Theo Parrish's "First Floor": A Review Rooted in Disco's Complicated Legacy
By
Dash Lewis
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
The article reviews Theo Parrish's album "First Floor," using the infamous 1979 "Disco Demolition Night" at Comiskey Park as a framing device. The event, where a racist and homophobic mob burned disco records, serves as a backdrop to discuss Parrish's work and its relationship to house music, disco, and Black musical traditions. The review explores how Parrish's album connects to the history and cultural significance of dance music that emerged from the ashes of disco's backlash.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledOn a hot July night in 1979, a racist, homophobic mob tried to destroy disco.
Mike Veeck, son of team owner Bill Veeck, hatched a plan to stop the hemorrhaging, inviting WLUP shock jock Steve Dahl to burn a crate of disco records on the field.
Dahl was a dyed-in-the-wool rock radio DJ, aggravated by what he saw as a national trend toward disco-centric programming.
You might also wanna read
The rise and wild legacy of New York's Ze Records: Michael Zilkha on punk-funk, mutant disco, and his return as a publisher
An in-depth feature on New York's Ze Records (1978-1984), one of the most influential independent labels of its era. Co-founder Michael Zilk
theguardian.com·12h ago
Reviewing U2's "Discothèque" in the Alternative Number Ones Series
This article is part of a series reviewing every #1 single on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks/Alternative Songs chart. The specific entry c
Stereogum·28d ago
Bob Collins argues for protecting Rochester's Royal Function Rooms as a heritage music venue
Bob Collins, leading opposition to a housing conversion application, argues for the protection of Rochester's Royal Function Rooms as a desi
localauthority.news·6d agoThe Dance Floor Is Disappearing in a Sea of Phones
Eight Interior Designs Featuring Prominent DJ Booths in Nightlife Venues
This article showcases eight interior design projects where DJ booths are the focal point of various venues including nightclubs, restaurant
Dezeen·8mo ago
Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Weezer Recordings Added to Library of Congress National Recording Registry
The Librarian of Congress has selected recordings by Beyoncé ("Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"), Taylor Swift (1989), Weezer (self-titled
Rolling Stone·1mo ago