Maybe I’m late on this, but Bobby recently introduced me to what may become one of the greatest joys of my life:

Yes, it is the Ethel Merman Disco Album.  Yes, it is a project that she worked on, and not some hipster remix of her vocals.  And yes, it is all from her showtune repertoire.

According to the album notes, she insisted on recording the vocals before the disco tracks had been laid and recorded each song in one take.  Also according to the liner notes, Donna Summer was there while she was recording, and said “If I’m the queen of disco, you are the Disco Diva!” And, there are apparently six tracks that have never been released!

Now, I’m not super into disco, and while I enjoy Ethel, I’m so not anywhere near the level of worship and devotion that some theatre queens are.  But holy shit.  You can listen to “There No Business Like Show Business” on YouTube, and also “I Got Rhythm” on this weird website.  (Note the slightly better cover from the LP.)  My favorite, I think, is “Some People,” just because I never would have imagined it as disco.  And, of course, the way she holds it on “and IIIIIIIIIIII at least gotta tryyyyyyyy!”

I’ve been thinking lately about investing in a record player, partly so I can go to thrift stores and buy up their original cast recordings.  I’m feeling a little bit more motivated now.