Spacer Woman
Song by Charlie
“A classic gem that will last forever...”
"Charlie" is a project by two experienced Italo Disco producers Maurice Cavalieri and Giorgio Stefani. Previously they have been involved in different projects, primarily working on Pop and Disco music. Firefly was an Italian Disco group formed in 1979, best known for their worldwide hit "Love Is Gonna Be On Your Side." Maurice Cavalieri was an arranger, producer, and synth player alongside Maurizio Sangineto, the band's producer.
With the focus on Disco Pop in their early works, both Cavalieri and Stefani touched the ground with publishing and gained experience through the interest in the commercial sound of Disco.
Still, the project "Charlie" with one-hit-wonder "Spacer Woman" was something entirely crafted out of the box.
"Charlie" was established in Italy in 1983 by two pioneers that wanted to break the mold of the classic disco sound.
““Spacer Woman” is frequently described as one of the most affectionate dance singles of Italo Disco. ”
When you hear it for the first time, it will sound weird but pleasant and smooth to dance to. Spacer Woman is often described as an Italo Disco song, but it is perhaps one of the postulates of Electro Disco.
The Electro-type beat is programmed with the signature Italo Linn Drum machine as well as the Roland TR-808. The arpeggiated bass sequence, funky bass, and other parts were done on a Yamaha DX7.
For the time being, DX7 is mostly an appreciated Italo Disco synthesizer. Unlike analog synthesizers, Yamaha DX7 was the first successful digital synthesizer, and it is one of the best-selling synthesizers in history.
DX7 has "FM synthesis" that creates brighter, "glassier," or "metallic" sounds and could better imitate acoustic sounds.
Someone previously said, "It doesn't matter how much gear you possess; it's about how you use it," and that is totally true. When you think about the instruments used in the production of this song, which was categorized as decent/budget gear except Roland 808, which was standard in most of the studios, "Spacer Woman" outstands most of the fresh concepts and ideas of the time. It is an instant classic that was produced with a completely new approach.
The song came out in 1983 and was released by an Italian label, "Disc Organization." It was probably too weird at the time for funky groove-oriented Disco lovers, and it didn't get much attention. In the 80's it was published only on the German ZYX label 1984.
"Spacer Woman" lasts over seven minutes and features the weird cosmic vocals of Stefani's wife, who sings with a vocoder. The single experienced a resurgence after its appearance on the legendary mix by I-f "Mixed Up In The Hague" in 2000
"Spacer Woman" is perhaps one of the most unique tracks of the era, and it's not clear how many records were sold. It is unknown if it ever charted well in Europe, but after the 2000's the record has been purchased and played countless times. This one-hit wonder by Charlie has stayed a relevant piece among fantastic music from that era, thanks mainly to legendary Dutchmen.