Does It Make You Dance? Proto-Disco in the Early '70s

In this week's episode Tim and Jeremy consider the numerous musical and cultural currents of the early '70s that fed into the emergence of 'Disco' as a genre. They discuss the important antecedents of Soul and Rhythm and Blues, consider the yearning, future-facing qualities of Gospel, the musical influence of the Latin community in the city, and the imminent insistence of Funk. Tim and Jeremy also consider the important role of romance, eroticism and sensuality on this developing musical form, discuss the appeal of longer tracks to dancers and DJs, and end with a friendly disagreement over that age-old question: what was the first disco record? Tim Lawrence and Jeremy Gilbert are authors, academics, DJs and audiophile dance party organisers. They’ve been friends and collaborators since 1997, teaching together and running parties since 2003. With clubs closed and half their jobs lost to university cuts, they’re inevitably launching a podcast. Produced and edited by Matt Huxley. We are committed to making Love is the Message free to everyone who wants it, but if you have the means, please become a supporter by visiting www.patreon.com/LoveMessagePod for as little as £3 a month so we can stay free. Tune in, Turn on, Get Down! Tracklist: Erma Franklin - Piece of my Heart James Brown - Sex Machine The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin' Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up Joe Bataan - Latin Strut Osibisa - Survival Barry White - I'm Gunna Love You Just a Little Bit More, Baby Ultra High Frequency - We're on the Right Track