Customer Reviews

Bargrooves: Manhattan

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love all Bargrooves ..But I was dissapointed on this one ..
too soulful,too much of vocal ....I prefer deep and jazzy sounds ..I love vocal..but that was just too much ..
And what is wrong with Ben ?? that is not his style at all..The first cd by Ben wasn't goot too..

This 2-CD set seems to follow the usual Bargooves tradition. The first disk, compiled by Ben Sowton, is a definite keeper with a really good selection of tracks. However, the second disk is, with one or two exceptions, a collection of rather mediocre tracks compiled (as usual) by a guest DJ of lesser ability.

It probably just comes down to personal taste, but I cannot help thinking that Ben Sowton would do better by simply DJ'ing both disks himself. Its nice of Ben to give others an opportunity, but in the Bargrooves series it usually detracts from the quality of the overall set.

So, worth the price and the 4-star rating for the first disk alone, but as usual the second disk is (with one or two exceptions) merely filler.

This is a nice deep house production. If you like this, check out the first full length CD for producer Quentin Allen as Karu. There are other 12" releases on Silver Network, Dadhouse, Winding Road, Mimosa & Smooth Agent. This CD is a very consistant production with a good blend of jazz, hip-hop, techno, neo-soul, and deep house all together. The beats are very crisp and sound good in the car, the house or the club. Some songs tastefully use vocal snippets to add flavor. There is even a track featuring Warren Harris aka Hanna (Shadow Records, Silver Network, Flat & Round, Freerange). If you want good quality deep house, this CD is for you.

I must say I was really excited about receiving this cd, according to the reviews. Unfortunately I was somewhat dissapointed, while disc 1 gives you garden variety of cool house tracks with awesome hooks, track 5 especially is my favorite and is mixed extremely well and can definitely get you in the mood to go out on the town. However disc 2 is really annoying, it's too circuit sounding with too many obnoxious vocals. Every song has some oversung vocal and it's almost gospel sounding, if you like extra soulful all vocal house and you wanna feel like your sitting in a church choir then disc 2 is for you. Don't get me wrong I love vocals but this is overkill!!, it just didn't seem to fit with the theme of "Bargrooves" more like "Soul glow Grooves". Anyway, disc 1 is a keeper but disc 2 can stay in the sleeve.

I anxiously awaited my copy of Bargrooves: Manhattan, as I could tell from the samples that this was going to be a very sumptuous cd. I was too thrilled to find out that my order came in record time (I ordered it on Thursday, received it on Monday!! regular mail!!). I placed CD1 in my cd and instantly fell in love with the raw soul and funk. It oozed out of my cd player and made the stereo system sound like the best system I have ever heard. There wasn't a song on CD1 that I felt compelled to press the "skip" button. It made me want to be wrapped in each song...while love making, working, lounging and having cocktails with friends,and, of course the tried and true method of determining good music - washing the dishes.
My personal faves on CD1 are #2, Second Guess; #4, 8 Letters.

CD2 doesn't disappoint as well. My faves are: #1, Set You Free...reminds me of a California Spring Day, convertible top's down, sunset. #2, Free...still carrying on my reverie from song#1. #3 Can I Get...Makes me ready to dance and I feel the message...Actually, most if not all the songs keep me in an upbeat, sexy mood. I definitely recommend purchasing Bargrooves: Manhattan.

all i can say is that this cd builds on the legacy of the bargrooves product. i love 8 letters 3 words is my flagship trak on this cd. class sofistication confidence are what i got from that song. the cd is great for my driving working out or just chillin 2 the crib. a must buy

peace 2 all

papi

The working professional's dance music. This is intelligent. Tho not exactly anything you haven't heard before, that doesn't mean it's not good. This is 2 CDs of real sexy deep vocal house tracks expertly mixed by professional DJs on not only the New York circuit, but the worldwide DJ scene...Ben Sowton on one disc, and Mateo&Matos on the second. The fourth set in the 'Taste & Tastemakers' series provides tracks from choice producers such as Jay-J, Richard Earnshaw, Grant Nelson, Physics, Knee Deep, and Bobby&Steve superbly arranged and programmed into a seamless groovy mix. This works.
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I am a bargrooves junkie. I happen to love this album especially disc 1 tracks 4 and 8. It is really worth the money because of the combinations of sounds that will work all of your moods.
I hope you enjoy

Not much to say really, this one is just excellent and a must have if you like this kind of music.

i have been seeing the track contain go down hill with every new 2 cd collection ....what happen? only maybe 3 tracks good with the rest stuff that not hot ? bargrooves what's up???