Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

COULD BE THAT IT’S SPARKLE VIDEO DAY, PART ll

Today’s post is called Part ll because “Just An Illusion” has been the Sparkle Video before, but not this version!  Imagination is quite popular here in Sparkle Town because aside from having a never ending supply of dazzling outfits, they’re truly a group who understands that image is everything and if you’re going to put on a show- then PUT ON A SHOW.  This particular clip was chosen because it rivals the new “Dark Shadows” movie (also fabulous) for the coveted HorrorCamp Award, but I think this haunted house mystery/fashion show might be the winner.  Instead of running for his life, the lead singer is full of swagger as he explores every nook and cranny of that old mansion that features ghosts, dancing skeletons, shimmering vampires and gobs of disco smoke.  What really puts this video over the top for the award though, is when he takes full command of the stairs and turns it into an impromptu stage for his silky descent into the main room.  There, he totally works the dance floor in front of a proper audience, sparkling madly all the while.  Yes Soldiers, we have a winner!

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

IT’S THE RIGHT TIME FOR SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

I’ve been talking a lot about disco lately so today’s Sparkle Video is a tribute to the other form of music I love: Rock n’ Roll.  This clip is important for many reasons, but to start, it’s the first one to be uploaded of NYC Nightlife Royalty, Jayne County‘s performance last night at Bowery Electric.   It was the first night of the Max’s Kansas City Reunion shows and while there’s no way to capture the amazing energy or sound on videocam, I was there and I can tell you that Ms. Jayne sparkles like no other on stage!  Yes, she’s still got it and rocks it out harder than anyone half her age, wait- make that 3/4 of her age- and always makes a fabulous entrance.

Even though I’ve seen her many times before, I’m especially glad that I went last night because Ms. Jayne also announced her retirement (“NOOO!” we all screamed!), which is another reason this clip was chosen for today.  That’s right, she said she will never perform in NYC again so if you snoozed, you really lost this time!  However, I’m sure more clips of this amazing evening will be available soon for you, and I highly recommend “Rock n’ Roll Resurrection”.  That was truly a religious experience and gave me chills as I watched her “baptize” people amongst flashing lights and screams of worship.  Yes Soldiers, last night Jayne County washed us all in the blood of Rock ‘n Roll and it was LEGENDARY.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

GROUND CONTROL TO SPARKLE VIDEO!

Never has travel in outer space been as fascinating as in today’s Sparkle Video.  DÖF creates a very unique take on aliens with “Codo”, and while my German is still pretty spotty, it seems to be about a planet with no love and no fun.  Clearly somewhere no one would ever want to go except that they have fabulous outfits.  Even Da General can put up with a little “no fun” if I am able to fly around in a shimmering blue cape ensemble or chiffon-esque princess gown– but then again, that would make it fun!  Also, I must confess that the guy in the plastic bag who’s fashion is so dangerously suicidal makes me a little uneasy.   Can it be that no one ever told him that his bag was not a toy, or is he literally bored to death and no longer cares about living?   Either way Soldiers, make sure to avoid his situation by having maximum fun coated with maximum sparkle at all times.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

VOTE FOR PEDRO on SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

As we start a long holiday weekend filled with nothing but rain, I felt that today’s Sparkle Video needed some extra pizzazz and nothing says “extra pizzazz” like Raffaela Carra singing latin disco.   As always, she is in a smashing ensemble, but what really makes this clip special is the multiple mens in skintight outfits made in my favorite color combination.  Their red, pink and orange tights remind me of delicious Fruit Stripe Gum, but this is much better because they come with a surprise package inside.  Topped off with electric red fedoras, these boys twirl, leap and high-kick right through the clouds and let the sun shine in, which makes me think that whoever “Pedro” is- he is one super fabulous guy!

 

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos, Heroes

DONNA SUMMER

Although I never met Donna Summer, she was a very important person in my life and the news of her passing yesterday covered me with extreme sadness.  Her influence touched me in every way and formed my ideals as a child-  I wanted to look like her, sing like her and dress like her.   I was captivated by her extreme beauty, flawless skin, perfectly applied makeup and luxe curly hair (mine was was horribly pin straight and thus began my love affair with hot rollers).  Her voice was strong and powerful, but also sexy and at times, angelic and her outfits- do I even need to mention her outfits?  Yes Soldiers.. yes I do!  Sparkling, shimmering and always at the height of disco fashion giving her the perfect stage presence to accompany her supreme talent.  Indeed, I spent hours listening to her albums, dancing in my bedroom and longing for the day I would be old enough to be inside a real disco and look fabulous while I danced under the glorious flashing lights.   Forward to today and here I am.

She was everything– a mentor, an idol and an icon and in her honor, I considered “going black” on Sparkle Video Day for the first time ever as a moment of silence.  However, after much thought I realized that was not the right thing to do, especially as Da General of the Sparkle Army.  It’s my duty to make sure that sparkling is our first priority, no matter what comes our way.  This is our duty and together we will continue to bring light, love, sparkles and Sparkle Videos to the world and that, Soldiers, is exactly how we honor Donna Summer- forever The Queen.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

IT’S A POLI-SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

Today’s Sparkle Video is such a treat in that “Klaus Nomi meets George Michael” kind of way.  The first look at Ivan Cattaneo, with his reflective mirror outfit, bizarro goggles and snazzy gold metallic boots screams “I’m totally New Wave!”.   Instead he rolls out “Polisex”, a smooth groove backed by the sultry sound of the saxophone while he performs some fabulously dramatic dance moves.  GOTCHA!  Now, about the group:  I don’t believe this is an actual band, but his “Besties” who like to rock an outfit, but who better to bring on television with you?  Especially when you’ve got people like the silver keyboard player and the soldier guy playing the high-hat who are totally feeling it (freeze the frame at 0:35.. it’s magical!).  The 80’s truly was a time when people strove to look unique and they do it smashingly.  In fact, the whole thing is so mesmerizing, it’s almost too much!  Almost.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

SHY, SHY SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

Amazing how fast a week can pass and then KABLAM!  It’s Sparkle Video Day again!   In all honesty though, it couldn’t have come fast enough for me because I’ve been gagging to share today’s clip with you.  I’m in love with everything that’s being showcased here from the hazy focus to the bright colored outfits (in a palette that’s all the rage right now) and especially the super sexiness of “Shy, Shy Sugarman” performed by Jack’s Project.   A hot number that starts out with “Some get the glitter, some get the gold… “, is an all out attitude fest because these girls ooze with fabulous bitchiness, especially the one in the yellow.  In fact, they’re that much sought after combination of being both the popular girls and also the very, very bad girls.  I must also point out that special honors go to the lead singer for knowing how to work in maximum hand shots to show off her press-on nails… as any of us would do.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

GET READY ‘CUZ HERE COMES SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

Today’s Sparkle Video is from one of our favorite TV shows, Musikladen, however this clip is from 1983 when they clearly had a lot more money to spend on production.  Sure, it’s only a theory, but I think it’s supported by the inclusion of a slick, snazzy and sparkly show open and a full-on neon light-up stage (as compared to the old tinsel and foil backdrops sometimes used in the 70’s).  However, the most obvious kick in the budget surely went to the slew of ladies dressed in “dancing school fabulous” hired to shimmy and shake along to the performing guests who, right now, happens to be Trax.   I think it’s totally appropriate that a man singing “Get ready ‘cuz here I come..” should make use of a dazzling sequin lightning bolt that leads straight down to a spectacularly large codpiece, in a “driving the statement home” kind of way.  The drummer also knows his way around an outfit, as he made a fabulous choice in wearing his spaced-out best.  I guess the other two guys didn’t get the sparkle memo, but it’s okay because the hotties dancing around them kind of steal the show anyway.  Especially the girl in the super hero number who remembered to include the most important fashion accessory of all time- Space Cuffs (get some!).

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

AUSSI-TASTIC SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

Sparkle Videos just keep getting better and better so brace yourself for one of the most amazing things EVER.  It’s dazzling perfection made with flashing lights, hypnotic music and one man in a very colorful outfit with showstopping dance moves.  In fact, I’m going “on the record” right now and asking if there’s anyone out there who can recreate this number step for step (outfit, hair and mustache required!) and if so, please contact me because you are booked for the next Sparkle Army party!

 

 

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

I’M A SUCKER FOR SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

Whenever a song starts out with, “Alright you freaks..”, you know it’s going to be extra good just like today’s Sparkle Video.  Don Cornelius (RIP) is showcasing a full-on outfit war on the Soul Train stage and to be honest, I’m not sure who the winner is.  Now normally, I always “go sequin” as did the legendary Teena Marie (RIP) in an exciting magenta sequin dazzler which she smartly paired with a turquoise sequin tube top and matching boots.  However, she’s standing next to the one and only Rick James (RIP) who’s wearing a very “Bootsy-esque” suit with extreme bell cuffs, accented with rhinestones and fabulously topped off with jeweled encrusted glasses and glitter dusted hair.  This makes for quite a conundrum so instead, let’s call it a glittering tie because when it comes to sparkling, everyone’s a winner!