Turn the beat around with these essential tracks chosen by the DJs and promoters keeping the classic disco scene alive and shimmying across the U.S.
While some thought the days (and late, late nights) of disco wrapped up in the final part of the 1970s, there are numerous parties from coast to coast that are keeping the classic disco spirit, community and carefree vibe burning hot. And, just like disco’s original roots, many of the parties have an underground sensibility, catering to a mostly gay and diverse crowd. While some folks associate disco with Saturday Night Fever, it really was the music of the disenfranchised (gays, people of color) before it hit the mainstream. There is poignant nostalgia that surrounds disco—for that freewheeling time full of sexual expression and joy—before the horrific AIDS crisis struck, and so many lost their dear friends and loved ones.
At these parties happening now, some dancers remember the songs from the first time around (and know all the lyrics), while there’s a new generation of younger listeners and DJs eager to learn and keep disco’s history and stories alive. While some parties are dabbling with disco before launching into a night of house music, or playing the more recent genre of Nu Disco, here are some of the top parties around the United States focused on just classic disco—and we asked their DJs and promoters to share their favorite and essential disco tracks.
SAN FRANCISCO
The DJ: Bus Station John
Photograph: Courtesy Gareth GoochBig, bearded vinyl archaeologist DJ Bus Station John is considered San Francisco’s chief disco guardian, whose extensive knowledge (music, disco, gay history, film, you name it) is only matched in depth by his staggering collection of records. He started The Tubesteak Connection in 2004, making it the longest-running weekly gay dance party in San Francisco history, and is also known for his DISCO DADDY! party. His handmade collage fliers are legendary. You won't be able to find him on Facebook, but you can sign up for his saucy, NSFW newsletter here. Read more about his parties here.
Bus Station John’s Four Essential Disco Tracks:
1. Wardell Piper / "Super Sweet" (12" Disco Mix) / Midsong International 1979
Remember when dance music artists actually had to be able to sing to warrant our attention, whether on or off the dance floor? Miss Wardell Piper can sing. This one starts as a slow-burner, then flares up, largely due to Miss Piper's way with a note. (FYI, it’s all about the Jimmy Simpson’s smartly-constructed 12-inch “Disco Mix,” which is definitely superior to the over-long, rather listless album version. Lettin’ ya know!)
2. Jean Wells / "I Just Can't Stop Dancing" (“Remixed” Version) / TEC 1979
Many a ’60s soul singer tried his/her hand at disco, and Miss Wells successfully takes us to church with this self-penned, gospel-tinged treat. The energy is up out of the gate, with a percussive arrangement that keeps things simultaneously loose and tight, featuring plenty of well-timed double hand-claps (one of our favorite things in life!), tambourines, bongos and background ladies singing “ooh-weh, ooh-weh.”
3. Space / "My Love Is Music" / Casablanca 1978
From the French group best known for the space-y instrumental classic “Magic Fly” comes this exuberant epic track, featuring vocals by the great Madeline Bell. It's totally elevating, taking the dancer on a sophisticated-yet-happy trip-within-a-track, and clearly crafted by talented, imaginative adult musicians for the adult dancers that largely populated our discos “back in the day.” Stellar musicianship, killer breaks and with a running time of 6:43 that has absolutely no filler—why settle for less?
4. Sister Power / "Love Potion" (LP Cut) / Ocean Ariola America 1979
Paul Sabu produced multiple hits for Debbie “Don't You Want My Love” Jacobs, as well as Ann-Margret (!). Sister Power also recorded this one-off album under his guidance, and the single they released (“Give Me Back My Love Affair,” which you can find for a penny on Discogs) pales in comparison to this LP-only track; “Love Potion” is potent and propulsive, with an unrelenting drive, a hypnotic break, strings played like weapons and, in this case, rather strident, rock-inflected vocals (by Gwen Jonae) that work in favor of rather than against the track. It's a great song to play in a big room—this one can also make me dance on my bed (laying down). “Doc-ta, Doc-ta!”
The Go BANG! DJs
Photograph: Courtesy Asia HassanSteve Fabus
San Francisco’s monthly Go BANG! party is like coming full circle for Steve, who was a resident at SF clubs like Trocadero Transfer and I-Beam back in the day, to meeting Sergio Fedasz in 2009 and together building the party in the early years (and now with Prince Wolf). Their mission has always been “to bring back the spirit of the legendary gay clubs when disco was the soundtrack for joy, unity, sexiness and liberation. Where the relationship of dancer and DJ was paramount and the dance floor is a sanctuary (no cell phones). Where people feel they belong. We're grateful to see such a diverse, intergenerational crowd coming for that experience now.” Read more about Go BANG! here.
Steve Fabus’s Four Essential Disco Tracks:
1. Tata Vega / "I Just Keep Thinking About You Babe"
This song has gospel elements mixed with soulful jubilation. Anyone with a pulse would have to rise up with joy on the dance floor—I see it every time it's played.
2. Sandy Mercer / "You Are My Love"
This is my favorite love song. It is pure emotion, happy, triumphant and real. I've seen it bring tears of joy to many, as it has to me.
3. Black Ivory / "Mainline"
This is one of my favorite anthems of the New York and garage urban sound. It's a transitional record of disco to house, and it hits deep.
4. Sylvester / "I Need You"
Sylvester personifies San Francisco and all that’s unique about the city. He has sainthood here and beyond. His music is a fusion of soul, gospel and electronic that goes straight to the heart. This is my favorite example of all of that.
Sergio Fedasz’s Four Essential Disco Tracks:
1. Dinosaur L. / "Go BANG!"
This song is the namesake of Go BANG!. Our philosophy and catchphrase come from it. It's an example of some great New York art school disco, and is produced by disco legend Arthur Russell.
2. Carl Bean / "I Was Born this Way"
This is a gay disco anthem from the disco era, and one of Go BANG!’s anthems, especially when we get into Pride time!
3. Teddy Pendergrass / "You Can't Hide from Yourself"
Another Go BANG! anthem! It takes a lot of strength for one to be themselves, real and true, and this song reflects that energy and the ultimate futility and sadness of one not being 100 percent themselves for whatever reason.
4. Sylvester / "Tell Me"
Sylvester is Go BANG!’s icon. We love all his songs. His spirit. His legacy. It’s hard to choose a favorite song, but this is one of the select few I personally play. And still hope one day to walk the aisle in Grace Cathedral to this.
NEW YORK
Below Tea’s DJ: Greg Scarnici
Photograph: Courtesy Greg ScarniciGreg Scarnici is a DJ/producer and one-half of house music duo, Undercover. He is known for his monthly tea dance at The Monster, Below Tea, with Robin Byrd. He specializes in disco and house, and DJs in downtown NYC and on Fire Island all summer long. Read more about Below Tea here.
Greg Scarnici’s Four Essential Disco Tracks:
1. Cerrone featuring Jocelyn Brown / "Hooked On You"
You can't go wrong with production by Cerrone and vocals by Jocelyn Brown. “Don't need no grass or cocaine—I’m hooked on you!”—indeed! I always use this as a segue from the early part of the evening to when things start to heat up.
2. The Originals / "Down to Love Town"
3. Sylvester / "Dance (Disco Heat)"
Although the song is credited to Sylvester, it’s the high-energy vocals from Two Tons O’ Fun that helps take the party to the next level whenever I play this track.
4. Candido / "Jingo"
This is one of those infectious, energetic tracks always has the children running up to ask me what it is.
Disco Inferno’s DJ: Michael Wilson
Photograph: Courtesy Donna Marino HarrisonBuffalo-born DJ Michael Wilson has been spinning in New York City since 1984, with residencies at Tracks, Champs, the Sea Tea boat ride and other hotspots. For the past 10 years, he’s been igniting a “Disco Inferno” on Tuesday nights at legendary Greenwich Village club, The Monster (read more here).
Michael Wilson’s Four Essential Disco Tracks:
1. Diana Ross / "No One Gets the Prize"
Not a night goes by that someone doesn't request this mid-tempo floor-filler. Produced by Ashford & Simpson, it gets the crowd going every time.
2. Dan Hartman / "Instant Replay"
A great peak-of-the-night disco track. It has amazing energy from the first beat to the last.
3. First Choice / "Love Thang"
This funky gem works just fine at the beginning, middle or end of the night. Actually, just about anything from First Choice goes over well at The Monster. When you hear that classic Philly beat, you have no choice but to get down.
4. Donna Summer / "Spring Affair"
No disco party is complete without Donna Summer, of course. While better known for her later smash hits, true fans adore the Queen of Disco’s gorgeous tracks from the mid-’70s, produced by the legendary Giorgio Moroder.
Throwback Sunday’s DJ: DJ Lina
Photograph: Courtesy Claudio Albano Lina Bradford grew up in New York City, across the street from Carnegie Hall on the Upper West Side. She identified as trans at a young age, and her career in entertainment began at an early age as a dancer. Those same moves she learned in rehearsals became a part of her signature style when she began her DJ career by performing throughout the gritty East Village scene. She is beloved for her residency playing at Fire Island/The Pines for 10 years, which has sadly come to a close, and is busy with her current party, Throwback Sunday. Read more about Throwback Sunday here.
DJ Lina’s Four Essential Disco Tracks:
1. Jean Carn / "Was That All It Was"
This is a classic end-of-the-evening song that represents so much love, hope and promise.
2. Candi Staton / "Victim"
You can't have a set without Candi Staton. The words to this song are so heartfelt.
3. Gladys Knight & The Pips / "Bourgie Bourgie"
This one brings you back to an era of excess and fun.
4. The Jones Girls / "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else"
This track sets the premise of the beginning of the evening, and gets you ready for what’s to come.
Be sure to read our piece about each of the classic disco parties hosted by these talented DJs and promoters.