Afrika Bambaataa - Death Mix: The Best of Paul Winley Records

Interesting, But Not Essential.

The 2 stars are only because I felt it necessary to subtract 3 for the quality of the audio. If you are familiar with the Super Disco Breaks series, which sounded like 2nd or 3rd generation dubs, you'll have an idea of what the tracks sound like. Not only that, most are in mono. The worst sounding of the lot has to be the Death Mix tracks. They sound like someone recorded them on a low-fi cassette from the back of a dance hall.

If you really want good quality sounding version of a number of these tracks, you can find them on other compilations by companies such as Hot Productions, and Harmless. The tracks themselves are very funky, which is why I bought the compilation in the first place. Nothing like having a live band groovin behind some emcees, like during the late 70's, early 80's period. If only the makers of this CD had taken the time and effort to locate the best sounding masters. The bad sound quality just makes it feel like the people who put it together were looking to make a fast buck rather than present a good example of hip hop history.

So, while the CD is interesting to listen to, the poor quality doesn't make it essential to buy... August 1, 2003

surprise - it's awesome

great album. first generation hip-hop in the raw. January 7, 2003

D.J. Bambaataa. What is this name of nation ZULU, ZULU.

Before There were rap-records, Paul winley put Bambaataa on vinyl with his "Death Mix pt.1/2" live recorded in the South Bronx at a party with his D.J. Jazzy Jay. The breaks were groups like Jackson 5ive & Yellow Magic Orchestra. The song "Zulu Nation Breakdown" by The Cosmic Force & The Soul Sonic Force brings you back were there was no gangsta rap only raps over a break-beat or a live-band (on this CD the Harlem Underground Band). The band was playing & the groups rap over it mostly live rapping. Listen to the song "Watch Dog" & after that listen then "Rhymin and Rappin" then you know wath I mean. The song "Ain't no Sunshine" got a slow break & "smokin Cheeba Cheeba" (remember Chiefrocker Busy Bee) have a nice break in the beginning for break fan's. Know waiting for the collection of Paul Winley records "Super Disco Breaks" maybe P-vine or Landscape records can bring theme out. What can I say 5 STARS!!!!! BUY NOW! August 13, 2001

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