Album: D.I.S.C.O.
Here's a semi-ridiculous slice of Eurodisco from the golden age... 1980, just as punk was grabbing hold, New Wave was starting up, and disco was... well dying. The title is so apropos. But there is a modern connection here, and one you're probably listening/invested in right now...
Ottawan were a French disco duo lead by lead singer John Patrick (Baptiste) and Annette, with the songs written by writing partners Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger. "D.I.S.C.O." was their debut single which went to #2 in the U.K., their track "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" went to #1 in Ireland and New Zealand. And their most popular track (in France,) "You're OK," was copied in a Bollywood film as "Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja Aaja," which became the blueprint of M.I.A.'s "Jimmy."
While John Patrick was the lead of the band, it was Vangarde & Kluger who really owned the band's name and direction. (Later part of a lawsuit with Patrick.) The writing due also, prior to Ottawan released the cult album Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki as the Yamasuki Players, a pseudo-Japanese psychedelic pop record that over time became fertile ground for sampling of it's bass and drum breaks.
Why is this worth mentioning? Well, Vangarde happens to be the father of musician Thomas Bangalter, and helped him and his partner Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, when they started their dance duo... Daft Punk.
That's right.
Anyhow, Ottawan are quite goofy... but much inspiration has been taken from their music. And "D.I.S.C.O." has been successfully interpreted on a number of occasions, notably by N-Trance in 1997, former X-Factor contestant Chico Slimani in 2006, and just two years ago by Israeli duo The Young Professionals, who completely change the track lyrically.
This shit is iconic. And ridiculous.
Enjoy.
D.I.S.C.O.
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