Search - KC & The Sunshine Band :: Best of

Not quite the best compilation by an underrated band...

L.A. Scene | Indian Trail, NC USA | 04/29/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, when some folks who know me see that I have a review up on KC and the Sunshine Band, they probably would say "you have got to be kidding me??!!". However I think it's that kind of reaction that has actually become sort of an unfair rap for KC and the Sunshine Band. This is a band that really emerged in the 1970s. While many consider KC and the Sunshine Band a part of the Disco era, they really were one of the bands that came up on the early end of the Disco era (I consider the early era to be Pre-Saturday Night Fever). I do think it is unfair that they are lumped with the artists of the Disco era. When KC and the Sunshine Band began to gain popularity in the 1970s, they did it with a very unique style. This style is a fusion of many different genres of music. However, whether you like them or not, one cannot deny they were a major part of the 1970s music scene. "The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band" provides a single collection of 16 of the band's hits from 1973 through the early 1980s. However it is worth noting that this isn't the best compilation by this band that is out there.



There were two things that set KC and the Sunshine Band apart from the other bands of the Disco era. It are these two things that really helped them having the staying power for over 30 years. The first are the elements of the band themselves. While lead singer Harry Wayne Casey (better known as "KC") didn't have the greatest lead vocals - he did have the vocals that worked perfectly in his band. This band was made up of a potpourri of instruments: guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, percussion, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones. In particular, I think it is the use of the Brass Section and Percussion that gave KC and the Sunshine Band their sound. Many of the Disco acts that came and went relied heavily on synthetic sounds and drum machines. The use of the instrumentation and in particular - the horns; would really go a long way to helping define KC and the Sunshine Band's sound.



The second element was the music that was written. What Harry Wayne Casey lacked in terms of lead vocals, he more than made up for with his music. Casey would team up with Richard Finch to write, arrange, and produce most of KC and the Sunshine Band's material (all of the material on "The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band"). While their lyrics weren't exactly the deepest - it would be the melodies that would set them apart. Casey and Finch would use the wide variety of instrumentation to integrate elements of Funk, R&B, and even Latin to create a very distinctive sound. As you listen to the material they developed, you will hear the Funk element in much of their earlier works (especially their first hit "Sound Your Funky Horn"). As the 1970s went on, you would hear other elements such as the R&B and Latin get incorporated. Even by 1980 - when KC and the Sunshine Band were past their prime, their song "Let's Go Rock and Roll" was sort of a song meant to address the backlash of the Disco era that was occurring. This particular song incorporated a touch of 'doo wop' showing that they were more than capable of changing with the times. In all cases, KC and the Sunshine Band was able to produce a quality product.



"The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band" is a good representation of songs that were hits by KC and the Sunshine Band. However most notably missing are two terrific duets that KC did with Teri DeSario: "Yes I'm Ready" and "Dancin in the Streets". While KC does have solo material on here (i.e. his solo hit "Give It Up" is included), it would have been nice to have this duets included.



"The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band" is one of several compilations of hits by KC and the Sunshine Band. Here are some others to compare it against:



"KC and the Sunshine Band: 25th Anniversary Edition": This is a much more comprehensive collection than "The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band". All 16 tracks that are on "The Best of" are on "25th Anniversary Edition". This collection is highlighted by some additional remixes. It is also nice that the "Yes I'm Ready" and "Dancin in the Streets" duets with Teri DeSario are included on here.



"KC and the Sunshine Band's Greatest Hits": I would consider this a very incomplete compilation. It only includes ten songs. While there are four songs on this collection not included - there are some major hits missing that are on "The Best of" ("Keep it Coming Love", "Boogie Shoes", "Do You Wanna Party", "Shotgun Shuffle").



"VH1 Behind the Music: The KC and the Sunshine Band Collection": This does provide some songs that are not on "The Best of", most notably: "Blow Your Whistle", "I'm So Crazy", "I Get Lifted", and the Spanish Version of "Please Don't Go". At the same time it is missing some songs included on "The Best of" - most notably: "Shotgun Shuffle", "Lets Go Rock and Roll", and "Give it Up".



As for the collection, I usually prefer my greatest hits collections to have its tracks in chronological order. This allows me to see how the artist progresses over time. It is disappointing that this collection does not do that because it would have been appropriate to see how this band progressed over time. The liner notes include a nice write-up that documents the history of the band. Overall, while I do think KC and the Sunshine Band get a bum rap, and while I do think this the 2nd best compilation they did - I'd still go for the more complete 25th Anniversary Collection."

I like it

Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 03/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"KC and the Sunshine Band were the most successful disco group of the 1970s. They produced a lot of fun records. The songs didn't have any serious messages, but they had a lot of charm. This is just good time, get up, shake your booty and dance music. This CD contains all their big hits and some songs that weren't big hits, but should have been. I would recommend this CD to anybody who is a fan of disco."

Un-huh Un-huh! I Like It Un-huh un-huh!

L.A. Scene | 03/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Put the CD on, and you'll find your toe tapping in seconds. After listening to this CD for about two weeks, I have to say that Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch are geniuses. If you want songs about politics, religion, or so on, this isn't your music. If you want fun music, and well-written, well-arranged, and unbelievably catchy music, this is for you. Every one of these tracks is a real prize. I was just a little kid when this came out, and today find this music amazingly sophisticated. Lots of poliphony, a very astute understanding of the power of rhythm. But since we're led to believe by the musical snobs that music has to be about something "important" to be important, most people probably brushed off KC and the Sunshine Band long, long ago. Take a second listen today. As you find yourself shaking your bootie or putting on your boogie shoes, you'll be ready to give it up! This music is something. And you'll probably find your eyes watering up when you listen to "Please Don't Go." In all, this album shows that people knew what they were doing when they were buying these songs on 45s 25 years ago."