Reviews (29)

disco's best cd
this cd is a genius mix of great disco songs. its hard not to like it. to understand why, just look at whats on it: celebration by kool & the gang (classic), funkytown by lipps inc, dancing queen by abba, ymca by the village people, and many more. i mean, who doesnt know YMCA? also on this cd are less popular songs, such as knock on wood and hot stuff, but they were still popular and you will most likely know them as soon as you listen to the cd. at the end is the awesome grease megamix that anyone who likes the movie grease will know all the words to. on the megamix are grease lightning, you better shape up, you're the one that i want, and summer nights. this cd is great for parties along with personal listening because once you turn it on, everyone will want to get up and dance. Pure disco is the best disco mix around.

Disco is making a come back.
Well maybe Disco isn't really coming back, but at least this compilation sounds better than ever. Plus, when thinking about it, when did it ever actually end? There's not much that really separates the music of twenty-five to thirty years ago with today. Disco was the generic term for dance music of the 70s and maybe 1980 and 81 up until MTV came into the scene. Today dance music still is around, even if several of these artists are not. But it is fun hearing the roots of clubbing and rave. Look at what you will get with this CD:Funkytown by Lipps Inc., which featured members of the Prince's Revolution Band famous for his Purple Rain disc, Abba's Dancing Queen which inspired a Broadway play Mamma Mia, Celebration by funk-disco band Kool and the Gang, a classic. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor which is one of the most covered tunes and a top dance song of all time. The Gap Band is here and they are an eighties favorite. Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Barry White are legends and they're here. My favorite song is Amii Stewart's Knock on Wood from this collection. Plus among other's the famous mix of Grease tunes from the movie not found elsewhere. Give it a try and buy the other two as well. I am sure you will dance all night.

Great collection of Classic Disco
Yea, we all love to dance- but this collection of music
are classics and they always get people young and old up to
dance. Disco is NOT dead!

What a great series!
Let me first go on record saying that my favorite artists of all time (at this point) are Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. In that vein, you wouldn't really expect a guy with a taste for that sort of music to dig disco. But I really do. Disco music defines "good times." If you've ever been to any sort of party in your life (hosted by a professional DJ, that is), the odds are you've heard a number of the songs on this compilation. And they're all great.

Some are better than others, of course, but each song is catchy and the bass lines are funky. Not to mention cheesy. If you're looking for a cool collection of disco music and don't want to splurge the cash for expensive box sets or individual artists' albums, the "Pure Disco" series is a great investment. Throw in the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack and you've got enough great disco songs to blister your feet up.

Why only four stars instead of five? That's easy. Barry White's "the First, the Last, My Everything" isn't the REAL version. Polygram omitted the spoken introduction and the phrasing is just a bit different from the original version. Must be some sort of radio edit.

Despite this, great compilation. Two other recommendations: "the Bee Gee's Greatest Hits: the Record" and "Barry White: the Ultimate Collection."

PURE DISCO / VOL . 1, 2 & 3
This is the best disco set available!!! Although,disco music
was short lived,it was an era that no one will forget.To some it
was a fashion statement.To others,a threat of,the downfall of
rock & roll music,as we knew it.No matter how you felt about it you must agree that some of best feel good music came from that
generation.I also feel that the word: "CHEESY" came from this time period.I,myself,liked it because I could sleep in my clothes
without the fear of wrinkling them... ... Read more

Reviews (24)

The Best of the Series
This is the best of the "Pure Disco" series. It contains all the best songs. It kicks off with a decent remix of Gloria Gaynor's disco standard "I Will Survive" and the album takes off after that. My favorite track would probably be "Turn the Beat Around," an explosive purscussion-based track. You also get "What A Feeling" from the movie Flashdance which was which hit long after disco's hey-day and "Rock the Boat" which was is considered by some the first disco song. Abba are included with "Gimme Gimme Gimme" which was not one of their bigger songs, but a great disco track anyways and the Weather Girls are a great addition with "It's Raining Men." This is an awesome CD for a party. It'll be sure to have everyone up and dancing to these great disco classics!

Wow! A Fun Disco Compilation!
Who knew a disco compilation could be so fun? This is actually one of the best (And funnest) CDs I have ever listened to. The album starts out with the fantastic I Will Survive Remix, which is followed by the classic Shake Your Booty by KC & The Sunshine Band. Vicki Sue Robinson's song Turn The Beat Around combines catchy hooks and great vocals to make one of the biggest dance anthems ever. Then the CD gets corny for just a little bit to include Macho Man and We Are Family. Irene Cara was a huge star after the songs from Fame and Flashdance, and she shows she has some killer vocals on the uplifting Flashdance (What A Feeling). The next few songs are sort of medium until you hit Rock The Boat by The Hues Corporation, which was recently featured on a Pepsi commercial. Then comes Love Rollercoaster, which was definately one of Disco's biggest hits. The rest of the highlights are Abba's haunting and catchy Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! (A Man After Midnight), Anita Ward's unique vocals on Ring My Bell, the two classic hits Last Dance by Donna Summer and It's Raining Men by the Weather Girls, and then finally the Diva Megamix. If you are a fan of disco, or are just looking for a fun party CD, this is definately the one for you!

The best of the Pure Disco series.
This is a great compilation album! It starts off with a remix of "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. I prefer the original, found on Pure Disco #1. The second track is the KC and the Sunshine Band Hit, "Shake Your Booty", which I doubt anyone doesn't know at least one line of. Then is one of my favorite disco songs, Vicki Sue Robinson's "Turn the Beat Around". It is a song with so much going on you almost get lost! After that is "Macho Man" by the Village People, which is definitely not one of my favorites, but some people like it. Next is Sister Sledge's "We Are Family", which is just a bit repetitious. After that is the famous "What a Feeling" by Irene Cara. It may not technically be disco, but it's a nice inclusion. Next is Andy Gibb's "I Just Want to Be Your Everything", which I like the beat and melody, but not Andy Gibb's vocals. After that is "Everlasting Love" by Carl Carlton, a quite unappreciated song. Then you'll hear "Can't Get Enough of Your Love", a Barry White song I'm not too fond of. After that is The Hues Corporation's "Rock the Boat", which annoys me for some crazy reason. Then you'll get "Love Rollercoaster" by the Ohio players, the most annoying disco song of all time. The only songs after that worth mentioning are "Upside Down", a fun song by the Motown/Disco legend Diana Ross. "Gimme Gimme Gimme", one of my favorite ABBA songs, "It's Raining Men", a song with about 3 other versions floating around, and "Last Dance", the most energetic disco song I've heard. The best songs on here are "Last Dance", "Turn the Beat Around", and "What a Feeling". I reccomend this to any disco fans.

My kids Love This Collection!
I do too...Listening, i forget how long it has been since these
songs were popular! Few of these artsts had great albums,but if you are looking for a collection of good disco music from a fun
era...when you could still escape with music...this is a must-have! My kids love it too...and they are very young!
Regina

Flash Back in Time
Great selection of favorite listening and dance hits from the 70's. Although some of the songs I really wouldn't classify as disco, every one on the cd brought back many memories. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Doesn't beat the first "Fired Up!," but still real neat
I remember the first "Fired Up!" album from 2003 being a sweet compilation.It made Six Flags feel like an office cubical.I thought a sequal album would be just as good.Looking at the commercial for volume two, I was defenitely going to buy it once I could, but I didn't think it would reach the quality volume one had.I was right that even though it wasn't going to be as good as the first "Fired Up!," but still enjoyable. This CD features dance hits like IIO's "Rapture (Tastes So Sweet)," a classic from 2001.I remember listening to this on the radio back in 2001-02.The more I listened to it, the more I wanted this song, and I listened to it enough that I bought the CD single.There's also Tiesto's remix of "Silence" by Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlin.It's a great song, and a great remix too.I wish it was the whole version though.There was some parts of the song cut out.This album also includes "I'll Fly With You (L'Amour Toujours)" by Gigi D'Agostino.The version on this album is the one with those special beats and the guy saying.... well I dunno exactly what he's saying.He's saying something like "a-da-wa-da-eh wa-da-ah-ah-steh wa-da-in-in-steh wa-da-a-da-da-eh."The other version made it feel more like a romantic musical play.Another song on here is "Breathe" by Telepopmusik.The vocalist in this song sounds sort of like she's singing over the phone.I wonder if that's why they're called "Telepopmusik."This CD also has Darude's classic, "Sandstorm."It's defenitely a rampant, wild track!I could run non-stop whenever I hear this tune.There's also DJ Sammy's "Heaven," The Hani Radio Edit of Kelly Clarkson's "Miss Independent," "Stranger In My House" by Tamia, "Desire" by Ultra Nate (Oh, Ultra.You never fail to impress me.), Amber's "Sexual (Li Da Di)," "Weapon Of Choice" by Fatboy Slim (Finally, something faster), and more. It's a great album, but not at the same level as the first one.I'm guessing they were running out of good song ideas to put in their albums.Hopefully, there isn't a pattern where these albums get worse and worse each release.As long as they continue to include quality anthems on their CDs, I'll be satisfied.Fair enough quality for this CD overall.

ya this music was good five years ago...
Ok, so this music was hot five years ago. How can they actually call this new? These songs are for people who really are out of the music scene...

Use caution while driving!
I thought Fired Up was great, Fired Up 2 is even better! Every song on this CD is great. Especially Sandstorm - I was driving around listening to it today and ended up getting pulled over for speeding...try and explain yourself out of that one! I highly recommend getting this, you won't be disappointed.

Much better selection of songs
The first volume of Fired Up! was great, don't get me wrong. But in my opinion, this one has a much better selection. I had been wondering where songs like "Heaven" and the Thunderpuss Remix of Whitney Houston's "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" were, though here they are! Definitely a CD that can keep you moving. Great if you go to the Gym. Some standouts include the ever-famous DJ Sammy cover of Heaven, "Absolutely Not" by Deborah Cox, The DJ Tiesto remix of "Silence", and the amazing remix of Tamia's "Stranger In My House". The only ones I don't really enjoy are Weapon of choice, and the remixes of Miss Independent and He Wasn't Man Enough. Weapon of Choice is just...too long for the same thing over and over. And Miss Independent and He Wasn't Man enough were fine as they were. These mixes make them seem much slower.

But otherwise, a great CD. Definitely recommend it.

Just as strong as the first Fired Up!
I liked Fired Up 2.I've been listening to it the past several days.Most of the songs I've heard on some other dance albums, but one of the standouts is the Hani remix of Kelly Clarkson's Miss Independent.It just puts her in a different light. It makes the album version sound like a Puff Daddy remix. The smooth keyboards and rapid paced sound actually works for Kelly. Don't know if she actually sang on that song or if Hani took the vocals from the album song and put it in that remix. All the songs from Amber, to Daniel Bedingfield, to Toni Braxton to Deborah Cox to Dirty Vegas' funky Days Go By are on here. The only song I hate on here is Fatboy Slim's Weapons of Choice. This song suffers from having too many samples and snippets going on in a 5-minute plus song.Plus it looks out of place of the more pumping dance tracks on the album. The rest of the album remains consistent for much of the 72 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Not truly "disco"
This disc is too spotty as a disco comp for me to consider truly representative of the best music of the disco ball and platform shoes era. While the best material("Le Freak", "Disco Inferno","Love Machine","In the Navy","Heart of Glass") exemplify what this SHOULD be, other songs are either mediocre ("Could it Be Magic?","Get Up and Boogie"), or else not really representative of the disco era/sound. ("Ladies Night" is NOT disco...even if it is a nice 'club' song. Neither is a REMIXED version of "You're the One that I want"..which wasn't disco to begin with regardless of vintage.)

There are better disco collections out there. Keep looking...

NOT SO PURE!
What on earth makes the compilers think that Lay All Your Love On Me (Abba) and You're The One That I Want (Travolta etc) are disco? Sure they were big hits during the disco heyday but that doesn't make them part of the genre. Apart from that, the selection is great, with the Three Degrees at their dreamy best, Chic & Sister Sledge still sounding fresh, excellent faceless Eurodisco from Silver Convention (Where's the Andrea True Connection?), a good sprinkling of classics: In The Navy, Disco Inferno, You Make Me Feel ... and my favourite, Andy Gibb's Shadow Dancing which remained No. 1 on the Billboard charts for 8 weeks in 1978.

Funked Out
I own all three of the Pure Disco CDs. There were only two songs that really caught my attention and made me glad that I purchased it. I was pretty much funked out by the other two. They have most of the good songs on them. I wouldn't say not to buy it, I would just suggest finding the best bargain for it.

Good.... but the first is the best
Yep... it's a good CD but in my opinion, the first one in the trilogy is the best. Any way you will enjoy the tracks if you are a disco music fan. If you just are familiar with that kind of music, and about 30 years old, maybe you can find some unknown songs. It's a good selection.

some of the songs were great, but others..........
There were a few non disco songs on this CD, for example, "Forget Me Nots". ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Agree 100% w/ Frederic White
Worth it just for the Jackie Moore track, 'This Time Baby'...
one of the great lost songs of the era.

Worth the purchase for JACKIE MOORE
If you are a DISCO fanatic then this collection is worth the purchase due to the closing track. It is a rarity. JACKIE MOORE's "THIS TIME BABY". Get this and remember what it was like to stare at yourself while struttin' on the dancefloor.

Nice selection of Disco Hits at bargain Price
This cd contains some great Disco Hits, some of which are in their fully extended form (and some are extended, but shortened slightly). Songs such as "Born to be Alive", "In the Bush", "Hot Shot", "This Time Baby", "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "Rock Your Baby" were massive. I went to lots of discos in the 70's and the clubs were all playing these songs. This cd brings back all those good memories! Highly recommended!

good times
ok true i was born in 1981 after all these songs were made but, i love this cd and most of the songs are as popular as they were 30 years ago. My favorites would have to be You make Me Feel and don't leave me this way.

BRILLIANT SHOWCASE OF AN ERA
What a fantastic disco album! The following were massive chart hits: Born To Be Alive, Rock Your Baby, You Make Me Feel, Don't Leave Me This Way, Macho Man, Bad Girls, Greatest Dancer, while Hot Shot, Planet Rock, In The Bush and the others all went top 5 on the dance charts way back then.(Hot Shot was definitely a No. 1 on the Disco Chart). Well worth the price, as this collection represents a dazzling range of styles and beats. This was when dance music still had a lot of soul and personality. Highly recommended for parties and for listening enjoyment. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Now That's What I Call Music
Together Again(8) Fun Janet dance track
As Long As You Love Me(6) Okay try at an emotional number from a band with a bad rap
The Way(8) Good track! Now we're getting into my kinda music
Flagpole Sitta(8) Another good track
Say You'll Be There(7) Fun dance track from a band with a bad rap
All My Life(9) Very beautiful love song. One of the cd's best
Never Ever(2) Pretty bad track
If You Could Only See(10) A perfect track!
MMMBop(2) Boy this track sucks
Zoot Suit Riot(9) Fun catchy track

Shorty(4) Never heard of this track before this cd
Anytime(8) Another good heartfelt love song
Barbie Girl(9) Ya just gotta love this one
Karma Police(10) Radiohead on a hits compilation? Now that's what I call music!
I Will Buy You A New Life(8) A good track from a good band
Fly Away(8) Another good track from an equally good artist
Sex and Candy(8) Cool catchy rock tune

few decent songs, but nothing else to offer
Better than some of the other NOW compilations, but still lacking a lot. There's more rock songs & not as annoying pop songs, which is the only good thing about it. But HOW can you stick that MOST annoying Aqua song infront of an awesome Radiohead song?!?!?! Who picks these songs???? ANYONE could pick a set of songs & put them on cd, what makes these compilations special?? They should've stuck in some Sublime, Jamiroquai, Love Spit Love, & other good bands from this time frame...but that would be another series titled "Now that's what I call REAL music".
Here are my comments on a few songs I'm familiar with:

3. The Way - Fastball -- not a bad band, but I NEVER liked this song
4. Flagpole Sitta - Harvey Danger -- catchy, kewl riffs, overplayed
5. Say You'll Be There - Spice Girls -- their least annoying song that had a cool video
8. If You Could Only See - Tonic -- if you could only remember how much this song was overplayed!!
9. MMMBop - Hanson --mmmmm, this song should've never been invented?? at least the boys in this band played instruments, but still annoying
10. Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin' Daddy -- good fun song
14. Karma Police - Radiohead -- my fave Radiohead song from OK Computer
15. I Will Buy You a New Life - Everclear, 16. Fly Away - Kravitz, Lenny, & 17. Sex & Candy - Marcy Playground -- I liked all 3 of these maybe the 1st couple times I heard them, but they didn't offer much to musically stimulate me.

Overall, I like enuff of these songs that it should get a 3, but with the other crap thrown in, it must get a 2. Pick better pop songs at least!!

Now That's What I Call Music
1. Janet, Together Again: It was an ok song but not the best song on her Velvet Rope CD. C

2. Backstreet Boys, As Long As You Love Me: This was a popular song when I was in high school. I always liked it. A

3. Fastball, The Way: Fastball I have no clue who they are let alone who they were 6 years ago. F

4. Harvey Danger, Flagpole Sitta: This was a song I hated back in the day but I have grown to like it somewhat. C

5. Spice Girls, Say You'll Be There: I don't care what people say I liked the Spice Girls. A

6. K-Ci & JoJo, All My Life: It's was a good song at the prom but it got old really quick. B-

7. All Saints, Never Ever: Never ever again! F

8. Tonic, If You Could Only See: I loved this song 6 years ago and I still listen to it today. A

9. Hanson, MMMBop: MMMBop? More like MMMEwww. The only thing going for Hanson was their hair not their singing talent. F-

10. Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Zoot Suit Riot: I actually learned how to swing from this song. Not only is it catchy but it helped bring back swing. A-

11. Imajin, Shorty: I have no comment on this one. F

12. Brian McKnight, Anytime: This was a good song but it just isn't my type of music. C-

13. Aqua, Barbie Girl: I love this song it is one of my favorite on this cd. A+

14. Radiohead, Karma Police: I didn't like it when I heard it on the radio but over the years it grew to the point of actually liking it. B-

15. Everclear, I Will Buy You A New Life: This is a good song on a great CD. A

16. Lenny Kravitz, Fly Away: I liked this song and I still do. Sometimes I wish I could fly away. A-

17. Marcy Playground, Sex & Candy: I think this was a fitting song to be on the end of this cd. A

My Review for: Now 1
OK. Now, i'm reviewing for the very 1st in the Now series. Most of these arent played on the radio anymore, but, thats ok. On with the ratings of songs!

1. Janet- Together Again (4/5) Pretty nice song from Janet from her Velvet Rope album.
2. Backstreet Boys- As Long As You Love Me (3/5) I still like this from the BSB, but, I got way tired of it before. So, thats why I only gave a 3.
3. Fastball- The Way (5/5) Awsome! Fastball r awsome. Their best song. Even better than Out Of My Head that was on Now 3. I luv both songs soo much.
4. Harvey Danger- Flagpole Sitta (4/5) I never even listened to this before, but, its a cool song. Its pretty weird.
5. Spice Girls- Say You'll Be There (2/5) Ugh! Spice Girls are ok, but, theyre old! I'm glad that theyre not big anymore, cuz, they would be causin too much trouble. OK song. Pretty pointless.
6. K-CI & Jo-Jo (5/5) Love dis 1 too! K-Ci and Jo-Jo always have good, soulful songs.
7. All Saints- Never Ever (1/5) YUCK! All Saints is a TERRIBLE girl group, probably the worst there is. The girl thinks shes rapping, but, shes talkin idiotic!!! I'm soo glad they were 1-hit wonderz.
8. Tonic- If You Could Only See (5/5) Always loved this one! I will never hate it!! Tonic were almost 1-hit wonders, but, they had a few otha hits.
9. Hanson- MmmBOP (4/5) Hanson are cool. I havent lost much respect for them. Theyre a very underrated band.
10. Cherry Poppin Daddys- Zoot Suit Riot (4/5) Wacky song, but, I would never hurt comedy's feelings.
11. Imajin- Shorty (You Keep Playin With My Mind) (3/5) Again, 1-hit wonders. I think Imajin are rivals of B2K, but, even if one member left B2K (Omarion), they can still kick Imajin's butts anyday.
12. Brian McKnight- Anytime (5/5) Love dis too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brian is VERY soulful on this, GREAT BALLAD! His best next to Back At One.
13. Aqua- Barbie Girl No Rating I dont know what to say about this. I dont like or hate it.
14. Radiohead- Karma Police (4/5) I never listened to this one, either, but, I do like Radiohead. Great song.
15. Everclear- I Will Buy You A New Life (4/5) Pretty good song by Everclear, but, definatly not one one of their best.
16. Lenny Kravitz- Fly Away (5/5) YEAH!! Now were talkin!!! Lenny @ his best
17. Marcy Playground- Sex & Candy (5/5) NOW WE STILL TALKIN! Easily my fav song on da album! Funny jam. These guys were nearly 1-hit wonders, also.

I review: NOW
NOW:

1. Janet, Together Again: Forgettable. Maybe if I knew who she WAS... C-

2. Backstreet Boys, As Long As You Love Me: And so the evil reign begins. Far better than N*Sync, that still says nothing. C-

3. Fastball, The Way: Fastball were a great band that did not deserve one-hit wonderdom. Still, I'm glad THIS was their only hit, as 7 years later, it still sounds fresh. Look for these guys, a new album's coming out this year. A

4. Harvey Danger, Flagpole Sitta: Average power-pop, but it gets an A for effort. Almost. B

5. Spice Girls, Say You'll Be There: It was okay back then. Now it's irritating. C

6. K-Ci & JoJo, All My Life: It's okay. I myself don't care for it, but I can see why others would. C+

7. All Saints, Never Ever: Like a bad Destiny's Child ripoff, except for the fact they predate them. D+

8. Tonic, If You Could Only See: It should be farther along the CD, but that doesn't change the fact it's a memorable rock ballad that will be sure to be covered by VH1 on the eventual "I Love The 90's" A

9. Hanson, MMMBop: I'd rather light myself on fire repeatedly. Words can not express how terrible this song is, and neither can a grade.

10. Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Zoot Suit Riot: One of the most recent dance favorites, I STILL hear this song plenty. It's insanely catchy, functional and a great attempt to bring swing to the masses once again, so it gets worthy praise from me. A strong B+

11. Imajin, Shorty: Annoying, irritating, and oddly B2K-sounding, despite them being older. And I don't care for B2K. F

12. Brian McKnight, Anytime: A beautiful, soulful ballad that, in my opinion, was better than "Back At One", which I hear more often. A-

13. Aqua, Barbie Girl: Talk about change of pace... This is a fun little piece of Eurocheese that's remembered by most, whether fondly or hatefully. It's Aqua, man. Perfect for small children and lovers of Eurocheese. I fall into the latter category, soooo... B+

14. Radiohead, Karma Police: Another sudden change of pace. Strange sequencing... Anyway, this song is perfection. I love Radiohead half to death, and this ranks among their best. Everyone should own OK Computer. This song's too good for a grade, but I'll give it an A+ anyway.

15. Everclear, I Will Buy You A New Life: Good follow-up to Karma Police in terms of sequencing. I love Everclear, and while I still prefer their American Family days, this is a good single with a great melody and great lyrics. A strong B+

16. Lenny Kravitz, Fly Away: Corny and fairly sub-par, the chorus redeems it all. Lenny's really a better ballad man, though. B+

17. Marcy Playground, Sex & Candy: If any song comes close to Karma Police in terms of quality, this would be it. The lyrics are strange but great, and the music's insanely addicting, despite sounding just a tiny bit derivative. The wonderful, wonderful vocals change that, though. A+

-The Good: Fastball, Tonic, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Brian McKnight, Aqua, Everclear
-The Awesome: Radiohead, Marcy Playground
-The Bad: Janet, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Imajin
-The Horrendous: Hanson
-Overall: How some of the best AND worst songs in the last 2 decades can end up here, I don't know. But the good overpowers the bad. Just as long as someone kills Hanson. ... Read more

Album Description

Nude Dimensions is a Naked Music series devoted to thedeepest, sexiest tracks to be found in the racks, we'veenlisted the showmanship of one of San Francisco'sbest-kept dj secrets, Mauricio Aviles. Mauricio has beenpaving the way for deep house in San Francisco for the past 10 years and is probably one of the most recognizable heads in the SF scene. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

La Musica de Sexy House
A refreshing break from all other normal house music compilations already available, Nude Dimensions Volume 2 has come to be known and regarded as one of the standards by which soulful & sexy house music is judged by.

From the first track to the last, Mauricio Aviles has compiled an album which represents the smooth grace and vibes that depict sexy deep house music. What makes this CD so attractive in my opinion is the subtle soulful R&B grooves. Special standouts include "Superficial" [#1], "Pure" [#2], and "Aquanote" [#5]. Extra consideration should be given to Lovetronic's Vocal mix of Lisa Shaw's "Always" [#14]: this song personifies the true deep and soulful vibe of house music mixed with a touch of R&B; especially given the beautiful latin percussion sounds at the end of this last track on the CD which back up the soothing vocals. The heart and "soul" of the entire CD can be found in tracks #8, #9, #10. These tracks alone make the album worth purchasing. Miguel 'Migs' remix of MJ Cole's "Sincere" [#10] is the MVP standout track of the album by far.

Those looking for the end-all and be-all definition of what "sexy house" music should resemble should not looking any further than this album. It's smooth rhythms and sexy appeal are simply amazing. The producing is wonderful and the arrangement is outstanding. Almost every time I listen to this album I find myself appreciating a different track in a refreshingly new way *each* time. I can not give this album enough mad props; great for giving any party that "sexy" feel, any of these tracks could be found at the best house dance clubs around the globe. Super sexy? You betcha. I am positive that this CD will continue to set the standard for soulful sexiness years after it's original release date. What are you waiting for? Take your clothes off now.

Brilliant
Originally, I heard a few of these tracks on the internet, and I knew I had to own it. Mauricio Avila is a relatively unkonown San Fransisco dj and on this Dimensions installment he puts himself out there and shows just what a dj should be. Avila is like a fantastic lover, he's never too gentle and he's never too hard, he puts you right where you need to be.
The second track of Blue 6's Pure gets a fantastic remixing by the brilliant Miguel Migs. The entire cd is wrought with deep grooves and [hot] basslines. Avila mixes records effortlessly, like two ships passing in the night. The dub version of Undercover Agency's I Need You in my Life gets the []vibe underway and its nothing but continual []shakin' from there on. Track 8 is Sirus's Big Ben, the epitome of deep house. And by far the best track is undoubtedly track 12. Cooly's Hot Box track Could You Love Me? is nothin short of brilliant.
This installment of Nude Dimensions is without a doubt one of those rare albums that one does not need to skip over tracks. It's a brilliant mix of music and it fits into any situation. I have played it in my car, at work, and at home when friends come round for drinks. This album should be part of any self-respecting house music lovers collection. Its a definitive classic.

If They Only Knew...
...what they're missing by writing off all house music as mindless thump thump s***. Trippy, erotic and soothing R & B based house music to satisfy your soul.
Highlights include "Chocolat" by Afro Elements (track 3), the Miguel Migs remix of "Sincere" by M.J. Cole, and of course the beautiful "Always" by the lovely Ms. Lisa Shaw. But really this record is meant to be listened to (and danced to) as a whole, as an experience or a journey.
Truly uplifting.

VOLUME 2: TAKING IT HIGHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Volume 2 of the Nude Dimensions series surpasses Volume 1 by leaps and bounds with funky, seemless remixes of songs from dance floor masters MJ Cole, Bougie Soliterre, Blue Six, Solor House and Astro Trax! This baby is a non-stop party and should only be played if you plan to really get down and dirty with it! NOTE: Not for the weak of heart, or folks who can't dance!!!

Eargasm...
Simply put, the Nude Dimensions series from Naked Music is the best there is in deep, sexy house. It doesn't get any better...period. Jay, Bruno, Mauricio, Dave, etc - you guys are brilliant.... ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A great mix of hits from 1979
I was 10 years old in 1979, and I remember listening to a lot of these songs on the radio, especially "Escape"(Pina Colada Song). It was one of my favorite songs back then.
This greatly eclectic mix of genres will bring back some great memories of a year that spurned some great music.
Disco was fading, but Blondie got her hooks into it with "Heart of Glass", which starts this disc off right.
"My Sharona", the one hit wonder of The Knack is on here, along with a few 70's party standards for fast dances, "I will survive", "YMCA", and "Ring my bell".
The slower songs are sad love songs: "Just when I needed you most" and "Sad Eyes".
This is fun album to have on and sing along with(karoake here i come...)in the car, or at home in the background at a party.
I've actually recognized it being played at clubs, between bands.
I am highly recommending this for 70's music fans! It's one of the greatest if not the best compliation album I've heard for that decade.

Eileen Famiglietti

DISCO, COUNTRY AND BEAUTIFUL BALLADS
This excellent compilation contains four massive disco smashes, one stunning piece of power pop, three soulful ballads and one great country story song. The heavy presence of disco is to be expected since this dance style still rules the charts in 1979. I Will Survive and Y.M.C.A. became ageless club anthems, Ring My Bell is famous for its atmospheric syndrum effects and Heart Of Glass crossed the boundaries between new wave and disco in a big way. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) was a novelty hit and it still irritates me, but Just When I Needed You Most, Sad Eyes and Fire are great emotional ballads that have stood the test of time very well. The Devil Went Down To Georgia is still an amusing country song with some superb instrumental breaks. Nine great songs out of ten tracks make this one of the better Billboard compilations, reflecting all of the relevant styles that made 1979 such a great year for music.

Those Were The Days!!
Ah, 1979. It was the last year that disco ruled the pop charts, new wave began its rise, rap had its first Top 40 hit ("Rapper's Delight"), and every newscast began with a countdown of the number of days hostages had been held in Iran. As a 9 year old, I heard these songs everywhere, from "My Sharona" played round the clock on the radio, to "Sad Eyes" and "Just When I Needed You Most" played during slow skate at the local roller rink. I saw most of these songs lip synced to on "Solid Gold" (remember that show?), where Dionne Warwick's hair got shorter every week. I thought Charlie Daniels was one bad dude when he was talking about the Devil coming down south, where I lived at the time! Who knew then that "Y.M.C.A." would become the most played song in the history of the universe? And though I've listened to it for 25 years without tiring of it, I still don't have the foggiest clue what Debbie Harry is singing on "Heart of Glass?!" Needless to say, this CD sums up one year better than just about any other Billboard collection to date. Memories usually don't come this cheap!!! As we said in 1979, "Na Noo, Na Noo."

An Excellent Compilation
I really love Billboard collections. Instead of buying the individual albums that contain my favorite songs, I can buy a Billboard album that already has all of the hits on one disc. Usually, Billboard albums are chock-full of songs that I recognize and enjoy. This particular album, though, is especially rich with first-class music; the year 1979 must have been an extraordinary one for the music industry. "Billboard Top Hits 1979" starts out with "Heart of Glass," an upbeat, yet relaxing tune by Blondie. Next is a song that everyone recognizes but hardly anyone knows the artist -- "My Sharona" by the Knack. Although this song can get a little repetitive, I still enjoy listening to it from time to time. I really like its placement on the album; the rock tempo is a nice complement to "Heart of Glass." The album continues with another highly-recognized song, "Just When I Needed You Most." This romantic ballad is one of the few soft, slow, emotional songs; it adds variety while still contributing nicely to the whole. One of my personal favorites is the next track, "Escape," which most everyone knows as the infamous Piña Colada song. This song's memorable lyrics never fail to touch me every time I hear them. Next up comes two more rock tunes which have also become some of the more popular dance music of the last twenty years, "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor and "YMCA" by the Village People. These two songs have a universal appeal that has already spanned generations since the time that they were first released; the longevity combined with the immense popularity make them some of the greatest songs ever written. The next track is "Sad Eyes" by Robert John; although it isn't a terrible song, it just doesn't deserve to be a follow-up to a song like "YMCA." Its mellow tune just doesn't seem in sync with its placement on the album. The album makes a recovery, though, with "Fire" by the Pointer Sisters, which was another one of my favorite songs with its mystical, enigmatic, fast-paced melody. "Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward was also one of my favorites; it is a perfect follow-up to a song like "Fire," returning the album back to a more cheerful, light-hearted theme. Finally, the album closes with "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which is not only a great song, but also a great story as well. The country flair of this song is different from the predominant rock/pop theme, ending the album on a different note and thereby contributing to the pleasant variety of music that this album exhibits. Overall, I thought that this was an outstanding album and I certainly recommend it to fans of 1970's pop, rock, and disco music. With such a diverse assortment of classic music all on one disc, this album is a treasure for music fans of all ages.

This hits collection is worth it just to have "My Sharona"
Wow, Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" must have been the best song of 1979 because it appears on both "Billboard Top Hits: 1979" and "1979: Billboard Top Dance Hits." This is one of those Billboard hit collections that really covers the music spectrum for the year in question. Not only do you have Disco with Gaynor and the Village People, you have Punk/New Wave represented by by Blondie and The Knack, whatever "Escape (The Pina Colada Song" happens to be, and Country Western with the Charlie Daniels Band. I think this album will make the cut for most people when it comes to checking out the play list to see if there are five or more songs you would like to add to your music collection. The downside is that there are half as many songs here that you will probably just pass over when you play the album. However, I cannot begin to count the number of times that the driving beat of "My Sharona" has gotten me through a late afternoon. That has to count for something, boys and girls. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

This should be retitled "Greatest Dance Hits of the 90s"!
This is a great compilation! 17 of the 90s greatest dance hits on one explosive cd! What could be better! Songs like "Missing", "Where Do You Go?" and "Another Night" represent the earlier years of 90s dance. "Dreamer", "I Like to Move It", and "Boom Boom Boom" are defenite club hits! But among this vast list of party smashes are just a couple of ultimate hits. "Beautiful Life", beautifully performed by the best group on the planet, Ace of Base, is one of them. The other is "C'mon & Ride It (The Train)" by one of the decade's biggest dance acts, Quad City DJs. These two hits are for sure the biggest dance tracks ever! This is an amazing party cd (I bought it in summer 98, and this album helped me party on down!) and everyone who wants the biggest club hits of the 90s needs this cd!

A True Dance Party!
While many dance compilations try to please as many people as possible by combining as many different types of dance music as possible, all the songs on this CD work together wonderfully. The Amber song This Is Your Night is the highlight of this CD, but the songs by La Bouche, Taylor Dayne, Ace Of Base and Quad City DJs are huge party starters. The only annoying song here is the overplayed Macarena, but since it's the last song on the CD you can easily skip it. Even if you think this CD is older, still get it because it's still very enjoyable.

An ok dance CD
This is an ok dance CD. Only about 4 good dance tracks worth the listen such as "Who Do U Love" - Deborah Cox, "Be My Lover" - La Bouche feat. Melanie Thornton, "Dreamer" - Livin' Joy, "Beautiful Life" - Ace of Base. The rest is basically pretty boring. Not a great dance CD, but still an ok one. Get this only if you like most of the tracks and artists on this dance compilation album.

I MISS THIS TIME...
BEST EVER!
EVERYTHING BUT A GIRL,LA BOUCHE,ACE OF BASE,LOS DEL RIO...
GREAT!

Excellent
This was my first dance compilation ever, when I bought it shortly after it was released in early 1997 and I have loved it ever since (as well as the 1998 edition). This is a sampling of back-to-back dance trax that was popular at the time, when eurodance first became really hot. Starting off with "Missing" by EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL, it leads into more hits, such as "Another Night" by Real McCoy, "Where Do You Go" by NO MERCY, "Be My Lover" by LA BOUCHE, the excellent "Dreamer" by LIVIN JOY, the obscure mix of "No More I Love Yous" by ANNIE LENNOX, the wonderful "Children" by ROBERT MILES, the well-known cover "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by NIKKI FRENCH and ending with the dancefloor standard (at that particular point and time) "Macarena" by LOS DEL RIO. You'll probably recognize most of these, including the rehashed "Tell It To My Heart" (remix) by TAYLOR DAYNE and you even get a perfect mix of "A Deeper Love" by the queen of soul herself, ARETHA FRANKLIN. Overall, this is a non-stop dance album that'll make you wanna move from start to finish. All hits in one form or another, no filler, this is THE dance collection to buy, and I recommend ULTIMATE DANCE PARTY 1998 in additon to this disc. Both are just absolutely fabulous! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ten Great Songs; One Outstanding CD
Whoever came up with the idea of making a "Top Hits" CD from the highest-ranking Billboard songs in a particular year was a genius. In my opinion, the Billboard albums contain some of the best music ever recorded for the lowest price ever imaginable. I have listened to quite a few of the albums in the Billboard series over the past few weeks, and one of my favorites has been the year 1975. The 1975 album is filled with memorable music that has been remastered to sound just as good as, if not better than, the original releases. The album starts off with "Sister Golden Hair," which is undoubtedly America's best song of all time. It's a catchy tune that isn't quite as humdrum as a song like "Horse With No Name." "Sister Golden Hair" has quickly become my favorite song on this album as well; it is relaxing and can easily be played over and over again without losing any of its appeal. Other good songs on this album include "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain & Tennille, "When Will I Be Loved" by Linda Ronstadt, the classic romance tune "Fallin' in Love" by Hamilton, Joe Frank, & Reynolds, "Sky High" by Jigsaw, and "Get Down Tonight" by KC & the Sunshine Band. Another one of my absolute favorite songs, though, is Elton John's patriotic "Philadelphia Freedom." This song's spirit and message has only been magnified by the September 11th terrorist attacks; I hear it on the radio now all the time. I suppose that 1975 must have been quite a year to produce such outstanding music; I definitely recommend "Billboard Top Hits 1975" to pop/rock/disco music fans interested in enjoying these timeless hits.

Great recap of great year for pop radio.
These Billboard discs don't necessarily give you the maximum amount of time, since they only contain 10 songs per disc, but they are always remastered so incredibly well that often other compilations pale in comparison. In addition, with the Billboard series, you often get the cream of the crop as far as what was hot in pop music at the time. This disc is certainly no exception. With Ford in the Whitehouse and "Jaws" at the drive-in, these were 10 songs that you heard on the radio again and again and again. And they're 10 songs that still sound great today. Well, actually, with Rhino records at the helm, they sound better than ever. The two songs by Elton John (an artist who, along with John Denver, owned 1975) sound better here than they do on any Elton John compilation put out by MCA or Polygram. Add some all time classics by KC & The Sunshine Band, Captain & Tennille and the one song by America that won't put you to sleep, and you've got a great collection of nostalgic fun.

Some great hits!
I love most of the songs on this cd. I feel it is a nice compilation, with a few exceptions, but overall, it is a good buy. I recommend it for all fans of 70s music. ... Read more

Album Description

Nude Dimensions was pieced together by Naked's own BrunoYbarra and Petalpusher (Miguel 'Migs') to showcase thejourney so far - deep, delicious, sexy unreleased cutsalongside industry standards by the likes of CharlesSchillings, Bob Sinclar, Atjazz and more. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Breakin' It Down......it's da Bomb!
What can I say, this CD has now become a Classic in the world of Naked Music releases. Talk about Funkdafied, this CD covers everything you ever thought Funky was and should be when it comes to House. This CD is mixed by one of my favorite dj's and that is the wonderful Miguel Migs. The standout tracks on this disc are "Breakin' It Down" and "Music & Wine" the rest of the CD is also great. Naked Music has made a big niche in the world of Dance Music, and this disc was they're step in the right direction. Nude Dimensions Vol 1, has set the standard with it's trademark being deep soulful vocals and funky bass filled beats.
You can't go wrong with this gem as it will be a permanent fixture in my dance music collection.

incredible, fun, deep loving music
I just recieved Nude Dimensions Vol 1 in the mail yesterday....
Oh my goodness, this cd rocks

my fav tracks are
1) Li Sha - thats why Im here (Migs Transporters vocal)
2) Lovetronic- you are love (si brads playback dub) and the (jayus afrotronic ext. vocal) mix
3) weekender- spirit in your soul .... (absolute fav track on the cd)

I found the energy in this compilation fluid, never letting up, soothing, and relaxing. The mixing is excellent, inticingly driving you to the next track.

Overall 5 out of 5 .....

a must for deep house lovers!!!!

Metro Gnome
Man, do you MEN need to have $ex with a metronome? If that's workin' for y'all better than Cialis, then by all means, get this CD. Me, I'd be smashing the cd player during foreplay. Monotonous, but sexy. Gimme Barry White instead. Now that's nekkid muzak. Uh-hmmm.

A worthy addition to your dance music collection
Miguel Migs has put together a very good dance mix CD. It has the generally high quality that we have all come to expect from him and, of course, Naked Music. I have to stop just short of giving this a perfect 5-star rating because it's not as consistently excellent as Miguel's superior effort, Nude Tempo I. Although I listen to this CD often (almost every day), I often find myself skipping past certain tracks, especially track 5. Nonetheless, if you like dance music with a sophisticated feel to it, you can't go wrong with this CD.

THREE DIMENSIONAL NUDE DIMENSIONS!!!
The Nude Dimension series has got to be the hottest and most sought after dance CD on the market today! It's easy to say that with the mix of smooth house grooves and incredible vocals from the likes of Li'sha and Janet Rushmore! If you're a club head, DJ or just like good house music with sass-appeal, this is the CD for you! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Continuous mix of mid-tempo soul/R&B/hip-hop/funk
What more can be said about about this record that hasn't already been said? This disc compiles some of the greatest grooves of Mark Farina's legendary Mushroom Jazz evenings in San Francisco. Some of you have probably heard Farina spin house, but you should know that Mushroom Jazz is NOT a house album. Instead, it is a heady mix of some smoothest mid-tempo underground tracks ever put out on vinyl (and now CD). Some of the glory of this album can be found in the variety of musical styles Farina manages to fuse together in a seamless mix which transcends categorization. But, more importantly, the FEELING this album conveys to the listener and the incredible beats are both unique and fresh. I've searched a long time for another record similar to this one, but I don't think it exists. Snap this album up and you'll see what I mean. Then you'll know why I'll be the first one in line for Mushroom Jazz II.

Mushroom Jazz is good stuff
Mark Farina is a genius. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this CD. It'll appeal to anyone who likes jazz, hip-hop, house, soul, or good music. If you don't own it, then you haven't heard it enough.

Not outstanding
I ran out and got this album after hearing a DJ friend sample track 2 off of it. The album turned out to be homogenous and unimpressive in my opinion. The tracks meld together in an awkward manner and the production is poor enough that I noticed, and I don't know a lot about production.

An every collection must have...
5 Stars? Doesn't do this justice. This CD ranks up there with Bob Marley and Wailers "Legend" as a CD that every collection must have. You want mood music? You want to chillout? You want to groove? Soothe your soul with music that has become the soundtrack to my life...

Take that Acid Jazz , we have Mushroom....
.......Extremely high quality mix by Mark Farina , utilizing all his skills to rock it the way only he can. Track one is trippy and different. Track 2 has a great beat , but to me is the weakest on the CD(vocals are irritating). Track 3 really starts the Jazz rolling. 4 and 5 are both good , and totally different stylistically......track 6 seems the most mainstream of them all , but is still danceable , although not seemingly as jazzy. Track 7 is more downtempo , but good. Track 8 rocks , and is one of my faves. Track 9 is more trippy , but also good. 10 and 11 are more of the same stuff.....track 11 is different as it is rap , but it is tastefully utilized and sampled through the whole CD , which Mark does with all the tracks to really mess with your mind. Classic !! If you don't own it , and you like Acid Jazz , buy it , and the other 2 volumes as they are also good. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Nice listening music
I liked this CD. As far as the music goes, it's good for listening to. However, the beat didn't really fit my workout needs.

Disappointment from start to finish
I was so unhappy when I got this cd. The songs are not complete and play like one continueous song. Don't waste you money.

Can't wait to get Vol.2
The music just makes you want to keep on working. Love it. I would give it 5 stars if it had more great songs on it.

Excellent!
This is a great workout or dance tape for that matter. The songs are from the late 70's/early 80's when dance songs filled the radio airwaves. One song in particular, "Makin' It" by David Naughton might have been a one-hit wonder, but it is an incredible dance song that is hard to get off your mind once you've heard it! The sitcom that it was designed for was a dud, but the song is not! The other songs on this CD are great also except for the irritating "I Love the Night Life" by Alicia Bridges, I could have done without this one. It's a great CD though, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not the greatest, but still worthy
This is a good compliation. It's pretty hard to say ONE album is the compliation for an entire decade, but there are some big hits from the 80s on here. NOt a bad CD

Not the greatest compliation album
but it does have my signature hit, "Come On Eileen". This is one of the few one hit wonders that I like on this album. There were a lot of other songs from the 80's that I would have picked over "I ran", "Words", "Tuff enuff.." Enough said, the first half of the album is very good, but then it just starts to lose steam. It's as if they were running out of ideas as to what to put on the album. I didn't like these songs back in the 80's so why should I like them now. I guess that is the price I pay to get the few songs I did want.
I always loved the show, The big 80's on Vh1. And when this and the first c.d. came out, I bought them together. All in all, not such a terrible purchase. I like the first one much better, there are a better selection of songs.

Eighties Eightites Eighties!!!!
One hit wonders and just good eighties tunes. This is packed with them sort tunes you miss from such a great era. I have so many eighties tapes and CDs I keep collecting. I think this captured several really good songs on it and they are hard to track down songs. When it comes to to collections this one is tops. I can listen to these songs over and over again. Never tire of them. Guess the eighties will never die while I'm still breathing. :) I knew all the songs on this CD by heart and if you're an eighties fan you will too. It's a great gift for the eighties fan in your life too. That's where I get most of my tunes. People know I'm a hopeless eighties fan. :)

OK compilation
This is a compilation full of mostly good songs, but most of them have gotten really old by now, esp. "Mickey". Don't particularly like the song order, it's almost too spontaneous, even for my various taste. A Flock of Seagulls "I Ran" is among 1 of my favorite songs, but it got cut off at the end!! 1 saving grace is putting Peter Schiling's "Major Tom" last. One main reason I had gotten this a few years ago was to replace the bad copies I had taped off the radio years before, so it served its purpose at the time. But now with cd burners, I have no desire to buy any more 80's compilations cuz you can just make your own. All in all, it's a good introduction into 80's music for those who aren't too familiar with it, even mainstream ones like most of these are.

Little bit of the everything eighties!
Great CD! I love to listen to the eighties music. and guess I'm a fanatic when it comes down to it. This one has alot of old ones I hadn't heard in ages. ... Read more

Album Description

The BOY is BACK!Megahit Records proudly presents the highly-anticipated Let’s Hear It For The Boy Vol. 4—the fourth in the hit double CD gay dance mix series imported from SAIFAM Italy’s Atlantis label.Vol. 4’s non-stop mix features dance versions of this year’s most massive hits ("Toxic," "My Immortal," "Slow," "It’s My Life" and more), plus gay classics ("Relight My Fire," "Young Hearts Run Free" "High Energy," "Xanadu" and more).Energetic versions of gay circuit hits "Me Against The Music," "The Voice Within" and "Love Profusion" make this collection simply irresistible.Best of all, Let’s Hear It For The Boy Vol. 4 features another attractive "cover boy" in a revealing pose.Let’s Hear It For The Boy Vol. 4 is the perfect gay party album! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another great dance release from LHIFTB!
This is the third "Let's Hear It" compliation that I own. What I really like about this particular series is the mixes are fresh. Plus for $23.00, you get a double disc set...not bad!

This version has great mixes from Donna Summer, Britney Spears, Madonna, KISS, Erasure, Olivia Newton John, Diana Ross and Talk Talk. This set, a little more reminiscent of disco days and the early 80s, really made me smile. Who didn't love Xanadu, This Time I Know It's For Real, I Was Made For Loving You and Love Hangover? BUT...there is a total stinker on this set: My Immortal. I loved My Immortal as a ballad, but the remix is the clumsiest I've heard in my life. The remix beats are WAY OFF of the track beats and it nearly leaves you battered, and not in a cooking way, at the end of the track. For this single reason, I had to deduct a star.

Bottom line: Two hours of music for $23.00 is not too bad! Two hours of fresh dance that strolls you down memory lane but keeps its cutting edge - very good! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite its mirror-ball packaging, The Disco Box presents the music as it was heard on AM radio, not in clubs. The 80 tunes are well-chosen, but almost all are heard in their single-edit version rather than in the often cathartic extended tracks that were one of the form's trademarks. Also, some of disco's best-loved divas (Loleatta Holloway, Taana Gardner) are left out of this history. Still, for those whose record collections don't represent one of pop's most glorious, insane (try 5000 Volts' "I'm On Fire"), inspiring moments, these four CDs are a worthy primer. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A fair collection of disco, but it's just a starting point!
When exploring the amazing genre of disco music, too many people limit themselves to the "hits". To be sure, radio stations during the late 70s and early 80s often limited their playlists to the hits alone, but this collection only barely scratches the surface of disco.

In my opinion, there are many excellent tracks in The Disco Box. Among the best are the songs by Sister Sledge and Chic, plus Ain't No Stopping Us Now, Turn The Beat Around, Disco Inferno, Never Can Say Goodbye, and Forget Me Nots. A lot of great singers are represented here, including Evelyn King, Thelma Houston, and Donna Summer. At the same time, a lot of the songs in this set are headache-inducing, like Disco Nights and Knock On Wood, and there's a lot of low-quality disco like Shake Your Booty, Get Dancin', and YMCA. Every genre has its high and low points. There are hundreds of much better disco songs than those. A complete disco set should have included excellent and timeless songs (many of them hits) like Give Me The Night by George Benson, Cocomotion by El Coco, Rock With You & Off The Wall by Michael Jackson, Spacer by Sheila & B. Devotion, The Love I Lost by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, I Like Love & High Society by Norma Jean Wright, and Never Knew Love Like This Before by Stephanie Mills. And what about super party songs like Stomp by the Brothers Johnson and Relight My Fire by Dan Hartman? They aren't here either. And it has already been pointed out that nothing by the Bee Gees is here. More recently there are superb disco songs by Jamiroquai like Cosmic Girl (1996) and Canned Heat (1999).

I hope that some people who buy The Disco Box will also check out other disco albums, especially the "Best Of" compilations of the great artists I mentioned above. Don't miss out on the hidden treasures!

Disco Never Sounded Better
I was never a big fan of disco until I heard this boxed set, released by Rhino Records in 1999. Now, I have come to appreciate it as one of the leading genres in music. Disco was every bit as important as the swing bands of the late 1930s' and 1940s', the r & b and doo - wop of the 1950s', or the British Invasion and Motown soul of the 1960s'. Disco has grown from a style of music to a legend. And this 4 - disc set keeps that legacy alive and running with 80 tracks that defined an era forever.

Discs 1 and 2 have most (not all) the monster hits that got the disco craze alive and kicking. Songs like "Dancing Machine" by The Jackson 5, "Rock The Boat" by the Hughes Corporation, "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston, "Shame" by Evelyn Champagne King, "Get Down Tonight" by KC And The Sunshine Band", "Disco Inferno" by The Tramps and a host of others still sound as fresh and funky as they did 30 years ago. And I defy anyone who listens to The Miracles' "Love Machine (Pt.1)" and Hot Chocolate's "You Sexy Thing" without jumping out of their seat and moving their feet.

Discs 3 and 4 are from disco's declining years, which does not mean that they're terrible. Here is where you'll find defining classics like "Y.M.C.A." by The Village People, "I Want Your Love" by Chic, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester, "Instant Replay" by Dan Hartman", "Celebration" by Kool And The Gang, "Give It Up" by K.C., "Le Freak" by Chic and, of course, "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, probably the perennial dsico anthem. And who can forget Sister Sledge's feel -good anthem, "We Are Family"? Nobody, that's who.

As with all compilations, it's very easy to complain about ommisions, and "The Disco Box is no exception. While the people who recorded them (Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones) are more associated with rock than disco, I think that "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" and "Miss You" should've been included. Also, any of the 4 disco - orientated Diana Ross hits between 1976 and 1980 could've been included, namely "Love Hangover" and "The Boss", though "Upside Down" and "I'm Coming Out" are worthy of inclusion. Most tellingly, nothing by The Bee Gees or Barry White is included. These two artists took ordinary dance music and propelled it into the stratosphere. In other words, disco classics like "Stayin' Alive", "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", "Jive Talkin'", "You Should Be Dancing", "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness", "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe", "Night Fever", "You See The Trouble With Me", "Love You Inside Out" and a host of others are gone. And not to be picky, but I would've liked to have seen "If I Can't Have You", "Disco Duck" and "Shadow Dancing" included as well.

Still, the disco box is great for any disco fan. Four discs filled with hours of great music that defined an era. If you aren't a completist, it's the best disco compilation $ can buy.

3 1/2 Stars; All Great Songs But Many Essentials Missing
Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny disco's appeal on the music community. For years, disco collections have been released numerous timea and all of them were basically trash. In 1999, Rhino Records tried to rectify that problem with the 4 - disc "Disco Box". White it comes close, it still isn't the definitve collection we're hoping for.

For starters, discs 1 and 2 contain little if any rarities. This one includes just the standard fare: "Dancing Machine" by the Jackson 5, "Shake Your Booty" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band (one of three songs by them on this disc alone), "Fly Robin Fly" by the Silver Convention", "Boogie Fever" by the Sylvers, and "Disco Inferno" by the Trammps, to name a few. Even if you are new to disco, it's highly unlikely that you haven't heard these songs on the radio or at a party. The only song here I consider a rarity is, unfortunately, the dreadful "I'm On Fire" by 5000 Volts.

Discs 3 and 4 get a little more adventurous by including a few disco rarities like "I Shoulda Loved Ya" by Narada Michael Walden (who later rose to fame by producing Whiteney Houston's biggest hits), "I'm Caught Up" (In A One Night Love Affair)" by Inner Life and two Sister Sledge masterworks, "Lost In Music" and "I Got To Love Somebody". But once again, standard fare like "We Ae Family", 'I Will Survive" (probably the perennial disco anthem), "Celebration" and "Heart Of Glass" outweigh any rarities.

Here are my major complaints. Several artists who were known for recording contemporary rock and pop music scored with one - time forays into disco. I'm talking about artists like Barry Manilow ("Copacabana"), The Rolling Stones ("Miss You")and Rod Stewart ("Da Ya Think I'm Sexy"). All these songs remain party staples today. More tellingly, three of discos biggest innovators, The Bee Gees, Barry White and Diana Ross (though the latter hardly if ever gets credit for it), are not featured at all. For The Bee Gees (called the Kings of Disco) created such rumpshakers as "Jive Talkin'" and "Stayin' Alive", to name two of the many.. White crafted songs like "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", "I'll Do For You Anything You Want Me To" and "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness". And what about Ms. Ross. Does anybody remeber "Love Hangover" (I would have also liked to have seen the original Fifth Dimension version included here), "The Boss", "Upside Down" and "I'm Coming Out"? Of course you do. Plus, Madonna gave us "Holiday" and "Like A Virgin", which could've easily been hits in 1979 as they were in 1983 and 1985, well after disco's so - called "death".

So, not essential. But if you want a good set of party songs that will get you on our feet, better this than the cheap, single - disc sets that I mentioned earlier.

Good, But 80 Songs Are From Complete
Rhino Records can usually be counted on to release high - quality essential collections for the obsessive music fan. To capitalize on the cravings of the many disco fans still around today, they released this slapdash collection which features 4 discs of some great music. But still, with 80 songs, you can't help but feel the incompleteness.

Disc1 and 2 will only appeal to the casual disco fan, as they stand out as the ones with the most familliar songs. Tracks like "Love's Theme" by The Love Unlimited Orchestra, "Dancing Machine" by The Jackson 5, "Get Down Tonight" and "That's The Way (I Like It) by KC and the Sunshine Band, "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps and "Shame" by Evelyn "Champagne" King remain radio staples today. Alas, there is some rarely heard stuff here, like 5000 Volts' "I'm On Fire" and the forgotten Candi Staton standard "Young Hearts Run Free" remain some of the best rumpshakers ever.

Discs 3 and 4 should appeal more to the hardcore disco fans, as there's a lot of rare tracks here, like "Instant Replay" by Dan Hartman, "Love And Desire (Part 1)" by Arpeggio, "I Shoulda Loved Ya" by Narada Michael Walden, "I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)", "A Lover's Holiday" by Change", and "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" by Indeep. Still the classics like "I Will Survive", "We Are Family", "Le Freak" and "YMCA" weigh out the rarer stuff.

It's okay, but far from complete. There are lot of rarely heard disco stuff not here that would have made it more interesting and appealing to the buyers. What songs? Songs like "My Sweet Summer Suite" by The Love Unlimited Orchestra, "I Don't Wanna Lose You" by Hall And Oates", I Caught You Act" by The Hues Corporation", "Catfish and "H.E.L.P", both by The Four Tops". And if that's not enough. Even some essential classics are missing. I would've loved to see "Love Hangover, "Best Of My Love", "Shadow Dancing", "September", "Boogie Wonderland", "You're The First, The Last, My Everything" and any Bee Gees song here. Aso, a few dance classics from the 1980s' are mis