Customer Reviews

Man Ray

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, I'll admit that I am the late boomer of music buying, usually not getting hip to these trendy restaurant/lounge/hotel themed CDs due to over-commericalism until two or three years after their release...and, in turn, I am much later with my reviews of them. That said, I found it necessary to review my latest find in Borders called "Man Ray". At first I thought this was some dude/group with one of those silly pseudonyms meant to make you go "Hmmmm...", but to my chagrin and now erst while ignorance, it wasn't. "Man Ray" is actually some bar in New York and Paris. After actually taking the time to look at the back of the CD cover to see exactly "What the Hell is this mess?!!"--I was surprised to see a few of my favorite performers such as the talented and sultry-sounding "Esthero"...the ecentric and witty "Lemon Jelly"...the always-seductive "Kinobe" and a couple of other virtual unknowns who surprisingly have incredible music on "Man Ray." Note: I'm always drawn to CDs that aren't compiled with your typical chill out artists (You know the ones). Isn't that what makes a comp chill CD unique anyway--the selection of never-before-heard-of songs and artists? And "Man Ray" is definitely that...although I cringed with the Buddha-based opening of Dzhian and Kamien's "Dampfschiff" dreading that the rest of the CD will sound the same, that "tantra" sound that I can only take in doses is very minimal here (Whew!). Stand out tracks on "Man Ray" include Svan Van Hees' bass-wrenching "Seasonal Beauty"...Amalgamation of Soundz's cinematic-acoustic "Droplets"... Butti 49's latin-jazz-influenced "Brazilicum" that has a killer standing-bass bass line and an infectious beat to back it up... George Levin does an outstanding job vocally with the driving "When I'm with You"... Nickodemus' "Cleopatra in New York" is cute and has an authentic Egyptian feel to it...and Ivory Club grooves with the dance floor-ready "Taj." "Man Ray" is one surprise after the other--and to the reviewer that said you won't wear this CD out playing it over and over...Hey, guess what, buddy--I haven't stopped playing it since I bought it!!! GEESH! Some of you folks are too harsh with these CD reviews for your own good.

I don't want to come off as a snob, but after you have enjoyed and dissected the Hotel Costes series and Claude Challe's sumptuous offerings in Les Bain Douches, Nirvana Lounge and Sun, this will be only 'good'. But maybe my ears are spoilt now. That said, this is a very good disc to own, especially since Claude & Stephane charge what must be European-style prices for theirs. Ca Vaux la Peine! I would also suggest 'Suite 706 (at Hyatt Regency) Paris -Madeleine' from the same Milan-BMG label. Ste 706 is more sexy runway model music, but it is good merde.

FANTASTIC! "Slip into Something more Comfortable", WOW! Heard this at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles while having dinner at "Asia de Cuba". Had to ask what CD was playing! One of my favorite CDs in my collection now!

I'm not going to write a deep analysis of this CD. I don't think it's necessary in this case. I got this CD as a gift. No matter where I bring it and who I play it to, I get such a flow of exciting emotions from people: "What is it? Where did you get it?" It's a great mix of amazing music and you just simply have to get it- no excuses!

the first time i listened to man ray i was sitting at my desk concentrating on a project and found myself bobbing my head to the music. it was amazing how smoothly the rhythm of the album penetrated my mind without taking my trains of thought away. man ray is ultra groovy and works for those times you want to chill or as background music to a dinner or.. anything basically. i really like the nitin sawhney track. her voice is sweet. the esthero track is cool too. overall, there really isn't a track i would want to skip when listening. check it out!

This is the first step of one ambicius project. I have been recently into the Man Ray club in Paris. The ambient it's much more better than what you can see from the photos in the cover.
Also the music it's more useful into the club than outside in your house. Anyway the Cd its ok with some very interesting songs : Sven Van Hees, Esthero,Burti 49 and Nikodemus. In particular i don't agree to chose the opening of the cd with a song like Dampfschiff (Dzhian e Kamien they have a lot of more impressive songs!)Waiting for the man-ray 3 this first cd it's better than the number 2. If you have the chances to be in Paris you must go in the Man-Ray club/restaurant!

This album is just Fantastic day or night. Not a single track is disappointing. If you enjoy Jazz, Lounge music this is a MUST have.

WOW! What a fantastic mix on this CD! Best tracks: Kinobe's "Slip Into Something...", Esthero's "Superheroes" (this track alone deserves 5+ stars!), Lemon Jelly's "A Tune for Jack" and Buscemi's "Ramiro's Theme". There's also a bonus track from Sheila Chandra that will have you floating on air (what a VOICE!). All the cool-minded heads out there will enjoy this disc to no end. Buy this CD along with Stephane Pompougnac's "Hotel Costes 3" and you got it made in the shade!

This album will appeal to fans of Kruder & Dorfmeister, and is a nice album to chill to. I was most impressed with the latter half of the album. Tracks 9 and up are hot and will before long be played to death in the best restaurants and clubs of New York City.

My only complaint is that some of the tracks (Esthero track and Nickodemus track in particular) are nice, but have been played to death. I'm not even sure if the Esthero track was remixed at all. If you own the Esthero album, you own this track. Ditto Nickodemus.

Also, it would be nice to know something about "Man Ray." Not the artist--but the DJs who put this album together. The liner notes are sparse.

Overall, a solid addition for any downbeat fan's collection. But when is the next K&D album coming out . . . ?!?

This was a really great buy. I love the mellow tone and vibe this music gives out. Very calm and lounge. I originally got it for the superheroes track but instantly fell in love with the rest of the tracks. Kinda Starbucks music type but MUCH MUCH better.