Enter the a monumental box set series that attempts the impossible: capturing the physical, sonic, and emotional essence of the 12-inch vinyl single within the compact disc format.
Released primarily by the Dutch label (and associated sub-labels like Camden), the Grand 12-Inches series is a meticulously compiled anthology of the 12-inch single revolution. The collection spans 9 distinct volumes , each typically housed in a slipcase containing 4 CDs (totaling 36 discs).
Each volume contains four discs, usually themed by era or energy. The Disco & Funk Era Chic – "Good Times": The blueprint for hip-hop and basslines. Donna Summer – "I Feel Love": Patrick Cowley’s legendary synth journey. Earth, Wind & Fire – "September": The full celebratory groove. The 80s Synth-Pop Wave New Order – "Blue Monday": The best-selling 12-inch single of all time. Propaganda – "P:Machinery": Crystal-clear German electronic production. A-ha – "Take On Me": The extended version with additional synth layers. The Early House & Club Scene Farley 'Jackmaster' Funk – "Love Can't Turn Around": Chicago roots. M|A|R|R|S – "Pump Up The Volume": The peak of the sampling era. 🛠️ The "Liebrand" Standard Ben Liebrand is famous for his "ear." He doesn't just copy-paste files; he searches for the original master tapes
With 36 CDs containing hundreds of tracks, the is a treasure trove of hits and rarities. While listing every track would require a book, certain volumes stand out for their iconic tracklists. VA - Grand 12-Inches Collection -Vol.1-9- -36CD-
Remastered from original master tapes or high-quality vinyl transfers (where tapes were lost). The dynamic range is notably wider than most 2000s remastering jobs—bass is punchy, hi-hats crisp, and the stereo spread (a hallmark of vintage 12" mixing) is preserved.
Grand 12-Inches series is a monumental achievement in music preservation. Curated by Dutch DJ and remixer Ben Liebrand , it celebrates the "Extended Version."
Sets the stage with "absolute roots" classics like Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" (8:13 original 12" version) and Giorgio Moroder’s "Chase". Enter the a monumental box set series that
Here, the series pivots to the early 80s. You will find the building blocks of modern dance music: (vocal and instrumental), Grandmaster Flash , and early freestyle. The sound shifts from live strings to drum machines.
For those searching for specific tracklists, be aware that the "Grand 12-Inches" series is often confused with the "Grand 12 Inches" series by other labels. Ensure the spine reads "Grand 12-Inches Collection Vol. X" and that it is the 36CD bundle (4 discs per volume) to avoid buying single-disc "best of" knock-offs.
To understand the magnitude of the , one must first understand the format it celebrates. The "12-inch single" was born in the disco era, designed to provide DJs with longer, louder, and more dynamic versions of popular tracks. Unlike their 7-inch counterparts, which were compressed to fit on small grooves, the 12-inch allowed for wider grooves, resulting in superior audio fidelity. Each volume contains four discs, usually themed by
Unlike "Greatest Hits" compilations that chop songs down to 3:30 radio edits, the Grand 12-Inches series focuses exclusively on the . These are the versions that filled warehouses, clubs, and block parties—tracks that often run between 6 and 12 minutes, featuring extended intros, breakdowns, and instrumental outros designed for seamless beatmatching.
In the digital age, where a single click grants access to millions of songs, something has been lost: the context of the music. For those who grew up in the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s, the music wasn't just about the song—it was about the mix, the break, the dub, and the extended play.
As of this writing, the physical Grand 12-Inches Collection Vol.1-9 (36CD) is out of print. Sony Music produced these primarily for the European market between the late 1990s and early 2000s.