Various Artists: "Shaken Not Stirred" Rykodisc, RCD 50335 (2CDs, 140 mins)
Dial-a-track code: 1641
Various Artists: "This is Easy"
Virgin, 41535. (37 mins)
Dial-a-track code: 1751
Let's nail a lot of the nonsense about so called Lounge Music, once and for all. It used to be called middle of the road, in general, or make out music in its more mellow mode, but has now rolled back into vogue as a form of chill out music in dance clubs. In other words, it has moved all the way from make out to chill out music, which is part of the same circle, right? The problem is that quality control also seems to have been put on ice, in terms of the glut of lounge music compilations now flooding the marketplace. So, choose carefully.
Joseph Lanza - the man who, in his book Elevator Music, predicted the lounge music revival at least a year before it began - provides the sleeve notes for Shaken Not Stirred, a collection of cocktail tunes. Buy the book instead. If, on the other hand, you want only one compilation, opt for Virgin's generously packed pot pourri of crass, kitsch and decidedly idiosyncratic tunes, including Aretha Franklin, Mason Williams, Hugo Montenegro and the great Isaac Hayes.
Various artists: "Ultra Lounge Vol 4: Bachelor Royale"
Capitol, 35177 (51 mins)
Dial-a-track code: 1861
Various Artists: "Ultra Lounge Vol 5: Wild, Cool and Swinging"
Capitol, 35972 (49 mins)
Dial-a-track code: 1971
Various Artists: "Ultra Lounge Vol 6: Rhapsodesia"
Capitol, 36128 (47 mins)
Dial-a-track code: 2081
Part of a six volume series, these really are the only three CDs worth placing anywhere near your hi fi system, low light switch, bottle of wine and whatever other tools of seduction you need. To paraphrase Noel Gallagher's claim about Bacharach's music, if you can't get your prey into bed after hearing Rhapsodesia, in particular, forget it. As a title that obviously is a cute pun on aphrodisiac, it couldn't be better described, specifically tracks like Julie London's thigh tingling reading of Go Slow, with lyrics like "when love is slow/How the mercury does climb".
Equally, the Wild, Cool And Swinging collection is a delight, with songs like Fever, for that jaunty morning after yet maybe once again music. And as for Bachelor Pad Royale, well, that's ideal for when you want to begin the process all over again. For those lucky enough not be interested in sex, it also contains some astoundingly imaginative, and bouncy, arrangements of classics like Caravan.
Various Artists: "The History of Space
Age Pop Vow 1: Melodies and Mischief
BMG, 07863 666' 45 (43 mins)
Dial a track code: 2191
Various artists: The History of Space Age Pop Vol 2: Mallets in Wonderland"
BMG, 07863 66646 (49 mins)
Dial a track code: 2301
Various Artists: "The History Of Space Age Pop Vol 3: The Stereo Action Dimension"
BMG, 07863 66647 (42 mins)
Dial a track code: 2411
A fun set, more than anything else, exploring the sometimes gimmicky split of stereo channels which was de rigueur when the world first discovered stereophonic sound. Better are the arrangements by the likes of Henry Mancini, and the Sauter Finegan Orchestra. Ideal for dinner parties and for chill out clubs, where music aspiring towards the third dimension is obviously appreciated.
Various Artists: "The Man From Ipanema"
Verve, 31452 58802 (3 CDs, 3 hrs)
Dial a track code: 2521
This is where music some might see as M-O-R reveals itself to be art. The Man From Ipanema is also the definitive Jobim compilation, easily superseding all previous collections by the Brazilian songpoet. Three CDs lovingly dedicated, in turn, to his vocal work, orchestral tunes and cover versions. From the title track through to other bits like Desatinado, Aqua De Beher and less frequently played recordings like Passarin, this is music of the highest order and couldn't come more highly recommended.
