Search - Larry Levan :: Journey Into Paradise: The Larry Levan Story

Journey into Paradise

Raena Lee | ATL | 03/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a devoted member of Paradise Garage when I lived in NY. It brought back fond memories of dancing on the dance floor and chilling on the roof top to the wee hours of the morning. I will never forget Paradise Garage, my best club experience ever was at the Garage. I spent every holiday there and not one time did Larry disappoint me. From seeing Grace Jones perform live to the Peach Boys I will always remember the Friday nights chilling with my friends in the movie theater or the roof top. My hearing today, is not 100% because of the countless times I fell asleep on the speakers and then woke up when I heard "Don't make me wait". It brought back so many memories that when I went to NY and let my sister hear the CD she stole by CD. I will cheris this collection forever and thank you.







Judgelee"

The Paradise Garage Lives On!!!

FREELEO | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This double cd set is an excellent representation of the music I experienced first hand at The Garage. It's amazing how music can transport a person through space and time. I would recommend this compilation to all "Garage Heads" and to anyone that knows a garage head and has seen the look in their eyes when they've tried to describe the feeling of being in The Paradise Garage. Larry Levan was simply a master. Words fail me but the goose bumps speak for themselves. Let us never forget. LONG LIVE PARADISE!!!"

WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T EXTEND YOUR STAY AT PARADISE!

Patrick Frierson | 12/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With underground house/disco music receiving a considerable amount of recognition these days, it's not suprising that a major reissue company like Rhino is there to cash in on the craze. You would think with the capitalist aganda of Rhino that this anthology would be lame compared to Larry Levan other anthologies. Journey into Paradise is the complete opposite as it turns out to be a consistently strong set that complements Live at Paradise Garage and Salsoul mixes nicely. Besides of all of the major record labels, I respect Rhino for downplaying their capitalist agenda and caring just as much about quality to deliver a stellar anthology.



This one is no exception. Chances are if youre a seasoned disco/ house junkie, you have most of these tracks already on either 12" singles or various other complimations. For those new to music like myself, it's a absolute God send. Compared to his other anthologies,the songs one here are the earthiest. The stripped down rhythm tracks gives the songs a more subdued flow. Make no mistake, this is dance music with plenty of bump and groove. In fact, the more subtle feel make the track selection seem like a playlist for their "Mixed Saturdays".



The songs themselves are marvelous with the bass heavy Chic influenced groove of "Paradise", The ultimate gettin out the house and gettin laid at the end of week anthem, "Weekend"- availiable for the first time in its original 12" form! There's no denying Chaka Kahn's goergous "Clouds", Womack's and Womack's sublime opus" Baby I'm scare of you" will make oyu feel like you're floatin on a cloud (especially at the breakbeat). Trussell's "Love Injection" is also tight the way they change keys at the middle of the song. Other rare diddies include Poistive Force "We got the Funk", "Smack Dab in the Middle"(the Janice McClain classic is also here in it's 12" glory for the first time, and others. Every song on here is tight. If you don't know, act like I told you!



This anthology may not be as heavy the "Salsoul Mixes" or have the andrenalized fury of "Live at Paradise Garage", but it's more relaxed feel is every bit as sweaty and relentless as anything Larry has ever remixed or spun at the club. In the immortal words of Sister Sledge, pick this up and get "Lost in Music". Once you caught in this trap there's no turnin' back.



Always with plently of love and soul,

Patrick

"