Not many acts can claim to have in excess of 15 million record sales to their name. Fewer still can do so while competing at Eurovision. But that’s exactly what Baccara did in 1978 when they represented Luxembourg with “Parlez-vous Francais?”. The Spanish duo of Mayte Mateos and Maria Mendiola, earned a top ten spot for the Grand Duchy. Respectable yet disappointing – just months previously they had released the all conquering global smash, “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”.

“Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” – Baccara

An infectious disco classic, the track reached number one in virtually all the major music markets during the autumn of 1977. The former flamenco dancers were transformed into household names, and by the time Eurovision rolled around, their victory must have seemed a foregone conclusion. Alas, that didn’t happen. And despite a handful of minor hits, the pair’s fortunes went into decline after the contest. By 1981 they had disbanded.

But Bacarra still exists today – albeit two different versions, each containing one of the original members. Mayte’s incarnation took part in Melodifestivalen 2004, coming a miserable seventh out of eight in their semi.

“Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”, has proven to be more resilient than the group which spawned it. A perennial favourite on compilation albums, and tv specials the song has consistently managed to find and engage new fans. And now, thanks to a Cadbury’s advertising campaign, a whole new generation of fans are boogie-ing. Two weeks ago it snuck into the Irish top 100, and currently sits at 65.

http://youtu.be/aKNqojGjT_Q

http://youtu.be/LE8TvsYMPkg

Throwback Thursday

Going forward, Throwback Thursday (#tbt) will be a recurring feature on wiwibloggs. Each week we’ll take a rummage through the 60 years of Eurovision and look at some of the most iconic songs associated with the contest and its performers. Chart smashes, cult classics, silly novelties, basically any track which has left some impression on the wider cultural landscape will fall within our #tbt scope. And we want your suggestions too! If y’all know of any records calling out for some modern day recognition, let us know in the comments below.

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Jak
Jak
9 years ago

Y’all – it’s that annoying I even typed it wrong XD

Jak
Jak
9 years ago

I wish this site would stop using ‘ya’ll’ – it’s really annoying and doesn’t sound cool like you think it does.

Charles
Charles
9 years ago

… but being compared to Cascada is just a bit too much … an evergreen is an evergreen … Cascada is just an attempt of another another attempt of a dance pop group … may have a few hits today but ends up being ignored tomorrow … and only Eurovision fans will bother to remember them.

ESCaddict
ESCaddict
9 years ago

“Yes Sir I Can Boogie” is an evergreen