Customer Reviews

Hed Kandi: Serve Chilled (3) (Dig)

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

 

 

A few years ago I was very excited to hear that Hed Kandi was releasing Serve Chilled again. All I had were fond memories of the first one that featured some really cool, interesting music. But sadly when Hed Kandi brought the series back, it just hasn't been the same to me. Hed Kandi always prided itself on full-length songs that you probably hadn't heard much of before, giving new artists a chance (and I salute them for that) and the albums were always unmixed - unless specifically stated. All positives to me and that trend continues. And again you've got a double disc set. But, well... a lot of good that is when the songs just aren't that good.

Seriously, what is the deal with the redundant songs that don't go anywhere? Why are there so many of them? It's like one endless loop to another. Disc one starts out with a preview of this with Groove Armada's "Paris". The song remains on the same path, with only a few extra touches sprinkled into the song to keep it moving. And the remake to the classic "Drive" was shocking. That's followed up with a lot of shouting on "Crazy World" until you finally get something a little interesting with Natalia Clavier's "Azul". Unfortunately that's all there is worth listing there for disc one, other than a nice Blue States and Ralphy Myerz song. Disc 2 isn't much better. In fact, it isn't better, it's worse. There's nothing worth mentioning. 4Hero has a solid song but even then, it's far from being a top song on their album. I think what's even more of a head-scratcher is that some of these artists really do have far better tracks, but the two discs here are packed full of nothingness. There's nothing really 'bold' here.

Skip this one. In fact, I'll probably skip any of the Serve Chilled's that come out again, since that's 3 times I've been burned. This is woeful and boring. In the first three Serve Chilled's, you had some filler but you also had some terrific songs where musicianship, spirit and artistry was more on display. The acts in general were far better, with Fourth World, S-Tone Inc., Atjazz, Morcheeba and loads more. But the past 3 Serve Chilled's have featured songs that, again, don't go anywhere. They're all just an endless loop which is all terribly boring to say the least. As 'chillout' cd's have pretty much gotten to be extinct, this might be the 'sneeze' to wipe out any possibilities of a comeback.

A side note - definitely notice that this one is the domestic US release - that's why it's noticeably cheaper. The import version has a few extra tracks, the order's slightly different and it's an enhanced cd, which is admittedly neater than this one. But since a lot of the songs were so sub-par here to begin with, it'd be hard for me to tell someone to spend even more money on what I think's a bad album. Best bet's to try to download the one or two songs that are any good.

This CD has nearly the exact same song line-up as Serve Chilled 79, so it would be a mistake to buy both.
Beyond that, this version and Serve Chilled 79 are both pretty mediocre chill compilations - not nearly as good as the HK chill records of 5 or 8 years ago. This stuff is not very creative, and very repetitive. In a word, boring. I recommend a pass on this one.

I'm not a huge hed kandi connoisseur, i just like chill music with vocals in it (so if you got any hot music suggestions, comment and share!). I dont know how this album compares with the others, etc. But I do know that the album price as it currently is (avg about $0.35 per song) is a pretty good deal. Not to mention that I found a few songs on here I really liked (that, to me, are pretty chill and have a girl singing - yes, thats my prerequisite in reviewing any CD. Chill? Check. Girl singing? Check. Okay this CD is decent.)

So the songs I like are
Disc 1
"Drive" by Blue Mar Ten - I typically like most remixes of this song. This one isnt the best (I actually go for faster versions) but still good.
"As I Listen" by Tyrrell - I think if I listened to this song too much, I'd eventually get annoyed by the chorus. One of my "okay in small doses songs". But the singer has a great voice.
"My Darling" by Ralph Myerz - this is my FAVORITE song on this CD. Its so teasing.
"Love Calls" by Headstrong - the amazon clip is pretty much what the song sounds like. The chorus starts at the end of the clip ... I like the chorus.

Disc 2
"All Over the World" by Furry Phreaks - this is another poppy song I like. Reminds me of Christmas with the bells and stuff. You cant hear it with the snippet amazon sings, but there is a girl singing and she's got a nice voice. (Is this a remake of a Beatles song? If you already know this ... then you'll probably hate this song. I know how people are with remakes. But I, with no Beatles knowledge, dont care.)
"Red Sky" Eat More Cake - chill but in that on the beach just after volleyball type of way.
"Look Inside" 4hero - this song would probably get on my nerves if I hear it too much (a little too peppy for my taste) but its okay in small doses.
"Camino Del Sol" by Antena - sexy chill. You hear the singer right at the end of the clip. She's pretty breathy, deeper voice.

Sorry, I just saw a lot of negative reviews about this album and wanted to put out another opinion. I'm not really deep into the Lounge/Chill scene, so if you are - I'm sure this CD will definitely disappoint. However, I do think this CD would suit some people because of its price and chill song selection.

Hed Kandi is known for its high quality electronic music compilations and this one is also great!
I love this sound and I love the artist which are included on this album.

If you also like some romantic chillout music from Europe you should also have a look at the following albums:

Dolomiti Super Chill
Dolomiti Super Chill: Late Summer 2009

I am sure you will love them!