Best of House Music, Vol 1

_ First off I must admit that I am already at an advantage with this album because I have 5 of the tracks on vinyl (You Used To Hold Me, Can't Get Enough, Fantasize Me, Move Your Body and Jack Your Body). So I already knew half the album when I bought it! This album features predominantly Chicago artists which gave a big lift to the Chicago Scene, since the album was released on a major label. With this album's release the rest of the nation could now see what the House Music fuss was all about. If you happen to be curious just buy the album and you will see...

Gotta Have House - Best of House Music, Vol 2

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_ Once again we get a treat with this installment of the Best Of House Music series. This time from a New York/New Jersey point of view. On this compilation there only 2 Chicago artists + 1 Chicago producer. The other tracks are performed, produced or remixed by people in the NY/NJ circle (which is the great equalizer since club and radio DJs in Chicago were playing alot of NY/NJ tracks along with their home-grown tracks). The ones that really do it to me are "Work It To The Bone" and "Shake Your Body"--these are my "Jackin'" tracks. For the more melodic/spiritual side of the House I also go for "Love Is The Message" and "If You Should Need A Friend". Let me make a small confession concerning the latter song: I have an old mix, from 1989, recorded from a college radio station that has that song in it. I eventually found out who that was when I bought the album. Now, Blaze is one of the most acclaimed House groups, and they're still going strong! Listening to this album takes you to the time when House Music was everywhere in Chicago and everywhere it was it was phat! Im sure the New Yorkers and the New Jersey heads are feeling what I'm saying...if you are shouts out to you--you're represented really well on this album!!!

Best of House Music, Vol 3

_ The third installment in the Best Of House Music series features yet more twists and turns. This time Detroit is invited in. One of the most recognizable tracks at the time was included on this compilation-and rightfully so: "Strings of Life". And, of course you can't have Rhythm is Rhythm on the album without the other breakout sensation, Inner City: "Good Life was getting much airplay on Chicago radio, especially on the college stations. The included version of "Rock To The Beat" by Reese has that original Detroit Techno feel to it--before everything got 'distorted'. New York, New Jersey and Chicago influences are still evident, and there is even some representation another adopted home of House, London. "Voodoo Ray" is another track that stands the test of time because it's just that dancable! This is a trip down memory lane that is just as enjoyable as the other two. You can't go wrong with this album...House Music All Night Long!

House Hallucinates: Pump Up the World, Vol 1

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_ This CD features music from one of the heavyweight Chicago labels of the 1980s, TRAX Records. In 1988 Hot Mix 5, DJ International and TRAX were the labels that were the most sought after, especially once the records were played on radio. Eventually the major labels started to take notice of what was coming out of Chicago and started to release compilations. A&M picked up on the Acid House vibe and release a compilation with solely TRAX artists: House Hallucinates! In order to take away the mystery I will give a short track listing: 1. Sleazy D - "I've Lost Control" 2. Phuture - "Acid Tracks" 3. Jungle Wonz - "Time Marches On" 4. William S. - "I'll Never Let You Go" *a personal favorite* 5. Jackmaster Funk - "Jack The Bass" *another favorite* 6. Maurice Joshua - "This Is Acid" 7. Lidell Townsell - "As Acid Turns" 8. Jack Frost - "Clap Me" 9. Mr. Lee - "Pump Up Chicago" *there is also Pump Up New York/London, depending on which version of the album you get* 10. Phuture - "Phuture Will Survive" Now that the mystery is over I can give you the summary. This album will get you hooked! Most of the tracks are simple but very easy to dance to, and that's what makes the album work so well. Besides, House Music was created for the clubs, so when you get this don't forget to turn the volume up!

Trax records: 20th Anniversary Collection

_ Let's begin with a bit of background information. I first stumbled across this particular cd while window-shopping inside FYE, at the mall in Mary Esther, FL. How ironic is that? Actually the real question is: How lucky is that? I picked up the cd, looked at the track listing (mentally noting how I already have over ¾ of the tracks on vinyl), and said to myself, "I'm coming back to get this". One week later I bought the cd and the rest is history... This cd package is an excellent introduction to this phenomenon we call "House". As a House DJ "ambassador to the G.I.s" I would often have difficulty describing the music to people who had never heard of it (or mistaken it for Euro-Techno). This cd package would make the explanation that much easier. Great selection, and equally great blends - I pay attention to those -with the occasional flange for effect! After listening to the first 3 tracks of CD1 you might find yourself increasing the volume controls. If by chance you didn't increase the volume, then the first 3 tracks on CD2 might convince you. Word on the street is Trax Records is back, with new releases. Time to Jack all over again...

DJ Rain - Urban Excursions Volume One

_ This is an all-around smoothie. The melodies are soothing and just right for a chill-out session. Having said that, watch out for Track 10. That one can get you to move towards a dance floor. I highly recommend this CD.

Kym Sims - Too Blind To See It

_ This album was purchased as a casette; based on that this review will come in two parts. Part One: Side One of the cassette can be best described as the Dance Side. The album has the Chicago Sound all through it (particularly on the Dance Side) and is smokin' right from the start. The title song (Track One) was an immediate hit for the independent Chicago label ID Records. Small wonder it was picked up by a major label. The "house train" keeps moving with "Take My Advice" which is a good follow-up tune. The one that really grabbed me was the next track. "A Little Bit More" is a slower tempo but is still a House tune and the feel of the song is phat! The same can be said of the very next track "Take Me To The Groove". These two songs have awesome background vocals by Kym as well as a couple of artists from the ID Records camp -- Donell Rush and Chante Savage. "One Look" is the closer of Side One and is dynamic as well. Part Two: The R&B Side is the description of Side Two and what a way to showcase Ms Sims' versatility. "I Found Love" and "Should Have Known Better" are uptempo jams that would likely be heard at an outdoor barbecue. "In My Eyes" is a good ballad as is "I Can't Stop", which was probably thrown in for good measure (having 2 slow jams is a good way to showcase talent). "Never Shoulda Let You Go" is another hot party jam. But, the best way to close out the album is with the title song (again). This time the title track gets a different spin with the Soul Mix. A few footnotes regarding the architect of this album, Steve "Silk" Hurley: - pioneering Chicago DJ who, along with Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, helped shape the House Music scene in the 80's - accomplished DJ, artist, producer, remixer and songwriter - one of a few Chicago-based DJs to strike a deal with a major label Don't sleep on this album -- get in any format possible!

Soulfuric In The House

_ I received this package in the mail yesterday and began to play it nonstop - I finally stopped playing the CDs in order to get to sleep. But as Track One, CD 2 starts: "I Can't Get No Sleep". This is an excellent blend of the old and the new; but of course in House Music the old and the new always work together. Old tracks-"Thousand Finger Man" and "The Boss". New tracks-"Bulo" and "Nekoosa". Oh, but there are still some not quite old/not quite new tracks added for good measure. The most pleasing surprise for me, personally, came in Track Nine, CD 2: Help "Me Out". I've spun records with these guys in the past and they always had a knack for churning out unique recordings. Another favorite of mine (and possible half the planet) is Track Two, CD 1, "Back Together". This is what I call a future timeless classic. Soulfuric is one of my favorite record labels; after giving this a listen it may be a favorite of yours, too!

Deep House U.K., Vol. 1

_ This is a pretty danceable CD. I was in England in 1996 and during that time House Music was in a state of evolution. What we have here is part of that evolution; many of the tracks here sound like the stuff that was spreading from the UK to the US - a bit of "role reversal". I just wish I knew who the DJ was for this compilation...good job on the mix!

Electro Breakdance: Real Old School Revival

_ Oh my goodnes!!! I saw the track listings and saw one song that made me get the CD: Hey DJ. I had wanted to get that song since 1984. I then looked at the other tracks and knew that this was the one CD I would be proud to have in the collection. This CD really takes me back to my childhood days, when just about everything that was on the radio was hot. That includes the Pop and Soft Rock that was coming over from the UK and everywhere else in the world. Breakdancing was "in" and boy, was it fun to watch. In fact, there was a guy in my elementary school class by the name of Maurice Hatter. Man, this guy could "break"! He did the Pop-Lock, Moonwalk, Helecopter, and Robot all the time!! He was so good that he was easily voted as best dancer by the 8th Grade graduating class. I was only able to do the Worm, the Centipede, and the occasional Knee Spin. I also saw the movie Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo at that time. But, this time around I will get my chance to catch up on the other Breakin' movie as well as Beat Street. Why did I just go into such detail about my childhood? Blame it on CD One: Tracks 2, 3, 4, 10 and 13, as well as CD Two: Tracks 2, 3, 7, and 11! Now that I'm done with this review it's time for me to get Volume 2!

Liquid Groove: A Slick Mix of Liquid Groove Records' Best

_ This CD came as a pleasant surprise to me. I had never heard of Oliver Stumm as a DJ, but sometimes a shopper has to take a chance; I took this chance based on the record label, and I got lucky. The mix is very fluid and deep. Favorite tracks are "Live In Unity", "Nobody's Business", and "This Is The Only Way", simply because I heard those very often during my stint in the UK. Although not an absolute favorite, it is still a good CD to have in the collection.