The election year just got serious here in the States with the R.N.C. happening this week and the D.N.C. will be next, so I thought today’s Sparkle Video was more than appropriate. The “Friendship Train” is a musical celebration of harmony and peace sung by one of the greatest singers of our time, the lovely Gladys Knight. On a total side note, this was back in 1972 and I’m gagging to know her beauty secrets because if you see her today, she’s hardly aged a day. Anyway, back to the video which I’m seeing as some sort of visual patriotic message because we have Ms. Knight in fabulous red sequins, the super cool “Pips” styling in luscious blue 3-piece suits and the audience is a dazzling array of white. I think by using the colors of our flag strategically in this video, they have created a sparkling call for us to unite, get passed our differences and work together because “Harmony is the key, my sisters and brothers”. That’s right everybody, get on!
Thank God It’s Friday
No- it’s not Friday because everyone knows Friday is Sparkle Video Day! Today’s post is about last weekend, which I spent at my good friend R. Wayne’s exclusive and rustic summer house in the country. It’s so nice to leave the cell phones and internet behind and get away to enjoy nature and all that other natural stuff that goes along with it. However, there’s one thing I refuse to give up no matter where I am and that’s a dance party complete with disco balls and gobs of glitter. The best part is that these dance parties are old school which means vinyl only, as nothing sounds as great as good old fashioned records.
Back to the point anyway.. last weekend I discovered a treasure among treasures in the record bin- the “Thank God It’s Friday” soundtrack! I already have the movie in my DVD collection, but seeing and touching this piece of history was like discovering the holy grail. This album is the perfect example of why vinyl was, and still is, so much better. First, there’s the album art which includes inner sleeve covers for each of the three discs (2 plus 1 bonus disc!), all covered with various disco-tastic images from the movie. Then, as a favor to all the DJ’s out there, the BPM for each track is noted for seamless mixing. This album has so many classics on it such as the self titled theme song by Love and Kisses, Patti Brooks’ legendary “After Dark” and “Last Dance” from our queen, Donna Summer. However, my new obsession is Sunshine‘s “Take It To The Zoo” , which is one sexified, hypnotic track, especially when they sing, “It’s fridaaay night.. thank GAaawwd”.
Lastly, the best and most dazzling thing about record albums is the additional stuff they used to put inside them and this one had a fabulous but forgotten gem- an order form for official TGIF merchandise! It’s been laying inside the album since 1978- a little sparkling time capsule just waiting for Da General to find it, break it free and let if be loved all over again. Sometimes, I just look at it and touch it. Other times I go full-blown fantasy and contemplate if I want to order the gold necklace or the satin jack. Maybe even throw in some disco wrist bands. Then again, for these prices, I could buy it all and why not? After all… More is More!
SPA SPA SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Every time I see a Boney M video I think to myself, “This one is the video!”, but then I find another one that completely dazzles my mind. Such is the case with today’s Sparkle Video (once you get past the lengthy introduction from the Italian host) because seriously, this clip is truly THE VIDEO. Bobby Farrell‘s superhero outfit complete with Boney M sequined cape is out of this world and emphasizes his dance moves in the best way possible. The three ladies look straight out of Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon with a dash of dancing school fabulous thrown in and have never looked spacier or sexier!. Now I’m not sure why they chose spaced-out-sparkle outfits and galactic backgrounds to perform “Rapustin”, but I’m also not caring much because once again, “KABLAM!” has been achieved.
Disco Commercials: 7-Up
This spot for 7-Up proudly proclaims “I’d Do it!”- which I’m guessing means they’d drink the soda, but it is a disco commercial after all so you never know. Just look at that scene of snazzy dancers twirling and grooving on the light up dance floor – it’s like a sneak peak into disco heaven. Not to mention that the jingle lyrics, “It’s the same thing only different”, seems to imply that someone brought a flask to spike those soft drinks and turn them into sparkley cocktails. Oh 1978!
VIEWER IMPRESSION: I’d totally do it!
VOULEZ VOUS SPARKLE VIDEO DAY?
Today’s Sparkle Video is not only a piece of music history, but also a great moment in disco fashion history as well. In this clip, The Midnight Special is featuring an epic live performance from LaBelle singing “Lady Marmalade” and looking like gorgeous Space Queens from beyond the galaxy. Its no wonder because they’re dressed from head to toe in silver metallic La.. La.. LaGaspi! That’s right Soldiers, in addition to being deliciously gorgeous and having supernatural voices, these ladies had excellent taste in choosing Larry LeGaspi to create their otherworldy outfits (and a special shout-out to Nona’s bedazzled makeup!). It makes complete sense to us “More is More” types though, because what becomes a legend most? A whole ‘nother legend. And that’s what we call a KABLAM!
SATIN n’ SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today’s Sparkle Video sure is one gem-tastic time capsule! First- I love Super 8 film and wish I had a pair of glasses that made everything look grainy and retro like this all the time. Second- Neoton Familia (also known in English as the Newton Family) is featuring some far out 70’s fashion looks in a satin explosion kind of way. I’m pointing this out because I predict that sexy shimmering satin will make a huge fashion comeback this year so stock up now Soldiers… and don’t forget you heard it here first!
Red Hot Nails with Disco Pinkie: APPROVED!
Nothing makes my heart beat faster than some ultra long, dangerously pointy red hot nails unless you throw in a dazzling disco pinkie, and then it’s more like KABLAM! These gorgeous fingers are attached to NYC Nightlife Superstar Darian Darling, who makes a living by being herself (a.k.a. “fabulous”) twentyfour-seven. Glamor, parties and glamorous parties are all in a day’s work for Darian, so having spectacular hands is not just a fashion choice, it’s a lifestyle requirement and- making sure that they sparkle? APPROVED! APPROVED! APPROVED!
BODY TO SPARKLE VIDEO
Today’s Sparkle Video is beyond a classic, in fact, it’s almost a religion. That’s because “Body To Body” is one of the sexiest disco songs ever made- and that’s saying a lot for 1979 (the year of DISCO!). Giampiero Scalamogna, a.k.a. “Gepy”, was one ultra-smooth dude; a “vanilla Barry White”. So cool was he, that rumor has it he called the group Gepy & Gepy in acknowledgement of his “double” size. Just look at him- surrounded by sexy ladies in high slit satin gowns while he makes dramatic poses in his sparkling sequin vest. SMOOTH.
Empress of the Aliens Barbie
Check this out Soldiers: I go off on vacation to Berlin (another legendary marathon of fun, thanks for asking!) and while I’m away, Empress of the Aliens™ Barbie® makes her gorgeous debut and bloody sells out! How could she not, in this glamorously galactic outfit made of iridescent metallics and chiffon? Plus, both arms and legs are “encircled in ornate cuffs” just like a proper Space Princess. Like Goddess of the Galaxy™ Barbie® , she was designed by Bill Greening, who has truly cinched the nomination for my new fashion hero, especially with his attention to detail by adding a scorpion-esque head dress, sparkle-tastic eye makeup and fabulously sexy shoes.
Top honors also go out because she is shown modeling in front of a Space Background, similar to the one we had at last year’s Join the Sparkle Army party. Which reminds me Soldiers, the reason I was in Berlin, aside from vacation, was for a “top secret meeting”. Yes indeed …the planning has begun.
Join the Sparkle Army 