THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

399-Conway Brothers-Turn It Up.

1985-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 2.30. When I was in my youth, whenever I was called ‘young man’ I would find it very condescending. All these years later, if I was called it now, I would smile from ear to ear.

The Conway Brothers were a Funk, and Soul group formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 1982, by the four brothers Frederick, (keyboards) Hiawatha, (drums) Huston, (bass) and James Conway. (guitar) They remained active until 1987 releasing two studio Albums, and five singles, with this song being their only chart hit in the UK, in the States it failed to reach the top 100 on Billboard, but did make Number 81 on the R&B chart.

The Conway Brothers were one of the first artists signed to ‘Ichiban Records’ set up in 1985 by the husband and wife team of John Abbey, and Nina Easton. Abbey was born on July 8th, 1945, in London, England, in 1966 he founded the magazine initially called ‘Home of the Blues,’ but soon renamed as ‘Blues & Soul.’ Prior to setting up ‘Ichiban Records,’ Abbey had founded ‘Action Records’ in 1968, and ‘Contempo Records’ in 1973.

‘Turn It Up’ was the title track from the Conway Brothers debut studio Album from 1985, and was written, and produced by all four band members. The song has been described by music critics as retaining the Old School feel of 70’s Disco, while incorporating the more up to date sound (of it’s era) of the mid 1980’s. To promote the song the Conway Brothers appeared on the British television music programme ‘Top Of the Pops,’ dancing, and attempting to mime to the song. I would love to know what John Peel who introduced them was thinking to himself at the time (I have posted the video.)

‘Came to here to smoke, but the vibe here is a joke, turn it up. We’re doing our best, we have just one request, turn it up. If the steam cook can take it, you better give us some more, got to keep the people on the floor.’