Customer Reviews

Putumayo Presents: Euro Lounge

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is the follow-up to Putumayo's World Lounge, and it covers pretty much the same electronica-gone-global ground. Despite collecting artists from across the continent -- from Belgium to Turkey -- it is somewhat less diverse than its predecessor; about a third of the selected artists are not very distinguishable from each other, as they tend to employ the same methods of intregrating electronica with pop and folk elelments.

Nonetheless, there are stand-outs in the mix and the notables are German-Chilean duo Mambotur, Italian songster Daniele Silvestri, and young spanish innovator Mastretta, whose songs each are colorful, humorous and distinctive, helping add a bit of balance to the steady chill-out factor of the overall album. Other attention grabbers: Turk Ilhan Ersahin, whose track "Girl" is a lovely, lush blend of electronica and Middle Eastern elements, topped off with sweetly Bjorkesque vocalist Nil Karamibrahumgil; and septugenarian songtress Vanja Lazarova, whose traditional folk stylings mix impressively well with fellow Macedonian and technopopster Kiril's electronica backdrop.

In keeping with Putumayo's high standard for producing worthwhile compilations, all the music presented on this album is of quality and none of the tracks are truly bad (admittedly, however, I can pass on Bossa Nostra's English-lyric'd "Jackie" and Arling & Cameron's overextended "Voulez-vous?"). So even if some of the tracks, when pitted against each other, show some limitations, I can easily recommend this to anyone who interested in the latest trends in world music. And besides, it's still hipper than anything you'll hear on The Gilmore Girls.

Europe is a mixed bag musically,despite all the disparate countries now being the European Union.This explains the varying quality of Putumayo's European compilations;while I enjoy "Greece:A Musical Odyssey",with its combination of modern&traditional elements as well as "Athens to Andalucia",I find "Paris"&"French Cafe" sappy&annoying.

So it is with "Euro Lounge." The Lounge series is one of Putumayo's best series."Euro Lounge" isn't the strongest,but it's still good.It has a continental sensibility,reflecting France,Italy,the Netherlands,Spain--and even Macedonia&Turkey.


Highlights-
1)Un Simple Histoire-Thievery Corporation adds its own trip hop twist to chanson.
2)Limbe-An ethereal composition from Italy.It's also got bhangra,which makes it worthy.
3)Salpica-A funny techno Latino tune.Mambotur has a sense of fun.Now I should get some Senor Coconut,with his techno Latino twist of Kraftwerk with his "El Baile Aleman."
4)Girl-A mysterious,jazzy tune from Turkey.Smooth Turkish jazz--it's Turkish delight.
5)Sweet Sadness-Another easygoing,bittersweet tune from Italy.
6)Stojne Bre Mome Kocansko-A hypnotic tune sung by a septuganerian from Macedonia.
7)El Ultimo Habitante del Planeta-A humorous tune from Spain,complete with a theremin fit for a '50s sci-fi movie.
8)Voulez-vous?-Arling&Cameron at their cheesy best.

"Sempre de domenica"&"Non Sarai Mai" are okay compositions from Italy.

While not the best of Putumayo's Lounge CDs,it is one of their better European compilations.It's a relaxing CD,fit to accompany tapas&Sangiovese.

This CD does a good job as Putumayo's second installment to their lounge CD collections. With beats from all across Europe, this CD goes to the heart of Euro-Lounge music. This is one of the best lounge CDs I've had the pleasure of listening to and am quite impressed with it. Also, the cover art-work, in my opinion, is very cool. I verily recommend this album to any and all who are fans of this type of music.

i discovered this cd while browsing in a small shop in kapa'a, kauai. we spent the rest of our holiday listening to the gentle beats of salpica and limbe. i am addicted. when we got home, i promptly purchased an s-tone and mambatour albums - we were not disappointed!

All through college, when I had a paper to write or some serious studying to get done, this album was my music of choice. It's perfect background music. Mellow yet full of movement, atmospheric yet fun. Grab a cup of coffee and it's like having your own private artsy coffee shop.

Putumayo has come out with some fantastic world music albums, and this is no exception. The artists come from all over Europe -- and not just western Europe either. Turkey and Macedonia are represented right alongside Italy and the Netherlands. But this isn't just European folk music like on many world music albums available in the states. Genres from easy listening to electronica make their appearance. The music is wonderful: it's jazzy, it's contemporary, it's real.

I love the flow of the album -- the blend of sounds and genres on the different tracks. Three tracks particularly stand out to me: "Mambator" is a groovy blend of techno sounds and latin rhythms, which is just plain fun. "Sweet Sadness" lives up to its name: its melancholy harmonies are sweet yet sad, and are combined with an unexpected rhythmic structure. Vanja Lazarova's very Middle Eastern melody in "Stojne Bre Mome Kocansko" is quite lovely and haunting as it weaves through an underlying driving rhythm.

very relaxing!!!! it is always fun to listen to something other than your regular music you've learned to love. This cd was a discovery for me that I'll cherish for years.

I was having an expresso martini in my favortie French Bistro and this was playing in the background. People commented on how different each song was, some in foreign languages. If you are having a high style party this background
CD adds sophistication and your multi lingual guest can interpret it for you. Maybe it was the Martini...but I love it.

Love this product and the seller is super to work with. We'll do more business in the future!

This is a good compilation, especially the strong Italian tracks. About 6 songs rate a 5 Star, and the other 6 songs rate a 4 Star. Not a bad one in the bunch, although a few are more pop than lounge. The CD is worth it for tracks 2 and 11 alone.

I love this CD! Great selection, various styles, it says on the jacket that it's guaranteed to make you feel good, and it's true!