PLEDGE YOUR ALLEGIANCE DANCE LOVERS!
Patrick Frierson | 08/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If this is the sound of USA Disco then God bless America. Thought the best thing to ever happen to Westbound records was Funkadelic and the Ohio Players, you're right, but that doesn't mean that the weren't putting out quality material after their departure. This is evident from this complimation from Cj&Co. Seasoned disco and deep house fans know them for their only hit "Devil's Gun". The amazing thing is that the other nine songs are just as good and sometimes better than their lone hit.
This is the kind of dance music that house fans like me usually crave
(disco grooves with a high dose of soul). Cj& Co. boasts top notch rhythm arrangements, strong melodies, killer hooks, and solid songwriting from Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey.
Along with the title track, my personal favorites are "We Got Our Own Thing" with it's infectiously catchy bassline and its lovely keyboard solo in the middle, it can a staple at any house music club or any family reunion or picnic. The track is just glorious. The bassline also became the source for Heavy D and the boyz 1989 hit of the same title. Nothing beats the original because it has its own thing! "Big City Sidewalk" is another great track. Though this track may move too fast for those who prefer their disco at a slower pace, this is one of the most unique tracks on the album. It has a frantic bassline and a gritty vocal delivery that gives the song a sense of tension and paranioa to match the subject matter of the song. The fast 4/4 beat adds claustrophobia to the song that makes it every bit as tough as the streets of Detriot. "Deadeye Dick" is another standout on the set. The strings,bassline,and vocals are intrciately placed to create this western/ desparado type of atmosphere where the listener feel like they're in the old west(This along with Big city Sidewalk almost don't sound like disco records). Even if the record sounds a bit too silly to be taken serious, you have to give Cj and Co, Mike, and Dennis credit for creating an intriuging spin on the disco sound. "Hear Say" is a fun little diddy about being heard about rumors of a relationship being broken off. This is the most progressive track off the album as the there's a constant amount of rhythm shifts (especially in the middle). The rhythm shifts are seamlessly executed as it feels like a mix cd in one track.
The other tracks are excellent as well and there's no major complaints about this album. While the arrangements may sound dated in a few spots, most of them have aged gracefully. Since Cj& Co. songs are mostly centered around social commentary, their style may not appeal to those who prefer their dance music sexually soaked in self indulgence (which is a great thing too!) You be better off checking out a great Salsoul Anthology, "A Tom Moulton Mix", Disco Connection vols. 1&2, etc. If you don't mind social commentary, open up your mind to Cj& Co.
If it helps, this complimation is "A Tom Moulton Mix".
"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
