E04: ‘Tossing the Salad’ – Studio 54 pt.1

Listen to the full episode here:

In this episode Jeremy and Tim discuss the economic and social setting into which Studio 54 opened in 1977. They talk about the differences between midtown and downtown scenes, the antagonism (or lack thereof) between punk and disco, subcultural theory and escapism.

How did disco become so popular so quickly? The guys explore the commercial phenomenon as it exploded after 1975, including the first Disco Convention in 1976 (with awards ceremony!), the in-crowd vs the suburbs, and an extended meditation on the history and value of gimmick records. Plus: has Jeremy done the Hustle?

Books:

Sarah Thornton - Club Cultures: Music, Media and Subcultural Capital
Anthony Hayden-Guest - The Last Party
Thomas Delany - Times Square Red, Times Square Blue

Tracklist:

Rick Dees and his Cast of Idiots - Disco Ducks
Van McCoy - The Hustle
Carol Douglas - Midnight Love Affair
Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - Cherchez La Femme