Customer Reviews

Ultra Chilled 01

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There ARE thousands upon thousands of chillout compilations. It seems like the in thing to do if you're a producer.

But this one is still excellent. I purchased this a couple days after it came out, and I've been in love with chillout music ever since; a good introduction indeed.

The track selection is a great way to get anyone into chillout. It showcases big names in downtempo (Thievery Corporation, Zero 7, Massive Attack), stuff you've probably never heard of (Royksopp, Dusted), and even commercially available stuff (Dido, Moby, Deep Dish, Chemical Brothers).

The first disc is the easier to enjoy of the two, as it's livelier, funkier, and would probably go well with your girlfriend, a couch, and dimmed lights. Standouts on the disc are Zero 7's "Destiny", one of my favourite songs ever, Royksopp's incredibly catchy tune "Eple", and the classic Massive Attack tune "Hymn Of The Big Wheel". The only shortcoming on the disc is I Monster's "Daydream In Blue", which doesn't really fit with the mood of the rest of the CD.

The second disc is slightly more abstract and full of lesser known artists. But it does include two very classic tracks: Moby's "Go", and The Future Sound Of London's "Papua New Guinea". Standouts on this disc are Banda Sonora's "Guitarra G", a slick drum+bass track with flamenco guitars, as well as the warm and fuzzy track "16 Again" by Neon Heights.

All in all, this collection is well worth your money, especially for someone who is new to the realm of chillout music.

This album does have some nice chillout grooves, but overall i was disappointed in it. I'm not saying that you won't like it, because you probably will, but there are a number of other compilations out there that are much better.

If you're new to chillout and are interested in the genre, definitely go with Ministry of Sound's Chillout Sessions 1 & 2 and Ibiza Chillout Session. These are imports CD's and cost $5 to $10 more, but they also have 30+ tracks and are a much better overview of the genre. Trust me, i listen to these cd's constantly and people are always asking me what it is I'm listening to.

For those that already own some chillout CD's and are looking to go even further, Hed Kandi's Winter Chill Collection (especially vol. 2) is excellent and contains amazing tracks that you won't find on most compilations. Also, the well-known Cafe Del Mar series boasts a number of CD's containing more great tracks that you won't find anywhere else.

My problem with Ultra is that it seems like a "generic" American overview of what is really a genre developed and made popular in Europe. Would you buy a European compilation of rap music? Of course not. And to really get the cream of the chillout crop, pay the extra five bones for the superior European import compilations. You won't be disappointed

For those of you who haven't an extensive cd collection of chillout beats this cd would make a nice addition to your collection. I recently purchased this cd as it makes a nice compilation including many of the artists I hold in high regard making an appearance. I must say that the track selection is for the most part exceptional with several of my favourites being listed including "Zero 7 - destiny", "Future Sounds of London - Papua new Guinea" an excellent downtempo version which also makes for an excellent dance track via Hybrid's remix, "Massive attack - Hymn of the big wheel" a moving and vocally aesthetic song as only Massive Attack knows how.. and "St Germains - Sure Thing" a popular track regularly played in bars and lounges since its release on "Tourist".
The cd also includes a few more 'commercial' American tracks from Roger Sanchez ,Jakkata, Dido and Gorillaz , each having been mixed to keep in with the deep and downbeat atmosphere created by the rest of the tracks. Personally I don't think these hold up alongside the European masters of chill on the album like Zero 7, K&D, Thievery corporation and St Germain. CD 2 starts to lose its flair after track 10 with a few sterile and rather flat tracks.

I am a fuddy-duddy dad with 2 spitfire babes for daughters and this has bridged the gap twixt us. I like melody, so the Dido is just up my street and the hip-hop mix really does add some spice. There are all sorts of names in this bargain double album that i have never heard before - like 'Gorrillaz'? - but for whom I shall keep an ear cocked in the future. I have a feeling that praise from a fogey like *me* spells doom for many of the talented artistes, and for that I apologize.

Not being entirely taken with some of the Ministry of Sound compliations I've heard, I approached this cd with caution. I need not have since it is an excellent complilation of some good and some great songs. It's also a deal. My only complaint is that there seems to be some re-engineering of the songs which can be primarily catorgorized as compression. Thought has definitely been put into the order and presentation. A very pleasant addition to the library.

It seems like the latest trend in electronica music comes in the form of chill out music, and a lot of it is trip hop music to be exact. Ultra Records is the latest to put out a compilation of chill out music. I personally was intrigued by this compilation when I saw a brief advertisement on television. I liked what I heard so I had to get it. Fortunately I immediately fell in love with the music unlike the latest compilation in the Cafe Del Mar series which took me awhile to love. I particularly dug the Chillin' with the Family mix of Dido's "Here With Me". This version adds more electronic textures to the song than the original version has. Plus the remix doesn't sound not nearly as poppy as the original version. I'm not a huge Gorillaz fan considering how overplayed "Clint Eastwood" is but "New Genious" I could tolerate a bit although Damon Albarn has the unfortunate tendency to sound like he is whining. I really loved Morcheeba's "Blindfold". The song selection on this compilation is excellent. Most of the artists on this 2 cd compilation are names I am familiar with but those I am not familiar with like Bent, I was easily captivated by their music. The songs may be edited but for a good reason I think. I don't think Ultra Records would have been able to cram all these artists on the two cd set if they used the full-length versions. I consider each song a sample of the artist's song. This cd is definitely one of the better compilations of chill out music I have heard so far.

This is a great collection of music that you can play in the background of a swank cocktail party. The music is the kind that fills the pauses in your conversation but does not intrude when you are talking. Moreover, it can be background music for anything. The cd is full of some artist's alternative versions which is great if you have the originals. Even if you don't and are not familiar with these artisits, I believe that it will grow on you. If you are tired of the popular music that is out there but still want great music, then this is a must.
CD 1 begins as if it is a classical CD but then merges into a catchy beat which carries you throughout the song and into the rest of the CD. CD 2 continues this journey of relaxing and soothing music via classic Moby and an interpretation of one of Billie Holiday's work.
I don't know how anyone can attach a gender to music which has no boundaries. It is meant to be experimental and cool and anyone without an open mind and ear will only judge it unfairly.

This cd is hot! Ultra Chilled features a wide range of artists- huge acts like Dido and Gorillaz, as well as artists you might recognize only if you're a reader of imported DJ magazines- names like Bent, Zero 7, Royskopp, Goldfrapp, and Dusted.

This is definitely a CD that you can listen to from beginning to end. The order of the tracks is perfect- it takes you on a journey. Whether you're listening to it getting ready for work, coming home from work, in your car, or after a long night of partying- Ultra Chilled fits the mood for many occasions. If you're a music expert or a beginner wanting to explore new artists and new music- Ultra chilled appeals to everyone.

Hands down, THE definitive mix of cool downtempo music.

I suggest the guy who wrote the previous review put down his Bud and get in touch with his inner femme. After all, what is life without magic, mystery, and fantasy, all of which this album provides. Seamlessly put together, it ends up sounding like one track, one artist--and a CD that includes Gorillaz, Moby, and Bent can't be all bad. Who cares if those who made it make money, if they are providing pleasure? I hope that wfrgms' girlfiend(if he has one)will stop beating her head against his hard heart and find someone who appreciates her. After all, if you can't agree on music, what can you agree on?

I have recently discovered chill music and I must say I love it. "Ultra Chilled" has so many songs (first part is very lively, while the second one is 'slower')that it is impossible not to enjoy at least a few of them. Do you like Moby or Dido? If so, you will have the nice surprise of having them both on this compilation with two of their best songs.

It is the kind of CD that you can listen to any moment: when you are at home, in the car, over a nice conversation and a drink or if you come tired from the office and need something relaxing.

I recommend it to everyone who's a fan of this kind of music - it will be a very pleasing and interesting experience.