The Studio 77 Tapes by The 77 Syndicate & Rowen Shore: The Night Shift Album the Labels Never Heard
Music has a funny way of revealing itself and that makes them feel better. Thing is I recently stumbled onto a story that sounds like a bad movie plot, but it actually happened. A guy named Rowen Shore bought a box of old tapes at a yard sale in Chicago for ten bucks. He was literally about to hit the erase button to record his own music over them when he decided to listen first.
Now here’s the catch, upon listening, you wouldn’t believe the gold mine he found. Something that we all been yearning to have a feel, give it a listen and experience it. Yes Good thing he did listen to it, otherwise we wouldn’t be here talking about it. Well what he found was a secret world from the late 70s. These recordings, now called “The Studio 77 Tapes“, an album from The 77 Syndicate & Rowen Shore are basically illegal jams. Back then, these musicians were under strict contracts that forbid them from playing with anyone else.
So, they snuck into “Warehouse 77” at night to play what they actually liked; those raw funk and early house music which were jams and makes you wanna party hard. I love how this album was crafted cos clearly you can hear it’s the sound of people having fun because they aren’t supposed to be there. So the it gives off vibes like let’s do it like it’s the last time, so everything good is in here, the energy, the raw feel and how each track brings in something unique for every listener is magical.
Rowen shore big ups to you, the care taken to bring these masterpieces to life is breathtaking. Well the album kicks off with “Boom! Shake my groove“. And this song hits you right away. You can tell these guys were just itching to play something loud and heavy, it’s fun, pulsating and brings soo much memories. The moment you hit the play button, you’re locked in and the dance moves just comes outta no where. “Heat me up” keeps that energy going. It feels like a crowded room where the AC just broke. You can feel the romance here and the storyline is just mesmerizing. Man, immediately you get on this track there’s no going back, wow! This is a gold mine of the most beautiful songs you’d ever hear.
The funny thing is by the time you get to “Get on that groove” and “Tonight is ours“, the band is clearly locked in. These aren’t polished studio takes; you can hear the “room” in the recording. It’s messy in the best way possible. “Light up the night” has a classic disco feel, but it’s got a bit more grit than the stuff you’d hear on the radio back then.
“Satin in the crosswalk” is a standout. It’s a bit smoother, like taking a breather before the night gets weird. Then “Blackroom groove” hits, and you can tell the sun has gone down. It’s darker and more repetitive. “Midnight Christmas groove” is an odd name, but the beat is a gift. It’s got a steady bounce that doesn’t quit.
“Baby tonight” feels like a classic floor filler, leading right into the most important song on the record: “Burn my name“. This track is basically a middle finger to the record labels. It’s rock-heavy and angry and I f*cking love it. See the title was a literal instruction to the guy recording them—if they got caught, they wanted their identities erased so they wouldn’t get sued.
“Hours to dawn” is where you hear the shift into what would eventually become House music. It’s hypnotic. “Bad Intentions on the one” has a bassline that feels like a physical punch. It goes hard, the funky elements that starts the track just prepares you for what’s to come, then you’re met with those beautiful melodies. This is a bit slower and allows you to get yourself ready for the next track. My personal favorite title has to be “Bring the horns and break the law”. It’s exactly what it sounds like—loud brass and zero respect for legal contracts.
The album ends with “Club Versions” of Boom! Shake my groove and Get on that groove!. These aren’t just modern remixes. They are actually different takes recorded at 4 AM. The singer is tired, the band is sweaty, and the vibe is much deeper and darker. The ones where deeper secrets are shared, bonds are made and memories brought back like never before.
It is crazy to think this music almost ended up in a dumpster or erased forever. If you like music that feels alive and a little bit dangerous, give this a listen. And trust me, you will not regret it, it’s catchy, full of vibe and engaging.
Enjoy More From Rowen Shore here;
English