Reviews (24)

Continuous mix of mid-tempo soul/R&B/hip-hop/funk
What more can be said about about this record that hasn't already been said? This disc compiles some of the greatest grooves of Mark Farina's legendary Mushroom Jazz evenings in San Francisco. Some of you have probably heard Farina spin house, but you should know that Mushroom Jazz is NOT a house album. Instead, it is a heady mix of some smoothest mid-tempo underground tracks ever put out on vinyl (and now CD). Some of the glory of this album can be found in the variety of musical styles Farina manages to fuse together in a seamless mix which transcends categorization. But, more importantly, the FEELING this album conveys to the listener and the incredible beats are both unique and fresh. I've searched a long time for another record similar to this one, but I don't think it exists. Snap this album up and you'll see what I mean. Then you'll know why I'll be the first one in line for Mushroom Jazz II.

Mushroom Jazz is good stuff
Mark Farina is a genius. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this CD. It'll appeal to anyone who likes jazz, hip-hop, house, soul, or good music. If you don't own it, then you haven't heard it enough.

Not outstanding
I ran out and got this album after hearing a DJ friend sample track 2 off of it. The album turned out to be homogenous and unimpressive in my opinion. The tracks meld together in an awkward manner and the production is poor enough that I noticed, and I don't know a lot about production.

An every collection must have...
5 Stars? Doesn't do this justice. This CD ranks up there with Bob Marley and Wailers "Legend" as a CD that every collection must have. You want mood music? You want to chillout? You want to groove? Soothe your soul with music that has become the soundtrack to my life...

Take that Acid Jazz , we have Mushroom....
.......Extremely high quality mix by Mark Farina , utilizing all his skills to rock it the way only he can. Track one is trippy and different. Track 2 has a great beat , but to me is the weakest on the CD(vocals are irritating). Track 3 really starts the Jazz rolling. 4 and 5 are both good , and totally different stylistically......track 6 seems the most mainstream of them all , but is still danceable , although not seemingly as jazzy. Track 7 is more downtempo , but good. Track 8 rocks , and is one of my faves. Track 9 is more trippy , but also good. 10 and 11 are more of the same stuff.....track 11 is different as it is rap , but it is tastefully utilized and sampled through the whole CD , which Mark does with all the tracks to really mess with your mind. Classic !! If you don't own it , and you like Acid Jazz , buy it , and the other 2 volumes as they are also good. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Better than OM Lounge?
Indeed, just as OM Lounge changed the sound of music, OM Lounge2 extends beyond where OM Lounge left off...

Another outstanding release, well... I bought this second.
So I bought Om Lounge 4 first, but still, this is awesome. The Lounge series of CD's (check out "Hi Fidelity Lounge" also) is a set of complilation (various artist) CD's which create truly unique jazz/electronic atmospheres. A lot like the Peace Orchestra or Filla Brazil. They definately do have a lounge twist though. If you love jazz (especially Samba), or electronic music (especially groove/drum and bass) you will love this whole series of CD's. Perfect for the club you own, or for having a cocktail party at your house. No matter what kind of music you like you MUST check out at least one of the CD's from this series. I bet you will like them.

It's solid!
Very good downtempo beats here, honestly. I can't even tell you one bad track. Some you may not listen to that much but frankly each one has its own distinctive flavor and will be nicely accompanied with a beautiful member of the opposite sex and a fine martini.....seriously, buy this and enjoy the sexy yet mellow beats...

a must have
ian pooley, what's your number. get it. gabriel renee. get it. only a few tracks are dispensible. a must have.

A bit spotty
Don't get me wrong, I love the Om Lounge compilations, but I don't think that #2 was the best they could do. The songs are all in the same genre (just as every other om lounge compilation) and some are absolutely gorgeous, while others are just a cacophony of noise with irritating little bleeps and bloops stuck in. It's good background music, but not something I'd consciously listen to again. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Much like the '80s house-music scene, where DJs were spinning vinyl in Chicago hot spots like the Warehouse, the Respect nightclub is fueling a dance culture that reigns in Paris. Respect Is Burning, Volume 2 is another grand compilation of the club's late-'90s dance anthems. With artists like Deejay Punk-Roc and Avalanche providing inventive tracks and underground DJs like Motorbass contributing exciting remixes, this collection includes several dance-floor classics. Including music by DJs from America and England, the French dance scene has a true international perspective. Mixing contemporary tunes like "Music Sounds Better with You" by Stardust (that's Thomas Bangalter from Daft Punk) with a retro-dub version of the dance classic "I.O.U.," volume 2 celebrates diversity without ever relinquishing the essential good-time vibe. --Mitch Myers ... Read more

Reviews (12)

French disco for when you need a glitter rush
Here we go with the second "Frenchy" - their term - dance compilation paying honors to the Respect club night, and featuring exclusively French house artists. The main reason for picking this baby up hasn't changed since it's release; Stardust's 1998 anthem "Music Sounds Better With You," the scrumptious disco mover with that Daft Punk sound (as well it should with 1/3 of Stardust being ½ Punk - got it?) still sounds as potent as ever, here served in extended form on perhaps the only domestic release comp to have it.

But there are other songs here that cater to the house fans: "Penthouse" is a simple but effective floor-shaker, and "Where Does Your Mind Go" drops the pace while adding strong vocals to the mix. Included is some filler, yet only "I'm the Baddest" is truly skippable amongst the near-dozen tunes. And I have to mention the notable "My Beatbox" remix by Les Rhymes Digitales, perhaps the most loveable piece of cheese to hit disc in years thanks to an absurd voice box, electro beats, and 80's style keyboards. A fabulous example off all the wrong elements coming together in just the right way.

This isn't the deepest album around, and the oft-disposable nature of disco hurts the long-term value, but sometimes you just want a sugar rush. Grade: B-

The beat goes on...
A truly excellent compilation that hits all the right notes and puts French House on the map. Standouts include Mysterious People's "Love Revolution," the playfully sassy "I'm the Baddest..." by Norma Jean Bell, and "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust. Not a dull moment. There will be uneducated consumers who will purchase such drivel as "Totally Dance" and there are sophisticated listeners who will pick up a classy collection like "Respect is Sleeping." Which group would you rather belong to?

Real good!
There is nothing more to say. It is already mentioned in the other reviews. A real cool variated cd!!

Awesome French House
Ever since I went to Paris last year, I have been hooked on French house music. It is a unique blend of Euro-disco, trance and big beat, which is perfect for dancing. This album is awesome because it features some of the biggest tunes from the last 2 years. Stardust's "Music sounds better with you" is here, as well as DJ Punk Roc's "My beatbox". Mysterious people is also represented, with a swinging mix of "Love Revolution". If you like Cassius, Les Rhymes Digitales, Basement Jaxx or Daft Punk, you definitely need to get this CD. You won't regret it.

French disco for when you want that glitter rush
Here we go with the second "Frenchy" - their term - dance compilation paying honors to the Respect club night, and featuring exclusively French house artists. The main reason for picking this baby up hasn't changed since it's release; Stardust's 1998 anthem "Music Sounds Better With You," the scrumptious disco mover with that Daft Punk sound (as well it should with 1/3 of Stardust being ½ Punk - got it?) still sounds as potent as ever, here served in extended form on perhaps the only domestic release comp to have it.

But there are other songs here that cater to the house fans: "Penthouse" is a simple but effective floor-shaker, and "Where Does Your Mind Go" drops the pace while adding strong vocals to the mix. Included is some filler, yet only "I'm the Baddest B***h" is truly skippable amongst the near-dozen tunes. And I have to mention the notable "My Beatbox" remix by Les Rhymes Digitales, perhaps the most loveable piece of cheese to hit disc in years thanks to an absurd voice box, electro beats, and 80's style keyboards. A fabulous example off all the wrong elements coming together in just the right way.

This isn't the deepest album around, and the oft-disposable nature of disco hurts the long-term value, but sometimes you just want a sugar rush. Grade: B- ... Read more

Amazon.com

This compilation draws together musicians who incorporate traditional Indian music into modern styles. The emphasis is heavy on the U.K.-based Asian Underground scene, which is oriented towards electronic dance music, and many of the familiar names are here, often remixing one another--Fun-Da-Mental, Transglobal Underground, Kingsuk Biswas (a.k.a. Bedouin Ascent), Talvin Singh, Banco de Gaia, and DJ Cheb i Sabbah. Most of the music from that camp is excellent and a nice introduction to their style. By contrast, Fila Brazillia and Bob Holroyd wobble the line between ambient and dull. One real eye-opener is State of Bengal's remix of the track "Delerium" by Toronto-based Ken Ramm's Euphoria.Euphoria's approach is studio-crafted music in the contemporary electronic style, but acoustic slide guitar is the primary sonic material. The other contributors from outside the U.K. dance scene are more of a mixed bag. Qawwali master Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan appears in a piece from a collaboration with Michael Brook, but his forays into modern sounds always conveyed a lot less of the ecstatic qualities of music than his more traditional records. Shankar's trademark Indian jazz fusion closes the CD and should appeal to fans of his style. --Bob Bannister ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Warning! This CD is Hypnotic!!
Do not attempt to listen to while operating heavy machinery. This music will [take] you in and make you forget about anything else you might be doing. ... Every track will catch your ear and make you wanna dance or just float away. Try listening to Track #1 (Fun-Da-Mental) and not move some or all parts of your body. It's impossible. The singer sounds like David Byrne in another language and it's completely addictive. Elsewhere, the Fila Brazilia track goes on for 10 minutes and doesn't become monotonous or allow you to lose interest. A great song for drifting off to sleep with (you'll be lucky to still be awake by the end of it). The great thing about this compilation is that now I want to get all the other great ones (Latin, Arabian, African, etc.).

decent NewAge/World Music collection....HOS fans will enjoy.
I checked this CD out from my local library and have
enjoyed listening to it very much...you feel especially
transformed listening to this CD in a darkened room
with only candles for illumination and with a waft
of incense in the air...sort of a Postmodern update on
the Indian influences that slipped into
60s-era Western popular music and culture.

I think the title is a little misleading, since most of the music seems to be Indian/Pakistani-derived...to rightfully claim all Asia for itself, the CD would need more contributions from
the musical traditions of other Asian countries...China,
Japan, Thailand, etc. But still, the CD is a worthy addition
to the collection of any World-Music fan or NewAge listener.

It's reminiscent of a lot of the things you will hear on
radio programs like the nationally syndicated "Hearts of Space"
or the Houston-produced show "Currents". I'm more of a Celtic music listener myself, but this was a pleasant diversion.

Essential World Fusion Sampler
Very few Americans are aware of the emerging genre of music called "world fusion." A quick primer: world fusion is the blending of traditional "third world" music with modern Western music. The genre is gaining considerable popularity in Europe but is still almost unknown in the USA. However, one American record label, Six Degress, has devoted itself to bringing world fusion to this country. Releasing albums from many of the world's greatest world fusion artists, Six Degrees also releases what it calls its Travel Series - compilation CDs of those world fusion artists.

Asian Travels is one of the best of the Travel Series. It is an all-star compilation of some incredible talent. It serves as a wonderful introduction to the world fusion genre, giving you sample songs from ten different artists. Most of the songs are off of Six Degrees releases.

The opening track is an extremely interesting song. "Ja Sha Taan" was originally recorded by Qawwali great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, then remixed by Fun Da Mental and in this album is further remixed by Transglobal Underground. So here we have a multi-layered song where too many cooks produce a better soup. Underneath it is a typical Qawwali song with vocals, handclaps and harmonium. But the remixers play with the vocals, add backbeats, speed up the tempo, add marvelous background vocals, and restructure the song making it a very effective high energy dance track.

"Kese Kese" is by DJ Cheb I Sabbah, a San Francisco club DJ who has fully embraced Indian music and incorporated it into his techno-trance music. Kese Kese is a melodic Indian song, beautifully sung with sitars ad tablas but with a distinctive Western club beat.

Kingsuk Biswas is from the Asian Underground movement in the London club scene and has worked with Talvin Singh. "Currents" is an ambient track with dreamy trance wails and synthesizers that provide a backdrop for an Indian-styled melody carried by drums. It is a wonderful example of how Indian percussion can blend with modern electronics. This is a `great song on the headphones in a darkened room - very trippy.

Najma is an Indian born singer who emigrated as a child to England where she has released some very beautiful albums of Indian classical and pop music. Here, her song "Ghoom Charakhana" is remixed by Talvin Singh. Singh adds a funked up tabla beat and synthpop electronics to Najma's exquisite vocals. There is an incredible breakbeat interlude in the last half of the song. One of Singh's best songs.

"Sweet Pain" is off of the acclaimed Real World release Star Rise, a compilation of remixes of Nurat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brook's Night Song CD. Bangladeshi techno masters Joi turn the ballad Sweet Pain into a very nice dance tune, adding a hard beat without distorting the original feel of the song.

Euphoria's "Delerium" song is wonderfully remixed by State of Bengal. "Delerium" is a unique blend of ambient and slide guitar that sounds neuvo-Western. (Definitely check out the original Delerium CD) State of Bengal adds a marvelously constructed Indian beat to support Euphoria's electronics and guitar. A very pleasant remix.

Banco de Gaia is a British artist employing Spanish and other international themes to create some fabulous ambient and techno music. "Harvey and the Old Ones" begins softly with a heartbeat-like electronic hook. It adds musical themes one by one, drums, strings, then Indian vocal percussion. After a few minutes, a Spanish vocal begins that plays back in forth with the vocal percussion. The result is a happy, upbeat catchy tune.

True to its title, "Soft Music Under Stars" by Fila Brazilla is an extended ambient song. Very dreamy, like soft breezes, electronics and bass guitar lay down a bed of sound which is joined by sitar, bells, some interesting electronic beeps and peeps and eventually a maraca and snare drum. It is as exotic as it sounds but a very relaxing and uplifting tune. At ten minutes long, it fully explores its musical themes and interplay of the diverse instruments.

Bob Holroyd is creating a new synthesis of light jazz and space music. "A Different Space" is the title track form his latest album. Organ and lyra are joined by a tabla while a man recites Indian poetry interspersed with a mellow vocal chorus. It's beatnik space jazz and beautiful and jazzy. The songs concludes with a beautiful English-language poem praying that love and beauty will triumph over pain and sorrow.

Concluding the journey is "All for You" by Shankar - the same Shankar who once collaborated with Frank Zappa. The song is a soothing blend of jazz horns with guitar, 10-string violin and sax. Jeff Garbarek blows an inspired mournful sax solo that dialogues with the violin, A very beautiful way to conclude a marvelous album.

I think listening to Asian Travels will give you a new appreciation for new forms of music. I hope you give it a chance.

Great for Indian and Techno/Trance music lovers!
I picked up this CD at a sale, not expecting much and was thrilled by an entirely new peice of art! I'd never heard classical Indian music set to techno/trance beats before and loved it. Six Degrees did a great job of picking a range of styles for this new style of fusion. As both a Bharata Natyam dancer, and a lover of trance dancing and trance music, I found this CD to be a great mix of two things I love!!

lovin all over it
this was lent to me by a great friend - Ted, who has generously introduced me to the whole Six Degrees Collection. Looking forward to the rest of the smorgasboard of earful-orgasms Unfortunately.. I think i ruined the CD - could i have played it too much?.. so I had to buy two more....so I can return it to Ted in it's proper form.. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Best best DJ / electronica mix I've ever heard
There are a few other reviews so I'll keep this brief: I'm not a big fan of much electronic music, but I do like some DJ type stuff, a little trance, dub, etc. and I have some of Ninja Tune's catalogue, and this is bar none the best collection of its kind I've heard.

Ninja Tune has covered a lot of ground, and DJ Krush and Coldcut give you an excellent overview in these two discs. On disc one, DJ Krush covers the downtempo, abstract jazz and more hip-hop inflected stuff from Ninja Tune. I personally prefer Disc 2 by Coldcut, where they get into some of the more frenetic abstract jazz and jungle that first attracted me to the label.

Whatever side of that argument you fall on, these two DJs seemlessly lead the listener through a musical odyssey that covers significant ground, always stays interesting, and carries you from Point A to a very unpredictable and welcome destination. If you at all like the Ninja catalogue (Amon Tobin, Funki Porcini, etc.) this is can't miss -- easily the best Ninja comp yet.

Tight Mix
Very chill. It does what few mix cds manage to do, which is to create something more meaningful than only cool songs that bleed into each other. Any fans of any music should check this out, especially if you like coldcut/ninja tune to begin with.

Cd 1 Superb ( Hip-Hop Breakbeat) / Cd 2 (Downtempo) bliss
This 2 Cd mix album has the mixing duties divided up between Disc 1 "Coldcut & DJ Food", remixing the artists of the "Ninja Tune" label, with anything as good as their solo albums....with mixes of tracks by Ninja Tune label-mates "Luke Vibert, Funki Porcini, Up Bustle & Out, DJ Vadim, the Herbaliser and Drome", for a dance-Orientated and eclectic mix, hand picking some of the most recognised tracks from the respected artists. "DJ Krush" on Disc 2 is given the same template to work to, yet he chooses far more laid back and intelligent course for his mixes which is in keeping with Krush's 'Blunted' grooves manifesto, which is no quick run through, this stands with his own solo work, and as such is ideally suited for late night listening. And through the use of Stoned grooves, is very Reminiscent of these Kings of the Stoner Album sound "Kruder & Dorfmeister".....because this album captures the best of both world and is designed around either a more upbeat "Dance" cd (Coldcut & DJ Food's Cd) and the more restrained "Downtempo" (DJ Krush) and most surprisingly of all, this album could even appeal to people that aren't usually listeners of Hip-hop/Breakbeat.

a trip-hop necessity
for those of you inclined to the triphop scene, these discs are a must. they are the cds that got me into the genre five years ago and they remain unparalleled in my collection. i have never found a set of mixes that so deftly combines jazz, funk, hip-hop, and delicious mix with two very contrasting djs. both have seamless, tasty mixes but both djs have very different styles. coldcut's mix is a little more awake, a little more edgy. it has a brightness that krush's does not. however, the krush cd of the two is probably the disc that gets the most play in my deck. it goes from downtempo chill gradually into a more energetic groove and back down. i would compare his skill in manipulating the mood of the listener to a very fine trance dj: you dont know (and can never quite tell while he's doing it) how the energy got from point a to point b but the mood of the mix changes. you can't pin it on a beat or a riff change. it's a definite thing, though. very mysterious and very artfully executed here. ive reccommended this disc to many friends who always come back beaming and asking for more of the same. in my opinion, this baby is a must-have.

Amazing
This album is one of the greatest mixes I've ever heard. I listen to both discs almost every night, the themes, stories, turntablism, and samples on these two discs will keep you entertained for a long time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ninja Tune is one of the few labels that still appreciate the meaning of the scratch and the funk: mixing things up with vehemence and style. That's not to say that the label's music hasn't grown increasingly loungy, as evidenced on this uniformly fine, if slightly anonymous, 30-track, 2-CD compilation. Or it could merely mean that the language of hip-hop no longer causes psychic confusion so much as nostalgic memories. Certainly the sound of a typewriter in Kid Koala & Money Mark's "Carpal Tunnel" is as antiquated as a Run-DMC album. Tracks from recent signings Dynamique and Roots Manuva, among others, are brand new and, for the moment, exclusive, while many (including "Body Lockers," Chocolate Weasel's Jaco Pastorius imitation) can be found elsewhere, so research before spending. --D. Strauss ... Read more

Reviews (10)

THIS CD IS AN EARGASM
I love this compilation. It is so rich in jazzy horn lines and mind boggling rhythms for beat-lovers. There isn't as much hip-hop on this compilation as Ninja Tune really has to offer, but there great jazz and trip-hop is masterfully compiled on this album with great artists like Amon Tobin, Kid Koala, Luke Vibert, Up, Bustle and Out, and many others. Anyone who wants to expand into an advanced realm of beats, supplied by the talents of Luke Vibert and others and dark Jazzy horn riffs,supplied by Amon Tobin, J. Swinscoe and others, you're in for a tasty treat. However, be warned. If you are into the trance scene, or into house beats, this might be a gap you may want to refrain from bridging, but otherwise, go for it. buy this CD now, and I'll guarantee that the snares will be crisp and the symbols will ring.

A great overview of the Ninja Tune label
A must-own if you're a fan of the Ninja Tune sound! You'd be better-off getting the full albums from some of the featured artists (Clifford Gilberto, Mr. Scruff, Roots Manuva). However, for many (ie Up Bustle and Out) this compilation represents the only good songs from their albums - so you save some cash by getting the meat and cutting out the fat. Overall, an excellent sampling of the talent Ninja Tune has to offer.

(And no, you're not going to get brainless trance music. If you want to dance, look elsewhere - but if you want quality electronica, Ninja Tune has it in spades.)

oh sweet heaven....
With a cd like this, you'll soon forget friends and family. Amon tobins "melody infringement" has got me in the knees, on the floor, lost forever.

.....and I thought electronica was all about dancing!
If you want to hear full quality, intelligent electronica, this is the label to turn to. The 'Ninjatune' label has a lot of good music to offer. I really did not appreciate this album on first listen, but as i kept listening, it became interesting, and fun to listen to: especially if you like jazz music. This is trippy jazz, though! I would also recommend (highly over this one) "Cold Krush Cuts". That one is a good album, but this has a better variety of the Ninja. You might not get it if you are into dance, trance, or whatever, and are not willing to try something new! ....so be warned!

There are a few.....
really good tracks on this compilation. But, I would not recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Guidance by name, guidance by nature...
Not content with dropping the deepest, funkiest house around Guidance seem to have set their sights on cornering the market in leftfield downtempo compilations and using their own releases as a benchmark. It was always odds on that this selection would be the proverbial bomb! They ease you in with the breathy vibes of 'Slowdown' courtesy of Flywheel before Louise Vertigo drops dreamy vocals for those clear days that draw the past into forever on 'Ou Est La Femme?'. Masters of the sublime Thievery Corporation entice with'Lebanese Blonde' while Extended Spirit's 'Solid Water' gets the RainerTruby treatment for a smoking, early-hours groove. The Funky Lowlives bring the Balearic flavour with 'Notabossa', a solar-infused number to while away a lazy day and Bobby Hughes drops the sleazy gut-bucket funk of 'Bye Bye Blues'. Marschmellows up the tempo via the slinky Jazzanova remix of'Soulpower' and At Jazz work the elements with 'Wind & Sea', an uplifting,funky paean to the forces of nature. With Guidance themselves sealing thedeal with 'Paul's Pal' a tough little brassy number from the ubiquitous Paul Hunter it just goes to show that their taste isn't definable by genre. Guidance by name, guidance by nature - they're showing us the way right across the spectrum. - Mat Anthony (straight no chaser magazine)

Truly Acid Jazz
This mix has no hint of smooth jazz, and I love it. Some of the Acid Jazz compilations I have listened to recently have sounded like Kenny G at his best. And I HATE Kenny G.

The artists on High Fidelity Lounge keep the music cool, but funky. Something to chill out to. Notobossa, by the Funky Lowlives mixes some killer flute and a great bassline to make for one of my favorite songs on the disc. The Marshmellows track, soulpower is another great one.

This CD shows that Acid Jazz will have nothing to do with the smooth jazz junk that somehow makes its way into the category. Keep it that way and give this CD a listen.

Good CD, but lacks something
I was really feeling the beginning of this CD but felt that it lost its way in the middle. It has some great tracks on it but I would recommend an ESL compilation over one of these hi fidelity ones.

sweet !
If you like slow jazzy beats, this cd won't dissapoint you...

It' s Vol 1 but also Number One !!
Yes this it's a real five stars CD. I love every tracks, so different and so beautiful, you can pass trought Luis Vertigo to Thievery Corporation (Lebanese Blonde it's a song that alone give already the five stars) to Marshmellow without any shock (and pls don't miss Season). The sequence of every traks it's the real masterpiece of the CD.
Well you understand that i like this Cd but i'am sure that this Cd it's very good also for who would like to came across to this kind of music..because when the music it's good...it's good for everyone! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

This CD is very "Funky For You".
This CD, for lack of a better word, is "THE BOMB"!
Every song on here is awesome but my favorite songs are:
"You, My Baby, and I", "Incident at Gate 7", "Funky For You", "Adore", "Remember Me", and "Cool (Barbare)".

"You, My Baby, and I" seems abrasive at first but it quickly turns into wonderful lounge. The music is very ambient and it hugs your brain. The vocals on this song are beautiful.

"Incident at Gate 7" is one of my favorite Theivery Corporation songs. This song sounds like you're lying on a tropical island, just bronzing in the sunlight and drinking your Martini.

If "Funky For You" doesn't make you want to dance, it will make you want to relax and take a load off. Sit in a comfortable chair or lay in bed and just let the day slide off of you. Great vocals. Very urban but also very ambient and awesome.

"Adore" has to be one of the brightest gems on this CD. This song is just gorgeous. This song kisses your brain. Listen to this song. I don't even have to explain more because I know you'll love it.

"Remember Me" is a beautiful song. The vocals are so beautiful. You will end up playing this song on a loop for days.

and lastly, "Cool (Barbare)" is very Reggae and very gorgeous too. This song will make you dance and wish you knew French. You will definitely love this song. Its very fun and loungey.

I bought this CD and was very happy with it. I didn't know who anyone was except Theivery Corporation, so I was kind of scared this CD was going to be [bad]. I don't regret buying this CD at all.

If you buy this CD, you will not be disappointed.

Nice and classic
The current market for modern house, dub, downtempo, slash whatever music can be frightening for those people just getting into the field. People hear the music in clubs and like it. But when they go to buy, it's a different story. So many labels, producers, compliations are out there along with a good amount of genuine [stuff]. No wonder that this broad genre of music is still facing a challenge in catching on in the states.

Labels like Chicago's Guidance (along with New York's Naked, HedKandi from the UK, and Compost from Germany) cut through all of that and give casual buyers quality tracks, nothing less. Out of the three versions of Hi Fidelity Lounge, I find volume 2 the strongest by far - not at all boring if you listen for the subtleties in production and composition across artists. The iCube track, "Adore," is masterful and practically worth the price of admission alone, and there's not a single track that I wouldn't mind grooving out to in the club (or the bedroom, or the kitchen). The label has done a good job of putting them together in an order that "feels" like a well-selected set.

If you go out to lounge or downbeat nights on the town and find yourself with the urge to look over the DJ's shoulder every other track, check out this series as well as Hi Fideliy Dub sessions. You'll probably find a lot of what's being played out on this label and the others mentioned. If you're an experienced DJ, a CD like this is a great way to preview what you're going to buy on vinyl next time you visit the record store. If you're lucky enough, you may even find it on vinyl.

but Vol. 1 it's better
I was looking to number 2 after that Vol. 1 was one of my favorits. Probably i pretend to much but the Vol. 2 it's for sure one star less. Infact i feel that this CD it's not a surprise and more standard (probably too much thinked). Anyway the general sound it's ok and you can find funk-jazz-ambient music of high class. One pearl over all it's the last track : COOL (BARBARE) a reggae-lounge smart and sweet song, very impressive also I:Cube (Adore) and the song of The Troublemakers. Finally i am happy of this CD, but i was looking for another five stars like the Vol.1 that i suggest.

Forbidden Paradise
I'm a smooth jazz listener and player, so when it came to venturing outside of my turf, I took a chance with this side of the music spectrum. After one play, with my electric bass in hand, I was intoxicated to the ambience of this recording. You will be whisk away to a place of forbidden pleasures, because you have been hypnotized into thinking that your hipper than you are. Start with the first track "You, My Baby & I", and you will find yourself wanting more and more of her voice in this sultry sexual threesome. (I don't know how to spell mauna shwa twah) The secound cut reminds me of Diana Ross being stopped in an airport for drug smuggling and just as high on them. "Funky for You" is so urbannnnn and has on line that says - "see the little people with nothing left, and nothing to wear, but making it through, I'm funky for you". The song moves from the key of E to the key of C with a very soulfull bass-line. If your from the any large city, and have any heart left, this one will move you. Planetary deadlock shows me a very high conscience and really is a beautiful way of expressing our futile existence on the earth. Even if your a strict jazz or rock connoisseur, let this recording grow on you, and you will be all the worldlier for it.

Definitely essential for a chill lounge collection.
Calm, Interesting. Just the Thing for late late nights when you just *can't* sleep. Puts you just where you want to be at 4 am. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

ALL THAT AND A BAG OF POTATO CHIPS
I first heard Pure Chill Out while chilling out at a major bookstore. Some of the songs, mainly, Always, by Bent, caught my attention. Then, other songs from this album popped up and then I was hooked. I left the store without buying an books, and I straight went home and logged on to Amazon.Com... This album has a great mix of really, mealow ambient songs and some very still-danceable songs too. You know, when you're sitting down, but you move side to side or up and down. I enjoy hip hop, jazz, and dance, and this is like an infusion of good beats, well-made melodies, and fast and slow songs. It also takes me to different cultures and heightens my imagination much like the album Moroccan Spirit. Get this album if you like mealow-dancey-true artist written music. (It's not techno.) Very good danceable tracks are Bent's "Always", and Fila Brazilla's "A Zed & @ L's". Other very commendable ambient, well written songs are "Stars", by Nightmare on Wax, "Opium" by Moodswings, "THe Orbiting Beatnik" by Julee Cruise, "Enchanted" by Delerium. The producers should have left "I Miss You" by Julia Messenger,"Gloomy Sunday" by Heather Nova in the cutting room floor. Buy this when you can. You'll listen to it over and over.

Easily live with or without it
Right, it's time to raise the bar on chill out music. Labels may proclaim some of these discs are designed for the casual listener, but packing the same names time and again reeks of a quick cash in. Moby, Bent, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Nightmares on Wax, Fila Brazillia, all tried and certifiable, or shall we say bankable.

As for the rest, expect the usual mix of slow beats and airy female vocals. Cleverly done at times, with Julie Cruise's whispering "The Orbiting Beatnik," though Afterlife leave the biggest impression on their mixture of chanteuse, faint sax with piano, and slow bongos on "Makes Me Feel." Heather Nova's sweeping "Gloomy Sunday" has the lifting orchestration and delivery plucked straight from a stage musical, a fresh idea rarely heard in dance.

On the downside, Julie Messenger's "I Miss You" is the typical sullen woman with piano accompaniment, Delerium's fey "Enchanted" struggles to mesh all it's new age sounds with girlie chanting, and Waldeck's "Aquarius" is little more than a cover curiosity.

Meaning, Pure Chill Out is relaxing and varied and bland enough to be one more of the chillout market releases you can easily live with or without this month, and it's a safe decision either way.

beautiful cd...highly recommeded...
i had a craving for some music but nothing in particular picked out...i flipped through the cds in the dance (lounge) section. as i listen to melodic ethereal angelic voices/trip hop, lounge/ & fans of ambient, new age and whatever else fits here...i did see the "as advertised on tv" sticker on the cd. when you think about it...that usually could be a good sign...in this case it was. they did a good job of selections that would appeal to any newcomer to this type of music. AND, i recognized several of the artists going in so...i had a pretty good feeling this would be ok. 1st listen on this, i had it playin as background music as i was entertaining a couple friends..and throughout couldn't help thinking how much it sounded good...couldn't wait to hear it through the headphones;)

lets review...1)moby-good intro...2)ok song that builds you up nicely for 3)bent... her absolutely beautiful voice. throws a little electronic beat in for ya. 4)nitin. nice piano intro, strings, flute (inst. track) 5)nice very mellow one (i know, aren't they all;). julia has a very soothing voice. a very nice slow track. 6)delerium. some tribal flavor. i guess we should have seen some comin...touch of Adiemus, hint of Enigma...but i guess thats Delerium for ya. Its a good song. 7)intrumental track 8)heather nova. beautiful voice. nice string arrangement. midway the songs changes tempo some...very nice. 10)got a little of that country guitar twang to it...this song has a soundtrack sound to it...nice instrumental...13)very nice. heavy relaxed beat. angelic voice. The remaining tracks seem to go instrumental...its time for just listening now w/ little vocals sort of thing...i personally prefer vocals so a little of a let down for me but...i'm not surprised w/ this format. its a nice way to set the outro too. good one for lounging before or after the party:)...or when just the 2 of you?;)

Pure bliss
Being an avid fan of chill out music and always in search of a good chill out album, I was intrigued by "Pure Chill Out" when I saw a commercial for the album on television awhile back. When I checked out the tracks, I was even more intrigued since all of the songs are either relatively new to me or not commonly used on chill out compilations. The people who put this album together could have easily slapped Delerium's "Silence", Moby's "Porcelain", and Bent's "Swollen" on this album as opposed to using "Enchanted", "Rushing", and "Always". They get high marks alone for not using a bunch of played out songs and putting together another generic chill out album to bore me to tears with. And believe me that I am so tired of seeing record companies copy one another and put together the same ol' compilation but with a different title. The tracks selected for this album flow very nicely together, giving the atmosphere of the album a calm and soothing sensation. I just absolutely adored the tracks by Julia Messenger, Nitin Sawhney, and Heather Nova in particular. I really enjoyed Julia Messenger's "I Miss You" a whole lot. She does remind me a lot of Dido but with a more trip hop/ambient beat. I really did think that the people at Water Music did an outstanding job when they put together this compilation. It isn't as predictable and insipid as the Ultra Chilled albums are, well the second volume that is. Definitely a must have for chill out fans.

THE Best Chill Out CD I own!
I bought this CD in a local store after hearing it in a listening station. I decided to let you all know about it because it is the most perfect CD for any occasion: driving, party music, etc...it is non-intrusive and sets such a great mood for your guests. I learned about some new Chill Out artists and yet found great classic Chill Out tracks here from some of my favorite electronica people like Moby, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Delerium, Bent and others. Track #5 I think is "I Miss You" by someone named Julia Messenger, and this is a real treat. She kinda sounds like Dido but with more of a down-tempo coffee-shop style. My friend said that he saw the ad for this CD on TV but I have not, it's just simply awesome and I'm glad to own it.

-Lefty G. ... Read more

Product Description

This disc celebrates the musical friendships Monster Cable has cultivated with jazz artists, producers and engineers over the past three decades. Includes recordings from Grammy-winning, household names like George Benson and Herbie Hancock, as well as tracks from talented newcomers such as Barebones. Monster’s patented designs deliver the intensity and meaning of these compositions with extraordinary clarity and detail, just the way the artists intended. Features 13 tracks from 13 artists. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

100% BLISS
This CD is 100% bliss; great performances in awsome recordings. I just wish all the great artists' works would be re-recorded with HDCD. Let it be known that HDCD sounds great on conventional CD players too, but on an HDCD player you wonder why the record industry is not gobbling it up. I would be willing to rebuy my 250 CD collections all over again!

Excellent variety of artists and Jazz styles ... AWESOME
I would spend the money just to have Greg Adam's "Metro" in my collection... I love the fade in the horn section. This disc is HDCD encoded, so for those of you who have PMD-100 players... what are you waiting for. PLAY IT LOUD ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A good intro to the world of hybrid soul/jazz music
The rebirth of cool collection is a series of albums that include music that is not easily defined in one musical category. The music on rebirt of cool is what I'd like to call hybrid soul/jazz music, vol. 1 in this collection of tracks is a wonderful good to ,music that can't easily be boxed into one particular category. The Rebirth start off with Chameleon by the Jazz warriors, a lush, vibrant take on the Herbie Hancock classic. This version sounds quite different from the original.

Another song that is a favoriteon this album is the revival by Martine Girault. It's a classic club type of song with some serious vocals. My third favorite track is the innercity boundaries by the freestyle fellowship featuring daddy-o .(stetsasonic) Inner city boundaries sounds like someone reading slam poetry over a smooth jazz track. These tracks are very hard to define, because they really don't fit into any particular music category, hence the term hybrid soul/jazz. The other tracks are equally just as good as the ones i mentioned. If you are interested in music that isn't easily categorized pick up the rebirth of cool collection. On the whole

This is where it starts...
Amazing, turned me to probe deeper into my own being. Colorful blasts of poetry and rhythm, funk, soul, brother.....

Masterpeice
This cd is fantasic! It's takes the funk and jazz greats, and puts an intresting new twist on them. Amazing! I love it! Buy! Buy!Buy!Buy!Buy!

Grrrrrrreat!
I love this CD! Since my friend Kim turned me on to this CD series, I can't get enough. From the moment I bought #1, it quickly became one of my favorites. From there, I bought #2 and am on my way to acquiring the whole lot. I have Ronny Jordan's "Light to Dark," another favorite, if you don't have it, and you like your jazz funky, GET IT. The Rebirth of Cool series will round out any acid jazz collection nicely. If you like gettin' into a groove, than this is for you. This music is a voyage. Enjoy!

I sincere comment about Opaz work...
I've been trying to follow Opazr work since 1st Rebirth of Cool, and I get very frustated when I don't find anything new from them. You've got to play it again...Sam ! By the way, the quality of the "sample" doesn't sound a bit what you are - do something to sound it better; more people will buy it. Good Luck and God Bless you all. I'm Brazilian and I just love your work - you've got to come to Brazil and feel our rhythm. It will enrich your song. Bye !!! Take care...

Cris Pizzato ... Read more

Album Details

Compiled by Rainer Truby. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Summer on CD!!!
Probably the most consistent in the series. This album was great at showcasing modern nuggets with a couple of oldies for points of reference. And while a plethora of Brazilian compilations came out to bank as much money off the genre, this series is one of the few that do properly. While there are two tracks that are shared with the Guidance "Mundial Muzique" compilation each of the two tracks respectively fits. Guidance had a broad Pan-Latin focus while this is strictly Brazilian. Highlights include Da Lata's then-"Songs From the Tin" teaser single "Pra Manha", Boozoo Bajou's "Night Over Manaus", Tab Two, Evaldo Montenovo. Aw hell!! The Compost label is one of the most innovative labels to come out in years and push fusion recordings!The whole thing is the bomb!! Just buy it!!!

lifting the mood and raising a smile
the name for the series of the compilations is a great idea. [for those who don't know... not that i am posh; glücklich in german=happy]. "glücklich III" features cheering fusion of dance jazz of any dimension. so there is a strong brazilian rythm plus extremly spacey music. it is just a mix of sounds and noises that is ideal for any dancefloors, at any place on this universe. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Something about ambient trip-hop music lends itself to a female lead vocal. Perhaps it's how an airy feminine melody contrasts so well with the tickle of the deep bass line. Or maybe bands like Massive Attack and Portishead have set up a template that other artists lack the imagination to significantly alter. Regardless, the combination has spurred a subgenre of sorts, and, as the music on this compilation record makes clear, there are gems to be found among the knock-offs and half-baked tunes. This is after-dark music, and none of these bands makes dreamier use of tempo and repetition than Laika, who kick off the disc with "Uneasy," off 2000's Good Looking Blues release. Another band doing this better than most is Lamb, and the track used here, "Lusty" (off their amazing self-titled debut), is a study in bold creativity and assertive rhythms. The disc sags towards the middle, getting mired in pseudo-mystical lyrics and by-the-numbers execution, but recovers nicely with the blissful epic "Parallel Life" from the Starseeds. With compelling work from import-only bands like Crustation, Kiwiwest, and Mandalay included as well, the record is an ideal primer in female trip-hop ("chick-hop" perhaps?) music. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good Trip Hop Album
Due to the amount of gems on this album, I could only give it four stars. From the first song to fifth song you will be entranced with that wonderful trip-hop flow. After that the songs become bland and boring fillers. However, the first five songs are so great, it makes the album worth buying. The most beautiful song is Insensible by Mandalay, which combines beautiful instrumentals, intricate bass and beats and a lusty voice to make a for a pleasurable song. A perfect accompaniment of Hooverphonic. The sensuality and deep beats of the song Purple, and a vocalist that sounds like Fiona Apple is the perfect song for a rainy night. And the array of instruments and sounds of Creeper are just lovely. The deep trip-hop sound of Lusty reminds one of Massive Attack, also the sound of Uneasy, all shine with brilliance. These songs are defiantly worth the price of the CD. If you love trip-hop and electronic music, buy this. It has some of the best songs ever made.

Incredible smooth music!
This CD is amazing!

It is my favorite right now and I think it is going to stay that way for a very long time! It's incredible how the women's voices give you a trance into the music that they sing.

All the compilation is very smooth and perfect for anything, you can be calm and you can be totally active with this CD. No doubt it is the best.

When it comes to trip-hop it compiles the best artists and even the order of it is absolutely enjoyable.

If you like Trip Hop, this cd is a MUST. Also is the best example of what great trip hop is for someone who has never heard about this gender.

My 5 stars to this CD!

Dim the lights and let the beats take you away
If you appreciate perfect use of beat and music, get this cd. It is a must have.

Wonderful trip hop album - shows what women can do...
I picked this cd up after listening to it fully on Tower Records headphones...

My 2 fave tracks are...
*Uneasy - Laika
*My Soul Speaks - Lore

Though the whole cd is steady with no filler... It turned me onto artists I hadn't heard of before and showed me a good range of women artists in the trip hop genre...

...peace - Savannah Skye

Beautiful CD - some of the best trip-hop out there!
This CD has many amazing tracks from bands like Bitstream Dream, Lamb, Kikiwest, and Laika. The vocalists are great, the music is produced very slick, and the range of tracks is well thought out. A must buy for any serious or causal trip-hop fan. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Outstanding Beginning of the Series
The whole Glucklich series, which right now ranges to four different CDs, started here and ends in the current/new artists in the new BOssa Nova Movement.

This first volume is great. I loved it and the Bossa Nova was nostalgic - as was the album in general. But the listener should be warned - this has a heavy jazz feel to it. Most of the tracks on this album are older - from the late 70's to early eighties. But don't expect that "seventies" sound in any of it - hard to explain. All in all, this was a very enjoyable CD and one that I still play quite often. The later Glucklich albums are also nice although I tend to play this one and the fourth the most.

Genau!
Glucklich means "happy" in German, and thus aptly describes the selection. Brazillian influenced German fusion tunes. A warm breeze of summer air. Lilting rhythms, furious sambas, ecstatic singers...this compilation has it all. Compiled by Rainer Truby, a serious vinyl junkie and founder of Compost Records, there are no standout tracks. Each track equally holds its own.

All the tunes are light fusion, and bear a strong Brazillian influence rhythmically. Songs like the title track are perfect snippets of masterful improvisation over a bossa-nova beat. Vocals occasionally add a nice touch ("Kitty Winter Gipsy Nova," "Like A Samba," among others). Though it occasionally straddles the line between easy listening and jazz, this compilation remains enjoyable to the end. Vielen dank, Rainer!

The vinyl pressing of this is also excellent; if that's your thing. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Respect
first compilation from the famous Respect nights in Paris; It is the best one of the series. Songs like Paul Johnson's Hear the music; Fantom's Faithfull or Dj Cam's Twilight Zone makes of this cd of the best ones I ever had ..
Respect IS burning

As good as vol. 2
This is the first "Respect is burning" which I had to get after spending a wonderful week in Paris. My favourite tracks on this one are "Hear the music", "Tout est bleu", "Disco 2000 selector", "Testify" and "(Get ready) for the power of disco". It is actually a little ridicolous rating each single track since the whole compilation is fantastic and a perfect example of the French clubscene as being (one of?) the best!! A cd you must own if you are a fan of the sound of French Disco House!

Break Dancer Stuff
HI Im a Break DAncer and ive listened to this CD. Its really funky. Fantom with FAithful is a really cool song. I love to break dance to it and the rest is really great. Im an Xtreme Techno/House fan and I love this CD. Even if you dont break dance its cool any way and its impossible not to dance to at least one song on here. Well Buckwheat440, me gives it a 4 star review. Its a little repetitive, but its great.

Finally, Real House and Disco
Anyone who is a fan of disco & house should give this CD a listen. Its hard to find "house music" since everyone's perception of house around the U.S. is different but this is it. This is definitely "Warehouse Music" (those of you who are from Chicago). Three of the tracks are really hot. The remainder of the CD was straight but it's worth checking out.

It is awsome
This cd just rocks! From DJ Cam's Twilight zone to Motorbass's neptune, here is a cd that pumps out 13 tracks of the frence scene. The inly disappointment i got from this cd was no tracks by air, but the cd is still awsome. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"Stick Oan Some Techno"-Irvine Welsh
Although this disc isn't always available, it's well worth getting as a fine example of mid-90's acid jazz/trip hop. Most of the songs are atmospheric & 'downbeat', but there are a few fast, rump-shaking cuts, such as the brilliant 'Million Town' by Strange Cargo (kind of a cross between David Byrne's 'Catherine Wheel' music & Herbie Hancock's 'Future Shock'-era funk), and I agree with the other reviewer about Alex Reece's groovy, electro-samba cut, 'Jazzmaster', it kicks majorly. Patrick Pulsinger and the infamous Barry Adamson also contribute wonderful tracks.

And I must mention MY favorite, Grantby's 'Timber'. This cut is atmospheric crime-acid-jazz-electronica at it's finest, the beginning will blow you away all by itself, and the cut just gets better from there...birdcalls, scratching, this really DOES sound like some weird crime movie soundtrack.

The only diappointing tracks on 'Pop Fiction' (to me, anyway) are the closing track 'Manna' (way too long and goes nowhere; and who is this guy it's credited to, 'Kevin Bacon', anyway?), and the highly overrated track 'To Kill A Dead Man'. Don't get me wrong, I'm a MAJOR Portishead fan, and I think the title of this track is clever and funny, but the music is just tepid and doesn't live up to the cool title. Some listmaniac said that this was comparable to John Barry's spy soundtrack music, NO WAY! There's just too little going on in the track...not only isn't it as good as John Barry, it's not even as good as any other Portishead song. Sometimes B-sides are B-sides for a reason...

But that's just one or two cuts on what is a very strong techno compilation. Just get it for the Grantby, not the Portishead!

Pulsating Bit of Acid Jazz
There are tracks on this cd that will blow you off your chair....its a great piece of action Bond style acid jazz, from Portishead on down, and I originally bought it because Portishead was on it. Alex Reece is phenomenal as well are all the performers. Get it, you won't be sorry....Im an artist, and its great music to work to.

Great CD to listen to, especially Million Town and Beanfield
This is the type of cd you can leave on and on and on. .... and keep on listening. I played it about 40 times in a week.... Try it, you might like it.

incredible
Possibly one of the coolest records ever. If you like Portishead or James Bond style crime jazz, you MUST have this one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

fantabulous!
if you like the sounds of smooth, jazzy, witty solid drumnbass... then this cd is for you! I enjoyed the variety of artists on here too. it is an overall great cd... drumnbass heads add this to your collection! ... Read more

Album Description

Eighth installment of the popular series features AtticaBlues, Dan Curtin, Slow Supreme, The Underwolves, Atjazz &much more, with remixes by Recloose, Ashley Beedle,Earthbound, & Beanfield. Includes exclusive tracks &previously unreleased tracks. Digipak. Compost. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fannnnnnngreat
Ok, so I usually skip past the first "Theme" cut, but the rest of this disc is a must-have if you're into a trippy, almost trip-hoppy kind of vibe. I have both this one and Future Sounds of Jazz #7, and both are in my "A" rotation. Highly recommended.

Buy it
Its the best CD to own if you are sick of the radio and love a kind of music that u can dance to or that you can listen and learn from. An electronic musicians must have

Electronic jazz with emotion...what could be better?
Every song on this disc has feeling to it, and each conjures up a different image in your mind while still keeping the overrall mood of the album. This is the fifth Future Sound Of Jazz compilation I have owned and in just a few short days it has earned it's place as my second favorite in the series. Jazz musicians can learn a lot from this type of music, as can electronic musicians. Perfect blends of "real" music with surreal, but solid mood gets this cd an easy 5 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hot Music will get you going.
The first time I heard this album, I wanted to listen to it all the time. I got it just for Hot Music but then I realized that all the cuts were hot. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Variety is the spice
I like all the cuts here except the the first two! A good chance for neo-acids to check out the genre

Jeff
Atlanta

It still grooves
Compared to the fresh, inventive Vol. 5 (Livin' in the Land of Hi Fi), The Golden Age of Groove has less tech influence and even has a couple of tracks that could be mistaken for smooth-jazz (Tuned In - Spaced Out, The Story Teller, Quinteto X). Consider this album a good "B-sides" release of Vol. 5 in song quality (Although there are a few knockouts - Watuzi Strut, The Chase, Happy Time, and Laters). If you loved volume 5 as much as I did, this album is definitely worth the price.

Great Listening, dance groovin
I am an avid collector of music of all types and I stumbled on to Acid Jazz some time back. I have to rate volume 6 right up there with the best. All of the Acid Jazz series will give the listener insight to the great artists that make up the overall work. I highly suggest this volume and suggest the satisfied listeners to seek out other volumes.

This will blow you away!!!
I've always been looking for something that really satisfies my definition of acid jazz. Most of the ablums on the market does a rather poor job(if they've even done it at all) of combining jazz and and other high-energy music(such as hip-hop or latino music). This album, however, will truely blow any acid jazz lover away because the perfect fusion that is in this album is like nothing you've ever heard before. I will even dare say that it's better than the ground-breaking track 'Cantaloop' by US3...this album is absolutely amazing, you'll be sorry if you don't get your hands on it right away.

Discovering the not-so-underground world of acid jazz
Jazz is, so I'm told, the music of the night. That doesn't mean much to me, since I can appreciate and learn from the music at any time that I want. And yet, I have always loved the light, layed-back approach that seems to be present in Jazz recordings. No matter how fast or intense the song is, there is still a feeling of lightness present, mainly because of each musician's sense of musical touch. So, on the one hand, I like Jazz for it's lightness and freeness, as it is very open to syncopation (not acce