Playback with Black Market Dub
In this episode we dive into Grace Jones’ 1981 album Nightclubbing and talk about why it’s one of the most important art-pop records of all time.
We dig into Grace Jones as a performer and as a queer, androgynous icon – how she can seamlessly code-switch between fashion runways, queer clubs, Jamaican roots, downtown NY art scenes and mainstream pop. We talk about the Compass Point sound (Sly & Robbie, minimal dub-inflected grooves, Wally Badarou synths), and the visual world she built with Jean-Paul Goude.
We also argue about whether Nightclubbing or Warm Leatherette is her true masterpiece, and what each album represents in her evolution.
In this episode:
– Track and moment highlights across Nightclubbing
– Sly & Robbie, Compass Point Studios and the hybrid of reggae, post-disco, new wave and funk
– Grace Jones’ queer identity, persona and ability to shape-shift depending on the room
– The case for Nightclubbing vs Warm Leatherette as her definitive album
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & First Impressions
00:20:46 - The Artistry of Grace Jones
00:41:48 - Production and Album Cover
01:00:32 - Standout Songs
01:38:45 - Hot Takes
01:43:31 - Final Thoughts
🔊 Support & follow:
Patreon – https://patreon.com/blackmarketdub
Bandcamp – https://blackmarketdub.bandcamp.com
Escape Hatch Records – https://escapehatchrecords.com
Instagram – https://instagram.com/blackmarket_dub
YouTube – https://youtube.com/blackmarketdub