"I have come to just love VHS or Beta in recent months. I've seen them in concert a couple of times, in support of their excellent 2nd album "Night on Fire". Just recently I picked up the debut album.
First things first: the album I bought is the just rereleased "Le Funk" (originally released in 2002) which now carries the original 6 tracks, plus 3 bonus tracks (9 tracks, 60 min). "Le Funk" has the instantly recognizable VHS or Beta sound, but hey guess what, this is an instrumental album all the way through! That threw me for a loop, since "Night on Fire" is not (but for 2 songs). That said, the album has plenty of great "disco" songs from the 80s remade for the 21st century. The best of the bunch is "Solid Gold", the single from the album. After that, the 2 live tracks ("Flash" and "Teenage Dancefloor", recorded at the band's hometown venue Headliners Music Hall in Louisville) are also great. The 3 bonus tracks are remixes of the "Solid Gold", which are OK, but non-essential.
"Le Funk" is a nice introduction of VHS or Beta. But truth be told, "Night on Fire" is a much better album, and I would urge you to seek that album out. Also, if you have a chance to see VHS or Beta in concert, don't miss them! They set the place on fire with their insanely catchy set."
The Best Band Out of Louisville.........EVER!!
Paul Allaer | 12/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This first release from the legendary band from Louisville Kentucky represents their mindblowing sound perfectly. It's funk/house/rock groove shakes all booty that isn't nailed down. Very reminiscent of Daft Punk and they have the rock sensability of the toughest rock of the 70s and 80s. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!! IT IS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!! And watch for this quartet to gain fame very soon!!!!!PLUS: 2 live tracks that are absolutly incredible!"
The Best Band ever...
Jolly | Columbus, OH | 03/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vhs or Beta is the greatest band ever from Kentucky period, lol. I saw these guys about 4-5yrs ago in Cinci before anybody even knew them and they straight kicked out the jam. They have evolved quite a bit from their original sound (they used to be more experimental) but they still are a great band that has such a great vibe. My sister and I meet them after the show and they were cool guys. They opened for Man or Astroman @ Sudsies and it might be one of the best concerts i've ever seen. These guys are just waiting to blow up and make it big. So everyone keep buying their albums and supporting them by going to their concerts."
Freshest funk, hottest fever, mind to rest body to work
Kristy | North Carolina | 01/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE this CD...there really is no "classification" of this music. It is so fresh and new, so much variety yet consistency of intense and gently flowing sound. Bring home the sound of the new generation before it comes to you. I recommend this CD to everyone. god bless america."
Fresh disco funk....with real instruments
Kanishka Ray | Alexandria, VA United States | 11/14/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I caught onto VOB after hearing "Night on Fire", and while there's a lot to love about NOF ("Nightwaves" and "No Cabaret" are personal favorites)....this album is quite different. And it has some aspects to it which are better than NOF...namely the whole French disco feel it has.
Some of the inspirations to NOF are apparent here....namely every track being an instrumental and the familiar spacy aura to each song, but it just plays on this band's strengths. They are excellent musicians who can hook together a great disco tune, and make it sound real and very alive. There's an intensity and relentlessness to this music which makes it feel different than music coming from a machine. The opening track "Heaven" is simply one of the most beautiful tracks I have heard in a long time....it has the ability to sound like the past, while allowing me to know full well that it is recent work.
I very much recommend this if you liked NOF....it won't be the same though...it will sound more raw, but it will still sound good."