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SOUL
Recommended smooth and mellow soul CDs |
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PHILLY SOUL
Recommended Gamble & Huff CDs |
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FUNK
Recommended funk and disco CDs |
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JAZZ/FUNK
Recommended jazz/funk fusion CDs |
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POP/SOUL
Recommended blue-eyed soul CDs |
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WEST COAST
Recommended west coast soft rock CDs |
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CD WANT LIST
Care to help me track down some much sought-after CDs?
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The
Chill Out Electronica sound
…is a laid
back mix of downbeat
electronic pop/jazz.
Pipe and slippers lounge music if you like… |
About Ambient…
The concept of ambient goes way back, but the term was first
used by Brian Eno to describe the music that he made on a series
of recordings that included "Music for Airports" and "Music for
Films". The notion was that ambient music was able to sustain
repeated and intensive listening, or could be completely ignored,
like some kind of cosmic muzak. In short, it was to be an
unobtrusive part of one’s environment while at the same time being
interesting if one should choose to focus in on it.
He, along with various other musicians, experimented with this
concept for several years. By the early 80’s, he brought the
sample to the fore with "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts", a
collaboration with Talking Heads’ David Byrne. The sample is
really the purest type of ambient sound.
By the end of the decade, Alex Paterson was experimenting with
the mixing techniques utilized by house and dub, but applying it
to the music with which he was surrounded in his job at EG
records, which included Brian Eno and his brother Roger, Harold
Budd, Robert Fripp, and Jon Hassell. The Chill-Out sound was born.
According to Gerard Talbot in his liner notes to the Virgin
Records compilation "A Brief History of Ambient, Vol. 1", the
chill-out room was "a physical–and very possibly eternal–Sunday
morning for the E generation."
The 90’s witnessed an explosion in electronic music, and
ambient has seen its share of adherents and innovators. The Orb
brought things to another level and openly acknowledged the
influence of long-forgotten "art rockers" and "avant-garde
experimentalists" such as Steve Hillage, Tangerine Dream, Gong,
and Can.
and Chill Out…
Chill Out actually started in England (London and Birmingham),
when the rave culture started in 1988-89. DJ’s started to play
"everything with a sea sound in it" in bars and techno-house party
back-lounges.
Ambient music is vacuumed for unnecessary sound, but DJ’s
often used more as many as 5-6 sound sources, it became more a
collage of music that required a new name. It usually was played
in so called Chill Out lounges it made sense to borrow the name.
Chill-out quickly became a popular genre in the early 90’s and
several good electronic albums was released, side by side with
more quickly and badly put together compilations titled "Chill Out
Or Die" and "Chill Out In Heaven".
The Chill Out genre quickly got stars like KLF and The Orb,
bands that used to do progressive rock, and therefore found it
naturally to make long and extensive concept albums. [KLF: "Space"
-a journey through outer space]. Several European labels have
since specialized in the genre. Check
Hed Kandi,
Mole Listening
Pearls,
G-Stoned and
Irma.
Check out
LoudMusic.dk for more on the Lounge/Chill Out sound… |
|
Correct Chill Out accessory:
The Le Corbusier LC4 lounge chair |
Influence…
The influence of
records from the past on today’s Lounge and Chill Out sound is very
much originated from Orchestral Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Film Soundtracks,
Soul, Disco, Bossa and even some classic Italian songs. Many DJ’s
playing the Lounge style are used to mix "rare groove/old school"
tracks together with new ones in their sets or compilations. |
All Music Guide
If you don’t find it here, – forget it!
Famous Name Changes
Wonder what their real name is?
How band
got their names
Steely Dan: A dildo in the William Burroughs novel "Naked Lunch".
Lyrics World
Like to sing in the shower, but can’t quite
remember the words?
Ultimate Band List
More info, sound samples and links
…and yes, – just what you were looking for!
Misheard Lyrics Archive
Hilarious! " ‘scuse me, while I kiss this guy" |
|
Afterlife:
Simplicity – 1999
Produced by: ?
Label: Hed Kandi
It’s a good chance you’ll find a track by Afterlife on most of
the Chill Out compilations. "Simplicity" contains 12
great Balearic Chill Out tracks. Check hedkandi.com
for more info.
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Pit Baumgartner:
Fräuleinwunder – 2003
Produced by: Pit Baumgartner
Label: Universal Jazz Germany
Excellent bossa flavored downbeat solo album from De Phazz
member.
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Bent: The Everlasting Blink – 2003
Produced by:
Label: Sport
A bit smoother than their 2001 debut album "Programmed To
Love", this is way better in my opinion. The Adrian Gurvitz sample on
"Magic Love" is just great! Zero 7 meets Lemon Jelly. Their
2004 effort "Ariels" was a change in sound and not to my taste. Check
bent-world.com.
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De Phazz:
Godsdog – 1999
De Phazz: Death By Chocolate – 2001
Label: Mole
De Phazz: Natural Fake – 2005
Label: Universal Jazz Germany
Produced by: Pit Baumgartner
Three superb downbeat cool-jazz albums with a touch of Latin
from German group De Phazz. "Death.." is particularly
good [the great digi-pack cover is alone worth the album :-]
Their first and fourth effort – "Detunized Gravity" [1997] and
"Daily Lama" [2002] – is in my opinion not quiet up to the rest.
Also check out De Phazz producer Pit Baumgartner’s "Fräuleinwunder"
[2003]. More on www.de-phazz.com.
Also check out the superb
Death
By Chocolate flash site.
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dZihan
& Kamien:
Gran Riserva – 2002
Produced by: dZihan & Kamien
Label: Couch Records
More then two years after their debut album "Freaks & Icon",
Dzihan & Kamien are back on track with the album "Gran Riserva".
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Sven
van Hees: Gemini – 1999
Sven
van Hees: Calypso – 2002
Sven
van Hees: Synesthesia – 2005
Produced by: Ramon Serrano aka Sven Van Hees
Label: Life Enhancing Audio
Belgian producer & DJ Ramon Serrano has created the sound of
passion in the coolest way possible. Complete with seagulls and
ocean sounds in the background, Gemini is a classic in this genre!
The 2002 "Calypso" and the 2005 "Synesthesia" are
both slightly more uptempo and funkier, but should nevertheless also be checked out.
Rumors has it that he’s working on Gemini II which is scheduled for
release spring 2006.
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Monte La Rue: Interludia – 2002
Produced by: Monte LaRue
Label: Cinq Etoiles
Pioneering the down-tempo genre, Belgian-born and
Amsterdam-based Monte LaRue has been a major force in
establishing lounge in The Netherlands. He is versed in a broad
array of easy listening styles, – from Vienna’s lounge noir to
jazz-type funk grooves; from sun-dried Balearic beats to pastel-coloured
Latin-tinged percussion workouts. "Interludia" is LaRue’s first
full album. He had already written various intro’s and outro’s
for his own compilations [Lounge Deluxe 1-3], but this album is
a collection of full-blow interludes – once again
confirming his unique take on all things atmospheric and downtempo.
Cinq Etoiles
Records
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Jose Padilla: Souvenir – 1999
Jose
Padilla: Navigator – 2001
Jose Padilla: Bella Musica – 2004
Jose Padilla: Man Ray 4 – 2005
Produced by: Jose Padilla
Label: dro EastWest
On "Souvenir" and "Navigator", Padilla – one of oldest
resident Ibiza DJ’s and creator of the Cafe del Mar series – presents
his own stuff rather than presenting a compilation of others. On
his 2 latest offerings though – the 2004 "Bella Musica" and
the 2005 "Man Ray 4" – he is is back to
compiling favorite tracks. As with the del Mar series, you can always
rely on Mr. Padilla doing a great job putting the tracks together and
creating the perfect relaxing Chill Out mood, although "Man Ray 4" is a
bit rougher and uptempo than usual.
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Plastyc
Buddha: Throwing Stones in Placid Pools – 2001
Produced by: Stephan Parmentier & Pieter Verschueren
Label: Life Enhancing Audio
Like the Van Hees album, this is also from Belgian LEA
Records. Stephan & Pieter are both in-demand session musicians in
Antwerp, and their project Plastic Buddha is based around the gently
chords from the Fender Rhodes electric piano with some Latin beats
thrown in.
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Kruder
& Dorfmeister: The K&D Sessions – 1998
Produced by: Kruder & Dorfmeister
Label: G-Stone Recordings
A double-CD of remixes and dub from the laid-back Viennese
duo. Although I find this release a bit overrated – with some of the
tracks a bit "dark" for my taste – this
fusion of 70’s vibrations and 90’s cool is nevertheless probably
essential in every ambient collection. Check g-stoned.com
for more info.
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Röksopp: Melody AM –
2001
Produced by: Torbjørn Brundtland & Svein Berge
Label: Astralwerks
Norwegian duo Röyksopp [Torbjørn Brundtland & Svein Berge] has
made some excellent downbeat electronica of the new
millennium, exemplified by singles like "Eple" and "Poor Leno".
The album is a bit overrated though! [www.royksopp.com]
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Shazz:
Shazz – 1998
Shazz: In The Light – 2001
Produced by: Shazz
Label: Sony
Two very good albums from one of France’s most respected and
renowned house producers. A smooth fusion of
soul, R&B, house and jazz, with a perfect balance of
vocals and instrumentals creating the perfect home listening
soundtrack. Maybe a little uptempo for your average Chill Out
session…more like pipe & slippers lounge jazz if you will. [Homepage]
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Thievery Corp. – The Richest Man In Babylon – 2002
Produced by: Rob Garza & Eric Hilton
Label: 18th Street Lounge
Rob Garza and Eric Hilton aka Thievery Corporation have come
out of the studio to bring you their new masterpiece The Richest
Man In Babylon. Typical Thievery Corp. downbeat, trip hop, dub,
some oriental elements and guest vocals of Emiliana Torrini.
Lounge music at its best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. Their 2005
effort "The Cosmic Game" is more a broad sweep across very different
musical styles like reggae/dub and electronica/dance than your
average chill soundtrack.
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Tosca:
Suzuki – 2000
Tosca: Dehli9 – 2003
Tosca: JAC – 2005
Produced by: Richard Dorfmeister & Rupert Huber
Label: G-Stone Recordings
Richard Dorfmeister’s side project Tosca is in my opinion way
better than Kruder & Dorfmeister [see above], which tends to be a little
on the "dark" side for my taste. Both Suzuki and Dehli9 oozes quality.
The latter is a double CD-set with a downbeat disc 1 featuring vocals on
almost every track. Disc 2 is ultra ambient and based on Rupert Huber’s
"12 Easy to Play Piano Pieces", consisting of, yes, 12 piano pieces with
some background atmosphere added for good measure. Their 2005 effort "JAC"
also contains excellent downbeat electronica. Check g-stoned.com
for more info.
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V/A:
Buddha Bar vol. 1 & 2 + vol. 6 & 7
Compiled by: Claude Challe [vol.1&2] Ravin [vol.6] Ravin &
Visan [vol.7]
Label: Chall’O Music/George V Records/Wagram
All of these "Chill with
a touch of India" compilations are double CD sets containing "Buddha’s
Dinner" and "Buddha’s Party". Claude Challe gives you the perfect ambience from one of
Paris’ coolest nightspots – the Buddha Bar. Volume 3, 4 and 5
are a bit too India-influenced for my taste, but vol. 6 and 7 (Feb.2005)
are both excellent compiled by Ravin.
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V/A: Café del Mar vol. 1-12
Compiled by: Vol.1-6 by Jose Padilla. Vol.7, 9, 10 and 11 by Bruno. Vol.8 by Neville & Cherrill,
Vol.12 by]
Label: Various/Cafe del Mar Music/Mercury
Probably the mother of all Chill Out compilations, and a sure
sign of summer in Europe when yet another volume in this excellent
series is available. The 2005 "Volumen Doce" [12] is a double CD
set and once again
contains excellent laid back grooves. Check
cafedelmarmusic.com
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V/A: Comfort Zone vol. 1-5
Compiled by: ?
Label: Comfort Zone/Repertoire
A very good alternative to Cafe Cafe del Mar series. Always
seems to compile the right tracks to create a perfect downbeat ambience.
The German sung "Kisses" by Bent on volume 3 is a killer!
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V/A:
DJ Pippi Presents Undiscovered Ibiza vol. 1-5
Compiled by: DJ Pippi
Label: Undiscovered Recordings
Five excellent compilations of relaxing Chill Out music compiled by
Italian born DJ Pippi, – top Ibiza DJ since the late 70’s.
Volume 3 contains a superb version
of the Floaters classic soul ballad "Float On" done by
Mystic Diversions. Both volume 4 and 5 are double-CD sets and
equally excellent!
www.undiscovered.co.uk
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V/A:
Hotel Costes vol. 1-8
Compiled by: Stephane Pompougnac/Various
Label: Wagram
A series of 7 compilations with some of the best
mid-tempo grooves that can be heard anywhere, and evokes the
atmosphere of the Hotel Costes, – which is just a minute
away from the ultra chic Place Vendome in the heart of Paris.
The 7. offering "Sept" is especially good.
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V/A:
Ibiza Magic – Chill Out Trick
Compiled by: Jorge de Augustina
Label: Ibiza Magic
Jorge de Augustina has done an excellent job compiling the 12
easy listening tracks. Perfect for a lazy Sunday
afternoon.
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V/A:
Lemon Fruit
Compiled by: M.
Label: Musicpark
Whoever M is, he’s done a great job with the "Lemon Fruit"
compilation, – except for the last track which in my opinion sucks and
doesn’t fit in with the rest. Apart from that, it’s an excellent
collection of laid back, mostly instrumental grooves.
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V/A:
Lounge Deluxe vol. 1-4
Compiled by: Monte LaRue
Label: Cinq Etoiles
All mixed by Belgian-born/Amsterdam-based lounge guru Monte LaRue and containing tracks
by Nightmares on Wax, Sven Van Hees, Afterlife, Thievery Corp, and Monte LaRue himself.
Volume 3 is especially good. The track "Sometime last night" by
Hot Toooy, containing a sample from "Such a Lady" by the
Commodores is a killer! La Rue’s Thursday nights as a DJ at NL – Nieuwezijds Lounge – in Amsterdam is the in-spot for the
young scenesters of style-conscious Amsterdam. LaRue is also
responsible for the artistic direction of the
Cinq
Etoiles-label.
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V/A: Morning Side Of
Love vol.
2
Compiled by: Umbi Damiani
Label: Irma
With the second volume Irma have been digging deeper towards
the acoustic sound and a variety of genres. Orchestral sounds, jazz/funk
and progressive rock ballads may at first look like an odd mix, but it
turns out that they actually blend perfectly together! An excellent
double CD containing gems by Eddie Harris, Mark & Almond, Roy Ayers,
Rufus & Chaka, Loose Ends, Bobby Lyle, El Chicano, Bill Withers,
Mandrill, Bill Conti, Alphonse Mouzon, Gordon Lightfoot, Traffic,
Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Colosseum, Ramsey Lewis and Engelbert
Humperdinck. Well done! Also check out volume 1.
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V/A: Serve Chilled vol.
1-3
Compiled by: Mark Doyle
Label: Hed Kandi
The Hed Kandi
Label has several Chill Out compilations and the "Serve Chilled" and
"Winter Chill" [further below] series are all excellent double CD sets.
Volume 3 was released June 2001.
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V/A:
Science Fiction Jazz vol. 1-8
Compiled by: DJ Minus 8
Label: Mole
Volume 5 in the Science Fiction Jazz series is very good Ambient/Chill compilation with a touch of jazz. Lounge-jazz if you
will… Check mole.de
for more info.
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V/A:
Winter Chill vol.
1-5
Compiled by: Mark Doyle
Label: Hed Kandi
The Hed Kandi Label has several Chill Out compilations
and the "Serve Chilled" and "Winter Chill"
series are all excellent double CD sets. The Winter Chill
series is a bit on the "dark" side, but nevertheless very good. Volume
5 was
released December 2004.
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Vangelis:
Oceanic – 1996
Label: WEA
Produced by: Vangelis
One of many albums from this very talented Greek. Maybe not
real Chill, but it has the relaxing beach & ocean feeling and sound, and
it works for me.
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Zero
7: Simple Things
– 2001
Label: Ultimate Dilemma
Produced by: Zero 7
An excellent Chill album from UK remixing duo Zero 7. 70’s
orchestral soul meets French critically acclaimed
Chill/Ambient duo Air. For more of the same, check out
their 2004 album "When It Falls". Homepage at zero7.co.uk
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