History of the Gods

Hercules and Love Affair, self-titled, 2008
Hercules and Love Affair play with Gods: the Greek ones in their lyrics, their album's sleeve, and even in the video for current single Blind (a better Studio 54 stomper won't appear this year); the queer ones from the past, that reigned like divinity on the dancefloors during the 70s and 80s, destined for a tragic end; and the ones alive today - androgynous Antony, fierce Nomi, turntable-worn Frankie Knuckles - meant to recombine the past and gather the new believers under the nearest discoball. The album is a drop-by-drop history of dance music, from the birth of disco, through new wave and acid house. You get the reminders in Athene, with guest singer Nomi sounding just like Crystal Waters in Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless), and a sampling of Inner City's Good Life in You Belong. The Gods will be pleased.