Release Date: 11/09/26 - Life On Mars
This record will be released
The pioneering 1976 debut solo album, widely celebrated as a space-funk and cosmic jazz-fusion masterpiece featuring "Life on Mars" and "Theme From The Planets"
Artist: Dexter Wansel
Genre: Jazz/Funk
Label: Music On Vinyl
Life On Mars is the 1976 debut album by the American R&B/jazz fusion singer, arranger, musician, composer and conductor Dexter Wansel.
The album is considered to be a "space-funk" classic, inspired by David Bowie's "Life on Mars?". Wansel composed his own sci-fi sounds with swirling, ring-like oscillators, cosmic sub tones, and metallic, otherworldly leads using his signature ARP 2600 synthesizer. Wansel's pioneering synth sound was shared on numerous records with artists like MFSB, Billy Paul, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Jones Girls.
The album inspired other artists and Wansel's "Theme From The Planets" drum beat intro is hailed as being one of the first foundation beats of hip-hop. His sampled music has been used by Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross, J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, and Ice Cube amongst others.
SIDE A
1. A Prophet Named K.G.
2. Life on Mars
3. Together Once Again
4. Stargazer
SIDE B
1. One Million Miles from the Ground
2. You Can Be What You Wanna Be
3. Theme from the Planets
4. Rings of Saturn
About the artist
Dexter Wansel (1950–2026) was an influential American jazz fusion keyboardist, composer, and producer who helped shape the iconic "Sound of Philadelphia" alongside Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records.
This Vinyl product is a:
- Limited Edition
- Heavy Weight Vinyl
If this album is something you would like to buy when it's released, drop us a line on chat@capsulerecords.co.uk or let us know when you are next in store.
