The Wizard of Oz - Meco (1978) 5/20/21

Today's "Great Song of the '70s" is a rarity--and it might just blow you away--literally.

In 1977, Meco Menardo had a huge #1 hit with his version of "Star Wars/Cantina Band," which we highlighted back on 10/20/20: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCuuuk/posts/221068649366590

It was so well-received, he set his sights on adapting ANOTHER classic film into disco greatness: "The Wizard of Oz!"

The result was an entire album that explored each of the many famous songs from the film--in order--while incorporating bits of dialogue and sound effects that sounded like they were taken directly from the film (but weren't).

There were NO gaps between the songs, resulting in a piece of music that lasts more than 30 minutes. A special 18-minute edit was made and provided to discos as a 12-inch single on yellow (brick) vinyl. In my mind, it's a masterpiece.

It was released in 1978 when Fanny Hill in Eau Claire was still a disco (before it became the Dinner Theatre where I spent nearly 35 years of my life). I was one of 3 DJs there, and whenever it was my night at the turntable, I played the song.

On the charts, it was far from a blockbuster. In fact, it failed to chart on the Hot 100, and only made it to #35 on the Dance Chart--most likely because it was WAY too long.

HOWEVER, the affect it had on the dancers at the Hill was incredible. Many of them were Arthur Murray types who loved ballroom dancing... and they would take the floor along with everyone else and dance to the WHOLE THING. It was an experience for us all...and I cherish the memories.

I am linking up the 12-inch single version below. Set aside a chunk of time, and give it a listen. If you like Disco and Oz...you should LOVE this! In its own way, it's truly a "Great Song of 1978!"

Trivia: Some of Meco's musical colleagues teased him about his disco material...and challenged him to arrange a piece that WASN'T disco. If you skip to about 15:10 on the song, you'll hear what he came up with! :-)