Someone once said that a mullet hairstyle is 20 percent business and 80 percent party. So when UK’s Mullet Records puts out a compilation of their highlights over the past 2 years, this ratio is exactly what you can expect.

Mullet Records does the bare minimum in regards to having a catchy and accessible website offering the majority their information on Twitter and Facebook. Though the record label, which features synth-pop music designed to make you feel good, has been in existence for 2 years they don’t do a great job of promoting their wares. While the 20 percent business side is lacking, the 80 percent party is more than enough to make up for it. All Aboard the Mullet Ship Vol.1 features 25 tracks of pure retro-electro-nu disco-funk straight out of the early 80s but with a 2010 spin. Featuring bands from all around Globe including UK’s Casio Social Club, Russia’s Tesla Boy and USA’s Long Distance Analog (to name a few), the compilation keeps the electric blips and beeps fresh and interesting. The problem with synth pop from the 80s is that it is actually not all that good. Compare it to your first time making out; pleasing but awkward. What is evident from the music created during a decade void of any major military conflict in the western world is the notion of cheap and easy melodies. The infectious tunes sort of hide the reality of the less than spectacular musical underpinnings (Gary Numan not included). Fast forward 20 years and you get musicians with better tools taking those sounds and feelings to a new level. All Aboard the Mullet Ship Vol.1 is perfectly pure pop. The compilation features a variety of synthful pleasures including vocoders, warm analog oscillators, hyperactive electronic arpeggiators, and drum tracks that will melt your ear-buds.

Spanning just under 2 hours, this is the perfect collection of tunes to play at any social gathering with a penchant for good retro sleaze-cheese. Some highlights, though there are many, include the disco-funk indulged ‘Vanilla Custard’ by Two Cosmic Kids: Nuvo Rich’s ‘Krystal’ plays like a club anthem with a slow and methodical build up: ‘Curious’ by Dabeull emphasizes an ultra fast electro beat that makes you want to disco and boogie at the same time. Actually 24 of the 25 tracks are suitable for dance floor delights with the finale presenting more like a synth ballad.

If you carry a Casiotone keyboard everywhere and firmly believe that cassette tapes are truly making a comeback, then this compilation is definitely for you. If you are looking for a fun collection of late 70s early 80s dance tunes retrofitted with the latest swagger, than All Aboard the Mulletship Vol.1 is equally relevant; 20 percent business, 80 percent party.