Disco, Dancing and Jive Talkin’…
M U S I C M O N D A Y
What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Disco?” Be honest. I know some people probably cringe, but not me. It was it’s own unique period of music, that’s for sure.
Disco was not so much about the lyrics, not at all. It was more about the dancing and the music. Disco, by definition, is popular dance music, especially of the mid to late 1970’s. I’m guessing it’s short for “Discotheque?” There was something about those repetitive bass rhythms that caused a whole generation to want to slip into their finest polyester and dance the night away. 
There was also something sad about that time period. I can’t quite put my finger on it. (I’m not talking about the clothes, although they were sad.) Maybe it was a numbing sort of time in our history — sex, drugs and lots of disco? Studio 54, which was in all it’s glory during that time, probably represents a sort of microcosm of a society in decline. So many people fell from grace, becoming consumed with an empty lifestyle… The tag line for the movie, “Saturday Night Fever” was, “Where do you go when the record is over?”
So, back to my original question — What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Disco?”
Here are some of my favorite songs from that era. Mind you, I love to dance, so naturally if a song had a great rhythm I’d be on the dance floor. Also, the Bee Gees and Donna Summer pretty much ruled the airwaves, THEY WERE DISCO.
- I will Survive – 1978 – Gloria Gaynor
- Stayin’ Alive – 1977 – Bee Gees
- Night Fever – 1977 – Bee Gees
- Turn the Beat Around – 1976 – Vicki Sue Robinson
- Last Dance – 1978 – Donna Summer
- The Hustle – 1975 – Van McCoy (Not my favorite but I had to include it.)
- Brick House – 1977- The Commodores
- I Love the Night Life – 1978 – Alicia Bridges
- That’s the Way I Like It – 1975 – K.C. & the Sunshine Band
- Love Train – 1972 – O’Jays
- Le Freak – 1978 – Chic
- Rock your Baby – 1974 – George McCrae
** For those of you who might not be aware, Robin Gibb is in a coma and is reported to be near death. He’s been battling colon and liver cancer for some time. Very sad.
Is it wrong that when someone mentions the word Disco, I think of this:
=/
Yes, it is wrong, very wrong. haha! I saw that movie and it definitely had some funny stuff, not gonna lie. Maybe the trailer was funnier than the actual movie, though?
That usually tends to be the case, but for shame I am a huge Adam Sandler mark, you just know he’s an awesome dude.
True. He’s likable because he even makes himself laugh.
Not sure where I am in the comment cue, Did any one see Glee Saturday Night Fever was the theme.
I didn’t see it. I’m sure it was a good one. It’s fun to look back and remember those songs and dances.
Very sad about Robin.
It is, isn’t it? What a wonderfully talented family and good people, too.
Maurice Gibb sadly did not inherit his brother’s good hair. Look at him. Poor guy. Those are all awesome songs that I would definitely get down to. I love singing “I love the night life” because I can do the best impression! Especially “on the disco rah-houndddddd yeahhh” haha
Yeah, Maurice was a bit unfortunate in the crown area. I love that song, “I love the Night life.” I can totally hear you singing that line. My sister, Maurine, could sing it too! haha!
Good music.
I think of Roller Skating 🙂
Weren’t there some roller skating movies that came out around the same time? Yeah, somebody obviously had the bright idea of mixing that music with a disco ball and roller skating and a whole new activity was born.
Hi,
Oh fun, fun, times I remember it all very well. 😆
I love all the songs you have listed, and if time allows I may go on You Tube later and have another listen, good memories.
Yes I read about Robin, very sad indeed.
I know. It’s especially sad because he seems like such a nice person and because I know he was determined to beat the cancer. Courage like that always makes me sad.
This time period is a mixed bag. Love the fun music memories but I can’t say the same for the clothes! haha!
Well written post. I think 70s music is as much a reflection of the world around it as any other times in modern music.
I’m surprised you left Michael Jackson off the list. Off The Wall is not jsut a great disco album, it’s a great music album.
Technically speaking, you’re very right, “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” are great disco songs, HOWEVER, I will never think of Michael Jackson as a disco artist. To me he was king of pop music. That’s why I didn’t add him in – he’s not on my disco radar.
You have to get back to the source!
I recommend you watch The Wiz as soon as possible.
I would rather stick needles in my eye than watch The Wiz! haha!
Def roller skating–“Walk Like An Egyptian”
“Walk like an Egyptian” was 1986? What the heck? Am I missing something?
For me, that was Disco.
Oh. Okay. *backing slowly away*. Haha!
OOOOh Saturday Night Fever! Now I want to watch it!
I know, right? Such great music. It’s actually really depressing though, isn’t it? I haven’t seen it in, well, a long time, and I’m just remembering, wasn’t their a suicide in it? Or am I imagining that?
Yes – John Travolta’s career, I think…
Yes, there was. There are actually a few really depressing moments in that movie, but I think that’s part of why it’s so good.
Yeah, I guess it’s a real slice of that life. Depressing because when all you have going for you is a polyester suit and some killer dance moves life is pretty sucky. You’re right, that’s what makes it good, it really captures that desperation.
El Guapo! haha! Did you see the sequel, “Stayin’ Alive” directed by Sylvester Stallone? Some cheesy part of me actually liked that movie! hahaha! Shh, don’t tell anyone.
I remember I went to Saturday Night Fever with my mom. I thought it was pretty good but my mom thought it was the silliest thing she’d ever seen. She thought John Travolta acted like Jerry Lewis. In the end one of the sweathogs jumps off the bridge. Or maybe I’m getting mixed up. It was a long time ago. 🙂
Something about combining Jerry Lewis with the Sweathogs is making me giggle. Or maybe it’s just imagining your mother watching it with complete disapproval. LOL!
I should probably write a post asking people about movies they sat through uncomfortably with their moms and, or, dads. That would be pretty funny! There’s always that point when you become painfully aware that the movie your watching is totally inappropriate. haha!
Oh yes! You need to do a post about sitting through uncomfortable movies with one’s parents. I bet there would really be some funny stories that come out of it! I know, it really was funny seeing that movie with my mom and it was so fun to remember. And all because of you Lisa! 🙂
Put me in the cringe category. Lori, however, has forced me to download 2 songs so far. Band of Gold by Freda Payne and Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band. Worst time of my life, the world gors disco and I’m in my Deep Purple phase.
Disco will never die!
Haha! You’re probably right. Just when you think you’ve heard the last of it, it’ll rear it’s ugly head.
It’s funny because I actually appreciate disco more now, than I did back in the 70’s. It seemed so frivolous back then and it really was about dancing, primarily.
I can see the reason for your cringe. I’m sort of cringey about rap music. Yuck.
Oh, and I love Freda Payne’s Band of Gold!
Oh my The Hustle.. I had that move down pat.. Used to dance all around the house getting on my parents nerves..(Thanks so much, now that song is stuck in my head at 9:15pm).
Thin k I’ll see if I still have the moves.. Oh wait, what about the dance “The Bump”?
PS- very saddened to hear of Robin G’s health decline.. You are so right, what a great contribution they all gave to Disco..
Off to hustle now.. or bump..
The Hustle was never my favorite but it was definitely addicting and who can forget the dance moves? Apparently not you! Haha! About the Bump! I haven’t thought of that in a LONG time.
I was born in 76 but when I immigrated to chile in the late 70’s Disco was super popular, wow these bring back memories 😀
I think music is the greatest catalyst for bringing up memories. I think our best music memories are when we’re young. I know mine are.
Glad you stopped by, Andy!
Was my pleasure to visit 🙂 keep up the great posts 🙂
Can’t lie. “Love Train” by the O’Jays is an excellent song. How about my favorite from that era of music:
Disco Inferno is a classic. That’s a good call. Certain ones just say, DISCO, and that’s one of them. Also, great to dance to. Thanks, Matthew! I hope you come by again.
I want to say it was Cleveland, Chicago, or Milwaukee that in the 1970s or 1980s had a “Disco is Dead” night at a baseball game where they burned old disco albums in the middle of the field. Things got really out of hand and I think some people died. I always get this event confused with 50 cent beer night that happened around the same time with similar results.
I think disco has been responsible for more deaths than we could know. ha!
This is probably the first—and last—time I will publicly admit this, but I think disco is pretty great. Sure, many a great disco track has been bastardized by weddings and bar mitzvahs. But still, disco has its moments! There’s a lot of new musicians today who work disco influences into their music. Or at least it sounds disco-y to me.
I totally agree. It’s good that you’re the last to comment so no one will read our admissions. : ) But yeah, it makes you want to dance. It’s all about the rhythms. Plus it feels nostalgic. I’m not surprised that new musicians are trying to work it in their songs. It’s cool.