A Number Of Names - Sharevari
Genre:
Electronic
Style:
Electro, Disco
Year:
1981
Notes:
"Sharevari", re-released and remixed in 2001 & 2002 as "Shari Vari", was a locally produced dance party hit in Detroit in the early 1980s.
The song is interpreted by some enthusiasts as an early example of techno music. In a 2009 interview, Juan Atkins said that the song is not techno. The 313 list's FAQ is more diplomatic, just calling the song "an important step in the evolution of Detroit techno: an early externalization and reinterpretation by the city's African-American youth of electronic European sounds."
Also a topic of debate is the alleged 1981 release date. 1981 copyright dates appear on the original record, and rumors have circulated that the record was released shortly before Cybotron's "Alleys Of Your Mind". However, A Number of Names member Paul Lesley Sharevari says that although "Sharevari" was probably recorded well before "Alleys of Your Mind", Cybotron's record came out first. Atkins says "Sharevari" actually came out in 1982, around the same time as "Cosmic Cars".
The song is interpreted by some enthusiasts as an early example of techno music. In a 2009 interview, Juan Atkins said that the song is not techno. The 313 list's FAQ is more diplomatic, just calling the song "an important step in the evolution of Detroit techno: an early externalization and reinterpretation by the city's African-American youth of electronic European sounds."
Also a topic of debate is the alleged 1981 release date. 1981 copyright dates appear on the original record, and rumors have circulated that the record was released shortly before Cybotron's "Alleys Of Your Mind". However, A Number of Names member Paul Lesley Sharevari says that although "Sharevari" was probably recorded well before "Alleys of Your Mind", Cybotron's record came out first. Atkins says "Sharevari" actually came out in 1982, around the same time as "Cosmic Cars".
Versions
| Title, Format | Label | Cat# | Country | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharevari (12") | Capriccio Records (2) | P-928 | US | 1981 | |
| Sharevari (12") | Capriccio (4) | P-928 | UK | 2007 |
▸ show all 3 reviews
Reviews & Discussion
referencing Sharevari, 12", P-928
Re-presses of this track have re-surfaced in March 2007 around London, not sure if they are bootlegs or legitimate releases, they are the Capriccio version. Legend has it that the originals were limited to 500, and sold to club members at the Charivari parties held in Detroit c.1981 which this track was written about. A Number of Names changed the spelling to "Sharevari" to avoid any possible conflict with the Charivari party promotors. A lot of party promotors in Detroit around this time (including Derrick May and Kevin Sauderson who were struggling with thier Deep Space parties) were just teenagers, but were still raking in the cash. They were living the dream and buying top designer clothes and flash cars. This track epitimises that dream for those teens who otherwise lived in a harsh environment.
referencing Sharevari, 12", P-928
historically, this is considered to be the first ever Detroit techno record, released in 1981 a few weks before cybotron's 'alleys of the mind'. Musically, it is a strange but cool mash-up between kraftwerk, italo and robotic new-wave, with a quite minimal and raw production. The guys show a great sense of humour in the voices and lyrics. Slick, excellent record but uber-hard-to-find. Complete story about this song in Dan Sicko's landmark book 'Techno Rebels', the best (only?) book about the history of Detroit techno.
referencing Sharevari, 12", P-928
The catalog number of this release is a nod to the Porsche 928. The song "Sharevari" sings the praises of that car, as well as L'Uomo Vogue, GQ, car cassettes, cigarettes, bread, cheese, fine white wine, and just about everything else Northwest Detroit party boys aspired to in 1981.