Search - Various Artists :: Vanguard Dance Classics 1

Fonda Rae on CD - YEAH![.]

Karl Miller | Phoenixville, PA United States | 02/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vanguard might not be the first label that comes to mind when you think of classic dance music (Casablanca was much bigger, Prelude more edgy), but a number of brilliant tracks came off the label in the late 70's - early 80's. This compilation may contain a few songs you have never heard of, but if only for 3 brilliant songs, this disc belongs in your collection:
In reverse order of importance:
3) Roni Griffith's The Best Part of Breaking Up - Roni might not have had the strongest voice, but combine a percolating bass line with popcorn style synth, and Roni's classic comment "The best part of breaking up...is when you're making up..." and you see why this song was so big. A real fun tune, the electric stylings wouldn't sound too out of place in a club nowadays.
2) Alisha's All Night Passion - there's a couple of cuts by ALisha on this disc, and all are good. But her vocals really soar on All Night Passion. The instrumentation eerily reminds you of Freez's "IOU (Sometimes Y)", but the power in the vocals in uniquely Alisha's. She is another solid singer who never escaped the disco tag, and this track reminds you just how good she was.
1) Fonda Rae's Over Like A Fat Rat - There's aren't too many songs from the dance days as memorable as this one. This song just screams out lazy summer day dance groove. There's that beautiful bass line, crystal clear keyboards, and one of the most gorgeous voices from the past. This song is such a classic that the English language doesn't have words to describe what a joy it is to hear it all over again in CD form, and the mix included on this disc is wonderful. IT makes purchasing this CD worthwhile all by itself."