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!
STAR FLIGHT SPARKLE!
I’m a big fan of Legs & Co videos which feature a troupe of lovely ladies dancing to the hits from the TV show, Top of The Pops. However, a lot of times their costumes fall short of fabulous, but not in today’s Sparkle Video! Someone was channeling Flash Gordon or Larry LeGaspi or both when they designed these dazzling gold metallic numbers complete coordinating hat, gloves, booties and most importantly – cape! They look like heavenly golden stewardesses who have landed their spaceship on earth, ready to bring close encounters to a dance floor near you. Their performance of Earth, Wind & Fire‘s “Star” is nothing short of magical, complete with dreamy “rainbow” light effects. But it was 1979 after all, the year of disco, so they had to deliver. I’m just hoping that Sir Richard Branson sees this and takes the hint, because this is the only outfit that will do for a cabin crew if I’m ever getting on a ride to space.
BACK IN THE SPARKLE GROOVE!
Once you get past Paul Stanley‘s shirtless rock n’ roll intro, today’s Sparkle Video is abuzz with visual delight featuring a bedazzled Ace Frehley. Performing the classic “Back in the New York Groove” with his glittering light-up guitar, Ace and the Kiss crew are the perfect example of why the Sparkle Army loves both kinds of music: rock n’ roll and disco. Aside from loving the sounds, the reason is that both genres use the required elements of fabulous, such as show-stopping outfits and a stage of filled with flashing lights, which is the only way true Superstars roll.
Yes Soldiers- I’m back! Back in the Sparkle Groove- yeah!
A GRACE JONES KIND OF DAY
Today’s Sparkle Video features a breathtakingly beautiful Grace Jones on a Montreal TV show from 1977 and is the perfect way to start this rainy day in New York City. A smooth disco groove like this one and our Miss Jones in a slinky magenta metallic dress accessorized with space cuffs (get some!) is the perfect “pick me up” and all I need (along with a delicious cup o’ joe!) to get me up and on my way. The flashing lights and crowded dance floor are an added bonus of fabulous and all of it together makes the best breakfast ever!
P.S. Dear Soldiers: I must say “Sorry” as I have been unable to devote myself to writing as much as I’d like to due to current circumstances, but very soon I’ll be back to blogging about all of your- and my- favorite things so stay tuned…
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!
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)
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.
SPARKLE TO THE MUSIC!
Today’s Sparkle Video is one of my all-time favorite songs and this clip of Raw Silk performing in the height of 80’s disco fashion is truly a rare sparkling diamond! I also chose this because we are fast approaching the most fabulous holiday of the year when everyone casts aside their inhibitions (those who have some anyway) and dazzles from head to toe with reckless abandon. However, to be honest, I can’t be sure this was a Top of The Pops Halloween special, or “fancy-dress party as the Brits like to call it, because it was 1982 and seeing a dance floor filled with supercharged freak-a-zoids was normal back then. Longing for a time machine anyone?
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