Soul singer Edwin Starr might be more well-known for his 1970 classic, War (What is it good for), but it’s this little 1979 stomper that I love.

I’m not sure what it is about this tune but it has been well and truly stuck in my head all week. It’s infectious and unselfconsciously positive. You gotta love that.

Also, being from the true disco era it lends itself to very authentic disco dance moves. You know what I mean. Think soul train. Think back, forth, back, forth, hip, swivel, swivel, point.

In fact, I tested out the true joyocity of this tune today by playing it for Caro. While she is not an avowed advocate of the disco beat, she does know how to move her feet. Together we bring you this Y.M.C.A.-inspired chorie of the H.A.P.P.Y.

H. Okay legs apart, knees bent, with arms raised and bent to the sides. “You are an H!”

A. Legs apart, arms together above the head

P. Legs together, both arms together and curving toward body at left hip

P. Repeat

Y. Legs together, arms apart. [Finger pointing optional]

Then make up your own moves. Impro. Impro. Impro. 

Get dancin!

Related posts:

1. Joy Retro Disco presents What a Wonderful World by Axwell & Bob Sinclair feat. Ron Carroll
2. Joy Retro Disco presents I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
3. Joy Retro Disco presents What You Waiting For by Gwen Stefani

Uplifting tunes for your weekend!

Twas the night before Valentines and all through the house, not a creature was sleeping, not even a mouse. 

Oh, it’s been a frantic V Eve here at Club C’ran. With the day of the valentine tomorrow, we’ve been a-looking for a festive tune to bring in the new year of lurv. We had a long-list and then a short-list and have finally chosen the positive tune to see in the new cheer.

It is Undisputed Truth’s 1976 disco hit, You + Me = Love. There was strong competition on the love front. Donna Summer, Diana Ross and the C+C Music Factory were all contenders to the end, but it only took one spin of the Undisputed Truth’s tune through the big speakers to get the assembled (okay, Ms Ride) dancing in the halls. 

Sure, the lyrics may not be the odes that are traditionally favoured in this season, but this tune has a hands-in-the-air fervour that brings the joy back to love. And, well, it’s just a lot a fun. 

Oh, apparently it’s sung by Taka Boom, younger sister of Chaka Khan. 

Kick off your heels, close your eyes, put your hands in the air and enjoy the next 10 minutes of joyful love. 

Mucho love-o on this weekend de valentino!

Related posts:

1. Joy Retro Disco presents What a Wonderful World by Axwell & Bob Sinclair feat. Ron Carroll
2. The first disco record? Soul Makossa by Manu Dibango
3. Joy Retro Disco presents H.A.P.P.Y. Radio by Edwin Starr