Anyone for some manufactured Hi-NRG disco from early 80s NYC?
The Flirts were a carousel of beautiful on-stage models and faceless off-stage singers, constantly being spun by electronic disco pioneer Bobby Orlando. Bobby O wrote the songs, played all the instruments, and picked the line-up. That's definitely in the Svengali / mogul area of pop production.
I've gone for the 12" Mix of Passion today as the longer version gives time for Orlando's magic to spin out, pushes the nondescript vocals aside and allows the A-ha! moment of 4:11 to happen. For me that's when I finally clocked the sample... it's the melody of Felix Da Housecat's superb Silver Screen (Shower Scene)!
Apparently The Flirts are still a going concern as a live act, though I'm not sure how much Bobby Orlando is still involved. His Wikipedia page, which I do have an inkling he's still involved with, says he is releasing music even now. Bonus Bobby O fact - he originally produced West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys.
Finally, there are quite a few different versions of Passion by The Flirts up on that YouTube, so if 9 minutes of pumping disco bliss is too much, then have a go on this proto-Eurotrash video instead...
Original Image: By City of Orlando (http://www.cityoforlando.net/) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
