Customer Reviews

Larry Levan's Classic West End Remixes Paradise Garage

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It almost brings a tear even to think of his loss, these sounds here are but a fraction of the love and diversity practiced and preached through his music. I own all these tracks on vinyl, but for any DJ or lover of Garage, this one is essential listening. Don't keep these to yourself, pass 'em along.

Since it's easier to acquire "Journey to Paradise" and "Salsoul Mixes", this maybe the most slept on of Larry Levan anthologies. It's obviously out of print and you have to spend mad ducats for a very good copy. If you can track it down, be sure you grab it because its worth the money and then some.

I'm lucky to have all four of his defintive complimations- and I noticed that all of them have a distictive musical style ( come to show you how deep his talent run). As opposed to the fully produced - elaborate styles on his other three anthologies, Most of the Westend Mixes are raw and elemental in it's production style. His best Westend Mixes emphasize basslines and precussions in the front, while the strings and synths are pushed to the background for the most part. This means that the four on the floor beat pounds through your head like a migriane- and the production approach pays off tenfold as the collection ranks up there with his other classics.

The album kicks off with Tanna Gardner's "Heartbeat". You'll find this album on other Larry Levan anthologies, but this is the best remaster as the bassline smothers you like the humid air on a hot summer day. The most suprising track is "Serious, Sirius, Space Party" by Ednah Holt. She's able to escape the chessy trappings of the Richie Family- and create something so cosmic and funky that George would be beggin her to jump on the Mothership. The spacy groove and sound effects is enough to make Bernie Worrell envious. It just does a wonderful job of setting up a planetary party atmosphere without sounding corny. Kudos to Ednah and Kenton Nix. The next track is "No Frills" by Tanna Gardner. This is the most polished track on the CD and it sounds light years better than a lot of the cliched synth funk being released at the time. For those who love the Peech Boys "Don't Make me Wait" on Journey to Paradise will have the pleasure of hearing an alternate version on this disc. It's basically the same track without the dub effects with a harder beat and a deeper bassline to boot. Another track worth mentioning is Loose Joints "Is It all over my Face". The slinky and flamboyant bassline is enough to throw you in a intoxicated frenzy as the repetitive melody hypnotizes you.

Every song on here is certified pleasure. While these songs were still within the disco mode- it clearly pointed the way towards the house music era of the 80's. This collection is nothing more than another superior display of Larry's impeccable skills as a remixer. While his four anthologies are great, it's not even a drop in the bucket for all of the remixes he's done. I'm sure there's more out there but, until more appetizers are served, you can snack on these goodies and never get filled up.

gotta hear it to believe it. gotta believe the liner notes when they jive it's live music. outta this world funk soul party grooves.