1970s nostalgia was a major trend in the 1990s (just as 1950s nostalgia had been big in the 1970s), and Rhino put out more than its share of disco compilations. Thankfully, Rhino could almost always be counted on to provide thoughtful packaging and informative liner notes. '70s Disco Ball (released in 1998 for the Rhino Party Pack series) is no exception. Spanning 1975-1980, the compilation takes an informative yet humorous look at the Disco Era and provides elaborate details on ways to turn your home into a 1970s-type disco. Except for Claudja Barry's previously unreleased version of the Village People's "YMCA," and you won't find anything obscure on this two-CD set. Rhino concerns itself with only the most famous recordings from the era -- the songs that scream "Disco!" in no uncertain terms and evoke memories of silk shirts, platform shoes and gold chains. Anyone with even a basic knowledge of disco will be familiar with the Trammps' "Disco Inferno," A Taste of Honey's "Boogie Oogie Oogie," Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" and Chic's "Le Freak," not to mention Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," KC & the Sunshine Band's "Get Down Tonight," and Peaches & Herb's "Shake Your Groove Thing"). This set doesn't ignore the era's one-hit wonders, who include Amii Stewart ("Knock On Wood") and Alicia Bridges ("I Love the Nightlife"). To many alternative rockers of the 1990s, these recordings are the epitome of hip, which is incredibly ironic given the "death to disco" sentiments that came from numerous rockers in the 1970s. Though '70s Disco Ball isn't all-inclusive (there's nothing by the Bee Gees), it does boast quite a few essential songs from the era (most of which Rhino had already offered on previous compilations) and can serve as a fun lesson in Introductory Disco 101. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide