Here’s the fashion scoop for summer and you heard it here first from Da General, inspired by today’s Sparkle Video. Its starlettes, the lovely ladies of Dynasty, are dressed in all-white featuring shimmering spandex accented by metallic gold belts. This super-chic look is destined to take over dance floors everywhere Soldiers, because nothing says summer like being inside a cavernous dark disco while flashing lights and laser beams reflect all over your fabulousness. And that’s what we call “Satisfied”.
DR. WHO? SPARKLES!
Two words: disco smoke. Today’s Sparkle Video has Mankind swimming in the most lush and billowing cloud of smoke I have ever seen and I just want to jump right into it! This creative decision was 100% the right one, because the it’s the only way this disco-tastic sci-fi sound should ever be presented. The “Dr. Who Theme” is like a party waiting to explode all over the stage. No wait- it is a party and those guys are totally feeling it, but where are the spaced-out sparkle sluts dancing behind them? Read between the lines, Soldiers! It was Top of the Pops and the 70’s after all, so most likely they’re partying backstage in the green room.
ROCK WITH SPARKLES
Michael Jackson and the entire Jackson family have never been strangers to fabulous sparkle outfits, but today’s Sparkle Video shows MJ at his most dazzle-tastic. From his glittering silver boots to his gem-encrusted striped pants that accentuate his every move, to his matching sparkling top. He’s truly a sight to behold! This vision is made even more fantastic by the green laser beams dancing behind him, adding magical shapes and shadows to this performance of “Rock With You” and makes this timeless classic even more unforgettable.
AFTER SPARKLES…
Today’s Sparkle Video features a luxuriously dazzling Patti Brooks performing of her disco classic, “After Dark”, which all of you good Solders will recognize from the “Thank God It’s Friday” soundtrack. The fabulous combination of her leg-revealing sequin dress and showgirl-style feather fan take this number to a whole ‘ nother level of sparkling sophistication which is being thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd dancing on a uniquely digital looking light-up dance floor. This version is very short and makes me feel somewhat cheated, however since it ends it after the fabulous “dip” with her silky male dancer, I think I can get over it.
IF MY SOLDIERS COULD SEE…
Today’s Sparkle Video is truly epic and not because of the star. While Linda Clifford looks gorgeous in her flowing kimono style dress, fabulous hair and makeup as she’s belting out her classic, “If My Friends Could See Me Now”– something else is a-brewing. Yes Soldiers, something else. Besides all those required elements of dazzle that we love like flashing lights and laser beams, there’s a Disco Spaceman in the background! Sparklingly mirror-tiled from head-to-toe, he steals the show and at 1:03, he goes for it. He’s hip-thrusting like a madman behind Linda to the point that she almost disappears, but she doesn’t and I want to scream, “Linda, move out of the way!” And she knows it too and towards the end, the camera pulls in closer while they dance it out for total screen domination.
SPARKLES TO THE RESCUE!
Today’s Sparkle Video featuring A Taste of Honey appearing on Soul Train was chosen because I think this that this track is their best. It doesn’t seem to get as much play as their bigger, Grammy winning hit “Boogie Oogie Oogie” however, “Rescue Me” has such an unforgettable “bounce” and gleaming happiness that it really needs to be in heavy rotation everywhere. Radio stations and dance floors alike should be spinning this sparkling gem more often and I want to get that movement started. Because while a band fronted by two gorgeous ladies may not have been unusual in 1980, a band fronted by two gorgeous ladies like Hazel and Janice-Marie, dazzlingly dressed in sequins who also play guitar and bass, was certainly not the norm. So- let’s be sure to recognize Superstars when we see them Soldiers! Also, let’s not forget that this music is the sparkling “backbone” of the Funky Four Plus One‘s rap classic “That’s The Joint”– which it was and still is .
SPARKLES IN PARADISCO!
Today’s Sparkle Video answers the question, “What planet will you visit once space travel becomes available for civilians?” Paradisco of course! You know, the planet where leggy Dalida-like goddesses in glittering catsuits host showstopping parties night and day. In fact, there is no night and day, just endless swirls of fun and everyone wears metallic gold from head to toe accented by glorious sparkling sequins. And because this planet’s atmosphere naturally emits a billowing fog, there’s a never ending supply of disco smoke, which means a never ending supply of fabulous! Who’s coming with?
SPARKLELOO!
It’s about time I let you in on a little secret. Whenever I see the words “German TV” as part of a video’s title, I know that there’s an outstanding chance that it’s going to be chock full of fabulous outfits and today’s Sparkle Video is no exception. While Abba has always been known for their splendidly over the top costumes, the ensembles worn for this performance of “Waterloo” have got to be their most showstopping ever. Spandex, satin, sequins, metallics, mirror tiles, glittering instruments, space cuffs, platform shoes and even a magical CAPE. I’m so out of breath already and then some freakazoid dressed like Napoleon shows up. Soldiers, what we have here is called a KABLAM!
STARSHIP SPARKLE!
What a slow start on the day that this “blizzard” has caused, but nothing that could keep me from posting today’s Sparkle Video because of one fabulous word: space. Yes, this clip had me smitten right from the very beginning with its sparkling space vehicle flanked by two strumming spacemen who are playing a somewhat Spanish sounding song. That is, until Miss Mistral shows up in her glam-tastic silver space suit and delightful glitter makeup and begins singing about a mystical and dreamy flight on “Starship 109.” One can truly only hope that this is what space travel is going to be like- smooth sultry, sexy people all flying together into new frontiers. Sounds a lot like the adventures coming our way in 2014, which reminds me Soldiers… Happy New Year!
FLASHBACK!
Today’s Sparkle Video features more from Top of the Pops in what has to be one of the most exhilarating guest appearances ever. Here, the legendary group Imagination performs their classic “Flashback” with many of the dazzling effects that Sparkle Videos require. Shimmering “half-outfits” baring much-much skin, a stage of flashing lights framed in a totally 80’s palette of purple and turqwuaz and a fancy editing style that kicks in on the chorus all adds up to make this a truly exceptional moment in time. The equally sparkling audience and gyrating hips swirls are extra details that put this one so over the top for me that I’m having a bit of trouble coming down!