Into the Groove by Madonna Album: The Immaculate Collection
First impulse: skip! But I shouldn’t be like that. This album has served as inspiration for no lesser luminaries than Sonic Youth. Stephen Duffy heard it and wrote “I Went to the Dance” after reflecting on the line: “Only when I’m dancing can I feel this free.” To be fair, I never noticed the bongos before. At the time of its release, I was preoccupied with the line “Boy, you’ve got to prove your love to me,” and wondering what exactly that might entail.
In the Flat Field by Bauhaus Album: In the Flat Field
A notable album, and not just for its controversial cover. It’s the menacing dark feel, the throb of the drums, and above all the raw energy of Peter Murphy screaming the chorus. I listened to a lot of this in the winter of ’86, and it fit. Bauhaus was such a talented band — every member of it.
The Influence by Jurassic 5 Album: Quality Control
I don’t know anything about J5. I found the boppity chorus and the jazz vocals memorable. Hard to resist singing along.
The Wanderer by Gary Glitter Album: The Leader
Okay, I hate that Gary Glitter’s been (allegedly) molesting girls. It adds a measure of conflict to these songs, and that’s a shame because there’s a lot of good clean fun to be had here. I first became aware of Gary Glitter about 1982, when he had his post-punk resurgence. This album was just historical enough to make your collection seem deeper, and you more interesting. This song isn’t a very adventurous cover, but it’s hard to imagine anyone doing a better job of portraying the grandstanding lothario who’s not letting his crippling fear of emotional closeness get in the way of a good time.
Chase the Sun (Extended Vocal Mix) by Planet Funk Album: Ministry of Sound: The 2002 Annual
Even though this is largely anonymous techno, it’s got a good beat and it’s easy to dance to. You’d never remember the people that worked on it, but you might possibly say “Oh, I’ve heard this before”, and that’s all that matters. A fleeting soundtrack for a transitory age, caught from the window of someone’s car one night.
30 September 2006 at 6:11 am
The Bauhaus was such a talented movement.
30 September 2006 at 3:48 pm
Agreed!
I’m rereading this post, and realising that I may not have said it right. I didn’t mean to say “Too bad Gary Glitter had sex with children, but only because now I like his music less.” No, no. It’s because it harms children and is exploitative. Please, do not have sex with children.
I hope I’ve made myself more clear.