Dinner Music 71: The weekly lineup
Decadent boogie, sultry R&B, disco sweet disco
The sound this week is about boogie. Not all of the albums or songs are strictly boogie, but it’s about the connections, histories and legacies. What does that music feel like? What does your body do? I can tell you that I can’t stop moving when I listen to these albums and the playlist. This week is a nod to those that made music so unbelievably good.
We begin with Serge Posnar’s boogie, soul album that is nearly post-disco, yet fits squarely in the tradition. The sound is synth-heavy with light, floating vocals over a four-on-the-floor beat. If you want to be transported to the dance floor, this is the sound. We take it back a decade to Dresses Too Short from Syl Johnson, whose funk sensibilities feel both raw and polished simultaneously. There’s something here that feels fresh, while still pulling from the sounds of the fifties and early sixties. It’s an album whose reach spans decades in both directions. We move into another decade-defying record from Orion Sun — the sound spans R&B, funk, jazz, soul, pop to create something distinct and brand new. A Collection of Fleeting Moments and Daydreams is full of surprise, much like those moments and daydreams might be. Then there’s Lou Bond, whose voice is made of velvet, soothing us while reminding of us the chaos beyond the confines of the song. If you’re looking to soothe your weary heart, start here. We end with Jimmy Ross, a pioneer of dance music, whose music you might find Larry Levan throwing on at Paradise Garage. First True Love Affair is one my favorite tracks of all time.
Enjoy.
The playlist:
Monday
Back to the Light - Serge Ponsar (1983)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Tuesday
Dresses Too Short - Syl Johnson (1968)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Wednesday
A Collection of Fleeting Moments and Daydreams - Orion Sun (2020)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Thursday
Lou Bond - Lou Bond (1974)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Friday
First True Love Affair - Jimmy Ross (1981)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Pair with
Pasta al limone. I think this is the sexiest pasta? It’s so easy and lemon just makes everything elevated — this is the perfect meal to have at 9:30pm in your best all-black outfit.
A martini. This is all martini music! January is over, we’re grooving, it’s time for a stiff, chic drink in a great outfit.
Lavender ice cream. Sensual, botanical dessert. There’s nothing like it.
Red clogs. Ok, hear me out. I wear these everyday, everywhere I go. Everyone loves them, asks me where I got them. They are pretty affordable, considering how durable they are. And comfortable! They are a win win!
Botanical bonbons. It’s botanical dessert season.
Olive oil with lemon. This is equally good to eat as the bottle is to look at. It’s a really nice little piece to have on the table or the counter.
Thank you, thank you. Have a great week.