Amazon.com

It seems Studio K7 do no wrong when its comes to their widely adored DJ Kicks series. The German label has showcased the record-selecting talents of DJs and producers from around the world, and in doing so has become a reliable brand name for quality home listening. This installment has Thievery Corporation, Washington, D.C.'s masters of the mellow groove, flexing their skills. The mood across the disc's 18 tracks is decidedly laid-back, but eclectically so. Les Baxter's '60s cinematic lounge sets the scene, but the second track is a quick fast-forward into modern lounge, as provided by Kraut-chillers A Forest Mighty Black. The vibe spans the gamut from sitar-and-tabla world beat (Up Bustle & Out) to dubby (Rockers Hi-Fi), but in the end, it's the Corp's own works that are the true standouts. This is easy listening for the hipster set; background music for the space-age dinner party. --Courtney Reimer ... Read more

Reviews (40)

One of the most fantastic cds of the past five years...
Out of all the DJ kicks compilations, this one stands out as the leader. (With Kid Loco and K&D coming close behind) What makes this cd so great is the sheer blend and mix of so many musical styles. Whether it be the lounge-y bossa nova stylings of Les Baxter or the Sitar funk of Up Bustle & Out (also worth checking out...) I've had this cd for about 1 year and I never, EVER get bored of it. It is always the cd that people ask me about, and always the fallback cd when it's late and everyone is drunk and tired, but still up for chill'n. This cd is a true glimpse into the genius that IS thievery corporation. Granted, their own albums don't have quite as much of an international flair, they are equally as strong as this collection, in their own right. Ever since discovering this cd, I've been hooked on not only Thievery Corporation and the DJ kicks compilations, but also many of the artists that appear on this collection. It's a super cd with tons of variety worthy of any discriminating music fans' cd book. BUY IT!

Rounding up fresh interpretations of classic sounds
With Thievery Corporation recently showing the verve that makes them tick (darling Sounds From the Verve Hi-Fi) it seems an appropriate time to connect those inspirations to the records that gave them DJ kicks circa 1999.

The aforementioned series stands out among a sea of nameless mixes by encouraging artists to pick whatever vinyl goodies tickled their fancy. Results have always yielded surprises, a diverse array of music tied to the tastes of the selector.

Thievery Corporation's set has all their expected elements. Tropical je ne sai quoi with plucky guitar on Les Baxter "Tropicando," lively nu-jazz treasure from stalwarts Jazzanova and Rainer Truby Trio, and Jamaican dub from Rockers Hi-Fi and Thievery's own delightfully downbeat "Mother Africa." The real finds, however, are the Indian breakbeat excursions, Up Bustle & Out's "Emerald Alley" the primer followed wonderfully by The Karminsky Experience Inc's go-go space journey (complete with 60's movie samples) "Exploration."

Rounding up fresh interpretations of classic sounds sounded like a winner from the onset, and this DJ Kicks carries the concept one step further. Not everyone will love everything here, but Thievery Corporation do a wonderful job guiding you through such diverse musical fields.

More class grooves...
Like their Austrian peers, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Thievery Corporation know how to mix and, like K&D, their "DJ Kicks" album is a class act in both its production and its selection of tracks. More down-tempo than K&D's offering but equally interesting in its sequencing, it scans a broader palette of styles from bossa-nova, through Indian sitars to deep Jamaican dub. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen?... well, not here, because in these guys' hands each track is integrated seamlessly into an hour long musical journey that's held together by lock-tight beats and overlays. Genuinely interesting and perfectly crafted it's another example of just how good "laid-back" club music can be in the hands of people who know what's out there and how it should be delivered.

This is an outstanding album...
...of fascinating mixes. I like their own work but find it occasionally repetitive - the reggae riffs in particular. But this album enchants with brilliant elaborations. I've had it for two years and haven't tired of it yet. Along with Kruder & Dorfmeister's mixes (including a great DJKicks contribution) - and the Byrne/Eno collaboration in My Life in the Bush of Ghosts - and many of the cuts in the Verve Remixed series - and some of DJShadow - Thievery's mix albums represent some of the most interesting pop/jazz/electronic music.

Essential listening
A good mix picked by the corporation. Still not as good as their own stuff. Buy that 1st. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

What a beautiful voice!
Back in December, I was listening to Freedom Rock on a local radio station which played underground music for an hour. One of the songs I heard was "Hummingbirds" by Venus Hum. I was completely blown away by the song. Annette Strean's voice simply took my breath away. I finally found a copy of "Big Beautiful Sky" today at Cheapo Records. I bought it of course. It did not take me very long for me to fall in love with the music. I was immediately reminded of Depeche Mode with its synth-pop flavoured beats and the gorgeous voice of Annette Strean who at times reminded me a lot like Bjork. The results is an irresistably catchy electro-synth-pop album. I especially enjoyed the first two tracks "Hummingbirds" and "Montana", especially the latter song. I couldn't help hum along to "Montana". All the songs on the cd are of quality and deserving to be heard. Annette Strean has the voice of an angel. Just listen to "Wordless May" and you will know what I am saying. Too bad radio is clogged up with bland pop/rock songs that are played way too many times. Radio needs to start playing artists and bands that don't fit the mold like Venus Hum for example. It is amazing what one song played on the radio can do to a band like Venus Hum. I wouldn't have known about them had I not heard "Hummingbird" back in December.

This is a marvelous treasure of a CD
I'd first heard of the band Venus Hum because of their association with the Blue Man Group with the awesome song 'I Feel Love' on The Complex. Getting Venus Hum's own CD was even better. The songs are entrancing; combining the perfect mixture of electronic music with Annette Strean's beautiful voice. One song that really touches me is 'Alice.' It's a somewhat slow song with lyrics that really make me feel like I am lying on the grass with the cool night air all around me. This CD is a must-have for anybody who likes electronic music, hypnotic vocals, or incredibly deep lyrics.

Perfect music to work/relax/drive/dance/anything to
I first saw Venus Hum on the Blueman Group's "The Complex Rock Tour LIVE". 'I Feel Love' totally blew me away. The power and quality of her voice was simply amazing... If you haven't seen 'The Complex' video, do so immediately! I got my hands on Big Beautiful Sky, and I just can't belive I haven't heard this group before. I have heard lots of comparisons to Bjork... in my humble opinion, Venus Hum is far superior.

Big Beautiful Songs
The first impression i had listening this album was that the voice of Bjork was there.And more surprises had yet to come.My favourite song is Wordless May.All tunes are full of inspiration.Enjoy it.

Great CD!
Don't buy this CD if you don't want to listen to it over and over, cuz you will. The lead singer has been compared to Bjork and I hear a lot of Yaz inspirations. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

Featuring house-music savvy and gospel-tinged samples among the big beats, Fatboy Slim's first record of the new millennium strays into meatier territory than the more pop-oriented material for which he's known. Importing help from the likes of Macy Gray and Bootsy Collins, as well as an irresistible, posthumous turn from Jim Morrison, Slim burns his colossal stamp on the dance/DJ landscape once again. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Okay Follow-up to You've Come a Long Way, Baby
Fatboy Slim's follow-up to his highly successful You've Come a Long Way, Baby falls a little short. It's still a good album, but both his previous album and Moby's Play are stronger efforts. As a matter of fact, it seems that Fatboy tries everything he can to top these 2 great electronica albums, and HBTGATS comes off as an album that presses too much or is trying too hard. There are still some great tracks on here including Sunset (Bird of Prey) which samples a Doors song and is a song that I like more and more every time I hear it. Ya Mama and Retox are both funky tracks that reminds us how talented Mr. Cook can be sometimes. However, my 3 favorite tracks are Weapon of Choice (with Bootsy Collins and the one most closest to something on YCALWB), and the 2 Macy Gray tracks, Love Life and Demons. I don't care for her, but somehow she fits in perfectly with what Fatboy is doing here. Demons is especially a good track.

Fatboy Slim had alot of pressure on him in trying to equal the success of You've Come a Long Way Baby plus Moby definitely raised the bar with the success of Play. For the most part, he answers the challenge with some pretty strong tracks. It's the tracks that sorta wander and lose their focus that causes this album to get 4 stars instead of 5. Still, a must-own album for any fan of this genre of music.

(2-1/2 stars) You've gone the wrong way, baby!
Fatboy Slim's third album is surprisingly bad. From his first two albums, it was clear that he had a knack for mixing hard-to-find samples and making them sound like his own songs, and the songs always made you get up and dance. But this album makes you do the opposite.

The only song really worth listening to is the second single, "Weapon Of Choice", which features vocals from Bootsy Collins. And that's the song that really made people buy this album because I don't think people were running to get it because of the first single, the boring "Sunset". Another all right song is "Demons" with Macy Gray, but it seems like it should be on Macy's album.

Most of the rest of the album is uncreative. Electronica and dance artists are supposed to mix verses and beats, not lift whole songs like in "Ya Mama" and "Talking Bout My Baby". Then there's "Star 69", which features verses that should have never been sampled: "They know what is what/But they don't know what is what/They just strut/What the F." My sentiments exactly.

The rest of the songs...actually, ALL of the songs (except for "Weapon Of Choice") sound like generic remixes of "Acid 8000", the last song on his last album. And the 12-minute song "Song For Shelter" is a little hard to get into. I don't know what Slim was doing on this album; it doesn't really sound like he was doing anything. I seriously hope he does better on his next album.

Get It For Weapon Of Choice
The best song on this album is 'Weapon Of Choice'. In fact, it's the only song that's really good. The others are okay, but nothing to go nuts over. Weapon Of Choice is the real great song that makes you want to dance and do stuff. Also the music video for it is simply hilarious.

An instant classic
This is one of my favorite techno CDs, along with mr.deviant's "Techno Obsession".
A lot of people say this is not another "You've Come Along Way Baby", so what?! What do you want to do, buy the same CD from an artist every time they put a disc out?! "Halfway Between the Gutter & the Stars" stands on it's own as a techno/dance classic. Some of my favorite Fatboy Slim tracks are on this disc. Stand out tracks include: "Weapon of Choice", "Star 69", "Retox" and the classic "Drop the Hate". "Drop the Hate" features a sample of a preacher speaking to his congregation, causing chills to run up my spine when Fatboy adds his dark sounds and killer beats to this one.
There's something for everyone on this one, big beat, techno and emotional songs that pack a punch. Great stuff, I may be in a minority here, but I think it's Fatboy's best CD to date.
Not to be missed!

Fatboy Slim's worst!
On this album, Norman Cook decided that he should go for a change of style, thus he worked with Macy Gray and Bootsy Collins, to give the album a more experimental feel. The result is Norman's worst album. His unique style gets lost on many of the tracks on this album, but still a few carry the energy that "you've come a long way, baby" had. Thus, it's nice to go through this track by track:

1. Talking 'Bout My Baby - starts off originally, but it is an average track, very strange too (3/5)
2. Star 69 - easily my favourite, keeping the fatboy vibe created by the presceding album (5/5)
3. Sunset (Bird of Prey) - first single, great video, enjoyable track, but still it could have been better (4/5)
4. Love Life (feat. Macy Gray)- this is what ruined Norman on this one, macy gray is great, but she spoils his stuff (1/5)
5. Ya Mama - fourth single off the album, a great track, very catchy, very fatboy-like (4.5/5)
6. Mad Flava - another great track, fatboy keeps his style on this one (4.5/5)
7. Retox - this track is similar in quality to the above, a bit more weird though (4.5)
8. Weapon of Choice (feat. Bootsy Collins) - third single off the album, incredible video, the song however, does not represent fatboy, it is experimental and pretty bad (2/5)
9. Drop The Hate - a dissapointing track, very hard to listen to it, very strange, boring and lame (1/5)
10. Demons (feat. Macy Gray) - second single, again a great video, but a terrible track, same comment as the above macy collab, she and norman do not fit together (1/5)
11. Song For Shelter (feat. Roland Clark)- a very long and awful track (1/5)
Thus, it is worth buying if you are a Fatboy Slim fan, but if you want to get an album, representative of Norman Cook to sort of get into his music, get any other album but this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Since bursting onto the charts and into national consciousness with 1998's sophomore album, Big Calm, Morcheeba have carved a niche as purveyors of evocative nuevo-lounge and dreamy ambience. While 2000's Fragments of Freedom saw the South Londoners' first tentative step out of the "coffee table" pigeonhole, Charango is the sound of them relaxing, infusing influences such as hip-hop, country, and cinematic scores into a joyous blend of humor, romance, and soothing melancholy. Vintage moments like the lush lethargy of "Slow Down" and the string-laden single "Otherwise" share space with interesting collaborations. Lambchop frontman Kurt Wagner lends his achingly emotive vocal to "What New York Couples Fight About," while Slick Rick's dulcet tones flow through "Women Lose Weight," a tongue-in-cheek tale of a husband driven to murder by his overweight wife. Adventurous and inspired yet dripping with Morcheeba's trademark languid rhythms and tranquil melodies, Charango is at the very least a return to form and arguably their best work to date. --Christopher Barrett ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Nonchalant, relaxing, humourous - excellent
Morcheeba is evolving slowly from one album to the other, by light touches, absorbing current trends without losing their identity. It is once again the case with this release.

While the first radio friendly single "Otherwise", the catchy and upbeat "Women lose weight" (nice contrast between Slick Rick rap and Skye voice but weird lyrics) or the beautiful "Aqualung" are in direct continuity with "Fragments of freedom", other tracks are looking in the electro lounge direction, keeping an organic feel though. "Slow down" with its hypnotic beat, the Chris Rea like guitar solo and Skye laid back vocals is a good example. So are "Undress me now" or "Way beyond".

"Sao Paulo" is an exotic and summery track. "Charango" is almost instrumental with only some rap lines thrown in. It sounds like a future chill out/post-clubbing hit to me. "What New York couples fight about" is one of my favourites. It is a precious and hypnotic trip hop track. The combination of Kurt Wagner's evocative lead vocals and Skye's breathy backing ones is working great and make this song special. It reminds me of "Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence" soundtrack. I have not heard anything from Lambshop but I might in the future. "Get along" and the atmospheric "Public display of affection" have Morcheeba first albums tranquility and nonchalance. The album closes on a cinematic instrumental "The great London traffic Waden massacre".

This is an album for those who are looking for quiet, soft, relaxing music and soothing vocals. It is the type of music who will insinuate in your head without being noticed. So throw away the shoes, stretch that aching back and take a deep breath, it's time for a break...

Note: There is a limited edition of the album with a bonus CD containing instrumentals of the 12 album tracks. The instrumentals are exactly the repetition of what you already have on disc one minus the vocals (and two original tracks are already instrumentals). Worth it if you're a Morcheeba collector or if you enjoy instrumental background music.

It's a good thing they went back to their roots
Because Fragments of Freedom sounded like every single Brand New Heavies album. I'm a huge Morcheeba fan, but it's all about Who Can You Trust? and Big Calm. This album sounds a lot like Big Calm... they still have the pop elements.... but the beats are going back as far as Who Can You Trust, which is a great thing. The album is virtually flawless, save for one track: "Women Lose Weight". Oddly enough, this song is about a guy who kills his wife because she's fat. Well, that's unnecessary, really.. even though I like the song and agree with it (sorry, I like women who care about their bodies)... it may be offensive to certain women. But you can't really call it politically incorrect, because Morcheeba is a band with a female lead vocalist. Though Slick Rick raps on most of it.. the song is funny, just a little weird to hear Morcheeba doing a song like that. All in all, fantastic album. Highly recommended. Morcheeba- good choice, going back to your roots. We missed ya.

trip-hoppy chillout return to form
Similar to but better (more polished, though some might call it "overproduced") than Who Can You Trust? and Big Calm. If I had to describe the sound of the majority of songs on Charango, I'd call it "smooth and creamy" to the ears with that ubiquitous hip-hop beat done to death by other performers but smoothed and mellowed by Morcheeba.

The "Women Lose Weight" song is, for me, not offensive (hello, parody, people: let's try to recognize humor -- and I say that being a fat chick myself). Actually, story-wise, it's kind of humorous -- in a very black way, of course. I just don't really like rap unless it's in the style of "Bug Powder Dust" by Bomb The Bass/Justin Warfield.

So if I were ripping the songs to MP3, I'd leave off Women Lose Weight. But everything else I'd rip to MP3 -- even Sao Paulo, a mix of dreamy samba and their usual chilled trip-hop. Especially Slow Down, Aqualung, What Do New York Couples Fight About, Way Beyond, Public Displays of Affection. They're on my MP3 player already, and I made a copy to play on my car CD player... etc. I especially look forward to cruising around in the summer with the windows open, playing Charango. That's how this album makes you feel.

While in Amsterdam...
...I bought the new Morcheeba, my THIRD Morcheeba purchase. Lucky me -- I got the 2-CD set (which has a 2nd CD, all instrumentals of the 1st CD). (I skipped Fragments of Freedom because of the reviews from lovers of the first two Morcheeba CDs). I've loved Morcheeba since I bought Who Can You Trust? when it first came out. And I can definitively say -- Charango is Morcheeba in [top] form on [most] of the tracks, although a couple tracks go over as filler. But that's saying a lot for Morcheeba, in a day and age when most CDs have the reverse ratio -- a couple good songs, and all the [rest] filler.

The best songs on Charango -- "Slow Down" - "Aqualung" - "What Do New York Couples Fight About" - "Public Displays Of Affection" have The Signature Morcheeba Sound -- these ALL have that trip-dub, minor-key sound first introduced with "Trigger Hippie" and "Tape Loop" (from Who Can You Trust?).

"Sao Paulo" practically makes you feel the sultry Brazilan heat yet has the trippy undertow you know, expect and love. "Way Beyond" is sung/played in major key, and a light-hearted vein -- and the change from a minor to a major key makes it all the more devastatingly satirical. If I didn't know they were British, I'd think Morcheeba was describing the typical American urban yuppie-(...)-metrosexuals one can find in big-city singles bars/clubs, who drive SUVs they can't afford, and, in general, spend money they don't have on stuff they don't need to impress people they don't like.

I could live without "Women Lose Weight" but that's mainly because I don't like rap at all, unless it's very old (Grandmaster Flash) or Missy Elliot.

Since I got the first Morcheeba CD "Who Can You Trust?", I've heard and read their trippy sound variously described as "trip-hop", "electronica", "the Bristol sound", "groove", etc. All not very helpful descriptions.

What it should REALLY be called "Amsterdam coffeeshop soundtrack music" -- because that's what it IS. Charango (and Big Calm and Who Can You Trust? -- as well as CDs by other artists like Portishead, Euphoria, and Air) is the sound of sitting in an Amsterdam coffeeshop, high on the best house Shiva, sipping a cappucino, dreamily staring out the window at the passing Amsterdammers, choosing to take a few steps back from the world to chill.

If you've been there and done that, you know what I mean. If you haven't, and you can't get to an Amsterdam coffeeshop, just listen to Charango. By itself, in a non-altered state of consciousness, you'll get there in spirit anyway. It's that mellow and that good.

make it stop!
My coworker loves to slap this disc on from time to time and I have to say - it makes me want to jump out a window. What is it with this band? Every 'melody' is cloying and sing-songy, really irritating stuff. Complete pap. I'm a musician, I understand MELODY, complex melody, song structure, etc - i think this band smokes too much mary j to get down to serious songwriting. Same verse-chorus-verse garbage, silly lyrics, brainless chorus. Aaarrrrrgh! Please stop making records! ... Read more

Amazon.com

These scrappy young Brits sound like the bastard children of the Stone Roses and Public Enemy, with a quick Chemical Brothers tryst on the side. All blaring sirens and ruthlessly scratched-up vinyl, shouted slogans and cheeky lyrics, their impact on the placid late-'90s U.K. music scene has been dramatic. How to Operate with a Blown Mind is packed with attitude and irreverence, but what really sets its blissful racket apart is its complete disregard for musical class. On standout songs like "Kool Roc Bass" and "I Used to Fall in Love," the group casts off pretensions and allows real emotion and melodies to shine through the tough exterior. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (66)

By far, the greatest album I've heard in a LONG time!
I remember the first time I popped the album into my CD player...it started up "Dear God...the paitents best intentions have sadly faltered. Despite the patients newly installed varnish brain, and being force fed gallons of viscus demented liquor, he is determined to obtain the new chrome spiders trophy...", well, we know how it sounds...or most of us do, I'd think by now. If you've heard the album. But anyhow, I was just like, "What in the hell?", and then it led into the song. BRILLIANT! The horns boomed in and the turntables were magnifcent in the scratching techniques...Coming from a fellow DJ, atleast. Then we go to "Kool Roc Bass". A seemless lead-in from "Warming Up the Brain Farm". Better that the previous track, in its respect. The 3rd track, "Kasrov's Revenge" was something of a treat, also. Almost like a good old rock song w/ some techno mixed in there. I loved the next 3 songs (I'd explain them, but I'm eager to talk about these next two songs...) Then we hit "Battleflag" (Yeah, I have to mention the one that got them fame in the states. The echo on the word 'Karma' is worth hearing the song everytime. Furthermore the Wrekked Train's screwed up lyrics. Lyrically they're upon the level of Beck...And suddenly we hit my favorite song on the album, if not one of my favorite songs ever...."Lazer Sheep Dip Funk". The name alone implies that it was going to be a ride, but then when the funk bassline gets going, as well as the guitar, you say to yourself "I like this! its, like, funk music.". And now the lyrics begin. I think I spent countless hours trying to figure out what he's saying through the voice filter. Its like an instrament w/in itself. I've figured out PARTS of it...Just not alot. "Will I Get Out of Jail" begins the descent into almost ambience music. soulful R&B almost meshed w/ loud drums and bass lines sounded incredible. And then we hit the 'epic' "Vision Incision"...I'll admit I didn't like this one the first time I heard it, but then I finally really listened to it. Now, save Lazer Sheep Dip Funk, its one of my favorites. You have to hear it to know what I mean. And then the last song, "Nitetime Story" was twice as good as the song prior to it. Almost like a synth piano in the backround, and a mournful woman crying out the lyrics. And then the 70 minutes of bliss ended..."I had no idea it would end in such tragedy", indeed...

Allstars taking over!
One of the most innovative dance albums of 1998, this album is weird, wacky, and rather brilliant. It's intelligent, and thoroughly classy. There are slamming breakbeat numbers (Warming Up The Brain Farm, Kool Roc Bass, Kasparov's Revenge), moodier numbers such as the super-fuzzed I Used To Fall In Love and the title track, , super-funk (of the Lazer Sheep Dip variety) which all builds up nicely to the epic Vision Incision. Since their insane vocalist the Wrekked Train has now left the group, don't expect to hear another album quite like this one ever, this is definitely worth it. Only one fault I can pick as a long-time Lo-Fis and Skint records fan: possibly the "Many Tentacles Pimping on the Keys" version of Blisters on My Brain might have been a better choice... it's a little funkier. Apart from that it's flawless, and one of the most innovative cross-over albums around. A classic.

Overrated and Overhyped
I've had this CD in my collection for a while, and finally decided to get rid of it. I'm a big fan of big beats such as Fatboy Slim and Prodigy, but I don't feel like this CD has any soul. It has more of a rock edge.

The single Battle Flag is great, and I also liked track one. But, I found the rest of the tracks boring and unimaginative. I hate when I buy a cd, and find that there's really only one good track on it. I find that that's the case with this CD.

crack, you're under attack
The reason that a cd like this has garnered so many bad ratings is because people keep trying to classify it. They want to call it dance, dj, hip-hop...whatever. What makes this album great for me is that it defies classification. Its as if rap, trip-hop, house, techno, and disco had an orgy, and the Lo Fidelity All-Stars gave birth to the b-stard child of it all.

Yes, "Battleflag" is an incredible track, and it may be the best track the album has to offer, but its certainly not the only thing worth listening to. For people who just want straight forward dance tracks, there's "Kool Roc Bass", "Blisters On My Brain", and "Lazer Sheep Dip Funk" (which is still one of the funkiest tracks I've ever heard). For people with a desire to bump/grind, there is no better track than "Will I Get Out of Jail", which has a final minute and a half composed of orgasm noises. And "I Used To Fall In Love" is a slow-dance with an open-minded significant other. But with the changes in tone on the cd, it becomes painfully obvious that this doesn't work as just a background cd at a party.

Aside from "Battleflag", my two favorite tracks don't fit the idea of this as a party disc at all. The title track "How To Operate With A Blown Mind" is astounding. Minimal music for the first few minutes, while vocalist The Wrekked Train walks through the streets with a microphone and a bottle, ranting like a quiet maniac. You hear him cough, lose his place, f--- up the meter, and curse randomly, but its natural. It's real freestyling. Likewise the last track, "Nightime Story" has a sound more like Portishead than Chemical Brothers. While the All-Stars could have easily ended their cd with another funky dance hit, they instead sampled Three Degrees and made a somber lament which still plays well with the bass cranked to 11. Its a great end to a great, and vastly underrated cd.

How to operate with a blown mind
Lo-Fidelity Allstars is one of the handful of break beat artists/groups in dance music that I can tolerate. I always thought that they put out some of the most interesting dance music in recent years. Although they haven't really broken through the states with the exception of the minor hit "Pigeonhead" at least they aren't the one-trick pony that Fatboy Slim turned out to be. The group's debut album "How to Operate with a Blown Mind" is a sonic bombast of street poetry and corrosive techno beats. The results is combustible. A former roommate of mine didn't like most of the cd but I didn't think it was as bad as he thought it was. I enjoyed "How to Operate with a Blown Mind". It may not be in heavy rotation in my stereo but every now and then I like to throw it into the stereo to blow off steam. I personally wasn't turned off by the profanity in the album. I must say that the group's second studio album is better because the music is more diversified and mixes other genres of music into their sound. Of course I love "Pigeonhead". I can never tire of listening to that song. "Lazer Sheep Dip Funk"is a pretty cool track in my book. Overall "How to Operate with a Blown Mind" is a solid techno album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This addition to the Another Late Night series follows hot on the heels of Zero 7's popular 2001 debut, Simple Things, which fit in nicely with the current staying-in-is-the-new-going-out trend in dance music. What better way to reward fans of all things downtempo and chilled out than to lend their record boxes to one of the genre's most potent and respected series? As a look into the influences behind Simple Things, it's illuminating; every song sounds like it could have been playing on a corner jukebox while they were making the album. From the DJ Shadow-esque "Channel Suite 1" by the Cinematic Orchestra to the Stylistics' trippy nursery version of "People Make the World Go Round," this is music to simultaneously open your heart and nod your head to. --Ruby Tuesday ... Read more

Reviews (33)

What it is, is not what you think it is
Fans of Simple Things should not blindly drop their hard-earned cash on this CD before listening to a sample. Or better yet, read the small print on the back. This is a compilation CD with only one track by Zero 7. One track! Yet the cover leads you to believe the entire CD is Zero 7 and that we should expect the same great arrangements that we heard on Simple Things. Not so. I feel I've been had and you will too unless you're fans of Quasimoto, Roots Manuva, Slum Village, Cinematic Orchestra, Joy Zipper, Souls of Mischief, and other of bands that just roll off your tongue like Da Lata, Sylvia Striplin, Leroy Hudson, etc. Next time I'll read the fine print. Caveat emptor.

mr. tegu
While the music in itself is fine, it is not what I was expecting. As has been suggested, fans of zero 7 should not blindly drop their hard-earned cash down for this one. It is NOTHING like their first and third albums. If you're a fan of hip-hop, you may really enjoy this album. However, I am disappointed that I did not listen to the samples. I would've realized that this album was not for me.

Very bummed and feeling duped
I loved Simple Things. After I heard one track off the new CD, I bought it and it's nothing like the other - a huge disappointment. It's open so I can't return it; I've just wasted money, which bites.

Buyer beware!

Don't turn away just because of Hip Hop
There are many reviews here saying that people were decieved into thinking the album was just zero 7. Another Late Night is known as a mix album and did you not look at the track listing in the back?
Next, alot are saying if you liked simple things, you wouldnt like this. I loved simple things and i love this. Im no hip hop fan but do have respect for it and wouldnt give it a bad score just because i dont like hip hop. The hip hop is also has a strong jazzy feel to it. its not like 50cent or snoop dogg or anything obnoxious like that. If you know one thing about Simple things its that the album is smooth. it flows and thats something that is fluid in zero 7. This album is no exception. Many people have grown more of a respect for hip hop due to this album. People should be more open to other forms of music because this is one beautifully mixed album and to tune it out just because theres hip hop? Thats just shutting yourself out from something really beautiful. Buy it, no matter what music you listen to, you should be able to respect this album.

btw. Those who want reviews for just the zero7 song truth & rights ; I would actually say the song takes away from the album itself. I like the song and i wouldnt take it out of the mix but... cant say its my favorite part of the album.

Keep it coming, Z7!
After sampling 'Simple Things', the eject button on my CD player became dusty with disuse. I was hooked, anticipating their follow-up effort and keeping my fingers and toeses crossed that they weren't a one-album-wonder. This compilation of favorites and influences dear to the band is a triumphant pastiche of ambient, downbeat, hip-hop/trip-hop tunes.

There's certainly something for everyone here (I'm on my third listening re-liking tracks I'd dismissed).

Zero 7 reach deep within and pull out a rainbow of different genres - trip-hop (eg. Souls of Mischief), jazz (eg. Leroy Hudson), Brazilian a la Gotan Project (eg. Da Lata) and tracks by Shawn Lee and Don Blackman that sound uncannily like Stevie Wonder. Zero 7 even cameo on their own collection with a standard fare instrumental sub-ambient cover of Johnny Osbourne's 'Truth and Rights'.

It's possible that this range of styles could intimidate hardcore fans of the first album. Personally, I embrace the 'Another Late Night' series and welcome broadening my own horizons - especially when Z7's taste is this good!

Simon ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like the end-of-season regenerations of Doctor Who, every new record from James Lavelle's UNKLE finds the musical project at the climax of some dramatic transmutation. Never, Never, Land is no exception. Soon after the release of 1999's Psyence Fiction, beats wizard DJ Shadow announced he'd never work as a member of UNKLE again--and accordingly, the first thing you notice about Never, Never, Land is the absence of his robust percussion. But once over that minor disappointment, it's not hard to wallow in this record's impressively dark scope.

With the aid of new collaborator Richard File, Lavelle has made a record that connects the dots between the creeping melancholy of Talk Talk, the scaly electronics of Massive Attack's Mezzanine and the grand sky-bound epics of the Verve. Like its predecessor, there's a proliferation of guest appearances: Jarvis Cocker, Josh Homme, Brian Eno, Ian Brown, Massive Attack's Robert del Naja. But the vocals are assimilated much more successfully here, ensuring that guest never overpowers song. Lavelle still has a fine eye for casting his songs in the grandest narratives: "Panic Attack" samples the robotic pulse of Joy Division's "She's Lost Control" and overlays it with blurred electronic shimmers and driving bass. Mind you, it might be the understated numbers--"Glow", "Inside"--that provide some of the record's loveliest moments. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Haunting and beautiful
I have been listening to this virtually non-stop ever since I picked it up.Different in style than their previous effort, which I think is what makes this a somewhat better offering.The Massive Attack & Radiohead influences are still here, but in a more subtle form.The track "In A State" is an absolute masterpiece of atmosphere, and there is not one bad track in the bunch.Highly recommended.

UNKLE: A Dark Project
Atleast that's what i hear, but not in the way the cover might suggest. It's not scary, its meditative. The odd lyrics from "the thin red line" bring a tone of solemn to the album. Regardless, of my early impressions the album is brilliant- and even more so, because i havn't heard sasha's remixes off of his Involver for quite some time. I wish I had bought this before i heard those monster tracks. The space has allowed me to be honest with this review, this is an incredible album- not a dance album though. This is an infusion of definate massive attack legend-- it's more easilyrelatable to mezzanine. but there are stints of acoustic guitar a current trend in beat music, along with vocals that mimic Beck at times. Arguably, its a failure to try and draw comparisons, this an experiment, a project for lavelle- and a success. maybe james lavelle should stick with this concept in general, leave the clubs behind- its not a bad way to hear your tracks remixed by sasha and hear him bending the ground with them.

UNKLE: Never, Never, Land
When one of my former student housemates handed me a copy of 'UNKLE's 1998 debut album 'Psyence Fiction' a few years ago I knew it was going to be special. Not only did I have a lot of faith in this particular friend's recommendations, but the album featured some great cover art by the unmistakable Futura 2000, and the promotional sticker on the front mentioned collaborators like Thom Yorke Ian Brown, and Richard Ashcroft. Of course it was going to be good.

It didn't disappoint, in fact it became one of the most listened to albums of my whole 3 year stay at University.
James Lavelle and DJ Shadow had created something truly original. I even used the library's incredibly slow computers to download the video to 'Rabbit in your headlights' -- which, if you haven't already witnessed, is disturbing, cerebral, and quite brilliant.

The winter of 2004 heralds the return of James Lavelle to American shores, this time teaming up with Richard File to produce ''Never, Never, Land'' -- yet another revelation in modern dance music. Collaborators for this new album include vocals from Ian Brown, Brian Eno, Jarvis Cocker and 'Massive Attack''s inimitable 3D.

After a brief intro, `'Never, Never, Land'' opens with the ominous "Even now in Heaven there were angels carrying savage weapons" -- a track with a not-so-subtle anti-war message, with samplings from the movie 'A thin red line' used to great effect.

The album evolves through many atmospheric channels, from the heavy break beats and stomping baselines of 'Eye for an Eye',
to the thoroughly chilled ambience of 'In a State' or the free-flowing electronica of 'Invasion'. Some tracks like 'Safe in Mind' have obvious rock influences and vocal mixes used in very interesting ways.

Like it's predecessor, ''Never, Never, Land'' is not your average mix of club anthems or dance-floor hits -- you'll not find this at Ibiza this coming summer (except as a Sasha or Digweed remix, perhaps) it is a serious experiment, for fans of originality -- a refreshing alternative to more fashionable and generic sounds.

Which is why I love it, but also why I am a little disappointed. For me, it still holds true that a sequel is hardly ever as inspiring as the original. ''Psyence Fiction'' was such a raucous injection that I think Lavelle will have to work much harder to improve upon it.

I don't know if it can be attributed to the absence of DJ Shadow, or the fact that this time around the collaborators are not so `A-list' -- you can find much discussion of this around the internet and I'm not sure any of it offers conclusive evidence -- but there is definitely something missing.

Overall the album feels much more professional, more 'crafted' than their seminal work, -- this is what I find the least compelling. I just think some of the magic gets lost when all of the raw creative power of the original experiment gets whittled down by too much editing and perfecting. There is also the lack of epic tracks like 'Rabbit in your headlights' and 'Lonely Soul' to really draw me in.

And if anyone is wondering if the McLaren award winning video to 'Eye for an Eye' is included on the CD release -- sadly, no. I think this is another major shortcoming.

But having said all of that, this second installment is still one of the best dance music releases I've experienced in a long long time, and should still get credit for being bold and unusual in a genre that is mostly steeped in uninspiring clubhouse pop with lyrics like ... Read more

Amazon.com

Steeped in placid, retro innocence, the updated sounds of Mono may have you nostalgic for pastel plaid patterns in a tripped-up Brady Bunch groove. Nonetheless, Formica Blues offers plenty of modern tricks that won't leave you hanging on the dance floor reaching for your platform shoes. Oscillating between current trip-hop standards and blameless wanderings, the album presents harpsichord turns, abstract jungle beats, slithering guitar, and spacey whirls. Perhaps the most notable distinction is the dainty female vocals of Siobhan De Maré which suggest influences ranging from St. Etienne to Hooverphonic. On the whole, it's a striking album with enough cross-generational reference to keep the masses cultivated. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (73)

A slow, sexy retro groove
Of course, "life in mono" is known as that song from Great Expectations(the movie), but this cd has much more to offer than just that. The beats are just deep and float perfectly with Siobhan's whispery vocals. You get great grooves and sexy vocals which all build up to wonderful music to chill to. Portishead fans, chew on this while you wait for the next portishead album. Although be warned, the music is a lot different-more 60's inspired, like spy movie music, and more upbeat, not at all depressing. "Silicone" is a great pop song that gets stuck in your head, "Playboys" has a bit of raunchy power guitar that makes you wanna get up and conquer the day-and my favorite, "The Blind Man," is quite simply: music to get busy to!! Pop this in next time your love is on their way over, and it's sure to set the mood. The songs that have choruses like girl groups of the past like "Slimcea Girl" are great, although the one low point in the album for me was "High Life," because it was a little bit TOO bubblegum for me, and didn't pick up any of the great beats. Otherwise, i heartily tell you to BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

Hooked like everyone else, caught for different reasons.
Like most who own this album, it was the haunting need to hear "Life in Mono" that made me buy it. However, after a year and a half of life in Mono, I automatically skip the first track. While I still love that song, it definitely belongs on the sound track, its simply not what I want to hear when I want to listen to Mono. The other tracks are with out equal. Nothing I have found before or since brings to light the true, sweet agony of lost loves and broken hearts. Not mearly some form of electronica, Formica Blues blends beautifuly the sounds of Blues, French Jazz, Bosa Nova, and yes, electronica. The electronica, though, is really only used as another sort of instrument, or perhaps simply a way to join the other sounds in a new way. Essential to Mono's particular sound, but hardly the main element. Its the deep basses, horns, piano, guituar, and esspecialy that most heavenly of voices, that make this a must for anyone who has truly loved and lost. If you haven't, you most likely won't understand.

A work of genius
This is a superb album, full of brilliant poetry (the lyrics) set to evocative music....the words and music perfectly matched to each other in every instance. This is art in sound. And look at these reviews: 73 of them, all full of praise. Get the message: This is a special, special album. It's a joy to listen to, sometimes funny (if you 'get it') sometimes profoundly touching, always brilliant, engaging, ethereal, transporting, full of meaning, a scene-setter you will want to come back to again and again. You will not regret purchasing Formica Blues by Mono.

HELP, SOMEONE--I'VE GOT MONO!!!
I seem to always be the late bloomer when it comes to what's hot--the Hotel Costes series, Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, BOC, Radiohead, and a couple of other folks--and now I've recently discovered MONO who have been out since 1996...Although you couldn't tell that "Formica Blues" is that old by the albums very contemporary and up-to-date sound. At any rate, this CD floored me at first listen with (...) vocals from super siren, Siobhan De Maré and outstanding production from hip cat, Martin Virgo. MONO has of course been compared to other more well-knowns of this genre (albeit needlessly). The difference in MONO and others of their ilk is they're more accessible and have a purer sound. Their music isn't overdone or distorted beyond recognition. There's emotion in the music and lyrics that range from sensuous to joyous to melancholic to uplifting. It's hard to pass up a song on "Formica Blues" which is a testament that MONO has put out a pretty solid debut! Highly Recommended!!

A wonderful sense of style...
I listened to this cd for the first time today and I ultimately love it's jazzy/blues foundation. There are a lot of jazz instruments used in this music which give all of the songs a wonderful, sexy groove. On top of the jazzy foundation lies the smooth, serene and pleasing vocals along with the drum and bass rhythms. Groups like Portishead and Massive Attack (whome I love) can sometimes be too overwhelming with their more legato pieces whereas this group tends to find the happy medium. I really enjoy this cd and the casual scenes that enter my mind from listening to it. ... Read more

Album Description

Change is a constant in life and it’s this key factor that has informed the recent adventures in sound for Tosca. With their upcoming fourth artist album J.A.C. the theme of fatherhood is the tie that has bound these two men together in a newly recharged musical kinship. Between the release of their last acclaimed album Dehli 9 and their new masterpiece, the two have become fathers.

This album is the most consistent formulation of both the carefree and the melancholic aspects of Tosca. The melodies quicken, the grooves are both fun loving and laidback. Huber and Dorfmeister have found both a fresh understanding of the art of understatement and a newly reformulated, breathtaking musical authenticity. Like the new life around them, J.A.C. similarly breathes new life into the characteristic sound of Tosca.

Besides the ever-present and celebrated Tosca mood, this new sound resonates with the vibrations of live instruments translated with a liveliness that captures the immediacy of creation and improvisation at its peak.It’s this live, real instrumentation that marks the sound of the new Tosca album the most significantly.

The duo brought in a cast of new artists to perform vocals on the songs including Samiah Farah from Paris, Chris Eckman, lead singer of Seattle based band The Walkabouts, former Rockers Hi-Fi MC Farda P, Londoner Earl Zinger of 2 Banks of 4 and Austrian rock legend Graf Hadik all appear on the microphones.

J.A.C. is full of music that is light-footed and melancholic, cheerful and deep, relaxed and energetic. It’s a sound that can be enjoyed everywhere, at any occasion. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blackalicious's debut,Nia, was grosslyunderrated despite emcees Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel's witty, Afro-centeredconceptual leanings. Blazing Arrow picks up where Nia left off,but features a more mature-sounding duo utilizing even tighter beats and morecerebral rhymes. When they're teaming up with fellow West Coasters likeDilatedPeoples' Rakka Iriscience ("Passion") orJurassic 5'sChali 2NA ("4,000 Miles"), the results are off the meter. The sheer number ofwell-utilized guest spots from non-rap genres(Ben Harper,Rage Against theMachine's Zach de la Rocha) and downright catchy choruses ("Sky Is Falling,""Make You Feel That Way") expand mainstream rap's limited new-school paradigmsin ways that are desperately needed. Although the duo still aren't anywhere nearthe most-skilled emcee's in the Bay Area's burgeoning underground movement,"Paragraph Preside" is a must-hear track, featuring wildly schizophrenic rhymechemistry and wily wordplay. At a time when dullards likeFabolous getprops for being a skilled emcee, any rhyme duo that is more interested inpushing envelopes than licking 'em deserves your ducats. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (93)

"Aural Pleasure," indeed.
A mind-blowing, expansive, sonically rich tapestry of sound, Blackalicious' Blazing Arrow proves that Blackalicious have the most appropriate stage name in the hip-hop 'biz - the duo embody all great facets of African-American music and incorporate them all into a cohesive, if (joyously) schizophrenic, whole. It features more guests than their first LP, Nia, but these guests serve to elevate the entire experience to a whole new plateau rather than to shoulder the burden of responsibility off onto someone else. J5's Chali 2na's thick, distinctive baritone sounds wonderful trading off verses with Blackalicious emcee Gift of Gab and former Solesides alum Lateef on the jubilant "4000 Miles"; poet Gil Scott-Heron croons the chorus to the spacey "First in Flight"; and each part of release features a different, crucial guest - part one finds Gift of Gab ripping it up over the spastic howls of Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha, part two is a mind-warping spoken-word from Saul Williams, and part three is a funky, old-skool trade-off between Gab and Lyrics Born. That's not to say that Blackalicious couldn't pull this whole shindig off on their own - they're two supremely talented and creative individuals. Emcee Gift of Gab boasts the vocabulary of about 20 college professors and, apparently, doesn't breathe, ever. These facts, coupled with a wonderfully overactive imagination, account for his absolutely KILLER flow, and it's in top form on Blazing Arrow. DJ Chief Xcel's soundscapes make up the other half of Blackalicious' sound, and they are absolutely - well, blackalicious. Soul, rap, R&B, blues, funk, gospel - no genre is off-limits, and Xcel taps all of these and more. Also, his grab-bag of samples includes bits from Harry Nilsson AND De La Soul.
Blazing Arrow is just a wonderful album, something that anyone with even the slightest interest in black music should own a copy of, and a benchmark in the evolution of hip-hop. Besides, who else, hip-hop or otherwise, would ever ATTEMPT something like "Release," much less SUCCEED at it? With Blackalicious, creativity is the word of the day, and, to go by Blazing Arrow, you'd think these guys adopted it as their personal mantra.

The second coming for Blackalicious
This album is dope!! The reason i didn't give it 4 stars is cuz NIA (they're 1st LP), was so damn clean i just couldn't put the two in the same category. This def has what it takes to be in ur collection though. The production is off the hook and Gab's delivery is outta hand as usual. If your a first time buyer/listener of Blackalicious, don't be skeptical about these guys. They're some of the best hip hop has to offer. The best cut is track 14 w/dilated's Iriscience & Babu. The beat is head noddin body movin, and both emcee's spit dopeness while Babu throws skratches. Other tight songs are 4,000 miles, with J5's Chali2na and fellow quannum label pal, Lateef. #8, Paragraph President, will leave u questioning you intelligence, even if ur a harvard grad. It's a pure display of lyrical mastery. The songs are star packed with ?uestlove from the roots and J5's Cut Chemist doin some production. There's even some non-hop in there like Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against the Machine. This is a true display of what hip hop's all about. If ur into that bling bling ish and that make em say uhhh garbage, this isn't for u. But if ur about dope lyrics with ill metaphors and tongue twisting emcees backed up by some coo beats, pick this album up and don't sleep on NIA either. Keep hip hop real, Peace

A lyricist with fire
When I first got introduced to Gift of Gabs vocabulary on his solo joint by a good friend of mine, I didn't think it was any special. But later on I listened to Blackalicious second venture, Blazing arrow, and I was stunned by Gifts and X-Cels chemistry on this album. This album represents the soul of hip-hop and brings positivity and spirituality back.

Gift is amazing on the mic and he proves it with brillliant songs like "Sky is falling and pharagraph president.

It was a long time ago I heard such a gret album like this.

Now I will be checking out their earlier albums and buy Gift of Gabs solo album.

And to The Quannum crew out there: best believe you have got a new fan from Sweden, Stockholm

Mikael Aulin

Blackalicious' Best
In my opinion, this CD is a must buy. The beats are eclectic and original, they feel like someone spent a lot of time on them. Gift of Gab never dissapoints, he poses many ideas that are worth thinking about. Such as: "you can say 'good morning, God', or 'Good God! morning!' ". I enjoy this CD, i have owned it for two years and I still listen to it about once a week. You can pop it in and just listen to a few tracks, or listen to the whole thing through with out getting tired of it. In fact, the more I listen to this CD, the better it gets. It is the epitome of Blackalicious. Just buy it.

%100 re-inventing underground hip-hop
Once I heard the track with Cut Chemist and Gift Of Gab, I knew that this was a truly skilled group. That track is absolutly INSANE! Also, if this helps, if you like Jurassic 5, you will definitly like Blackalicious. I'm a big fan of j5 and I've heard about blackalicious from j5' collaberations, tours, and friends alike. Once a friend I trust who has a good taste for hip-hop told me "gift of gab is just the sickest lyricist ever." Well, maybe not ever, but yeah, he is the most underrated ever. Passion, to me, is the best song on the album. The way Dialated and Blackalicous collaberated makes the track classic. Make you feel that way is also a very good track.

Overall, if you're a fan of j5, or underground hip-hop in general, this is an incredibly refreshing and inventive album to listen to. Many pro critics I saw were giving this average reviews, but the truth is, they're probably more used to mainstream hooks and beats. Thats what makes this CD great. When you think hip-hop, it doesn't sound in your head like Blackalicious.

Also, if at first this CD kinda doesn't catch on....listen to Gift Of Gab's lyrics closely...the album will grow on you ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's fitting that Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, the duo behind Thievery Corporation, run both a club and a label that have the name Eighteenth Street Lounge: all of the music (which shares the same dubby, acid-jazz flavor) on the label is perfectly suited to the club. Abductions and Reconstructions, however, is different from previous ESL releases, such as Dubbed Out in D.C., in that it's easily the label's most accessible album to date. It consists of 15 Thievery remixes of artists from Stereolab to David Byrne to Baba Maal and tends to be a lot more active than the duo's original compositions. Still, the tracks here bear only a passing resemblance to their original forms--in Thievery's hands, the songs are drawn out, tranced up, mellowed down, but each has its own flavor. The end result is an album that's both diverse and consistent and completely enjoyable. You could just as easily dance to these tracks as sit and lounge to them--the perfect soundtrack for either a great bar or your next party. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Superb Stuff!
I recently bought the Thievery Corporation LP (which was great) but have been quite keen to get hold of more DJ mix LPs having heard the K+D Sessions and the David Holmes Essential Mix LP. I just listened to this one last night and was utterly blown away. If you are into K+D style, smooth relaxing beats with an upbeat, dancable edge make this yours a.s.a.p.

Not great as a remix album, but super selection anyway
What can you say about a compilation that includes streaks from a cross section of bands as psychedelic as Baaba Maal, Black Uhuru, Avatars of Dub and Gus Gus? That it's ambitious.

The music here is neat, as almost anything from Thievery usually is, just that the title seems to promise some sort of remixing ("Reconstruction"?). In that sense the album fails miserably, I'd still pick K&D anyday for spiffy remixes of tracks of all genres.

Having said that though, this straightforward album gets my top marks for a decent selection of trip-hop grooves. Noteworthy: Hooverphonic, Gus Gus, Slide 5, Urbz 'n Chaos.

Nothing to shout from rooftops about, but a worthy addition to your downtempo collection nonetheless...

Good Sounds
This is a good CD that gets you grooving excellent Drive music with the Sun Roof open or on a long ride to a party. You will really get your juices flowing.

very good thievery mix - must have for any downtempo fan!!
Thievery corp. has really made a name for themselves with their lines of cd's that are truly a wonderful journey in downtempo grooves everytime one sits down to listen to them. These guys bring in influences from all over the world for their music and the result is a wonderful mix perfect for the late night cocktail and a night by the fireplace with a few good friends. Notable tracks on this cd:

kc doppler
porno 3003
hijack
ave maria
defenceless
this strange effect
sexelavatormuzic

the others aren't bad, but not for me. i pick these for their wonderful quality and mysterious sound. well worth a buy!

s'ok
most things on ESL are better than most other things. this is middle of the road for ESL. solid, but unspectacular. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Peter Kruder of the famed duo Kruder and Dorfmeister, stays true to form (downtempo yet invigorating) on this, his first solo outing. Peace Orchestra is similar to his work in K&D, but--if possible--the music is even more serene and stoned sounding. Floaty melodies sparkle against a backdrop of gauzy reverb and echo. Vocals drift in and out of consciousness. And it's all very, very slow. The record contains less funk and groove than K&D's projects, but it's no less sensual. Dreamy is the operative word here. Much like Mixmaster Morris's superb downtempo ambient collection It's Tomorrow Already, Peace Orchestra combines the sounds of trance with the tempo of downbeat to invoke a lazy, hazy summer day. --Tricia Romano ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Touch of Bliss
This is something truly beautiful. Peter Kruder (of the famous "Kruder & Dorfmeister") definitely proves his skills as a solo producer on this album. It manages to create that ethereal feeling so prized by Acid Jazz and Trip-Hop producers, while still maintaining listenability through consistent yet subtle drum beats.

Kruder's caught a lot of flak for the horns and vocals used on some of the tracks, but I attribute a lot of this criticism to sheer ignorance from the downtempo "purists" out there. The vocal and brass samples manage to give "Meister Petz" a somewhat festive feel, and enhance the brooding mood of "Who am I" and "Shining".

Every sound Kruder uses on this album bends and shapes the mood like a clay sculpture. The textures are rich but not bombastic, and the album maintains a feeling that is brooding and mystical but not excessively sparse or depressed.

This one is at least as vital a downtempo recording as Portishead's "Dummy", or anything Kruder and/or Dorfmeister have previously recorded.

Peace Orchestra is one of the most beautiful records I have ever beheld. Get it.

yummy downtempo goodness
There is nothing on this album that can be improved. It broods with intelligent beats and shining electronic texture. This is the perfect CD to put on in the background when you are working or creating. It's not harsh, not sleepy, but a generous blend of trippy and relaxing. Much recommended.

Sci-fi Lullabies
Excellent downtempo CD, groovy, sexy and interesting. I originally got it for the track "Who am I?", which is the standout track on the Animatrix soundtrack, and there's a very Matrixy vibe to the whole album -- bubbling keyboards and a great beat. Excellent.

surround sound???????????
If somebody realy likes this stereo title, it has nothing to do with surround sound. Please do not hessitate to contact me for more information reguarding this metter, and that you need to get real surround music experience.

DA BOMB!!
I have to say that once I heard this disc, it made me think, "what else have I been missing?" I never realized that someone could create music that is so enveloping. I had never heard anything like this before, and as soon as I had, I was hooked. Anyone would like this. I have showed it to a variety of people who all have different tastes in music, and everyone loves it. There is no way for me to describe how excellent this CD is. I have had it for 5 months now, listen to it faithfully, and am still not sick of it. It isn't offered in DTS, but the surround effect is unbelieveable, even though you are splitting 2 channels in to 5. To anyone who has come across this disc and is reading this review, you've come across a goldmine. BUY THIS DISC. You will not be sorry. You wouldn't be reading this if it wasn't related to what you wanted. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Another nice "sampler" from Nettwerk
The latest in this Chillout series from Nettwerk is another nicely balanced sampler that manages to mix tracks by more familiar artists (Chemical Brothers, Bjork, Delerium, Radiohead) with cuts by less heralded artists (Alpinestars, Motorcycle, IIO). My personal favorites are the remixes of Massive Attack's "Butterfly Caught" and Conjure One's "Center of the Sun" (I'd buy the CD just for this track alone - the vocal by Poe is amazing and makes me even more anxious for her next release!). Yes, there are more adventurous downtempo compilations out there (try the Ministry of Sound series or the Buddha Bar series if you're looking for something a bit more "underground") but the Chillout series has its charms. I also recommend Nettwerk's Ultimate Chillout 2002 and, especially, Ultimate Chillout 2003, which has LHB's impressive "Olivia Newton Christ" - a track that is hard to find on a non-import.

An amazing compilation
This really brings out the best songs of a poorly defined genre. It sounds like Sirius's channel Chill (64) running for about an hour. The more popular artists on this CD (Bjork, N.E.R.D., etc.) are the tracks I tend to pass over for the standouts like Motorcycle, Alpinestars, BT (the original of this is great, too).

Some tracks could have been left out, as most people who buy this probably would have gotten the CD in its entirety anyways (specifically, Massive Attack, the quintessential trip-hop group).

My major complaint is with the choice of the U.N.K.L.E. track; the CD has a couple of really great songs, especially "Lonely Souls," "Bloodstain," and "U.N.K.L.E. Main Theme" that greatly overshadow the "Rabbit in Your Headlights," which is also a bit redundant for the sake that the singer on that track is the lead singer of Radiohead, who also have a track on this album. Had one of the aforementioned tracks off the "Psyence Fiction" CD been selected, this CD would definitely merit a 5 stars.

In short, highly recommended. I especially recommend it for studying; listening to something like this, I find my college work infinitely easier.

good one
Cool mix. I am surprised no one mentions "One too many Mornings", by the chemical brothers as a fav. It is such a cool song I think. I also dig "As the rush comes", "Butterfly", "At the end", "center of the earth", and even this "weak become heroes song" by whoever the Streets are...
There are a couple of bad songs out there (UNKLE and NERD uhh), but other than that most of the songs are pleasing and cool to listen to. And I think the fact that you fall asleep with a chillout CD should be a plus...that is the point, right??
Fell asleep nicely with this one a few times...even though I didn't mean to...

Later,
El Dundee.

Chilling
This is a cool album (pun intended). Hard to place it in a genre. It is not quite psychedelic, not punk or retro, not pop. Kind of a mix of Miami Vice, Roxy Music, grunge, soft soul, mood, and synth. Not a brand-new genre, but certainly done well on this album.

However, I would have left out tracks 2, 13 and 14. Although not bad in their own right, they just do not fit into the theme of this album. I usually just skip over those. Some tracks are not my favorites (e.g., 4, 5, 8), but are tolerable. With all the tracks mentioned, you might think I do not like this album, but I do.

Overall, a good album that is done decently and should be given a try.

Cool mix
If you're looking for a mix that's more interesting and up-for-it than most chill-out stuff...than this is the CD for you! I listen to this all the time--before going out, after going out, at my desk at work, etc. Go for it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Usually, groups wait until they've released at least three or four records before putting out a live album, but PNYC was too good an idea for Portishead to turn down. Recorded with a full orchestra on a cold, rainy day shortly after the release of their second record, Portishead, the project doubled as a live album and the soundtrack for a BBC documentary. In addition to being economical and perhaps lucrative, the disc demonstrates how sampled and sequenced music can be re-created in concert without losing any of the charm or dynamics of the original recordings. All it takes is a 22-piece string section, some horns, and a band whose tightness is exceeded only by its creativity. At times the performances on PNYC sound even more breathtaking and cinematic than Portishead's original recordings, as humming theremin, skittery scratching, and gliding strings mingle with stealthy guitar lines and sultry vocals. For Portishead, sour times seem like a distant memory. --Jon Wiederhorn ... Read more

Reviews (77)

simply outstanding
One of the best live recordings I have ever heard, this album is as beautiful and uniquely melodic as it is soulful. Beth Gibbons tugs at heart strings, and her performance is legendary. If Portishead never records again, I believe it would be a travesty. Modern music has been bastardized, making stars out of gimmicks whilst failing to relate to the human condition at even its fundamental levels. With Portishead, the themes of love, loss, regret, loneliness and obsession are treated with an honest and appropriate delicacy; and the wall of sound that serves as its backdrop is like nothing you've heard before. There isn't a trace of superficiality here, and the live recording serves only to enhance the nakedness of its themes. Technically speaking, this isn't your standard 4 piece perfromance, this is a comprehensive array of instrumentation.

This album is a classic, pure and simple. And while trip-hop has evolved itself into near oblivion, we are left with a live album that does not merely define a lost genre, it transcends it. It is a standalone effort that defies classification. It is, quite simply, what it is - a great listen. a must have.

Impressive.
Impressive is the first word that ocurrs to me now that i'm sitting in front of my pc writing a review for this album, trying to describe it. Beautyfull just might be the second.

Listen to the whole album and you won't help but being amazed at the enourmous quality of these young british musicians. When one listens to their studio albums (both excelent by the way) the idea of them performing their songs live as good as they originally recorded them seems very improbable. The complexity of the songs seem impossible to accurately reproduce them before a live audience. However, Portishead demonstrates that such notion couldn't be farther from the true. In short: they perform extremely well in concert. In fact, some of their songs actually sound better live, mainly because of the intense vocals by Beth Gibbons.

The performance by the band is almost flawless, and the string arrangements sound fantastic. The essence of the Portishead albums remains even in concert: dense, moody, hipnotic, whatever you want to call it. "Glory box" is hipnotic as ever and the performance is excelent. "Sour times" is probably the song that is most modified, but the version is splendid also: a bit darker, a bit heavier, a bit more powerfull, and Gibbon's really puts her heart and soul into the song. Every times she screams "'cause nobody loves me, not like you do" i get the chills. "Half a day closing" is also one of the best songs in the album, as well as the powerfull "All mine". However, at least for my taste, the real gem of the album comes almost at the end, with the fantastic interpretation of "Roads". The song is not one of my favourites on the "Dummy" album, but the song really comes alive in this album. The emotion that Gibbons puts in this song is almost unbearable. Put the song in your stereo with maximum volume, close the doors in your room, put out the lights,close your eyes and you will be truly transported into anohter dimension.

True:it's very odd that such a young band already releases a live album. But when you li