The Olympic Runners
The Olympic Runners were a 1970s British funk band assembled by record producer Mike Vernon, who also played percussion, and fronted by singer George Chandler. They featured multi-instrumentalist Pete Wingfield and session players like guitarist Joe Jammer, bassist DeLisle Harper, and drummer Glen LeFleur.
Formed in 1973 at Olympic Studios in London during a delayed session for blues artist Jimmy Dawkins, the group recorded "Put The Music Where Your Mouth Is," which hit No. 72 on the US R&B chart in 1974. This led to their debut album of the same name, followed by "Grab It," peaking at No. 73 on R&B charts. Their sound blended funk, soul, and disco elements, initially mistaken for an American act.
The band released five albums between 1974 and 1976, including Out in Front (No. 49 US R&B), Don't Let Up, and the acclaimed Hot to Trot. UK success peaked in 1978-79 with "Get It While You Can" and "Sir Dancealot" (both top 40 hits), plus the theme for the film The Bitch. Tracks like "Dancealot" appear on RnB-focused sites.
The group disbanded in 1979, with members pursuing session work or projects like Rocky Sharpe and the Replays. Their music has influenced sampling by artists such as Everlast and endures in funk compilations.
Dancealot
A2 Wooden Head 4:16
A3 When You're Dancing 5:28
A4 God Bless You 4:24
B1 The Bitch 6:07
B2 Energy Beam 5:16
B3 Get It While You Can 5:19
B4 Onya 2:37
Written-By – Biddu (tracks: B1), D. Harper (tracks: A1 to A4, B2 to B4), Don Black (tracks: B1), G. Chandler (tracks: A1 to A4, B2 to B4), J. Jammer (tracks: A1 to A4, B2 to B4), M. Vernon (tracks: A1 to A4, B2 to B4), P. Wingfield (tracks: A1 to A4, B2 to B4)
Label: Polydor – PD-1-6196
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
The Olympic Runners' 1979 album Dancealot is generally considered a quality, though perhaps "bandwagon," disco record that features solid musicianship and danceable tracks. It marks a stylistic departure from the band's earlier, funkier work and has received mixed user reviews.
The album leans heavily into the disco genre, a shift from the raw funk sound of their earlier work like "Put The Music Where Your Mouth Is". This has polarized some listeners; some appreciate the shift, while others find it less distinctive than their previous efforts.
The album is noted for the excellent musicianship of the session players involved. The production is considered high quality, even if the overall style is characteristic of the late 70s disco era.
The tracks, particularly the single "Sir Dancealot", are praised for being groovy, funky, and guaranteed to get people on the dance floor.
Some listeners found the album to be a bit "same-y" or repetitive, with the title track being the only significant standout. Conversely, others enjoy the entire album and find the music timeless.
Key Tracks
"Sir Dancealot": This track was a UK Top 40 hit single and is widely praised as a classic disco track with a powerful, soulful breakdown.
"Get It While You Can": Another successful single from around that period that also made the charts.
Sought-after as original vinyl (especially white label promos or sealed copies) for its authentic sound and status as an "underground gem". In essence, Dancealot is a quintessential album from the British funk/disco scene, perfect for fans of vintage dance music looking for quality, feel-good tracks.