Search - Cameo :: Anthology

Almost Fantastic...

07/11/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This one is a keeper.The only fault I find with this collection is the omission of "Your Love Takes Me Out" from the "Feel Me" album.Other than that,this collection and the just released Rick James Anthology set are not only long overdue but essential in any true old school funkster's library.Without them,you are just faking the funk."

All the Jams together

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 06/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"finally all the Jams on these Sets.I had to Buy the First&then 2nd Sets of Cameo's Best between 93&95.but finally all the Jams together."Be Yourself",Word Up",and so many Jams that will keep you Grooving.I give Cameo Props for Hanging in there when the Mid to Late 80's in the Industry was running the Funk away.Cameo stayed in there&kept the Jams Coming.from there Horns to there Grooves you can't lose."

CAMEO'S ANTHOLOGY "KEEP'S IT HOT"!

Patrick Frierson | 02/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Generally speaking, Cameo's music is not as timeless as Prince, Zapp and Roger, or Parliament/ Funkadelic. But Larry Blackmon and his crew were a strong and eclectic group that had enough originality, humor and seriousness to spare that will transcend any accusations of calling them one hit wonders or a faceless 80's black pop act.



When I think about Cameo as a cat who grew up in the hip hop generation, they were the Digital Underground of their day. Much like DU's leader Shock G, Cameo borrowed heavily from George Clinton's bag of tricks and gave the P funk formula a much more accessible touch as oppossed to the often claustrophobic and restricted feel that underpinned classics like "Bop Gun" and "Flashlight".



The first disc covers the late 70's and it's the strongest disc between the two. The first disc is a goldmine of slick and slippery disco/funk grooves with a couple of Earth Wind and Fire styled ballads thown in the mix for good measure. Ironically, the songs on the first disc weren't their biggest hits, they're the most enjoyable as compared to their 80's hits. The songs on the first disc are also the songs that's aged the best over the years.



The second disc covers their biggest and most popular era in the 80's. The second disc is almost as stunning as the first disc. This is the era where they almost completely abandoned the Parliament styled grooves in favor of more computerized and mechanical songs. While this change in style resulted in great tracks like "Flirt", Attack me with your Love" and "Word Up", these songs doesn't sound as timeless as their earlier hits because of a stronger emphasis on synthesizers and drum machines. However those hits are great songs and it makes for a fun listen no matter how dated they may sound.



In the final analysis, Cameo's batch of grooves are deep and potent enough to give it a high reccomendation.



If old school vintage r&b is your cup of tea, take a cup of this and you'll find yourself coming back for refills.



This may not go down as some of the best r&b of all time, but it's some of the best r&b of its time.



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