NOVELTY BAND WHO IS NOT BAD AT ALL

CARTOONS : TOONAGE : Cartoons were a techno billy / glam pop rock band from Denmark. Their best known song were their version of the novelty 1958 song 'Witchdoctor'. Many of their hits were Euro pop covers of old rockabilly hits. I can't believe I got this on discount 'cos every tracks here is good old fashioned enjoyable pop. Highlights here includes of course 'Witchdoctor', 'Doo Dah', 'Hold Me' which is sang in Capella and the rest of the 10 songs are simply irresistible. The two oldies here are 'Who Put The Bump' and The Police's 'Do Do Do Do De Da Da Da '. Their singles are so infectious I have them as ringtones in my hp and it never fail to raise a smile when I am in a lift among strangers when my phone rings. .DOP : 13th FEBRUARY 2008.



CARTOONS : TOONTASTIC : I got this too on discount. The songs here are not as good as the first as is usually the case. Still, there are lots of goodies to be found here. Favorites includes 'Diddley Dee', 'Little Red Riding Hood', 'Hippie From Mississippi' and their two versions of the oldies 'Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep' and 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do'. I'm also searching for their Christmas CD and I will pay the full price for it if it's anything as enjoyable as these two CD. DOP : UNKNOWN.




MORE TOONAGE : My nephew gave this CD to me. It was the same  CD as their debut " Toonage" with a few additional tracks thrown in. A shameless way to sell a CD if you ask me. This consists of the original 10 tracks with an additional 5 tracks and 3 videos of 'Witch Doctor', 'Doodah' and 'Aisy Waisy'. It would helped if the additional tracks were good but it wasn't. I have great expectation for the Christmas song 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' but I was disappointed as was 'Just Can't Wait'. The rest were 'Millennium Megamix' which consisted of 'Witch Doctor', 'Doodah' and 'Yoko' and an Italian version of 'Witch Doctor' called 'Tutto Passera'. Even the cover was identical to the original CD except for the color. Small wonder that the band disbanded after just two albums.  DOP : 30th March 2013. Given to me by my nephew, Edmund Leong.

CD THAT'S NOT REALLY WORTH THE PRICE

THE VERY BEST OF 10CC : I bought this largely 'cos I was slightly indignant when someone asked me about a song by 10CC ' Dreadlock Holiday' and I didn't know although the tune sounded familiar to me. I've prided myself in knowing slightly more than my friends when it comes to music. Turned out that I did know the song but it was sung by Boney M. It was hidden at the back of my mind. And that was how I ended up with this CD. For all their reputation, this CD doesn't work for me at all. Other than the obvious like 'I'm Not In Love', 'The Things We Do For Love' and the above mentioned 'Dreadlock Holiday', I guess this CD won't be resting on my player anytime soon. This CD is not cheap too. Sign. DOP : 10th April 2011.

 
GENESIS : TURN IT ON AGAIN : THE HITS : I was not much into Genesis at all. There are only two songs that I care for here. 'I Can't Dance' and 'That's All', which I love absolutely from the music video that I watch on TV. There's no denying it, music videos does sell music. Worth the price of the whole CD so I am not complaining. DOP : 28th April 2000.






MIKE & THE MECHANICS : HITS :   Mike Rutherford was one of the founding member of Genesis. Feeling constrained and restrained within the boundary of Genesis, Mike & The Mechanics was form as a vehicle for the songwriting of the respective members. Their hits includes 'All I Need Is A Miracle '96', 'Over My Shoulder', 'Word Of Mouth' but I only care for 'The Living Years'. This was a touching song about a man and his father during his dying days. This song along is worth the whole CD so I am not complaining here either. DOP : Unknown.

PHIL COLLINS...HITS :  Phil Collins, the drummer from Genesis surprisingly is more enjoyable than the sum of Genesis. I got this just before he released the theme song from the Disney's Tarzen movie, 'You'll Be In My Heart' but then I've have it in another CD, so it doesn't matter to me. What's matter was that I've have everything I need form Phil Collins. There are a lot to be enjoyed here. The Grammy winning 'Another Day In Paradise', 'Easy Lover', 'Against All Odds' and 'Separate Lives' which are all my favorites. Elsewhere there are 'You Can't Hurry Love', 'True Colors' 'In The Air Tonight' and 'A Groovy Kind Of Love'. I just don't like his version of 'A Groovy Kind Of Love'. He sang it way too slow and he really does spoiled the song much like what Rod Stewart did with 'When I Need You'. The originally version of 'A Groovy Kind Of Love' is still the top.  This is slightly different from the rest 'cos I quite enjoyed it. DOP : 18th October 1998.

STARS ON 45 STARTED THE TREND

Stars On 45 actually was a Dutch novelty act that was briefly very popular in Europe and the rest of the world. The band was made up of studio session musicians under the guidance ship of one Jaap Eeggemount, singing the songs as closely to the original as possible with a common beat that string all the songs together. It started a trend that even bands like The Hollies, The Beach Boys, Smokie, etc jumped on the band wagon and recorded their own versions.

THE VERY BEST OF STARS ON 45 : The one that started the fab. 'Beatles Medley' consists of 30 Beatles songs with the Stars On 45 intro at the beginning, middle and ending part. For those casual listeners, they should be forgiven if they believed that they really was The Beatles singing. I remembered being amazed when I first heard it too. John was spot on while Paul and George was not so quite convincing. There was also an 'Abba Medley', 'Stevie Wonder Medley' Supremes Medley' and a Rolling Stones Medley titled as 'The Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band In The World'. Enjoy. DOP : Unknown.


STARS ON 45 : DISCOBEATLES : PERFORMED BY F4 : Got this on discount and it's just taking up space on my shelf. Consisting of eleven Beatles songs and one 'Fabulous Mix Part 2 ( Medley ) which is made up of four Beatles' songs namely 'Love Me Do', 'She Loves You', 'Paperback Writer' and 'Help!'. It's pretty incredible when you have eleven Beatles at your disposal and yet created a CD that is so dull that you'll be shake your head in disbelief for as long as the CD is playing. DOP : 13th May 2000.

THE BEST OF JIVE BUNNY AND THE MASTERMIXERS : After Stars On 45, I'll say that Jive Bunny is the next best thing on the same format. While Stars On 45 relied more on pop, Jive Bunny is leans more toward rock. Their 'Swing The Mood' ' 'That's What I Like, etc, will have you jumping and stomping your feet in no time unless you are on a wheel chair. Jive Bunny are more for the dance floor while Stars On 45 are more for listening. DOP : 4th December 1995.

NON-STOP ROCK 'N' ROLL :  I bought this CD distinctively for the memories. Back in the old days, me and my friends would frequented the discos or parties and when this record were played, we will be jiving and dancing till we dropped. These songs are in the Stars On 45's format and the music seems to go on forever. And boys being boys, we will keep on dancing till the ladies were all worn out. If you can remember all those songs here, you can probably lay claimed to be an authority on rock 'n' roll for they are almost to a hundred songs here. DOP : 17th April. 2011.

THE MEGAMIX PARTY ALBUM : 15 OF THE BEST MEGAMIXES IN THE WORLD!! : This is the real Mcoy. The Stars On 45 as performed by the original artists. Cuts includes Olivia Newton John and John Travolta's 'Grease Megamix', Village People's 'We Want You Megamix', Modern Talking's 'No. 1 Hit Medley', etc. There's even one by Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers. DOP : 24th June 2002.

THE ONE HIT WONDERS

There are many groups or singers who have just one song who is internationally known and then stopped. Nothing more was heard of them. These so called artists are called 'One Hit Wonders' which made it incredibly hard to find their songs. Super famous song like 'Feeling' by Morris Albert or 'Kung Fu Fighting' by Carl Douglas are everywhere but what about 'Disco Duck' by Rick Dee And His Cast Of Idiots ? or 'Hey Fattie Bum Bum ' by Carl Malcolm. I rest my case. Below are two CD of these 'One Hit Wonders'

ONE HIT WONDERS - 20 TIMELESS CLASSICS : As the title suggested, this one contained 'Feeling' by Morris Albert, 'Susie Darlin' by Robin Luke which is not really that rare 'cos I have it on my other CD. Matter of facts, not many of these are rare except for Doris Troy's 'Just One Look', Tiny Tim's 'Tip Toe Through The Tulips With Me', Leapy Lee's 'Little Arrows' and Joe Jones's amusing 'You Talk Too Much' which could be the best way to describe your spouse. DOP : 11st August 2001.

ONE HIT WONDERS : This double CD flared much better 'cos the songs are much more current. Among the ones that I care for are Buggles's ' Video Killed The Radio Star', Hanson's 'MmmBop', Jan Hammer's 'Miami Vice Theme', 4 Non Blondes ' What's Up' and Sam Brown's urgent 'Stop'. Disc 2 offered Harold Faltermeyer's iconic 'Axel F', Emilia's 'Big , Big World' and my all time favorite Nick Kershaw's 'Wouldn't It Be Good'. To top it up, there's OMC's How Bizarre', Billy Ray Cyrus's annoying but at the same time cute 'Achy Breaky Heart', ABC's ' The Look Of Love' and Charlene's heart felt's 'I've Never Been To Me' DOP : Unknown.

SYNTHPOP AT THEIR BEST OR WERE THEY....

I don't really like those mindless synthesizer driven type of music that just don't seems to syce with the music it was supposed to be accompanying. Still, there are some band who excel in it. Below are a few of those culprits who in spite of what I've just said remain a guilty pleasure.


MODERN TALKING : THE COLLECTION : Modern Talking was a German synthpop group which consisting of Thomas Anders and Dieter Bohlen. They were regarded as German's most successful pop duo with a numbers of smash hits around the world. The most popular of which were 'You're In My Heart, You're In My Soul', 'You Can Win If You Want', 'Cheri Cheri Lady' and the super commercial 'Brother Louie' and 'Atlantis Is Calling ( SOS For Love )'. Dance music being dance music, they would be more entertaining if they could be extended to a much longer version. Serious music lovers will never admit to liking them but what the heck, music are meant to be entertaining. As long as they are entertaining, I'll buy their CD. DOP : Unknown.

MILLI VANILLI : THE REMIX ALBUM : Now this was one album that I enjoyed. I actually first got this on cassettes. I loved it so much that before long I got this CD version. Conceived by Boney M mastermind Frank Fariah, the production was slick and near perfect and the CD as a whole was a joy to listen to. Highlights includes 'Girl, You Know It's True', 'Baby, Don't Forget My Number', 'Blame It On The Name', and the beautiful 'Girl, I'm Gonna Miss You'.  They were so good that they were awarded the 1990 Grammy for Best New Artist. Tragedy struck when it was revealed that it was not them who actually sang on the vocal and the Grammy was revoked. Milli Vanilli never recovered from this scandal. DOP : 18th May 1992.

ACE OF BASE : SINGLES OF THE 90S : Act Of Base originated from Sweden but Abba and Roxette there certainly are not, although they are the third most successful act after those two. Their most successful and recognizable songs are the obvious 'All That She Wants', 'The Sign' and the Albert Hammond composed 'Don't Turn Around'. Problems are most of their songs sound alike. Where are they now ? I doubt any one cares. DOP : 28th August 2001.

INSTRUMENTALISTS WHO MADE THEIR MARK

Instrumentalists are a dime a dozen in the music world but there are a few selected ones who managed to make their mark through the years.

THE VERY BEST OF HERB ALPERT : Herb Albert rose to fame in the mid sixties as the king of South of the Border MOR, or as it was called :Ameriachi" He has since became a music industry force both as a performer and as co founder and vice chairman of A & M Records. He was the guy who gave 'The Carpenters' their break when other record companies wouldn't. He scored with 'The Lonely Bull'. 'A Taste Of Honey' and 'Tijuana Taxi' all of which are instantly recognizable instrumental pieces. Ironically it was a rare vocal outing ' This Guy's In Love With You' which gave him his second no 1 hit. The first being 'Rise'. This was a discount CD and it does stirred up many hidden memories. DOP : 9th October 1994.



THE BEST OF MECO : Meco is an American record producer and musician as well as a band based around him. Meco was essentially born out of the disco boom and when disco oozed out so did he. His specialty was producing disco version of movie soundtracks notably the Star Wars trilogy. This CD contains 'Star Wars Theme / Cantina Band; 'Empire Strikes Back Medley', 'Star trek's Theme', 'Topsy' and other soundtracks. I like his 'Theme From Close Encounters'. Incredibly I bought this at a unbelievable price of RM 5.00 and at that price I guess this is reasonably enough.. DOP : 21st September 2011.

THE BEST OF MIKE OLDFIELD : ELEMENTS : Mike Oldfield started his career with a bang with the successful 'Tubular Bells' whose music was later used in the horror movie "The Exorcist". The album won the 1974 Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition. His follow up releases were less successful although he have several more UK hit singles. My all time favorite thought was obviously 'Moonlight Shadow' with vocal by a Maggie Reilly. The lyric was rumored to be about the murder of  John Lennon despite the facts that the events in the song do not correspond with the event of John's murder. The other one that I like is 'In Dulci Jubilo'. This was an edited version of the original 4 CD Deluxe release. I'm glad I got this and not the deluxe version though for I don't find this as entertaining as anticipated. DOP : 24th February 1994.

KENNY GREATEST HITS : Of all the instrumentalists, I like Kenny G best. His music is soothing to  the ear that reaches right to your heart and soul. If you are with your loved one and intents to stay single for a while longer, steer clear of 'Forever In Love' for it may just make you do the thing you shouldn't. Likewise with 'Songbird', Silhouette'. His numbers with guest vocalists 'Every time I Close My Eyes' ( Babyface ), 'How Could An Angel Break My Heart' ( Toni Braxton) could really get you all misty eyes. This CD comes with an additional CD with three tracks which made me wondered 'What's the point ?. I got this CD just before he recorded 'My Heart Will Go On'. I absolutely love his takes on two Chinese numbers 'The Moon Represents My Heart' and 'Jasmine Flowers' which regretfully are not here. I will probably get his Christmas CD in the near future. I can't have just one Kenny G CD in my collection, can I.  I need at least two. DOP : 19th November 1997.

THE MODERN DIVAS

Divas come and divas go but that's one diva that's being around for quite a while and Madonna's her name. After her, they came a few others but she managed to outlast them all.

MADONNA : THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION : Madonna is the most media savvy American pop star since Bob Dylan and the most consistently controversial since Elvis Presley. This was the  first ever Madonna Compilation CD and incredibly, this was given to me by an old classmate who couldn't get into her music. Since then, they have been many other compilation but this CD have secure a special place in my heart. From dance floor blazer 'Holiday', 'Lucky Star' to 'Borderline' and 'Like A Virgin' to her signature tune 'Material Girl', the songs never let up. And I haven't even started on 'Crazy For You', 'Into The Groove' and 'Papa Don't Preach'. Then there was the controversial 'Like A Prayer'. Yeah this is a 100 & 1 percent enjoyable CD. Remind us why she's still on top while all her contemporaries have fallen by the side. DOP : An exchange with a pal.

MADONNA : THE HOLIDAY COLLECTION : There are four songs here. 'Holiday', True Blue, Who's That Girl' and 'Causin' A Commotion'. I bought this specifically for 'True Blue' and 'Who's That Girl'. 'True Blue' was the track that I truly adored. DOP : 11th November 1995.







MADONNA : GREATEST HITS : VOLUME 2 : Thought she is still going great gun, Volume 2 unfortunately wasn't as strong a collection as Volume 1. I got this on a slight discount. The songs here just doesn't hold up against the songs on the first volume. For me the best track here is indisputably 'Take A Bow', one of the most beautiful ballad by Madonna. There's also 'Don't Cry For Me, Argentina' from the movie which she starred in 'Evita'. Good as her version is, this song still belongs to Julia Convington, the original singer of this song. The next song that I like is 'Beautiful Stranger'. A pity that her version of Don McLean's 'American Pie ' is not here. I quite like it. DOP : 7th August 2004.

CYNDI LAUPER : TWELVE DEADLY CYNS...AND THEN SOME : During the eighties, two divas emerged at almost the same time. Cyndi Lauper and the other one was of course Madonna. Cyndi Lauper projected a fun schoolgirl like images with her signature song 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' and it was so infectious that everybody caught on. It's a kind of feminist anthem that I can still accept if my daughter sang it to my face but I'm not so sure I can handle it as well if she were to sing in my face Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach'. There is another version of this song later on in the CD. Four of the songs here are from her million selling debut "She's So Unusual". 'Girls'...', All Through The Night', 'She Bop' and 'Time After Time'. She was never able to repeat the success of her debut album although she did have subsequence hits like 'True Color', 'I Drove All Night' and 'What's Going On'. One song that I discovered on this CD, 'Who Let In The Rain' was simply awesome. Overall, this was an enjoyable CD. DOP : 22nd Qctober 1994.

CYNDI LAUPER : MERRY CHRISTMAS...HAVE A NICE LIFE : This is yet another surprise Christmas CD. Out of the eleven songs, only three are traditional Christmas songs, the rest are all originals. Usually, too much original Christmas songs tends to be a drag but surprise of surprise, there are all quite enjoyable, proving she got what it takes to come up with an enjoyable album albeit a Christmas one. I got this on discount. I wouldn't take a risk with my hand earned cash on something not proven but this time at least my fear was unfounded. DOP : 16th October 2004.

KYLIE MINOGUE : KYLIE GREATEST HITS 87 - 97 : There's no denying it, Kylie Minogue have staying power. Kylie was already the hottest face on television due to her role as Charlene in the hit TV series "Neighbors". Her first hit was a cover of Little Eva's hit 'The Locomotion' and like they all used to say the rest is history. She followed that up with 'I Should Be So Lucky' 'Especially For You', her duet with Jason Donovan, 'Tears On My Pillow', etc. Classic pop they may be but I was never much of a fan of her. I got this double set on discount and it's good value for money. A nice CD to pop onto your player during a rainy day. 3rd April 2005.

JANET JACKSON : DESIGN OF A DECADE 1986 - 1996 : As the youngest sister of Michael Jackson and the baby of pop music's best known family, Janet Jackson could have spent her career in the shadow of her eight siblings, particularity Michael. Instead with the help of some savvy creative and professional advisers outside the family, she established herself as one of the premier pop funk diva of the late eighties and early nineties. For a brief period of her fame, she was even giving Michael a serious run for his money. I wasn't so much into her though but I favored the ballads more instead of the faster uptempo numbers. The tracks that I like includes 'What Have You Done For Me Lately', ' Miss You Much' and of course 'Let's Wait A While'. I like her publicity picture. It's so sexy and sensual. I once broke my own rule and lend this CD nonchalantly to a pretty friend who is also a somewhat beauty queen runner up. Hey, I am human too. After a while of non returning of my precious CD, I asked for it and she returned it to me in a crumby state. I was aghast and totally shocked at this indifferent to someone's property. When I reprimanded her about it, she sheepishly replied that she can't help it 'cos it was done by his younger brother. Does reinforced my suspicious that beautiful girls does live in a world of their own. Still, beauty or no beauty, I ain't never gonna lend my CD again. DOP :  Unknown.


ULTIMATE TONI BRAXTON : The other diva in line, Toni Braxton  hit me right in the eye when I first heard her tender 'Un-break My Heart', ' Breathe Again', the funky 'Another Sad Love Song' and 'You Mean The World To Me'. These songs wouldn't sound out of place if sung by Whitney Houston. As it is, it made Toni Braxton a star and a diva but she couldn't run the mile as the other competitors. DOP : 11th November 2011.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE STARS

Christmas is just round the corner. There's just so many Christmas CD that I want to get out of my chest. Here's Christmas with the stars.

MERRY CHRISTMAS...FROM THE DRIFTERS : The oldest Christmas CD here. I got this purely for the song 'Auld Lang Syne' but it was not the version that I've had on record. That version was stunning and could stop a charging bull right on it's track. Still, this is a listenable CD thought not a great one. I bought it on discount so I don't place too much expectation on it. Tracks includes 'Christmas Just Ain't Christmas', 'Winter Wonderland','We Wish You A Merry Christmas' and 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. DOP : 15th December 2011.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK : MERRY, MERRY X'MAS : I first heard this on cassette and I remember liking the first track 'This One's For The Children'. This CD came out when I was quite weary about boys' bands and manufactured bands. There were puppet being control by their managers and producers. Anyway, back to the CD, I've always have this CD at the back of my mind and when I saw it on discount, naturally I grabbed it. New Kids On The Block or rather their manager are brave in making this CD. Out of 10 tracks, only three ''The Christmas Song', 'White Christmas' and 'Little Drummer Boy' are traditional Christmas songs. The rest are originals and they are not bad too. DOP : 2nd June 2010.

JESSICA SIMPSON : REJOYCE THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM : I confessed. I bought this for two reasons. One for the pretty face on the cover and second for the price. RM 9.90. The songs selection are nice but unfortunately, the interpretation are not so pretty. 'Let It Snow, Let It Snow' Let It Snow', 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus', 'What Child Is This' etc are just lost on this pretty lass. Her voice is so high pitch that I'm afraid the glasses may break. This one will do just fine as wallpaper but not on the player. Hate to admit it but a pretty face sure sell CD.. DOP : 2nd June 2010.



CHRISTMAS WISHES : 19 OF THE SEASON'S FINEST SONGS : Now this is a real deal for money, and I don't meant it in a discount sort of way. This is a full price CD. As the title implied, there 19 seasonal favorites here which includes 'Do They Know It's Christmas', 'Please Come Home For Christmas', 'Thank God, It's Christmas', and 'A Spaceman Came Traveling'. Apart from these, there are 'Lonely This Christmas', 'Mary's Boy Child' and 'Blue Christmas'. When I first got this, I was fuming that they've left out The Carpenters' 'Merry Christmas, Darling', but since then I've got The Carpenters' Christmas CD, so this issue was settled. DOP : 16th November 1996.

SNOOPY'S CHRISTMAS :  CLASSICS ON TOYS : I like a bit of variation in my Christmas CD so I will be adding more and more Christmas CD in my collection as the years roll by. This is one of the CD that I love. Made up of children's musical toys and children's vocals, this CD is highly enjoyable. Matter of fact it's much more enjoyable than the so call star's Christmas CD. It have the usual Christmas chestnuts like 'Sleigh Ride', 'Joy To The World', 'Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer', etc. Highly recommended. DOP : 3rd December 2003.

SWEDEN'S BEST EXPORT SINCE ABBA

DON'T BORED US - GET TO THE CHORUS! ROXETTE'S GREATEST HITS : Roxette was good and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. There were the most successful musical export from Sweden since Abba. It took so long for me to write about them because I just didn't know where to place them. Only then did I realised that they were in a class of their own. In my opinion, their songs have much more varieties than Abba. Well, at least I can listen to a whole of their Greatest Hits CD without pressing the skip button. Roxette was made up of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle who wrote the bulk of their songs and there are songs a plenty to be enjoyed here. 'The Look', 'Dressed For Success' and 'Dangerous' are a slap to those who said that Roxette can't rock. Then there's the slower ballads like 'It Must Have Been Love' from the movie "Pretty Woman", 'Listen To Your Heart' and 'Spending My Time'. The only song missing here is 'Queen Of Rain' but I have it on one of my other compilation CD. In other words, I've have all the Roxette's songs that matters. There are four new songs here but unfortunately, they couldn't hold a candle to the rest of the songs here. It hinted at the influence of Prince, but why change a formula that works.Nevertheless, I'll say it again. Roxette was good. Only thing was they couldn't keep up the momentum of producing great songs. Abba have two songwriters but Roxette only have one, so it's understandable but very much regrettable. They haven't really officially broken up, just lying low but it's been so many years. I've no doubt that many others would love to see them rise again and given the talents that Per Greele have, I'm sure he will. And when he does, I'll the first in line to buy their CD. DOP : 26th October 1995.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

CLASSIC: SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES : Smokey Robinson & The Miracles was the first successful recording acts for Motown record in the sixties. There were among one of the few groups who wrote their own songs. Apart from writing their own songs, they were also successful composing songs for the likes of Mary Wells, The Temptations and Mavin Gaye. Smokey Robinson also have one of his composition, 'You've Really Got A Hold On Me' being recorded by The Beatles. Other songs of note includes 'The Tears Of A Clown', 'Shop Around', Ooo Baby Baby' and 'The Tracks Of My Tears'.  DOP : 28th December 2011.


THE VERY BEST OF...GEORGE BENSON : THE GREATEST HITS OF ALL : I was never much into jazz and George Benson but then this was selling at RM 9.90, so I just got to have it. George Benson was a one time child prodigy who topped the Billboard 200 in 1976 with a triple selling album called "Breezing". Most were not aware of it but The Carpenters' 'This Masquerade' and Whitney Houston's 'The Greatest Song Of All' were both sang by George Benson first. The others that I like here are 'Noting's Gonna Change My Love For You', and his duet with Roberta Flack, 'You Are The Love Of My Life'. Other than this, the other songs cannot sustain my interest in this CD. 28th December 2011.DOP : 2nd June 2010.

STEVIE WONDER - SONG REVIEW : A GREATEST HITS COLLECTION : Stevie Wonder was one of a few super talented musicians to make records on which he played virtually all the instrumentals and does so brilliantly. Though blind from birth, that have never hindered him from becoming one of the most influential musicians of all time. This single disc does not do the man justice at all. He need at least 3 CD just to scrape the top of his musical barrel. What's featured here however are not bad at all for the casual fans. 'Isn't She Lovely', the super commercial 'I Just Called To Say I Love You', 'Superstition', 'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life', 'My Cherie Amour' , Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday, and his duet with Paul McCartney 'Ebony & Ivory. Looking at the titles, you can't deny that the man's a genius. DOP : 24th November 1996.

THE GREATEST HITS OF THE STYLISTICS : LET'S PUT IT ALL TOGETHER : The Stylistics were the leading pioneer of the 'Philadelphia Sound' of the mid seventies.With music composed by Philadelphia producer / writer Thom Bell and Linda Creed, they scored big with 'You Are Everything', 'Betcha By Golly Wow', 'I'm Stone In Love With You', 'Break Up To Make Up', 'Rockin' Roll Baby' and 'You Made Me Feel Brand New'. They had a second stab at stardom when they broke their collaboration with Thom Bell and got together with Van McCoy. Their sales declined in American but they remained popular in Europe with songs like 'I Can't Give You Anything ( But My Love ), 'Star On A TV Show', and 'Let's Put It All Together'. A CD of theirs that I am still searching for is "Heavy". Every songs is a gems. I don't understand why it have not been issued out yet, and when it does, you can rest assured that I will have another Stylistics CD in my collection. DOP : 27th June 1993.

WOMEN GOT SOMETHING TO SAY TOO

Every decades bring with it divas that created waves. The eighties gave us no shortage of divas. Here are a few of the divas from the late seventies and eighties that I am familiar with.

BONNIE TYLER : THE BEST : I have a record of Bonnie Tyler but the songs there and this CD were different. Matter of fact I think I like the songs there better. That was the time when she was still a country star and haven't yet moved into main stream pop. Still, the best track of all, in my opinion, 'Lost In France' was here. I wouldn't have bought this CD if not for that song. Highlights here includes her first hit 'It's A Heartache', her later hits like 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart', Holding Up For A Hero' and her duet with Shakin' Stevens, 'A Rockin' Good Way ( To Mess Around And Fall In Love)' . The female Rod Stewart, that's what she sounds like. DOP : 21st August 1993.


LAURA BRANIGAN : THE BEST OF LAURA BRANIGAN : The infectious 'Self Control' have been in my mind all these years since I've first heard it and for good reasons. It sounded fresh and at the same time familiar like a song you've heard since forever. Other songs that sounds good includes 'Gloria', 'Solitaire', 'Dim All The Lights, 'How Am I Supposed To Live Without You' and her version of the much covered 'The Power Of Love'. DOP : A GIFT :5th July 1996 from Miss Leong May Ngor.




TINA TURNER : SIMPLY THE BEST : Tina Turner begins her career as part of the popular Ike & Tina Turner rock duo. In 1976, due to years of abuse best documented in the award winning movie, "What's Love Got To Do With It", she stumbled out of a hotel with just 36 cents in her pocket and left Ike, and embarked on one of the longest and most successful comebacks in rock history.  I like this CD. Most of the songs here are stellar or was it her performance. 'The Best', 'What's Love Got To Do With It', 'Private Dancer', 'Better Be Good To Me' and her duet with Rod Stewart 'It Takes Two'. Not for nothing was she called The Comeback Queen. DOP : 16th November 1994.


ALISON MOYET : SINGLES : Alison Moyet started out as half of the short lived but influential techno pop due known as Yazoo. When Yazoo disbanded, Alison Moyet embarked on a successful solo career. I bought this CD expecting nothing but I was pleasantly surprised with her version of 'Only You' and 'Nobody's Diary'. Her version of Roberta Flake's 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' is interesting too. It's been quite a while since I've played this CD but what I do remember was that it was a nice musical journey with her. Tracks includes 'Winter Kills', 'That Ole Devil Called Love' and 'Weak In The Presence Of Love'. DOP : 12th August 1995.



THE BEST OF SADE : Although Sade is officially a group, lead vocalist Sade is for all its intents and purposes is Sade. Sade formed a writing partnership with Stewart Matthewman, a guitarist form a band called Pride that she used to sing backup on. Her debut album "Diamond Head" produced the hit 'Your Love is King', Other hits includes 'Hang On To Your Love', my favorite, the super smooth 'Smooth Operator' and 'The Sweetest Taboo'. Listening to Sade does brings a certain calm over you with her smooth and jazzy delivery style.
DOP : 3rd December 1994.

BELINDA CARLISLE : THE BEST OF BELINDA. VOLUME 1 : I bought this CD knowing only 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth' and 'Circle In The Sand'. Guess you could say a pretty face on the cover does help to sell a CD. There is not a bad tracks here. 'Leave A Light On', 'My Little Black Book', 'Vision Of You' and 'La Luna' may not win any awards anytime soon but musically there are much more enjoyable than a lot of CD out there. There are a lot of versions of this CD out in the market with different sleeves but more or less contain the same songs. The CD says Volume 1. I bought this CD in 1992 and I am still waiting for Volume 2. Going through the credits, I am baffled to see George Harrison among the people who have contributed to this CD. There was no documentation about him being involved with Belinda Carlisle or could it be someone else with the same name. One of the great mysteries in life, I supposed. DOP : 4th July 1992.

GLORIA ESTEFAN GREATEST HITS :  I've always wanted this CD and it so happened I found it on discount. I am not very familiar with Gloria Estefan saved for a few songs which I found very unique and pleasing. She is equally adapt on the fast as well as the slow numbers. The one that got me interested in her was 'Words Get In The Way'. And I've always loved 'Don't Wanna Lose You Now' since the first time I've heard it. The fast ones that impressed are 'Dr. Beat', 'Conga' and 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You'. All in all, a worthwhile buy. DOP : 9th May 2012.

CD THAT MADE NO SENSE

Sometimes I don't even understand myself. There are CD I like and there are CD that I dislike and yet I still  buy them. I listen to them or just skipped through them once and then banished them to the shelf never to sit on my player again. But the thing is why do I buy them, that my friends is as baffling to me as it is for you. Anyway, here are a few of those CD that I deemed not even worthy on the piece of plastic they are placed on.

ERUPTION : GOLD : 20 SUPERHITS : A misnomer if ever there is one. Eruption have a few hits but nowhere close to 20. I first heard of them through the song 'I Can't Stand The Rain' featuring vocal by Tina Turner and then their mega hit 'One Way Ticket' which really was very infection and catchy. Then they followed it up with something lesser but still good 'Go Johnny Go' and 'Party Party" and then they were off the track. Never to be heard of again. They will be remember mostly by 'One Way Ticket' and frankly that song was the reason why I bought this CD but Eruption unwisely choose to do a new version of 'One Way Ticket' and 'I Can't Stand The Rain" retitled 'I Can't Feel The Rain ( Remix '94' and 'One Way Ticket ( Remix '94 )' which is totally inferior to their hit versions which means I got conned. I didn't get the version I wanted. Tarnished Gold if you ask me. DOP : Unknown.

THE VERY BEST OF...BROTHERHOOD OF MAN : For the whole CD, only two or was it three songs matter to me. Their 1976  Eurovision Song Contest Winner 'Save Your Kisses For Me', 'United We Stand' and the Abbarish ' Angelo'. The rest of the songs are well......what can I say...they won't be resting on my CD player anytime soon. I like Abba and Abba sound alike they may be but Abba they certainly are not. I like 'Angelo' though. I would have bought the whole CD just for this song alone. DOP : Unknown.

ROSE ROYCE : THE COLLECTION : Rose Royce first emerged on the soundtrack to the movie 'Car Wash', also the title of their first hit single. I really can't recall any other songs from this group. 'Put Your Money Where You Mouth Is' was the reason I got this CD. A funky track like no other. 'I Wanna Get Next To You' still managed to give the old bell a slight tingle. Other than this, I'm in a daze. On my original soundtrack album, there was this beautiful song by 'The Pointer Sisters' 'You Gotta Believe' which I can't seems to find anywhere. Not even on their greatest hits CD. In a nutshell, another CD for the shelf rather than the player. DOP : 11th January 2006.

THE BEST OF BUCKS FIZZ : This was given to me by Susan, my wife's boss. Sixteen tracks in all and God they are do sounds alike. I couldn't for the life of me tell one songs from the others. Incredibly it seems they won the 1981 Eurovision Contest with the song 'Making Your Mind Up' which gave them the reason to form this group. The judges must be on drugs when they let them win. Other 'hits' includes 'Piece Of The Action' and One Of Those Nights'. Serves to remind us that God does indeed have a sense of humor. A Gift: Unknown.



ERASURE : POP!. THE FIRST 20 HITS : Another mindless synthesizer type of music that just go on and on and on till you wanna scream. Again all the songs here sounds alike. They made their mark covering  Abba's songs and I seriously think that's what they should have continuing doing. Covering Abba's songs. The only track I can recognized and quite like is, you guess it, Abba's 'Take A Chance On Me'. DOP : 26th December 2011.

CONTRABAND : THE BEST OF MEN AT WORK : Men At Work are best known for two songs, 'Who Can It Be Now' and 'Down Under'. The rest of the songs well.....maybe amnesia is gonna get me but I just can't for the life of me connect with them. I could have got these two songs on countless compilation CD which made buying them even more baffling. DOP : 18th October 1996.

ONLY YAZOO. THE BEST OF YAZOO : ALISON MOYET / VINCE CLARKE : I bought this at a ridiculously low price. RM 5.00. The best songs here I've already have on Allison Moyet's Greatest Hits Collection. 'Only You' and 'Nobody's Diary'. I would have prefer the original 'Only You' where it was a guy singing in Capella style instead of the Allison Moyer's version which I've already have. Still for RM 5.00, I just can't pass this up and I didn't. DOP : 4th February 2006.