Search - Various Artists :: Party Megamix, Vol. 2

Poor sequel to the original "Party Megamix"

Jon | Scotland | 03/23/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released one year after the first "Party Megamix" CD, 'volume 2' came as something of a disappointment to those who expected much of the same. There's too many different musical genres covered - some you wouldn't even consider playing at a party - to make this album work. And that's why 'volume 2' is such a let-down.The CD begins with "The Latin Dance Mix", a track that features the music of the Gypsy Kings and Gloria Estefan. It's enjoyable, and great for summer parties....but that's about it really. Fans of latino music will concur there's better examples of great Latin songs than the ones sampled here. The first of many disappointing mixes."Tribute To Motown", however, is a brilliant megamix paying tribute to the fantastic sounds of the early Motown days. These aren't the original artists, yet it's the music that makes this mix so great. Sometimes the production of mixing goes way over the top, but it's still a good dance track, and the best one on the album. "The Village People Megamix" is the edited version of a track that appeared on a Village People Greatest Hits album released in 1991. All the BIG hits are featured, but apart from 'YMCA' and 'In The Navy', did the Village People really have BIG hits?For *serious* nostalgia buffs only, there's a "Marilyn Monroe/Andrews Sisters Megamix" that also features the Big Band sounds of Glen Miller. Reminiscent of an early Jive Bunny track, this ever-so-long track will appeal to a very limited audience only. I enjoy nostalgia, but this megamix done nothing for me. Next up is a great "Buddy Holly Megamix" performed by 'HollyBerry' (aka: Mike Berry - a top Buddy Holly impersonater). Considering Buddy died at a very young age, the quality of his hits were truly remarkable as this megamix proves. Definitely one you'll want to play again and again.Personally, as someone from Scotland himself, I found "The Jock Mix" insulting. The songs featured bear no resemblence to anything at all Scottish, and the novelty tracks used on this megamix only make Scots men and women appear like idiots. The 'singers' (and I used that word sarcastically) perform in *fake* Scottish accents, and ridicule this great country of ours. Oh, and it's totally rubbish too!Jive Bunny and the Master Mixers reappear on 'volume 2' with a new version of "That's What I Like". This is also a lacklustre mix, and one best ignored. "The Chuck Berry Megamix" is credited to Chuck Berry himself, but it's actually The Master Mixers (notice there's no 'Jive Bunny' preceding that title). They do use Chuck's real vocals though, which is a first for them, and the end result is quite a reasonable mix. Not brilliant by any means, but better than most on this CD."Tribute To Rod & Tina" if you haven't already guessed pays homage to Rod Stewart and Tina Turner. The female vocalist is very much like Tina, but the male performer sounds nothing like Rod. A passable megamix though, but not one you'll play constantly. I found the "The Frank Sinatra Mix" very enjoyable indeed, though it's strange hearing his hits megamixed toether - and no doubt fans of the great man will *hate* this. But give it a listen anyway.There's one *excruciatingly bad* megamix to be found on this CD - and coming from a reviewer who collects these mixes, you are advised to pay attention! Whoever thought of including an "Opera Megamix" on a party album wants their contract reviewed immediately! Without disrespecting genuine 'opera' lovers - and I know there's many out there - this 'mix' is absolutely terrible. If you enjoy listening to pieces such as "Rigoletto/Magic Flute/The Barber of Seville" etc, you'll probably like this. However, it won't win over any new listeners. I've owned this CD for the past 10 years, and today was only the second time I've played it. I thought it was terrible then, and my views haven't changed!Make no mistake about it, 'volume 2' is a poor sequel to the original "Party Megamix". Purchase this with caution, unless you want to add a bit of variety to your CD collection..."