Panic at the Roller Disco

Something is in the air. I am not sure if it started with the sad passing of Olivia Newton-John or the release of Beyoncé's epic dance music-inspired new album Renaissance or seasonal Disco Roller Rink in Central Park but nostalgia has hit me hard over the past few weeks. As a tween, I spent nearly every Saturday afternoon at the roller rink and, in between, I used my family driveway as my stage as I choreographed routines to my favorite songs. When the weather was bad outside, I made my parents move the cars so I could convert the garage into my indoor rink. I cannot recall how many times I watched Xanadu and Roller Boogie, but it was certainly in the double digits. Naturally, ONJ had to kick off this roller disco playlist. What a legend. When I heard Beyoncé paying tribute to queen Donna Summer on "Summer Renaissance," I knew it was meant to be. I have been trying to find a place for Sylvester on one of my playlists and I think I found the perfect spot. The rest of the playlist has late 70's/early 80's roller disco classics like Diana Ross, Blondie, ELO, The Pointer Sisters and Shannon. Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" is right at home on this playlist with its Tom Tom Club DNA. I tried to include a couple tracks from the 21st Century that would be at home at the rink, so you will hear Sky Ferreira and Annie. Last week, I paid a visit to the DiscOasis in Central Park. It took a minute for me to find my "skate legs" again. I guess it is like riding a bike? I barely left the floor for the entire two-hour session it was so much fun. And I have still have the blisters to prove it.

Olivia Newton-John - Magic

Beyoncé - Summer Renaissance

Sylvester - Do You Wanna Funk?

Mariah Carey - Fantasy

Blondie - Heart of Glass

Sky Ferreira - Everything Is Embarrassing

Electric Light Orchestra - Don't Bring Me Down

Diana Ross - Upside Down

The Pointer Sisters - Automatic

Annie - Greatest Hit

Shannon - Let the Music Play

Gold Soundz

I think we all probably need a relaxing summer playlist to forget (for a moment) that our country is complete trash. Pour yourself your favorite drink and hopefully this playlist will help you decompress. This one has music from my all-time fav, Pavement, as well as classics from The Clash, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Fleetwood Mac and Ms. Lauryn Hill. There are indie jams from Brendan Benson, Best Coast, Teenage Fanclub and Beach House plus new music from Alex G, Cate Lebon and Sasami.

Recharge those batteries because we are gonna need all hands on deck to protest the hell out of the latest decisions from our illegitimate Supreme Court. This weekend I will be making donations to the following:

National Network of Abortion Funds:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds?refcode=1milmatch

Elevated Access:

https://elevatedaccess.org/donate

Pro-Choice Candidates in Pivotal Races:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sdp-dlcc-jld-2022?refcode=officialjld_ig_bio

Shout out in the comments where else to donate.

Happy 4th?

xo, Julie

Pavement - Gold Soundz

The Clash - The Magnificent Seven

100 Days, 100 Nights - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Fleetwood Mac - Think About Me

Best Coast - Feeling Ok

Brendan Benson - Tiny Spark

Alex G - Runner

Teenage Fanclub - Ain't That Enough

Beach House - Myth

Cate Lebon - Moderation

Ms. Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)

Sasami - Not A Love Song

When Spring Turns to Summer

It’s been awhile. Apologies for the lack of playlists over the past few months. Given how devastating the world is right now, it has been hard to find motivation. I started this playlist in April and finally finished it yesterday. Thus the title, When Spring Turns to Summer. I knew I wanted to kick off the playlist with a new track from Hot Chip because at the beginning of the pandemic, they were the band that I longed to see live probably the most. I am thrilled they are releasing new music and touring again. After many years of waiting, I got to see them play last month and it was pure joy. The other new song on the playlist is from The Linda Linda’s. The LA teen punk band released their excellent debut album in April. Rounding out the playlist are some dance tracks (Chic, Goldfrapp), some new wave favorites (Adam & The Ants, Yaz), a few rockers (Ex Hex, The Remains), R&B/soul (The Triplett Twins) and an indie classic from Smog. My husband posted something about Bo Jackson on Twitter the other day and it reminded me of one of my favorite A Tribe Called Quest tracks, Scenario. You never know where inspiration will strike! I hope you enjoy this one and hopefully it won’t be months before you hear from me again.

Hot Chip - Down

Chic - Everybody Dance

Goldfrapp - Ooh La La

A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario (LP Mix)

Adam & The Ants - Cartrouble (Single Version)

The Linda Linda's - Oh!

Ex Hex - Don't Wanna Lose

The Remains - Mercy, Mercy

The Triplett Twins - Pretty Please

Yaz - Only You

Smog - Held