How does this stack up against other 12" compilations?
: Features later 80s dance evolution with tracks like Bomb The Bass's "Beat Dis" and Coldcut's "People Hold On".
: "She Works Hard For The Money" (Special Long Version), and Womack & Womack : "Teardrops" (Extended Remix). : "You Think You're A Man" (12" Mix), Laura Branigan : "Self Control" (Extended Version), and Dead Or Alive : "My Heart Goes Bang" (American 'Wipe-Out' Mix). Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson : "Say Say Say" (Remix), : "True Faith" (Shep Pettibone Remix), and : "Rapture" (Special Disco Mix). Why Collectors Buy It Reviewers from VA - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4CD- -202...
Below is a based on that theme, written in an engaging music blog/review style. You can fill in the exact release year (e.g., 2024, 2025) as needed.
: Duran Duran’s "The Wild Boys" (Wilder Than Wild Boys Extended Mix) and Spandau Ballet’s "Gold" (Extended Version). How does this stack up against other 12" compilations
While widely praised for its track selection, the series has received mixed feedback regarding technical execution.
: Features heavyweights like Queen's "Radio Ga Ga (Extended Remix)" and Duran Duran's "The Reflex (Dance Mix)". : "You Think You're A Man" (12" Mix),
On Discogs, users echo this, saying the compilation is "good, only slightly spoiled by 4 or 5 less than perfect masters," suggesting that perhaps some mixes were pulled from sub-par sources rather than the original master tapes.
For audiophiles and collectors, the appeal lies in the remastering. These tracks have been polished to suit modern streaming and sound systems while retaining the analog warmth of the original productions. The "extended" intros and outros—designed for DJs to beatmatch—are preserved, offering a continuous listening experience that feels like a night at a retro club.
While many 80s compilations feel repetitive, the focus on the "12-inch" format here provides a fresh angle. It transforms familiar 3-minute pop songs into 6-minute journeys, proving that the 80s wasn't just about the look—it was about the groove.
Born in the mid-1970s from the disco era, the 12-inch single offered wider grooves, a higher volume ceiling, and most importantly, space . DJs needed "extended" or "remixed" versions of tracks that went beyond the three-minute pop structure. As the '70s bled into the '80s, this format exploded. It was no longer just for dance music; New Wave, Synth-pop, and even Rock bands started releasing their singles as 12-inch remixes, filling B-sides with exclusive instrumentals or longer edits. These records became the prized possessions of club DJs and serious fans who wanted the definitive version of a song—the one that couldn't be found on the LP.