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Who Killed Disco? 7 Suspects Revealed

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IT’S actually amazing when you stop and think about it.   A counter-culture movement originating in homosexual night clubs  somehow wound up overtaking every nook and cranny of the pop culture landscape.  From Hollywood to the fashion industry to ridiculous albums like the one pictured above – nothing was safe from the marauding cash cow called Disco.

So, why did it die a horrible death in the early 1980s?

There were plenty factors at work, such as a very real homophobic backlash. But that is an issue best reserved for a more serious discussion.  Instead, let’s focus on 7 other primary suspects all wanted for “discocide”.

 

 

1. OVER-SATURATION

 

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Posted: 20th, March 2014 | In: Flashback, Key Posts, Music | Comment


Three Chick Discs: Disco Era Threesomes For Your Listening Pleasures

IN the disco era there began a phenomenon of immense historical insignificance: the emergence of all female musical trios.  Sure, there had been The Supremes, and there were various disco/soul trios that genuinely kicked ass (etc. The Three Degrees, Labelle), but these bands were different.  This new breed was basically talentless, and exuded an overt sexuality (i.e. they couldn’t sing, but at least they were hot).  Every song in their entire catalog (with 0.00 exceptions) was about sex, and every performance and music video operated unflinchingly to the “sex sells” approach.

The trend extended into the 1980s, paving the way for groups like Destiny’s Child (who were less one-dimensional).  Largely forgotten in the annals of pop history, all that remains are the vinyl relics which I hereby dub “Three Chick Discs”.  Here are a few examples

 

“Make Love Whenever You Can” by Arabesque

 

arabesque

 

Make love: Do it today, don’t wait until tomorrow
Make love: The only way to wipe away your sorrow, love

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Posted: 6th, March 2014 | In: Flashback, Key Posts, Music | Comment


Intercontinental Dance Floor Dives: Your Euro Disco Dynamite Primer

WHEN disco hit its stride in the mid to late Seventies, it transcended language and boundaries. Perhaps, the secret of its success was that the criterion was so damn simple:  Can you dance to it?  If the answer was “yes”, chances are, you have a disco hit on your hands.

While ABBA and The Bee-Gees propelled the genre into the stratosphere, there were plenty of other good (and not-so-good) disco tracks being churned out across Europe that deserve to be resurrected.  Here are 9 interesting, odd, and awesome gems rescued from obscurity.  Enjoy.

 

Dschingis Khan – “Dschinghis Khan” (1979) Germany

vintage vinyl (31)

 

I wonder what the Mongol overlord would have said if he knew he’d one day be the subject of a peppy German disco track.  I can’t predict his exact words, but I’m sure it would have ended with a beheading or evisceration of some sort.  I suppose one day they’ll be dancing to songs about Pol Pot and Idi Amin.

 

 

Albert’s Negrita – “That’s The Ball” (1976) Germany

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I think there’s something wrong with me.  I actually really, really like this.  The song makes no sense whatsoever, it’s alarmingly repetitive, and involves no musical talent or skill whatsoever.  Maybe I’ve just listened to one too many disco songs, or maybe I’m coming down with a bad fever  – whatever the reason, I dig this track.  I don’t know a thing about it, except that it sounds like it comes from a German porno.  And if it wasn’t, it should have.

 

 

Penny McLean – “Lady Bump” (1975) Austria

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Was this a prelude to Fergie’s humps, her lovely lady lumps?  In typical disco fashion, the lyrics are wonderfully bad:

They call me lady bump lady bump
It’s no lie – aaaaaaaah
Lady bump, lady bump –
Just the music takes me high.

Actually, the “aaaaaah” should read “AHHHHHH!!!!!!” – Penny really lays a eardrum shattering screech to that bit.

 

 

 

Svenne & Lotta – “Funky Feet” (1976) Sweden

vintage vinyl (12)

 

Deciding it sounded too much like “Dancing Queen”, ABBA opted to include this on their album, sending it to fellow Swedes, Svenne & Lotta, instead.  This is truly a piece of disco dynamite, but one can’t help but wonder what Frida and Agnetha could have done with it.  Their vocals would have sent this track to another dimension of disco heaven.

 

 

The Duskeys – “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” (1982) Ireland

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I can’t help it.  This just makes me want to put on a tight gold lame leisure suit, do a line of cocaine, and hit the discothèque.

Oh, wait. This is Irish disco.  Make that – drink a pint of ale then hit the discothèque… then do a line of cocaine.  (Glad we cleared that up.)

 

 

Sophie & Magaly – “Papa Penguin” (1980) France

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“I Am The Walrus” is easily one of the most complex songs ever recorded, and “Papa Penguin” is easily one of the simplest.  I guess you could say they are the Walrus and Penguin are Polar opposites……. Get it? Polar?  (insert crickets chirping)

My apologies.

 

 

Chilly – “For Your Love” (1978) Germany

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Who would have guessed a Yardbird classic would translate so well to disco?  I understand this may be utterly offensive to rock purists; but, if you even have a passing appreciation for disco, you’ll have to agree this is solid gold.  I would admit that I enjoy it more than the original, but I like to avoid being verbally assaulted whenever possible.

 

 

Raffaella Carra – “Pedro” (1980) Italy

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The song itself is nothing particularly special; however, the male dancer outfits in this music video are special indeed.  And by “special” I mean “hilariously awful”.  They look like flamboyantly gay superhero private detectives who work in Willy Wonka’s factory.  If that description makes no sense, have a look.  All will become clear.

 

 

Jumbo – “City Girls” (1977) Germany

vintage vinyl (74)

 

I included this song simply because the album cover is one of the greatest artistic creations ever conceived.  Before you leave this article, I recommend you stare at this cover for a minimum of ten minutes, and let its awesomeness wash over you.  When it changes your life forever, don’t forget to leave a comment at the bottom of this post.   I don’t ask for much – your eternal gratitude is more than enough.

Posted: 3rd, February 2014 | In: Flashback, Key Posts, Music | Comment


Disco the talking parakeet can bang on a bit (video)

disco parakeet copy

DISCO the budgie:

Disco seems to be repeating things he’s overheard. He’s make a terrific spy but an astonishingly poor confidant.

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Posted: 16th, May 2013 | In: Strange But True | Comment (1)


RIP hard-working Queen of Disco

SINGER Donna Summer died Thursday morning after battling cancer. The 63-year-old singer known as the “Queen of Disco” shot to fame in the 1970s and was working hard until the end. She was reportedly planning to release a new album.

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Posted: 17th, May 2012 | In: Music, Reviews | Comment


Michael Jackson’s Trial Won’t Have Video Thanks To Worried Businessmen

WHILE Michael Jackson’s relatives cash-in on the interest surrounding the imminent trial of Dr Conrad Murray and his magical propofol, everyone has eyes squarely on the courtroom.

Will it be televised? Will Jackson’s naked body be displayed on air (you can titter, but this is a genuine possibility)? Will Dr Conrad Murray ever get anything close to a fair trial thanks to constant media coverage and opinion?

Either way, raw film footage of Michael Jackson rehearsing a planned concert in the days before his death isn’t going to be shown to the jury after a ruling from a Los Angeles judge, which is bad news for the prosecutors.

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Posted: 26th, July 2011 | In: Celebrities | Comments (6)