I’ve never understood the joy in dancing to standard eurodance/techno, kick-hihat-kick-hihat-kick-hihat… hihat-hihat-dubbelkick!, i often try to unload my theories about how music evolved up until the 70s but has since been steadily deteriorating with few exceptions but it usually ends with people throwing cans at me.
According to me, the best music to dance to is music that floats between disco and funk. But the problem is that you might scare certain people if you go full-blown 70s. I’ll rant a bit about some songs.
Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions
“Basically the ultimate soul/funk-tune, it has constant percussion going on in the bakgrund and the bass guitar is completely used as an instrument instead of just being there to fill the void. I have yet to meet someone who does not like this.”
Shake Your Booty by KC & The Sunshine Band
“KC & The Sunshine band was the ultimate disco band. As expected, the lyrics are about absolutely nothing but they aren’t what’s important here. This starts with great rhythm guitar that pretty much carries the entire song. It also has a horn section, yay!. I dare you to not sing along.”
Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag by James Brown
“As most of James Browns early songs, it’s just wicked semi-slow funk.”
Who’s that lady by The Isley Brothers
“One of their hits, has a distorted lead guitar that’s basically a hello and goodbye to Jimi Hendrix who played with them during their early days. Has a great build up. (“Look, yeah, but don’t [pause] touch.”)”
He’s The Greatest Dancer by Sister Sledge
“Sister Sledge was the pet project of the guys behind Chic. This is basically just a long disco attack, rhythm guitar, strings and piano. Nothing extraordinary but also nothing plain.”
Found a cure by Ashford & Simpson
“Great intro, builds up and explodes into disco.”
Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder
“One of Stevie Wonders best, a sort of tribute to the oldies Duke Ellingtone, Count Basie and all the others. This is the perfect song, no question.”
Pick Up the Pieces by Average White Band
“There are few bands who can funk like Average White band, their songs completely rely on awesome use of the guitars and it works.”
Freak Out by Chich
“Sing-along, Aaah freak out.”
Dire Straits by Sultans of Swing
“A song about the joys of playing what you like. Completely carried by Mark Knopflers guitar.”
Strawberry Letter 23 by Brothers Johnson
“Mellow!”
Family Affair by Sly and the Family Stone
“Sly and the Family Stone pretty much invented the slap-bass-funk in the very early 70s. This is a mellow song with great deep vocals.”*
Bottom line is, as long as the bassline is moving… you’ll be grooving.
) or what?