Flash's Old Skool Block party

As he proves once again on Essential Mix, Grandmaster Flash can make the most classic record bend to his will. The whole of this mix CD is simply greater than the sum of its parts. And believe me, the parts are great, from the bell-rocking groove of Blondie's "Rapture" to the confection of Denroy Morgan's "I'll Do Anything for You" and the dark, funky abyss of Liquid Liquid's "Cavern." Drawing on hits from the New York clubland and Block partys of the late Seventies and early Eighties, Essential Mix has obvious nostalgic value, but this is much more than a disco flashback. Unlike icy collections of younger DJs, Essential Mix is warm, and not driven by ego-serving choices. Flash's scratches and manipulations don't intrude or break up well-laid grooves but expertly push them along. The album is a reminder of what a profound understanding of pacing, texture and the God-given touch of a man meant to spin vinyl in the dark can do in the space of an hour. Like most of Flash's stuff, Essential Mix is required listening for anyone who dares step behind the wheels of steel.
(Rollingstone Magazine)

1. I Can't Wait - Nu Shooz
2. I Found Lovin' - Fatback Band
3. Before I Let Go - Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
4. We Got The Funk - Positive Force
5. Rapture - Blondie
6. Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - Indeep
7. Cavern - Liquid Liquid
8. I'll Do Anything For You - Denroy Mrogan
9. Bra - Cymande
10. Walking On Sunshine - Rockers Revenge
11. Rock Your World - Weeks & Co.
12. Love Is The Message - MFSB Featuring The Three Degrees
13. Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose - James Brown
14. It's Just Begun - Jimmy Castor Bunch
15. You're The One For Me - D Train
16. Planet Rock - Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force

Enjoy ;)

Part 1
Part 2