The Disco Years [VINYL]

This review is for the Blu-ray audio edition, not the CD set.Superbly presented with a substantial booklet, the Blu-ray comes with a single disc containing all three albums. When inserted into the Blu-ray player, there is one display screen that comes up on the TV, showing the tracklist, album covers and three audio set-up options. These options are: 2.0LPCM Stereo 24bit/96kHz, 2.0 DTS-HD MA 24bit/96kHz and 2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24bit/96kHz. Those indicate the audio is in 24/96 quality, compared with the lower 16/44 of a standard CD, so you are getting a far fuller soundscape.All audio options worked for me and, to be honest, I'm not sure what the difference is between the three settings, but I went for the 'True HD' on the basis I really did want 'true high definition' if possible! Anyone who can shed light on those various options is most welcome to comment.One thing to point out is that there is no 5.1 surround sound option included (but my home cinema system has a multichannel setting to make anything into surround anyway). There's also a coupon included inside the Blu-ray cover with a code that enables you to download the audio in 24/96 quality from a special website.Sound quality is fantastic, of course. This wonderful 70s disco collection is joyous to listen to, transporting you back to the New York club scene of more than three decades ago and bringing us Grace's unique and inimitable style.As pointed out elsewhere, there is one track error. Comme Un Oiseau Qui S'Envole (Long Version), the B-side to Do Or Die, is an instrumental with backing vocals and not the originally released version with Grace's vocals. Such a shame. But at least Grace's vocals are present in the 7" Version that is included. In addition, the track Suffer (second song on the Muse album) is not listed on the back of the cover, but is included among the audio.A couple of tracks are 'missing' from this set, notably Fame (Edit), running 4mins 51 seconds and from the 12" promo; and Again And Again, the B-side to the 7" of I Need A Man in European territories. Even if there was no room on the CDs, there would surely have been room on the Blu-ray disc. Also, please note that no video content is included which - given Grace's visual presence, the nostalgia value and the fact that some exists (I looked on YouTube) - is a bit of a disappointment.All that being said, these are minor nitpicks and considering everything that was done right on this set, I don't feel I can give this less than full marks.

HERE’S GRACE!As I bought the both Memoirs and Disco Years together, this/my review all so contains the review of "I'll never write my memoirs" as well as "Grace Jones, the disco Years"!Who of us can remember when Private Life was in the charts and Grace Jones went onto the late Russell Harty show and was interviewed by Harty who I believe was also interviewing an old distinguished British Actor, where Harty turned to Jones and asked her about her choice of perfume? Only for a communications breakdown to occur and which sent Jones into a breakdown, lashing out at Harty with her hands. “I can stand this for one more minute, if you turn your back on me once more I’m leaving”Of course the producers of the Harty show had the guests all seated wrong which made one of television’s greatest moments and put Jones firmly on the map as a star. The perfume in question as we later found out was Giorgio Armani.Grace is an enigma and true to form, a contradiction! Love this book and although it was difficult to read due to the grammar, it was worth the effort as she is hilarious and talks endlessly about the Bishops, Studio 54, Jerry Hall, who Jones shared an apartment in France with, her modelling and singing career her gay brother, her antics on how to make a statement to French taxi drivers using eggs, how to acquire a top modelling job whilst at a job interview, wearing clothes that itch, the gay bars and nightclubs that her and her friends would frequent if they just wanted a girly night out without men trying to get into their knickers, the list is endless!This book was worth every penny, and had me laughing with every turn of the page and for those who aren’t aware of it, Grace Jones, the Disco Years have been released as a 3 album box set. Muse, Fame and Portfolio and all remastered with extended tracks on the Island label. 10 out of 10 for both, I’ll never write my memoirs and The Disco Years!Grace, the gay icon, is brilliant and deserves an Oscar just for being Grace!

Grace will tell you herself: "I'm no Loleatta Holloway or Melba Moore!" However, what she does offer could never be improved upon by others; she is a unique gift to music and stage; vocally, visually, and that unpredictably entertaining personality! The producers have done a great job in bringing her disco delights back to life, and I'm sure the lady is as pleased as I am. Other reviewers have quite rightly pointed out some errors with the content, but there is no doubt that it would be hard to live without this important stepping stone to Grace's very special place in our hearts. The reviewer who only awarded 1 star isn't being serious! Anyway, I managed to get mine as a 'warehouse deal', so I am particularly happy. Highlights for me include: La Vie En Rose, Tomorrow, and Send in the Clowns from Portfolio; Fame, Autumn Leaves and Below the Belt from Fame; and Don't Mess with the Messer, Sinning, Saved, and I'll Find My Way to You from Muse. I originally purchased Portfolio on vinyl back in 1977 as a disco-mad teenager, however, the subsequent albums, bonus material, and first class sound quality, add to the thrill of now owning this excellent box set. It should Grace every home.