Customer Reviews

A Tom Moulton Mix [Vinyl]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you happened to be a Disco Funk fiend during the 70's (like myself), just seeing the moniker "A Tom Moulton Mix" on a record label or LP cover would incite goose-bumps and trigger an uncontrollable urge to snatch up what ever record that the practically guaranteed stamp of quality appeared on.

To appreciate the level of involvement Tom Moulton has had with the over 4000 mixes he has executed, you must first understand that not all 'remixers' and 'remixes' are cut from the same cloth.

Over the last 30+ years since it was first employed as a marketing hook, the term 'remix' has changed meaning and context, no doubt through the creative contributions of at one time or another, A&R exec, label owner, producer, songwriter, remastering engineer, and remixer, Tom Moulton.

Most of what is currently considered a 'remix' is actually a 'reproduction' or 'additional production', (in most cases) stripping away almost all of the original elements of the song while adding one's own musical ideas to the mix (sometimes, actually for the better).

Mr. Moulton's legacy is unique in that a good number of his mixes were actually the first or only mixes released to the market (the first popular example being the huge '70s funk hit "Do It Anyway You Wanna" by soul combo People's Choice for Gamble & Huff's TSOP/ P.I.R. label).

This was not a remix done to accompany the original but THE mix that we all first heard when it was introduced to an extremely enthusiastic public during the summer of 1976.

Curiously, most did not know this was a remix since Moulton was never credited for the additional production that took it from being an almost forgettable album track and transforming it into what would become the biggest selling single for the label up to that date.

Most of Moulton's remixes, as proven with this collection, were comprised of just the original musical elements, tweeked with a louder EQ and extended in length to satiate a growing new market sparked by the Disco phenomenon and the club DJ's demand for more product, i.e. the 12" disco single. One could say without much argument that Moulton for the most part invented the disco single as well as the method of creating the content to fill those singles, i.e. the 'extended remix' or 'disco mix' which would fuel it's brief but globally influential commercial success.

In another example, one of the most famous and enduring remixes (MFSB's "Love Is The Message" included in this collection in it's finest re-mastering to date) Moulton was the first remixer to go in the studio to add additional music (most of which was recorded during the original sessions but never used in the final album mix), editing and extending the length of the song considerably, then, utilizing the same method for several other hit songs for the label coupiling them as a greatest hits package with a twist for the then already red hot Philadelphia International Records, created and helmed by R&B songwriting and production legends Gamble & Huff.

The results comprise what I believe is the first commercially released full length album containing remixes by a single producer, the must have "Philadelphia Classics" (ASIN: B000066C12) which ironically, Moulton was never prominently credited for. It's latest incarnation, recently remastered (to Moulton's distaste I might add) also includes the above mentioned "Do It Anyway You Wanna" remix.
At least he was finally credited for it.

Since Mr. Moulton was primarily a producer (see Grace Jones first 3 albums, People's Choice second and third LPs, First Choice, CJ & Co. and many others), his qualification as a 'remixer' was well earned.

Choosing favorites from this collection was a difficult task,
however for the sake of inspiring sales, undeniable highlights of "A Tom Moulton Mix" include the rolling funk of Eddie Kendrick's number one 70's classic "Keep On Trucking'" which has been fleshed out to over 11 minutes to reveal more of the brass and rhythmic interplay only hinted at in the original LP version, the latin schtick / romantic drama of Grace Jone's interpretation of the classic "La Vien Rose" (which Moulton also produced) and the ultimate Disco anthem and touchstone blueprint for what is now called 'house music', MFSB's essential classic "Love Is The Message" mentioned earlier here.

To coin a classic term, Mr. Moulton is a true 'record man' i.e. someone who seems to instinctively know that a song will or should be a hit because it's good, and not the reverse.

It's rare that someone who was critical to the commercial success of the Disco / Dance genre and as deserving of a showcase featuring their body of work (see Larry Levan's "West End Remixes" collection ASIN: B00005QFLA and "Salsoul Greatest Mixes Vol 2 ASIN: B0001ZW69M) gets the quality treatment that the reputable UK based Soul Jazz Records has bestowed upon this prolific producer.

I'm hoping this collection is just a first of a many volumed series that will be compiled by Mr. Moulton since arguably, there is more than enough material in his distinguished discography that could / should be reintroduced to a public with a growing thirst for quality dance music.

I am generally not a huge fan of remixes. Generally, I find that if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Songs like "Keep On Truckin'" and "More, More, More" are already musical *masterpieces*, so why tinker with them? Would someone walk up to the Mona Lisa and change the color of her hair? When most people think of remixes, they think of the typical lazy club mix, with a song being layered with a bunch of incongruous beats, lasting for 12 minutes, repeating the same thing over and over. But not Tom Moulton. His approach to mixing songs is to understand WHY the original song was worth mixing again, pick out the elements of the song that make them so beloved by people, and to manipulate the song so that it is both familiar, retaining its original charm, but different, and worth listening to closely. His approach is very respectful of the originals, and I am actually preferring some of his mixes over the originals, which is really saying quite a lot!

This CD is pretty expensive (for a CD), but if you know and like any of the original songs on this compilation, I am sure that you will adore this. And even if you are totally unfamiliar with the songs on this album, you will undoubtedly find some gems on here that will makes buying this album a gamble that will pay off in spades.

If you are a Disco collector and also like rare soul 12" disco music, I strongly recommend this product. I bought because of Al Downing "I'll be holding on". I had it already, but I would like an extended version. Unfortunately, it is like "Rock the boat" by Hues Corporation, no extented version. However, you will find increadible rare tracks in extended versions like, Keep on Truckin (11:14), You've got the power (7:44), Moonboots (9:31) e much more.

This is an excellent cd. The sound quality is amazing! All of the music has been digitally remastered. As any collector of disco 12" knows, finding the extended mixes originally sent to the discos is not easy, nor cheap! This collection brings together many of the outstanding remixes by Mr. Moulton. I would have liked a complete collection, but maybe they will realease more volumes. Andrea True Connection's "What's Your Name, What's Your Number" in its extended length would be heaven on earth!

I wanna take this time to talk about a Burt Reynolds look alike who knows his soul music. Out of all of the DJ's in the disco era, Larry Levan and Tom Moulton were the most original. The latter is responsible for pratically inventing the definitive production style for the genre that will echo on for generations after it fell out of popular favor. Every house music DJ from Francios K to Danny Krivit owes a little debt to Tom Moulton for taking a song and groove to new highs. The 12" single in which he invented was his baby and he rocked the cradle with a unparalelled edge.

Tom Moulton created a simple yet effective formula. He tooked the radio edits and album versions of popular uptempo R&B songs and made them longer. In the process, he would take the crucial Breaks, Hooks, Grooves, and overall dynamics of the regular versions and loop them (or repeat them). He would also bring out the hidden details of the grooves that were normally buried deep in the mix (His version of MFSB's "Love is the Message" is more bottom(bass) heavy than the regular six minute version). As a result, These songs were given a epic feel that threw dancers into a hedonistic high. He was able to do exactly as he said in the anthology's bio, he took songs to the next level and made them better. Is it a formula that works? Hell yeah - depending on how deep and potent the rhythm arrangements are.

In the case of "A Tom Moulton Mix", it works most of the time. The material on here was hand picked by Tom Moulton himself and he has taste to say the least. what I love about this anthology is that his choices sticks to mostly rare and hard to find dance songs. The most recongnizable tracks are "Keep on Truckin" and "More, More, More". I never cared for the regular versions of these two songs, but I gained a greater appreciation for them because of the Tom Moulton Mix. Overall, the rare tracks makes this anthology worth checking out. "I'll be holding On" and "Peace Pipe" are both raw slices of early disco, "Moonlight Lovin" has one of the most erotic breaks on any record ever (Menage a Trois sums that up!) "Free Man" is pure sexual indulgence and I ain't mad at all! (Note: The heavy voice woman that ya'll hear singing with the man is not a man!). Tom Moulton even throws in a couple of detours to mix things up a little. "Needing You" is a mellowed out R&B song that's not discofied while "La Vie En Rose" is fun carribean styled song given to us by Grace Jones (of all people). The only misstep here "Moonboots". The song doesn't have a potent rhythm arrangement with clever breaks and hooks that justifies its nine minute length. Having it go on and on for that long period of time is pointless.

In spite of that one bad track, that doesn't take away from the quality of "A Tom Moulton Mix". Most of the original producers of the records he remixed are not as quick to give Tom Moulton his due whenever they
re-release some of their old songs that were Tom moulton mixes. Maybe it's because of the nature of what he did as a remixer. He took a finished product and made it better which led to ego clashes and to a lesser extent, envy from the original producers. While Tom Moulton is a cult legend in the dance underground, the nature of what he did kind of worked against him in terms of receiving broader recongnition outside of the dance world.

All in all, "A Tom Moulton Mix" is more than just another collection of old school dance records. It's a flagship collection that provides a historical blueprint into the pioneering style of contemporary dance music.

man, i gotta tall ya.this is a MUST HAVE for any disco/funk fan. Tom's version of "Keep On Truckin'" by Eddie Kendricks of the temptations ?

HE NAILED IT!

another thing i want to mention. if you like "Moonlight Lovin" (menage a trois which is another mix that Tom knocked out the ballpark, you may want to pick up the Isaac Hayes album "New Horizon" why? because that has the FULL 16:14 version and @ the 12:51 minute mark there's this bass riff that's cool as all get out.

all in all , a great set to have in your collection.Tom, if by any chance you're reading this ..the next time you put out another set like this one..Please pick the tracks YOURSELF. Thank You :)

I'm one of those people who first danced to many "Tom Moulton" mixes and then played lots of them when I became a DJ. Yes he set the standard for how to remix. And yes 30 years on some of his mixes still sound fresher than anything that's currently out there. I just wish this collection had more "greatest hits" than it does. There's just too much filler--I honestly don't remember hearing or playing some of the songs on this collection. And then to have Al Downing's "I'll Be Holding On" be an unreleased (inferior) version, instead of the regular version--that's so wrong. (Incidentally, I bought this CD specifically because of this song. What a disappointment!) I just hope that someday, someone will put out a definitive collection of "Tom Moulton" mixes. I anxiously wait for that day.

I've been looking for some good 70s funky (disco) music. This definitely has it. I don't love every song on it, only 2-3 songs I could do without. I've never heard of Tom Moulton until this year. I bought based on what many other people have said about him. I miss the organ, bass and brass instruments that are not played in the newest music of todays top 40 music. This cd has it. The really funky sound that guitars made in the 70s is not being recorded on todays latest cds. The electronic keyboard seems to have replaced real musicianship of the 70s. I read a lot of Amazon music feedback and have been educated to a degree about the 70s music scene.

This is the best I'll be holdin' on" by Al Downing yet :)

Now all I need to do is find some Dooley Silverspoon music anywhere!

This wonderful cd is a compilation of a lot of classic mixes by the one and only Tom Moulton- a man who had the distinct honor of having his stamp on every mix he ever did: "A Tom Moulton Mix". If you Google Tom Moulton you will find many great interviews and get some good insight into one of the best mixers around.... by the way, this compilation was done by the man himself as he is still around to see this great cd in 2006. Another great mixer, Larry Levan, has a compilation coming out, a 2-cd set called "Journey Into Paradise", a must have. And for the true collector, get over to e*b*a*y and snatch up the limited 5-cd set by Tom Savarese another great mixer of the disco era. This 5-cd set is not an official release, but it is from his 1978/1979 New Year's Eve Party and it contains a whole lot of rare tracks and each cd is a continuous mix, and yes... it does bring back a flood of memories. Don't pass up this opportunity to get your hands on a true rarity!! Now, back to Tom Moulton- he released his own solo LP in 1979 called "TJM" (Tom Jerome Moulton) and it was on the Casablanca label, with 4 extended songs. As of today, the only way to get this on cd is to purchase the cd called "Loose Change/TJM" and it is a 2-LP on 1 cd of the group Loose Change and TJM (both a 1979 release), and of course this rare cd is available right now on e*b*a*y if you hurry!! There is no other way to get all 4 songs of TJM on cd unless you do the LP-to-cd transfer yourself... but why bother when it's already on cd? Good luck hunting. :) Tom Moulton rocks!!