You can always count on Rhino to put together nice compilation CDs. This one is no exception. However, rock fans might be a bit thrown off.
Although labeled 'Rock Instrumental Classics,' there are perhaps only two or three tracks that fit that description. Partially a reflection of the period covered, most of the tracks have a stronger disco or jazz flavor. As long as you come in understanding that and are not thrown off by the title, you won't be disappointed.
Truth be told, this particular volume of the five CD set is quite eclectic. Listening to this and the following volume ('Soul'), one wonders if some tracks should have been switched. On this collection, it seems that 'Sun Goddess' and 'Pick Up the Pieces,' while both fine tracks, would have fit better in the 'Soul' CD.
Some pleasant surprises on this set were 'Apricot Brandy' by Rhinoceros and 'Whole Lotta Love' by the late King Curtis. The former track is definitely rock, so you can forgive the fact that the song is actually from 1969. Simply put, the King Curtis track is jazzy fun.
On the disco front, a hidden gem was 'K-Jee' by the Nite-Liters. After hearing this snappy track, you'll want to play it over and over again.
It's also got several very familiar tracks. 'Rock and Rock, Part 2' by Gary Glitter is a standard of marching bands across the country. Lighter tunes like 'Popcorn' and 'A Fifth of Beethoven' are sure to bring back memories of the era.
Overall, this is a very decent compilation. There are really no filler tracks here, but perhaps a few could have been switched around or replaced with better choices. However, in the long run, these are only minor complaints. (Customer from Amazon)
01. Apollo 100, Featuring Tom Parker - Joy [2:48]
02. Billy Preston - Outa-Space [04:12]
03. MFSB, Featuring The Three Degrees - TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) [3:38]
04. Van McCoy With The Soul City Symphony - The Hustle [3:47]
05. Brass Construction - Movin' [3:53]
06. Ramsey Lewis & Earth, Wind & Fire - Sun Goddess [3:11]
07. King Curtis & The Kingpins - Whole Lotta Love [2:46]
08. Electric Light Orchestra - Daybreaker [3:35]
09. Deodato - Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) [5:07]
10. Gary Glitter - Rock And Roll Part 2 [3:05]
11. AWB - Pick Up The Pieces [3:05]
12. Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band - A Fifth Of Beethoven [3:05]
13. Hot Butter - Popcorn [2:35]
14. B.T. Express - Express [3:35]
15. The Chakachas - Jungle Fever [4:24]
16. The Nite-Liters - K-Jee [4:06]
17. Rhinoceros - Apricot Brandy [2:01]
18. The Edgar Winter Group - Frankenstein [3:25]
Label: Rhino
Released: 1994
Catalogue: R2 71603
Codec: Flac
Compression Level: 5
Quality: High
CD-rip by alekow (EAC and Flac)
Covers Included (400dpi)
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