“Love to Love You Baby” by Donna Summer
Before disco music became prominent on the pop charts, it was popular in homosexual dance clubs where DJs replaced bands. Donna Summer’s 1975 single “Love to Love You Baby” was one of the first to make that leap. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. A more difficult transfer occurred from clubs to radio. Critics criticized her sexual audio material rather than her literary content. The BBC identified 23 climaxes characterized by “intimate moans,” while Time magazine described the 17-minute tune as “a marathon of 22 peaks.” The sensual sounds of breathes and moans on the song sparked further controversy, as she was alleged to have recorded the music while lying on the floor in a dark studio. The BBC quickly banned it. When the Guardian asked her about the controversy, she stated that “everyone’s asking” if she touched herself. She said, “Yes, well, actually, I had my hand on my knee.”
Love To Love You Baby By Donna Summer
“Atomic” by Blondie
During the first Gulf War in the early 1990s, the BBC freaked out and banned 67 songs that they deemed too (possibly) sensitive for conflict. We don’t understand why Blondie’s 1979 song “Atomic” was problematic. Apparently, it was because of the term “atomic.” Don’t mind that it’s a love song. Clear Channel Communications did not even consider removing “Atomic” from radio play under their arbitrary military embargo.
Atomic By Blondie
