Loved this complication album since I was little my family would always blast this in the car! It was finally my time to get my own copy and I'm very happy it came in really good condition!
For anyone browsing Amazon and coming across this collection, presumably because of an interest in Electro-Funk, the initial impression of this collection might not be entirely positive - particularly if the viewer is from the United Kingdom (UK). For a number of reasons very many of UK based Electro-Funk fans would have experienced the genre through the Morgan Khan inspired 'Streetsounds Electro' collections, which had (and continue to hold) a unique place in the affections of UK based Hip Hop and Electro-Funk fans. An affection and loyalty that extends to brand recognition and clear stylistic markings.
None of which feature on this collection, originally issued on the Rhino Records label in 1992.
So, whilst some might initially dismiss this collection on artistic grounds - it doesn't feature the most interesting or provocative of covers - this would be a mistake, as closer inspection reveals that a great deal of thought went in to the production of this collection.
Featuring detailed liner notes by Sean Ross, this is a collection that seeks to place Electro-Funk within a coherent musical context, attempting to explain how many of the tracks featured would influence music produced at a much later date, whilst drawing on a heritage that extended back in to the traditions of Jazz and Rhythm and Blues. This is particularly important as there was a time when musical purists (particularly in the UK) were particularly dismissive of the emergence of a musical form which they considered 'soulless' and 'artistically moribund'.
The album opens with a 'Mega Mix', a form of musical adventure which originally emerged as a significant artistic form of expression during this period (Double Dee & Steinski, The Latin Rascals, Shep Pettibone, Ben Liebrand) before moving on to 'Planet Rock' by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force, an obvious example of the hybrid musical heritage of the Electro-Funk genre (drawing on European and American musical traditions) to provide a musical template which sounds as powerful and radical as it did between June and August 1982 when it first emerged. Hashim's 'Al-Naafiysh' (The Soul) is another record which still continues, over twenty years later, to exert a powerful influence on music and Hip Hop culture in particular, whilst 'Clear' by Cybotron points particularly to the European influence (notably that of Kraftwerk) and to the future musical contortions of Techno and beyond.
Other records featured are acknowledged as classics of their kind - 'Jam on Revenge (The Wikki-Wikki Song)' by Newcleus might well have been dismissed at the time as infantile and fleeting but it retains and preserves the influence of 'funk', whilst Aleem's 'Release Yourself' (featuring the vocal talents of Leeroy Burgess) points to the harder edged and propulsive production values that would increasingly predominate in black music (and beyond) from the early 1980's onwards.
For those wishing to see the role of the DJ recognised, 'Rockit' by Herbie Hancock, features the turntable mastery of D.S.T, a recording which sees the DJ taking on the role of a percussive musician - with noted Jazz musicians - thereby placing the DJ within the pantheon of celebrated African-American musicianship.
For those wishing to explore the genre for the first time this is a well balanced collection which manages to provide records of genuine interest and influence, whilst hinting at the musical soundscapes which would emerge subsequently.
Qualitatively the music is well presented, with relatively detailed and relevant liner notes, and it has been mastered to a very acceptable standard.
This is a a good place to begin exploring the Electro-Funk heritage, particularly for individuals not exposed to the UK 'Streetsounds Electro' phenomenon.
This stuff is great. Me and my boyz used to break-dance to Electric Funk volumes 1 & 2. This was in the 90s. We weren't into volumes 3 & 4. At one time bought 3 and thought it sucked...BUT, I'm 29 years old now, and I feel as though my love for music as matured, so I just might pick up the rest of the compilation.