Musiq House

Some memorable recording artists just didn't make good albums. Larry Blackmon's Cameo was one such example--their domain was the 12- inch and the 45 single. As a result, The Best of Cameo is the place to start and finish with one of dance music's most distinctive, and unabashedly fun-loving, ensembles. Slick, funny, and endlessly funky, Cameo's blend of squeaking keyboards, compu-beats, cartoon vocals, and extended jams synthesized a new brand of disco for a post- disco age. This set is the band at its best, with triangle-headed bandleader Blackmon leading his troops through ballroom classics like "Single Life," New Wave-styled wonders such as "Rigor Mortis," and bouncy, Prince-seasoned singles like "Word Up." And it lays light on the ballads--never our heroes' strong point. Trust me--you'll want this as the soundtrack for your upcoming '80s-revival party. --Don Harrison