We’ve already reached week 4 on this new feature here on Hugh’s Views And News.
Last week’s choice of Sailor and their song ‘A Glass Of Champagne’ got me thinking about songs that feature sailing and the sea. One song I thought of was ‘In The Navy’ by Village People, but as I only want to feature artists once on this feature, I could not resist including a song most of us know from Village People. Take it away boys –
And just in case the first video does not work, here’s another version.
https://dailymotion.com/video/x2b1a0
Released in 1978, Y.M.C.A. reached number 1 on the singles charts of fourteen counties including, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Austrailia and The UK. Strangely, it only reached number 2 in the U.S.A, but went on to sell over 10 million copies worldwide.
Many of us will have probably attempted the group dance associated with the song where one of the phases involves moving the arms to form the letters Y.M.C.A.
Y —arms outstretched and raised upwards
M —made by bending the elbows from the ‘Y’ pose so the fingertips meet over the head
C —arms extended to the right
A —hands held together above head
Have you ever attempted the dance?
Although Village People released 24 singles between 1977 and 2013, only 6 of those singles made it into the top 40 of the singles charts.
And there’s even a movie ‘Can’t Stop The Music’ that tells the story of how Village People were formed.
Buy the move here.
Thank you to everyone who left a link to a favourite song in the comments section of last week’s post. And a big thank you to Ruth, Barbara and Kat who all joined in with publishing a blog post of a favourite song.
Do you have a favourite Village People song you’d like to share with us?
Want to join Hugh in building up your 51 favourite songs from the past? Leave a link in the comments section below and showcase your next song.
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OMG this just fbrings back so many fun memories. Did you ever see the Paul Hogan and friends take off of this? So funny. 😄
No, never seen it, Miriam. I’ll have to google it. Anything that is going to make me laugh deserves my full attention. 😀
I think from memory it was called Suburban People. Very typical Aussie Hoges humor. 😄
I grew up with the Village People YMCA is obviously the song that comes to mind first. It is followed by In the Navy, Macho Man and Can’t Stop the Music. And that’s all I remember. lol I did like these songs and remember teaching my kids the arm movements to YMCA. 🙂
But do you and the kids still perform those arm movements to Y.M.C.A, Kat? 😀
I think we should all begin every day with doing the arm movements to Y.M.C.A. At least I could have an extra portion of maple syrup on my porridge then. 😋
Yikes, no! lol Well, I might if the song was playing and the little boys were around. While their dad and uncles might not be amused, they probably would be. 🙂
I’m sure they would be. This dance always produces so much fun and laughs.
It definitely does. Although I think my enjoyment of the song outweighs my kids’ tolerance of it. lol 🙂
Happy memories, Hugh… this takes me back!
Yes, I can’t believe this song is well over 30 years old now, Marje. 😎
Good choice, classic song!
Thanks, Melissa.
Yes I have tried this dance but I have dyspraxia and it is hysterical when I try and do it as get confused and end up laughing.
Did you do this dance?
I hadn’t realised just how long ago it was since The Gap Band first did this dance. My goodness, brought back some office party memories from the 70s and 80s 😀
I remember doing this dance at a school disco, yuck the floor was mucky.
Not a very good caretaker then?
lol no…
Thanks for the recommendation on the movie, I am definitely going to seek it out!
Let me know what you think about it, Donna. It’ll have you dancing and I love the opening scene of roller skating in Central Park.
Great choice and yes, I have danced to it in public. I think my son has just about recovered from the trauma.
But at least you had a good time, Mary. 😀
For my 40th birthday, I had a party. I’m always conscious that at any gathering where there’s music it can take ages to get the dance floor filled. So I gave a “thank you” speech quite early on and insisted that everyone get up and come and join me. I knew I needed to kick off with a song that everyone could dance to and would get them in the party spirit – and YMCA fit the bill. Thank you, Hugh, for reminding me of a very good night with friends and family.
Geoff has already made a terrific recommendation (we are showing our age here) and there were a lot of great songs to dance to in the ’70s. Of course the movie and album that stands head and shoulders above any other when it comes to dancing is Saturday Night Fever, and for me the best song from that is “You Should be Dancing”, which kind of seems appropriate.
You’ve already had your 40th birthday, Graeme? 😳 Well, I’m glad to hear that Y.M.C.A got the party going. I agree it’s always a floor filler.
Now, Saturday Night Fever. Wow! What a movie. Always loved it and the music from it.
Thanks for sharing those memories with us along with that brilliant Bee Gees track. Now, where I can get a flashing dance floor for the Bloggers Bash? 🤔
You’re too kind, Hugh – if misguided! Sadly my 50th is also a dim and distant memory.
Funnily enough, I don’t think I’ve ever watched Saturday Night Fever all the way through, but the album was pretty much worn out.
As for the dance floor – I’m not picky, they don’t have to flash.
You need to give the whole movie a try, Graeme. Like me, you may learn some new dance moves 👯♂️
Oh wow Hugh, you brought back memories of the good old days! Yes, I danced to that song plenty with all the arm motions! And yes, both videos are working today. Thank you. 🙂 xo
I’m glad to hear on both accounts, Debby. When posting videos I do wonder if they will work everywhere. I’m thinking that if the song has been a worldwide hit, then maybe just the one video will do? I’ll give it a try.
Keep on doing the Y.M.C.A
xx
Lol 🙂 xo
Unapologetically, yes, Hugh! I’ve done the motions while singing this song in public. If the kid had been older, she’d have been mortified as I did it at a Scouting function where there was a DJ! It’s too fun of a song to not interact with and, from the musicians I’ve talked to and crowds that I’ve seen at shows, they appreciate a crowd who is vivacious and into the music moreso than the American style of just standing there (or sitting) and applauding at the end of songs.
In public? Well, well done to you, Leigh. So long as we’re laughing and having fun, then why not? Maybe we should all be made to dance Y.M.C.A first thing every morning? What a way to start our day.
Yeah, for real, Hugh. Normally I’m pretty reserved, even shy, but music is a special situation. Maybe I was a musician in a former life? 🙂 I can’t say dancer because, while I attempt that, it probably doesn’t look very professional!
And you’ve not seen my dancing, Leigh. I only do it because I’m told it’s as good as 30 minutes at the gym.
And I’ll dance when Glimpses hits my mailbox! 🙂 I’ve not been able to read for pleasure lately. Who knew preparing for reading could be good exercise too?
I hope it will be with you soon, Leigh. Happy reading when it gets to you. 😀
I’ll let you know, and I’ll make sure I get to leaving a review at least on Amazon! Best wishes, H, and happy Friday; don’t dance too much this weekend. 🙂
I love the Village People! Great song choice! I was a wee teen of 18 when those songs came out! Of course we are still forced to dance with those moves at class reunions 🙂 I am posting something on Sunday in honor of my daughters’ birthdays this month, and there is a particular song I’m including in the post. I’ll link it back here 🙂
Thanks, Terri. Let’s hope the pingback works. 😀 I’ll see your post anyway, as I get email notifications whenever you publish a new post.
Great post again…the YMCA is not a good look for me. Usually I spell out the letters wrong because Im drunk and end up spelling N.A.S.A or something equally as ridiculous.
Just so long as you’re not spelling out any other naughty four-letter words, Matt. 😳
Always loved dancing to this song! So much fun to do and uplifting! Thanks for sharing! ❤️
You’re welcome, Janice.
xx
You could not escape that song. I think the letter-posing was beyond my ability.
I hate to think what other four letter words could be made up when the arm movements do not go as planned.
The last time I was younger in Germany and drunk as a skunk. Had fun though.
I’m glad to hear it, John. Who knows, maybe you’ll have another go at the Y.M.C.A. for us?
Another fun song! 🙂 And this is my share for the week! 🙂
I love the video. For some reason, it reminds me of the Scooby-Do gang. Great song choice. Heard it many times and one that still gets played a lot.
Haha! You’re right! It does give the Scooby-Do gang feel! 😄
Classic choice Hugh! I love the Village People and their outlandish outfits! I did try and do the moves at the disco but my coordination is a bit out and I got a behind with it! This is my favourite one of theirs although I like ‘In The Navy’ too!
My choice for this week is Spandau Ballet, not just because they are all so lovely to look at. (Steve Norman was my favourite) but I love this track, so very poignant.
And one I’ve never heard before, Judy. Thank you for sharing it with us. One that is best listened to when on our own, I think.
Yes, it does bring a tear or two! 🙂
Never ‘eard of it 😉
lol, come on out from under your stone. 😀
Another one I really love and have very happy memories of Thanks amillion Hugh!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You’re more than welcome, Willow. 😀
So many memories with this one…all of them good ! And, of course, the dance. 💖 💘 💝
Then that’s made me smile, Van. 😀
I always liked the Y.M.C.A. song. Good choice. I have not seen the movie you mentioned, but it was played on the movie, “Down Periscope”, and I like that movie. Here’s my entry for the challenge this week. Enjoy! … http://wp.me/p3RE1e-2jX
Thanks for joining in again, Barbara. I’ve left a comment over on your post.
Hi Hugh,
I have great memories of YMCA and other songs by the Village People. I’m not sure many people know the history and symbolism of this group and it’s songs. If you were part of the LGBT community back in the 70’s & 80’s in the USA, you would identify with them. I enjoy your themes for post, and I look forward to future post.
I’ve watched the movie several times, Chuck. It’s great to see how and why the group were formed. They certainly helped propel LGBT issues right to the forefront of society.
Thank you for your kind comments. I really do appreciate them very much.
A classic! 🙂
best one to dance to? This. https://youtu.be/4fPyrbDMTkU I was taught PE by Les Gray’s sister. Mind you the vet and I won a dance comp on a party boat off Barbados inc a medley that included YMCA with her on my shoulders… I thinks she was about 3.
I can see you wearing ‘tiger feet’ slippers. I once had a reindeer pair, but they were very awkward to get around tight corners in.
What did you win?
Praise!
I have always loved this song!
And the dance? 😀
Sure😄😄👍
Hugh, this just hits the right spot. Yes, I have danced to YMCA – and the Village People’s music does make my day! Always a lightener!
Good to hear, Noelle. Keep on dancing. 😀
That dance routine is impossible, especially as I get older and because my children won’t allow it!
What rotten spoilsports, Andrew. Have a go when they’re not around.
I have tried it Hugh and believe me it is not pretty!
Love this song!!!
Me too. If you’ve never seen the movie, give it a try.
I haven’t seen it Hugh. I’ll have to find it!
Yes, it was a very popular song in Canada for many years. It was danced to along with the actions at many an office party, wedding, birthday celebration, etc. Great memories.
Good to hear, Darlene. It’s as popular now as it has ever been. Keep on dancing the Y.M.C.A.
Brilliant! I hate to think at how many discos I may have danced to that song… 🙂
And a few parties, Ruth?
Er…perhaps one or two…!