Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

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.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

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 .

 

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

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?

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

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!

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

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!

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

JUMP DOWN WHILE YOU GET DOWN!

Today’s Sparkle Video is a fine example of what the television experience should be like.  Tilt was an Italian show from the late 70’s whose entire concept was based on the most obvious choice:  the “discoteque”.  Yes Soldiers, there was a time when producers were cool and created shows based on what people really want which is flashing lights, thumping music and lots and lots of sparkle outfits.  But I digress – so back to this clip featuring disco sensation Belle Epoque making a guest appearance on the show, sparkling madly in dancing-school-fabulous attire while surrounded by party people blessed with the fever to “Jump Down” while they get down.  Perfection!

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

YOU CAN SPARKLE!

I adore the stunning Madleen Kane, and once I laid eyes on this TV appearance from the early 80’s, I knew it was destined to be today’s Sparkle Video.  “You Can” is not my favorite MK song, as I prefer her more disco-tastic numbers, but this clip is all about the visuals.  It begins with the super-hot and glittering team of Solid Gold Dancers slinking across the stage and then it’s not long after that – KABLAM!  Madleen appears in a showstopping sequin multi-sparkle outfit that has me gagging with so much jealousy, I can hardly function enough to type this.  But don’t be alarmed Soldiers, because that’s the method I always use when deciding what I really need and I REALLY NEED THAT OUTFIT!   (Note to self:  Call personal sparkle outfit maker ASAP)

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

MY NAME IS SPARKLE MOUSE!

In a magical example of how rock n’ roll dazzles just as much as disco, today’s Sparkle Video is a clip of the legendary Sparks‘ appearance on Saturday Night Live from 1982.  Not your average rock band, the Sparks have always been a “bit different” as they say,  in musical. lyrical and vocal stylings as well as in unorthodox fashion choices and they made it work people!   Here we have a stage full of men dressed in sparking sequin suits, featuring brothers Russell in a glittering lime green number and “odd-man-out” Ron, who preferred to stick with his famous 40’s Dandy look.  They’re a sight for sore eyes and ears as they take hold of the audience, break dance a little bit (kind of) and sing madly about another legendary American duo,  Mickey Mouse and his bride Minnie.

 

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

DANCE, DANCE, DANCING SCHOOL FABULOUS!

Today’s Sparkle Video takes “dancing-school-fabulous” to the ultimate level.  Here we have the sultry Legs & Co., of Top of The Pops fame, showing off my favorite look while moving and grooving to Chic‘s classic, “Dance, Dance, Dance”.   I love these costumes because not only do they make use of the glorious mutli-sparkle sequin effect, but each one has their own color-way,  just like the Osmonds ( if they were girls! ).  Plus, the added bonus of flouncy feather tails mimicking Vegas showgirls truly brings their dazzle to the most glittering heights of fabulous!  There aren’t not too many jobs that I’d trade being Da General for Soldiers, but this is definitely one of them.

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

WE’VE GOT THE SPARKLE FEVER!

Today’s Sparkle Video is another glorious clip from the legendary TV show, Midnight Special, featuring The Sylvers who topped the charts in 1976 with this classic called “Boogie Fever”.   One of the things I love about sibling groups from this era is the dazzling concept of matching sparkle outfits, especially with a family of this size where the it’s the most effective.  The visual of several tall, slender men all wearing satin pants and bedazzled tops covered by jackets with shimmering metallic lapels and topped off with extra large afros is almost too much of a good thing.  But it’s never too much, is it?  So, add in the sisters in disco-tastic dresses of buttery yellow trimmed with silver sequins and little brother Foster (who became a superstar in his solo career) in a stand-out pair of metallic pants, and it all just screams perfection!  And Soldiers, I think all of us can relate to eating our pizza (and many other things!) while dancing to the beat, because if there’s one thing we have in common, aside from being fabulous,  it’s the boogie fever.