Various Artists - NOW That's What I Call 12" 80s - (4CD Album)
During the 1980s, the 12-inch vinyl single evolved from a simple tool for club DJs into a mainstream commercial powerhouse. Artists utilized the wider grooves of the 12-inch format to pack in deep bass, extended instrumental breaks, and experimental engineering techniques.
Producers utilized the extra runtime to manipulate master tapes, construct dramatic dynamic breakdowns, and extend percussion intros. This technological playground gave rise to legendary remixers like Shep Pettibone, John "Jellybean" Benitez, and Arthur Baker. The format allowed pop acts to bridge the gap between Top 40 radio and Underground club subcultures. Disc-by-Disc Breakdown of the Compilation
"Shout" (Tears for Fears), "Fade to Grey" (Visage), "The Safety Dance" (Men Without Hats) VA - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4CD- -202...
: This installment arrived later in the year, continuing the series with 46 tracks. It includes rare-to-CD versions like Laura Branigan's "Spanish Eddie".
Extended versions of Queen's "Radio Ga Ga," Duran Duran's "The Reflex," and Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)". Collector Rarity:
If you are looking to track down a copy or verify a specific song on the tracklist, would you like me to find the on Discogs, or should I list the full 4-disc tracklist for a specific year in the series? Share public link Various Artists - NOW That's What I Call
The "NOW 12" 80s" series is a spin-off from the main "Now That's What I Call Music!" compilations. While the standard "NOW" albums release multi-disc sets spanning the recent chart history across various decades, these specific compilations focus exclusively on the decade of the 1980s. However, instead of rehashing standard album edits or 7" single versions, this series dedicates itself entirely to the extended 12" mixes that were pressed on large vinyl records for discos, clubs, and audiophiles.
Critics praise the series for sourcing the correct, rare mixes. As one Amazon reviewer noted, this "unique four-disc album features 47 original 12-inch and extended versions of '80s classics rarely used in compilations, making it a must-have collector's item". The consensus is that the , offering a mix of chart-topping pop and genuine dance floor obscurities.
The Now 4CD box stands alone for its assembly of tracks that were previously only available on expensive second-hand vinyl or bootlegs. and many more.
Music fans were treated to two major 4CD installments in 2021:
The set serves as a historical document. It bridges the gap between classic radio structures and modern house and techno extended edits. By packing over 40 unedited extended mixes into a single box set, it offers an immersive sonic journey back to a time when songs were given the space to breathe, loop, and transform.
The inaugural set kicked off the series in style. Featuring 47 original 12-inch and extended versions across four discs, this set is the cornerstone of the collection. It includes undeniable classics like Queen’s "Radio Ga Ga (Extended Remix)," Duran Duran’s "The Reflex (Dance Mix)," and the ground-breaking "Two Tribes (Carnage Mix)" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. The set is anchored by what is widely regarded as the biggest-selling 12-inch single of all time, New Order’s "Blue Monday (12" Version)". This first volume perfectly captures the raw energy and creative explosion of the early-to-mid 80s.
The set covers a wide range of iconic 80s acts, including Queen, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, and many more.