'Blogs Central
Blog Central: Couch Potato Go channel surfing with our rotating panel of couch potatoes as they share their views on the good, the bad and the ugly on our TV screens. We want to know what you think too, so sink into the sofa and share your comments.

Boogie Nights with Bert Newton

June 18 | our TV junkies

Call me a dag if you wish, but I like Bert Newton.

Yup, I liked watching Ol’ Moonface keep the folk in line on Family Feud and doing the culture countdown on 20 to One.

I’ve also tuned in to watch the latter show’s new short-form version, 10 to One (Nine, Tuesdays, 7.30pm).

And if there was any doubt about my dag credentials, let me fess up right here: I loved tripping the disco light fantastic with the toupeed one in last night’s episode.

The theme was “Songs that Make You Want to Dance” but it could just as easily have been “Songs You Can’t Get Out of Your Head”.

It was a psychedelic trip down memory lane that was probably lost on anyone under the age of 30 but resonated with those of us who remember daggy dancing to tracks like Play That Funky Music, Nutbush City Limits, Mamma Mia and I Will Survive.

And if we’re really honest, some of us would have to admit digging out those old CDs (ahem, records) to give them another spin on nights when a few too many shandies brings on a strange yearning to revisit 1999, Go to Rio or do The Time Warp.

The official list of 10 to One Songs that Make You Want to Dance went like this: 10. Let Me Entertain You by R. Williams; 9. Mamma Mia by ABBA; 8. Nutbush City Limits by Tina Turner; 7. Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry; 6. Time Warp; 5. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor; 4. 1999 by Prince; 3. I Go To Rio by Peter Allen; 2. Celebration by Kool and Gang; 1. YMCA by The Village People.

It’s not a bad wrap, but I can’t help feeling that there were a few noticeable absences. Where was Dancing Queen, Micky J’s Thriller and something – anything - from those dancing kings the Bee Gees?

So c’mon fellow dags, I know you’re out there: What songs put you in the mood to boogie oogie oogie?

— SUZANNE KEEN

Recent Comments

on 18 June, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes I agree Suzanne, where was Dancing Queen!! I was surprised that it was not No.1 That song always gets this fellow dag onto the dance floor.
on 18 June, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ahh the memories...Year Six dances in the school hall that were scheduled at a very naughty 5pm of an evening!

Some notable exceptions: that Jackson Five one where everyone on the dancefloor did the actions to "don't blame it on the sunlight, ...moonlight, ...good times, ...boogie"; Summer Loving from the Grease soundtrack - fabulous duet possibilities there; Faith by George Michael; Jump by Kenny Loggins...in the chorus everyone would, well, jump; Footloose by whoever that was; Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham; Mickey; My Sharona; Centrefold...the list goes on!
on 18 June, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh and Love Shack - B52s! How could I forget..."tin roof.....rusted!"
on 19 June, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
WHERE WAS THE GREASE MEGA-MIX!

It's hardly worth getting up and dancing at any barn dance worth its salt (or ice/roller skating rink, or friends birthday party, or um... anything really) without the grease mega-mix

Have your say

We welcome comments on our stories and blogs - after all it's your site. Please note comments are moderated, should be on-topic and not abusive