MADTRACKS

Windows Media Player -- thanks to the wacky, mutating psychedelic images that appear when it’s used to play music -- can turn almost any song into a laughingstock for a few seconds. Strangely enough, the VO5 cover of the classic theme song “Wonder Woman” is one of few tracks that almost, just almost, seems to complement this aesthetic train wreck.

In other words, the local 10-piece disco band, composed of members of Cherry Pop Burlesque, Mercury Players, Sunshine for the Blind, Bonobo Secret Handshake, The Merkins and the cast of Walmartopia, has tapped into the over-the-top elements of ’70s pop culture and distilled them into a thoroughly danceable mélange.

While the song doesn’t offer much in the way of lyrics other than the “Wonder Woman, hey Wonder Woman,” its funky bassline and horn section channels the spirits of “Soul Train” and Lynda Carter herself. Plus, there’s something about it that makes you think the members of ABBA, the Bee Gees or a rainbow-clad roller skating troupe might be hiding in your closet.

“We’re still waiting for Wonder Woman herself to make an appearance at one of our shows. It’s a little like Waiting For Guffman,” says Cat Capellaro, one of the vocalists for the group.

In particular, the band’s hoping that the sexy superheroine will attend their New Year's Eve performance at Cafe Montmartre, which it’s touting as the only party in town with ample opportunities for both debauchery and exercise. “There are a lot of closet disco fans out there,” says guitarist John Feith. “Even hippies like to dance to disco. We discovered this while playing in Viroqua a few weeks ago.”

Whether you’re a looking to practice The Hustle or you’re simply a nostalgia addict, “Wonder Woman” is worth a listen.

An MP3 of the track is available in the related downloads section at right. More songs by the group can be listened to on its MySpace page. VO5 is taking the stage at Cafe Montmartre with DJ Bubba Grande on Wednesday, December 31 to celebrate the New Year.

MadTracks highlights and provides MP3s of songs performed by local musicians. All tracks here are provided with permission of the artist. If you are a musician based in the Madison metro area and are interested in sharing your work as a MadTrack, please send a message.