The discerning folks at Holland’s Vinyl Masterpiece label certainly know how to put a good soul and funk compilation together. This latest 2-CD assemblage devoted to ’80s grooves bypasses all the obvious big names and instead focuses on some of the cult records and less-than-familiar artists from that decade. A hugely entertaining set, ‘80s Soul Classics‘ is bookended by Afterbach’s breezy boogie-style floor-filler, ‘Wanna Fill You Up,’ and producer Paul Laurence’s sinewy techno-funk workout, ‘Strung Out.’ Sandwiched in between are a bevy of blissful beaters, such as drummer Alphonse Mouzon’s breezy jazz-inflected dancer, ‘I’m Glad That You’re Here,’ plus Full Force’s ‘Turn You On,’ Lillo Thomas’s ‘Your Love’s Got A Hold On Me,’ and Bloodstone’s sleek groover, ‘My Love Grows Stronger.’ The addition of tight dance tracks from Gene Dunlap (‘Love Dancin”), the Controllers (‘Got A Thang’), BT Express (‘This Must Be The Night For Love’), Carl Carlton (‘Sexy Lady’), Aurra (‘Live & Let Live’), and Chocolate Milk (‘Who’s Getting It Now’) illustrates the strength, depth, and variety of the compilation. It’s a set that’s full of nice musical surprises and for anyone seeking an above-average, lovingly-wrought ’80s club collection, it is well-worth checking out. Connoisseurs of ’80s soul should also investigate two other recent fine compilations from Vinyl Masterpiece: ‘Disco Giants 8,’ and ‘Nigh-time Lovers Volume 15.’ Satisfaction is guaranteed.
(CW) 4/5
