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
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