Fashion and trends have a habit of repeating themselves, and this is because new generations often rediscover something and regard it as “retro”. There’s also the realisation from older groups that their haste to embrace “newness” may have been overly zealous. Nothing sums this up better than the continuing resurgence of vinyl records. June 12th is World Record Store Day, so I thought it would be fun to pick my favourite vinyl purchase so far this year and set it to scent. Grab your disco shoes because it’s time to turn up the volume on Jimmy Somerville’s Homage and spritz liberally with Invisible Ben from 4160 Tuesdays.
The round 33rpm black album that we all know and love was first launched in 1948 by Columbia Records. Now this wasn’t its first form by any means, the flat disc dates right back to 1889, but it was to become the most popular. 45rpm singles launched the following year in 1949, this time from RCA Victor, and so the two most famous formats were then cemented forever. However, the arrival of the dreaded Compact Disc in 1982, with all of its new-fangled digital wizardry, had a huge impact on the sale of records and many thought they were about to be resigned to history.
The turning point for records is seen as 2006 when many indie bands returned to the format, and customers followed suit. Over the course of the next fourteen years sales continued to increase until the momentous moment in September 2020 when US sales of records overtook compact discs! This was mirrored in the UK in 2021 and so the LP is well and truly back. As Carly Simon sang, “I know nothing stays the same, but if you’re willing to play the game, it’s coming around again.” If you haven’t rediscovered vinyl yet, what are you waiting for?
One of my favourite purchases in the last few months was the limited edition blue vinyl version of Homage by Jimmy Somerville. Jimmy is probably still best known as lead singer with Bronski Beat and The Communards, but this album was his opportunity to recreate the sound of the fantastic disco era. Now, the late Seventies and early Eighties are getting a real resurgence at the moment, so this is the perfect soundtrack to an early summer. I’m just old enough to remember the end of disco, and don't ask because I’m not telling you my age, and Invisible Ben from 4160 Tuesdays seemed the perfect pairing.
Disco was all about bright lights, loud music, and losing yourself in the crowd of bodies. Invisible Ben opens with a radiant citrus burst of lime and orange, almost neon-like, before the cognac aroma of your neighbour’s Stinger drifts over. The fragrance then moves into a delicately woody area, thanks to real sandalwood blending with a cedarwood note, and this definitely feels as though you’ve been led onto the dance floor. A subtle musk and heliotrope hints at warmed skin, and perhaps even a touch of polyester, before a final touch of coffee signals that a new day is beginning. Don't forget to support World Record Store Day on June 12th, and start thiking what music and perfume you'll be pairing.
Invisible Ben is available from the 4160 Tuesdays website at 4160tuesdays.com priced at £22.50 for 30ml. This fragrance is being retired from the main range which is why it’s currently on promotion. Homage by Jimmy Somerville is available from Cherry Red Records at cherryred.co.uk priced at £24.99 for the double album. [Record was purchased and fragrance was gifted. Bottle pictured is from 2015]
Blimey, you have a better memory than I do. 2015! That said though, I remember the beginning of disco. Thanks, Stephan. We're going to be dancing all the way home now.
ReplyDeleteHello to the 4160Tuesdays crew! Get those dancing shoes on and disco! Best, Stephan
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