If you ever caught me DJing at Gin ‘n’ Sin at the Niagara in the 1990s, or if you’ve just been to one of my parties, you know the key role James Last plays in my social life.
The German bandleader, whose rock medley-stuffed Non Stop Dancing records can be found in every thrift store bin, has died at 86 years old. The records were the sound of a square culture learning to have fun, complete with a singalong choir to help the listener get into the groove.
Great as James Last’ss medley records were, my favourite was 1972’s psychedelic rock-infused Voodoo Party, in particular the completely mad track “Mr. Giant Man”.