Disco Interlude

In summer 1993 I was sitting in the back of Michael’s Toyota Tercel, stuck on the George Washington bridge, having to pee so bad I was considering getting out and pissing over the railing. Dirty New York fuckers probly woulda liked it.

“Let’s listen to some disco!” said Michael, a queen from the 70s.

“I haaaaaate disco!” I whined, 19-fully.

Michael told me that I was very wrong, and he was right.

Disco RULES. It is the pinnacle of 20th century pop music and if you think you hate it, thing is, you really don’t. When no one’s looking, you cannot help but dance to that high-hat syncopation and swoon to those sliding strings.

This post is inspired by The Starfire Codes, who I have decided, randomly, is a reincarnation of the kinda chick who makes songs like this:

How do you like it? How do you like it?

Now come fly, robin fly.

Up, up to the sky.

Excusez-moi, but would you please take me to a town that’s right for me? Lipps Inc. bridged the gap between disco and pure 80s electronica.

What is the quintessential disco song? It’s a difficult tie, in my view. Donna Summer’s I Feel Love (written by Giorgio Moroder) was the first, or one of the first, all-synthesized disco/dance tracks. This is the song that underlies every single house/trance track you’ve ever loved; it’s a true first. And no other pop song makes love to triad chords like I Feel Love. It’s a romantic letter to harmony.

But if you were to ask me which song best exemplifies the peak of disco, I’d have to say it’s this one. The combination of intense syncopation, a slap-your-mama-funkin’ bass line, sliding strings, and perfect falsetto make this non-pareil.

BONUS: Because I can’t help it; she’s my girl. Madonna did the best sample/cover of I Feel Love in concert years ago as part of a track on her record inspired by the song.