Released in 1986 on Larry Levan’s Vinylmania Records, Man Friday’s Winners is a shining gem in the history of New York’s underground dance music
The EP encapsulates the rich, soulful energy that defined the Paradise Garage era, where Larry Levan’s genius as a DJ and producer left an indelible mark on dance culture. Winners is not just an EP, it’s a time capsule that transports listeners back to the sweaty, exuberant nights of Paradise Garage. It’s essential listening for fans of Larry Levan, 1980s dance music, and anyone looking to understand the roots of house and disco-infused club culture. If you’ve never heard it, you’re missing out on a cornerstone of dance music history, take a deep breath and…
Few Words about The Record
The title track is an infectious anthem celebrating unity and self-confidence. Driven by a propulsive bassline, soaring synths, and dynamic vocal arrangements, it perfectly captures the uplifting ethos of the Garage scene. The call-and-response vocals are as engaging as they are affirming, creating a sense of communal joy on the dancefloor. Co-produced by Larry Levan and Man Friday (a project led by Paul Alexander), the EP blends elements of disco, post-disco, and early house.
Its layered production, with vibrant percussion and hypnotic repetition, reflects Levan’s intuitive understanding of how tracks needed to move both sonically and emotionally in the club. Though Man Friday only released a handful of tracks, Winners remains a cornerstone in the evolution of house music. It showcases the transition from disco to house, paving the way for a sound that continues to inspire contemporary producers.
