Disco's Colorful Legacy: The Village People

Your disco divos of details are here once again with a truly epic tangent-rich episode that somehow manages to link this glorious bit of '70s sonic spray-cheese to CIA mind control experiments, 9/11 and the DC hardcore punk scene. In addition to diving into disco's origins as the music of the dispossessed in 1960s New York, you'll hear how the Village People originated from a Frenchman's festive outing in Greenwich Village and the hilarious way he assembled his supremely buff group of stereotypes.

Get ready to discover the complex confluence of socio-political factors that lead the titular charitable organization to become a homosexual hot spot; hear the depressing fate of the IRL YMCA location that inspired the song; and learn about the surprising controversy concerning the song's meaning — which led to threats of legal action from its (straight) lyricist. And, of course, they'll get into the dark psychology of the goddamn dance. Sure, "YMCA" will probably be stuck in your head for the next few days, but the TMI guys promise: this ep is worth it. 

Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.