Pete Rock amp CL Smooth - Rare Tracks Remixes (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

Steve Henry - Pete Rock & CL Smooth Rare Tracks

09/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like fine wine, this duo get better. As an avid fan of this duo, this album comes at a time when Hip Hop, in my opinion has lost its direction somewhat. These two show what can be achieved when Hip Hop is taken back to the essence. This may be an old album in terms of the tracks on this cd, but I dare you to find anything today that even comes close. Pete Rocks remix skills are second to none and Cl's flow is to quote "smooth & sequential". Favorite track, "lots of lovin'". This to me is what remixing a track is all about. Compare it to the original, which was good by all means and what you have is a kicking track that appeals to both the ladies and the homeboys. The beat sits at a pace that flows and CL's lyrics, in comparison with the original are more direct and hardcore but still maintaining that element that is unique to CL. Every track on this album is a killer. From Take you there to Get on the mike. A lot can be learnt from this compilation. Perhaps record industry bosses will take note and stop filtering the below par compilations they do release and give the real followers of this genre what they want, or even more the point, what they need!"

I hate to use the word "but"

Red Cordero | San Francisco, CA United States | 05/14/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Pete Rock and CL, it gets no better, that said this one comes up a little short, but if you truly appreciate the boys as I do maybe it doesn't matter ?My reasons for liking this album are mainly tracks: 1, 2, and 4. Very solid variations of songs I loved, maybe even improvements ?If this cd had set me back a normal $15-18, I'd leave it there and hit it with 4 stars, but at [the item price]for 3 songs, well you catch my drift, it's a little steep.The other productions while interesting don't improve on their predecessors in any substancial way the least of which is TROY.I have to say when I heard this version of TROY it sorta bummed me out and here's why: I'm gonna go bold here and say that the original version of TROY is one of, if the not the all time greatest hip hop songs ever put to tape. That's a big statement and not one I make lightly. Be that as it may, the version here is a throw away, it definately doesn't do justice to the orignal and mind you this is a song I like a lot so even if it was close I'd swing for it.I wonder if the artists, or anyone who worked with them ever check out these comments ? If they do I'd be really interested in hearing what they have to say, what was the motivation behind this ? Maybe I'm taking it all too seriously, but their body of work is so small it tends to invite hyper-sensitive analysis because there just isn't very much of it. As much as I like the music of Pete and CL the price on this one sets the expectation very high, and at the end of the day I suspect it's a case of two really talented guys screwing around, which again, at $15 bucks would be one thing, at [item price]+ S & H it's another.Still and all, Pete and CL on a bad day, blow doors on anything I've heard the last 5 years on the radio, maybe longer. So as much as this album didn't do what I hoped you have to take that in context of the garbage currently being played, would 3 cd's of [other garbage] equaling the cost of this one outweigh the negative ? It would be a photo finish. I hope this review helps - Red"

Hot Rare Pete Rock Treats

09/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Each track is impossible to find on a cd and can only be heard on 12" vinyl. Every track is carefully crafted by the #1 soulbrother /chocalate boy wonder/producer extraordinare-Pete Rock. Throw these classic joints in your whip, cd player and there is no track searching with this album as cl flows over Pete's Treat's. When you sit there and listen to this think to yourself that you will NEVER hear music like this again as the hip hop game has forever been changed due to the mass media and dare I say whack mc's such as puff, jay z, and all the other's. You all know them I don't need to name names. If you ask the average (rap) fan or casual music listener about hip hop the above media clowns will be noted but you will NEVER EVER hear them mention Pete Rock and CL Smooth. I am very thankful for that as I hope they are slept on forever so they will keep making hype tracks."

Gorgeous music that does the originals justice

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 02/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After years of trying, I finally got my hands on a copy of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's "Rare Tracks" recently (I didn't pay $40.99). I was ecstatic and rightfully so. This disc has ten absolutely beautiful songs by the duo I consider to be the best in hip hop history. Nine are remixes of songs from their three perfect classic albums, 1991's "All Souled Out" EP, 1992's "Mecca and the Soul Brother," and 1994's "The Main Ingredient." What's so awesome about these remixes is that not only are they fitted with a completely different beat, but the whole mood and feel of the songs is shifted as well. It's like they're completely different compositions. These all do the originals justice because they're so different. The previously unreleased track, "It's Not a Game," is also wonderful, I'm glad they could dig that up from the vaults. Fans of PR+CLS with a little cash in the pocket should not hesitate to order "Rare Tracks."

The first song is the remix to "Searchin'." Quite honestly I like this remix significantly better than the original, which I always liked but was never one of my favorites. This has a cute keyboard line and great vibes, it is much more upbeat and the female R&B chorus is replaced by Pete chatting with some ladies in his lovable baritone. The result is a much more playful and happy sounding song. Similarly, the "Take You There" remix sounds much less formal, with a funkier and harder beat and the chorus replaced by instrumentals and DJ scratches. While "Lots of Lovin" is one of my favorite songs of all time, the remix on this collection is spectacular. There is not one single element of the original on the remix at all, the two songs are not even remotely similar. Each of the verses are completely fresh and different, the beat is fast yet toned, and the hook is C.L. saying "Lots of loooovin..." It's a great song and I'm so glad I was able to finally hear it. Where the original "I Got a Love" is joyful and romantic, the remix is playful, as Pete's chorus humorously asks, "Do you want to sex me now, or later?" I love "It's Not a Game," the beat is awesome with the vocal sample, it sounds like it could have come from "All Souled Out," and C.L.'s performance is great as always. The "Mecca and the Soul Brother" mix strips the beat down and creates a different sound. The "Creator" mix is actually a one-minute unreleased instrumental. Rather than completely replace the "Straighten It Out" production, the remix simply alters it in a tasteful manner. The remix to "T.R.O.Y.," undoubtedly one of the greatest hip hop songs ever, is interesting to hear. While not nearly as effective or beautiful as the original, C.L.'s words have a different effect over less moving music. I really like the remix to "Get on the Mic," which is full of saxophones and upbeat bass, making the once menacing cut sound joyful.

More perfect music from Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. What more could you ask for? At this point in my life after keeping the original 3 PR+CLS albums on constant rotation for years and listening to those albums constantly, I anticipate getting the same enjoyment out of "Rare Tracks." Highly recommended."

Yeah!

clsmooth | North Vancouver, BC | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You think you've heard it all!? These are those remixes you've always been missing! It's incredible how they sound 'new' again after all this time!!"

Search - Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth :: Rare Tracks, Remixes

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