Reviews (13)

supreme love!
here is barry whites girls at their very best, why they are not making records today, i don't know!they were just as gracious & beautiful as the ever lovin'supremes,with class & style.no collection is complete without these girls in your gold mine.the timeless,it maybe winter outside (but in my heart it's spring),oh love yes we finally made it,walkin'in the rain with the one i love,hip dressin' fella (you got it together}lovin' you,thats all i'm after,n he's all i've got,to name but a few.but anyone of these great tunes is worth their weight in gold!they deserve to be in the hall of fame now!...

OUR 20th CENTURY MAESTRO -- MR. BARRY WHITE
I can now storage the albums of Love Unlimited and Mr. Barry White safely, thanks to modern technology. Thanks to the record company who recorded this on CD & chose the right songs to create such a BEAUTIFUL CD of Mr. Barry White's orchestration! These three ladies were MAGNIFICIENT in my time of enjoying true Soul and R&B music. I LOVE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION OF SONGS ON THIS CD. Not one is a sleeper. It's hard to pick the best song out of the 17 tracks but I adore the tracks: Oh, My Love.., I belong to You, Share a Little Love, I guess I'm Just Another Girl... I'm Glad That I'm A Woman, the list is forever. Mr. Barry White is an extraordinary musician in a REAL and TRUE sense of meaning. He's the Frederick Chopin & Quincy Jones all wrapped up in one! Really, he's a fine conductor, musician & writer. I MISS MR. BARRY WHITE. I PRAY FOR HIS SAFE RECOVERY IN HEALTH & PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY AS WELL. MR. BARRY WHITE IS MISSED WORLDWIDE & WE MUST RECOGNIZE HIS TALENTS IN FULL SPECTRUM. *** Andrea "Angi" ***

So Lovely and sooooooooo Underated
Why didnt these ladies make it to the Hall of fame??!! Every single cut on here is slamming. If you like old school add this to your collection. Better yet if you love Barry White you will love his girls. At this moment I'm trying to purchase all four of these ladies albums on CD. I think it's worth having everything they made instead of just thier greatest hits.

Three Powerful voices.... original SWV
This was the time for lovers music, feelings, sensuality were expressed through music in ways that had never been done before.
It is truly -- true what is said. behind every good man is three incredably talented women (if he's lucky) which made them all UNLIMITED !! WOW, album was fantastic, changed by life.. my love life as well. hhhmmmm..

Oh Love (Unlimited) Well, We Finally Made It (to CD)!
Some might call them Barry White's backup...some might call them a lesser Supremes...BUT TO ME Love Unlimited is THE JAM!
The harmonies thrown down by Glodean and company were as rapturous as the orchestrations of The Maestro, BW, himself. These girls could sing...and unfortunately, they never got the recognition they deserved.
Personal faves on this brilliantly conceived and delivered CD include my own favorite "Oh Love, Well We Finally Made It" with beautiful strings, and perfect harmonies. I still remember LU's appearance on "Don Kirshner"s Rock Concert" in the seventies performing this song - all glamorous, in form fitting gowns, high heels, letting those brilliant harmonies flow - WOW.
"It May Be Winter Outside" should have been a monster hit - perfect harmonies, seductive vocals. This song gives Glodean a chance to shine.
"I Belong To You" is a beautiful love song. "Walkin' In the Rain..." blends their voices together so well, and Barry's contribution to the closing phone call is so smooth.
"Move Me No Mountain" is as good as Chaka's cover version on "Naughty". Just a great tune.
If you have long searched for "Under The Influence Of Love Unlimited" on CD, you should note that this disc contains all the vocal performances from that disc, but is missing "Love's Theme". Most of the cuts from "In Heat" are here as well.
There are also some great liner notes with this disc - GLodean mentions that the group was planning a reunion, only to see DeeDee (Diane White) lose her battle with cancer and pass away some years ago. With her death, and wiith Barry continuing to be in very poor health, we will probably never hear from this band again, unfortunately. But this disc is a classic reminder of how great their harmonies were, and is a necessary part of any true 70's soul fans collection. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Not the Gibb Brothers' best, but it has it's moments.....
If you want the best tracks from "Spirits Having Flown", go for the "Bee Gees Greatest" CD. It includes the four best songs: "Tragedy", "Too Much Heaven", "Love You Inside Out" (A #1 hit in the US included on the original vinyl release, but not on this CD version), and the hypnotic title cut. As for the rest of this album, it's rather uninspired, it's just filler. For my money, "Main Course" still stands as the Bee Gees' best album from this period.

The Bee Gees Biggest Studio Album!
In the difficult position of having to top "Saturday Night Fever", the Gibb brothers surpassed themselves and created their biggest hit studio album of their careers, including three more #1 hits, making six #1 hit songs in a row! "Tragedy", "Too Much Heaven" and "Love You Inside Out" were all top hit singles. "Spirits (Having Flown)" was a large hit single overseas. All songs are Barry dominated vocals and he is at his falsetto best. However, "Stop (Think Again)" is a tad long and a little bit tedious, but the following tracks go right back to their upbeat best! Succeeding in avoiding any dance songs (disco), the Bee Gees out-do themselves. These songs are truly funky "R & B" numbers, a solid match for any rythym and blues band. "Until", the closing solo track may not be equal to their earlier hit "Words", but Barry's voice accompanied by the electronic harpsichord makes for a delicious ending.

A reply to a music fan from Flagstaff, AZ
Let me start my review by saying that I was WRONG!!! to write that type of sarcastic review of a type of music I don't like. I was having a bad day and heard a song off this album and vented my fustrations, Sorry!!. Also let it be known that I am NOT confused about the Bee Gees and these songs I have heard on the radio to many times for my musical tastes. That style of falsetto singing is to my opinion a very annoying singing style to be heard on a song, it is also very annoying how they were so TRENDY and just followed a particular musical fashion (DISCO) so prevalent at the time of it's release. I have no problem with any of the technical aspects of this recording, just the plain fact that I don't like those songs Tragedy and Too Much Heaven. I will give this record a 2 star rating NOW becouse of the fact that some people do enjoy it. I promise you and anyone else who was bothered by that other review and this new review as well, that I will stay quiet on my opinion of the Bee Gees and write no more sarcastic reviews of any of their recordings.

To "Muzac" guy from Grand Rapids
Hey,
A review is actually supposed to be a short informative article and it helps if it is less opinionated rather than more. Perhaps you are confused. Many, if not most of us who are reading your rediculous input here like the Bee Gees and aren't really interested in the fact that you dont but might be interested in why you dont, if you told us in an inteligent manner. For example if you know something technical about production that caused this album not to work well I would be interesed in hearing this.
A lot of people dont like disco but I think it is fun music. That statement alone however does not make this a review. So your rather meek ability with sarcasm as well does not constitute a review but something more akin to sticking your tounge out at people who have different opinions. Adults actually dont do this (you might want to keep that in mind)

Muzac lover with a great review??????
All I have to say is... OPEN UP YOUR EARS PEOPLE!!!!!. This is easily the best example of GREAT DANCE MUZAC from the "disco era" that there is! I don't for a MINUTE understand how someone could not like this great muzac. I wish this muzac would just go to the top of the charts and stay there. PLEASE everyone try to listen to muzac, and listen constantly to this fantastic record... NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

GRACE JONES AT HER BEST!
Grace Jones relativley short music career never really hit the heights of success it often deserved. Her first three disco albums, PORTFOLIO (1977), FAME (1978) and MUSE (1979) were fairly forgetable although they did spawn at least one memroable track per album - all of which make there way onto this definitive compilation of Grace Jones work. LA VIE EN ROSE, I NEED A MAN and DO OR DIE had that early Grace Jones disco sound which was quickly abandoned in 1980 prior to the release of one of her very best albums, WARM LEATHERETTE, which succesfully combined the sounds of New Wave, reggae, rock and funk. From the album was PRIVATE LIFE (a top 20 success in the U.K) which also is rightly included on this album as this by far is one of her greatest recordings. This condensed compilation also features tracks such as MY JAMACIAN GUY (LIVING MY LIFE;1982), WALKING IN THE RAIN (NIGHTCLUBBING;1981), SLAVE TO THE RYTHM (SLAVE TO THE RYTHM;1985) and possibly her very best recording,PULL UP TO THE BUMPER (NIGHTCLUBBING;1981). This compilation coincided with her departure from Island Records for a deal with EMI which did not bring her any of the high success she enjoyed with her time at Island.Often strange but compelling album from an equally extraordinary artist.

A skimpy collection
Island Life is a collection of Grace Jones' biggest hits on the Island records label. It draws from albums like Portfolio (1977), Fame (1978), Muse (1979), Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981), Living My Life (1982) and Slave To The Rhythm (1985). The tracks are arranged chronologically so it maps out her musical development from the robotic disco sounds of La Vie En Rose through her new wave experiments with Private Life, her torch song phase in Libertango up to the funky R&B of My Jamaican Guy.

She wasn't taken seriously as a musician up until the release of Warm Leatherette in 1980, but I have always enjoyed her early disco work, especially the Portfolio album with its great tracks like Tomorrow, Send In The Clowns, I Need A Man and La Vie en Rose. The following two albums, Fame and Muse, were weaker but still contained a sprinkling of memorable disco musings like Autumn Leaves, Do Or Die and others.

Warm Leatherette really put her on the musical map, especially on account of her version of the title track that was an obscure synth-pop single by Daniel Miller's The Normal. She also did interesting versions of Private Life (The Pretenders) and Love Is The Drug (Roxy Music). Tracks 6 to 8 come from Jones' very successful Nightclubbing album. Libertango and Walking In the Rain are witty, accessible pop ballads while the funky Pull Up To The Bumper is controversially sensual. My Jamaican Guy from the innovative Living My Life album is jerky, funky and tribal with stunning vocal arrangements.

Unfortunately Island Life doesn't really succeed in providing the best of Grace Jones. It ought to properly have been a double disc as there are many other classics in her oeuvre that deserve to be on a best of album. Songs like Demolition Man, the title track from Nightclubbing, Rolling Stone, Art Groupie, Nipple To The Bottle and The Apple Stretching are equally worthy of inclusion on a greatest hits compilation. And then there are the great albums that followed her Island period: Bulletproof Heart and Inside Story, but that's another story!

Ladies and gentlemen...heeere's GRACE!
My first introduction to Grace Jones is when I saw the music video for "Love Is The Drug" on VH1 Classic and i knew i was going to be hooked for life. I managed to go to my local used cd store and i found this "Island Life" cd. I picked it up, brought it home, and popped it in my cd player. The first 3 songs are from her first 3 disco albums Portfolio, Fame, and Muse. The last two are long out of print. My favorite song out of those 3 is I Need A Man. But then we get onto the better early 80's material such as Love Is The Drug, Pull Up To The Bumper, and My Jamaican Guy. The cd ends with Slave To The Rhythm which is a pretty cool song. My only complaint about this cd is that I wish they included more songs such as Demolition Man and She's Lost Control but i'm still pretty satisfied. I hope she makes a comeback in 2004.

If you like Madonna , you'll love this!
There could have been at least one more track from her disco era albums, "On Your Knees" the hit single from her second album "Muse". Also the huge hit from "Inside Story"(1986) that should have been included is "I'm Not Perfect(But I'm Perfect for You)". Aside from those two missing tracks, this is a good overview of Grace's material, good for the novice listener. For more Grace Jones get "Private Life:The Compass Point Sessions", "Bulletproof Heart", and "Sex Drive"(CD Single)". Fans of Madonna should check this out.

OK album
If you're not a hardcore GJ fan, get this. Otherwise, get the 2-cd Compass Point Sessions set. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Most of them are great
Ah, disco. A music which saw women take center stage on many occasions. I love to put on this collection when I'm biking, it gives me energy to workout and I can sing along. The variety is pretty good, in fact, some of the selections are rather horrible but we can't like everything. This was the second of this series that I purchased and I'm very glad I did. Think I'll go bike and sing "I Will Survive" right now.

Dance Dance Dance the whole time! Great CD!
Personally, I feel that this is the best of the Disco Night collection. The best disco artists are on this CD with Donna Summer singing 2 songs. A great start for any disco beginner.

You can't help but toe tap through the entire album. The CD appropriately ends with Donna Summer singing "Last Dance." brings back memories of those last days of disco, eh? Closin' out the place!

Everyone will wonder what you are singing and dancing to in the car when you listen to this CD. A wonderful collection of songs from disco's greatest Divas!

Disco Divas collection, get ready to dance!
This is an excellent collection of some of the best disco diva hits. This collection kicks off with "Shame" by Evelyn King and continues with some of the best disco dancefloor hits ever. Included are extended club versions by Grace Jones and Stephanie Mills, and an alternate mix of "Last Dance" by Donna Summer (who you get to hear twice on this collection). My only complaint is that "Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward is of awful quality; it sounds like it's being played from a worn-out overplayed cassette tape and sounds very "under water". I have heard this song sound MUCH better on other collections (such as the Pure Disco series). However, this collection is overall excellent, but the oops on the Anita Ward track had to take away one star. Definitely a party starter and recommended to the disco/dance lover!

One of This Series' Best!
Great collection of songs from some of disco's leading ladies. Some tracks like Ring My Bell and I Will Survive are extended but still editted. But here's a chance to own Heaven Knows in a rare, extended mix never before commercially available. Also, If I Can't Have You clocks in over 4 min from its original album mix of 2:55. Perhaps this is a dj promo only versionfrom RSO. It was a welcome coup, since I collect long versions of Billboard #1s. And finally, Shame--it never sounds tired--is here in all its original glory...Awesome!

Superb album, Buy it!
This is an excellent compilation of disco dance hits, and at such a reasonable price. There are the old favorites, like "I Will Survive" and "last Dance," plus the jewels of "What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin" and "I Need a Man," which is my personal favorite. I can't believe I just wrote that! Anyway, pick up this album, it's a must have! ... Read more

Amazon.com

William "Bootsy" Collins was already a veteran of James Brown's band when he hooked up with George Clinton's Parliafunkadelicment thang in the early '70s. His outsize personality and preternatural good nature made him an obvious choice when Clinton came up with the idea of reaching for the preteen audience ("geepies") with a comic-book-style character; thus was born Bootsy's Rubber Band. Thumping tracks and Collins's stoned-sounding mumblings made the whole thing irresistible. Back in the Day collects many of the high points among the man's statements of purpose ("The Pinocchio Theory") and seduction moves ("Hollywood Squares"). --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Some monster jams, a little filler
This cd contains some truly epic tunes (What So Never The Dance, Body Slam, Hollywood Squares), but also has a couple of sleepers. Of course, Maceo's shout-out for Bootsy on "Ahhh ... the Name is Bootsy Baby" should give you goosebumps, especially if you are one of the lucky to have caught Bootsy live. All in all a fine funk album, but probably wouldn't make it onto the desert island before Mothership Connection of Let's Take It To the Stage (no good no. 10 .... let's take it to the stage!!!!!)

Bootzilla's Rubber Songs
Are you ready for a Bootzilla ride? There are 14 tracks on this collection. My favorite is Stretching out in a rubber band. I also like Ahh the name is Bootsy. The liner notes are great and the photographs are wonderful and they are black and white. I never knew that the one & only Bootsy Collins was addicted to drugs. Sencery is on this collection for the first time {previous unreleased). Buy this one. I would buy his anthology also if you a Bootsy Collector and looking for all the full length tracks.

1.Ahh The Name is Bootsy- Great, Space Bass sounds wonderful
2. Stretching out in a rubber band- 1# favorite, it's like your reading his journal
3.The Pincchio Theory- Your nose is going to grow on this one
4. Hollywood Squares- It was a hip-hop song when I first heard it but, now I hate it.
5. I'd Rather Be With You- I love this song, It's smoothy, bass lines and the vocals
6.Bootzilla- Great, but little more perfect
7.What so ever dance*- ?
8.Can't Stay Away- Love song that was wonderful
9. Jam Fan- Freaky, but it's crazy
10. Mug Push- 2# Favorite
11.Body Slam- Poor,3 stars
12.Scencery- ?
13. Vanish in our sleep- Long Song and hate it
14. Psychoticbumpschool (Live)- 3# favorite, Funky Horns
*Shouldn't be on this colection

Corny But Jammin!!!!
Aah It's Bootsy Baby I love this cd and I love this artist Bootsy Collins no one can dress or sound like Bootsy but him he is the only one that can do it Bootsy can jam and be corny at the same time I love Tthis cd they are some jammin songs !!!! And I would recommend anyone who likes classic funk to buy this cd anyone who digs Parliament to buy this cd !!!
My favorites are: Hollywood Squares, The Pinnochio Theory, Bootzilla, Stretching Out in A Rubber Band, I'd Rather Be With You, and many great others you definitely will enjoy!!!!

No Funk Collection...
Is complete without Bootzilla in it... I grew up on Bootsy and the birth of true funk...slept with under my pillow and woke up with it between my toes and on my breath... This is a bad collection of funkology! How many could have pulled off a funk filled slow jam such as "I'd Rather Be With You?" That has to be one of the baddest jams ever!!!!

Party, Bobba!
....put this in your car stereo and if the first three jams don't get you in a funkadippity attitude, then I am 100 percent certain that remix of the famed playa classic "Hollywood Squares" (get your eyes fat on Hollyrock and Ballys. Hmmm. L A- Californ-I-A, City of Angels, Hollay Wood) definitely will. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great to see it on CD
Agree with the other reviews. Truly one of the great sounds of Pop music.

I have the title album, bought new on 8 - track. It's time to upgrade my collection.

too bad you don't hear these much on the radio any more. Pittsburgh and Philly had Jamming Oldies stations play lists where mostly Motown, Memphis (Watt/Stax) and classic (70's) Disco made up the play list. Too bad Corporate greed led to format changes.

My condolences to the fellow on the other page. Us fans miss him, too.

"Big Band Sounds Will Alway's Be Around"
No one does it better than these guys. You can still hear their influence in a lot of the music of today. I enoyed the glitz and glamour of the disco era. They will always be remembered for their brilliant contribution to a style that never fades. They continued to reinvent themselves later on. Now we hear their samples in rap and it sounds just as good now as it did back then. For Discomaniacs like myself, this CD is a must have item.

enjoying all the elements here
this is one of those collections that knocked me out the first time I heard it.I was feeling the great collections of Styles&flavor brought as one on this Set.nothing was off limits Musically&that the feelings this Band made you feel good.that is truly missing in Today's Music.enjoy this set.

Everlasting Sour n' Sweet Soul...
...listening to this VERY original music today makes you wonder where all the imagination in pop music has disappeared to.

The Band sounds as fresh - or more - than it did way back in the 70's...this is remarkable TOTAL CONCEPT stuff that any student of
popular contemporary urban music should have in their library.

These Cool Cats had it all - big band beat, uptown style, jumpin',jivin' n' wailin'...joy (cherchez la femme) and ennui (transistor madness) and longing (hard times) and craziness (auf wiedersehen, darrio).

Listening to this music makes me happy that I was there during this unique moment in musical history.

BRING BACK "Goes To Washington"!

5 stars are not enough for Dr. Buzzard
AMEN to all the other reviewers of this magnificent CD. This group was the finest act from the classic disco era, period. I had the good fortune to be living in New York in 1979 when they did a concert following the release of their 3rd LP, "...goes to Washington". That show was one of the greatest of my 30 years of concert-going. The compilers of this CD have ingeniously mixed up the selections from their 2 RCA LPs, and this programming makes for a delightful listen. Let me add to the chorus of those who clamour for the band's Elektra LP to get a CD issue. In the meantime, do yourself a favor & savor the Savannah band with this marvellous package. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Really great CD!!!
All of the songs on this disc are great.It is a rather brief collection of her songs,but what is here is good.I highly recommend it.

expand your horizons!
i just wanna say to the reviewer addar,yes,i will survive is a great smash hit & all that,but how in the world may you not say the same thing or even moreso about the most pumpin' smashin' hit of all,anybody wanna party?that gets everybody up dancing the night away,plus they should of put more gloria gaynor hits on here if it's gonna be her best,her best indeed!thank you,j.h.52757

I will survive
I will Survive it was the best song i have never heard, and I like it so much. Even the song was in the movie called "The Replacements". I can tell you this is the best CD that you should get.

One Hit Wonder
Some of you may get angry at me for saying that I only like one of Gloria Gaynor's song but.. i'm going to say it anyway. I only like I will Survive. It has easy lyrics and a beat that makes you want to dance. Buy the single instead.

Great Album
Gloria Gaynor is a Great Vocalist.I will Survive is a Classic Song.it is a Timeless Gem.also Her Version of The Jackson 5's Never Can Say GoodBye is done really Well By Her.Great Disc from a Great Vocalist. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not a bad deal
I've found most of the 20th Century Masters entries to be irrelevant, as you can get better greatest hits collections elsewhere. This one, however, is the best and most cost-effective Grace Jones greatest hits of which I know. It's actually a fitting representation of her work. A problem I've had with her music is that, after a short while, it all begins to sound the same. This CD, however, has just the right number of tracks to give you enough for your money, while avoiding burnout. Nice insert graphics, too. All in all, a nice investment.

Track List: La Vie En Rose, Private Life, Love Is The Drug, Breakdown, Warm Leatherette, Walking In The Rain, Pull Up To The Bumper, I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango), Demolition Man, My Jamaican Guy, Nipple To The Bottle (12" mix) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Album
Yvonne Elliman has a honey voice and this collection really shows it off.Been a fan since the 70's.She is a real talent.You will not be disappointed.The sound recordings on this CD is crystal clear and bright.Enjoy !!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

While not quite in a league with Stevie Wonder's best '70s albums, That's the Way of the World finds Earth, Wind & Fire taking a similar path to good effect. Melding rock, funk, jazz, and African influences, the group also works its positive messages--belief in oneself, understanding of others--into each track. "Shining Star," one of the greatest singles ever, leads off the set, but the title track, "See the Light," and "All About Love" keep the good vibes flowing with a minimum of sappiness. This excellent remaster contains a passel of bonus demo versions. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Their musical high point
To be honest, I don't own the remastered version of this CD with the added tracks. This review is based on the original album, which I have owned in vinyl and CD form. I couldn't find the original CD on amazon.com (I assume it's out of print), so I'm putting my comments here. I'm doing this because I love the original album.

Earth Wind & Fire was a unique and wonderful funk/rock/jazz band of the 1970s that made several very good albums, but this, in my opinion, was their musical high point. Unlike their later albums, which were more disco-y and commercial, this one managed to be musically serious yet catchy and accessible at the same time. They successfully combined the pop funk sensibility of groups like the Ohio Players and Sly and the Family Stone with a jazz-influenced instrumental sophistication all their own.

"Shining Star" and "Yearnin, Learnin" are strong funky grooves that make you want to dance. "All About Love" and "Reasons" are very different but sentimental ballads. "Africano" and "See the Light" are melodically infectious funk/jazz numbers. "Happy Feelin" is an upbeat ode to life featuring Caribbean kalimba music. But my favorite song is the title track, "That's the Way of the World," a mid-tempo groove featuring sharp lead guitar work as well as lead vocal. This CD definitely stands the test of time as a classic of its era.

Happy Feelings!
"That's The Way Of The World" is a wonderful album containing three classic hits-the simmering funk of "Shinning Star" and the jazzy R&B ballads "Reasons" and the title song but
HOLD THE PHONE!!!!The band hadn't yet shaken off their multi-ethnic/Afro-Cuban musical influences so instrumentals like "Africano","See The Light" as well as the bright,percussive pop of "Happy Feelings" look to those earlier stylings but baught it to the masses who baught this album for it's big radio
hits (betcha' alot of 'em didn't hear it coming).Along the way the wonderful piano ballad "All About Love" and the uptempo funk
groove of "Yearnin' And Learnin'" are great counterpoints.So this
album has everything that makes Earth,Wind & Fire the worldd most
dynamic funk group-a sense of being diverse AND commercial.Viva
1975!Those were the days!!!!

Tied with "Songs In The Key Of Life" for best album ever
I think that everyone has gave this album its due props, and I just can't help but say that it is a hard choice for me to choose between this album and "Songs in the key of life" so I have an extra unopened copy of both of these classics. One thing that gets to me though is that in the beginning we were told that this was the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, it even says so on the album. I was so fired up and ready to see this movie and the album just kept making me more anxious and hype. I never got to see this movie which I found out later was titled "Shining Star" and that the group was not the stars of the movie. EWF is my most favorite group in the world and I have been blessed to meet and greet Phillip, Verdine, and Ralph. Two things have not been fulfilled, I have not yet met Maurice nor have I seen this Movie, I would appreciate any help with either. Thank you

Easily My Favorite Album Of All Time!
This album is the first record that I ever remember buying. It is still my favorite album of all time, by any artist. It pushed the boundaries of rock and R&B in 1975. I have owned five copies of this album. The first three were vinyl and I just simply wore them out (using a very expensive and gentle turntable, mind you! I just played them ALL the time!). The last two were CDs, and the current one is this version with the extra tracks.

"Shining Star" started it all for me with EWF. From the first time I heard that song on the radio, I was hooked! I was the first white kid at my high school to become a fanatic of EWF, but I wasn't the last! "TTWOtW" still gives me chills when I hear it. It's one of those memorable songs that you never tire of and every note evokes great memories. "See the Light" is still one of my favorites with its beautiful sweeping synth. Maurice's voice on "All About Love" makes you glad that he changed his mind in the early years of EWF in that he originally didn't want to sing, and just wanted to sit in the back of the band and play drums!

There's not a bad performance on this CD. It is truly a masterpiece and the added tracks (original, unreleased sketches which give an alternative preview into the early formations of several songs) are icing on the cake. "TTWOtW" still sounds as innovative today as it did the first day I brought it home in 1975. That's the definition of a classic -- an album which is valued by it's ability to sound as fresh and inventive today as it did over a quarter century ago. This was the end of the era where talent was required to win a recording contract, and EWF was absolutely LOADED with talent! Unfortunately, I fear that there will never be another group with the talent level of EWF.

The later years of EWF were good, but this is the finest album EVER by EWF and places itself alone in musical history as a lifetime achievement by an extraordinary group of musicians.

Elements in Classic Form
This album is a certified classic, ...this album is very much on par with Stevie Wonder's best 70's material. From the opening lines of "Shining Star" to the last note (a beautiful falsetto by Philip Bailey)on "See the Light", this soundtrack helped to define what R&B and Funk was all about while beginning one of the greatest and most influential periods in music history.
Maurice White is a true musical avatar, like Stevie, he was able to blend several different types of musical influences while maintaining an underlying African foundation upon which he built such masterpieces as "That's the Way of the World", "Yearnin Learnin" and one of my personal favorites "Africano".
The Elements are, without question, one of the greatest musical forces at any point in music history and my favorite band of all time. Soaring vocals, majestic melodies & harmonies, outstanding musicianship and awesome lyrics are what made Earth, Wind and Fire a group not just for the 70's but for all ages. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Disco rarely got more musically or lyrically sophisticated than on this self-titled debut album. Long before he took up the role of Kid Creole with the Coconuts, wordsmith August Darnell cushioned small, perfect truths--singer Cory Daye promises to get her "equivalency diploma" in love in "I'll Play the Fool"--in knowingly retro sounds. Stylish, honest, and completely one of a kind. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Swing Jazz, R&B, Latin, Disco, and Cole Porter all in one!
Simply one of the finest albums of the 70's! I first heard it as an 8th grader in 1976 and remarkably, it doesn't just hold up...it actually seems to have gotten better since then. The bold mixture of styles (Swing Jazz, Disco, Latin, R&B) makes it an anomaly in popular music history...namely, a great achievement that could not be duplicated by others. As if the crisp, sweet arrangements, (remember those?) hellified singing by one Miss Cory Daye were not enough, the hidden gem on this album is the witty and more than literate lyrics. August Darnell's wordplay on this summons images of an uptown-ed Cole Porter, solidly bopping his way to the 2 and 4 without ever risking his top hat's falling off. Cut for cut, one of the 70's great records. Great for driving, getting dressed for a party, the party itself, walking down the street or cleaning the house on a saturday afternoon. Note to all the new-jacks who are checking out the nuevo-swing scene: dig on this platter from 76' and learn how it can be done while sounding fresh and original! P.S. You'll note in an earlier review, someone mentions the two other great discs by this bunch. There's also a greatest hits album and a great lost album by Darnell called "Gichy Dan's Beechwood #9". Same flavor, but transitional to his Kid Creole persona. It features the wonderful club semi-hit "Laissez Faire". If you see it on vinyl, get it! That's the only way TO get it!

Swing Jazz, R&B, Latin, Disco, and Cole Porter all in one!,
This is simply one of the finest albums of the 70's! I first heard it as an 8th grader in 1976 and remarkably, the music doesn't just hold up...but it actually seems to have gotten better since then. The bold mixture of styles (Swing Jazz, Disco, Latin, R&B) makes it an anomaly in popular music history...namely, a great achievement that absolutely could not be duplicated by others. As if the crisp, sweet arrangements, (remember those?) and hellified singing by one Miss Cory Daye were not enough, the hidden gem on this album is the witty and super-literate lyrics. August Darnell's wordplay on this album summons images of an uptown-ed Cole Porter, solidly bopping his way to the 2 and 4 without EVER risking his top hat's falling off. Cut for cut, this is one of the 70's great records. You won't skip a single selection. Great for driving, for getting dressed for a party, the party itself, walking down the street or cleaning the house on a Saturday afternoon as the dust fills random shafts of sunlight. And in a special note to all the new-jacks out there who are checking out the nuevo-swing scene: dig on this platter of wax from our bicentennial year of 76' and learn how this music can be done while sounding fresh and original! P.S. You'll note in an earlier review, someone mentions the two other great discs by this bunch. There's also a greatest hits album and a great lost album by Darnell called "Gichy Dan's Beechwood #9". It has the same flavor, but is notable as a transitional step to his assumption of the "Kid Creole" persona. It features the wonderful club semi-hit "Laissez Faire". If you see this album in a bin on vinyl, you'd better get it then and there! That's the only way TO get it, unfortunately!

My condolences, Stony
I wrote this for the wrong album. This is the One I bought new on 8-track. Fantastic sound . Sort of blends the genres I most enjoy, rock and roll and big band. and classic disco. And easy on the ears. Along with King Creole and Chic, old merv Griffin had these guys on al lot on his afternoon TV show in the 70's.

Sorry to hear they are gone.

Timeless Music
I was a kid when this album came out and I loved it then and love it now. I have done everything to this cd in regards to using it for road trips and cleaning the house, all the while singing with my hairbrush near by as my microphone. It is one of the most positive vibes/music I have heard; happy, joyous feel-good music that gets better and better each time I play it.

Stony Browder- Musical genuis
Stony Browder was the musical genius behind Dr. Buzzard's savanah band. He wrote al f the songs. He was also my father. This cd is absolutley amazing and I can only hope to posess half of the musical talent that my father had. My uncle (Darnel) was also a genius in writting. Unfortunatly my father passed away last october 7th 2002 and he will be forever missed but little people know abouthis death. Spread the word. Email me ith comments at Ariesray22@aol.com ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A dance music lover's dream
This beautifully packaged set tells the story of a little record company that could. Casablanca embraced the disco craze early and ended up representing some of the genre's brightest stars.

At only 10 to 13 tracks per disc, you might think you're not getting your money's worth here, but the majority of disco classics are presented in rare extended versions otherwise unavailable. The fourth disc includes some pop/adult contemporary tracks culminating in the fantastic dance mix of 'Flashdance..What A Feeling' which includes an extra line of lyrics and frankly makes the original mix sound like a demo.

This is an awesome collection.

Like Disco? You'll Love This Casablanca BOX SET!
A Four Disc(o) Casablanca Collection. Sure, you get the standard, "Funkytown" by Lipps, "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)" by Parliament and pretty much EVERY hit that Donna Summer and The Village People recorded.

You also get some hard to find/rarity selections like:

Ain't Nothin' Gonna Keep Me from You - Teri DeSario
Let's Go All the Way (Down) - Brenda & the Tabulations
Like an Eagle - Dennis Parker
You Ought to Be Dancing - People's Choice
Medicine Song - Stephanie Mills
When She Was My Girl - The Four Tops
Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band - Meco
Do That to Me One More Time - Captain & Tennille
Yes, I'm Ready - Teri DeSario

Depending on your age, this great box set will take you back to doing "The Hustle" on the lighted dancefloor with the disco ball spinning 'round and 'round. It might transport you back to your childhood roller rink while these disco greats played ALL NIGHT, along with the very popular "Hokey Pokey". Regardless of your age or sex, it will remind you of your TOTAL CRUSH on hip, cool and suave John Travolta, a la Saturday Night Fever! It might make you remember your first torn sweatshirt and first pair of legwarmers with the songs from "Flashdance". "Maniac" with Michael Sembello and "Flashdance, What A Feeling", with Irene Cara.

Spanning several decades, this four disc set ends with the VERY HIGHLY appropriate song, "Last Dance" with disco diva, Donna Summer.

Happy Listening!

The Casablance Records Story
A great collection of commercial disco hits, and club rarities. Donna Summer / Village People / Irene Cara need no introduction. But the treats here are the tracks that stayed in the clubs, and have been hard to find since. Teri De Sario's "Aint Nothing Gonna Keep Me" , Dennis Parker "Like An Eagle", Skatt Brothers "Walk The Night" are real treasures, here in their full length glory. We can only hope for a "part two" including the Duncan Sisters "Boys Will Be Boys" / Dennis Parker "New York At Night" / Stephanie Mills "You Can get Over". Bring it on !!

A musical time capsule
Although most of the music can be found in different greatest
hits collection of some of the artists featured; is wonderful to have them all in one box. I'm still hoping and waiting for a part
two. Casablanca had one of the biggest acts and singers signed under their different affiliated labels. Missing in this collec-
tion are many hits or well known songs. Like Cher's "Hell on Whe-
els", Teri De Sario's "Moonlight Madness", Giorgio Moroder's "Ba-
by Blue" and "I wanna rock you", Santa Esmeralda's "Don't let me
be Misunderstood", "You are my Everything" and "Another Cha-Cha".
Captain and Tennille's "Happy Together", Roberta Kelly's "Zodi-
acs", Pattie Brooks "Girl don't make me wait and "Party Girl",
Duncan Sisters "Boys will be boys", Alma Faye's "Don't fall in Love", Paul Jabara's "Honeymoon in Puerto Rico", Ritchie Family's
"Give me a break", "Bad reputation" and "It's a man's world", Stephanie Mills "Pilot error" and "Last night", Love and Kisses
"You'll never know how much I love you" and "You must be love".
Plus many others hits and misses by Munich Machine, Sylvers, Starpoint, Ultimate, Deliverance etc. I hope Polydor people is
taking notes and consider another box of hits. The story continues and is going to be told over and over. This set highly recommended.

A MUST HAVE FROM THE QUINTESSENTIAL DISCO LABEL
This CD is worth every penny. It includes the PROMO ONLY of Donna Summer's On The Radio, a short but more potent version of Pleasure Island and the gorgeous -- Music, Harmony and Rhythm by Brooklyn Dreams. The only problem I have with the CRS Box Set is that two of the most gorgeous and technically advanced songs where cut to less then half. The two songs are Romeo and Juliet and I've Found Love. These two songs alone, in full length versions, would be worth the price. Romeo and Juliet was the first record to use 48 tracks. Alec R. did this by attaching two 24 track modules. I've Found Love has the most over-the-top 7 minute brake of any disco song. Of course they are out of print. ... Read more

Album Description

Subtitled The History Lesson, this 2 CD set features 28tracks from various artists including Cutie Pie, GeorgeClinton, Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five, KurtisBlow, Slave, Lakeside, Chaka Khan and more. SPG music.2002. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

CeeTee
This CD takes me back to my high school and college days in the 1980's. I love this CD and it has helped me get off the couch and start moving. A must have for anyone who wants to hold on to the 80's sound.

Solid Mix
this double Set is Right on Time.you can't Lose with these Grooves.solid Backyard Grooving&Skating down to the street.Right on Time Jams!

da bomb
this cd is a must have for all old schoolers i bought this cd and let me tell you every song on the cds i knew. just an illuison is not only a jam but a hit you cant find anywhere today. this cd brought back so many memories of when music was really music so if you are a true old schooler like myself you need this one in your collection trust me you wont be disappointed.

ABSOLUTELY NO "CLUNKERS" HERE
The best compilation CD's I've ever had the pleasure of owning. Unlike others with a bunch of overplayed, overworked songs, this one's great! Wish I could find more like it!

AM ORDERING MY SECOND JUST IN CASE
POSSIBLY THE BEST SKATING CD MADE. CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS ONE ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Few Good Songs!
This CD is so-so, the only really good disco songs are Disco Inferno, Funky Town, and Rock The Boat. Y.M.C.A, and It's Raining Men are ok but kind of hokey, and the rest of the songs are hideous! I guess you have to be a major disco fan to totally like this CD, and I'm not a major fan as I only like a few disco songs! All of the disco songs I like are on the Pure Disco CD's and though there are songs on the Pure Disco Vol.1 and Vol.2 CD's's that I don't like there are also a lot that I do like and I just prefer those CD's to this one so I would rate them a 3 and this CD a 2.

Good grouping of disco hits
Nice mix of all the biggies from the disco era. If disco's your thing, then this is the series for you

Listen to this
The 'Pure disco' series is okay, but there are only the short 7" versions on it. But I like the long 12" versions more. Anyone, who thinks in this way, would prefer to buy 'Disco nights', because here you can get a lot of extended versions. Besides I cannot understand universal records. Why don't they published more volumes (on Universal Special Market)? There would be so much other stuff for another 11 volumes. People would buy that, because many disco tracks, especially their extended versions, are so hard to get. I had searched everywhere, but I have not found another great series like this one.

a great disco album!
If you are a fan of great disco music, then you will love this album. I heard "Shake Your Groove Thing" by Peaches and Herb for the first time after I bought this album!

xcellent album!
this is definitely a must buy album because it features tracks like disco nights and heaven must be an angel, ymca and all the other great classic tunes.... where i come from - Malaysia!!! (not known to the world then)were already hits in our local discotheques (some 20 years ago). burning the dancefloors almost nightly. back then it was only available on vinyl's. so i guess most people who are having all the hits or even singles on this album could be on vinyl format,right? most people would still stick to their old vinyls, but hey... having this collection on CD won't harm right?? at least the clarity is there and more durable. most of us in that era would wish a compilation of this sort to be out in the market one day. well..your prayers are answered. since it's out... what are you waiting for... don't regret later as there might never be another compilation as great as this ever !!!

one comment from me is that it would be great if it was release as a 12"singles compilation. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Music that Grooved
I enjoy all of these Sets because they never let up on the Grooves.you can always find your Groove here.House Party Jams that never got tired.hearing these Jams brings a Big Smile to My Face.Weekend Jams!!!

Hard to Find Hits
I saw this cd at a party and then searched record stores hi and low with no success. I was so excited to see it on Amazon. This cd has some of the greatest dance hits ever. My main reason for purchasing was the Kano jam, however the entire cd is a stone gas. Whenever I play it, everyone wants to see the jacket and they beg to borrow. Great club music from days gone by!

Get your party groove on!
These songs take me back to the days when R'n'B was good to dance to. It reminded of living in an apartment building with music pumping through the speakers and people grooving to the beat. I was exercising and dancing to these songs! The main reason for buying the CD was Kano's "I'm Ready" (which I played several times when I received it in the mail today). But there were other hits that I remembered and worked out to as well. Those were my good old days! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

More Than I Bargained For
I bought this album for one reason only, to get "The Hustle" and "A Fifth of Beethoven". And frankly, those are the only tunes I recognized on this album. So when the first track, "Joy", began I was mildly surprised. Back in the 70's the only radio I listened to was easy listening and classic stations, the kind that had very few commercials and hardly ever announced the name of songs. "Joy" was one of those I remember as being loosely based on a Bach symphony, a nice bouncy tune that I liked. Already this album was more than I bargained for. The next track I remember was "TSOP", another one of those that I never knew the name of but enjoyed hearing.
"Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)" was also based on a classical work (don't remember the composer) and which is better known as the theme to "2001 A Space Odyssy". It's okay as far as being a juiced up classical, but nothing spectacular. "Rock and Roll, Part 2" I also remember mostly as being played a lot at football games.
And then track 13, "Popcorn", started. I nearly fell out of my chair!!! This was a song that I absolutely fell in love with back in the 70's and never knew the name of. For the reason mentioned above, that the station I listened to never mentioned the song titles. But for a year or so I spent hours listening to the radio just to hear this one. After reading the insert I know that "Popcorn" was one of the moog hits from that era. Even after almost 30 years it stills takes my breath away.
The rest of the album isn't even worth a single star (IMHO), but that's just me. "Popcorn", "The Hustle", and "A Fifth of Beethoven" make this album well worth having.

Worthwhile, But Eclectic Mix
You can always count on Rhino to put together nice compilation CDs. This one is no exception. However, rock fans might be a bit thrown off.

Although labeled "Rock Instrumental Classics," there are perhaps only two or three tracks that fit that description. Partially a reflection of the period covered, most of the tracks have a stronger disco or jazz flavor. As long as you come in understanding that and are not thrown off by the title, you won't be disappointed.

Truth be told, this particular volume of the five CD set is quite eclectic. Listening to this and the following volume ("Soul"), one wonders if some tracks should have been switched. On this collection, it seems that "Sun Goddess" and "Pick Up the Pieces," while both fine tracks, would have fit better in the "Soul" CD.

Some pleasant surprises on this set were "Apricot Brandy" by Rhinoceros and "Whole Lotta Love" by the late King Curtis. The former track is definitely rock, so you can forgive the fact that the song is actually from 1969. Simply put, the King Curtis track is jazzy fun.

On the disco front, a hidden gem was "K-Jee" by the Nite-Liters. After hearing this snappy track, you'll want to play it over and over again.

It's also got several very familiar tracks. "Rock and Rock, Part 2" by Gary Glitter is a standard of marching bands across the country. Lighter tunes like "Popcorn" and "A Fifth of Beethoven" are sure to bring back memories of the era.

A curious thing about this compilation (along with the "Soul" one) is the fact that they avoid the late 1970s altogether. That's a shame, because this compilation could have also included another hidden gem, Mandre's "Solar Flight - Opus One," but I guess that's too obsure, even for Rhino. Another Motown track that has been left off for the 1970s is "Machine Gun" by the Commodores.

Overall, this is a very decent compilation. There are really no filler tracks here, but perhaps a few could have been switched around or replaced with better choices. However, in the long run, these are only minor complaints.

Rock Instrumental Classics Vol. 3: The '70s
This is a very well put together collection of some of the best "funk" and "jazz" from the 70's and 80's. Most notably: Outta Space, The Hustle, Sun Goddess. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001),Pick Up The Pieces and Frankenstein. These were gigantic hits and represent a style that is very fast and strongly coming back. In big style nonetheless. Anyone who would like to be ahead of the music trends of the 2000s should consider getting this record. Bravo for this compilation

Good Enough To Fill A Few Gaps In My Collection
Don't you hate it when you have to buy a whole CD just to get those few elusive songs? That's what I ended up doing with this one. I will admit, the songs I wanted on this compilation were some of the ones that brought the "Rock" in the title into question. "Express," "Movin'," and "Sun Goddess" (the latter track being the main reason I purchased this CD and the biggest disappointment - it's a horribly butchered edit - I remember having the original 45 and it certainly wasn't this version). "Outa Space," "Jungle Fever," and "K-Jee" were some pleasant reminders of tracks I had nearly forgotten. But all in all, this particular volume disappointed more than it pleased.

Fine, if you seek some of these
Just about every "collection" will leave some thing to be desired. They just are not sufficiently custom. By there very nature, there is something left off, and corrspondingly, something which could (should) have been included.

Having said that, there are enough songs here (many hard to find elsewhere) to make this worthwhile.

"Outa Space" by Preston and "Popcorn" won't be seen on too many CD's. Ditto "Frankenstein" and "TSOP".

Remember, the '70s meant disco influence. Forget the title. If you like some of these cuts, its worth the coin. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This song rules!
This song rules. It can help you get over anything hard, espeacially breakups. It is the best woman song i know. This is seriously a great cd though it only has two songs on it. It is a defiante buy.

hankaaron sucks!
ok, so it's really bad when there are people out there who pretend to be so educated about music, but are actually just rambling retards... an undergraduate @ the Eastman School of Music, I am taking a theory class in which we are studying this song. there's nothing wrong with it, and if nothing else, it's a great way to remember the descending fifths sequence... So shut up, you morons, and stop trying to influnence others with your idiotic intellectuallism.....

When Music Really Did Survive...
Although I am an 80s child born in the late 70s, I think this is one of the best songs I've heard. For any woman who knows what it's like to be put down or walked on by someone (which is all of us), this is the perfect song for you. It tells the story of a woman who's had enough and she's not going to take it anymore. She's moving on and she's ready to show the world what she's made of. A true, innovative "girl power" song.

Great song but...
I have to sorta agree with hankaaron. Don't get me wrong I listen to this song at least 3 times a week. The words are very meaningful and emotional! Flame on Gloria!

But, from a musical stand point it is a boring song. First off, the song has no chorus. It follows a simple circle of 5ths chord progression until it hits a B diminished chord instead of the B-flat so it can jump to E major then back to the home key of A minor....then the same sequence is repeated for an additional 8 minutes. There is no breakdown into other keys. It wouldn't have hurt for it to play around in the relative major key of C for a few bars, then return back to A minor.

The strings and horns add musical color to the repetition. And Gloria's voice and the meaning of the words ensured it's success.

But, not all people listen to music for the value of the words, or the beat. Some people are not tone deaf and expect good musical creativity from artists in addition to great lyrics.

Motivating
This is a great tune. It really gets you thinking about how you should just hold your head up high and keep going on thru life although you may have had a few stumbles along the way. We, as women, emotional beings that we are, tend to let men rule our emotions, but this great song really gives spirit about getting on with our lives-WITHOUT them, if need be. It's awesome!! ... Read more