5 comments about Casablanca Records Story.

1. Good price, Great box set. If you like Disco, get this box set. Hard to find, good collectors item. Arrived in excellent condition and has seen my CD Player, many, many times. Recommended...



2. This collection really is the one you need! If you were there and already have some of these tracks, you certainly won't have them all and if you are lucky/unlucky enough to be young and are discovering disco after the event, this is a great place to start. The track selection here covers the whole spectrum of dance at the time, from P Funk to peak tempo gay disco and includes most of Casablanca's 'big hitters' i.e. Donna Summer, Village People, Cher. It also includes however lots of lesser known artists like Patti Brooks, Teri Desario and Dennis Parker. Sound transfers are excellent and the information booklet is very nicely put together and informative. Let's hope that they do a volume two as there are lots more great tracks in the Casablanca vaults, but for now I can not recommend this box set highly enough.



3. This compilation of disco hit songs by the Casablanca label is jam packed with the hits that made disco the star of the late 70's and early 80's. LOVE TO LOVE YOU, BABY begins the entire journey, and goes thru FUNKYTOWN (Lipps,Inc.), TAKE ME HOME (Cher), MACARTHUR PARK SUITE (Donna Summer), SAN FRANCISCO/HOLLYWOOD (Village People), PLEASURE ISLAND (Paul Jabara), LIKE AN EAGLE (Dennis Parker), FLASHLIGHT (Parliament), HOT STUFF/BAD GIRLS (Donna Summer), CHASE (Giorgio Moroder), WALK THE NIGHT (Skatt Bros.), YOU OUGHT TO BE DANCING (Peoples Choice), DANCE, FREAK, AND BOOGIE (Nitelife Unlimited), and many, many more. . .including FLASHDANCE, STAR WARS/CANTINA by Meco, ON THE RADIO, AFTER DARK, I LOVE AMERICA, I FOUND LOVE, and other selections by The Village People.
   True, some cuts are definitely not full length, but most are and available all on one grand collection set! A must. . .



4. Finally I have the most awaited compilation! I hope the PolyGram/Universal folks will consider producing volume 2 of this album which contains more full-lenght/extended tracks in the near future. It really sells.



5. I will be honest I am not a real big disco fan. There are only two Disco record companies I liked. One is Salsoul Records and of course the other is Casablanca Records. I bought this box set because it contain a lot of the the 12" full length original versions. Of course it dosen't have all of the songs that this record company released. If you are a Disco fan or just starting out collecting this kind of music. Then you can not go wrong. This is a very good collection. It's worth the investment. Maybe they will release another box set with more of the stars and songs that this record company produced.

5 comments about Tougher Than Tough: The Story Of Jamaican Music.

1. ... is the fact that this set has been allowed to go OOP. Read the other 23 reviews; this is the ABSOLUTE best collection of Jamaican music on (or now, off) the market. People would come to my home and hear this set, and the next day, buy it.
   
   What a shame.



2. This box set really opened my eyes, my ears and my mind to the infinite possibilities within Jamaican music. It is without a doubt the most important set of discs I own. As the title suggests, it is the history of Jamaican music in one handy box. Music for the body, the mind, and the soul. The liner notes are exceptional, invaluable even. If you have the money, by all means get this set. Classic songs by essential artists. VERY HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED.



3. This set is the best of several sets I have collected with early ska and reggae music. Read the list of songs: early Maytals, Wailers, Bob Marley, and more. This collection has historical value and all that. But most importantly it is very listenable and danceable.



4. I bought this set when I was in the infancy of my interest in Jamaican music and Jamaica. Every song is truly special in a historical and musical sense! I started off listening to Bob Marley and then found this gem.
   I first listened to this set one night, soon after I came back from Jamaica, whilst sipping Blue Mountain coffee and burning incense(only!)---I was back in Jamaica... I still love the set even after listening to it a hundred times. If you are looking for sappy, cheesy generic reggae music you're looking in the wrong place. Once you buy the set, you will keep it forever--A real classic. Enjoy, Mon!



5. I bought this CD set on a whim in 1993. It is one of the most amazing impulse purchases I have ever made!!! You hear the development of a nation's music. Great written info and pics accompany the 4 CDs - it adds color and background. But to fully appreciate the roots of ska and reggae, you just kick back and listen to the cds, from song one on cd one. Truly a journey.

2 comments about Rock 'n' Roll at 50: A Galaxy of Hits from Rock's First Decade.

1. What's not to like? This sixty-song companion to the PBS documentary is an astonishing testament to rock 'n' roll's golden era. Nearly half of the artists represented here (26 by my count) have been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Beginning with Bill Haley's 1954 hit "Shake Rattle and Roll," these three CDs provide a crash course in everything from doo wop to soul to the British Invasion.
   
   While many of these songs are frequently anthologized, there are a number of surprises. Instead of "My Boyfriend's Back," the Angels are represented by their debut hit from 1961, "'Til." Also, instead of hearing "It's My Party" for the umpteenth time, you get "You Don't Own Me." Lou Christie, who is best remembered for "Two Faces Have I" and "Lighting Strikes," is represented by "The Gypsy Cried." And Jack Scott (who I unfortunately NEVER hear on oldies radio) is represented by his million-selling 1958 hit "My True Love."
   
   I do, however, have a couple issues with this box set. First of all is the sequencing. The songs are not chronological, so on disc-1 you get "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" (1964) following "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On" (1957), and later on the same disc "Lady Willpower" (1968) follows "When You Dance" (1956). And how does "Lady Willpower" fit the box set title (A GALAXY OF HITS FROM ROCK'S FIRST DECADE)? If the oldest song is from 1954, shouldn't the set end with 1963--or 1964 at the latest? Moreover, 1964 is represented by 14 songs (almost a fourth of the total) and 1965 has the second-most songs with seven. [Also, 1966 has three and 1967, 1968 and 1969 each have one.] I'm not really upset with the emphasis on the mid- to late-sixties selections--as an aging Baby Boomer I think these are great songs--I'm just pointing out that there are twice times as many sixties songs (41), as there are fifties songs (19).
   
   One final concern, with each disc averaging just over fifty minutes in length, the price is a bit steep. But when you look at the quality of music in this collection and the terrific 40-page booklet, this is an amazing collection. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



2. My kids got this for me for my birthday today, and I listened to the whole thing in one sitting. Absolutely first-rate collection of classic early rock, with some interesting obscurities thrown in for good measure. The booklet that comes with it is also a good read. It's everything good about oldies radio with none of the bad stuff--no repeats, commercials, or irritating jingles. This is the perfect gift for anyone who love oldies.

2 comments about Love Luther.

1. I purchase the CD for a friend of mine and bought one for myself. I'm so glad I did, I have played it everyday since I bought it. It's a wonderful box set, anyone that like Luther music should purchase this box set. I can't forget this, also what a price, great music and a great price. I just want to say thanks. I have been telling all my family and friends about this CD.



2. When it comes to making great R&B music these days, we really don't seem to have the feeling that true soul & its essence carried over the years. For acts like Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, they've all made really good records, but the music industry and fans seemed to be more eager into rap & hip hop acts like 50 Cent and Jay-Z. For a definitive crooner like Luther Vandross, his music seems to keep lovers everywhere wishing they had more from him. It has been 2 years since his devistating death, and many people who've been in the hearts of sensual soul are still listening to his sexy voice, and that can be said well in his first ever career-spanning box set.
   
   Love Luther, is the 2007 box set showcasing Luther Vandross through his delightful 3 decades of true sensual soul. The collection includes great tracks that were remastered well and true to what his voice carried over a lifetime. The collection includes great tracks as classic Luther standards like Any Love, the somber and mellow Dance With My Father, Take You Out, Stop To Love, Power Of Love/Love Power, to his classicly conjured duets with Mariah Carey on Endless Love, Destiny's Child lead singer Beyonce' with The Closer I get To You, and legends like Dionne Warwick with How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye. The collection also includes live rendiditions of A House Is Not A Home, Searching, and the Lady Is A Tramp with the legendary Frank Sinatra.
   
   Although the box set spans very well, there are a few disadvantages to this collection. The first one is that the collection doesn't keep the tracks in chronological order, which might confuse new listeners, as well as die hard fans. the other problem is that the album does overlook a few great songs that could've been displayed here like Going In Circles, Think About You from Dancing With My Father, and other great tracks.
   
   All in all, Love, Luther still remains a remarkable box set that is worth the heart and the soul from a legendary crooner. While the collection could've been fixed up a little, it still remains a shining box set that is worth the money for anyone who needs a little love from a late angel. Luther Vandross was. and always will be one of a kind, and I really recommend Love, Luther. It is a great buy.
   
   Album Cover: B+
   
   Songs: B+
   
   Price: B
   
   Remastering: A-
   
   Overall: B 1/2+

1 comments about The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 8: 1968.

1. Just finished listening to 1968. 6 discs , 144 songs , 6 hours , 47 minutes and 28 seconds. We are now at 43 discs , 1,106 songs , over 50 hours for volumes 1-8 , with four more to go. If you've read the other reviews , you know how impressed I am with this whole series. EVERY Motown single (A & B side), from each year 1959-1972 (the Detroit years), being released in 12 lovingly-assembled cd box sets, to be completed by 2009 (the 50th anniversary of Motown). You'll hear old faves as well as things you never heard before....but be forewarned , once you hear one set , you will want to hear it all. 1968 is a great place to start.Go ahead, PUT THIS IN YOUR CART!!!

5 comments about The Finer Things.

1. This reminds us how much Steve Winwood did for music & the music industry. Many people are living a comfortable retirement overlooking Haight & Ashbury from the talents of musicians like Steve Winwood. He reminds the old vets of R&R how great he was, even at the young age of The Spencer Davis era, & up to today's new releases. This Box Set repsents those early years & is a great introduction for the ones that weren't born when Dear Mr. Fantasy was the hit song of the season. The sad reminder is how much we lost with the loss of Wood & Capaldi. If you enjoy grass roots music and talent or want to be introduced to it at its best, this CD set is a good start. Its not music hidden or covered up with digital tweeking. This man & his band mambers played "Music" - Not A Computer Software Program that can make any fool sound good. Thank goodness for people like Steve Winwood, Robert Palmer, Eric Clapton & the likes of John Mayall. Not lip sincing acts such as Madonna & Ashlee Simpson. Maybe one day raw talent will once again be required before you can accept a Grammy.



2. Because his own career has had a lot of variations over 3 decades (going into a fourth), it was inevitable that they'd have to put it all in one place.
   
   You hear the portrait of a young soul man in the Spencer Davis Group, the experimentalist in Traffic, the supergroup Blind Faith and Ginger Baker's Air Force and lesser known projects like Go and Aiye-Keta and finally the 80s pop superstar that sounds older but just as good as he did in his earlier recordings. That's not even counting sessions with Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Howlin' Wolf, B.B.King, Lou Reed, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Jimmy Buffett, Phil Collins, and countless others which speaks volumes about his demand and generosity as a keyboardist.
   
   But the bulk of material focuses on 3 different bands.
   The Spencer Davis material contains the classic "Gimme Some Lovin" and "I'm A Man". Keep in mind that he was 16! If the "blue eyed soul" applied anywhere, he'd be one of the first to come to mind.
   
   25(!) tracks come from the Traffic era, which he was barely 19(!!). Dave Mason's hits "Feelin Alright" and "Hole In My Shoe" aren't on here (but are on 2 Traffic compilations), and the 2 eras of Traffic (they broke up for a while) are covered nicely.
   
   In between Traffic's breakup, a one off project named Blind Faith was formed with Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Rick Grech. Being that "Presence of the Lord" was EC's is left off here, but "Can't Find My Way Home" and a bulk of the album is here, including a cover of "Under My Thumb". But what comes next is some of Winwood's best music, a reformed Traffic with an entirely new funkier free form sound that you could tie into bands like Phish, String Cheese Incident or Dave Matthews Band..."Glad/Freedom Rider", "Empty Pages", "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" and some cuts from "When the Eagle Flies".
   
   After Traffic disbanded, Winwood would have to find his own footing as a solo artist. The end of the third CD features tracks from his debut solo album that's purpose was more about transition than anything else.
   
   But the fourth CD starts off with hit single "While You See A Chance" from "Arc of A Diver" (which contains 5 tracks from the album), which has the formula that he'd follow through the 80s. "Talking Back to the Night" has just a couple of cuts, but t"Your Silence is Your Song" taken from an 80s soundtrack is worth a listen.
   
   The next 6 tracks hail from "Back in the High Life" and "Roll With It" and should be the most familiar, the final track "One and Only Man" ending the collection from "Refugees of the Heart", the only track from that CD represented here. The Traffic reunion "Far From Home", his solo "Junction Seven" and "About Time" not represented in this box set.
   
   However, what would be great is if he could put out a retrospective DVD. The Spencer Davis Group has a video planned for next month, there was a Traffic Live in Santa Monica on VHS, his own solo career had around 20 videos, as well as the other appearances on TV over the years.
   
   It would also be great if he put out a 2 CD "best of" that would cover around 30 songs.



3. This 4 CD set shows how really good Stevie was in the 60's and 70's and how really bad music overtook him and almost everyone else in the 80's. The first 3 CDs show what the young genius could do. He played with three terrific bands and created some of the best jam band, jazz and drug influenced music of the generation. The fourth CD is a sad reflection of electronic drums, synthesized keyboards and awful mixing that was the 80's. Underneath the noise I think there might be some good songs. 3 out of 4 ain't bad!



4. This 4CD, 63 song set provides extremely thorough coverage of Steve Winwood's career from the early 1960s up to his last Island Records album in 1986, including numerous tracks from his work in such memorable bands as the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, as well as his later solo recordings. Significant chunks are included from virtually all his Island albums, together with a small taster from his first two Virgin Records albums in 1988 and 1990.

   Inevitably there are one or two other favourite tracks which one might feel merited inclusion, but this is undoubtedly a very effective career retrospective, with the principal emphasis being on the Traffic years. The collection does not purport to give thorough coverage of Winwood's solo work (although more than a quarter of the music is from his solo albums), and at present no comprehensive compilation from 1977 onwards is available, largely due to his change of record labels.

   This is such a detailed account of Winwood's recordings that it is likely to be of interest only to dedicated fans, but for these it will be a real treat. As well as the superb music there is a beautifully illustrated book with a detailed account of Steve's career and full musician credits for each track. Highly recommended.




5. Like my title says, "Finer Things" is simply the best box set ever put together. While many many many artists nowadays have put together some kind of box set, few artists truly deserve one. Steve Winwood, however, I'm happy to say is one of them. This is mainly due to the fact that he's been in a lot of bands as well as having a successful solo career. Because of this, he's very difficult to compile in a one CD collection and in fact, nobody has ever tried. Sure there's been a great Spencer Davis collection, a number of Traffic compilations of varying degrees of value, and a good collection of solo songs that cover his solo debut through his biggest seller, "Back In The Highlife." However, there is no single collection aside from this one which covers his Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, solo and, Traffic work in one place. And frankly, this can only be done in four CD's. Universal did release a new Steve Winwood CD that covers the early part of his career (Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, and Traffic) a few months ago under that "Millenium Collection" banner but to get a true retrospective, you really need the solo material which is great as well. Perhaps Universal is planning a second Millenium Collection for Steve?

   This collection has all the songs you know, but even rewards the serious fan with fantastic rarities, especially from the Blind Faith period. Every Winwood fan must hear the live cover of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb" at least once and the electric version of "Can't Find My Way Home" is absolutely essential, perhaps even better than the classic acoustic version--no joke. The only thing I would have liked to have seen--and this is a minor detail--is "Here Comes A Man" from Traffic's 1994 album which came out a year before this box set. But the bottom line is that this collection is not to be missed if you're a big fan of all stages of his work. However, if you want to save a few bucks, you can get the Millenium Collection CD and "Chronicles" to get a decent bare-bones overview of his career in 2 CD's.

5 comments about Stax Story.

1. This is a good review of the Stax catalog. The "live" CD is especially good. I didn't care much for the way they categorized the music. One CD is call Finger Snappin' music. Most of the songs on that CD don't have that tempo. Overall, it's a good way to hear music from some of the lesser know talents in the Stax fold.



2. As an intro to the label from soulsville usa, Stax Story can do little wring. with favorites from hitmakers Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and Isaac Hayes, to the sweet,sweet b-sides of Booker T, Rufus Thomas, and the Staple Singers, the only complaint from this reviewer is that there simply wasn't enough (despite over 100 tracks).



3. Together with my wife always been big fan of the Stax performers. Wasn't aware one can find still this music and even on CD. Over here in Europe, market is rather weak. Since I am working in the states I was happy to see the opportunities with the Amazon offers.
   Just one word: GREAT



4. Then buy this set of quality disks before the sun sets! (Sun Recording, Memphis has already set!) THIS IS THE true Memphis sound and one that many of us have tried to copy over the years. At the center of the Memphis sound are the several music pros in this set...if you get a chance, attend a Memphis Blues Festival held annually (at different dates and times) and puts all the rest to shame. This music was around a long time before Beal Street ever came on the scene and it's a real treat to sit in the clubs during Festival and watch who walks up from the audience and sits in...some well knowns, a lot of unknowns but don't let appearances fool you. It is a treat for me and likely for you to put one of these disks on, sit back in an easy chair and I defy you to not tap your foot and snap your fingers! This is music at it's finest........



5. WOW, This is the real thing...The motherlode...Incredible!!! Sure the Complete Stax Volt Singles 6-CD box set gives you every single released up until Atlantic pulled out as their national distributor. The Atlantic Rhythm & Blues collection covers the years 1947-1974 and includes numerous artists of the late forties and fifties like Ruth Brown, Al Hibler, Big Joe Thorton, Lavern Baker and Ray Charles. Then there's the Rhino box set, Thirty Years of Rhythm and Blues, a great retrospective in that it crosses over numerous labels and artists. This is a great place to explore the diversity of styles covering all the great regional styles from Motown to Philly to Memphis.

   But if your bent is hard driving, gut wrenching, R&B with a pinch of gospel and soul, then look no further. This collection is the bomb. With 98 (count 'em...98) bonifide super soul hits, this is positively essential for any collector. Five Stars just scratches the surface. This one should get 98 Stars (count 'em...98) one for every great single in this marvelous set.

2 comments about Soul Hits of the '70s.

1. THIS IS A GOOD CD IF YOU LIKE OLD SCHOOL MUSIC



2. First of all, let me assure you that these are the Original Recordings with the exception of a live version of "Midnight Train to Georgia" which actually sounds nice & fresh after having the original played to death on the radio.
   
   If you are a Soul Freak, you will probably own some of these songs, but there are many, many overlooked gems such as:
   
   "Say You Love Me" a wonderful track by Patti Austin
   
   "Love Brought Me Back" This is a gospel like mid-tempo number by D.J. Rogers (who did a great duet with Patrice Rushen which is not included here). Why was this song not a hit?
   
   "Your Love" by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis - a marvelous, happy love song between this married couple. You also get the massive hit, "You Don't Have to Be A Star"
   
   "Am I Black Enough For You" Billy Paul - the "Mrs. Jones" crooner goes kind of funky on us with this affirming anthem of racial pride
   
   "In the Mood" Tyrone Davis - T. Davis is the man! You should check out a Greatest Hits collection. This is a nice Quiet Storm ballad
   
   "Where Do We Go From Here" Trammps - The Disco Inferno Guys mellow it out here (kind of Barry White meets the Temptations)
   
   I can't recall the name of the Manhattans tune included here, but it is nice - a good sample of what you will find on a Greatest Hits Collection
   
   "Reach For It" is a light hearted funk number from Soul-Jazz Man, George Duke.
   
   
   Anyway, this is an absolute steal at its $6.99 price. Remember this is a 3 CD / 40 song set. A must for any Soul Collection. A good mix of Quiet Storm ballads & uptempo steppers. Put in on at your next party & enjoy!
   
   If you are still reading this pitiful review - stop right now & order this CD or check out your local Circuit City or Best Buy store which may carry this at a decent price.
   
   A special thanks to my buddy who knowing what a soul freak I am gave this to me as a Christmas gift a few years ago. Thanks my man!!!!!!

5 comments about Q: The Musical Biography of Quincy Jones.

1. Beautiful music. This is lovely bio-discography. Jazz, movie, pop, funk .... for all kind of music, he is #1 . Fans of Q, u have to buy it !



2. I had no idea who Quincy Jones really was until I watched a PBS special the other night called American Masters. I am a big fan of his album "Big Band Bossa Nova" and I was amazed to see that he did a great deal of big-band styled music. This box set encompasses so many different aspects of his career. Big band music, movie & television scores, to producing some of pop music's greatest stars. I am extremely pleased with this purchase. There are so many great songs on these 4 discs they will be in heavy rotation on my MP3 player for quite some time.



3. This collection runs the gamut of pop and jazz musical styles. When songs differed between the single and album version, the single version is used. For a Rhino box set, this title has excellent remastering. Instead of the usually over-bright presentation, Bernie Grundman is the remastering engineer here -- and he treats these tracks with a slight hand, allowing the original musicality of the master tapes shine through. You probably don't have these tracks sounding this good elsewhere in your collection (unless you own the Grundman remastered Michael Jackson albums).



4. The wide array of music in this collection is amazing - I've always enjoyed his later albums (The Dude, Back on The Block) but this collection opened up the depth of his earlier work to me. I had originally ordered this from Amazon, but cancelled it after I found it at a discount club (Costco)...



5. Jones's musical biography is a history of American music. The variety and depth of the music compiled on these CDs is amazing.

5 comments about 70's Pop Hits.

1. It's too bad this is in the "Shame It's Out-of-Print" File, because it's an excellent and diverse collection, and the sound quality is strong. If you find it at a CD exchange or in the remainders somewhere, nab it. It spans the entire decade of the 70's and the entire range of sounds, from classic rock to pop to funk to disco and even a few country songs. It's a heck of a lot of fun to just load all three discs into your machine and let 'em play through. There are plenty of big hits among the 40 selections--"Dust In the Wind," "More Than A Feeling," "Free Ride," etc--but there are also a wealth of songs I had completely forgotten, such as "We Just Disagree," "Third Rate Romance," and "Arizona." A great mix, and a fun trip down Memory Lane.
   
   FYI: The use of the term "box set" is a bit of a misnomer; it comes in a standard-size double jewel case.



2. This product just had the right amount of the songs I was looking for.



3. I must admit. Before I purchased this collection I DID check the reviews of this disc set,and I am glad I did. This disc set is everything the other reviewers said it was. It was well recorded, the cuts on the disc were most enjoyable. This is my opinion. If you are looking for the music you remember, done the way you remember it, look for the Sony or other recognizable labels. I have purchased other labels and despite what the record company says, the disc sets are first, second, or re-records. Not always done well. I believe this set will please just about everybody who is a 70's fan.
   
   Bob Doyle



4. I think that was the whole idea behind this collection. Country, folk, stadium rock, R & B, pop, Motown, funk, disco, and a little jazz; it's all there. Sure you could argue that some really great songs from the 70's have not been included, but this is a compilation of Sony owned music; some of these records I remember as being on ABC Records and Epic. I grew up in the 70's and I would recommend this collection just for the cheap trip down memory lane!



5. This CD series has a bunch of really great songs from the 70's - early to late. It is a winner for the value ratio too! Check it out and you'll love what you hear.