Album Description

BILLBOARD TOP 10 ARTIST

For fans of Enigma & Pink Floyd

So begins the second chapter within the story of Lesiem. Where the mystery of romance and the wonders of mythology tell the tale of a golden age called Illumination.

Based on a gregorian chanting tradition that has been handed down for the past 50 years, Lesiem have created a universal musical style that will appeal to fans and lovers of the human voice.

Where the world of fantasy and reality merge into one, Lesiem open the heavens and paint the starry filled skies with the sensualness of operatic voices, worldbeat grooves, new age melodies and electronica elements into a musical genre they call Mystic-Pop.

Journey with Lesiem as the mystic, the lover and dreamer as you navigate through far away lands and magical places into Illumination. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Enigma and Pink Floyd??
I discovered Lesiem as it was playing in a Barnes & Noble store. So I decided to go on a leap of faith and buy it. Immediately I noticed the sticker on it that said "For fans of Enigma and Pink Floyd". Upon listening to the album, I wouldn't think it necessary to compare Lesiem to anyone, but since they're so keen to be compared to these bands (their first album had a similar sticker), then let's compare!

As far as Pink Floyd goes, there is not one iota of a second on this record that comes close to reminding me of Pink Floyd. Enough said. I can see where the Enigma reference comes from, but true Enigma fans will see there's no comparison there either, especially since they're in a completely different level and genre now musically. Enigma used Gregorian chants in three tracks of their album MCMXC a.D. (which is far superior than Illumination), then never used them again save for background noise in a few of their future releases. They was never about Gregorian chants. In fact, the chants disappeared completely from their latest release, Voyageur. So Lesiem is a bit similar to Enigma from 13 years ago. Those listening to Lesiem with Enigma and Floyd in mind will hate this record beyond anything.

Now for Illumination itself. Without comparison, this record is very well-made. The chants are VERY melodic, and blend into every song perfectly. Even on the track "Africa", the chants sound right at home in an African-style rhythm. The song "Navigator" sounds downright epic! And the song "Britannia" is so tender and musical you'll want to listen to it over and over. I'm not too keen on using the exact same song to begin and end the album, and singer Felix Lauschus sounds like a Michael Cretu wannabe on "Diva". If you listen to Enigma's "Why...?", "Out From the Deep" or "Total Eclipse of the Moon" you'll see what I mean. But this album overall is a magnificent soundscape...like a soundtrack to a grand masterpiece. Any new age fan should check this record out.

An aluring mixture of haunting chants and new age music
Lesiem blurs the line between world/new age music. Most of the songs on Illumination focus on vocal chanting, but the music in the backround adds a new age element that keeps you listening. There are also multicultural influences abound...each track seems to have a different theme. For example...the song Africa uses African vocals and instruments, and Brittania carries a distict British atmosphere. I really can't think of a dull track on the album. The sticker on the cover claims Lesiem is "for fans of Enigma and Pink Floyd". While I can certainly see the Enigma comparison, there is not much to base a Pink Floyd comparison on (perhaps the electric guitar used in the second track?). Aside from that false ploy, Lesiem stands by itself as an intriguing new artist that will surely capture the ears of new age and world music fans alike.

don't bother
I got sucked in by this album because it had the sticker on it "for fans of Pink Floyd and Enigma". I should have known that they were using someone else's fame to try to capture a few $.

After listening, I don't get the Floyd connection AT ALL. I can see the Enigma connection (I'm a huge fan of both of these bands by the way, especially Floyd - my favorite band since I was a kid). But as far as Enigma goes - can't hold a candle to Cretu.

Don't bother unless your absolutely desperate for gregorian chant with some drum beats.

Anyone want to buy my copy?

///M

Unquestionably better than the first release
I was very pleased with "Illumination", particularly with the path they have seemed to take with their music. The first album featured too many (I thought, anyway) female "rock'n'roll-like" vocals that seemed to hinder the primal, powerful choir chants and percussion that roared throughout the album. This album, however, definately minimized these vocals, leaving perhaps 90% of the album to chant and drums. Every song is worthwhile, particularly songs 5 thru 10. The song entitled "Diva" had tremendous potential, with its more complex choir arrangements, but it was destroyed (in my opinion) by a kind of harsh male singing/yelling that doesn't fit at all. Anyway, the reasons why I didn't give this terrific album 5 stars are : 1) The album is on the short side, and songs 1+13 are repeats - 2) I thought that they could have employed a few more unique combinations of electronic tones and drums (The drum beats have been used countless times before) - 3) No individual song was as powerful or awe-inspiring as the song "Fundamentum" from the first album.
(though some close) Anyway, I look forward to release number 3.

Simply Incredible
Exquisite and simply incredible. I just picked up this cd and was blown away by the music on it. I am a fan of the group and have been following them for the past few years. Their first cd called Mystic Spirit Voices transported me somewhere while listening to it and NOW this new cd by them is an excellent follow up to the previous one. If you love the human voice and appreciate it's rich harmonies and angelicness. This cd will take you to heaven and beyond. My pick for this years New Age record. You will get chills when you listen to this music.
Open to ILLUMINATION!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

SO OLD and SOOO GOOOD!!!!!!
It's the first and the best DJ Krush lp of the lot!! Sorry if you don't agree, but, you're WRONG!!!! The instrumentals are the sweetest! As for BIG CITY LOVER..... well I'm sorry but there hasn't been a tune like it in quite some time. I think McKAY's Lp has just taken the lead on vocals!!! YOU NEED THIS ALBUM!!!

Missed it first time but won't get away this time
Well, I somehow managed to miss out on this when it was initially released but then I finally took the plunge. I got DJ Shadow's Endtroducing and chatted with a colleague at work about this CD but until now I never possesed it or rather it didn't posses me. I knew a number of tracks on it like Big City Lover which I have always enjoyed but the music is varied and certainly great for your collection. I can regret not having it in the past but now I have it there is only bliss to look forward to.

Krush's best...
There is no doubt that this album is one of Krush's best works. With a sound unique from the rest of his stuff, "Krush" gives you a taste of DJ Krush's early vibes. Jazzy, headnodding beats perfect for chilled, late night hours. The creativity put into the production and sequencing is flawless, giving birth to a perfect combination of downtempo, dub, and hiphop mixed with just enough jazz to call it smooth. Also check out the "HipJapHop Project", "ColdKrushCuts", and "Strictly Turntablized" for more of DJ Krush's best sounds. Headphones recommended...

The Greatest CD I have ever owned
I don't know of any other artist who has been able to master the art of blending tranditional jazzy horns and electronic beats as well as Krush does. He has a way of doing it with an almost ethnic flavor thats hard to discribe.

Anyone who has listened to this CD has fallen in love with it. DJ Krush's other stuff is great, but this is exponetially better then his, or any other Acid Jazz artist.

LOVED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was managing one of the top salons in the washington,dc area when I was introduced to Acid Jazz by a co-worker and friend. I was in charge of setting the mood of the salon so that it wasn't offensive or way too much dance music. I went to a Record Store and the guy there recommended DJ KRUSH. His music is so "CHILLED-OUT". I was amazed and shocked that Acid Jazz is such a Hot Sound that is not so commen on the radio. It has it's own groove. DJ KRUSH is SO!! AMAZING !! Everyone can listen to him without making too much to do about nothing. I have since then been a devoted fan. ... Read more

Album Description

Some DJs get their kicks by dropping the most obscure tunes they can find. Others take pleasure in kicking back with friends and digging out timeless favorites. Daddy G, also known as Grant Marshall, belongs to the latter school. "These," he says of the components of this mix, "are the records that are always in my box."

Although he’s best known for comprising one half of Massive Attack, Daddy G has been DJing ever since he started making mixes on a cassette recorder at the age of ten. Reggae records filtered through via his older sister's DJ boyfriend. And his devotion to a good bassline grew out of his mid-teen experience of Jamaican sound systems. From around 1982, he ran the Dugout club in St. Paul’s, part of the unique Bristol scene where reggae and funk collided with post-punk - and eventually produced trip hop. ... Read more

Amazon.com

OK is one phrase that's universally known and understood, and on OK Talvin Singh tries for a similar global connection. A classically trained tabla player, he's performed with Björk and Massive Attack, holds his own club nights in London, and is the leading light of the burgeoning Asian Underground movement--in other words, a man of many parts. He brings them all together here--the Bollywood strings, the kannakol patterns of Indian music, and the skittering rhythms of drum & bass and jungle--to create something that is new and thoroughly vibrant. This is Britain at the millennium, drawing on its immigrants, full of Eastern promise, and ready to dive headlong into the future. An album of both intelligence and passion, it is more than OK; it's a complete marvel. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (59)

An excellent fusion of Indian music with western beats
I have been meaning to check out Talvin Singh's music for some time now and I finally got the opportunity to when I found a copy of "O.K" in the used cd bins at my local record store today. I have always been fascinated with the idea of blending two completely different musical genres together, and especially the idea of world music (in this case, Indian music) with electronic beats (drum & bass). But if you really want to think about it, why wouldn't Indian and drum & bass music go good together? I was completely confounded by the gorgeous aural soundscapes of "O.K". The fusion of traditional Indian music with the modern sounds of drum & bass and ambient music is a relatively new to me so for me this is a complete departure from a lot of electronica music that I listen to. I loved listening to the traditional Indian instruments mixed together with the skitterish beats of drum & bass. The sonic impact of that combination had quite an impact on me. I was particularly enthralled with the closing track "Vikram the Vampire". The vocals at the end sent chills down my spine. The opening track "Traveller" is simply awesome. It immediately sends the listener on a spiritual journey as he or she listens to "O.K". After hearing "O.K", I think the future of electronica music should continue exploring its traditional roots in music while fusing them with modern electronic beats. "O.K" just proved to me that the combination works.

Travelling...
The song "Traveller" first got my attention, ultra stereophonic sound, amazingly mixed drum sequences, and then on, heading on to the rest of the tracks, great music. This is different from most of related music, cause this guy pulls it off. Inclusion of asian sounds gives it a fresh air, and the power thrown into this cd just makes it so right! Songs as "Butterfly" or "Light" mean a reason for having this cd, surely! Fresh, fresh music for those looking for something "in-the-genre" but totally fresh, and surely something worth to have collection of the people who praise themselves to hear well-done and open minded music.

fantastic in parts, ok in others
the whole album vibrates with rhythm and feeling, but it is a little uneven. starts at a somewhat familiar, somewhat tried place - flute, synth, drums atmospherics ending with a droning sitar and flute, and violins. pretty standard stuff. another tune with rich flute-and-tabla interplay follows. things dont really get interesting for me, however, till "mombastik", when the grooves get more deep, and the music leaves its indian trappings and floats in the in-between, sometimes approaching the soundspaces which the afrocelt sound system roam. the brass instruments (sounds like a sax and a trumpet, or maybe this is the "modular flute" in the credits?) provide a very unique sonic texture to the tune. nice cool breaks. right, i say. this is where its at. the middle section of this album is incredible. it is difficult to get my attention on vedic-style chanting (this is simply overworked by most asian underground stuff that i have heard - just run aground as it were), but the sarangi accompaniment on "eclipse" makes it interesting. the album continues very strongly with the title tune, a wonderful melange of colors from the hills in the north east. i wonder what language that is (i have the import release, so maybe the standard release has more info). this heat china folk stuff is quite hot. first time i have heard this kind of sound. the next tune is the highlight - "light", a glowing, luminous, groovy sunrise. fantastic arrangements - simply marvellous. echoes of the last tune buried in there somewhere. the piano accompaniment by talvin is spare but very effective. mental note to check out the chaurasia-talvin collaboration "vira" next. the rest of the album returns to more familiar territory, but finishes very nicely in a different place and space. i like this album now. will i continue to like it a month later? that is the question. 3 stars for now.

great grooves
Talvin Singh is a master at his craft, and it's evident on O.K. Elegant tabla rhythms mix superbly with electronic music to create a sublime ambient sound from the Asian underground. If you like ambient music, or Eastern-influenced electronica, you won't be sorry you bought this album.

Marvellous
This is beyond any doubt a very strange album. Since I'm not really into drum'n'bass (with the exception of some rather old Aquasky stuff), it was kind of a risk to buy it. Anyhow, I'm really glad I did so. It contains a magical blend of Indian and electronic music, Singh balances on the thin border between earth and space. The sound of the asian instruments is incredible, since Talvin Singh is a professional tabla-player, the technical quality is far beyond average.
I like it. A lot. The most bizarre thing is that I keep on doing so, no matter how much I listen to it.
Without any doubt a marvellous creation... and you shouldn't doubt a second about buying it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anything is the seductive solo debut from a familiar voice, Martina Topley-Bird. She's best known as the former lover and voice for Tricky, singing on most of his albums, and she brings his sense of experimentation and exploration to her own brand of chilled noir soul. Still friends, Tricky duets with her on "Ragga," which he co-wrote, and "Ilya." Like Morcheeba's Sky Edwards, Topley-Bird has a sophisticated cool that's simultaneously sensuous and askance. Right from the title track she's both beckoning and winking with a song of unrepentant lust masquerading as a heartfelt love ballad. "Need One" is a nu-metal electronica anthem with guest vocals from Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan of Queens of the Stone Age. The production/musician team called Amp 9, which includes her stepbrother Nick Bird, co-composed much of the music which shifts from down and dirty electro-funk to screaming metal and moody atmospheres, but it's all held together by Topley-Bird's cooler-than-thou vocals. Originally released last year in the U.K. as Quixotic, the American version is three songs shy, but no less powerful for it. --John Diliberto ... Read more

Amazon.com

Beth Orton is the rare vocalist who exists between disparate worlds; she is a singer with a folkie soul who is as comfortable accompanied by an acoustic guitar as by electronic rhythms. Indeed, most people first heard her on William Orbit's Hinterland album and on the Chemical Brothers' Exit Planet Dust. Likewise, her slightly askance vocal style seems to betray naiveté, while lyrically there is a world-weary depth that the latest spate of tough-talking Lolitas cannot muster. Each song's closely observed details create small ripples that grow to substantial emotional waves by album's end; this very promising debut should be the harbinger of great things to come from Orton, with or without the help of a Lilith Fair or anything beyond the integrity of her songs and the wise lilt of her voice. --Alan E. Rapp ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Smitten
Once in a great while, an album comes along that transcends musical genres such as pop, folk or electronica and instead creates a wholly original sound from a unique blend of styles... Trailer Park is such an album. Beautifully crafted songs, awash in acoustic guitar and subtle electronic beats, counterpointed by Miss Orton's stunning voice. Trailer Park is the rare album that exists as a whole, possessing singular songs, yet best enjoyed in it's entirety...perchance on a moonlit balcony with cocktail in hand (personal preference). There is an interesting and bittersweet interplay throughout between the bright melodies and Orton's soul searching and jilted lyrics. Anyone who has ever had their heart broken will find a kindred spirit in "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine", a last tear-smudged kiss on the cheek before the haunting fade out of "Galaxy of Emptiness". Trailer Park is rare indeed in the current climate of pre-packaged, glossy pop music excess; a warm, engaging work that begs repeated listening, and comforts like an old friend on a rainy day.

A unique voice and some great songs
I got Trailer Park when it was first released in the late 90's and waited for it to take off. It never really did. Then her next album, Central Reservation was released and again I waited...and again not much response. While Beth has a large loyal following, it is nowhere near the following she deserves. She is a talented songwriter with a wonderfully distinct voice. I really like a number of the songs on the album, but I especially like "She Cries Your Name" and "I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine". If you are deciding between this and Central Reservation as your introduction to Beth Orton, I actually like this album better. On the other album, the song "Central Reservation" is a great song and got some air play and some dance remixes got some play, but I think overall this album has stronger songs. (Don't let the Dance Remix comment throw you...Beth's music is mellow ballads and funky songs. She is not Madonna, she is much more Indigo Girls and The Story.)

Better in Person
After seeing Beth Orton live at Field Day I was impressed by her accoustic solo music, as well as her lively personality. I was so excited to buy this cd based on what I had heard, but was dissapointed when I received it. Very little of the folkish guitar work that I had fell in love with was audible on the CD, and Orton over-layers her work with poppy base and drums. At some points on this CD she reminds me of radiohead (faintly) or Beck (especially on "tangent"), and at times delivers the folk feel that I found so appealing, but for the most part comes off as poppy and frankly, boring. Though this CD is certainly worth buying for tracks 1-3 and 10 and 11, it lacks replay value.

Perhaps I am being overly critical because I had such high expectations for Beth. I would reccomend buying this CD, however, see her live. She is a great musician and a charming personality.

Things must get mighty dull in that chill-out room
This album always gets hyped as folk meets trip hop, which superficially sounds like an interesting meld. The truth of it is, however, that the "hop" never comes, and all you're left with is a long, slow trip into tired folk. Beth's vocals, during the very few seconds she manages to perk up, have a similarity to Carol King. Some might view that as a recommendation. The unobtrusive atmospherics make this pleasant-enough as background noise for when you're doing something like reading, but if you're doing something more active (like, say, washing the dishes) you might want a less somnambulant soundtrack.

What they say about you, it's true...you know it, too
A lot of bizarre labels have been attached to the music of Beth Orton: Folk and rock, to be sure, but also trip hop, beat hop, treat beat, beat bop, seat crop, and lounge. It doesn't matter that i made up half of those words just now, and it doesn't matter that you even try to put Beth Orton into some tidy little pigeon hole, because her music is impossible to nail down. What is Beth Orton's music? It's beautiful, soulful, witty, heartbreaking, and damned near perfect. She's not the next anyone. She's the first Beth Orton. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Moloko is far too distinctive for easy comparison, though the duo's blend of deep electrofunk groove, club beats, and hip absurdist vocals--along with a brightly colored retrofuturism (Moloko is, after all, a reference to A Clockwork Orange)--comes closest to Deee-Lite. By flashing a truly loopy attitude with songs as fresh and thrilling as they are catchy, Moloko makes Tight Sweater one of the best debuts of the year--no matter if it is 1995 (its actual year of release in the group's native U.K.) or 1997.--Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (19)

See how it fits my body!
A fantastic debut album from the Shefield duo. They say it's Grim Up North, but judging by this release it's definitely 'something' up North, but Grim? No way! 'Do you like my Tight Sweater?', written and produced by Moloko themselves, is full of energy, surprises and interesting sounds. Some of the tracks take a few listens to get into but the majority are instant hits. Roisin Murphy's vocals are brilliant & challenging throughout, she also looks great in a Nurses uniform but that's another story. The rhythms are wide-ranging: from Trip Hop and Elecronica to Drum & Bass and just plain weird. Even the short interludes between the main songs are great. The cool music is supported by even cooler, bizarre, dada-esque lyrics. Altogether a splendid CD from the 90's. The tracks I love the most are 'Fun for Me', 'Day for Night', 'Lotus Eaters', 'Butterfly 747', 'Killer Bunnies' and the all time classic 'Where is the What if the What is in Why?'

Moloko have come a long way since this debut LP, with massive singles like 'Sing it Back' and 'The Time is Now' which have been remixed to death and are always guaranteed air play. Although their subsequent albums aren't as adventurous as this one, they're also worth getting. But this release is still my favourite, possibly because it was the first CD of theirs that I bought. Let's hope they never stop releasing their own brand of uncompromising freaky dance material.

The best CD I've bought in years
I'm warning you now, I don't think there will ever be an album that deserves 5 stars, or a "perfect" album. That said, Moloko's debut release, "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" is full of crazy funky sounds and nonsensical, playful lyrics. The teaming of the hypnotizing Roisin Murphy and the masterful Mark Brydon is a match made in heaven. The CD hooks you with the whacked-out bass and bouncy lyrics of "Fun For Me" and (almost)keeps you entranced through the emotional "Where is the What if the What is in Why?"
The sound of Moloko is too unique for categorization. The best way to describe it would be "electro-funk-trip-hop," but there is just such a wide array of styles here that it is hard to choose just one. To call "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" diverse would be an understatement, with the smooth jazziness of "Day For Night" and the drum&bass of "Butterfly 747" that makes you move.
Unfortunately, Moloko's smooth style and crazy, playful lyrics begin to wear thin a ways into the CD, with the "love or hate" songs like "Party Weirdo" and the creepy "Boo." It can also get a to be a bit too much after frequent listens, but with amazing songs like "Lotus Eaters" and the previously mentioned "Where is the...," "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" will most definitely be in heavy rotation in your CD player. Taste the funk of Moloko.

HA HA HA HA
THAT CHEEKY MONKEY SONG, SO FUNNY, THAT TRACK IS SO GREAT MAKES ME LAUGH.

YES, I LOOOOOVE YO' TIGHT SWEATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If there were to be an award for the funkiest album of all time, Moloko's "Do You Like My Tight Sweater?" would win hands down. From the super-funky opener, "Fun For Me," to the out of this world sounding "Party Weirdo" to the R&B meets P-Funk,"Dominoid" and the swanky tell-it-like-is "Where Is the What If the What Is in Why?" this baby is packed with so much funk it stanks!!!! With the sexually seductive and playful vocals of Roisin Murphy mixed with Mark Brydon's crazy sci-fi beats and solid basslines--did this guy study with Parliament or something?--they have truly created a classic that sounds just as good today as it did in 1995.

If you love weird music...
I don't think I've ever managed to keep interest in one single artist for so long. I bought this CD when it came out... and almost 8 years later I continue to enjoy it. If you love weird quarky music, then you'll love this. Moloko made her impression with this CD. It is a MUST HAVE for any Moloko Fan. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mature and patient electronica
Taste is relative. This recording happens to hit me in all the right ways. Musicians claim the spaces of silence are just as important as the audible notes. Luke Vibert is mastering spacial sample arrangement with these new electronic constructions. Love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is the studio work of London's prodigious dub godfather, Mad Professor, who takes Massive Attack's Protection album as raw material to create a completely new experience. Bits are added, dropped out, accentuated, run through sonic effects, drenched in reverb, turned inside out until the songs disappear and in their place emerge reborn textural soundscapes.No Protection gives a sort of discursive aural commentary on Protection's original songs, pointing out all the obscured details--the minutest percussive rings and beeps, the most mesmerizing bass loops. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Massive Attacks "No Protection" (Reinterpreted Via Dub)
Massive Attack, after having being (unfair) criticized, after the release of their second Album "Protection", handed over the Original Master Tapes to U.K. Dub Cut-and-paste mastermind "The Mad Professor", who subsequently, took the original source material completely apart, deconstructed, incorporated Dub-reggae sampling and completely Rebuild the album with a much harder (but, Dub-influenced) sound.....(which was what the original "Protection" album was heavily Criticized for lacking).....every track has been completely reworked, to incorporate a thicker more sampled, and Trip-Hop styled sound, Tracks such as the album titled "Protection", "Karmacoma", & "Spying Glass" have had the vocals heavily "Reverbed" & "Distorted" to produce something that is recognisable, yet far removed from the original's Electronica-styled sound, and the surround & resonance move this version into a sound space that the original couldn't possibly hope to occupy, and therefore this makes it a tremendous accompaniment to the original album, rather than a replacement for it....

D-U-L-L
I really enjoy dub, from the old-school Trojan stuff up through Burning Spear, LKJ, etc., and I have a couple Mad Professor CDs. While sometimes overly busy, both have some fun, interesting stuff. I'd heard that "No Protection" bears little resemblance to "Protection." No problem, I thought, it'll be fun to check out what the Mad Professor brings to the project. Inexplicably, he abandons his usual kitchen-sink approach, and what we get here is dishwater-dull. The first few tracks are enjoyable, melllll-ow ear candy. The rest is aural wallpaper. (The last song is an absolute waste of time, but you'll likely be asleep by then.) Buy this only if you're looking for something to crash to.

No Connection
"Protection" was Massive Attack`s worst record, but this remix album is even worse, destroying the few interesting moments that the band`s second effort had. Remixer Mad Professor deconstructs the songs and gives them a dub/ reggae-oriented sound, something that`s decent enough during the first two/ three tracks but soon becomes terribly uninspired, repetitive, boring and formulaic.
There are no variations or contrasts in this remixes, the process is always the same and the album seems endless, almost impossible to listen through in one sitting while managing to remain awake. Seriously, this is a major disappointment, and certainly one of the most monotonous, one-dimensional and flat records around.
For fans and completists only.

Dub Madness - Expertly Produced
I'll take this album over PROTECTION any day as the latter sounds almost boring in comparison. Flying tablas, breathing atmospheres, 2-ton beats . . . put this on and just groooove, baby! It's a trip.

sounds good
off the samples and reviews, i'm sold!
sounds like a mellow groove freak your mama for an hour tape.
i can't wait to get the cd, blaze 1, and talk about love. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An Adam Sandler movie that stars Ozzy Osbourne as himself, Rodney Dangerfield as Satan's dad, and Harvey Keitel as Satan is bound to enlist a similarly high-profile collection of music acts to underscore things. Sure enough, a quick scan of the bands signed on reveals a pretty solid "Who's Who" of late-'90s hard rock. In this context, Cypress Hill are positively old-school. However, their track, "Rock Superstar," sounds perfectly slotted next to the molten screed of P.O.D., the moody murk of Incubus, and the machine head cutting edge of the Deftones (represented twice here, especially revealing in the final acoustic track). Insolence prove the merging of hard rock and hip-hop is something not about to go away. The addition of Muse and Powerman 5000 makes this an especially well-attended gathering. The only real question is, where's Ozzy? --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (23)

3 Stars because it's missing key tracks
When I saw Little Nicky in the theatres, I thought to myself, "This movie's got some pretty good music! Maybe I'll buy the soundtrack." I did, but I stupidly forgot to look at the tracklist. Nearly HALF of the songs from the movie aren't on here! Ironically, the songs that were omitted are the BEST ONES OF ALL. Read on to see what you don't get on it.

Ozzy Osbourne - Flying High Again, Mama I'm Coming Home, No More Tears
Stampeders - Sweet City Woman
Chicago - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, Saturday In The Park
Scorpions - Rock You Like A Hurricane
Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You
Van Halen - Runnin' With The Devil
ACDC - Highway To Hell
Foo Fighters - Everlong
There are also Zebrahead and Lit tracks missing

The omissions of the above tracks is inexcusable, but still, the rest of the soundtrack DOES whip out some pretty good modern rock. The Linkin Park track, Points Of Authority, is a great example of this. Likewise, you get a remix of Disturbed's Stupify you can't get anywhere else (to my knowledge.) This is a good soundtrack overall, but if you plan to buy it, make sure it's got the song(s) you want!

Good
This was a pretty good CD. 9 out of 12 tracks are solid. It has P.O.D, Incubus, Deftones, Cypress Hill, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Unloco and Powerman 5000 all have very strong outings on this CD. However the few clunkers were Muse, Filter and Insolence. Overall its a good buy, the few bad ones dont drag it down too much.

Great CD, But Missing Some Songs
I bought this soundtrack after seeing the movie Little Nicky a bunch of times, and I thought to myself that it seemed like some songs were missing. After checking on the Internet, I found out that I was right! A bunch of great rock songs from the past (like "Running With The Devil" and "Highway to H*ll") were in the movie, but not on the soundtrack! Also, there are a couple of recent songs from the movie that aren't on the CD either. But, I do like this CD. Linkin Park's "Points of Authority", POD's "School of Hard Knocks" and Cypress Hill's "(Rock) Superstar" are my favorite songs. I also like "Cave" by Muse, "When Worlds Collide" by Powerman 5000 and "Pardon Me" by Incubus are really good. All in all, I recommend this CD to people who like rock/metal and the movie Little Nicky.

Great with 1 flaw
This cd was tight! Disturbed, Linkin Park, P.O.D., and Cypress Hill make this a great rock cd. Theres only one problem... Why the heck is Filter on it?!! They aren't a rock band! Other than that, It's 2 big thumbs up

De las mejores bandas sonoras que he visto
Excelente disco. Despues de ver la pelicula corri al computador a ver si estba disponible la banda sonora y me encontre con la grata sorpresa de que asi era... pero, en la pelicula aparecen muchas otras canciones tan buenas e incluso algunas mejores que no aparecen.. donde esta Foo Fighters, AC/DC e incluso Ozzy, que pese a aparecer en la pelicula no figura en el disco?? Sin embargo sigue siendo un muy bueno disco para los que gustan del ROCK! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This second installment of what looks to be an ongoing series carries the usual selection of mellow mainstream on the first disc and a typically intriguing collection of lesser-known compositions on the second. The acoustic guitar alongside Nelly Furtado's voice on "Party (Reprise Mix)" is a wonderfully melancholic surprise on the first disc, whileGoldfrapp deliver the smoky, Air-esque "Lovely Head." Purists will again find the second disc worth its weight, as Tosca's "Honey (Supatone 1 Dub)," the again excellent Witchman, with "Mekong," and Timo Maas's "Hash Driven" give the disc a nice, dub-driven spine. Extra credit is awarded for not only reviving the Specials' brilliant "Ghost Town," but for making it work as part of a chill-style compilation. If Chilled 01 was your cup of chai, then 02 will further serve both your needs and chillin' education. --Steffan Chirazi ... Read more

Reviews (22)

one of the better comp cds...
i purchased both ultra. chilled 01&02 at the same time. 02 imo is better. the first cd comprised w/ vocals where much of the second cd instrumental...it works well though...pending how you want to set the mood to go...
both cds are continuously mixed w/out any pauses between the songs which is how i hoped these cds would be...nice also when played as background music...

the mixing is nothing superb. but who cares when more time is spent selecting the songs...which obviously was the case here...great tracks. as w/ most comp cds...your lucky if you like more than half the tracks, but w/ boths these...i didn't care for maybe 2..3 from each cd...and who knows...i may grow to like them...as i've only listened to both cds once!!!
i actually own goldfrapp, zero 7 & black box recorder full length cd and must say...they picked tracks from each that are one of my fav. ...if thats any further indication of the quality of these cds...

for those new to chillout...or, lets say "beautiful mellow music";)...definately go w/ this cd...and those old...why not when its already done...this way, you don't have to rack your brain picking songs for that comp you've been wanting to make for how long now?!?

those who listen to trip hop, techno or dance... you'll easily recognize some of the names...and if there ones you like...then its that simple.......................
chill out w/ friends or...turn down the lights, maybe light a few candles...little wine...you know the rest...

ps. again, just my opinion...but if debating on ultra. chilled 01. i thought 02 was just a whole notch above. "destiny" & "utopia" are my favs by zero 7 and goldfrapp but i'm sure you own both those already anyway, plus massive and morcheeba. the 2nd cd i caught myself skimming! right through......

Low Class Lounge
If you can even call it "lounge". These leet DJ's are mixing the Specials in-between the Boards of Canada and Röyksopp, "Uhhh, thanks guys, I appreciate that, um, new and interesting take to downtempo/chill musical refreshment there". I'm sorry, but this album is either;
* A: a very small music collection on the part of the "DJ" mixing this compilation or
* B: a serious newbie music label that could care less about a quality soundscape

BUT, in all fairness, there were a couple of songs that I was turned on to that I hadn't heard before. Again, I have to play the devil's advocate in saying that this does not include the song entitled "The Facts of Life" by Black Box Recorder. This song is noted by a over exerted woman's "sexy" voice talking about little boys in puberty on top of a bunch of no talent "sex-ed" samples. Come on guys, I can do just as well with "intellectual" doctor Ruth samples on top of a 80's Casio keyboard demo button! (Hmmm, maybe I should start a no-talent "chill-out" label).

All and all, I believe that this album is a rip-off. The only thing I could imagine making up for all the crap music on these CDs is putting a decent (more arousing) centerfold of the goddess on the cover in the CD sleeve.

-Cheers

BOOOOOOOORING....
I'm not an expert in lounge music, but I know what I like, most of us GenXers like Lounge Music that is smooth, sexy and intriguing, that's what a chilled album should have, something you can listen to while having a nice conversation with your date... However, this copilation is something that you would listen to if you want to put your date to sleep, and I'm not talking about sleeping with your date, I'm talking about watching your date sleep... all in all I thought it lacked imagination and I agree with others when they say it is way too predictable.. Nevertheless, to give it some credit (2stars) there are a couple of songs worth listening to or at least burning into a different cd..

If you're a college freshman...
...then you might want this to balance your Linkin Park and 50 Cent CDs when you have girls over.

Otherwise, it's not worth your money. There is no mixing on the CDs, and the selections are pretty random. I like the Specials, for example, but I certainly wouldn't have included 'Ghost Town' on a downtempo mix.

If you are over 20, look into releases from Eighteenth Street Lounge (i.e. home of Thievery Corp. and great compilations) and Grand Central Records, or the Naked Music series.

Outstanding
I can't get enough of either of the CDs here. I especially like the first CD, with the Goldfrapp track and the Black Box Recorder tracks standing out (To say that Coldplay and Radiohead did well would be unnecessary)

I could keep listening to this Black Box Recorder song all day. The music is just so gorgeous, it just makes you feel peaceful with the world.

When you listen to a CD like this, you think there can be nothing wrong with a world in which music like this exists ... Read more

Amazon.com

You're having a dinner party. The in-laws are going to be there. So are some of your closest "after-hours" friends. You need music, something mellow but not despicably insipid. Welcome to a double-disc set that will cover all the above bases. Featuring Dido's "Home with Me (Chillin' with the Family Mix)," St Germain's wonderful, downtempo "Sure Thing," and Royksopp's jaunty "Eple," it's mainstream enough for the progressive suburbanites in your midst. Meanwhile, Badly Drawn Boy's "The Shining" and "Nights Interlude" from Nightmares on Wax are culled from a deeper well of modern folk and jazz, respectively. The second disc, which contains some absolute gems, works overall as a more fluid mix. After Jakatta and Moby bring us further in, Dusted hit the dubbed-out trip-hop trail with "Childhood." Witchman (a.k.a. John Roome) has the set's best moment with "Leave No Trace (Dub)," a smoky bit of wicked seduction that makes for a marvelous chill-out gem. --Steffan Chirazi ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Oh man. Awesome.
There ARE thousands upon thousands of chillout compilations. It seems like the in thing to do if you're a producer.

But this one is still excellent. I purchased this a couple days after it came out, and I've been in love with chillout music ever since; a good introduction indeed.

The track selection is a great way to get anyone into chillout. It showcases big names in downtempo (Thievery Corporation, Zero 7, Massive Attack), stuff you've probably never heard of (Royksopp, Dusted), and even commercially available stuff (Dido, Moby, Deep Dish, Chemical Brothers).

The first disc is the easier to enjoy of the two, as it's livelier, funkier, and would probably go well with your girlfriend, a couch, and dimmed lights. Standouts on the disc are Zero 7's "Destiny", one of my favourite songs ever, Royksopp's incredibly catchy tune "Eple", and the classic Massive Attack tune "Hymn Of The Big Wheel". The only shortcoming on the disc is I Monster's "Daydream In Blue", which doesn't really fit with the mood of the rest of the CD.

The second disc is slightly more abstract and full of lesser known artists. But it does include two very classic tracks: Moby's "Go", and The Future Sound Of London's "Papua New Guinea". Standouts on this disc are Banda Sonora's "Guitarra G", a slick drum+bass track with flamenco guitars, as well as the warm and fuzzy track "16 Again" by Neon Heights.

All in all, this collection is well worth your money, especially for someone who is new to the realm of chillout music.

another chillout album...
For those of you who haven't an extensive cd collection of chillout beats this cd would make a nice addition to your collection. I recently purchased this cd as it makes a nice compilation including many of the artists I hold in high regard making an appearance. I must say that the track selection is for the most part exceptional with several of my favourites being listed including "Zero 7 - destiny", "Future Sounds of London - Papua new Guinea" an excellent downtempo version which also makes for an excellent dance track via Hybrid's remix, "Massive attack - Hymn of the big wheel" a moving and vocally aesthetic song as only Massive Attack knows how.. and "St Germains - Sure Thing" a popular track regularly played in bars and lounges since its release on "Tourist".
The cd also includes a few more 'commercial' American tracks from Roger Sanchez ,Jakkata, Dido and Gorillaz , each having been mixed to keep in with the deep and downbeat atmosphere created by the rest of the tracks. Personally I don't think these hold up alongside the European masters of chill on the album like Zero 7, K&D, Thievery corporation and St Germain. CD 2 starts to lose its flair after track 10 with a few sterile and rather flat tracks.

The Best CDS Yet
When I first heard the cd, I was like man, this would be awesome to chill too, not knowing it was called Ultra Chill. When i found out i knew i had to have it so i bought volume 1 and 2. I loved Volume 1 with Nigntmares on Wax, Gorillaz, Dido, and many more. But when i put in Volume 2 i have to admit i was a little disappointed. But all in all i love both cds and if had a second chance would DEFINATELY buy agian.

fantastic compilation
I discovered this CD when I walked into a music store in downtown San Francisco and it was being played in the store. I immediately asked which CD it was and after listening to some other tracks on a listening station promptly purchased two copies (one for myself, and one as a gift).

I don't buy many CDs.

Good, but not consistently good
I disagree with some other reviewers. I love Disc 2. It has a hip, mellow but uplifting mood, and flows nicely. Disc 1 is more hit and miss. I'm a bit sick of the Dido track; it's been around a while and used a lot it seems, or maybe it's just that it was the theme song for a TV show that has killed it for me. I've listened to Disc 2 far more than Disc 1. But I'd hesitate about spending full price on this double disc album when only one of the two discs is a keeper. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Washington D.C.’s Eighteenth Street Lounge functions not only as the town hot spot, it’s also the label name and recording studio for Thievery Corporation and their cadre of like-minded "outernationalists." Fusing pieces of Latin lounge, trip-hop, and acid jazz, the Den of Thieves compilation features the label’s smooth, loose downtempo, as airy and cool as white linen on a hot day. With a diverse lineup, Thieves wanders all over the globe, from Nicola Conte’s Rio-in-spring remix of Ursula 1000’s "Samba 1000" to the baroque trance-jazz of Blue States. Elsewhere, the Karminsky Experience delves into sitars and ambient breakbeats for "Exploration," while Federico Aubele lets the dub flow for "El Amor De Este Pueblo." But no matter where Thieves meanders, it keeps the mood on the edge of tranquility enough to keep your head nodding yet not enough to break up the conversation. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent Relaxing CD
ESL pulls off another excellent compilation that showes off their artists work. This cd is full of great lounge/groovy tunes. It starts off with a great track from the Argentinean guitarist Federico Aubele, some great guitar work. A great listen all the way through; it ends with a great piano focused track from Arkestra One. Do your ears a favor and check this one out.

just in time for summer, a new ESL comp
the eighteenth street lounge are one of the original american organizations to carry the torch for downtempo and nu-jazz. spearheaded by the ever-popular thievery corporation, the label end of the business (there is, yes, an 18th street lounge -- in washington, dc), ESL has been taking it's cues from the european and italian music scenes and discreetly putting out quality releases of stylish, modern electronic music with heavy jazz, dub and latin stylings for about 5 or 6 years now. while their roster of artists is small, the quality of the music coming from ESL is almost always consistently high.

the latest in their series of ongoing label compilations, 'den of thieves' gives us the latest offerings from the label's current stack of hitters.

things kick off grandly with newcomer frederico aubele, who's 'postales' is an organic blend of latin guitar and sensual vocals anchored by a hip hop beat and set in tone by some subtle accordian that immediately brings to mind gotan project. aubele shows up again towards the end with 'el amor de este pueblo', a dubbed-out take on world music that shows the new label signing certainly has some talent.

thievery corporation themselves show up with an unreleased track, 'language symbolique', which perfectly showcases their always amazing production values (by label knob-twiddler desmond williams, if i'm not mistaken, who shows up himself with the track 'brooklyn blues' from his debut record, 'delights of the garden'). it's a track that really highlights their distinct spliffed-out, haute-couture sound and makes you wonder why it never made it on to 'richest man in babylon' ...

another highlight is the kaminsky experience and their wicked 'exploration', a 5-minute bass-and-sitar dancefloor excursion, as well as their dreamy 'departures -- all lush vibes and soft strings.

also popping up is the secret weapon of the ESL flock, thunderball, who show up with two tracks -- one with liftoff called 'welcome back cooper', a funk-sitar workout, and also 'panther', a new track as near as i can tell and another stunner from these guys. if you don't have their two long-players, 'ambassadors of sound' and 'scorpio rising', i highly recommend them ... they have a great boombastic, bass-heavy sound that draws euqally from quality drum&bass and funky seventies soundtrack scores -- top-shelf.

there's a few misses here, but overall it's a nice selection and a worth companion to the other ESL collections. people always say to put these records on at dinner parties, but personally i find them to be perfect morning music -- try a saturday between 10 and 12 and see what it does for your day.

one question: when are we gonna get a second installment of 'easy tempo'? easily their best compilation so far, even tho it is all music from the 60's and 70's ...

Cool Thievery Tunes
To be honest, I was a bit disappointed - but that is mainly becuase I was hoping ESL's next compilation would be like their Jet Society. However their focus on the lounge scene has seen them and the music sort of evolve.

Having said that, this is a good cd - great dark lounge. ESL is going for another cool easy like soundtrack feel in this one and I think they did a pretty good job of doing it. You can put this in, set the lights low, sip a coffee and be at ease. This is good music and features some very talented artists, and IMO Thievery seems to be going back into the right direction. Although I do still question how they are so very much into the India sounds.

Stand-outs on this CD to me is, of course, Samba 1000. This is a classic Nicola Conte remix. The track starts a build sort of reminiscent of the Oscar Peterson rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave" before turning into a breezy sort of bossa. Other standouts are The Karminsky Experience's Exploration - good sort of up-beat track that touches on all sorts of musical styles. Fans of Thievery's DJ Kicks should recognize it as the great cut before "Coming From the Top". I also like the coolness of Desmond Williams Brookly Blues and Arkestra One's Into the Light is a terrific yet strange sort of song to me.

Songs that didn't quite fit the mold - Blue States has better from his new album, and Hommage by Les Hommes is a good tune, but there are other good tracks from their feature release that could've gotten a nod.

All in all, good cd. I'd recommend it. Likewise, I think if you like this you'd dig their DJ Kicks cd - and vice versa. It's slower than the DJ Kicks, but it reminds me of the ambience of that release. Enjoy! ... Read more

Album Details

Jaffa's Music Embodies Layers of Sexy, Sleazy Chords & Riffs Over Chunky Beats & Basslines. His Tracks Are Inspired by Artists Such as Taj Mahal, Ramsey Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Mose Allison, John Coltrane, Bill Evans & Booker T Jones. Jaffa's Sound Has often Been Decribed as 'A Sort of Fat Albert Meets Emmanuelle on a Beach in Tahiti Type Thing'! this Stunning Debut Goes Far Beyond Lounge Or Trends in Electronic Music. It is a Record to Stand the Test of Time. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Up and Coming
Jaffa is a young and upcoming artist that I sincerly hopes gets the recognition, press and fame he deserves. "Elevator" is a sweet album. Yes, like others have stated it does compare to Thievery Corporation and I would even include Slide Five (I wish they never broke up). Jaffa takes you on a wonderful lounge trip that may leave you feeling very relaxed and free. Most of the time there are a few "stand out" tracks on an album that make you decide if the album is worth picking up or not. Even though this is his first album and I run into very few people that have heard of him, I recommend this album to everyone! You won't be disappointed...trust me.

Softcore muzac
Somewhere between mid tempo and down tempo Jaffa has found an audience for his airy sythns that go on without hardly any attention being given to the music. His use of organ and keyboards, coupled with programmed music is there, lingering and drifting off on puffy clouds, like a ballon in the sky going straight up but getting nowhere. This is music for a beautiful day, the kind that doesn't really exist except in the movies. A real beautiful day is constantly in flux, even a tranquil park has it's own chaos with children yelling and cars driving by. The textures are void of any feeling, just barely audible forays into slightly changing patterns never stirring far off the safe path. This is a walk through the park with eyes straight ahead not noticing one's surroundings. It is pleasant music for Jaffa's utopian vision where droning music is the national anthem. Do we really need three versions of the title track? If they were dramatically different I'd say yes, otherwise it sounds like material being streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeched. Don't get me wrong this isn't a bad CD it just isn't that good. "Lazywalker" begins to groove but eventually becomes lost in a sea of banality, too bad as it starts out fresh drawing interest from the gravely voiced sample. The CD has it's moments of creativity, like the oddly misplaced "Star67" with it's funny phone conversation("Is your wife there?") and the vocalized("God bless the child")version of "Sneakin." I say oddly misplaced because it doesn't fit into the light airy themes on the other tracks. Actually I preferred these two tracks to others because they draw a reaction as oppossed to a passive listening experience. I'd recommend this CD for a quite starless night when music is inconsequential, along with a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

music for chilling out
i dont care about the comparisons to other groups [theivery corp, K&D, etc..] I have heard a LOT of electronic lounge and downbeat, and this, simply put, is one of the most colorful selections of the type. the melodies are thick and the basslines are dope. the album [sans the 3 remixes at the end] has a beautiful arc that takes the listener on a sexy journey.

Music: response
.... "Elevator" was not meant to be an emulation (or even a blatant rip-off) of Italian porn music (is there even such a thing?)...or anything else, for that matter. Jaffa has produced a quality album, full of gorgeous, sun-drenched synthesizers and fine organic (word of the week, kids) beats...with not one contrived note on the album, and no more kitsch than Tosca's "Suzuki". There are very few samples here at all, aside from a rather humorous "phone conversation" on one track. The instrumentation is superb, the production standards are high, and the songs are well-written...what else is there? Did someone get angry because this did not fit the downtempo "formula"? Of course, opinions and tastes vary, but judging an artist poorly simply because said artist does not meet one's PERCEIVED expectations is extremely narrow-minded, not to mention childish. The Thievery Corpoation and their labelmates are CONTEMPORARIES, not competitors. This isn't a popularity contest. Would he say the same thing about Fila Brazillia, who produced two outstanding remixes for Jaffa? Swing by the 18th St. Lounge one night...you may be surprised at what you hear coming from the decks. .... This is an outstanding release...don't let the elitists out there sway your opinion before you have the chance to form one. Five pure, unadulterated stars. But then, that IS just MY point of view...

AN ELEVATOR RIDE STRAIGHT THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE BUILDING
I guess in the end it all depends what one brings with them to music that determines the outcome of a listen. What I brought to "Elevator" by Jaffa was a great sense of anticipation and benefit of the doubt. I like anything musical that portends an atmosphere of erotica, that can get myself and my fellow human beings feeling steamy and warm. Certainly, the cover of this CD as well as the song titles lend themselves to such expectations. But like the 60's and 70's Italian porn movie soundtracks Jaffa seems to emulate or should I say, borrow heavily from, the music here has the XXX-rated quality of outright boredom. There's great promise at the beginning, but such a precipitous fall-off after the third or fourth track, it was all I could do to hang in there till the end, much like my personal experience of porn; so lacking in feeling and imagination, there's nothing arousing at all in it for me. But maybe that's the point here - to make the music bland and background as to fade into the stained red velvet wallpaper of the listener's life. Cheesy smooth kitsch? Sure. I'll take it anytime as long as there's something in there to make my heart skip a beat every now and then. Unfortunately, "Elevator" is flatline territory. And to make comparisons with the Eighteenth Street Lounge crew is pure, unadulterated insult. The Thievery Corporation and their cohorts are so far above Jaffa in musical imagination and enticement. With my beloved music, I have trouble hopping on the banality boat for its own sake. I know there's a contingency, a rather large one it seems, that get right on. I'm not sure why. Maybe in order to feel cool, to feel part of the greater community around them. But it's not my ride. This CD was a mistake. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

This taut thriller bringing Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, together in director Steven Soderbergh's look at the unwinnable war on drugs features a subliminal, seductively ambient soundtrack that pulses with a foreboding sense of doom. Composer Cliff Martinez, who worked for a spell with Captain Beefheart's Magic Band and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, enlists Chili Peppers bassist Flea and jazz keyboard legend Herbie Hancock for two tracks, then fills out the rest with lush symphonic scores courtesy of programmer Jeff Rona. Additionally, tracks from Fatboy Slim, Morcheeba, and ambient pioneer Brian Eno shake things up a bit. One song ("The Police Won't Find Your Car") has been omitted from the film, but is included here as a bonus. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Good stuff...
When I went to see 'Traffic,' I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Needless to say, the movie was great. A good part of what made the movie so effective was this soundtrack. A couple days of really wanting to hear the music from the movie again was enough to get me to go searching for the soundtrack. All of the Cliff Martinez tracks are great, and the addition of the other Herbie Hancock song that'd been edited out of the movie was a bonus. The Morcheeba song is alright, as is the K&D song. The Fatboy Slim song is what drops this from a 5-star to a 4-star. The song is awful. It's the epitome of dull, repetative techno music. It totally breaks up the laid back atomosphere of the rest of the album. Of course, the Eno tune, even though it's almost 2 decades old, fits in perfectly, and provided a perfect end-piece for the movie. Aside from the stupid Fatboy Slim song, this is easily one of the most effective 'mood-piece' soundtracks that I've ever heard.

In the spirit of Michael Mann's visuals...
Perhaps the obvious influence that Michael Mann has over Traffic's director and cinematographer Stever Sorderbergh is not limited to the visuals, but also to the music chosen to accompany his films. It is not surprising therefore, how the soundtrack to the movie 'Traffic' can sound so much like the soundtracks of Mann's 'The Insider' and 'Heat'.

Ex-Red Hot Chili Pepper, Cliff Martinez, put together some incredibly soothing and transporting keyboards lines (such as in 'I can't do this'), sounding at times a lot like master Brian Eno, who happens to play the last track from the album, and joining the ranks of other young contemporary scorers such as Craig Armstrong and Paul Kelly.

Other acts like Morcheeba and Fat Boy Slim round up a very eclectic, yet overall relaxing soundtrack, which deserves five stars without any doubt.

One of the two best soundtracks I've ever heard
One of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. The movie was fantastic, no question about that. But the soundtrack really made the movie.

Depth and profundity
I was highly impressed with the movie itself and then realized that the music is such a large part of the movie. The music forces you into a thoughful state and I enjoy listening to the CD when I have reading or paperwork to do. It's all very meditative and profound and draws the listener into something deep. The same is true with Solaris, also by Clif Martinez. I recommend this CD for anyone who loved the movie, anyone who wants to relax, or anyone who wants to think deeply. A fine ambient work!

great soundtrack
this soundtrack is awesome and i especially like the Brian Eno song at the end. great soundtrack for a great film! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dan the Automator's release on the DJs-only label Sequence Records is a blessing to music lovers who've slowed down their record collecting. Most of the songs featured on Wanna Buy a Monkey? are culled from the artist's own albums, but the sophisticated blend of journeymen MCs and edgy ambient groups makes it easy for every listener to find something "new" to dig. Hard-core De La Soul fans may fall in love with Lovage's whisper-soft groove, while Bobby Digi's loose and funky turn on the Tru Master-produced "The Rhumba" might inspire those who appreciate Zero 7's chill-out lullabies to discover the joy of hip-hop. Both camps will enjoy the original version of Gorillaz's "Latin Simone," which recalls the languid, horns-influenced sound of the later-era Specials. But the clear winner here is Black Rob's "Smoothness." Produced by Dan the Automator, the much-slept-on Bad Boy alumni's flow is reminiscent of Big Daddy Kane at his peak--so tightly focused, so all-out smooth it'll have you begging for more. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Automator Proves He's not just an Expectional producer..
Experiential Hip-Hop producer and one half of "Handsome Boy Modelling School"...Dan the Automator, has a CV in Hip-Hop few can compete with, Having Produced some of the most influential Alternative Hip-Hop albums ever: ("Handsome boy Modelling School/Dr Octagon/Deltron 3030), most people forget that he's also a gifted Dj. And it's with this album that Dan produces a sublime mixtape of tracks that he's produced, as well as other artistes work. His tracklist mixes Progressive Hip-Hop tracks: (Deltron, Black Rob, X-cutioners), Funky breaks, Trip-Hop & smooth Electronica: (Brand Nubian, Dilated Peoples, Bobby Digital, Lovage), with the completely unexpected & not strictly Hip-Hop: (Doves, Air, Gorillaz, Tortoise)....but the moment he moves approximately a quarter of the way in to the mix, from the flat out Hip-Hop of "Deltron's - Positive Contact" into "Air's - Le Soleil est Pres de Moi", and then into "Zero 7's - Destiny" is pinnacle moment in Mix tape sensibilities...as mixing Hip-Hop into Electronica is absolutely no easy task, and it just beautifully illustrates why Dan is so vitally important to the ongoing evolution of Hip-Hop. (P.s. It should be noted that I rate this superb Album 4 1/2 Stars)

Stretches to fill the hip-hop sky
Dan the Automator's diverse mix-session shows how boundless hip-hop can be. Lovage's soulful ode to the deed, Bobby Digital's hip-shaking "Rhumba," and Air's captivating instrumental opus are beautiful tracks that balance perfectly against the lyrical slickness of Black Rob's rhymes and the apocalyptic bumrush of Deltron 3030 beats. This CD is an experience. It's how a house party at Dan the Automator's place would feel like. Play it straight through, non-stop, and marvel at how the CD bounces from smoothness to a rum-punch of headbobbing rap. It's not a musically revolutionary album. Nor is it packed with brain-warping raps or conscious songs calling for social change. It's a showcase of how vast hip hop can be. It challenges all musicians to stretch to fill the hip-hop/rock/soul sky. Dan the Automator provides us with musical acrobatics that takes our breath away.

For my favorite Automator songs, scope out the Deltron 3030 cd or Handsome Boy Modeling School's "So, How's Your Girl?" They're just as kicking as this CD.

Dan the Automator Doesn't Dissapoint
This has to be one of his best works I think. i loved Hansom Boy and then I bought this cd. This cd has music for every kind of occasion. Just pop this in the cd player and chill with it. There is no need to skip around on this cd. Each song blends nicely into each other, so really I think this cd is one long track. The artists on it are also very different. From Bobby Digital from the Wu Tang Clan to Air, everyone who buys this will be very happy about the purchase. This is one of my favorite cds in the Hip Hop genre. This mixtape is a great job done by Dan. So spend your $... now to get it. You won't be sorry for long, infact you won't be sorry at all.

The Art of Mix-tapes
For all those that gave this a bad review because it's "nothing more than a mixtape", obviously missed the point. The art of the mixtape is difficult to master (watch High Fidelity), and The Automator has created a pure masterpiece. This album flows seemlessly from one stlye to another, while including timeless classics (Big Daddy Kane) along with modern freshness (Air, Doves). I'm not going to describe every track, because it's more like one long track, with no need to hit the double arrow button on the right. I am very selective with music, as I'm sure you are if you read all these reviews, so trust me, it will be the best 16 dollars you ever spent (see Handsome Boy).

Yawn....
Dan the Autmoator is, no question, one of the most gifted and iconoclastic producers in hip-hop, and is largely responsible for the indie scene's growth, being behind projects like Dr. Octagon & Deltron 3030 that no indie kid could possibly resist. That said, "Wanna Buy a Monkey" falls woefully short of expec