Amazon.com

With the "Jammin' Oldies" format spreading across America, not to mention the current proliferation of dance-floor-ready DJ discs, the time is right for superstar morning-radio jock Tom Joyner to weigh in. The music on Joyner's Old School Mix is actually cut up by veteran remixer Steve "Silk" Hurley, whose tempo shifts are occasionally sloppy, but who more often executes baaad segues such as the one from Slave's "Slide" into Heatwave's "Groove Line." Whether you're a fan of the no-rap approach or a hip-hop kid in need of deep-dish '70s and early-'80s stompers, this is a good party to crash. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Excellent!
This certainly brought back a whole lot of good memories. The choices of the songs were very balanced. The music of the 70's was some of the best music written-a phase that a lot of the younger artist should take note of. Tom you've done a good job, I look forward to the second album of old school music!

Serious Old School Vibes
This CD brought back some serious old school vibes. We jammed all night long! The crowds language mentioned only words like - That's my jam! - Hey Remember That Jam! - This music is bringing back too memories! This CD HAS A SERIOUS COLLECTION OF JAMS!

Brilliantly mix set of classics
I really can't agree with some of the other reviews of this album saying that certain tracks are tired, and sloppily-mixed. Sure, some of the tracks are classics that you will have heard before, but there are several leftfield choices and quite a few real gems. Steve 'Silk' Hurley's mix uses Protools' trickery, tuning and filters to make the transition between tracks either seamlessly or cleverly. Although he is better know for his house tracks/remixes, there's nothing sloppy about this CD at all. Despite the second volume still being my favourite, this first one remains a perfect party-starter, and I can't wait for the next volume to come out.

Technically okay, with the Hurley touch, but....
....how many times can you get away with putting "More Bounce To the Ounce", "Dazz", "Slide" and "Funkin' For Jamaica" (which, like I said earlier, is ubiquitous) on ol' Skool mixes and expect to sound fresh? I am positively surprised that "Atomic Dog" and "Genius Of Love" is not on this, this being a bucket of cliches...find something new, we're wearing these jams out.

All the "Party People" in the house, let's jam!
Tom Joyner, host of one of America's most popular radio shows, has crafted an "old school mix" featuring a slew of some of the greatest dance classics of the 70's. Talk about your hits, this one has the ones that had discos "thumping and bumping" into the morning's wee hours. "Best of My Love, "Got to be Real," "Le Freak," "I'm Every Woman," along with fourteen other "scorchers" will get those hearts a-pumpin' and those feet a-jumpin'!

An additional note, always the humanitarian and concerned citizen, Joyner includes information about his foundation in the hopes of acquiring funds to help needy college-bound kids.

The check is in the mail, my man! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

going back to my old days
The song "going back to my roots" makes me remember when I was 18 years. It's the more importante song for me in that time.

Superior disco "oldies" act compilation...
Everyone knows Odyssey's debut album was something special. Later albums steadily diminished, although even at the end a trifle like "Inside Out" balanced sexist lyrics with a gliding production that recalled the sophisticated, bittersweet "Native New Yorker" schtick that made Odyssey famous.

How wonderful that this compilation happens to include most of their first album (including the magnificent "Easy Come, Easy Go/Hold de' Mota Down") and the best of the rest, including thier odd but winning cover of Lamont Dozier's "Going Back To My Roots."

Anyone who remembers only the awful late 80's remake of "One-Two-Three (Shake your Body Down)" is in for a shock; the original was a stripped-down sort of tribal bubble-gum, unlike any disco record I've ever heard. Not to overpraise, but it's very good and above all, ORIGINAL.

The ballad cuts aren't as good as the stompers, but are quite listenable. Sound quality is standard. In short, a bargain...

Classic Dance Music
this Collection takes you back to a time period when the music&feeling was Cool&things were a bit more Mellow."Inside Out&"Native New Yorker" are the cuts.

"ON POINT"
ODYSSEY,ALONG WITH CHIC, EL COCO, FONDA RAE (OVER LIKE A FAT RAT), ETC. IS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE OLD SCHOOL R&B GROUPS TO EVER BLESS THE EARS. "INSIDE OUT" AND "NATIVE NEW YORKER" ARE MY MOST FAVORITE SONGS BY ODYSSEY. LIVING IN CHARLOTTE IT'S NOT EASY TO HEAR THAT TYPE OF MUSIC, NEW YORK IS BLESSED IN THAT IT'S A CITY WITH VERY GOOD OLD SCHOOL RADIO STATIONS. PEACE.

Native New Yorker
For all us "Thirty-somethings" and "Forty-somethings" this title song makes us go back in time....It makes us remember good all times! Even if we never went to Studio 54 and enjoy a crazy night with Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol and Halston, the song makes us believe that we were there with the "beautiful people"... For all the retro music lovers that always have loved Disco (even if we were forced to keep it silent in the eighties "Anti-disco Inquisition") this is a must to your collection! Just next to Bad Girls, YMCA, I will Survive and Dancing Queen! Two thumbs up! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A wide sampling of late 70's top-40
OK, maybe some of these tunes are not destined to be standards thirty years from now, but this volume does cast a broad net over the singles on the top-40 charts during the later 70's. Some one-hit wonders, some teeny-bopper fluff, some more substantial musical works and a few lesser-charting follow-ups show up in this near-the-end volume in the series. And rather than being a detriment, the inclusion of other charting hits by artists who had other more popular tunes is actually a refreshing benefit. Who needs to have the same oft-repeated stuff show up for the umpteenth time on a 70's collection? But this grouping is not of slouches by any means as nearly half of the included tracks were top-10 pop charters. As with other volumes in the series, there are readable trivia for each of the included tunes and while nothing revelatory is evident, the sound quality is respectable with all tracks in stereo. Contrary to what seems the general consensus, this volume does offer collectors of the era's pop music more pluses than minuses and is definitely a worthwhile addition to the series.

Weaker effort
"Super Hits of the '70's - Have A Nice Day Vol. 24" contains an even balance of strong and weak latter '70's Top 40 hits. The CD's strong points are well stated in the tracks "Makin' It" (David Naughton),"Save Your Kisses For Me" (Brotherhood Of Man), the unique and untimely instrumental "Feels So Good" (Chuck Mangione), the Bee Gees penned "Emotion" (Samantha Sang). The strongest of these strong points in this collection is the Andrew Gold smash "Thank You For Being A Friend" (which, of course was later re-recorded by an unknown artist and was used as the theme of the hit '80's sitcom "The Golden Girls"). Let's not forget the Elvis Presley tribute song "The King Is Gone", complete with a well-styled Presley-like vocal, courtesy of Ronnie McDowell. Unfortunately, the weaker tracks noticeably offset the stronger ones. Therefore, Rhino could have put better songs in the place of such horrendous tracks as the Eric Carmen penned "Hey Deanie" (Shaun Cassidy), "Love Fire" (Jigsaw), "Everybody Be Dancin'" (Starbuck) [with these two groups putting out much stronger previous tracks with "Sky High" and "Moonlight Feels Right", respectively, which are also contained in previous volumes in this '70's series] and perhaps the most horrendous track of all, which rears its' ugly head here with "Did You Boogie With Your Baby" (Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids). "Vol. 24" provides adequate middle ground, as featured in the tracks "Heaven On The 7th Floor" (Paul Nicholas) and in the doo-wop styled "Street Corner Serenade" (Wet Willie). Even though "Vol. 24" is perhaps the most mediocre effort of this 25 volume CD series, you'll find that there are better volumes in this series, hands down. "Vol. 24" is recommended for completists only.

There are better volumes..
but this one isnt all that bad, it has rarities in it. "emotion" by samantha sang is one of them. She vanished after that effort (which was produced by the BeeGees) but what a hit it was. I guess if you are going to soak the money into the complete series, you need this volume.

The worst CD in the series, but still essential
Yes, this CD is the bummer of the series of 25, but "Thank You For Being A Friend" and "Did You Boogie" pull it out of the fire and make it worth buying.

Rhino Loses Steam Here
This is the weakest volume in the 25-volume set. Rhino either lost their enthusiasm for the project on this one or ran out of money to purchase song rights. Several hits from this era would have added weight to this volume, and would have matched the earlier spirit of the project. How about "Reminiscing" by Little River Band? "Children of the Sun" by Billy Thorpe? And, a song that is referred to numerous times in liner notes of previous volumes -- "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty? Rhino rallies a bit in Vol. 25, but this one is a stinker. Most of these songs were marginal hits, and you'll understand why when you hear them. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Give her an Encore
This is an impressive collection of an underrated career. "The Best of Cheryl Lynn" starts on target with the 1978 anthem "Got to be real" (#1 R&B) and doesn't slow down. As you continue to listen to this fine collection, you are privilaged to have gems such as "Givin' my love to you" (1978), "I've got faith in you" (1980), and "Keep it Hot"(1980).

Also in this collection is "If this world were mine"
(1982, #4 R&B), Georgie Porgie"(1978) and Cheryl's second #1 R&B charttopper "Encore" (1984).

It is definitely a full retrospect of a fine studio career. A must have for your Diva Disco/R&B collection.

Buy it, you won't regret it!!!!!!

yes georgy porgy
oh yes cheryl lynn was bad got to be real is one of the most sample disco jams ever and gorgy porgy the way eric benet and faith evans remade it was cool but I will always love the original version of a timeless classic God I miss the 70's it's a shame this kind of stuff isn't exposed to the kids now insteadof the same endless compilations with the same songs.

A Great CD, But Not Mrs. Lynn's Best
As a huge Cheryl Lynn fan I love just about everything she sang. I love the sound of her voice. So, I don't have a problem with any of the songs on this cd and that is why I rated it a 5 stars. However, I do agree with the person who wrote the previous post. (BTW "Encore" is on this cd) This cd doesn't feature all the songs that hit the charts and received radio air-play. Of the 15 tracks, only 7 charted and one of those was "Georgy Porgy" by Toto. That means more then half the cd features songs that never charted or received minimal, if any, airplay. So this cd seems to have been made more for the die-hard fans and not the casual ones, which may explain why it didn't sell enough to be charted. Throughout her career Cheryl charted 18 songs, but only 7 of those appear on this cd. Again, I love everything Cheryl sang, so the songs aren't the problem. But I think they should have added 3 or 4 maybe 5 other charted hits like "In The Night", "Instant Love", "This Time", "At Last Your Mine" and "Fidelity." The Japanese version of The Best Of Cheryl Lynn features some of the above mentions as well as other charted hits. I would like to see a double cd Anthology released of Cheryl's greatest music. Until then this cd will do fine or, if your fortunate enough to get the Japanese version, it will do even better. "CHERYL PLEASE COME BACK AND SAVE US FROM THE LACK OF TALENT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TODAY!!!" ;o(

Very good...but it's missing several wonderful songs
I purchased this CD when it was first released because I was, and still am, a huge Cheryl Lynn fan. She has a unique voice with quite a range. One hit that's missing from this collection is "Encore". How could that song have been omitted? I was also in search of several other Cheryl Lynn songs that received moderate airplay in the eighties. Unfortunately, those songs are missing here. To make matters worse, the albums don't seem to be in print any longer. Does anyone remember "Instant Love", an uptempo tune produced by Luther Vandross? What about "In The Night", a mellow Ray Parker Jr. production? Or how about "Fidelity", a song that sounds very similar to "Encore"? Since the albums aren't around any longer and they aren't on her "Best Of..." collection, I feel cheated. Thank goodness I least taped them from the radio! Even though the sound isn't as crisp as when played back from a CD, I can at least listen to the songs every now and then.

Sony/Columbia! Need This Fine CD Upgraded!
These Cheryl Lynn tunes deserve upgrading. Here's how.
#1 More remastering. So much so that when Cheryl is talking about *not* going to Puerto Rico and the man almost runs over her at the end of Sleep Walking, we can understand it all. So much so that when the Jerry Hay horn arrangements kick in on I've Got Just What You Need, it really kicks in.
#2 The long version of Got To Be Real. Put it on here. Along with the cuts Instant Love and Baby. Don't get me wrong, I still love this product, but I also love Cheryl so much I want to see her dynamic sound get some justice. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With this hugely entertaining Classic Edition collection, Grandmaster Flash (a founding father of hip-hop and turntablism) has fashioned an indispensable release. Evoking big cars, bad suits, disco balls, and intensive hedonism, Flash fuses dancefloor stormers with wistful bits of yesteryear. The mix twists and turns, from Positive Force's "We Got the Funk" to James Brown's "Give It Up or Turn It Loose," before Flash drops "You're the One for Me" by D-Train. Every cut induces severe booty shake or warm and fuzzy nostalgia--or both, best illustrated when Blondie's "Rapture" segues into the marvelous "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" by InDeep. Every half-serious music lover should own some Grandmaster Flash, for no collection is complete without him. --Steffan Chirazi ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Flash-a true master
Grandmaster Flash is truly the DJ of all time and he definitely proved it by releasing this breathtaking mix.A true pioneer and creator of "The Message". The guy was obviously light years ahead of everyone back then as well as today. This mix starts off with Flash's cool intro changing into Nu Shooz-I cant wait.The mixmaster includes The Fatback Band-I found Lovin' which had one of the tightest beats for 1984.Flash also includes monster tracks such as D-Train's you're the one for me,Indeep's Last night a Dj saved my life as well as Afrika Bambataas' Planet Rock where he adds some of his own scratching in a phenomenal way. I also had a chance to see him live in SF a few months ago and i honestly lost my mind. If you are into this kind of music(best there ever was unlike today's waste)you have to buy this cd. A true classic with over 70 minutes of the best mixing and scratching. The Flash is the best Dj of all time.

Fortunately, He Still Got Love For Da Game!
Since I've purchased this CD, it has hardly ever left my car, much less my CD player. Flash is on top of his game here. He includes such classics as "I Can't Wait" (Nu Shooz), ""Before I Let Go" (Maze), and "Rapture" (Blondie). This CD is a must have for those who love the genre. It will provide a nice flashback to the 80s and have your car mirror quakin' with some serious sounds. It is good to know that each song is mixed into the next one and Flash does not miss a beat.

Another seminal mix album from Grandmaster Flash¿.
Not to be confused with "The Official Adventures of Grandmaster Flash" which still stands as one the greatest mix Album ever.....this is more of a personal introduction of music from the 80's era with a seminal track selection from the Grandmaster. And as soon as "Nu Shooz's - I Can't Wait" kicks of the proceedings, it just an amazing retrospection of why some of the 80's bands where held in such high regard. "Blondie" makes an appearance with one of her best tracks "Rapture" (where she was one of the first white females to rap), and "Indeep's - Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" disco-anthem, with the godfather of soul...'James Brown' appearing on "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose" providing the funk side of things, and not forgetting "Afrika Bambaataa's - Planet Rock" provides a non-stop catalogue of hits....obviously supremely mixed & Scratched by Grandmaster (who subtly mixes in the tracks, instead of grand scratch heavy introductions)....if you haven't bought a Grandmaster Flash album then buy "The Official Adventures of Grandmaster Flash"....but if you already have that (or can afford to buy two albums)..buy this as well, for a wonderfully insightful look at the music that influenced the Grandmaster.

summertime goodness
This CD is such a pick-me-up! In fact, I'd say it is one of my very favorite sunshine, summertime CDs. Flash keeps the mix moving with classic sing-along tracks that are all guaranteed to make you smile.

Flash is the theme of my youth
I heard an interview on public radio with Flash about this cd. Flash is someone I knew was important to the history of hiphop and related forms, but until I started hearing the tracks from this cd, I didn't realize he taught 'em all they know!

This cd is like playing back the time of my life when I wasn't hip enough for this kinda music, but heard it in the background EVERYWHERE. I was surprised that, not believing I could necessarily name a single track of the Grandmaster, I recognized just about all of them. You turn it on and you're dancing around--it's a good, happy vibe. Just about every track contains something someone since has ripped off/borrowed from Flash.

If you like Flash, get this. If you like contemporary forms of urban music and don't know much about Flash, this will surprise you as it did me--you know more than you think. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not Always, Really
Sometimes, artists can be very surprising with the actual music they've endured in the 80's. Atlantic Starr was one of those acts. The glitter and the sonnets of the group really remained as a constant in the 80's. The songs they've made really have shown a lot of soul, which a lot of people don't seem to recognize time after time. That still hasn't changed the atmosphere of what the essence is like. Although they really aren't popular anymore, the music still is considered as one of the best guilty pleasure acts that came out of the 80's. As for Greatest Hits collections, that is another masterpiece trying to find in itself.

The 2001 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection of Atlantic Starr, is a budget CD as part of the lengthy Universal budget line of Greatest Hits Collections. Although they do intend to be cheap, the music is cheaper because a lot of great songs are missing. The songs here really range more from Atlantic Starr during their reign with A&M, and not actually focusing on their outlook with Warner Brothers and Reprise records. The songs here range with great standards including the soulful Send For Me, the dynamic Touch A Four Leaf Clover, and the most popular song from Atlantic Starr, the #1 hit Always. Although the collection of songs is quite adequate, a lot of songs could've been added here including the soulful Masterpiece, Love Crazy, My First Love, and a whole lot more to the mix.

Instead of getting this collection of Atlantic Starr's hits, try getting the Ultimate Collection of Atlantic Starr released a year earlier. It is really a much better hits collection than this one really is. But, if you can't find that one this will always have to do.

Always
...Just bought this album because I like the band. I only had the A&M collection (Secret Lovers... The Best Of) in my own collection. This CD is (in my eyes & ears) a bit too short (52 minutes), considering how 'fruitfull' their music was/is. Silver Shadow is in it's 12" remix (I didn't have it yet) and Secret Lovers is in it's single mix. Both version were BETTER on the first collection). I miss quite a lot guitars & other keyboards in Silver Shadow, although this version is very clear to hear. The version of Secret Lovers here, is much shorter, as I already told. Those were the cons, now the pro's: - The digital remaster sounds much better than the others. - All songs are placed in chronological order (which was NOT the case on the CD 'Secret Lovers... The Best Of'), so, it's quite nice to hear this 'growing band' doing their 'thang' from one song into another. And last but not least: - 'Always' is included at the end (Atlantic Starr signed to Warner in 1987 and that was their first single) which was never the case earlier. So: It's a fine collection. I like Circles, Silver Shadow, Secret Lovers and Always the most ... ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Everlasting talent.
Andy Gibb's second album doesn't quite have the memorable songs of his debut, 'Flowing Rivers', but is still a good example of his and the Bee Gees excellence.

Andy had a great voice, closer in style to Barry than Robin, but he wasn't so heavy with the falsetto. His songwriting abilities are obviously inspired by his brothers, too. He pens 6 songs alone here, along with 2 co-writes with Barry.

The brilliant rhythmic title track is the absolute highlight here. Even back in 1978 when the 'Gees were EVERYWHERE, this stood out. It was his last #1 single, too. 'Everlasting Love' was another lovely moment, it's just so darn catchy! Andy covered his brothers' '(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away' to perfection. It even improves on their version.

Andy's own songs have the usual Bee Gees 'feel' to them, though are perhaps a little more slight. The rocky 'I Go For You' is probably his best sole composition though 'One More Look At Night', 'Good Feeling' and 'Fool For A Night' would all have made good singles.

It was such a shame that Andy only made three albums, all of which were splendid. At the time of his tragic death in 1988, he was planning to become the fourth Bee Gee. What a wonderful addition he would have been.

Best Album of the Disco Era
After I first played this CD, I realized that it was better than I thought it would be (and I thought it would be pretty good). I was expecting mostly disco type songs, but there's a lot of ballads and R & B and country flavored tracks. Sometimes I wonder why Andy's own songs weren't released as singles because they were very unique and just as good as the ones his brothers wrote. "Melody" is one of my favorites, he really sings that one especially well. Really, there isn't a bad song on this CD. I would definitely recommend this to everyone. Andy is definitely the most underrated artist ever. It's totally beyond me why his songs aren't played and appreciated more by critics and regular music lovers alike. Hopefully, he'll be included in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame along with his brothers when he becomes eligble next year.

'As Good As It Gets'
Having been a fan of Andy Gibbs for years, I love his voice so. And this album is a masterpiece. He was so young and oh so talented. When he sang, my heart would melt and continues to do so afer all these years. When I hear "Shadow Dancing" I still feel the same that I felt when I first heard his sweet voice. We lost a treasure when he died............It was nice to have been able to express my thoughts. Thank you, Sheilla Bauman.

Classy Pop
This megaselling album kicks off with the brilliant title track that topped the charts for 8 weeks way back in 1978. This song represents the cream of the disco genre - melodic, passionate and hypnotic. Why is a great ballad with a compelling chorus and lovely backing vocals, while Fool For A Night, written by Andy alone, is a neat piece of pop. This is followed by the catchy hits An Everlasting Love and Don't Throw It All Away, the second one a smoldering ballad. My other favorites include One More Look At The Night and Melody which again is more pop than disco. The best tracks here: Shadow Dancing, Why, Everlasting Love and Our Love, were all produced by Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson, so that distinctive late 70's Bee Gees sound is prominent. But with his voice and phrasing, Andy stamps his own personality on this classy and engaging collection of superb songs.

The Album That Topped The Charts!
In 1978 all four Gibb Brothers wrote, produced and released the Top Song of the year, "Shadow Dancing". It settled Andy Gibb into mainstream conciousness as a rock star and teen idol not to be dismissed. It garnered more hits like, "Why" (released overseas), "Everlasting Love" and the #2 unbelievably beautiful ballad, "(Our Love)Don't Throw It All Away". The other six songs are strong as well, but don't reach the level of intensity, save for "I Go For You", which was donated to UNICEF. This album reached number one and the reasons are all in the ear. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

unknown 80's music
As a big 80's pop music fan, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at this compilation. I bought used at a low price. This cd really lets you hear the way music sounded in the 80's. Some titles I wasn't familiar with but they were all good. Could have done without the foreign version of "Mickey." You may even recall hearing some of these songs in 80's movies like "Living in a Box" in "Can't Buy Me Love". Worth picking up for avid 80's fans.

How do you build an 80s compilation?
Like the other four entries in the Living in Oblivion series, this disc is pretty hit and miss. There are some great, now-lost tracks here, ones that I'm happy to have on disc again (Mickey, Get It On, Lay Your Hands On Me, 88 Lines ..., some others). And then there are songs that I never heard in the 80s(and by around 1981 I was listening to a LOT of radio), and I don't think I was missing much.

If I had my way, I'd try to condense the 5 CDs into 3 -- there are enough gems to fill three CDs easily, and about 2 CDs worth of songs that I would just as soon see slip back into oblivion.

More of the hits from the 80's of which I was oblivious
There is certainly something to be said for any collection of songs from the 80's that gives you Katrina and the Waves singing "Walking on Sunshine" along with Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill." The most recognizable track on this one is One Hit Wonder Tony Basil's "Mickey," which you get in English AND in Spanish. There are tracks by Culture Club and Debbie Harry, but my favorite track is "Heart and Soul" by T'Pau. You gotta love any group named after a minor character from the original Star Trek. I think Volume 1 is the better of the first two, but then it is quite clear to me that I was listening to a different radio station in the 80's. Look over the play list and see if there are five or six tracks you would like to add to your collection; if so, then go for this one.

Lotta good stuff, some alternate of the alternate
I bought this CD because it was the only place I've been able to find "88 Lines about 44 Women" by The Nails.

After I bought it, I found there are several tracks here that I really like, such as "Heart and Soul" by T'Pau and "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush. I also feel that people like Kate Bush, who continued making CDs -after- the 80s deserved better than the title of the disk "Living in Oblivion".

Then there are the alternate tracks. The version of "Lay Your Hands On Me" by the Thompson Twins is not the one you probably expect, but is rather some alternate mix. I found this disappointing.

I also started wondering about "88 Lines...". I think it might be a marriage proposal, but I'm not certain.

Anyway, this is a good CD but not a perfect one.

Volume 2 probably the best of 5
I have Vol. 1-5 and I personally think #2 is the best. I know it's sappy and lame, but I love The Neverending Story and it always makes me think flying dogs, of course! ... Read more

Album Details

Includes Two UK Only Bonus Tracks, the Darkness " I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and Aretha Franklin "Think". ... Read more

Reviews (6)

See What Imagination Can Do?
Earth,Wind & Fire is not only the name of one of this album's best songs but is a statement of intent for a band now
throughlly blending earthy funk,breezy jazz-pop and firey playing
all at once.And here they turn a disadvantage into an advantage
by using the gospel-soul of the tital song as a tribute to the
now deceased arranger Charles Stepney.But that isn't all that's
good here,see!"Getaway" is a classic that DESERVES it's hit
status while "On Your Face" and "Saturday Night" are powerful jams out of the "Shinning Star"-school of all time "united" funk" classics."Imagination" recalls "Devotion" in it's smooth
funk feel and the instrumenatl "Biyo" comes to grips with a
disco-funk vibe.But whatever EWF are doing,especially here,nothing will dissappoint!

A Great Album made even better!
Spirit has always been one of my favorite albums and EW&F's best in my opinion. Every song is a hymn and anthem to positive thinking and the joy of being alive. The wonderful "Spirit,' "On Your Face," "Imagination," "Burning Bush," etc. are all here as before, but the added tracks add dimension. I've always wondered why "Departure" was only 28 seconds on the original. Now we get to hear it in it's intended entirety along with an additional snippet called "African Symphony." The previously unreleased "Seraphin" also adds to the fun. So a great album is made even greater in the process-buy it!

Great Album under not so great circumstances
This may be my favorite Earth, Wind and Fire album not only because of the finished product but also because of the very tramatic circumstances the group faced while recording it. In the middle of recording this album the groups longtime co-producer and Maurice White's mentor and friend Charles Stepney passed away. The album title and the song Spirits are tributes to this soul and R&B legend.
Under such circumstances to make an album of this magnitude is simply outstanding. From the opening, this record cooks with the songs "Getaway" and "On your Face", then Philip Bailey gets a chance to showcase his unparalled falsetto on "Imagination" after that comes the tribute "Spirits" where Bailey once again takes the lead and shows why his vocal abilities are second to none. Then the group really starts getting serious with the funky "Saturday Nite", then comes one of my all time favorite songs, the mystical "Earth, Wind and Fire" a song that defines this group like no other. After that comes the interlude "Departure" and the instrumental "Biyo" which showcases one of the Elements greatest strengths, their unbelieveable musicianship. The grand finale is the beautifully written "Burning Bush" with it's lush horns, gorgeous orchestrations and wonderful vocal harmonies. This album and the circumstances under which it was completed once again affirms why Earth, Wind and Fire are one of the greatest bands this world has ever seen.

The continuation of a phenomenal streak of great releases
Coming on the heels of what may be the greatest double album of all time, (Gratitude), EWF comes up big with Spirit, "Imagination" is an incredible ballad, "On Your Face", although left off of every greatest hits compilation I've ever seen, is funk/shuffle at its best, "Getaway" and "Saturday Nite" are also CD fillers. All N' All follows this one, then I Am. What a run!

Only if you don't have the original relelase.
Quite excited about the idea of getting to listen to previously unreleased material from EWF, I got this one, even if I already had the vinyl release and the cd that came out some years ago.

My feeling after listening to it several times is that the record company or whoever decided what was going to be on here could have done much better and more, which is why I would rate it closer to three stars than four... Sure enough, the 36 minute original album is now 50 minutes long and the "packaging" (sleeve and drawing on the cd itself) is sexier. But the 5 extra tracks are just that, extra tracks. The saturday nite alternate mix doesn't really vary that much from the original one. "Seraphim" sounds great but only lasts 2 minutes and 7 seconds, and gives the impression of tunes on a demo tape that was never finished. "Imagination" 1 minute and 3 seconds. "African symphony" is less than two minutes.

If you don't have the original release, get this one for the same price. It is a masterpiece anyway (over 5 stars) without the extra tracks. If you have the original release, you will be paying one or two tracks the price of a cd. I'm not really sure that is worth the cash. Unless you are a collector and must have everything these guys have released, in which case I can recommend you to absolutely get the triple cd collection called "The eternal dance". ... Read more

Reviews (7)

a sound all their own!!!
this collection is chalk full ofgreat stuff...yet the one track that stands out for me is the veryinspired arrangement of "love andhappiness." IT ROCKS!!! i recallhearing this at the popular dancevenue of the day where they blastedit through their system. it was atranscendant experience. well....probably the drug du jour helped...but seriously, this is timeless. ittruly sounds as good today as itdid then. and to think that the synth was accompaniment alongsidereal musical instruments! 'smartypants,' and 'newsy neighbors' werepopular songs amongst my pals. itwas 'armed and extremely dangerous'that hit the airwaves with a banggetting peoples attention everywhere and is a classic today. thereare so many great, timeless songsthat fall by the wayside. why notre-release some of these as if theywere new and start a trend. i believe a new generation woud appreciate this stuff as much as we didthey need only be exposed.

first choice wow
i heard the first choice in a disco in philly in 1975, i was blown away with armed and extremely dangerous track that was playing as i came in. it is so great to be able to have them on cd and sounding just as good as they did back then. first rate selection of their vast music career. i love them as i do donna summer,candi staton,vicki sue robinson. please buy it if you can. thanks and take care

THIS CD SHOULD BE YOUR.............
First Choice. This is essential disco. This philly trio never left their gospel roots either. With disco classics like "Let no man put asunder"(later covered by Mary J. Blige on her "MARY" cd) and "Love Thang". Their smash hits "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "Dr. Love", and "The Player" are also classics of the genre. The inclusion of the ballad "Do me again" is a major plus and proves First Choice could throw down on the love jams also. Although their thumping, bumping version of Stevie Wonder's "Love Having You Around" should have been included for the intro alone, however this greatest hits package is First Choice's best overall offering. Make it your "first choice"!

WHERE IT ALL STARTED
FIRST CHOICE WAS OUT OF THE PHILLY SCENE OF THE 1970'S. AND WITH ONE LISTEN TO HITS LIKE "DR. LOVE" AND "ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS" YOU KNOW THEY WERE AMONG THE ELITE OF R&B GIRL GROUPS OF THE 70'S. THE OTHER THING THAT MAKES THIS COLLECTION THE BEST OF THEIR WORK IS THUMPING, BUMPING VERSIONS OF "LOVE THANG", "HAPPY LOVE AFFAIR" AND THE DISCO CLASSIC "LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER". THE INCLUSION OF THE BALLAD "DO ME AGAIN" IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. MAKING THIS CD A "FIRST CHOICE"!!

First Choice....come back again
God, where do I start? First Choice was/is a first class act. Under the aegis of BHY, Baker Harris Young, these trackes are fully the ultimate of classic disco/dance. Mind you disco is not a dirty word! The DANCE music of today owes a hell of a lot to these classics. Just listen to the medley from the Hold Your Horses LP...smooth classic Philly sound..Oh I could go on and on, but I need to slip this disc onto my player...I do recommed this CD ... Read more

Amazon.com

Given the multimedia frenzy that accompanied Princess Diana's untimely death, it's somehow appropriate that the tragedy should inspire this album--a 2 CD set featuring 36 old and new tracks by an array of international stars--with a portion of the proceeds going to a Memorial Fund established in the late Princess' name. But, with Diana's death as the only unifying thread (and a tenuous one at that), it's not a particularly consistent or cohesive listen. But it's hard to argue with such an impressive array of stars including Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, the Spice Girls, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Puff Daddy, Aretha Franklin, R.E.M., Sinead O'Connor, Seal, George Michael, Des'ree, Bryan Ferry, and Michael Bolton (joining opera star Placido Domingo to perform "Ave Maria"). --Scott Schinder ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Something For Everyone
No matter if you are a fan of rap or classical music, there is something for you on this CD, and every song is meaningful to Princess Diana. My only gripe would be that, although there are 13 totally new songs on these two CDs, there are some really old ones, too, from Diana Ross and Barbara Streisand. It just makes me wonder if songs from the 1970s was the best donations these two women could make to this otherwise wonderful selection.

Beatiful album cover, good idea, too big a variety of music
I got this album when it first came out, like so many of us did, and was a little disappointed. Many musicians contributed to this album, some of them first released their songs here, but the variety is too great. While I like the idea of a tribute to the Princess this double album is a very strange mix of music, I've always wondered how someone came up with the selection. I do like many of the selections, but was this list compiled from artists in Diana's colllection of recordings or did various family members come up with people they liked? I do like the idea that someone thought to include "I am in love with the world" by Chicken Shed, they are a childrens group that the Princess was a Patron of.

I am soooooooooo hungry!
As I was listening to this c.d., I got such an appetite! ;) i WAS LIKE, i'M GONNNA GO GET A BOWL OF CEREAL, AND IT WAS LIKE 4 IN THE AFTERNOON! LOL Sorry that I've been typing in caps. lol
The best thing about this c.d. is that it's all Priness Dianay and it helps us all feel that we somehow are/were a part of her life when in reality she had no idea who we were and probably didn't care about. I like to feel important. Gotta go eat! lol ;)

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER?
I imagine Diana's family and friends wish that she could have lived forever, even though it is impossible. I love this CD and bought it shortly after her death while I was in Manchester, England. This CD is a touching tribute to a genuinely great human being who was taken much to soon. She is greatly missed. My four favorite songs on this CD are: Little Willow by Paul McCartney, Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen, Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton and Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. I don't particularly care for I'll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy and Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion. She would have been better served by Across the Universe by the Beatles and Yesterday by the Beatles than that trite garbage.

A wonderful tribute to a wonderful human being
This album is a fitting tribute to a wonderful human being. I hope that she knows how much people grieved for her and how much she is missed. The songs on this cd set bring a lump to my throat whenever I listen to them..who can fail to be touched? I know that most of them were written long before Dianas death, but now, after being on this album, will forever be tied to her. It is a wonderful album, wonderful songs and wonderful artists. What more can be said! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I saw GQ @ NC State's Aug 1979 Pan African Festival
Lakeside, Bar-Kays, GQ and Peabo for 9.00! In a sentence........DEM BOYZ THREW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Emmanuel Raheim Leblanc and the crew were smokin. Hitting every note just right and we all wuz lovin'it.
Herb, you were the SCHNIZZIT on the keyboards. Wouldn't trade that for anything. Brings back exceptionally fond memories.

GQ...
Like Herb Lane of GQ, I really can't rate this album either. I have been a fan since... well I can't say but it's been a very very long time. The music is always jammin!!! I was able to catch a show back in 2001 and man!!! It was OUTSTANDING!!! The crowd was roaring and I know I was dancing and was totally amazed at the performance. Looking at my name, yes I am related to one of the members of the group but nevermind that. The music is hitting. I look forward to hearing more from them in the future. We need more good music! Peace and love to everyone. Let's have more Disco Nights!!!

The Live Show
I honestly can't comment on the CD, I haven't purchased it yet, but I will. I saw GQ perform live at the Robin Hood Dell East in Philadelphia on Monday, Aug 4 2003 with Slave and Cameo. While Cameo was very good, without a doubt GQ stole the show. GQ was phenominal. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. GQ provided the best concert I had seen in YEARS. The only other concert that was even CLOSE was a Mary J Blidge concert I saw in Atlantic City. After seeing GQ live, I WILL be purchasing this CD. They are BADDD!

Thanks to All!!
Hello,
My name is Herb Lane. I had the time of my life
playing the keys and back vocal (tenor) for the group GQ.
Lots of fond memories and I truly miss the other tree Guys.
I just wanted to say thanks to our fans and that
life is beautiful and still amazing!
Ofcourse I cannot rate my own product. Just filled it in to post.
I am happy to see it still has merrit.

Herb of GQ

good disc
i've always enjoyed there flow and style.i do love you still sounds great as does disco nights. there voices were strong on these songs.a good collection to have. ... Read more

Album Description

Previously available only from Japan, this a lower-pricedpressing of Bootsy's 1976 Warner Brothers album, co-producedby George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Seven tracks,including 'Stretchin' Out (In A Rubber Band)' and 'I'dRather Be With You'. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Classic
This is truly an all-time classic! Every single track is a soulful funky masterpiece. "I'd Rather Be With You" (catchy), "Love Vibes" (both soothing and thrilling) and "Vanish In Our Sleep" (haunting) are some of the most beautiful songs of the whole P-Funk canon, while "Psychoticbumpschool" will definitely get you movin'. PLAY LOUD!

They call me Casper...
Let me take you back just a little bit...to a time of 6-inch afros, platform shoes, strawberry and coconut scented afro hairspray, dashikis, Mad Dog 20/20, Wild Irish Rose and Yago Sangria wine. (I never thought some of these things would make a comeback in the late '90s and 21st century...but...oh well.) It's the mid '70s, the funk decade, and I'm a freshman at Salem State College in Salem, MA. My roommate burst into the room late one Saturday night, and he was ecstatic as he described a song ("Stretchin' Out...") he had just heard played at the campus radio station. We were, and still are, loyal funkateers, as he explained that Funkadelic/Parliament's bass player, Bootsy Collins, had gone solo. Other than seeing his name on P-Funk album credits, I had no idea who Bootsy was or what he looked like, but I knew if he was associated with the funk mob he had to be badder than a 3-year-old in church early Sunday morning. When I finally purchased and had the opportunity to listen to the entire album, I was blown away. With the volume knob turned to 10, I must've pumped those grooves into my cerebral cortex at least three dozen times that day before I finally gave the album a much needed rest.

From start to finish, this album quenches your thirst for the sweet nectar of old-school funk. The opening track "Stretchin Out..." is so nasty and funky you'll swear you can smell and see the vapors comin' off the disc/album, and you're personally introduced to the sub-sonic twangs and bangs of Bootsy's intergalactic, custom-made "Space Bass"; you'll never be the same again. Just as you're ready to give your booty a rest, "Psychoticbumpschool" snatches you by bootyus maximus and forces you, although pleasantly, to shake what your mamma gave ya. "Another Point of View", the sleeper jam on the album, is just as funky but with a smoother groove guided by either a cowbell or woodblock tempo, with an ethereal synthesizer outro. "I'd Rather Be With You" is one of those songs you listen to when you're on the phone late at night, candles glowing, incense burning, trying to convince that special someone to drop by for a late night snack...if you know what I mean. The aptly named "Vanish in Our Sleep", the final track, will tuck you in for the evening after your ear holes have been thoroughly satisfied. Bottom line: If you are accumulating research material for your PhD in funkology, this CD is an absolutely essential.

Warning: Make sure all research references are listed on your footnote page. Plagiarism will not be tolerated!

Bringing the Funk Here
when you hear Bootsy Collins you are Hearing a Cat who knows how to make the Funk talk backwards,sideways,forward&everything else in Between.the Jam off this Set was "I'd rather be with you" Bootsy shocked everybody with a slow jam that is still Golden after all of these years."Physical Love" is a Bumping Slamming Bass Heavy Groove that never lets up.the P-Funk Mob is in full Effect here.but you know it's Bootsy's Show.YABBA DABBA DOOOOOO!!!

hallelulah
man you must buy this cd if you love p-funk, or is a bootsy fan, this cd has punishing basslicks all to the last song, the first jam stretchin out has bootsy introducing casper to the world the jam is infectuious man, then the next cut psychoticbumpskool has casper coming back to haunt us for a second round while the rubber band gives us their names then bootsy gives us a punishing wicked bassline you'll be like man does this stop, funk no-then another point of view has casper for a third round this time the rubber band goes maggot brain, damn-catfish is underrated, i'd rather be with you is one of the best p-funk songs of all time and one of the most sampled mudbone gets his props, i love boot's vocals he made ballads cool, the next cut love vibes features leslyn bailey who only stuck around for this album, not a bad jam at all highly overlooked, the cut physical love is the bomb for these reasons, 1 bootsy gives us a wicked bassline, 2 mudbone, and les sound good together, then finally this song features guitar work from eddie hazel himself can this not be even more funky, the last cut vanish in our sleep is the swan song the vocals are dreamy like i said the bomb props to bootsy the greatest bassist of all time, mudbone, p-nut, leslyn bailey, bernie worrell, fred wesley, maceo, kush, catfish, frank waddy, rick gardner the rubber band was one of p-funk's best side projects thank you james brown and george clinton for recognizing bootsy's talent.

The Highest Level Of Funk
Recently at a gathering I spoke to Bootsy's brother Phelps (Catfish) Collins About funk music and we agreed that coming from KING RECORDS ,you had to graduate with the highest level of funk music possible. That is why BOOTSY'S stretching out album exceeds all levels of funk. I recommend that everyone put this funk in their ear. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Very Soulful
this Disc is still solid nearly 25 years Later.Rod Temperton was the main Writer here.but the vocals were just as important.Always&Forever is one of the greatest slow-jams ever.it's a timeless song.the vocals are incredible.Boogie Nights was the Jam&AIn't no Half Steppin' is tight.the music is Banging through out.

LOVE ALL HEATWAVE MUSICS
This band is definitely hot. And I can handle all their music. Heatwave and Johnnie wilder was a great lead singer those days, from 1976 to 1982 when they completed five (5) albums that I continously listen, have with a few extra songs not on albums. I even bought a movie video because it had another heatwave song at the end, not on vinyl. I save and even bought three of their heatwave albums on cd's. I hope they release their other two (2) albums on cd's with bonus songs never release on albums. HEATWAVE IS MY FAVORITE GROUP. TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUNGSTERS ABOUT HEATWAVE MUSICS AND ALL THEIRS CD'S, "TOO HOT TO HANDLE" "CENTRAL HEATING" "CURRENT" AND BEST OF (ETC). DO YOU WANT MORE HEATWAVE MUSICS ??? READ HEATWAVE "CENTRAL HEATING" AND "CURRENT".

Sizzling Mix Of Soul & Funk
Heatwave is one Blazin' Band. All it takes is One listen to this classic album today and you're instantly locked into Heatwave's Hypnotic Grooves! The Funk is Smokin' and Melting Hot,it really is Too Hot To Handle. Heatwave is THE Ultimate Funk Band and on this disc they show they've got The Soul & The Funk to Throwdown. Every track on here is an example of what Brilliant Funk & Soul Music should sound like. Highly Danceable Jams,Catchy Hooks,Mesmerizing Rhythms,Tight Grooves,Great Instrumentation and Soulful Singing are all key ingredients to a classic funk album and Heatwave masters all of the above. This disc has so many funk gems to name like the Phat Slabs of Funk:"Too Hot To Handle","Lay It On Me","Super Soul Sister". It also contains the heavily-sampled "Ain't No Half Steppin'"(Still,Nothin' is as funky as the original),the ballad "Always & Forever", and of course the U.S. & U.K. Chart-Buster,"Boogie Nights" are all included on this Funk Masterpiece. To all the funk addicts out there,go out and buy this CD soon before it's unavailable!

Too Hot To Trot !! "A Clarification"
Heatwave was "formed" in Germany not England, by the Wilder brothers of Dayton, Ohio. This, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

This Band from England... I think NOT! :)
Heatwave is definitely solid as stated above! BUT, the band is not from England as one reviewer says. Heatwave is from good ol'
Dayton, Ohio. How do I know? Because I'm from Dayton, and grew up with the members of the band, and remember how most of them rehearsed and played for dances at the high schools and colleges around town before climbing the charts.

Heatwave was blowin' up the charts around the same time several
other bands from Dayton(i.e. Sun, Ohio Players, and several others from surrounding cities (Bootsie Collins/Bootsie's Rubber Band, et. al. from Cincinnati, Ohio). Yep ! It was great... A great sound was coming out of Ohio at that time! We need more like it today!!!!

Don't believe me?... Check it out...for yourself! All it takes is a little honest research! ... Read more

Reviews (46)

The Only Box Set Worth Buying
I titled my review The Only Box Set Worth Buying because box sets are pretty expensive and when you shed out the dough, you want to be worthwhile. But with ABBA, it's guaranteed to be worthwhile. This box set contains all the ABBA hits and B-Sides. For this review to be easier, I will comment each CD seperately.

CD 1:

This is ABBA in their early years. It includes their first single : People Need Love which is very catchy. Three songs that surprised me on this CD are He Is Your Brother, Hasta Manana and Dance (While The Music Still Goes On) which are really good. And of course you have all the disco-pop hits : Waterloo, S.O.S., Mamma Mia, Fernando and Dancing Queen. My favorite song on this CD is That's Me.

CD 2:

This CD contains mostly Disco songs such as Knowing Me, Knowing You, Take A Chance On Me, Does Your Mother Know, Voulez-Vous, Angel Eyes, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and I Have A Dream. It also has the song Happy Hawaii which was never published on an album but only as a b-side to Knowing Me, Knowing You and the BEST track of the CD and of the ENTIRE BOX SET has to be the previously unreleased full-length version of Summer Night City, a song that truly captures the ABBA spirit.

CD 3:

This CD exposes the years of the Super Trouper and The Visitors albums. The latter going almost completely against ABBA's style of pure pop is quite interesting. Cherished hits also appear on this one like: The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper, Lay All Your Love On Me, Our Last Summer, One Of Us and Head Over Heels­. However, ABBA started to expose their darker side with songs such as : The Visitors, When All Is Said And Done, Like An Angel Passing Through My Room, Under Attack and The Day Before You Came. On this CD, I have four equally favorite songs : Elaine, The Day Before You Came, Cassandra and Under Attack.

CD 4:

This CD consists of B-Sides, the collector's treat on this box set. Some songs turned out to be really good like : Dream World, Thank You For The Music(alternate version), Merry-Go-Round, Pick A Bale Of Cotton/On Top Of Old Smokey/Midnight Special, You Owe Me One and Slipping Through My Fingers/Me And I (Live). But other songs like Hej Gamle Man were just not necessary and Abba Undeleted, which may be a treat for some isn't really that much of a treasure (23 minutes of track that didn't make it to the albums and studio footage). On the plus side, I like their singing in different languages but couldn't they have put the whole Waterloo French version and the whole Waterloo Swedish version instead of a medley, same goes for Ring Ring. This is one of the reasons why I bought ABBA Oro. My favorite song on this CD is You Owe Me One, a poppish song that reminds me of Me And I on the Super Trouper album.

Well, that sums it up. Pretty much all the songs are good, except for a few on CD 4 and I think that buying this box set is money well spent. 4 CDs, 66 tracks, 4 and 1/2 hours of golden music. Who can beat that!

In my mind, ABBA are the greatest entertainers of all time, so do yourself a favor, buy Thank You For The Music!

Should I laugh or cry?
How many songs in the last 30 years are as powerful as the ones here? ABBA will take you through the entire range of emotions on their Box Set "Thank You For The Music."

All your favorites are here. Granted, you are going to have to shell out some bucks for this delightful collection, but hey, it's ABBA! They're worth it! You're worth it!

Especially fun is Disk 4, with all sorts of hard-to-find ABBA songs. If you are an ABBA fan, you'll recognize some of their popular melodies imbedded in a few of these more obscure songs ("Does Your Mother Know" in "Dream World" for example).

A 60-plus page booklet attached to the box contains MANY great ABBA pictures along with some great ABBA history to read.

Should I laugh from the joy ABBA brings? Should I cry that I will never have the chance to hear ABBA live? I'll just put these CDs in my stereo and scream: "ABBA, Thank You for the Music! "

Abba's preeminent box set
There are several Abba boxed sets out there and for my money, this collection is the best. Not only is the track listing exemplary, the sound quality is superb! I also was in Jr. High School and High School when Abba was cranking out top 10 hits. In those days I snuck into the record shop and hid my Abba albums under the cover of Led Zeppelin and then ditched the Zeppelin at the check out counter. It was imperative to hide your face while purchasing Abba albums. They were that uncool. To admit you loved this group in geometry class was to court disaster and be ostracized for the rest of your life.

Such nonsense mattered as a 14 year old, now I can openly say Abba's music is wonderful and their arrangements were as innovative as anything coming out of the 70's. It is simply impossible to listen to Dancing Queen or Take a Chance on Me and not want to hear the songs again and again. The vocal intricacies on Take a Chance are equal to the harmonies on most Beach Boys records. How about Waterloo? Three minutes of the most pulsing, catchy music ever put on a disc.

Abba's music sounds better today than it ever did, particularly when you know what dreck was produced by other bands in the intervening years. They might not have been Dylanesque lyrically, but few have ever written songs with such clever hooks, bridges and infectious rhythm. Thirty years after the fact, the impossible has happened: Abba has finally become cool!

Something for Every Abba Fan
If you are looking for a 'Complete' Abba Collection, then "Thank You For the Music" is the set for you. From reading the book that came with the CD set, it appears that most of Abba's released material is on here. The released material is contained on 3 CDs and a 4th CD contains rare unreleased material.

It seems that nowadays everything that is above 2 CDs that is considered a "Boxed Set". There really have become 2 categories of Boxed Sets. The first is a "Classic Boxed Set". This comes in a covered box about the size of an LP and contains CDs (sometimes in jewel cases, sometimes just on the bottom of the box) and a book about the same size. The second type is more like a 5.5" x 10" hardcover book which I term "Hardcover Box Set'. The CDs basically are stored in the hardcover binding and the book is in the middle. I much prefer what I call the Classic Boxed Set to the Hardcover format. The ABBA set is a Hardcover format. This is disappointing to me because for a 'Complete' collection, I would have liked to see the better presentation. Each CD has an A or B on it and a corresponding pseudo autograph of one of the band members first name.

But don't let the presentation deter you. The content is in this set. What is nice is that the first 3 CDs contain the released material. All of the released material is in sequential order of the release dates. ABBA Gold which is a greatest hits CD did not do this. In the attached book, Carl Magnus Palm has an outstanding disocgraphy that tells when and where every song was recorded and a brief abstract containing some useful information on the song. The discography is also contains pictures of ABBA album covers and singles.

The real gem of this set is the 4th CD - this contains the rare and unreleased material. There are 2 medleys - "Pick a Bale of Cotton" and "Abba Undeleted". The Abba Undeleted medley is fantastic. It basically has raw unmastered recordings melded together - outstanding. There are also non English versions of Waterloo, Ring Ring, and Honey Honey.

The attached book is also a nice thing to have in your collection. There is a 'brief' foreward from Frida, Agnetha, Benny, and Bjorn to introduce the collection. Manager and lyric writer Stig Anderson also writes a brief preface. On the page with the Stig Anderson preface is a photo of the band in which Agnetha and Frida wear the kitty shirt/dresses from the SOS video. In general, I wish all of the photos were larger - especially that one. The whole booklet contains lots of pictures and photos that really embelish it nicely. There are then 3 articles by various writers the chronicle the history and impact of the band, a section on ABBA memorabilia (that includes a photo of the ABBA action figures), a section devoted to ABBA outfits (yes the kitty shirt/dresses are mentioned), the discography, and a section on credits to the box set.

There is something for everyone on this boxed set. It is good for the deep fan as well as good for the casual fan. Highly recommended.

ABBA 101.
A fine collection of ABBA's hit singles and key album tracks, along with an entertaining mix of outtakes and rarities. A few minor quibbles: the drastically edited version of "The Name of the Game" is used, rather than the far superior full-length album version, and the booklet does not contain the lyrics. All in all, though, this is all the ABBA most casual fans would ever want, and is a good collector's set for the more devoted fan. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Probably the best of his collection
Now, I have listened to all of his three single albums,
and I think that this one, alias "The simple man" is the
best of these three.. Much has been said about Klaus Nomi, his life and career, so I won`t go into biographical info here.
Instead, I would more like to comment each of the songs on this cd individually:

1. "From beyond"
The album opens with this curious "song", wich is not a song in
itself, but merely a synthesized and mixed sound effect similar to this we can hear in "Nomi chant" from his first album. We can hear Nomi "howl" somewhere faraway in the background. He is accompained by the sound of wind and wolves. A ruther scary and
emotional effect-remix, to be heard with lights off in an abandoned cabin deep in the woods.. Rating: 2,5.

2. "After the fall"
Arghhhh, Nomi rocks!Again! Written by Kristian Hoffman, author of the "Total Elipse", this song has a nice tune when he sings "After the fall..etc" using his falsetto, but giving the fact that it`s too long (4`42), and too repetitive with not a very good end,
it deserves a lower rating.. Rating: 4,0.

3. "Just one look"
Oh, Beatles? Anyway, a pretty nice and romantic song, but ruther average, in my opinion. Nomi sings it totally in falsetto. The most funny thing is when he "splits" in the middle of the song and talks to himself, first in high then low voice. Rating: 3,5.

4. "Falling in love again"
Argghhhh, what`s that?? Obviously, this song lacks any kind of immaginable tune and harmony. For me, this is a 5`32m of pure noise. This song is probably the worst one in the entire album.
Rating: 0,5.

5. "Icurok"
Hehh. Cool. Nomi simulating a synthesized voice.. that goes over and over again. Looks familiar? Over 4 minutes with the same tune, switching from high to low voice periodically..ughh.
Rating: 1,5.

6. "Rubberband lazer"
A funny "spacy" tune in a rocky style - "I`ll blast you with my rubberband lazer.." Paw paw! Rating: 4,0.

7. "Wayward sisters"
Woww! That`s the way we`d like to hear him. A true Nomi style! His falsetto reaches incredible heights in this Purcell Aria, with "chest attacks" and astonishing strength - awesome, and somewhat creepy. Rating: 5,0.

8. "Ding dong - the witch is dead"
Ahhhhcool!! Another funny song that`s too cool and entertaining to be called "average". This song has some nice instrumental tunes, an background applaus and Nomis` everswitching voice from high to low, that makes you doubt wether this is the one and same person singing. The ending is also funny when he simulates a witch screaming on a firebowl, with an applauding public happy over that the evil witch is finally dead. Rating: 5,0.

9. "Three wishes"
Ah, those three wishes.. The fairy gave Nomi three wishes. What would he wish? Though this song is pretended to be serious, it`s
still funny, especially when Nomi sings in his cracked German accent, and trying to simulate a capricious soprano.
Rating: 4,5.

10. "Simple man"
Probably one of the best tunes on this album. "I`am a simple man, and I do the most simple things a simple man can do". Nowell. Finally Nomi is trying to be a simple man, and do simple things,
instead of being a space cowboy ardently blasting enemies with his "Rubberband lazer". Rating: 5,0.

11. "Death"
Death.. It`s must be said that Nomi was expecting his near end as
a result of AIDS. I think that this Aria by Purcell haven`t been chosen just like that - it was with obvious reason. Not funny at all, pretty much serious and sometimes disturbing - this Aria is defenately not the one he`d like to sing.. Anyway, Nomi goes very high in this Aria, up to G" in fact, with his "Remember me, remember me!!". However, getting somewhat noisy at times, with not a very pleasant tune, this recording gets a lower rating. Rating: 4,0.

12. "Return"
Still in shock after his "Death", Nomi ends this album with this
special gregorian-chant like song. Sung totally in falsetto with no accompainment at all, but in an acoustic space, like a huge
hall, that gives the voice a mysterious, distant, sustained and prolonged echo - this is the only song of this kind in Nomis repertoire. Rating: 5,0.

Well, that was it.

Alex.

Spectacular Synth-Popera
There's plenty of variety on Nomi's second album, providing ample exposure for his impressive vocal range. Just as on his debut, the material is an interesting mix of catchy pop, like Just One Look and Falling In Love Again (sung partly in German) and classical pieces like Death, Return and From Beyond, the somber opening number. My favorite tracks include Rubberband Lazer, an addictive pop song with weird country infusions and brilliant bursts of synth, and the theatrical Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead with its singalong chorus. Klaus Nomi was part of the late 70s/early 80s synth explosion, but his embrace of classical music was unique (although OMD came close on Architecture and Morality), as were the operatic vocal styles he explored. This music remains highly original and inspiring.

A UNIQUE STAR'S INDESCRIBABLE 2ND ALBUM
Not everyone can hear past the campy-seeming alien persona NOMI was notorious for... to our ears, his work holds up better than most '80s offerings! We saw Klaus's 'debut' at Irving Plaza in Manhattan circa 1979, and knew a star was being born, as he transfixed the packed auditorium with his rendition of a beautiful rare operatic aria for soprano, NAILED by this ghostly Martian! & then he was signed to RCA (Europe), released 2 striking albums, but suddenly croaked from AIDS... There is a Tiny Tim/Eden Ahbez/Liberace facet to the Nomi oeuvre...but also a surprising soulfulness, artistic inventiveness, & range of material you could call daring! Thank God for the Nomi's of the Music World! RIP, Klaus! I hear a domestic compilation is at last in the works...

the cheesiest of cheesy 80's music
Painful to listen to. I recommend it only for seriously masochistic individuals or farm animals. Probably used by the East German secret police in their heyday as a means of torturing political prisoners.

Mature
Another must-get CD. The seeds in Klaus Nomi's debut album are grown in this second album "Simple Man". The most typical Nomi style "After The Fall", a combination of rock and opera, is a production after "Total Eclipse" in his debut album. "Just One Look", another "Lightning Strikes". "Falling In Love Again", a more playful version. "Death", this aria should be called "When I am laid in Earth", Nomi reached the notes heroically! After all, it's a mature of Klaus Nomi, it's more new wave than his first album. It's really a pity that Nomi can't poplarize his style before his death of AIDS in 1983. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

r&b fan from texas
really good package on this cd. hanging out at the disco in the late 70's you would here most of this jams and the band is tight period. one star taken away for short version on do your dance.

RR-the Ultimate-Best Love
As being part of the soul/funk movement of the 70's, Rose Royce will always be remembered for the Car Wash tunes. Personally, I think they never got the attention as they deserved, they will always have a special placefor the real soul/funk lovers. Even these days, many remixes are based upontunes from RR (wishing on a star/Is it love you're after). Any song by RRwill have my 5 star reward. I just wonder where is the song "BestLove" one of my favorites which shows the classic souly sounds and themodern disco beats during those times (terrific drums and timing) whichwill go on to eternity. I'm still hoping on the release of their Best LoveAlbum, well the tape will do for the time being.

They don't just wash cars, they groove, too!
It's almost like "Car Wash" hurt them as a group. Anytime a novelty song, or a novelty song on a soundtrack is your top hit, people don't take you seriously. Sadly, Rose Royce wasn't taken seriously enoughafter "Car Wash." They really belt out the tunes, like "OohBoy," "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," "I wanna get nextto you," "I'm going down." Tremendous singing andinstrumentation. Some of the fast tunes to start out the album didn't grabme, so that's why this is a four-star, and not a five-star. But get thisalbum, it's excellent.

this Disc is Slammin'
I Really Enjoyed this Collection.Rose Royce has been Very Influential.they are more than Car Wash.They Have done some of The Baddest Slow-Jams ever such as I'm Going Down,Love Don't Live Here Anymore,Wishing On A Star.ThisBand Deserves Mad Props.

very underappreciated
funny how a group who doesn't get much love sure has played a major part on the landscape of songs.many of there songs have been remade by everybody from madonna to mary j bliege. and sampled like crazy.harmonys,the funkygrooves,and pop hooks are all here.the name did them justice cuz they are aclass act period. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Performance Art
Buying a Grace Jones CD, you never know what you are going to get. It could be disco,dance, new wave electronica or pop love songs.

This CD is performance art. It has two subtitles: Rhythm in Eight Parts or An Audio Biography of Grace Jones.

The tracks are all variations on the song Slave to The Rhythm. Most of them are very interesting and some of them are very good. I like some of the versions even better than the standard single version. She uses different musical styles on each of the tracks, but it is mostly electronica based. There is one track that sounds like a cross between Frank Zappa and Pink Floyd.

In between tracks and mixed into some tracks are the biography of Grace Jones. It usually takes the form of Jones being interviewed. To me, this really detracts from the music and is why I give it only 3 stars. At the end of the first track, she complains that she is choking on her saliva.

This album was produced by Trevor Horn, who became a member of Yes during their most popular "only of a Lonely Heart" days. He also produced the first Frankie Goes To Hollywood album. The influences can be heard on this disc.

A magnificent work, through and through.
Everything that you've heard is true -- this is a magical work. I was in high school and living with my father when I first heard this album, some time during the mid-80's when it was released. I'd heard Grace Jones' music several times before, when I was living with my mother -- tracks like "Nightclubbing," "Pull Up to the Bumper," etc. -- but I never cared for the songs much. I don't recall how frequently my dad played _Slave to the Rhythm_ -- which he did both at home and in his Mercedes Benz -- but it was often enough that I was intrigued by it. "Operattack" made me sit up and take notice (how could it not, with its wonderfully ostentatious, over-the-top sonic swirl), and most of the rest of the songs hooked me on the album, which is superbly conceived, composed, mixed, and especially produced (by the venerable Trevor Horn). The first track of the CD -- the only one that I don't like -- is deceptively unlike anything that comes after it. It's a "chain gang" style composition that caters to what was then part of the stereotypical image of Grace Jones: dancey, chiseled, insistent. As other reviewers here have noted, most of the rest of the CD explores two or three prevalent musical statements -- a stroke of brilliance that works very well with _Slave to the Rhythm_'s biographical motif. That is to say that, like a human being, the CD exhibits a wealth of character and variability of expression through only a few identifiable themes. The musical transformations are amazing to hear; a good example is the title track, which starts with Grace Jones demanding everyone to work work work to the rhythm in her signature aggressive style -- with commensurately aggressive music backing her up -- only to suddenly lullaby the recurring "never stop the action, keep it up" lyrics over the exploration of a recurring musical theme that has just as suddenly and sensibly become as patiently serene as the vocalist herself. The music, with its rock/electronica instrumention, its jazzy orchestration, its distant, wailing guitars, its crisp percussion, its highly melodic, minor key-driven, diatonic accompaniment, its wealth of odd sound effects, and its pervasively reverberated sound, manages to pull off that rarely effective trick of making you feel something distictly human about it, because it effectively mimics humanity; it all comes off as multiple facets of a single entity, somehow sure and unsure of itself at the same time. It genuinely comes across as an abstract description of someone's life, even without the sporadic (yet well-placed) narration. To top it all off, the rock/jazz/funk (in that order) sound of the CD is pristine to the point of belonging in an audiophile's collection. All in all, a perennially satisfying and gratifying listening experience.

Dietrich & Sternberg in Music
In November 2003 Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys was asked to name his favourite Trevor Horn Productions. "Slave to the rhythm" came as his one and only reply...

Does Grace Jones consider herself to be the centre of the universe? "Yes, of course", you may say, but listen to this record through to the very last second and you will get the answer. And her answer may surprise you.

"Slave to the Rhythm" is one of the most beautiful - and underrated - albums of the eighties. Producer Trevor Horn truly captured what Grace is all about and delivered a masterpiece. Trevor and Grace and "Slave to the rhythm" - this is Sternberg and Dietrich in music! The album version of the title track - which is totally different from the famous "Ladies and Gentlemen..." - 12" release, is for sure one of the best vocal performances Grace has ever given. The whole album is full of surprises. And just when you're thinking she's an Amazon-Warrior made of steel the "Frog and Princess" will come to prove you wrong.

The only Grace-Jones-experience this production can't offer is the magic she delivers onstage, making everyone in the audience think she'd come just for him. Everybody who's ever seen her live on stage will agree - whether they liked it or not: Grace Jones is one of the greatest entertainers in the world and 2004 will see her back! Go Grace - Operattack!

Buy this album - discover it or RE-discover it. Neil Tennant can't be wrong!

The original remix maxi-single?
Grace Jones is definitely known for her distinctive style and flair in everything she does, and this piece is no different. Subtitled "The Rhythm In 8 Parts", it is just that...a concept album/remix album showcasing 8 different interpretations and extrapolations of the awesome "Slave To The Rhythm", interspersed with segments of two different interviews with Grace (one of which is conducted by Paul Morley of ZTT/The Art of Noise/Frankie Goes To Hollywood fame). You have a Gotterdammerung-ian opening number (and you can almost see the smoke and backing dancers in your mind's eye as you listen), a very sexy, sassy house number custom-made for the catwalk, a dark and brooding piece with narration by Grace's former partner (and lover) Jean-Paul Goude, an abstract Sturm-und-Drang operatic movement, the "original" song itself (and if you like the song, you should have bought this already!), an ambient section, a snappy variation that deliberately plays with your head (especially fun in headphones!), and the closing resolution and affirmation. This is a really excellent concept and I think it's worth seeking out!

Grace's biggest hit
Slave To The Rhythm is Grace's biggest hit single without a doubt,as this album clearly demonstrates. Basically all the tracks are variations of the title track expertly produced by Trevor Horn and Steve Lipson,with bits of interviews conducted inbetween.The overall sound quality of this album is not so great.Perhaps Island Records ought to remaster this one and rerelease it along with with her other stuff. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not as many "hits", but filled with great recordings
The first box set dealt with Motown's Golden Era (1959 - 1971) when they were a hit factory in Detroit. This set captures highlights from the next 20 years, after Motown had relocated in Los Angeles and the hits weren't so automatic. Because of the large number of great recordings found here that aren't readily available elsewhere, this set for me - a Motown collector - was far more enjoyable.

Disc one covers 1972 - 1975 and includes The Four Tops' dramatic "A Simple Game" (written and produced by members of the Moody Blues). A huge hit in England, it undeservedly stiffed here, and wasn't available on disc until this set (it is now also available domestically on the Four Tops box set FOUREVER). There's also the irresistible Valerie Simpson solo gem "Silly, Wasn't I" and the nostalgic "Shoe Shoe Shine" by the flamboyant Dynamic Superiors (try finding any of the Superiors' recordings on disc elsewhere!) Another rarity is G.C. Cameron's "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" - a far superior recording to the Boyz II Men hit remake.

Disc two captures recordings from 1976 - 1979. High Inergy's only real hit, the classy "You Can't Turn Me Off," clearly shows that these gals were underappreciated and underutilized. Sassy Bonnie Pointer - represented here by her only top ten hit "Heaven Must Have Sent You" - and fiery Thelma Houston - with her Grammy winning "Don't Leave Me This Way" - also deserved more success. The disc belongs to Smokey Robinson, though, with his lush hits "Quiet Storm," "Crusin'," and "Being With You."

Disc three tackles 1980 through 1985. Lionel Richie and Rick James' prominence at Motown at the time is apparent with their hefty appearances as artists and producers on this disc. My favorites include a latterday Motown effort by Michael Jackson ("One Day In Your Life" - perhaps the most touching recording he ever made), and the only real solo hit for former Temptations' lead singer Dennis Edwards' (the reggae tinged "Don't Look Any Further"). There's lots of fun dance stuff here too: Dazz Band's "Let It Whip," DeBarge's "Rhythm Of The Night," and Miss Ross' "Upside Down."

Disc Four, spanning 1985 - 1992, shows Motown in transition. Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson (the last of the artists from the Glory days) lead off the disc with some strong efforts, but by track eight the baton has been passed to youngsters like Johnny Gill and Boyz II Men. With a completely different sound and approach (and demographic) on the latter tracks, the set should have probably ended in 1987 with the Smokey hits (also leaving off the noisy Stacy Lattishaw piece of poop "Nail It To The Wall").

Motown is now just a name. Berry Gordy sold the label long ago, which conglomerate Universal Music now oversees. Since they and the other number crunchers who run the music industry today will never allow such joyous music to be created ever again, it is important to appreciate the magic found here.

Motown update
This box set seeks to recapture the magic of the first motown box set and while it delivers great music, it doesn't quite live up to its predecesor. The first box defined a time. Motown was called "the sound of young america" and that can be heard in the music. Joyful, questioning, urgent, fun, pleading. That was the 60's and that was the first box set. The second set suffers from the fact that Motown was not as big a music force in the 70's. They had lost some of their biggest stars (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson) and the music did have the vitality of the earlier decade. That being said, it does contain some marvelous music. The first 2 discs especially. Motown lives on in this box, just not as robustly as it did in the earlier one. I would recommend it, but I don't think it will occupy as much of your time as the first box set. It's note worthy for some of the one hit wonders that were included (like berry Gordy's own son who went under the moniker "rockwell"). Fun but not memorable collection.

Fantastic collection
This is a terrific set of some of the best songs from Motown from 1972 to 1992. Not only are the songs great, but the book (68 pages) that comes with it is very informative. Each artist has at least half a page devoted to them, with photos and an essay, and in most cases its a page or even two. There are even track-by-track annotations of the songs. What is also nice is that it is not just the well known artists that are featured, but also the lesser known ones that had the odd hit or two. It's a fantastic follow-up to the previous Hitsville collection, and highly recommended to anyone who loves the Motown sound.

love that motown!
i love being able to listen to all my favorite oldies and wind down to the new classics. Shanice and Boys II Men add a special touch at the end. This is a collection that should be cherished and passed down. ... Read more