I’m not sure how I made it through the 80’s learned about all the fabulous music from the 80’s without ever hearing this song, but now that I’ve found it I will never let go because I’m OBSESSED. Sure, sure- there’s gobs of flashing lights, outfits of metallic brocade amongst other supreme 80’s fashion and even a gong, but I’m smitten with today’s Sparkle Video from Fox on Fox for other reasons. One is that they’re an obvious precursor to Army of Lovers, of whom I’m also a fan, but also because “Precious Little Diamonds” has truly latched on to me like no other song. Perhaps there’s no way to not love a song about diamonds, but I think it’s more about the down-tempo groove laying sensuously below falsetto vocals and a heavy bass line. Yup- that’s it.
SPARKLE VIDEO KISSES!
Today’s Sparkle Video is a visual onslaught of disco outer space madness equipped with magical flashing light-up stairs. A word of caution however, as the ladies of “Babe” seem like they’re getting ready to take off into what sounds like a classic disco track and then: BOOM! At 15 seconds, the vintage Euro-pop kicks in. It’s at this point I suggest you turn down the volume and put on some Patrick Cowley or Sylvester or anything that puts this situation right. While it’s baffling as to why the producer of “The Kiss” made such an odd decision, it was so long ago it doesn’t really matter because the gift of this fabulous scenery enhanced by three gorgeous blonds dressed entirely in metallic gold more than makes up for it.
SPARKLEZ-VOUS FRANCAIS?
What could be more disco that today’s Sparkle video featuring Patsy Gallant in a shimmering metallic gold outfit, rocking a supreme flip “do” and singing sweetly about her “Sugar Daddy”?’ In fact, I think if you Google “disco”, this clip is what sprouts up as the official definition- especially at 2:00. That’s when the lusciousness really kicks as the backup dancers, both male and female, enter the stage and it goes disco light crazy! Now I don’t speak French, but it was 1977, so I’m guessing it’s something like, “‘Oh Sugar Daddy, enough furs, enough diamonds! Please, truly all I want is to dazzle on the dance floor with you tonight- and lots, lots of champagne… and you’ll pay for it all, my darling lover!”. Something like that.
Great Moments in Disco Fashion History: Groupie Chic
70’s Groupie Chic is one of my favorite looks of all time. Outfits of metallic and satin fabrics, super-high platforms and the hottest of hot shorts topped off with sunglasses, a fur jacket and lots of attitude is nothing less than sensational! Back in the heyday, there was even a magazine, “Star”, which had helpful articles and fashion tips for all aspiring groupies so that one day, they too could be like their superstars.
Lori Maddox, Sable Starr, Bebe Buell and Cyrinda Foxe were some of the most famous groupies who were super young and out to have fun! Instead of dance clubs like Studio 54, these lovely ladies were regulars at Rock n’ Roll dens like Max’s Kanses City, CBGB’s and Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco. Looking fabulous got them everything and anything- Rock Star boyfriends, dazzling world tours and parties non-stop, which ended up making them famous in their own right. Their legendary tales of love and lust on the road have made for some great books, films and hundreds of devoted fan sites. What I love most about them is that they’ve been quoted as saying they have no regrets, that it was an amazing time and they’d do it all over again.
There are still groupies out there today, but seriously, without the cool outfits… what’s the point?
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