Eurovision

If I may boast a bit, I have to say that this week's show was pretty awesome. We took a look at some of the best Eurodisco tracks around, which meant the beat was always bouncy, the vocals always light, and the melodies always catchy. Of course, this means we had to look at Eurodisco's pioneer, ABBA, as well as some other artists who were either big in Europe and unknown in America (see Amanda Lear) or who were American artists who couldn't resist the European flare of slick production and poppy beats (see Donna Summer). We also took an extended look at some 80s synth-pop that was heavily influenced by Eurodisco. Here's a link to the archive. And here's a playlist for the show:

Telex - Eurovision - Neurovision
ABBA - The Visistors - The Visitors
Amanda Lear - Diamonds - Queen of China Town
Garcons - Encore l'Amore - Mutant Disco Vol 1
Voyage - Souvenirs - Best of Voyage
Pretty Maid Company - Hey Hey Big John - Single
The Passengers - He's Speedy Like Gonzales - The Passengers
Penny McLean - Lady Bump - Lady Bump
Ice T - From New York to LA - Prime Cuts I
Giorgio Moroder - Oh What a Night - E=MC2
Donna Summer - Romeo - I'm a Rainbow
Lime - You're My Magician - Your Love
Caroline Loeb - Narcissique - Mutant Disco Vol 2
Andrea True Connection - More, More, More pt 2 - More, More, More
Loi - Body Contact - Prime Cuts I
Fussy Cussy - Disco Kings - Single

Telex released a new album back in 2006, called How Do You Dance?, which consists of five new songs and five covers. ABBA, despite unrelenting attempts from fans, continues to refuse the chance of a reunion. Though there's always the musical Mamma Mia, if you're really a big fan. Personally, I don't know how well I could handle both ABBA and a musical. It might just be all a bit too saccharine for me. Surprisingly enough no one else (outside of Donna Summer & Giorgio Moroder) is really still active in the music world today, as far as I know. I can't say for sure whether or not this has something to do with some widespread animosity toward Eurodisco in America, but it is peculiar nonetheless.

Stay tuned for the next Heaven is a Disco, during which we'll explore some of Disco's American roots--plenty of good soul, Motown, and funk!

Take Care,
Brice