Thursday, April 23, 2009

Kids These Days

I got quite a shock while at computer last night, watching the Idol results show, when this appeared on my Twitter stream...

"Who are these people singing on Idol?"

Uh... excuse me? Not only should you know, you should be alternating between squealing with delight, jumping for joy, and staring reverently at the TV with a single tear streaming slowly down your face. Then you should be breaking into dance, hopping around the kitchen (ignoring stupid, never-really-very-good, mummified KC), searching for your iPod to relive that magical Band of Gold moment over and over and over again. Can I just tell you that at the tender age of 12, although I had not been abandoned emotionally and physically by a husband, I felt every ounce of angst poor Freda sang about? Being rejected and dateless at my very first Sadie Hawkins dance was just as, if not more, painful. 

So, in case that previously mentioned tweet was indeed reflective of the younger generation's knowledge of all things disco (and not some sick joke), I have compiled a list of the absolute best of the best for your dancing, singing and general boogying pleasure. No need to thank me. Just get up on your feet, people!

MacArthur Park 
Boogie Wonderland 
Last Dance 
The Boss 
More Than a Woman
Shake Your Body Down to the Ground
Night Fever
Le Freak
Ladies' Night
She's A Bad Mama Jama
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
Dancing Queen
Shake Your Groove Thing
The Hustle

And, one more thing about this week's show... I have to say that I know the judges are all into 'making it your own' and the contestants are obviously embroiled in a fierce game of one-upsmanship when it comes to song (re)arrangement, but when you take the danceability out of disco, you remove its soul. 

27 comments:

Kim said...

I don't watch Idol, but it sounds like I missed a good one. There's nothing like some good disco music!

Debz said...

Memmmmmm-reeeeez, light the corner of my mind.....

You just took me back to the skating rink. With my little pompoms on my skate laces. Thanks. I like it there. There's no fire - lol.

Although I didn't see Funkytown. Too late in the era for you?

Cajoh said...

Maybe it's just me, but I never liked Disco music. Perhaps it was due to Disco Demolition that occurred just when I was starting to listen seriously to music. My wife loves the Bee Gees and even likes their old stuff too (pre disco). I never know songs too well by their titles, but there are a lot that I recognize.

I would love to be a guest on the show and teach the Kids to really sing karaoke so that you match the phrases and inflections exactly. I know that's how I learned a lot about how to sing… by singing exactly what the artist sings.

Sally's World said...

i didn't see the show...but this list is a great one...i love the radio stations that play these...housework seems so much better while prancing around and singing along to these lol!!!

AnnieRoso said...

Wow. I mean, seriously: if Idol is doing Disco, maybe it's time for me to tune in! I thought I was the only one who still pined for Disco, but I see I've found a kindred spirit in you, Deb. Can I add one song to your list? I'm Your Boogie Man, by KC & The Sunshine Band.

Unknown said...

Oooh! I'm going to make a disco playlist with those songs! I love disco, but I agree with you - KC was a bit, uh, below par?

Tony@ That One Paticular Harbor said...

I never got into the disco thing myself. It is the Doors, Greatful Dead and Rolling Stones in me. Then a bit of the Euro invasion with the Cure, Echo & The Bunnyman, and more. But I do respect that we each love our own style of groove.

I just can't do Idol anymore. Too much Paula on something and Randy only knows one word "DOg" Simon is just an English ass.

Have a great Thursday.

Kristina P. said...

I don't watch Idol at all.

Anonymous said...

deb, that list of songs makes me want to get up and boogie!!!

Nannette said...

And PLEASE let's not forget "Knock on Wood" by Amii Stewart. Huzzah!!!

Ginger said...

I saw the elimination show last night and I agreed with "America" about who got vote off. I think this season has a lot of great singers.

Mariah said...

oohhh girl, you making me wanna break out with some lit tiled flooring and a disco ball...I love disco!!!

zelzee said...

Disco was a fun era.........

But seeing the original singers of some of those songs, makes me feel really sad........
and really old!

Beth said...

Sounds like fun! Man, it stinks living in a house with moody men. They don't allow any fun with the damn tv (as if I ever get the remote.

Ash said...

Oh the days of shakin' it in the basement to the Saturday Night Fever sound track and K-Tel albums.

I'll forgive you for leaving Cheryl Lynn's "Got to be Real" off the list.

Disco will never die.

Jenners said...

Who says Disco is dead? My feet started tapping as I read your glittery list!

Straight to Your Hart said...

Oh, I totally think of John Travolta...ah...k-back to typing.:)

So, I have been such a slacker...having some of my own computer crappy drama..seriously sucks! My house is in a state of distress...remodel time.

Yes, I do make those letter frames. Interested in making one or is your birthday coming up? Like next week?:) I love them on the front door..they just stand out!

Hugs to you my sexy Deb!!

Lindsay said...

You'll probably hate me for saying this, but I haven't watched Idol since Taylor won. Not because he was that awesome, but because the "awesome" combination of too much AI, morning sickness, and (bad) homemade lamb curry has left a horrible Indian stamp on my memory.

That out of the way, I LOVE me some disco. I am happily passing this carefree musical period onto my daughter, who loves to run around the house singing "Macho Man" and "Shake Your Booty". I'll be checking your suggestions to make sure we have gotten our full cultural awareness for the week :)

And I agree. No dancing to da' disco. No soul to da' song.

P.S. My father/daughter dance at my wedding was to the Bee Gees "More Than a Woman". And my rhythmically challenged dad actually surprised us with a real disco dance. One of my absolute favorite memories of my entire life. Seriously.

tiarastantrums said...

I dont' watch idol at all - but I know those songs!!

Wendyburd1 said...

I loathe Idol, it is So over please!!! And I boycott it too!!

kel said...

Damn right, girl!! I don't want Idol anymore, but those kids need to know that music!

Unknown said...

Wow Deb. I had no idea. Now I have another idea for a party we can host this summer.....I would love to see you in some disco garb.

Sorry I'm not young but i was also asking "WHo are these people?"

Yikes.

Don't be mad.

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

Oh yeah, sister...I got down with my man KC...I made Catherine dance around with me and my bad self too! I think I will clean the house to those tunes you have listed! That's just the thing I needed to get me excited!

Heather of the EO said...

I haven't been watching it. (I know, naughty). But I do love me some disco.

There should be a study. Can a person remain perfectly still while hearing disco? I bet they can't.

Stacy Uncorked said...

It was incredible to watch the 'old' stars perform... Like Bee and Rose, I had Princess Nagger up dancing to KC! ;)

Missy said...

I don't watch Idol either, but I so enjoy your post about the show!LOL

Harlene said...

I just showed my kids the movie Xanadu this weekend, they laughed so hard!