I admire your contrarian take but … ugh. No wonder it is typically ranked at the bottom of Elton’s august catalog. His take on Johnny B Goode is … crazy.
😁 ’m not being contrarian, Sofa. I’m a disco kid, and I genuinely mean every word of it. That said, I do agree that covering Chuck Berry was not the best choice.
By the way, I was surprised by how many people reacting to it seemed unfamiliar with the album—many had never listened to it. It makes me wonder if a lot of ‘list makers’ might be in the same boat. Even now, it seems fashionable to criticize disco from the post-Saturday Night Fever era, especially the ‘disco’ albums produced by pop-rock artists. Thanks for reading & reacting Sofa ! Have a great weekend
While writing this, I realized you’re not alone, Mark. I thought everyone disliked this album, but it turns out most people just don’t know it exists! 😁 As his career winds down, it’s great to see this gem from his impressive catalog getting some well-deserved attention. Thanks for reading & reacting !
Disco didn't crash here in the UK like in the States. Music mags of the day like Record Mirror and th newly launched Smash Hits covered both rock/pop and disco. Having said that, I know I definitely wasn't listening to an Elton John disco album back in 1979! I'd really got into the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic albums but had to keep all that quiet during the punk rock wars! You've persuaded me to give Victim of Love another listen though!
Disco didn’t crash in the Benelux or Europe as a whole. The so-called “crash” was a uniquely American phenomenon. At the time, the U.S. dance charts and scene were still considered the "benchmark", and the backlash against rock/pop artists dabbling in disco was particularly harsh. This backlash hurt the reception of Elton John’s Victim of Love more than it might have affected a dedicated disco act.
What draws me to the album is the production. As a fan of Moroder and Belotte, I think Victim of Love is a great showcase of their talent. Interestingly, while watching the excellent Sparks documentary yesterday, I noticed a stark contrast in how their Moroder-produced work is appreciated compared to Elton’s album. The differing reception is striking! Thanks for reading & reacting Paul. Enjoy your Sunday
What a great deep dive! I wasn't familiar with this album, so I'll make sure I give it a listen! Loved your captions, by the way (Freddie ❤️❤️, and then Elton's shoes 🤣🤣🤣🤣).
Thanks Andy. About the shoes and leaving Studio 54—I’m sure you’re familiar with the story of the first floor and what went down there ? 😁. It’s possible he lost them during… If that’s the case, kudos to him for still smiling for the camera! 🤓. It's my imagination making overtime. A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste ! Thanks for reading & reacting and enjoy your weekend !
“Are You Ready For Love?” (1977) probably merits a mention too. The hype around the hit reissue in 2003 was a good early example of disco/balearic nerds using the internet to unearth lost treasures
Absolutely ! The thing is that I didn't know the track before it re-emerged due to the balearic interest and the Ashley Beedle remix. It's part of the Thom Bell sessions. He didn't like the results. He found them overproduced. But if you listen to them now, they really sound great. Thanks for reading & reacting. (and sharing) Have a great weekend !
I admire your contrarian take but … ugh. No wonder it is typically ranked at the bottom of Elton’s august catalog. His take on Johnny B Goode is … crazy.
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-albums-ranked/
😁 ’m not being contrarian, Sofa. I’m a disco kid, and I genuinely mean every word of it. That said, I do agree that covering Chuck Berry was not the best choice.
By the way, I was surprised by how many people reacting to it seemed unfamiliar with the album—many had never listened to it. It makes me wonder if a lot of ‘list makers’ might be in the same boat. Even now, it seems fashionable to criticize disco from the post-Saturday Night Fever era, especially the ‘disco’ albums produced by pop-rock artists. Thanks for reading & reacting Sofa ! Have a great weekend
Wow, never heard of this album before bits loved that track, will have to give it a listen!!
While writing this, I realized you’re not alone, Mark. I thought everyone disliked this album, but it turns out most people just don’t know it exists! 😁 As his career winds down, it’s great to see this gem from his impressive catalog getting some well-deserved attention. Thanks for reading & reacting !
Disco didn't crash here in the UK like in the States. Music mags of the day like Record Mirror and th newly launched Smash Hits covered both rock/pop and disco. Having said that, I know I definitely wasn't listening to an Elton John disco album back in 1979! I'd really got into the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic albums but had to keep all that quiet during the punk rock wars! You've persuaded me to give Victim of Love another listen though!
Disco didn’t crash in the Benelux or Europe as a whole. The so-called “crash” was a uniquely American phenomenon. At the time, the U.S. dance charts and scene were still considered the "benchmark", and the backlash against rock/pop artists dabbling in disco was particularly harsh. This backlash hurt the reception of Elton John’s Victim of Love more than it might have affected a dedicated disco act.
What draws me to the album is the production. As a fan of Moroder and Belotte, I think Victim of Love is a great showcase of their talent. Interestingly, while watching the excellent Sparks documentary yesterday, I noticed a stark contrast in how their Moroder-produced work is appreciated compared to Elton’s album. The differing reception is striking! Thanks for reading & reacting Paul. Enjoy your Sunday
What a great deep dive! I wasn't familiar with this album, so I'll make sure I give it a listen! Loved your captions, by the way (Freddie ❤️❤️, and then Elton's shoes 🤣🤣🤣🤣).
Thanks Andy. About the shoes and leaving Studio 54—I’m sure you’re familiar with the story of the first floor and what went down there ? 😁. It’s possible he lost them during… If that’s the case, kudos to him for still smiling for the camera! 🤓. It's my imagination making overtime. A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste ! Thanks for reading & reacting and enjoy your weekend !
LOL 😅 Very likely that was the case, yes! Happy weekend to you too!
“Are You Ready For Love?” (1977) probably merits a mention too. The hype around the hit reissue in 2003 was a good early example of disco/balearic nerds using the internet to unearth lost treasures
Absolutely ! The thing is that I didn't know the track before it re-emerged due to the balearic interest and the Ashley Beedle remix. It's part of the Thom Bell sessions. He didn't like the results. He found them overproduced. But if you listen to them now, they really sound great. Thanks for reading & reacting. (and sharing) Have a great weekend !