The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny [Original recording remastered]

Martin Denny | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 5, 1996)
• Original Release Date: November 5, 1996
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000002U5U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,805 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #27 in Music > Pop > Easy Listening > Retro Space Age
  • #100 in Music > World Music > Pacific Islands > Hawaii

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful fun, June 18, 2002

By 

umze "umze" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny (Audio CD)

There are many negative things you can say about exotica music in general and Martin Denny in particular:the music is kitchsy and corny, it's "easy listening" music, and its sole purpose was to aid a mass audience in getting slowly stoned on martinis.

All of which is true - nevertheless, I love Martin Denny. The innocence of the music and integrity and care in the production win me over. Martin has an unashamedly corny sense of humor, with one song in which a mosquito's buzz is the primary focus, and numerous songs punctuated by beautifully executed birdcalls. It's all put together seamlessly, as if these elements were the most natural things in the world to include. The production is meticulous, and the music surprisingly does not become repetitive or monotonous, which is no small feat in this style.

The music is not of Hawaii or Polynesia or any other "real" culture, but a complete commercial fabrication, the world of the tiki lodge and resort Hawaii. It brings the guilty pleasures of a Hawaiian vacation into your living room, soothes the spirit, and lets the mind drift away. A must for summer nights on the deck.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip nostalgia, March 13, 2005

By 

Scott E. Kingsbury "Father Cheeseburger" (Pasadena, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny (Audio CD)

Martin Denny died last week. The end of an era for me. As a kid I would grab my father's vinyl LP's of Exotica and Quiet Village and transport myself to tropical lands beyond my dreams, listening to Denny's soothing sounds and exotic bird-call melodies. Julius Wechtler on the vibes was one of my early favorites. (I actually saw him, as leader of the Baja Marimba Band as the opening act for Wayne Newton!) When all my little pals were buying LP's from some English group called the Beatles, I was kickin' it to Martin Denny. This re-mastered double CD is a trip right back to those magical days in front of my parents "hi-fi"! And without all of the snap-crackle-pop of the originals! Awesome!! As long as Martin Denny's music lives, so will he!! Aloha, Mr. Denny! And thanks for everything! Keep a Mai Tai ready for me at that big Don the Beachcomber bar in the sky!!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Take an exotic musical journey!, March 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny (Audio CD)

I got this album along with the Les Baxter companion album, Exotic Moods of Les Baxter. While Les was a great arranger & studio conductor, Martin Denny brought the music out of the studio and to the Tiki lounges of the world. The incredible birdcalls of Augie Colón as well as the sparkling vibraphones, flutes and drums all work together to create an imaginary jungle world just for you. The beats are sometimes primitive and heavy and at other times like rain on a bamboo roof. The music is that of imaginary exotic lands filled with mystery and adventure...