Star Wars And Other Space Themes: A Galactic Disco Odyssey by Geoff Love And His Orchestra
If you’ve ever wanted to hear your favorite sci-fi themes mashed up with the vibe of a Saturday night disco, Geoff Love And His Orchestra have got you covered. Released in 1997 under the label Music For Pleasure (which sounds suspiciously like something dreamed up during happy hour), this album is a wild ride through space-themed bangers and orchestral oddities. With Norman Newell producing and John Kurlander engineering, it’s clear they weren’t messing around when crafting this cosmic collection.
Let’s dive into the tracklist, shall we? Spoiler alert: it’s basically every nostalgic sci-fi fan’s fever dream. You’ve got "Main Theme From ‘Star Wars’" rubbing shoulders with "Dr. Who," "Thunderbirds," and even "Space 1999." But two tracks really stood out to me, probably because I can’t unhear them now—like an earworm that’s been zapped by a tractor beam.
First up: “Theme From ‘Close Encounters Of The Third Kind’”. Oh boy, this one hits different. It starts off all mysterious, like you’re about to get abducted or maybe just invited to a very awkward alien dinner party. Then BAM—it kicks into full swing with horns blaring like there’s no tomorrow. It’s as if Geoff Love decided aliens don’t mess around when it comes to dance floors. Honestly, listening to this feels like being chased by flying saucers while wearing bell-bottoms. Not entirely sure how I feel about that, but here we are.
Then there’s “Main Title And Cantina Band From ‘Star Wars’.” This track is pure chaos wrapped in glittery spandex. Imagine John Williams’ iconic score crashing headfirst into a 70s lounge act. The Cantina Band section especially made me laugh-cry—because who knew intergalactic scum and villainy could boogie so hard? If Jabba the Hutt had thrown a disco night on Tatooine, this would’ve been the playlist. Pure nonsense, utterly delightful.
What’s wild is how this album somehow works despite its absurd premise. Sure, some transitions feel clunky, like Chewbacca trying to moonwalk, but overall, it’s oddly charming. Maybe it’s the nostalgia talking, or maybe I’m just a sucker for anything that turns outer space into a funky dance floor.
Here’s the kicker though: does anyone else think it’s kinda weird that Geoff Love waited until 1997 to release this gem? Like, where was this album during the height of disco madness in the late '70s? Could’ve started a whole new genre—call it “Galactic Boogie” or something equally ridiculous. Instead, it landed smack dab in the Britpop era, which honestly feels like showing up to a rave dressed as Darth Vader. Bold move.
Still, hats off to Geoff Love And His Orchestra for delivering an album that’s equal parts campy fun and surprisingly solid musicianship. So grab your lightsaber (or disco ball) and give this one a spin—you might just find yourself grooving to Ewoks sooner than you’d expect.
