Donna Summer

Just lately, much of my music listening time has been occupied with acquainting, or reacquainting, myself with some of Donna Summer's disco epics from the 1970s, in particular some of the extended mixes.

I was already familiar with the "single" versions of such tracks as "MacArthur Park", "Hot Stuff" and "I Feel Love", but exploring the 12 inch versions of these and other tracks has been revelatory, to say the least.

Several emotions and thoughts were aroused in my mind whilst listening to these songs. Firstly, the technical quality of the recordings, which were quite advanced for their time. The productions were very lavish and luxuriant, and the occasional use of session musicians from the rock milieu added a different dimension.

It is also noticeable how some of these tracks still sound quite fresh today, and not dated like so much "disco" music of that time. This is probably because they exist and operate "out of time".  The extent to which Donna's work with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte was influential on later dance music, and "dance-pop" is sometimes forgotten.

More than anything though I was touched by how these tracks were emblematic of a whole era, of a time of social uncertainty, and attendant hedonism and escapism. There is a sense of being in a delightful cocoon, insulated from the normal cares of life, and also from time itself.   I guess this is how many clubbers in the 70s must have felt when dancing along to the cuts.

Something else which is very apparent is the hypnotic quality of several of these songs, not just rhythmically but also melodically. The judicious use of synthesizers and other such new innovations, combined with strings and brass, and the normal guitar/bass/drums set-up, produced a very warm and enticing mixture. There is little doubt that the arrangements were done in this way, to affect the listener and dancer in a particular way.

"I Feel Love" certainly has that feel, although it does not have the warmth or charm of most of the others. Ahead of its time, and affecting in its own way, but maybe off on a tangent in our present context.

The awesome "Love to Love You Baby" has things in common with "I Feel Love", but is much less hard-edged, and therefore more seductive and inviting.  If a sexier record has ever been made, I would sure like to hear it!  This is what I was getting at when talking of a hypnotic style, and in the case of "Love to Love You Baby" the full sixteen minute-plus version has to be heard to gain the full impact.  The instrumental passages in particular can transport the listener to a different plane, and become almost transcendent. Oh to have been young and virile, and a regular frequenter of discos, when this song was first released!

Some of the songs may have surreptitiously penetrated the mind and body, but others relied on musical sophistication and the power and potency of Donna's vocal talents.  This is perhaps best exemplified on "Heaven Knows", "Last Dance" and the monumental "MacArthur Park Suite". 

Above all, perhaps, "Last Dance" encapsulates many of the themes which we have examined here.  The lyrics typify the carefree, "let's forget about tomorrow" ethos of much of the best disco music, but they are set against a complex and infectious melody, and an arrangement which perfectly complements these elements.

"MacArthur Park Suite" is a feast for the senses, and possibly the most ambitious and outlandish of all of these works. Deftly employing "light and shade", and cleverly constructed, it comes across like a defiant and extravagent "last hurrah" for a whole era.

Listening to these records has reminded me of a time when music had the power to entertain, amuse and enthrall, but also to inspire and transcend.

Now I just need to seek out some retro disco clubs in my area.....!