A Decade of Dance
Sometimes it seems that the current obsession with the status and credibility of dance labels is a new thing. But it isn't. Ten years ago, when Easy Street was born, serious vinyl maniacs would search high and low for the freshest grooves from the likes of Sleeping Bag, West End, Prelude, Roulette or Emergency. Today, all the names have changed, except one. Easy Street Records. From the time that "Go Deh Yaka" by Monyaka broke out from the New York underground, Easy Street was right up there at the top of the music lovers list. Through the mid 80's, the Easy Street logo was found on a whole series of records that have been the catalyst in launching the careers of some of the legends of dance. Tony Humphries, the late Larry Levan, Paul Simpson, David Morales and Todd Terry all found success through some classic Easy Street material. They were the names in small print; the producers and remixers who subsequently went on to change the face of dance music. Out front you'd find the likes of Jocelyn Brown or Adeva. Brilliant voices on timeless tracks.
This album is far more than a nostalgic journey down memory lane. It is an album that beautifully illustrates the roots of today's sounds, showing perfectly where modern soulful club gems like "Saturdays" by Alexander Hope, or anthems like Extortion's "How Do You See Me Now?", are really coming from. This collection proves the value of quality. without it, Easy Street would have disappeared or become irrelevant years ago.
Feel the history, hear the quality, but most importantly, enjoy the music.
ALAN RUSSELL, ECHOES MAGAZINE, LONDON, 1994.
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