Disco Years, Vol. 2: On The Beat CD

Dozens upon dozens of disco compilations -- some good, some bad -- have been released since Rhino dribbled out their seven-volume Disco Years series in the '90s. While several of the discs that have followed offer consistent track listings and more eye-pleasing packaging, this particular series remains one of the best available. Across seven discs, the disco phenomenon is summarized with a near-perfect balance between the universally known and the not quite as popular. Some might want to stick strictly to the pop-chart toppers, which is understandable for nostalgia's sake; however, one of the most important characteristics of this era is that the singles that failed to cross over into mainstream territory consistently rivaled -- and frequently trumped -- their gold and platinum counterparts. So, it doesn't matter whether you were a Paradise Garage regular or an infrequent viewer of Dance Fever -- there's something for everyone on each of these volumes. The second volume of The Disco Years, subtitled "On the Beat," leans toward mainstream hits but also fits in a handful of more underground classics; McFadden & Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," Anita Ward's "Ring My Bell," and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" are featured alongside Young & Company's "I Like What You're Doing to Me," Indeep's "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life," and GQ's "Disco Nights (Rock Freak)." The most problematic aspect of these discs is that they favor radio edits that often trim several minutes from the original versions. Hardcore disco freaks will argue that a compromise of the extended groove defeats the purpose, but Rhino would have had to stretch this series out to an unwieldy size in order to accommodate each inclusion's most club-friendly mix. ~ Andy Kellman