Search - Various Artists :: Disco Years 1

Good collection of early disco music

Ryan A. Rigg | 03/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rhino Records started out as a company that reissued classic music from the 50's and 60's. Later, they branched out into the 1970's. As they progressed into the 70's, they made a decision to start reissuing disco music. This was somewhat of a controversy at the time. I mean, these people were hardcore 60's rockers. These were the kind of people who hated disco music. However, some of the people at Rhino must have realized there was money to be made in reissuing disco music that had basically vanished off of the face of the earth for much of the 80's. They started off by issuing greatest hits compilations by artists like KC & the Sunshine Band and the Village People. With the success of those CD, Rhino decided to issue "The Disco Years Vol 1" and "The Disco Years Vol 2" in 1990. Volume 1 was mostly early disco music and Volume 2 was mostly later disco music. These 2 volumes contain some of the best disco music from that era. The success of these 2 volumes resulted in more volumes being released by Rhino in 1992. Those later volumes contain some very rare and obscure disco songs. This volume contains the most hits. All of the songs included here were not only disco hits, but they were also Top 40 Pop hits, except for one. The only oddball song on this CD is "Miss Broadway" by Belle Epoque. I bought this CD when it came out in 1990, so I have listened to it many times and have gotten used to "Miss Broadway" over the years. But for most people just wanting hits, this song will be the only non-hit that you will likely want to skip over. Otherwise, this CD is highly recommended."

Best collection of all major disco singles!

Glenn R. Chappell | Portsmouth, VA USA | 05/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rhino has put together a classic collection of pure disco. All the songs were top radio and club hits. Sound quality is great. All songs are the radio edits, but that suits me just fine."

Disco Highlights From the 1970s

Scott T. Rivers | Los Angeles, CA USA | 09/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The first and best of Rhino's "Disco Years" compilations. "Turn the Beat Around" offers 16 dance tracks ranging from Van McCoy's "The Hustle" to The Trammps' "Disco Inferno." Notable artists include KC & The Sunshine Band, Rose Royce and Thelma Houston. All that's missing are Donna Summer and Chic (both featured in later Rhino volumes). Though a memorable time capsule, you should look elsewhere for extended club mixes - preferably Rebound's excellent "Disco Nights" series."