I’m so intrigued by today’s Sparkle Video because it has all the elements of fabulosity- a tall gorgeous creature dressed in a red hot sequin bodysuit and heels with amazing hair and makeup surrounded by billowing smoke. If all of that wasn’t enough, Bibi Andersen takes it a step further by singing “Call Me Lady Champagne” while sipping on a delightful glass of bubbly. I think we have a new hero Soldiers!
GIVE ME SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today’s Sparkle Video celebrates the absolute King of Disco, Marc Cerrone, who’s first hit was back in 1976. Can you believe that “Love in C Minor” was actually turned down by the record labels (such fools)? Thankfully, the people on the dance floor (the only ones that matter) knew right away that this was pure magic. In fact, if there is any one person that owns disco, it’s Cerrone and his prolific onslaught of timeless tracks including “Je Suis Music”, “Supernature”, “Midnight Lady” and “You are the One” which features vocals from the legendary Jocelyn Brown. Today, after more than 30 years, his music is still furiously played by DJ’s everywhere and he continues to compose, produce and play the largest drum kit known to man as well as collaborate with many different artists, which brings me all the way back to today’s Sparkle Video. Now, normally I detest most modern remixes of the classics because they always seem to destroy the spirit of the of original, but not this one- excellent work Bob Sinclair! Not only does this 2001 version of “Give Me Love” pay fabulous tribute to the master, but it’s turned up the sex a few notches by adding a bunch of naked women smeared in metallic makeup and shimmering gold flecks writhing in ecstasy and I’m sure that Cerrone is nothing but proud.
ENJOY SPARKLE VIDEO DAY WITH ME!
Today’s Sparkle Video shows The Jacksons performing on Musikladen dressed adorably in bedazzled powder blue from top to bottom with the fabulous touch of spaced-out shoulder pads. I personally find it much more effective when the entire group has matching outfits don’t you? It certainly makes much more of a statement and I love the one they’re making! The infectious repetition of “Enjoy Yourself” coupled with Michael’s pleading to stop worrying about things you can’t control, just live the life you got and get up on the dance floor and have some fun makes this one of their catchiest songs ever. Well, you don’t have to twist my arm Jacksons…I’m already dancing!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpZP-Lvwico
HOLD ON, IT’S SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Here she is once again, the fabulous Miss Precious Wilson, rocking one of the most daring outfits ever seen in a Sparkle Video and also one which is surely the result of many glasses of champagne. How else do you explain this alluring Sequin Snake Charmer idea? It’s quite brilliant, not just for it’s amazing sparkle factor, but also because it accentuates her sexy slithering moves just like a reptilian princess from outer space and is topped off with the only choice- a glimmering turban crown. Ssssplendid!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExxyJqephkY
NIGHT IN SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today’s Sparkle Video is about the importance of a really snazzy number and Cherry Laine, rocking a very flirty “hippie-style sparkle- fringe” outfit, is backed by some the sassiest dancers in town as well as an equally hypnotic disco classic. Can someone please make me a loop of the “Night in Chicago” chorus so I can hear it endlessly while I dazzle on the dance floor making dramatic arm moves every time that fierce and intense string section chimes in? I’m sure you can envision that, because I can. Then again, maybe I’m feeling a bit sentimental after a recent visit with good friends in the Windy City which was wonderful for so many reasons, but what really sticks out in my mind is their spiral staircase spanning three floors. Yes Soldiers… many fabulous entrances were had!
COME ON A SPARKLE VIDEO VOYAGE!
This is definitely one of the most interesting Sparkle Videos yet because it’s based on a dazzling concept not seen anywhere before (plus, I am still on my road trip across America so thought it was rather perfect!). Could Lakeside’s Voyage be anything but Fantastic in this party-down ship with filled with members in sparkle-pirate chic? I think not Soldiers… I think not.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YjmXSyHa8
SPARKLE VIDEO SECONDS!
Wow! Being up in the mountains and dealing with high altitudes almost made me forget what day it is but honestly, that could never really happen Soldiers! Especially because there’s just one word for today’s Sparkle Video and that is: irresistable. Shalamar’s song “Second Time Around” is almost a little too sweet, but with it’s silky danceable groove it’s hard not to fall hopelessly in love with him.. I mean it. Now let’s talk outfits. HOLLA mirror- tile rhinestone combo! There are so many magical flashes jumping out at us thanks to this dazzling choice and those glorious star filters that one could almost go blind. “More is More ” is definitely in place, but just to really drive it home they added glitterized hair – a move that always screams BRAVO!
TRIBUTE TO SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
I have a confession to make and it’s that I’m fascinated by tribute bands and my goal for the future is to see as many as possible so I can critque them against their subject. However, because of my new hobby, I’ve engaged in many colorful beer infused debates over what makes one a tribute band instead of merely a cover band. The golden rule is: in order to qualify as a tribute band you have to deliver THE FULL SHOW- as in everything. To further illustrate my point and give a superb example of exactly how this art form should be done is two Sparkle Videos, both performances of “Galactica”.
In the first video from 1980, The Rockets deliver a dazzling stage show that begins with a fabulous entrance from the singer who, laser in hand while he exits his space-pod, marches robot syle onto a stage filled with gobs of smoke and laser beams.
The second video is from The Universal Band with their show and doing steller job if you ask me. Costumes, makeup, attitude and effects are all in place and the singer has truly captured the vocal inflections of his idol. The only thing that’s really missing is the pod entrance and his silver cape, but really- who would notice? Besides, I’m sure they’re working on adding these details to their show, but even still, they get a “Tribute Band A++”.
GET READY FOR SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Warning Soldiers: You are about to witness a Sparkle Video beyond anything you’ve witnessed before and which also serves as a reminder that there will only ever be one Godfather of Soul. Here, James Brown and his band are performing “Payback” live and killing it so hard that a party of sparkling proportion is happening on that stage filled with rhinestones and shimmering capes. It’s not just happening on the stage either- take a look at the Soul Train dancers. They are totally feeling it and so am I, for even though it’s only 11:30am, I am dressed and ready to hit the disco (or at least an early happy hour)!
By the way, I’d also like to take time in this post to thank my childhood sitters who were not only sisters, but “Sisters” with fabulously big afros. They played lots of James Brown for me and my brother while teaching us how to dance “The Bump” and then rewarded us with a trip to the candy store after.
Debbie & Tanya: you were the best- thanks for giving Da General some soul!
MARC ALMOND RUNS RINGS AROUND SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today is not the first time Marc Almond has been featured on Sparkle Video Day and it probably won’t be the last considering his angelic voice, perfectly coiffed hair and endless supply of sparkle tops. However, “Tears Run Rings” is my absolute favorite and in this special live performance we get to see him command the stage in full twinkling splendor thanks to gobs of red sequins and that marvelous invention, the star filter. Watching those light beams dance across him while he sings to the audience is pure magic which is further enhanced by his excellent choice of luminous glitterized skin. Now on the flip side, as much as I love this song, it seems the person responsible for adding the lyrics to the video fell asleep on the keyboard resulting in complete nonsensical gibberish. I’m not sure why no one else noticed this, but I hope it gets corrected soon with the only language that matters… Sparkle Speak!
Join the Sparkle Army 