and techno.

Head to Moroder’s Soundcloud page for free downloads.

(Hat tip: Consequence of Sound)

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