Big Noise: A Mambo Inn Compilation - Various Artists

Advantages: It just feels right
Disadvantages: where is vol 2 ???

...The Viva Diablo Blanco compilation is a carefully selection of hyms of drum'n'bass / ambient tunes from the mid 90's. You'll be sure to rebember tracks such as Apollo 440's "Ain't Talking about dub" and Fat Boy Slim's "Song for Linda" and at the same time recall some less mainstream artists such as The Aloof and The Art of Noise and on top some very good remixes by the likes of the brazillian collective Filla Brazilia and others. All in all this album does really capture the essence of the whole snowboarding sub-culture, so the snowboarder on the album's cover isn't just a fluke. In a few words this compilation is bold, young and fast paced, but still a ambient album that you can play over and over.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lots of hits from the late 1990s
Disadvantages: The usual odd songs you don't like or can't even remember!

...such as "On The Horizon" with Melanie C and "Life Is a Rollercoaster" for Ronan Keating. I also love the N Sync track, which reached Number 40 on the UK charts in 1997 from what I remember. The rest of the tracks I either like or can't remember to be honest, even after I'd heard them again! The album is essentially pure pop but there are some dance artistes in there eg Apollo 440 and Fat Boy Slim. Representing the tailend of the Britpop era are Catatonia and Stereophonics. The cassette cover is a bright kaleidoscope of colour. It has "Fat Pop Hits" in blue writing against a spangly red and green background. Overall, this is an odd compilation, even for the time. There are mainly big hits of 1999 and some earlier 1990s songs. I think it may be good for nostaligia nights in years to come but that's all. I don't regret borrowing it but I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: All songs from film, in correct order
Disadvantages: none

...of the songs have lyrics, there are several which are purely instrumental; merengue, trot the fox, johnnys mambo and time of my life (instrumental version) - aka tracks 3-6. Like the film itself, you'll never get tired of this. Even generations to come, as the film will remain a classic, so too will this soundtrack. If you love the film, I'd definitely recommend purchasing this. It does, of course, include the number one, grammy award winning single "(I've Had) the Time of my Life" by Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley. A song that if you dont recognise from the film, you probably will from a holiday advert. All in all, its an excellent collection of songs from the 60's to the 80's, and a much ordered compilation soundtrack than its predecessors. Listening to it will most definitely involve flashbacks to the film, and it does appeal to a whole realm... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful