Larry Blackmon and his Cameo mates ruled funk's domain for over a decade. Cameo evolved from its origins as a horn-based and dominated ensemble into a synthesizer-oriented group that still featured sturdy basslines and exuberant vocals, but was in tune with urban and black America's new sensibility. These 14 selections range from the formative cuts "Rigor Mortis," "Shake Your Pants," and "It's Over" to the definitive "Word Up," "Candy," and "Back and Forth." Blackmon's alternately sneering, defiant, and aggressive vocals were the constant from Cameo's beginnings in the 1970s to their emergence as funk's reigning champions in the 1980s.

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.