This proved to be a fascinating look at disco and its effect on African-American, gay, and feminist thinking in the 1970s. Echols may overreach in some of her analysis, but I thought most of her arguments were convincing, and the writing was more engaging than I have come to expect from professional historians. ( )

This proved to be a fascinating look at disco and its effect on African-American, gay, and feminist thinking in the 1970s. Echols may overreach in some of her analysis, but I thought most of her arguments were convincing, and the writing was more engaging than I have come to expect from professional historians. ( )

I dug it. ( )

I just finished reading Hot Stuff: Disco and the Remaking of American Culture. I was never into the 1970s disco scene and didn't really know too much about it or how huge it really was socially or economically. It's a great look at the music and the effects on and by the gay and African-American communities. Two interesting companion books are Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973-1992. Both of these books offer a very good look at life in the 1970s. Hot Stuff takes a broad national look but both books center in on NYC. Russell was a minimalist, but serious composer of contemporary classical music but wrote a couple of disco hits including "Is It All Over My Face?".

Both books are very well researched and have extensive indexes. (I wish Echols had included a bibliography) In Hot Stuff, Echols quotes several times from Dancer from the Dance and The Farewell Symphony. I read Dancer many years ago and she's got me reading the Edmund White book now.

Since October is LGBT History month read one or all of these books. You won't be disappointed. ( )

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. I realize I'm showing my age, but I remember when disco got going, & it was great to dress up and dance! I liked the scholarly treatment of an important phase in 2oth century cultural history. Disco had a big part in changing cultural attitudes to women and gay men. I thought Echols did well in her discussion of those topics. It's also very odd to read about the backlash against disco music at the end of its time--such strong feelings people seem to have had. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes cultural history. ( )