- LP
- Recommended
- New Release
Beckie Bell
In Need Of...
Strut
- Cat No: STRUT293LP
- updated:2025-06-22
Beckie Bell's "In Need Of..." — originally released on France's then-independent label 〈Trema〉 and an instant cult classic on the French disco scene — gets an official reissue on Strut. It also follows in the line of Strut's series of Lafayette Afro Rock Band reissues. A gorgeous sound born where the disco era met the music and culture of France's immigrant communities.
Track List
Strut proudly reintroduces a sought after independent disco gem from the Topomic catalogue: Beckie Bell’s ‘In Need Of...’, reissued in full for the first time. Originally released in 1980, In Need Of... quickly became a cult classic of the French disco scene. After relocating from New York to Paris in the late 1970s, Bell carved out a unique space for her sound, blending the soulfulness of New York disco with the high energy sophistication of the European market. The full debut album features some of Bell’s earliest recordings, including the full length version of 'Super Queen' (1979) and 'In The Right Place' (1980), showcasing her commanding vocal delivery and distinct musical style.
Standout track 'Music Madness' has since become a much- loved disco anthem, revered by collectors and DJs alike.
In Need Of... is the product of a powerhouse creative team: Bell’s soulful vocals combine with the compositional brilliance of Lafayette Afro-Rock Band’s Arthur Young and Frank Abel, enhanced by the legendary synth work of Patrick Cowley, Jacob Desvarieux of Kassav' on guitar and keyboards and Chantal Curtis on backing vocals, all brought to life by the expert production of Pierre Jaubert. Remastered by The Carvery, this long-awaited reissue offers a fresh opportunity to rediscover an essential piece of disco history.
Standout track 'Music Madness' has since become a much- loved disco anthem, revered by collectors and DJs alike.
In Need Of... is the product of a powerhouse creative team: Bell’s soulful vocals combine with the compositional brilliance of Lafayette Afro-Rock Band’s Arthur Young and Frank Abel, enhanced by the legendary synth work of Patrick Cowley, Jacob Desvarieux of Kassav' on guitar and keyboards and Chantal Curtis on backing vocals, all brought to life by the expert production of Pierre Jaubert. Remastered by The Carvery, this long-awaited reissue offers a fresh opportunity to rediscover an essential piece of disco history.
Beckie Bell's 1980 album — known to hardcore disco diggers through Red Greg's "Under The Influence 2015" and Nick The Record's sets, and home to "Music Madness," now beloved as a masterpiece thanks to the Favorite 12-inch featuring Tom Noble's remix and various bootlegs — is officially remastered and reissued by Strut. It's backed by a formidable cast: production from Arthur Young and Frank Abel of Lafayette Afro Rock Band (also reissued on Strut) along with the man behind it all, producer Pierre Jaubert; Patrick Cowley on synthesizer; Jacob Desvarieux — guitarist of Kassav', the French world-music giants who carried on Caribbean zouk and even made it to the big screen; plus Chantal Curtis credited on backing vocals. (Original Japanese text by Saito)