Classic Compilation – Disco Rocket (1977)

One thing I’ve learned since starting this column is that for a period of time K-Tel were the kings of compilations. Not only did they release a plethora of compilation albums during the ‘60s and ‘70s, they were usually pretty good when it came to song selection, which is why whenever I see the K-Tel logo on a compilation, it immediately goes into the “buy” pile. This was the case last month when I was digging through used vinyl, and saw Disco Rocket.

Disco Rocket was released in 1977 as a double LP filled with tunes to pack the dance floor, and get everybody movin’ and groovin’. Just looking at the tracklisting will have you ready to put your dancin’ shoes on.

The boogie is definitely strong with these 24 songs. Heck, Disco Rocket managed to have people dancing to a disco version of the I Love Lucy theme, and there was even a disco song expressing a deep love of Superman!

Here are eight of my favorites from the double LP, two of which many of you know from how often they’ve been sampled by current hip-hop and R&B artists, and another you’ll recognize because of an epic sitcom appearance by Bruce Willis.

Record 1, Side 1 

Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music

 

Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” is an awesome song, and it was clearly a favorite of K-Tel. Not only did it lead off Disco Rocket, it was also on the K-Tel compilation Music Machine. Thankfully, for Disco Rocket K-Tel divided the songs between two LPs rather than attempting to cram them all onto one, which means we get the full version of the song, instead of the annotated version heard on Music Machine.

Both compilations were released in 1977, so everybody must have been getting funky that year.

Addrisi Brothers – Slow Dancin’ Don’t Turn Me On

 

There’s something wonderfully ironic that a song titled “Slow Dancin’ Don’t Turn Me On” is the slowest song on this compilation.

A call for the DJ to play disco, the Addrisi Brothers were definitely hoping to get their boogie on with a lady or three.

Record 1, Side 2 

Rose Royce – Car Wash

 

Much like “Play That Funky Music,” Rose Royce’s “Car Wash” played double duty for K-Tel appearing on both Disco Rocket and Music Machine.

Clearly, in 1977, music fans were passionate about a good time, and a good wash and wax!

Brick – Dazz

 

If Brick’s “Dazz” sounds familiar it might be because it’s been sampled over 80 times over the years. Yes, you read that right, it’s been sampled over 80 times! Heck, someone’s probably sampling it right now!

Record 2, Side 1 

K.C. & The Sunshine Band – I’m Your Boogie Man

 

For K.C. & The Sunshine Band the boogie man was not a monster hiding under a bed, or in a closet. Rather, he was a man who was ready, willing, and able to do it all for his woman, including cutting a rug on the dance floor. 

Hey, if we combined those definitions of boogie man we’d have quite the delightful dancing monster!  

T-Connection – Do What You Wanna Do

 

“Do What You Wanna Do” is such a fantastic funky jam, it’s damned near irresistible. It also sounds like it would’ve fit in nicely in Washington D.C.’s then thriving go-go scene, which is impressive considering T-Connection were from the Bahamas.

The Miracles – Love Machine (Part 1)

 

“Love Machine” is a great song, but the real reason I chose it as one of the songs to highlight from this compilation is because of the way it was used on Friends. You gotta love Bruce Willis!

 

Record 2, Side 2 

Diana Ross – Love Hangover

 

If you thought it was wild that Brick’s “Dazz” has been sampled over 80 times, Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover” says I’ll see your 80, and raise you to 100+! That’s right, “Love Hangover” has been sampled over 100 times!

One of the most famous uses of “Love Hangover” was for Monica’s 1998 hit “The First Night.”

 

The gift that keeps on giving, Diana Ross truly gave us a winner with “Love Hangover,” just like K-Tel gave us a winner with Disco Rocket.