DISCO

Going into disco day, I was really expecting the worst. It thought the songs were going to be really obnoxious and boring and repetitive and loud and unnecessary. That is, until I realized The BEE GEES were considered disco. I have known about the BEE GEES since I was in elementary school, and I guess I never really connected that they were disco. I love their songs, especially "Stayin Alive." I think part of the reason I love this song so much is for it's music video. In the beginning, they are just walking like they are so cool and hip, and then BOOM! They hit some killer high notes (at least to me they seem high.) It's like their whole manly outlook is ruined. But it is awesome. Plus, all I can do is stare at Barry's white teeth that are surround by a super dark face. It's just so funny because the guys in the video are so chill, barely dancing, yet they are singing this upbeat song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_izvAbhExY

I consider disco as a package rather than a sound. Kind of like punk, I think it is an attitude as well as a sound. I also think disco includes the fashion, the dance moves, the sound and the attitude. If you had some guys singing "Stayin' Alive" in jeans and a t-shirt, it would be COMPLETELY different and not a great. I just love the uniqueness of disco itself. It is so different from anything we see today. I guess you could say that dance music is similar, which it is. But when you hear dance music, you think of clubs and grinding. And that's what I love about disco. The dance moves weren't about grinding. They were about showing off your awesome talent and skills, while having fun and staying a friendly distance from unknown, drunk people. Plus it has such a happy outlook. Hearing it just makes me want to smile and get up and dance. I don't get the same reaction from listening to Joni Mitchell's album Blue. So I think it's nice to have an escape genre, which I guess is what it could be called.

Anyways, back to the people of disco. I also loved the Brothers Johnson and their song "Stomp." I think it has a great sound and the chorus is so catchy. Again it just makes me want to get on my feet and dance with high-waisted flared pants. Plus it has one of those guitar slap solos (I'm not sure if that is what its called.)

Overall I love disco, even though it might not be the most inspirational or lyrically important genre, I think it is nice to have a genre that is catchy and fun. Even if it's only purpose is for escape.