Eli Roth’s Red Light Disco: Dancefloor Seductions from Italian Sexploitation Cinema Deluxe LP Review (CAM Sugar/UMe)

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Introduction: A Filmmaker’s Passion Project

Filmmakers who are also film fanatics in their personal lives often yield fascinating pet projects. Take the affable Eli Roth, a devotee not only of commedia sexy all’italiana (loosely translated as “Italian sex comedies”) but also of the music that gave them much of their charm. For Roth’s purposes here, the sub-genre is dubbed “Red Light Cinema,” a precursor to the racy American comedies of the ’80s—some of which were classics in their own right, while others were destined for heavy late-night rotation on HBO. But the movies produced by my ancestors across the Atlantic hit differently, and we’re finally treated to the ultimate collection of the unique pop tunes they contained. Stylistically, these tracks evoke the sounds of a local discoteca, which explains the sudden urge to dig out my gold chain and wide-collared silk shirt. Or perhaps they’ll transport us to a Purple Rose of Cairo-esque fantasy, where we join the characters at one of their decadent parties.

The Collection: Formats and Editions

Eli Roth’s Red Light Disco: Dancefloor Seductions from Italian Sexploitation Cinema kicks off with 20 tracks across four vinyl sides. The films providing these tunes span 1969 to 1981, and the deep ’70s swath they cut makes the deluxe limited-edition vinyl feel like the only way to go. Pressed on two translucent red LPs, it includes an exclusive bonus clear 7-inch disc (behave yourselves) with two additional rare tracks deemed “too hot” for the main assembly—one never before issued on vinyl, and one previously unreleased entirely. (In total, eight tracks here are new to any format.) The collection is also available as a standard black vinyl edition (sans bonus disc), on CD with a slightly altered configuration, and via digital platforms.

Track Highlights: Standout Songs and Styles

This assortment of irresistible beats is best enjoyed in full before cherry-picking favorites. “La Musica È” lingers in the mind like an earworm, even if vocalist Gloria Guida seems to shout more than sing—her raw energy sells it. Instrumental grooves like “Una vergine in famiglia” and “Avere vent’anni – Disco” transcend language barriers, while the wordless “Nude Odeon (Ritmico Funk)” dares listeners not to move their feet. Daniele Patucchi’s English-language “Runnin’ Around” echoes the vibe of “Funkytown,” and Stelvio Cipriani’s “Finale” (from 1979’s Il Sesso del Diavolo) closes the album with a funky, darker twist on Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.”

Audio Quality: A Pleasant Surprise

Despite the often-cheesy A/V quirks of low-budget cinematic imports (even in the 4K era), the sonic quality here is a revelation. These tracks are clean, dynamic, and brimming with fidelity, accelerating the nostalgic trip to yesteryear. The restoration work on these obscure songs—however extensive—has been executed brilliantly.

Packaging and Extras: A Nostalgic Treat

The deluxe edition’s silver gatefold packaging demands appreciation: lovingly designed and cheekily risqué (discretion advised for younger audiences). A poster and film still postcards are tucked inside, evoking vinyl’s golden age. All editions include the companion booklet, Eli Roth’s Guide to Italian Red Light Cinema, packed with passionate essays, new interviews, vintage photos, press clippings, and archival gems.

Final Verdict: A Celebration of Retro Glamour

Eli Roth’s Red Light Disco is a thoughtfully curated compilation of infectious disco tracks from Italy’s sexploitation heyday. With its crisp audio, lush packaging, and insightful guidebook, the deluxe edition is a must for retro music and cult cinema fans—though no version disappoints.

Tracklist: Deluxe Edition Breakdown

(“Lato” = “Side,” “O.S.T.” = “Original Soundtrack”)
Lato A

1. “Sparklin’ Conversation” – Alfonso Zenga, Paolo Gatti (Sensi Caldi, 1980)
2. “La Musica È” – Gianni Ferrio (L’infermiera di Notte, 1979)
3. “Una vergine in familia” – Carlo Savina (Una Vergine in Famiglia, 1975)*
4. “Avere vent’anni – Disco” – Franco Campanino (Avere Vent’Anni, 1978)**
5. “Quando vuoi con chi vuoi” – Gianni Ferrio (La Liceale Seduce i Professori, 1979)**

Lato B

6. “Amori Stellari – Giochi erotici nella terza Galassia (Titoli)” – Don Powell (Amori Stellari, 1981)*
7. “I’m Number One” – Nico Fidenco (Eros Perversion, 1979)**
8. “Sexy Night” – Nico Fidenco (Porno Holocaust, 1981)
9. “Taxi Girl (Ritmico Disco)” – Pulsar Music Ltd. (Taxi Girl, 1977)*
10. “Nude Odeon (Ritmico Funk)” – Vasil Kojucharov (Nude Odeon, 1979)*

Lato C

11. “L’erotomane (Beat)” – Riz Ortolani (L’Erotomane, 1980)
12. “What Can I Do” – Stelvio Cipriani (La Supplente Va in Città, 1979)**
13. “Servizio fotográfico” – Bruno Nicolai (La Dama Rossa Uccide Sette Volte, 1972)
14. “Do It with the Pamango” – Franco Campanino (Una Moglie, Due Amici, Quattro Amanti, 1980)*
15. “La settimana bianca” – Gianni Ferrio (La Settimana Bianca, 1980)

Lato D

16. “Studio X” – Giuseppe De Luca (L’Altra Faccia del Peccato, 1969)
17. “Studio Z” – Giuseppe De Luca (L’Altra Faccia del Peccato, 1969)*
18. “I’m So Young – Versione coro” – Giacomo Dell’Orso (L’infermiera di Mio Padre, 1981)*
19. “Runnin’ Around” – Daniele Patucchi (Bionda Fragola, 1980)*
20. “Il sesso del diavolo – Finale” – Stelvio Cipriani (Il Sesso del Diavolo, 1971)

Bonus 7-inch

1. “Avere vent’anni” – Franco Campanino (Avere Vent’Anni, 1978)**
2. “Doppio sesso incrociato (Disco Sexy)” – Alfonso Santisteban (Doppio Sesso Incrociato, 1980)*

*Previously unreleased
**First time on vinyl