Customer Reviews

Looking for the Perfect Beat 1980-1985

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've waited for a compilation of Bam's hit sides since they were still fresh. There's not a wack track in the bunch.

The music is not only amazing, but artistically forward. While the rest of the burgeoning hip-hop nation was just rhyming over looped disco tracks, Bam borrowed from Stockhausen and put the music miles ahead of its competition artistically. The idiom of hip-hop, or any pop music, has rarely been so avant garde.

Also, extra props are due as these sides commemorate an era when hip-hop and rock were just part of the same game, with either side able to dance to the other.

Run-DMC get all the props from the early 80s, and they do deserve it, but Afrika Bambatta was a real revolutionary. Any hip-hop record today can trace its roots back to Bam.

To my taste, this CD is back-loaded with hits. The first couple of tracks are OK but the rapping doesn't reach the potential of the music. When it comes to the last few, however, "Who do you think you're funkin' with" being the best example, you may not be able to keep your jaw from dropping. I honestly do not think that these tracks (with the Sugar Hill Gang backing up) have ever been surpassed in the hip-hop genre. They are so dense and complicated and incredibly arranged.

Disclaimer, however: I saw this band live in 1988 and it changed my life. I am so happy to have this album finally to refresh my memories of that amazing night.

Essentially a greatest hits album, this has all the essentials. Planet Rock, Looking for the Perfect Beat, Renegades of Funk and Frantic Situation are four songs that are absolutely unreal and so funky that these songs are the preferred choices for breakdancers to get off on. The other tracks I view as icing on the cake. The above aforementioned songs are worth the price of the disc and then some. If you're looking for grooves which are so funky they make you want to get up and move this disc is for you. Bam basically started the whole hip-hop movement and in all honesty he and the Soul Sonic Force did it best. Probably the most underrated hip-hop artists, buy the disc and you'll know what I'm talking about.

This CD has almost everything. The early hits with Zulu Throwdown was just an appetizer to whet the true-schooler's appetite,then you can feast on Planet Rock, Looking for the Perfect Beat,etc. The only letdown was it did'nt have Play It At Your Own Risk, a couple of songs at the end of the collection could have been left off. But in my opinion its money well spent.

This CD reminds me of my old high school and college days. This purchase was definitely worth it. KEEP LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT AND IT WILL HELP YOU REACH YOUR PEEK!

I had to get the cd just for Planet Rock And Looking for the perfect beat, has some other good ones. But just for those two it was worth it for me.Recommend it very much.

Even while I'm not a fan of Afrika Bambaataa, must recognize I liked this CD, specially the track 4 (...planet rock).

Most of today's Rap artists need to thank this man for shaping the sound of their genre. This is a classic and should be in the collection of any real rap lover.

One of the old school classics. Looking for the perfect beat ,frantic stituation and renegades of funk. Definitely bambaataa at his best.

Even if you just buy this CD just for Planet Rock, it is a GEM in its self. This CD displays what Hip Hop is all about expressing yourself and having fun at the same time.