About this item

First ever official reissue of Vance & Suzzanne's "I Can't Get Along Without You", presented here by Kalita. A true holy grail which adorns the shelves of many a proud disco collector, it regularly fetches triple figures 2nd hand. Kalita have not only re-pressed the vinyl on ultra slick 12" with both vocal and instrumental versions, they've included never-before-seen press photos and interview-based linear notes.

Originally privately released in 1980 on Vanton Records, this is the first time that both the record and the label’s story has been told. The product of two members of Crown Heights Affair (Richard Vance Turner and Eleton Johns), the label was established as a way to protect both their musical freedom and copyright that they would have lost had they signed to a major label. With Vanton, they sought to create a sound that combined Eleton’s love for Philadelphia with Richard’s love for New York-based productions.

Vance & Suzzanne consisted of Richard and his childhood friend and fellow band member Suzzanne Slaughter, who was a background singer for many bands in New York including Sister Sledge. The result of a late night writing session between Richard and Eleton and recorded to tape the following day, the record was finished in just twenty-four hours. Yet it’s legacy lives on as one of the most sought-after disco singles in existence.

Two thousand copies of "I Can’t Get Along Without You" were originally pressed to test the market, with the initial plan being to re-record it again at a later date with additional strings. However, the record received such great acclaim by DJs such as Larry Levan that the idea of a re-recording was put on ice. Sadly, due to academic and familial commitments of both Richard and Eleton, only one other single was ever released on Vanton Records in 1985. This elusive little beauty should be right at the top of your disco purchases this week!

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: A gentle and soothing soulful number oozing love and passion. Hot stuff.

TRACK LISTING

A. I Can’t Get Along Without You
B. I Can’t Get Along Without You (Inst.)