Got To Dance: Broadway Melodies Of Stage And Screen Played By British Dance Bands – A Cheeky Spin Through Time
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re into jazz with a side of poppy pizzazz, Got To Dance: Broadway Melodies Of Stage And Screen is like that old vinyl your gran insists still sounds better than Spotify. Released in 1989 by Saville Records London (fancy name for some Brits who clearly love a good toe-tapper), this album feels like stepping into a smoky dance hall where everyone's wearing hats and no one cares about carbs yet.
The tracklist reads like a love letter to Broadway nostalgia—songs so classic they practically have their own pensions. But two tracks stood out enough to make me wanna grab my imaginary partner and waltz around the living room: “Happy Feet” and “I Only Have Eyes For You.”
“Happy Feet”? Oh man, it’s impossible not to move to this one. It’s got that jazzy bounce that makes your legs feel guilty if they stay still. The horns are punchy, the rhythm section swings harder than a toddler on a sugar high, and before you know it, you're doing an awkward shuffle-step combo that would embarrass your cat. This tune sticks because it’s pure joy bottled up in three minutes of brass-heavy brilliance. Honestly, I think even Scrooge would tap his toes to this.
Then there’s “I Only Have Eyes For You,” which flips the vibe entirely. Smooth as butter melting on hot toast, this version strips away all pretense and lets the melody do its thing. There’s something magical about how understated it feels compared to other renditions—it doesn’t need fireworks when candlelight will do just fine. Listening to it feels like being wrapped in a cozy blanket while someone whispers sweet nothings in your ear. Or maybe that’s just me getting carried away. Either way, it’s lovely.
Now, here’s the kicker: listening to this album isn’t just about enjoying music; it’s like taking a time machine back to when people actually dressed up to go dancing. Sure, the production might sound a bit dated now (hello, '80s synths sneaking in), but that’s part of its charm. It’s imperfectly perfect, kinda like those family photos from the '90s we pretend never happened.
So, what’s the takeaway? Well, if you’re looking for background noise while folding laundry, this ain’t it. But if you want music that’ll transport you to another era—or at least give you a reason to hum loudly in public—this collection delivers. Just don’t blame me if you catch yourself attempting ballroom moves in the kitchen. Trust me, it happens.
And hey, life lesson alert: if more folks danced like nobody was watching—and sang songs like these—we’d probably solve world peace faster. Or at least have way more fun trying.
