Amazon.com

Expanded to 10 volumes from the original 7, Timber Records head Joey Gardner's Freestyle's Greatest Beats is a roughly chronological history of the music. Volume 1 scores with freestyle fundamentals from heavy hitters such as TKA, Cover Girls, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and Exposé. This disc is heavy on the classics and features cuts that aren't played as much anymore. Jellybean's "The Mexican," in its original form, blurs the line between dance music and rock; England's Information Society brings some Euro-cool to the Latin hip-hop; and Nayobe's hyperemotional "Please Don't Go" hits the head as hard as the hips. --John Sanchez ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Freestyle classics all the way!
In the late 80s, early 90s I grew up on this stuff in NYC, clubbing at the likes of The Tunnel, The Underground, Heartthrob, 1018, The World ... (I'm sure all you people not from New York, or from Long Island *grin*, had your own clubs) ... I can guarantee this Freestyle Greatest Beats series is jammed packed with classics. I needn't rehash the contents, since you can easily see the list of songs here on Amazon. But all these artists - Noel, Will to Power, Judy Torres, Cynthia, TKA, Latin Rascals, etc. - bring me right back to the days. I finally found songs I'd wanted for more than 10 years now. What more can I say. You'd better make sure you have thick walls and nobody's home when you play these CDs, because you're going to be pumping it up and swaying to the beats right there in your living room. (I know I do).

DANCE TILL YOU CAN'T DANCE NO MORE!
If you enjoyed those unforgettable 80s when freestyle dance music ruled, then don't miss the memories this CD brings back to you.

A Freestyle Collection Must-Have
This disc is the first of a 10-disc series that is the definitive collection of Freestyle music. The series features a variety of songs from the most popular artists of the genre, including many hard-to-find classics. All discs include comprehensive liner notes charting the history of Freestyle music. A must-have collection for anyone interested in dance music from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s.

Disc One Highlights: Almost every song on this issue is considered a Freestyle classic. Special mentions go to Sa-Fire's "Don't Break My Heart" and Noel's "Silent Morning."

This volume also contains classics by TKA, The Cover Girls, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Sweet Sensation, Nayobe, Information Society, Judy Torres, Exposé, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great collection
I've been trying to find some of the music from the club scene of the late 70's and 80's and this cd really helped. It's too bad that so many items that were issued on small independent lables may never see a reissue on cd. This collection helps correct that a little bit.

huh?
What kind of disco is this? Bad songs, with the exception of the Sylvester songs

Excellent!
Now aTHIS is a Disco compilation for true fans of that era. None of that "overplayed" stuff, just great rare classics, perfectly preserved in time forever. All the versions are 12" versions and the sound quality is VERY good. I highly recommend this release. - jw

Real underground Disco - not for the casual Disco fan.
Great choice of tracks , but not for the casual Disco fan as this cd only reflects the 'clubbier' side of Disco.However , for the more hardcore enthusiast I'd highly reccommend it.Nice length on most tracks , and a good representation of the real underground Disco scene at a good price. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Fun in small doses
Well... this is definitely an interesting style of music here, and I say this not to insult this type of music per se. In fact, taken in small doses, this is really pretty entertaining. But there are some problems with this album and the whole happy hardcore thing in general. It's so formulaic, you can easily tell what's going to happen in any given song at any given time. Basically, you get some really happy keyboards and fast but light beats, which will subside for a really cheesy (and I mean almost nauseatingly cheesy) vocal about love with incredibly fluffy lyrics, and then the keyboards go back in again. This is all well and good for a few songs, but when they ALL do this, it gets old. Also, the disc is so fast you'd almost need to be on a major, uh, sugar rush to keep dancing along. Not bad when used sparingly, but I wouldn't really recommend it for daily listening.

WHAM BAM HAPPYCORE!!!!
This cd takes it back to the days of tru in your face happycore!!! Of course, the best way to hear this is with a giant speaker set up and all your friends dancin with you!!! but its great to listen to and imagine the good times :0D This is very differant from the UK Hardcore they got comin out now, and although i love UK Hardcore too, this will always always have a special place in my heart!!! Gotta love that cheese!!!

Great Old Skool!
Happy 2B Hardcore Chapter One is great! If you were partying back in the day or want something that sounds like you were, then this is it. It's fab and it's super upbeat. They don't make happycore like this anymore. The beat is fast and the lyrics are fun. It never gets old for me.

um okkkey
Ok, let me first just say that i love electronica music. I love hard trance, progressive trance, vocal trance. I like techno music to, including underground beats but i must say that this happy hardcore music is well...[crummy]! ... and to some point....CHESSY!! But it all sounds its repitative and extremly annoying!!This is the type of music they play when cheerleaders are in their nation championship finals when there boucing on eachother or in the circus. This music blows and if its to advanced id rather be a begginer. I'll take Ferry Costen, Digweed, Oakenfold, system F, van dyke, warp brothers, ayla, ect over this [stuff] any day!

Happy Hardcore
I think that out of all the h2bh CD's, this is the best one. All of the songs are super hyper and will keep you bouncing till the batteries die. I don't think there are any bad songs on the CD. While lyrics are sparingly used the 170+BPM is enough to do anyone good, and I think it is true UK happy hardcore. I would recomend any of you to buy this CD, because it is some of the most infectious good time kandy punk times you'll ever have, ever. ... Read more

Album Description

In 2002, the compilation "Synthpop Club Anthems" turned a lot of heads, and introduced a lot of people to the modern sounds of synthpop.People who were unfamiliar with the modern synthpop scene found themselves pleasantly surprised with the mix of club-friendly, high-energy music, with melodic vocals and meaningful lyrical content.Much of today's club music is devoid of thoughtful lyricism, aiming for the easy "shake it baby!" cliche's and mind-numbing repetition, which even pushes much electronic dance music completely into an instrumental realm in hopes of finding deeper value at least within the sound structures. At the same time, some trends in electronic pop music, which hark back to the 80's synthpop roots,focus so much on the simplicity of synthesizer sounds that the modern edge and production technology are often lost. It's fun for quick amusement, but maybe not for the long term.

"Synthpop Club Anthems" was meant to introduce people to a variety of dance music sounds by bands that not only maintain a fun electronic edge grounded in recent technology and musicianship, but who also have not forgotten the value of a good song. The bands certainly maintain their own approaches and styles, but present new music which can move you in the club as well as in the mind.

In 2003, this is volume two in the popular series from the synthpop label A Different Drum, and it's even more exciting and promising than the first.Synthpop, like most music genres, should indeed build on it's roots, but should never stop looking forward and pushing into the future.Now, get up and dance! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Kind of catchy
If you need to listen to music for that workout or a long car trip, this is a needed CD for all synthpop lovers. You can't beat the price and the artists. I personally prefer this one over the follow-up, but for less than 10 dollars, it is worth buying both. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nice Mix
This is a good mix of workout music to keep you pumped and sweating. This is really good to listen to when running or cycling. I couldn't give it five stars because by the CD's cover, it seems to indicate that this is good music for a step aerobics class. It's not. I teach step and the wide range of beats per minute in this mix doesn't work well in a continuous, move-to-the-beat workout setting such as step aerobics. However, it's still a nice mix.

Body Moves, Vol. 2
I love this CD. I had been searching for the perfect CD to help energize my workout and this is it! Whether running, walking the treadmill, or aerobics, this CD will keep you going. I recommend this one for anyone listening to music while exercising. Throw it in the basket or on your wish list NOW! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Music Soothes The Savage Commuter
For those days when your morning or evening commute seems even more hellacious than possible, I humbly submit this cd for your approval. Consider it the aural equivalent of that soothing after-work cocktail. The grooves are slow, relaxing and ultimately intoxicating. It's hard to name one stand-out track when the compilation is so strong - suffice to say, if urban stress has got you down, you owe it to yourself to buy this cd.
Your soul will thank you and your sanity will remain intact.

Greart CD
I would recomend this Cd to anyone who is into just sitting around and watching the sun go down. Good groves after the day is done.

One of the best compilations available
Ambient, Lounge, Downbeat. This is a wonderful new genre of music. Laid-back melodies, rhythms and riffs sooth the soul and elements of R&B, hip hop, electronic and world music all combine to insinuate the mind. But one rarely be hears this music on the radio or MTV. Compilation discs are often the best way to be introduced to these artists and their material. However, compilation discs often do not live up to their promise. Chilled Ibiza does. This is one of those rare compilations that is solid from track to track. There are a few cuts that most people will have heard -- like the Moby and Sneaker Pimps tracks -- and there are cuts from well-known artists in the Ambient/Lounge genre (Massive Attack, Groove Armada, Thievery Corporation, Art of Noise). There are also cuts from lesser-known artists that will surprise and delight. Some of the best include: Bonobo's "Terrapin", Midfield General's "Reach Out", "Smokebelch II" by The Sabres of Paradise, and "Synthaesthesia" by The Thrillseekers. Only two things could have made this compilation even better and that is, 1) the inclusion of a Morcheeba track and 2) separate and distinct tracks (as opposed to mixing the beginning and end of each track into each other). Still, this is one of the best compilations I've ever come across and one of the best values available. Many compilations are good for only two or three decent tracks. Chilled Ibiza is jam packed with great music and deserves to be played over and over again.

chilled ? you will be
I'm not one to buy compilations normally, but after studying the track listings & artists involved I could not resist. This is one to listen to while sitting out enjoying the evening sun with a margarita to hand. It is extemely relaxing to listen to and makes perfect background music whatever the occasion. An excellent selection of tracks making good value for money.

Refreshing
Have you ever experienced a sunset on Ibiza? No, well neither have I, but this album is the closest you'll get without actually being there. I am a fan of artists such as Portishead, dEUS, and Mono, but lately I have developed a taste for Ambient and Lounge. Although finding good material of this genre has proven quite challenging. TV and radio don't always play this sort of music. The best way to broaden your musical horizon as far as Ambient and Lounge is concerned, is to get hold of a compilation such as Chilled Ibiza. I didn't know what to expect, but the album was a revelation. It offers a great variety of artist, from The Prodigy, to Vangelis, to Bent. Some tracks include song, while others are pure sound. Take for example "Play dead" by Bjork and David Arnold. A song with everything in it from a regular guitar to an entire string orchestra in the background. Each beautifully balanced. Or Energy 52 with "Cafe Del Mar". A tune where one note flows into the next. This track has no beat in it, just a harmoneous flow of mutually complimenting sounds. Just close your eyes and you can almost feel the rays of the setting Sun warm your face. I can only recommend this album to anyone who feels for Ambient or Lounge. A perfect album to put on, when the party is winding down during the early morning hours, or if you simply feel like relaxing. Don't just listen to this music, experience it! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

This is Original House Music
As everyone else has said on here, this is a compilation of ORIGINAL HOUSE MUSIC (aka Chicago House). This is what all current House music was built from - this is the foundation. Another reviewer states that Little Louie Vega, MAW, Pete Tong are CLASSIC HOUSE artists/music. He is correct, but this is the stuff that influenced them, as well as sooo many other artists... TODD TERRY, PAUL VAN DYKE, DERRICK MAY, KEVIN SAUNDERSON, GREEN VELVET, OAKENFOLD, SASHA, DIGWEED, MADONNA, MOBY, take your pick and you ask them what influenced them, 99.9% of them will credit 95% of the artists and tracks on this compilation. Little Louie Vega got his big break when he began DJing back in 86/87 at a place called HEARTHROBs (later home to TWILO), and THIS IS THE STUFF he spun.

So before you critize this compilation for it's simplicity of the tracks, you must remember, this is the beginning of house music. No one used samplers or drum machines back then for dance music. The only ones who did were of the European variety (Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Faust) and it was considered NEW AGE music. Very few DJs, when all this started, could even beat match. Disco was all created with live instruments so it was hard to beat match, and no one really thought of it. With the craze of the Technics SL1200MK2 turntable, the synths, and midi, all came about, everything changed. These artists were the few to begin using the stuff to create dance music. Influenced by these HOUSE MUSIC artists, as well as the European New Age scene, Juan Atkins, Eddie Fowlkes, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson created TECHNO. Techno and House music grew side by side, but TECHNO was born out of CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC. Every dance track you hear now, was born out of CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC. So appreciate these tracks for their simplicity as well as their historical contribution to all things 'DANCEABLE'!

- OPTIC

You must not know your history....
How can anyone say that this isn't house music? It's obvious that whoever ripped this compilation is 12 years old, and truly ignorant to the orgins of dance music, and the impact that Chicago house had on today's so called music.

Sure these traxs may sound dated by today's standard - but for those in the know - these gems are timeless.Without these, today's dance music wouldnt be where it is.

These sounds layed the groundwork for others to build on. House music was invented in Chicago, and adopted all over the world.

It's a shame that the ignorant would rip these truly historic musical gems. Love live Chicago house music! House nation!

true house
First,Let me say that I have'nt heard the CD as of yet...I'm in the process of ordering these classic hits...I'm a former Paradise Garage head and just the titles alone on this CD is remarkable and artist like Fingers,Liz Torres, 2 puerto ricans etc...is eye watering.Just reading the artist names is taking me back to the Garage days where Larry Levan use to make your body jack. If you like true house this collection is the one to get.

LARRY"TRAX" SHERMAN"THE TRUE GODFATHER"OF HOUSE
I first of all want to comment on the negative feedback this CD has recieved by some people that are "MISINFORMED" about the "ROOTS,THE GENESIS,OF CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC" this label here is responsible for the"HOUSE"music movement in the world baby!! this label originally know as PRECISION records started the careers of JESSE SAUNDERS ,FARLEY,MARSHALL"THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD"JEFFERSON and many others ! this BOX set is the best thing to happen to the house music category! true "OLD SCHOOL"original composed music done with skill creation and heart and love .! this is one of a kind music all together !youcant compare this CD(box ) set with anything out there ! is 1000% original! all these are all cherry picked classics that are mostly requested here in CHICAGO there all awsme especially that DR.DERLICT track! man some of these TRAXs you cant find at all! I have grown up listening to TRAX MUSIC! I own the box set .."I also dig for the other goodies they have not put on CD yet on VINYL! LARRY SHERMAN "keep up the good work" and thank you for providing the world with a taste of the ROOTS of house music through your lable.. L.SHERMAN is the producer of this fine CD..."you wont be disappointed" long live "CHICAGO HOUSE" long live the true GODFATHER of house "LARRY SHERMAN" for taking a chance that noone else would take and giving the names of "JESSE SAUNDERS/FARLEY,MARSHALL JEFFERSON,ADONIS a chance to give the HOUSE MUSIC LOVERS ......FOREVER with thier music!!!...seen a JESSE SAUNDERS "FUNK YOU UP" LATLEY..? please trax Im pleading release this trax on CD!! TRAX RULES AND RUNS THE CHICAGO HOUSE MOVEMENT! BUY IT BEFORE ITS GONE!

Pure Cheese - Embarrassing
'Farley Jackmaster Funk' I belive is really Fredrick Busdriver Foley. The cut 'Love Can't Turn Around' is truly hilarious... Even the studio 'engineers' seem to be some homeless folks who may have wandered in somehow and started randomly twisting nobs. There is not one single track on any of the CD's which does not cause one a true sense of embarrassement in just listening..Even with headphones on!

One drum machine, a casio (with the 'rhumba beat' setting permanently stuck on) synth and some transients(homeless folk) and viola! You have 'Chicago Trax'. All the rythym of Al gore.

Maybe this was made by Chicago Transit employees from the 'El' and thereby 'Trax' is somehow symbolic.

This is truly the worst series of 'songs' I have ever heard. ... Read more

Album Description

Eighth installment of the popular series features AtticaBlues, Dan Curtin, Slow Supreme, The Underwolves, Atjazz &much more, with remixes by Recloose, Ashley Beedle,Earthbound, & Beanfield. Includes exclusive tracks &previously unreleased tracks. Digipak. Compost. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fannnnnnngreat
Ok, so I usually skip past the first "Theme" cut, but the rest of this disc is a must-have if you're into a trippy, almost trip-hoppy kind of vibe. I have both this one and Future Sounds of Jazz #7, and both are in my "A" rotation. Highly recommended.

Buy it
Its the best CD to own if you are sick of the radio and love a kind of music that u can dance to or that you can listen and learn from. An electronic musicians must have

Electronic jazz with emotion...what could be better?
Every song on this disc has feeling to it, and each conjures up a different image in your mind while still keeping the overrall mood of the album. This is the fifth Future Sound Of Jazz compilation I have owned and in just a few short days it has earned it's place as my second favorite in the series. Jazz musicians can learn a lot from this type of music, as can electronic musicians. Perfect blends of "real" music with surreal, but solid mood gets this cd an easy 5 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This compilation, offered by LA's Urb Magazine, is only deceptively straightforward: it explores the current state of electronica, with dance-floor stalwarts DJ Icey, Uberzone, and Rabbit in the Moon butting heads with neo-pop stars like the Crystal Method, Goldie, and Portishead. One might suspect this to be yet another cash-in "electronica" compilation, a mere licensing scheme intended to separate you from the contents of your wallet. But this ain't no scam: not only is the track selection topnotch and accessible, with an equal dose of well-known hits and underappreciated gems, but the compilation also offers an entertaining education. On disc two, New York's Liquid Todd throws down a set of classics, tracks like Rhythim Is Rhythim's "Strings of Life," Orbital's "Chime," and Dubtribe's "Mother Earth," giving an insight as to what today's electronica stars were hearing whilst in their nappies. As an introduction to the overhyped and confusing world of "electronica," this compilation can't be beat. --Matthew Corwine ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Think 15,000 people raving till dawn in a field
Forget the first disc of Urbal Beats 2. Its got some decent tracks, the Grooverider remix of Temper Temper, the Roni Size track, the DJ Hype remix of the Prodigy, the David Holmes and Portishead tracks are allright as well. But the rest of them are pretty much disapointing...

HOWEVER! Disc 2 not only saves the CD, but puts it to the top of the list! Its brilliant, such a great selection of songs all stuck together, its pure rave! Orbital's Chime - absolutely amazing, 808 State - amazing, A Guy Called Gerald! It carries on, Cybotron, and Dubtribe, class tunes, but Moby's Go is absolutely fantastic, brings tears to the eyes. Then Charly, how classic is that! And the Utah Saints can't help but make you smile, then WHOP! The dark and evil rumblings of Energy Flash, with the Battle Cry of a generation "Ecstasy, ecstasy" to carry it through to Salsa life, a brill track from Derrick May, one of the inventors of Techno!

How could you go wrong?

This is a pointless review.. for a pointless album
First thing about this album that i must mention right off is that the track slection is horrid. If it wasn't trying to be a "definitive guide to electronic music" it probably wouldn't have been so annoying. Really this "urbal beats" series works well if view together, but the track selection seems wrong in the individual sets. This time around the balance is thrown off by adding too much big beats,jungle, and trip hop. Three styles that do come from the same influences. Giving the whole album a lack of diversity. Digital empire 2 does diversity so much better. Another issue is the repetition of the same groups and groups that are seen together all the time.. I mean we have an original prodigy song, a remix of a prodigy song and a song prodigy remixed? is this the "definitve guide to prodigy?" We have a fatboy slim song, and a fat boy slim remix. And the whole first disk breaks down to basically 3 different types of related electronica. giving a very bad "definition" of electronica.

The second disk is a half way decent attempt at mixing alot of classic together, but I am getting somewhat sick of hearing old school electronica thats just doesn't hodl up well over time.

I give the album 4 stars since it does have some decent gems on it. But I highy recomend "digital empire 2" over this compilation if your looking to get schooled on the so called "electronica genre"

Good "past and present" collection.
No collection will ever be perfect, but this does a decent job. The first disc is what's supposed to be hot (in 98). The second is supposed to be some old school classics. Some well known artists are on here like "Prodigy", "Moby", and "Portishead". My favorite thing by far is some of who's sampled on different tracks. Samples from "Bad Brains", "Kate Bush", "The Verve", and the theme from "Twin Peaks". Overall a good comp. The 1st "Urbal Beats" is good too. Pretty much electronica's greatest hits.

People have problems
Trying to compare the two discs is like comparing...well...apples and oranges! The first disc is meant to show what was hot when the album came out. The second disc is a retrospective of the glory days of techno years ago. There are two completely different aesthetics here and I'm amazed how many people don't get that. Consider it a two volume history of electronic music. Either one of the discs is worth your listen, though the first disc has a lot of tracks that I skip over...(Wildchild, Method Man)

A letdown
This CD was a big letdown.. it was recommended by the person at the record store, looked good, etc. Basically disc 1 was too jungle for me. There are some tunes that are pretty good, but there are some downright angry-feeling ones as well. Temper-temper gave me a headache and "release YO' Delf"--well, you can figure it.

Disc 2 was much better, but still not enough to compell me to repeat the purchase.

Summary: Disc1 1-2 stars, Disc2 3-4 stars ... Read more

Reviews (11)

make me happy
i think that this is the best cd for rave. my favoret song is ravers paradise it is so cool i think that if you want a cd with the best rave music its this on. it's a definet buy. i'm telling you this is the best cd for this kind of music honore hess

A great cd!
I'm sorry "MR. Matt" from La Jolla, but it's obvious that you have no clue what real music is. Have you ever even been to a rave????? Well anyways, I like the happiness of this cd and it is definately raver's choice. My personal favorite song on this cd is "Speed Up" To all of you ravers I know and don't know, buy this cd. It has all sorts of rave music, from house to happy hardcore. I am a true raver from Arizona and I know what's best. To all you new comers of the rave scene, buy this cd, because it will get you to dance. Also buy Happy Rave '95, it has a lot of great beats and will make you very HAPPY! Thankyou so much. Keep ROLLING, SMOKING, and TRIPPING. You will have a good trip with this cd and Happy Rave '95. See ya. Love all of you true ravers!

This set is the best!!
This was the first rave set I ever bought and, it is, by far, the best. I have yet to buy a set with so many great tracks on it. Every song is amazingly beautiful. If you are new to rave or have been in the scene awhile, this set should be the first on your list. You WILL be begging for more.

RAVE ON - - - PLUR

rave!!! rave!!!! rave!!!!
this cd is awsome! it had happy hardcore, gabba, trance, and alot of other electronica in the rave scene. well, thats all i have to say cause everything else has done been said.

Fun CD, definetly gives you the feel of a rave
I cannot say to much that hasn't been said already, so I will keep this one fairly simple. "This is rave" is an all around fun CD, with songs that let you hear the sounds of earlier rave music, plus you can't find these tracks anywhere else unless you have them on vinyl. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hot Music will get you going.
The first time I heard this album, I wanted to listen to it all the time. I got it just for Hot Music but then I realized that all the cuts were hot. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Variety is the spice
I like all the cuts here except the the first two! A good chance for neo-acids to check out the genre

Jeff
Atlanta

It still grooves
Compared to the fresh, inventive Vol. 5 (Livin' in the Land of Hi Fi), The Golden Age of Groove has less tech influence and even has a couple of tracks that could be mistaken for smooth-jazz (Tuned In - Spaced Out, The Story Teller, Quinteto X). Consider this album a good "B-sides" release of Vol. 5 in song quality (Although there are a few knockouts - Watuzi Strut, The Chase, Happy Time, and Laters). If you loved volume 5 as much as I did, this album is definitely worth the price.

Great Listening, dance groovin
I am an avid collector of music of all types and I stumbled on to Acid Jazz some time back. I have to rate volume 6 right up there with the best. All of the Acid Jazz series will give the listener insight to the great artists that make up the overall work. I highly suggest this volume and suggest the satisfied listeners to seek out other volumes.

This will blow you away!!!
I've always been looking for something that really satisfies my definition of acid jazz. Most of the ablums on the market does a rather poor job(if they've even done it at all) of combining jazz and and other high-energy music(such as hip-hop or latino music). This album, however, will truely blow any acid jazz lover away because the perfect fusion that is in this album is like nothing you've ever heard before. I will even dare say that it's better than the ground-breaking track 'Cantaloop' by US3...this album is absolutely amazing, you'll be sorry if you don't get your hands on it right away.

Discovering the not-so-underground world of acid jazz
Jazz is, so I'm told, the music of the night. That doesn't mean much to me, since I can appreciate and learn from the music at any time that I want. And yet, I have always loved the light, layed-back approach that seems to be present in Jazz recordings. No matter how fast or intense the song is, there is still a feeling of lightness present, mainly because of each musician's sense of musical touch. So, on the one hand, I like Jazz for it's lightness and freeness, as it is very open to syncopation (not accenting on the beat).

On the other hand, I like Rock music because of its backbeat (accenting of beats 2 and 4, like a snare drum hit) and its straight-ahead nature. Lately, I have really come to appreciate synthesizers and drum machines. In fact, I use both in my own songwriting. Also, I have been searching for music from the 70's, that captures that funky Jazz feel, but keeps the backbeat of Rock music.

I had heard a few Acid Jazz songs over time and felt that I should maybe explore it a bit more. I bought "this is acid jazz vol.6" and was blown away. This was the type of music that I'd always looked for. It had the freeness and lightness of Jazz, with synthesizers, funky basslines and sometimes heavy electronic beats. But it was more than that. It was music that was very easy to listen to, groovy and of high quality. I would certainly recommend this CD to anyone would like a view into the world of Acid Jazz. This is the music of the future; this is the music of freedom; this is acid jazz. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A CD that would have been great if it were complete.
I am a Disney fan. I admit it freely and without shame. So naturally when I saw this album I decided that I had to have it. It starts off great, with the modern Lion King and other Disney favorites, in all their radio version glory. Unfortunately, there is a notable gap in the playlist. The cd does not include the Beauty and the Beast duet, which is one of the best radion version Disney songs out there. And I also was disappointed to see the caliber of the songs degrade as the cd progressed. The last few songs on the cd were not worth hearing, and certainly do not deserve to be considered the Greatest pop hits. I was annoyed enough to burn the songs I liked and add Beauty and the Beast and You'll Be in My Heart from Tarzan, creating a cd that truly deserved the name Greatest Pop Hits.

Really, Really Good
I thought this CD is very, very good. I really have the tape verison I got for my bithday but it's the same thing. It has songs from the movies The Lion King, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Toy Story, Cinderella, Hercules, and others. And different artists Elton John, Venessa Williams, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle Randy Newmen, Lyle Lovett, Jon Secada, Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Jimmy Cliff and many others. I think this cd or tape is really good for little kids who like the movies the songs on this cd(or tape) are from. I recommed this cd(or tape) for any age but more little kids. Most of songs on this cd are beautiful or fun to lesson to or sing along. It has the song If I Never Knew You that was cut out from the movie Pocahontas! Buy it Today.

Really good
Cute tape. Nice songs. I agree with the person who said they wished "Beauty and the Beast" featuring Celine Dion was on there. "Never Alone" is so sweet you could cry. The best-ever Elton songs, "Circle" and "Can You Feel" are on here, and so is the so-beautiful "Colors of the Wind" by Vanessa Williams. If you are a fan of pop, Disney or both, get this CD today!

Great....prefer pop songs to the actual movie songs.
I don't know about all you people all there, adults and children alike, but I thought that the Disney songs in the movie were dull and boring. However, when I got this CD out of a GOOD recommendation, I noticed these songs were from the ending credits, beginning credits, etc. (Which were the exact songs I enjoyed the most!) I especially liked several of the songs on this album including "Can you feel the love tonight" from Elton John; "Whole New World" from Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle; "Circle of Life" from Elton John again; "Colors of the Wind" from Vanessa Williams; "Go the Distance" from Michael Bolton; "If I never knew you" from Jon Secada and Shanice. These six songs were the best on the album, and it is definetely worth your money.

However, if you like the songs in the actual MOVIE itself (not ending/beginning credits); May I suggest the Classic Disney albums. This album series has five, I believe, in its series. I do not suggest wasting your money and buying all of them. I especially liked the 1st and 2nd album; you may also take a look at the most recent (the 5th album). Great stuff, don't miss out.

It was great except that it lacked one great song.
I really enjoyed this album a lot, but I never heard the song sung by Celine Diona and Peobo Bryson, the ultimately beautiful Beauty and the Beast ballad. Why is that song not on this album? Other than that, I felt that this album was spectacular. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

This CD is very "Funky For You".
This CD, for lack of a better word, is "THE BOMB"!
Every song on here is awesome but my favorite songs are:
"You, My Baby, and I", "Incident at Gate 7", "Funky For You", "Adore", "Remember Me", and "Cool (Barbare)".

"You, My Baby, and I" seems abrasive at first but it quickly turns into wonderful lounge. The music is very ambient and it hugs your brain. The vocals on this song are beautiful.

"Incident at Gate 7" is one of my favorite Theivery Corporation songs. This song sounds like you're lying on a tropical island, just bronzing in the sunlight and drinking your Martini.

If "Funky For You" doesn't make you want to dance, it will make you want to relax and take a load off. Sit in a comfortable chair or lay in bed and just let the day slide off of you. Great vocals. Very urban but also very ambient and awesome.

"Adore" has to be one of the brightest gems on this CD. This song is just gorgeous. This song kisses your brain. Listen to this song. I don't even have to explain more because I know you'll love it.

"Remember Me" is a beautiful song. The vocals are so beautiful. You will end up playing this song on a loop for days.

and lastly, "Cool (Barbare)" is very Reggae and very gorgeous too. This song will make you dance and wish you knew French. You will definitely love this song. Its very fun and loungey.

I bought this CD and was very happy with it. I didn't know who anyone was except Theivery Corporation, so I was kind of scared this CD was going to be [bad]. I don't regret buying this CD at all.

If you buy this CD, you will not be disappointed.

Nice and classic
The current market for modern house, dub, downtempo, slash whatever music can be frightening for those people just getting into the field. People hear the music in clubs and like it. But when they go to buy, it's a different story. So many labels, producers, compliations are out there along with a good amount of genuine [stuff]. No wonder that this broad genre of music is still facing a challenge in catching on in the states.

Labels like Chicago's Guidance (along with New York's Naked, HedKandi from the UK, and Compost from Germany) cut through all of that and give casual buyers quality tracks, nothing less. Out of the three versions of Hi Fidelity Lounge, I find volume 2 the strongest by far - not at all boring if you listen for the subtleties in production and composition across artists. The iCube track, "Adore," is masterful and practically worth the price of admission alone, and there's not a single track that I wouldn't mind grooving out to in the club (or the bedroom, or the kitchen). The label has done a good job of putting them together in an order that "feels" like a well-selected set.

If you go out to lounge or downbeat nights on the town and find yourself with the urge to look over the DJ's shoulder every other track, check out this series as well as Hi Fideliy Dub sessions. You'll probably find a lot of what's being played out on this label and the others mentioned. If you're an experienced DJ, a CD like this is a great way to preview what you're going to buy on vinyl next time you visit the record store. If you're lucky enough, you may even find it on vinyl.

but Vol. 1 it's better
I was looking to number 2 after that Vol. 1 was one of my favorits. Probably i pretend to much but the Vol. 2 it's for sure one star less. Infact i feel that this CD it's not a surprise and more standard (probably too much thinked). Anyway the general sound it's ok and you can find funk-jazz-ambient music of high class. One pearl over all it's the last track : COOL (BARBARE) a reggae-lounge smart and sweet song, very impressive also I:Cube (Adore) and the song of The Troublemakers. Finally i am happy of this CD, but i was looking for another five stars like the Vol.1 that i suggest.

Forbidden Paradise
I'm a smooth jazz listener and player, so when it came to venturing outside of my turf, I took a chance with this side of the music spectrum. After one play, with my electric bass in hand, I was intoxicated to the ambience of this recording. You will be whisk away to a place of forbidden pleasures, because you have been hypnotized into thinking that your hipper than you are. Start with the first track "You, My Baby & I", and you will find yourself wanting more and more of her voice in this sultry sexual threesome. (I don't know how to spell mauna shwa twah) The secound cut reminds me of Diana Ross being stopped in an airport for drug smuggling and just as high on them. "Funky for You" is so urbannnnn and has on line that says - "see the little people with nothing left, and nothing to wear, but making it through, I'm funky for you". The song moves from the key of E to the key of C with a very soulfull bass-line. If your from the any large city, and have any heart left, this one will move you. Planetary deadlock shows me a very high conscience and really is a beautiful way of expressing our futile existence on the earth. Even if your a strict jazz or rock connoisseur, let this recording grow on you, and you will be all the worldlier for it.

Definitely essential for a chill lounge collection.
Calm, Interesting. Just the Thing for late late nights when you just *can't* sleep. Puts you just where you want to be at 4 am. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Stuff
I was looking for one CD that had "a lot" and this turned out to be it! Other CDs had such bad knock off artists they were just awful, but this one is actually good. I work in the medical field and this CD is great for dance with young folks and seniors.

a good party album
I bought this cd for the classic dance/party songs like "Locomotion", "Electric Slide", "Rock Around The Clock", and "The Chicken Dance". You'll want to get up and dance to these! I enjoyed this cd. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Get in the Car and pop this CD in the stereo NOW!
...What FUN this album is! I Got this CD when I was just looking around in a used store and I can't believe how good the Remixes are! It includes so many of my favorite songs from that time including "Too Close" by Next, "Walking on the Sun" by Smash Mouth, "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here" by Deborah Cox, "Cruel Summer" by Ace of Base, "A Rose is still a Rose" by Aretha Franklin and "Still Not A Player" by Big Punisher featuring Joe. I really love this CD. It's just fun mixing! I was a little hesitant to listen to the one's I didn't know about but some of them ended up to be my favorites! I like listening to this album in the Car with friends...it's that much fun and takes you back a few years. There is No Britney or N Sync on this album...yeah!! If you're a fan of Remixes, do yourself a favot and Buy this album or tape, pop it in the car's stero and Rock the house!!

Sticky dance tracks...get it.
This album has some tight tracks on it...I remember Groove Radio (Rest In Peace) that was my favorite radio station in Los Angeles until it folded. But this CD is somewhat like a eulogy for Groove Radio. It has some of the tracks that Groove use to bump, like "Free", "Feel It", "Kiss The Rain","It's Like That","Cruel Summer" and "Say A Little Prayer." The only song that is missing is "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust, "Tonight Is The Night" Le Click and "So In Love With You" Duke. I recommend this CD to anyone who likes to dance to house/dance music.

yahhhhhh
i love track #3 it is so awesome me and my friends cant get enough of it

NOW IT'S NOT LIKE BEFORE...
GOOD HITS,BUT I MISS OLDER EURODANCE.
HERE ARE-
ACE OF BASE WITH THEIR HIT,,CRUEL SUMMER'',TAMPERER AND MAYA WITH,,FEEL IT''FOR GREAT PARTY,NEXT WITH FLOP-HIT,,TOO CLOSE'',
BSB WITH BIG HIT,,EVERYBODY.THERE ARE MONICA,AMBER,IMAJIN...

Another winning dance compilation.
This third entry in the Ultimate Dance Party compilation series is in my opinion, the weakest of the UDP CDs. Some of the songs don't even have the punch like most of the previous entries. Some of the dance tracks can be downright annoying instead of getting me up on the dance floor.

"Too Close" by the R&B group next is probably one of the last great R&B hits and it's a good and groovy track and in my opinion, a minor classic although some of the dirty content in the lyrics are a little much. "Walking On The Sun" by Smash Mouth is a 60s oriented rocker that definitely has a very 60s style fused with some electronic madness. As much as I like this song, it doesn't belong on here. This song I'm embarrassed to admit to liking but I still like this song and it has recovered from the 'played out' syndrome. "Feel It" by Maya and The Tamperer is a harder edged song with a mix of church bell sound effects along with thumping beats. "Free" by the group Ultra Nate is a classic R&B style dance track with a 70s or early 80s feel to it and great guitars too. I think that it's a great mix of dance, R&B, rock, and pop. The version of Diana King's "Say A Little Prayer" is another great song with a somewhat early 90s sound to it. Love this track a lot. Those who like early 90s style dance music might enjoy this song. I do. The song transitions gracefully into the next song. "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here" by Deborah Cox in it's original version, is a ballad but the version on here is a lot better with a much more aggressive and crashing rhythm. "It's Like That" by Run DMC is a wonderful blend of old-school hip-hop and techno that harkens back to the lighter atmosphere of hip-hops early days. It's kind of sad listening to this song now considering that the group called it quits after Jam Master Jay was murdered last year and now rap has been deprived of its pioneering group. "Cruel Summer" by Ace Of Base is a more sketchy sounding song with a darker and more laser-like mood to it with it's strobe light keyboards and eerie atmosphere. "Kiss The Rain" by Billie Myers most of us remember back in late 1997 and early 1998. This version has some occasional chord structure altering giving the song a whole different feel. "One More Night" by Amber is an unforgettable dance number with a much darker, more urban nighttime mood as opposed to the sunnier original album version. The original on her debut album "This Is Your Night" is a mid-tempo ballad, the version on here is the dance track that we're more familiar with. Both versions are great but I like the dance version better on this compilation. I love it's futuristic mood. The Razer N Grind mix of Monica's "First Night" is in my honest opinion a monotonous dance number that doesn't do a whole hell of a lot for me. Not bad but one of my least favorite tracks on the CD. "I'm Leaving" by Lisa Stanfield is another decent song but not on par with a lot of the previous remixes of her songs but still good. The Rhythm Mix of Aretha Franklin's "A Rose Is Still A Rose" is a wonderful remix of the 1998 hit of hers. Aretha's voice sounds as great even at the time of this songs heyday as it was when she recorded "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." back in the early 60s. "Backstreets Boys "Everybody" is one of only two or three songs off their debut that I cared for. This song is not too bad and one of their better songs. The Halloween video for this song was absolutely dynamite. The album kind of goes in a bit of a slump after this song ends. "Still Not A Player" by the late Big Punisher is actually quite a good and memorable modern rap song and I actually like this song and it's kind of ironic considering how much I've come to despise the state that rap has gone into since this song's heyday. Big Punisher sadly died in early 2000. "Still Not A Player" would be the last great rap song for a while. "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" by Busta Rhymes is a lightweight rap number that I think doesn't belong on this collection but on perhaps on the "Ultimate Hip Hop Party" compilation. Still it's not a bad song but I don't think it has enough punch to be considered a dance song. The final track "Shorty You Keep Playing With My Mind" by Imajin is a decent R&B hip-hop number and not a bad song but like the previous song, it doesn't belong on this collection either but on the "Ultimate Hip Hop Party" collection for the same reasons as the previous.

Overall, this is yet again, another winning platter of music from the compilation series. Quite frankly, they did a pretty good job by picking the better songs from the hip-hop and dance music genre of the late 90s. Even the songs that don't belong on here are good as well and even the hip-hop oriented songs are quite good as well, considering how far into mediocrity that the two genres have sadly gone into in the years after 1998. This is a worthy CD of getting. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Extremis," the truly lame single on which X-Filer Gillian Anderson makes the first of what will likely be many bad career moves, sounds and feels like electronica's death knell. The rest of Disc one here redeems the genre with fine body slams by Fluke and Chemical Bros. Disc two delves into the past with ambient trips by David Sylvian, Brian Eno, and William Orbit, among others.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (14)

i loved it !
this was such a great cd! i am so happy for gillian because she is succeding in everything that she does. i thought that the songs here were wonderful and that extremis was one of the best. it is so different from what everyone else is doing and she did a great job on it. the song really fit the series' atmosphere and her voice and the music sounded really sexy. i would definetly recommend this to anyone who hasn't heard it yet, and also try to check out the video. gillian is such a wonderful person and i look up to her so much.

Heaven Sent... I first heard this in 1998
it was out in double cassette then. the only reason I'm writting this review is because of "cdnow's" review. HA HA! nothing but top reviews. Shows how out of touch this guy is!

Anyway... the music.... loved all but two tracks.... the salsa and mesq. was a little monotonous as was??? whatever.

his cd is in my top 10 of the 1500 cd's in my collection. I've been into electronica since 1988 and it really doesn't get much better than this.... the next best thing being a live show... check out Ladytron, they are the next beig thing in electronica... 70's mellow acid beets meets 2003!

Werd to kyla.... david from Vancouver Canada

Very Good!!!
If you are a techno fan, then this c.d is a must-have!!! I have to admit that I only checked out this c.d because I am a huge Gillian Anderson fan but after listening to it I totally forgot she compiled the songs and even sang one herself.

I really enjoyed listening to it and am now a fan of techno. My reason for this review is that if you are not a Gillian Anderson fan, then you don't have to put down this c.d or ignore it because you see her name on the cover. It has a lot of great material and any techno fan will love it. And if you are a Gillian Anderson fan, then more power to ya because this is one more thing that you can enjoy of hers!

Well Worth Your Time!
If you like techno/electronica, you are going to love this album. There is a good cross-sampling of songs that give you a flavor of the artists featured. I ended up buying other CDs after hearing some of the selections featured here. I first heard this CD compilation from a friend at work who shares my taste in music and had to buy a copy of my own. I didn't realize that it was compiled by Gillian Anderson until I came to Amazon.com to buy it. Don't base your purchase decision on what some of the "reviewers" have to say about their personal feelings for Ms. Anderson, the artists and selections featured on this compilation are great. If you don't believe me, then sample the selections for yourself on this page.

Why?
I think the only possible way to react to this release is: "Who Cares"?

Who cares what Gillian Anderson listens to? Is she famous for her friggin 'taste'? I don't think so.

What's next? Assorted Chocolates compiled by Gillian Anderson? Swimsuit hunks compiled by Gillian Anderson?

Gimme a break. I'm dying to know how much it cost the record company to stick her name on a friggin mix-tape.

Buy this CD if you like the music, but I can't for the life of me figure out why her name's on it. ... Read more