We’ve been primed by so many films and TV series to expect something darker beneath images of 1970s California sunshine and optimism: to believe the smiles are rictus grins, concealing an underbelly of excess, amorality and tragedy. Sometimes, though, it was just fun. “The money was flying,” says Franne (formerly Frannie) Golde, one of the stars of the new compilation The Ladies of Too Slow to Disco. “Limousines from the airport – not just for the artist but for the songwriters, for anyone that you might want in the studio with you to feel relaxed and comfortable – beautiful hotel rooms for everyone, lots of time to do your thing in the studio. It was a great time.”