Can't Stop the Music - Village People

It's March, and I have been doing this now for 3 months, so let's keep up the steam and keep on going with this classic. When you find out the history of this record, its very funny that this is what its titled. This is the sixth studio release, if you include the Sleazy half of Live and Sleazy. This is a soundtrack to the movie of the same name, titled after the production company Can't Stop Productions. This movie is, how can I put it, ridiculous. This is also the first record not to feature original lead singer Victor Willis. Though he did write the words to Milkshake, Magic Night and obviously the previously released YMCA.

1. Can't Stop The Music: The first track, which also happens to be the title track and the last in the movie (big finale). The biggest problem is this song is too long in the movie, and while is catchy, it goes a little too long. As catchy as In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is the middle percussion solo goes a little too long, nothing really happens. This is much of the same..... In the film at least.  It wasn't until I heard the full version on its own that I really "got it". Then I realized, this song is actually not half bad. It's kind of good, which is odd, but it's good. Like I can't listen to the album 3 minute edit, I need all 7 minutes of it baby. Really it's much like hearing an edited version of Love to Love You, Supernature or any extended cut that you really need all 10+ minutes of. The song is very tastefully arranged, has some great vocals and is one of the best disco songs I have heard. It's very fun, even though I can sing In the Navy in the beginning, and you can dance to it. Wasn't that the purpose of disco? Besides appealing to Gay men. The bass on the song also tops what most rock bands could ever dream of playing. It's just I wish there was more variation. Not to say there isn't, but if I'm not in the mood the longer instrumental part can be a bit grating. It was for the review, but literally ever over time I listen and dance in the car it goes by so fucking fast. Maybe it's because I have to sit and listen and can't move you know. Fighting the natural order of the song. But at the end of the day I feel like an injustice was done, it's like an edited version of a song [on the album]. This isn't Let's Go Crazy, we need the whole thing. Plus it doesn't kill the momentum of the song having the whole thing either.
2. Samantha by David London: With an introduction that reminds me of My Sharona, and a glam rock inspired by a Rocky Horror, this song isn't anything to rave about. Well maybe more along the lines of a chorus off the more popular Styx songs. It makes me smile a bit because of that, but they did it better than David London. This song is pretty easy to take, but as easy as it is to hear it is to forget. Like I forgot about it in between listens.
3. Give Me A Break by The Ritchie Family: This tune isn't half bad, but there is something that keeps me from loving or wanting to revisit this track. I couldn't wrap my finger around it until listen number 3 that I understood. That's when I realized it wasn't that great of a song. I mean there are better songs on the album, why does this group have to be on the album. Really it's a pretty boring song. I mean I feel like it's kind of trying to evoke other songs that I think are better. Some songs include Bad Girls, My Prerogative (I know that's from 1989) and throw in kind of generic disco sounds. The bass also reminds me at one point of Good Times. For whatever reason.
4. Liberation: As much as I feel this should be looked at as campy and just clearly a pro-gay song, I can't help but want to chant along. It's also pretty hilarious when in context of the film, but when not its kind of a fun song. I mean it's very very very heavy handed, but I don't care. I mean this isn't I Am What I Am. Also there is some nice guitar in this song that I didn't think I'd hear in a disco tune. Tasty. I also like the dual guitars in the song. This is like a sort of good bad. Like I roll my eyes when I hear this, but I feel like there is a possibility it could be kind of good. Not like the title track, but like, it's not the worst thing I've ever heard and it's far better than the last two songs. And also has more potential.
5. Magic Night: This is such a happy song, this is one of two songs I bet will be stuck in your head. It's funny how simple the words are, but how infectious this song truly is. It's the kind of infectious that you only get from innocence, or ignorance (on part of the performer). Who cares, it's great and makes me want to dance and got some nice four on the floor. Thought, I don't think the drums sound that good... but that could just be the MP3. I could hear someone saying it sounds sped up, and when you pay deep attention it kind of feels a bit sped up, but when you just hear it without that it doesn't. But then again I could be a bit buzzed and that's why it feels a bit sped up, at the end of the day it's fun, dance-to-able and memorable. Nice disco tune, and nice guitar licks.
6. The Sound of the City by David London: If anything this reminds me, vocally, of Elton John. Seriously, this sounds like his vocals on Philadelphia Freedom. In fact if this was a little more orchestrated and lavish sounding I'd bet this could be Philly soul instead of disco/dance pop.  The introductions to the songs seem top be rather weak. The thing that sucks is that I remember liking this tune so much more in the context of the film instead of by it's own self. I also can't get behind the orchestra hits. It's like over use, Horrace what the fuck were you thinking. This is a disco tune, not a Bond theme. Also the tune is far too long. But really, this has too much orchestration, it doesn't really make sense to me.
7. Milkshake: Like most of the songs in this movie, they are so stupid. This is the stupidest, but it's also by far the catchiest. It's got that same happiness in Go West, but its so stupid. If you take the corniness of the 90s kids commercials extreme, and up the anty to making milk glamorous. Also get this, not just glamorous, the exact line in the movie for what they were going for "we're going to make milk more glamorous then champagne". This plays during the commercial that attempts to do that. This also happens to be the length of at least 3 commercials, maybe 4. I don't think I can exaggerate how dumb this is. But its also one of my favorite songs on the album, and is a favorite of all time. The intro to this is so musical, the beat and vocals work great and the strings are just ON. I can't find anything wrong with this song. On its own its great, the text of the movie elevate the like-ability of it. The only down side is I wish they took the " one more time" and repeated the song again on the album. PS they don't do it once more. 
8. Y.M.C.A.: The only real difference between this and the Crusin' version from 1978 is Ray sings this, if I'm correct. I am saying that because the vocals sound a little different. Ray does sing in a similar style as Victor, but I don't know. I really can't say anything else other than, in the film it was PG and you see a few schlongs (not counting), and its during this number. Also the girl's (1) topless too, at a part, so I guess it's even....... Kinda. Oh I also prefer the original. When I revisited it I heard more guitar in the track, but that's really the only other main difference. Also I think i hear a clavichord in this version. The charm of the original isn't really present on this version. Maybe because Ray sounds more like a homy polone than the butch that Victor was. Ray also isn't as emotional and soulful. Like this feels less energetic.
9. I Love You to Death: This tracks sung by the Construction Worker. Now I wasn't sure if this should be highlighted or not. This is easily the most rocking song by the group I heard. It kinda of makes me think Rocky Horror meets the Flight of the Conchords' tracks Love Is Your Weapon of Choice and Demon Woman. If that sounds interesting check it out. But in the movie it sounded a little off. I couldn't figure if the vocals were off tempo, pitch or choppy or if the instrumental was one of those. It took me multiple listens to get what the hell was "off" about this track. Also, did anyone else who saw the movie think this was one of the gayest things they have ever seen. The scene, with the imaginary music video of sorts. The sort of breakdown could so be in the Rocky Horror musical. Really it would work quite well there. 
10. Sophistication  by The Ritchie Family: This is probably the worst track in the entire movie. It's so bland, uninteresting, stereotypical disco female vocal group. It's like a bad Donna Summer's track of the time. Even though some tracks are repetitive and some are cheesy as hell, this is the least interesting and easily forgettable track here. I mean I began to tune out about 30 seconds into the singing and, the only interesting part was the woman's breasts. Seriously. 

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. This could quite possibly be the most consistently good album released by these guys. And with that in consideration..... That kinda makes this their best record. Now when you make pop music you want a catchy song, good hook, and for it to stick with you. There is enough variety, where there isn't on past records, and futures ones also. If you watch the movie I dare you to get Milkshake, Liberation or Magic Night out of you head. It can only be done with extensive time away from it, or therapy. And still they play in your head and don't leave when you utter the titular phrases. But seriously, this record isn't half bad. And even without the other artists considered, each song by the group isn't extremely similar. They all have their distance sound and idea. There isn't nearly as much overlap musically as on Crusin', Go West, Village People and so forth. Please do me a favor and check this out if you want to just have fun. 

Macho Man - Village People

I am almost half done with my reviews for these guys. They only released 8 albums (and one studio/live album) and I've already finished three (this being my fourth). This being the second album by New York's Disco legends the Village People. Released in February 1978, this would be followed by their biggest hit and most famous tune on the next album Crusin'. This album is notable for having the "classic" line up in full form. This album is an album that baffles me a bit, I don't get what two of them are supposed to be, be even more so this has one of the funniest songs to me, the title track. "Every man whats to be a macho man", I guess I'm not every man :D. But this is one of two album not on Spotify, so it took a few months of looking to finally acquire a copy, even thought I stumbled upon, purchased and gave a vinyl copy to my cousin as a joke. Then two months later or so, stumbled upon another.

1. Macho Man: This song not only has a hilarious promo video, its catchy as hell. Seriously, genuinely listen to the song and it'll be stuck in your head. That chorus is so fricken epic sounding, how could it not be. The breakdown section where it vaguely reminds me of Prince and Lady Cab Driver. This song is... Why do people like Y.M.C.A. and not this. It's so much better. It's so much cornier and this is pure cheese. Like really, watch the fucking music video and try not to laugh. But regardless of anything, I do dig this song. I think it's got a great rhythm, very fun to sing and you can dance to it. It's kinda what pop/dance music is supposed to be. It's also so fucking big, I mean I'm listening to it now and picking up on shit I didn't hear before, it's almost too much. But that "too much" also kind of makes it all that much... it earns it a place in my heart even more. Plus try not to laugh at those ad libs at the ending. It's solid and fun and worth a listen or ten, and really harmless.
2. I Am What I Am: This song flows from the last, and I think the segue is pretty nice. I mean I don't per say like this song, though maybe it could be cut a bit shorter, but that's not implying I hate it. I like the bass, but I also feel like this song feels a bit rushed. Like I almost feel like the track is sped up a bit. I think if it wasn't so fast it would maybe work better, but then again I don't really know. It could also be that there's a disconnect from the last track. I also feel I should mention this aspect of the song, this is a song that lots of homosexuals took to heart as a "I am what I am, why be ashamed". While Willis may have said it was written for anyone, not solely homosexuals, I don't think it matters. The message of a song is still in the mind of the listener. South Park did a great episode about this. The kids wrote a book to be as gross and fucked up as possible, and the adults though it to have deep messages and fit them to their views and perceptions. I mean that's the subtext or part of the subtext, people also find meaning in meaningless things, but I still think that's a point. Now stupid rant later, who really cares, You Are What You Is and you shouldn't be ashamed. I liked that sentiment, but this song.... I don't know I don't think it's as good as the last. I do really like the instrumental part of the song, I like the arrangement. It's overall I don't think this is as good I guess. 
3. Key West: The opening could remind you of the opener, but then they have this clavinet that I really dig. This song is pretty solid off the bat to be honest, I don't think it's great great but fun. Also I guess the location of the song is a big hot spot for gay people, back then. I don't know why but these ad libs are ridiculous, you could look at this as a proto-Go West. It's not quite there, but it's almost there. Much in the same way Village People wasn't, the track just missed the spot. All thought I do like the kind of variety in the song structure. I dig the saxophone and I like the bridge section of the song, it's pretty nice.
4. Medley: Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody: If I remember incorrectly The Time did a cover of Just A Gigolo. I mean that isn't saying much of the famous Irving Berlin song, but I think of Morris Day when I hear this title. There is also a Bowie flick where he's in it and it's title Just A Gigolo from 1978. Now when this song opened I was a bit shocked, I could believe that it has a piano roll. Also I'm not sure if Victor is singing lead on this track. It doesn't really sound like him, but the disco feeling of this track isn't half bad to be honest. This really isn't half bad and it's kind of a great way to add variety to the record. The horns on this, while I mean I'm not blown away, I really am having fun and enjoying myself with it and that's all you can ask for this type of album. The songs work together great and I know they are sometimes done together, but who the fuck cares this just works. It's kinda great, in a laid back way (for the group at least).
5. Sodom and Gomorrah: I wonder if this is about anal sex? Or rather, gaynal sex..... ahahahahahahahah, get it. This continues that sort of sonic laid back, and change, over the rest of their catalog. I mean it isn't revolutionary and it tells the story in the bible of Sodom and Gomorrah. I'm a bit boggling, because I don't think on a record thats to appeal to the gay community, to have a bible song. :) I mean if I have children I'll definitely play this song for them in bible school or whatever, maybe I'll do a cover. This song is a bit of a mind fuck to be honest, like I really can't make heads or tails but I do like what I hear so hey it ain't half bad.

Overall I have to give this album a 7.5/10. This is so far, the most consistent and best over all record by the group. I mean if it wasn't so fun it'd probably be more of a 6.5, but it's fun and worth a listen. I'll definitely be revisiting this. Now I wanna say I do these Village People reviews because I think these guys are fun. I need to point out, the music is average overall but it's not trying to be that serious. There is tons of people who try to be fun, have an image, and be in general like able and they fail miserably. These guys have a charm to them that, yeah you can say they're gay (which I think only two actually were) but does that matter. I mean who the fuck cares, it's fun music and I feel like if someone was hung up on the "gayness" they're missing out. On another note, I once read a review that mentioned something about Liberal in the review of this album. I think it's time for next review Phil Ochs in Concert (not really, but maybe).

Village People

To closer this batch of 34 consistant reviews, note not all were done every day (some done ahead of time), I decided this could be the only review the would stand the possible drought. The one that might be my last for a number of months. This is the debut album by NY's own. This also happens to be the gayest of all the Village People albums. Seriously every track is about a city/town with a large gay population. Released July 18th, 1977 this is album has a bit of a confusing history, for me at least. When researching it I have read that the only member to sing on here is Victor Willis. It said they had professional singers do the back up vocals, and while I can see that maybe, I just don't know. I know Felipe was one of the first members, though three of the members were replaced before the next album for certain. It also makes sense because those people who were replaced were because the ones you see on the Macho Man cover had more experience as a whole of what the group was, vs those other three guys. But at the same time I read they had models pose for the cover, so..... I don't really know, or really care enough to spend more time then I did researching this. Although, you can see the group members on the Telefunken release and you can visibly see different members as the biker, and two or three other people who don't have a specific job I can make out.

1. Medley: San Francisco (You've Got Me) / In Hollywood (Everyone is a Star): While originally released as one track, on CD reissues they are both separate. The first song starts and you can hear the sound that the group had was present right from the get go. Though the backing vocals aren't the regular ones. It makes sense that they used different singers, that's really the best reason. The chorus is pretty decent, but that "magic" isn't quite there yet. This is This first song may not be amazing, but the second half (In Hollywood) is far catchier than SF, but it's decent and pretty good none the less. The transition makes you kind of get pumped from it, I mean not like super pumped, but it's pretty nice. Love that bass, and the horn solo is nice. There is definitely a build for this second half. It might not go insane or nuts, but it is a build none the less (I know I said that twice). Victor also isn't as emotive.... or excited and into this maybe. This second section is so catchy, so infectious I dare you not to want to grove along. I mean the whole section feels very show bizy, then the chorus.... tasty. This is pretty fun, the instrumentation is so musical it's like a fucking musical. I'm waiting to hear a louder backing vocal and then see this number in a play. Really I'm fucking serious. If this was redone in the style of their later records.... 10 outta 10. For now more of a 6 or 7.
2. Fire Island: Make me want to lift bro. Eh, at this point this sounds like it blends in with the first tune, and it isn't anything that special. I mean there is nothing that makes me want to dance. Nice woodwinds though. Although, I did learn to not go in "the bushes".
3. Village People: Not many bands dare to have a self-titled track. Among the few Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Motorhead and Village People. This song, while still rather demo sounding, is easily the standout best track on the record. There is something, even though the rest of the album sounds like it isn't fully realized. But this just sounds like it's shit is there and together. This is the most Village People sounding this thing gets. And there is a power here that isn't really there on other records. I mean usually is seems almost jokey, but this sounds kind of not so jokey. Also great backing track, it's got some gorgeous vibes (or xylophone) and harps. It really is worthy of a listen or 10.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. I think the biggest problem with this record is the fact that it seems more like an Ep and also that it's more of a demo. This isn't anything mind blowing, but I still like that title track. It's worth a curious listen or so.

Crusin' - Village People

I though, let's camp this Halloween up a bit more and review the third studio effort by Jacque Morelli's Village People. I did a horror movies score and a underground S&M film soundtrack, let's lighten up the mood a litte. This album is prefect for easing horror. Released on October 23rd, 1978 the title is supposedly a double entendre meaning both driving around and picking up men. Now that might not be true, who knows, but  I kinda feel like that construction worker is waiting to get a ride...... If you ah, catch my drift ;). He's always the most flamboyant on their album covers though so, in all honesty..... I guess another who knows. I'd also just like to admire the ridiculousness of this album cover. Just look at it and try to realize what you're seeing. Once you do that I can continue..... This album is known for contains their biggest hit, and it contains some other tracks too. Also I plan to have my other "Dark Halloween" review up Friday. And I'll probably only have two or three more until the final Halloween album I've had planned since the start of me deciding to do this. Cool, Let's go.

1. Y.M.C.A.: This is the anthem that's known around the world for its "gay message".... And for its very catchy chorus. I mean I don't think you can, at least to me small knowledge of the world, have lived and not heard this song. Maybe in a non American country, but if you even saw that Despicable Me 2 movie you've heard this. So do I think the fame of this tracks is as warranted as it is? Not really. Now don't get me wrong, it's a great track. As much as I don't like it, I still sing along to it while I drive to look like an asshole. The thing is there is something missing. Far and away their best track is the ode to a joyous future that is Go West. But this song, maybe the fact its about a Youth Hangout place instead of hope. But this isnt bad, its actually a decent song. Infact its extremely catchy to, I mean the second you hear that guitar and then those horns... you know exactly what track this is. And to be honest  the bass on this track is a lot more interesting then a lot of rock bands, yeah reread this sentence, I can think of. I mean when I listen to this in terms of reviewing it, outside of the overplay factor (maybe) I can't really say anything bad about this track. It's kinda cheesy, but it's not bad for you. And I mean, it is fun to sing to. It's much better than the following track. I also like how it kinda seems like it builds each chorus. It seems to get larger each time it comes along. Which I love when you add and make it larger. The only part that I guess I could maybe do without is that instrumental section, in which case I'd just listen to the single edit. But really the single edit of this isn't as terrible as the music video edit of Macho Man. That's so friken bad and abrupt. I kinda went off topic, I guess what I'm trying to say is the general public likes to turn off their brain and just have fun. They aren't concerned with philosophical deeper meanings, unless it's something masquerading as that. Where I think GW is unintentionally motivational and has a bit of a deeper meaning (to me at least) this is just a place to go. I guess when I get past this being their biggest hit.... I can give it a 7/10.
2. Medley: The Women/I'm A Cruiser: The first track isn't that bad, thought the backing vocals chant is dumb. But then I guess the whole pre-chorus isn't bad. And I mean I kinda feel like the lyrics are on here to compensate maybe. But then when the chorus comes in all I can play in my head is Can't Take My Eyes Off You's chorus. I'll give them props for three distinct sections of the songs verse, chorus and pre-chorus. I also laugh at that sound in between the repeat of the chorus, it reminds me of Drafted Again. Also I kinda feel like at 6 minutes (Women) maybe it goes a little long. But I will say there is that kinda of outro that I can play a perfect segue in my head into the next track (or section). Also I think this is the only track by the group to have a overdriven, buried be it, guitar. But I could serious do without that last chorus, even thought that guitar is welcome anytime. Thought I kinda also have the similar feeling I had with the xylophone in The Spotlight Kid. It's almost like they "just got" the instrument so lets use it as much, or in this case the overdrive. The flow is pretty good, but I wish it was less abrupt, maybe it's my copy since I'm listening to them separate, but I wish it happened at the 3-4 minute mark of Women. Sonically this track is much better up until that "epic" refrain of the title. There is another song that plays in my head, but I can't quite pin my finger on it. I still think this is not as distracting as it was in the last track (I like this more than The Women) but it still hurts kinda. It has a Broadway, show tunes finale feeling. Then a interpolation of Hold on I'm Coming happens and.... No I'm not gonna let it piss me off. I do think that multiple vocals part is a neat idea. It's a lot more interesting than the more bland tracks on Go West. Again I think this section might go a little long, and the string heavy part reminds me of a disco musical, but like a music with a disco beat not Saturday Night Fever. This is followed by the Sam & Dave track interpolation to fade. I really dig how you can hear the vocals and pick them out rather then them all at once. It's neat, but as a whole I think it might run a little long, at 12 minutes. Maybe trim the fat a little, but still.... it's not terrible.
3. Hot Cops: This isn't that bad of a track, but every time I read it I think of Arrested Development. It's a pretty decent track, outside of the whole AD thing. It also has this phased intro thingy that reminds me of another track that I can't think of. There are also parts that have glimpses of like water. It's a very wet track, not dry. I don't know it doesn't really bother me until there is a section that reminds me of Macho Man but not in a good way. It also kinda gets annoying with the chorus and seems like... I've heard this earlier on the record. So I don't really know.
4. My Roomate: This song is kinda gay, I'll admit it. Like really gay, just listen to it. There is a sonic feeling I get that makes me feel like this would be one a "gay anthems" compilation. I will admit, this is a fun song. Just because I think it's fun doesn't mean I like it. I mean there isn't really anything for me to like and want to listen to again outside of a front to back listen. Though I don't like it.... I can say it makes me smile. It just seems kinda innocent, they aren't doing anything intentionally gay.... I don't think. I feel like the kid singing this would be a kid who is kind of like a rebel-rouser and you just pat him on the head and smile when he goes "I wanna be a tough kid". You know the kid, the type all the adults think is adorable. A Shirley Temple type, but this would be a boy sing this.
5. Ups And Downs: I have to say, the novelty of lasers in a Village Person song is worth checking out again, but again there isn't anything really here to say that is good. I mean this is much more entertaining than that Solo Man album, which is disappointing to me but it is what it is. When I listen to this I have a feeling of, there's six minutes left of the film, its wasn't terrible, why not enjoy yourself for the finale. 

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. You know I know you're supposed to dance to this, but I feel a lot of these are a little long. Where Prince's classic 1999 might have just been a little to long for one sitting (not always but it has parts when you sit that seem unneeded). On that record if you listen to each track solo not a single one seems too long or indulgent. Here all but like one feel that way, and while theses tracks are about the same length on both albums... I really wanted to love this. But I find too many things to nit pick to actually say this is great. It's weird thought, this album flys by. That's weird to say when I just said that I jsut said the songs seem a little long. But once the songs are over, the 35 minutes seems like it zoomed past.

Go West - Village People

Well I am doing this review, so I didn't asphyxiate myself. I chose to do the alternative instead. This is the fourth studio album by Greenwich Village's disco group Village People. They were founded by Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo. Both men had success with a group prior, The Richmond Family. According to legend Morali, a homosexual, was frequenting gay bars in New York. One of which he saw a young Felipe working at (the Indian), he looked around and he took the costumes of the most common he professions people were dressed up as. That last sentence makes no sense, but basically the most common costume he saw he used as the basis for the Village People. He also named them after the Greenwich Village. Now how do I know this, I looked it up. Why should I review this, well I recently watched Can't Stop The Music. To be honest, it's just a little too long..... at spots. I mean it's not actually a good movie, its very campy, but its entertaining. The only serious problem is it's too long, it has terrible dialogue, and the lead singer (Police Officer/Patrol Man) Victor Willis isn't in it. He's honestly the thing that makes any of these songs, and any of their any songs. Well and its ridiculous, makes no sense and is also kinda stupid. So many non-sequitur esque jokes and scenes. And they should have been cut, especially since there is no room for the lines to breathe in this movie. Some lines are even cut off mid sentence. Hell if they cut the dumb fucking scenes maybe other scenes could have been drawn out. Whatever its the Village People so who would want to read this review. Well to those who believe this to be the fruit of love, I say then read on.

1. In The Navy: This is a famous song which is kinda ridiculous. While not their best song its still worth listening to. I don't think the chorus is as effective as on the following track. It's kind of a little too over blown. This is also, like Y.M.C.A., very propagandist. Like seriously, under a different musical beat and style I could see the lyrics having been written to those two songs in the 40s or 30s. This, in list in the Navy help your country and grow. But it's like the lightest propaganda I've ever heard in music. It's almost in genius. What's the best propaganda, either shock or light hearted and openness. And the latter usually opens people up to your cause a lot easier. Victor Willis, the sadly unloved lyricist of the 70's. And if you actually read theses lyrics they paint a vague, but clear enough picture for you to get it. Oh also the beginning is so Santa Esmeralda it's not even funny. Hey two Esmerelda references in two days.
2. Go West: Lets be honest with each other, we are all grown adults. Its 2015, I have a secret to admit. This [track] is the sole reason for this review. I really wanted to talk about this track and how much I love it. And if you disagree you suck. Based on Pachabel's famous Cannon in D (The Wedding Song, not Here Comes The Bride) this is just as moving as that piece, but for different reasons. Cannon in D gives me a feeling of reflection, and being associated with weddings, leads me to ponder on the past events of ones life leading up to "the happiest day of your life". Almost like a sitcoms finale, or a wedding in a sitcom. It's a real tear jerker in the same way Independence Day makes me reflect on my relationship with my father..... well not exactly but you know. It's that gut feeling that just makes you think and, honestly, feel. This on the other hand is glorious and large, even epic. Where one starts in the past and leads to the present, this takes off now leading to thoughts of the future. While it may be about living in Cali and going to beaches and living that free life, Or it could be about moving West because it was cool (acceptable) to be gay there in the 70's. Maybe it's a call back to the old phrase it's named [allegedly] after from the Gold Rush era. No matter what its about its all irrelevant to me. I believe it's best suited, and truly is meant as a " Go Forward" and "Don't Look Back" and there's A Better Tomorrow. And musically the song agrees 1000%. The strings, horns and vocals here are at top notch, and while I love cheese and camp this song is so happy it isn't really that cheesy. It's almost innocent... Hear me out, someone looking to move to better themselves. Someone being hopeful and there's a feeling, and the fact it's so happy, its a child like innocence. And this is also so infectious, as long as you are one of those people who has grown up since they were 15, I feel like there isn't anything wrong with LOVING this track. Well that and as long as your comfortable with you're sexuality. You know I feel like instead of having police talk people down, just blast this and it'll get the job done. There is no way it won't make your sadness dissipate, and just nonexistant for the full 4 minutes it runs. Who knows, maybe I'm looking to deep into a silly song from the 70's that might have more real meaning. But, as I've said so many times be fore, let's be honest.... I can't find a single flaw in this track at all. If you can I'd love for you to point it out. Please, I dare you. (Since it's hard to tell, this track is bolded and highlighted. That means it's one of my favorite songs ever.) {10/10}
3. Citizen of the World: This is similar to In The Navy's intro and then most disco. This is a pretty solid track, I mean I think it's a 6 tops, but it's so disco I can't really say I think it's any better than any other disco track. The strings are pretty great, but that is something you often hear in other disco tracks. I do like the chorus, and the vibe of this track. But I mean it takes elements from the prior two tracks and just does them but waters them down or does them not as well. That's probably more accurate.
4. I Wanna Shake Your Hand: When I saw this title the song that plays in my head is Milkshake, from the movie. When people thing of camp, don't think of Y.M.C.A. think of this instructional that gives you advice on how to shake your hand. It assures you not to be "shy" and that they "are not rude". I think this is either so ridiculous it was intentional, or it's part of the I Am Who I Am type of theme. Don't fear someone because they are different, except each other, equality. But that fricken rap, not hip-hop rap but what a rap was before the genre, it's.... just listen to this track. As dumb as this song is, it's not half bad.
5. Get Away Holiday: Does this intro sound similar, the percussion. And you know I really can't say anything about this track that hasn't been said earlier. The instrumental break is pretty dandy. But it just takes me to the far better Macho Man. At 5:22 this song just kinda keeps going when I listen front to back. Maybe it's the anticipation of the review being over, maybe it's just I want to stop. But this is the least entertaining track here. Don't get me wrong that clavi (?) in the beginning sounds cool, but I don't know.
6. Manhattan Woman: That first note, not percussion, synth reminds me of John Carpenter. And then to imagine these guys singing over John Carpenter. But the song comes to bloom, just as the others do.This is more interesting than the last track, and I think deserves some plays by it's self. This is at least on the same, or maybe a similar plain to that of In The Navy. I like that bass, and like the keys they could do something really interesting here, but they instead do the stereotypical Morali thing he does on this. Well the guy who arranged it does. I don't know. I can't really damn this, it may not be prefect, but there is still a charm I feel inside my soul. I also like the strings here.

Overall all I have to give this a 6/10. This album isn't that bad of an album. It's biggest downfall it's the repetition of sounding like other songs they'd done by then. While there are some variation, it's almost like a variation on a theme. This has saxophone and flute, this has cello and harpsichord, this has banjo and stylophone. Either that or they are all different movements of the same piece. But the thing is they are all basically the same thing, or similar enough. But the best tracks here are still decent to the sole AMAZING track. I'm gonna definitely do some more of there guys albums. I almost want to review their movie also. I'll do the soundtrack for sure, but like the movie on it's own. 

The Third Album - Paul Jabara

This is, as the title suggests, the third album by Paul Jabara released in August 1979. This guy famously co-wrote It's Raining Men with Paul Shaffer. But that shows this guy has a sense of humor, which is apparent on this album. This guy also wrote the No More Tears duet between Donna Summers and Barbra Streisand. I said that album because this is a spoof/reference to Striesand's 1964 album The Third Album.

1. Disco Wedding/Honeymoon (In Puerto Rico)/Disco Divorce: This is one of the most unique songs I've ever heard. There is also, now in 2014, a laughable-ness to this track. The thing is I once read an article that said disco literally took over everything, and how tacky is it that there is a "Disco Wedding", not to mention the dialogue. I wonder if Paradise By The Dashboard Lights had any inspiration on this track. You know they are both at least 9 minutes long, both about a relationship beginning (kinda) and ending (kinda, or at least the enviable end of romance). This is obviously not that serious of a track, but is great. Who ever said a real musician doesn't use humor. I like it when discos kind of corny, tongue-en-cheek. Supernature, while its a kind of serious theme of not messing with nature, he make the idea not so scary and easier to take in the fun atmosphere. This song starts out with a nice chimes atmosphere then plays the Here Comes The Bride song. After that there is a horn section that reminds me of Living With Hernia by "Weird Al". But the verses do remind me a little of Paradise By The Dashboard Lights. This groove is solid and it isn't that obnoxious like some disco beats can on occasion get. What I assume is Paul, he sounds a little like a raspier Meat Loaf. The strings on this song are arranged pretty great too. If I was going to have a wedding in the 70's, post 1979ish, I'd play the first section of this song. The whole "speakers" part is totally in the similar fashion as the running the bases from PBTDL. The section change reminds me a little of The Tubes first album. The strings are great and it's just awesome. I also like the slap part, and the whole reasons their qualified for the "grounds" of "Disco Divorce" is pretty shallow on Paul's part. It kind of is also maybe poking fun of people getting married and divorced. I don't know, I think it's a solid song and hilarious at the same time. Quiet possibly the best "marrige" of those two main things I love is the whole Disco Divorce part. UGH! "Oh, there's trouble". We need people now adays who aren't stuck up tools, we need more people to make songs like this.
2. Foggy Day/Never Lose Your Sense of Humor: This song is a duet with Donna Summers. This has a very different feeling to the first side. This reminds me, because of his voice also, a little of Beth. Though this is a pretty uneventful track, the whole idea of it is pretty true. You shouldn't ever loose your sense of humor, esp if your a musician. Anyone who claims that a "real" musician doesn't use humor in their music.... long story short, they'll probably kill themselves pretty young. This just isn't anywhere near as awesome as the prior track, or funny. Shame :(
3. Just You And Me: This track has nothing special about it either.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. To be honest the lack of variety and tracks to pick up where the intro leaves off really kills this album as a whole. I'm not saying I'm not gonna return to that oh so great 14+ minute gem, it's just that's tr only track ill be returning to. But the discoviews I've done all seem to be that way. Disco, not revived disco I mean original when it was popular disco. Disco has so many great traits that when explored further than a stupid dance tune  gives birth to some of the greatest tracks ever in the history of man. Supernature, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, Disco Marriage (to save time typing the whole name), Giorgio, Touch to name a few I've already reviewed.