Episode 34

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Published on:

15th Aug 2025

034: Noël (with Sparks) - Is There More to Life Than Dancing (1979)-Is There More to Life Than Dancing

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Noël’s Is There More to Life Than Dancing?—the obscure Sparks-produced side project from 1979—by tackling its title track.

Clocking in at over 8 minutes, this disco-synth marathon feels tailor-made for the dance floor, with hypnotic grooves, catchy refrains, and a seamless flow from the album’s opener. But does it work as a standalone song? The panel debates its effectiveness: is this a bold, ironic take on disco, or simply a track stretched far beyond its limits?

We explore the track’s lyrics, its repetitive structure, and why this extended mix was never released as a single—despite sounding like one. A challenging listen at home, perhaps, but does it make sense in the context of late-night club culture?

Join us as we pick apart the song, its intent, and its place in this fascinating Sparks offshoot.

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About the Podcast

The Burning of the Midnight Amp
Dissecting music history one album at a time
Three Norwegian music enthusiasts delve into the rich tapestry of albums spanning genres and eras. Discover the stories behind the recordings, the artists who crafted them, and the tales their tracks tell.

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Instagram: @burningmidnightamp
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Email: burningmidnightamp@gmail.com

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Frode Håvik Korneliussen

Meteorologist and music enthusiast from Norway.