Customer Reviews

Om Lounge 2

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"...he kept hearing these odd sounds. Over the years, he figured out what they were..."

The vocal snippet from Fila Brazillia's "President Chimp Toe" best summarizes the philosophy behind the latest trend in electronica--trip-hop meets lounge music. While the first in the OM Lounge series included offerings from such up-and-coming chilled beat creators as Thievery Corporation and Jazzanova, "OM Lounge 2" leaves it up to the lesser-knowns to stir the audio cocktails. The first "OM Lounge" was a promising collection of "odd sounds." But this time, the DJs have figured out what to do with these sounds. The effects are staggeringly beautiful.

Congas, flutes, acoustic guitars and even turntable scratches float in and out of the mix, while each song brings its own bag of sonic treats to the table. Swag's "Aug Munch" eclipses the best grooves from Kruder & Dorfmeister. Ming & FS push the hip-hop influence to the foreground and tie it into a jump-up beat on "Bonus Round." Soulstice conjures the cinematic Massive Attack/Portishead feel for the brilliant "Where Were You?" Even on those rare occassions when artists resort to genre staples, the disc never cheats us out of wonder.

At the essence of electronica, you've got people borrowing (or stealing, depending on your point of view) from a wide variety of styles past and present. When Les Baxter and Martin Denny were at the forefront of what's now called exotica back in the late 50s/early 60s, it was essentially the same idea. One of the best discs in this burgeoning sub-genre, "OM Lounge 2," at the very least, makes such intriguing use of old hats that they've become new again.

The Lounge lizards at OM records are back, bringing you more global rhythms and laid-back beats. This time, there's a complete turn-over in the artists, only one returning from the solid but unspectacular original OM Lounge.

That's a good call. Right out the gate you notice an improvement; "Illicity Part 1" is smooth and lively. Fila Brazilla offer a standout piece, the sublime nature-meets-percussion of "President Chimp Toe," and Nail nails it as well with "All This." The fourth track alone is arguably worth getting the album for, Ian Pooley's "What's Your Number," one of the best songs of 1999. Heck, the excellent housey "Don't You Cry" by Gabriel Rene is nestled in at track nine.

It drops off from there, but not by much. "Your Girl," samples what sounds like 50's dreamy pop, "Humid" is deep, if too long, and Ming & FS (turntablists/jungle producers by reputation) offer a surprise, the kick in the pants "Bonus Round." A few tracks at the end don't have much to say, but by then you've been suitably chilled and won't mind.

Varied, lively, and filled with hits, this is the album that gets downtempo lounge right. A-

Om Lounge 2 is dub lounge amalgam that swings funky, slinky, exotic, soulful, and chilled. It is a diverse collection that ranges from itchy, drum `n bassanova to atmospheric tropical rhythms to bouncy breakbeats to rolling, jazzy drag. Om Lounge is grounded and organic to appeal to a few jazzheads and still hip and eclectic to for dub fans. It is a mature and dynamic journey.

This compilation is genius. Pure quality - every song is wonderful...one of those extremely rare albums that you know was worth every penny. Lots of smoky, soulful, swank, hip and at times hip-hoppy rifts that keep you riding along the crest of a wave towards ecstasy. Yet at the same time, this album features music that will help you unwind and relax; an album to drink wine to. Exquisitely acid jazzy and intelligent, the new face of jazz and an album you will not regret buying. An essential for any acid jazz or electronica collection.

I skipped Vol. 1 to purchase Vol.2 because of the reviews which were all 5 stars. I just added my 5 star rating to the ones that were already there; it deserves it. I love this fresh, rhythmic, jazz-rock-funk CD. It is alive with surprise after surprise in the music. New stuff you've never heard-rhythmic guitars, bass lines.

You'll love this CD if you are a fan of contemporary jazz fusion or just a fan of modern music. Also, check out Acid Jazz Volumn One, it's great, too. You'll be rocking down the highway or grooving around your house. Enjoy. Really great music.

So I bought Om Lounge 4 first, but still, this is awesome. The Lounge series of CD's (check out "Hi Fidelity Lounge" also) is a set of complilation (various artist) CD's which create truly unique jazz/electronic atmospheres. A lot like the Peace Orchestra or Filla Brazil. They definately do have a lounge twist though. If you love jazz (especially Samba), or electronic music (especially groove/drum and bass) you will love this whole series of CD's. Perfect for the club you own, or for having a cocktail party at your house. No matter what kind of music you like you MUST check out at least one of the CD's from this series. I bet you will like them.

This CD is a perfect illustration of the pros and cons of the chillout sub-genre of lounge music. On the plus side, the sounds are mellow, aurally atmospheric and sensual, with heavily-mixed pulsing drum rhythms to induce your body to relax and flow with the music. Om Lounge does exactly what it sets out to do. When I put this on, I find myself sliding into a relaxed--yes, chilled out--state of mind.

On the minus side, the tracks often lack strong melodic hooks and the musical edge needed to reward serious listening. When I put this on, I find my attention wanders and I wind up doing other things while the music plays. Om Lounge is great background music, but as listening music there is little here that is challenging or memorable.

There are several exceptions to this rule. For example, I got this CD because I heard "Where Were You?" by Soulstice on an Internet radio station and loved it. This song has a musically edgy and interesting intro featuring a mysterious sci-fi melody over a funky hip-hop beat. The main body of the track features a catchy soul-style female vocal over a funky (but still laid back) midtempo beat. When this song comes on, I always stop to actually listen. If the whole CD were like this, I'd give it 5 stars.

I should emphasize that I still like this CD for what it is, and I recommend it to fans of chillout lounge music. Unlike a lot of compilations, this CD has a seamless feel. There are no out-of-place, awful, or oddball tracks that interrupt the flow or destroy the mood. If you like the genre, you'll like this CD.

Brilliant. Various chilled and uplifting beats, however it does get too chilled at times. Perfect for relaxing and at the same time keeps you going. Track no. 4 by Ian Pooley is definitely one of the best. For those of you who want more vocals and better music on the whole, try Cafe Del Mar from Jose Padilla Volumes nos. 5 and 6.

ian pooley, what's your number. get it. gabriel renee. get it. only a few tracks are dispensible. a must have.

Very good downtempo beats here, honestly. I can't even tell you one bad track. Some you may not listen to that much but frankly each one has its own distinctive flavor and will be nicely accompanied with a beautiful member of the opposite sex and a fine martini.....seriously, buy this and enjoy the sexy yet mellow beats...