Search - thievery corporation :: Outernational Sound

Solid mix-tape for a classic theivery heist

Daniel C. Wilcock | Washington, D.C. | 07/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Theivery Corp. have built their reputation as tastemakers over the years by releasing records so hypnotic and streamlined that, though most of the music is stolen -- i.e. thievery of sounds--, the brand name Thievery Corporation is another way of saying good taste.So by releasing a CD containing some of their favorite songs, did Thievery live up to its reputation? Yes, mostly. There's no fancy mixing here, and the songs do not always blend together in seemless fashion. But the brothers do dig some gems from their crates 'o wax.The music ranges from South American rhythems to North Atlantic drum and bass to Washington DC dub to the Beatles (off of Sgt. Peppers) to Funk to Asia (but not really) and ends with one of the best Jamaican rocksteady songs, by Delroy Wilson, I've ever heard.To top it all off, the CD is encased in layer after layer of shiny-psychedlic-Warholian-pop-art-packaging - which may be worth the price of admission if that's your thing.My overall impression is that, after spending a decade or so trying to be as effortlessly-cool as possible, Thievery is dying to get a little funky. They've amassed wealth through many heists, and this mix-tape album is their chance to just let the good times roll. If you're looking for high art, go elsewhere. But if you're looking for an intruiging mix of sounds that would probably do well at a party, check this out. Grade: B."

Fly Sounds

halax64 | DC | 12/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay let's see here. I've listen to The Outnational Sound about 10 times now--once on a plane. I've come to several conclusions. First, this is a very good CD to have on a plane. Secondly, I don't fly enough. Take a seat in a chair (any chair), closes one's eyes, and just listen. Sure you may want to dance on many of the tracks; in particular tracks 5 through 7, but this is definitely a "listening CD." Some of the mixes are a little choppy, but for the most part this is another seamless work by the TC. Garza and Hilton's music knowledge base is freakishly scary. Where do these guys find these cuts. And how in the world can they listen to it all. Whatever voodoo they are using, I shall continue to drink the kool-aid they are serving up. Can't wait for the next flavor!"

Stylish and modern

W. Davidson | Melbourne, Australia | 10/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Thievery Corporation take some time out from creating their own smooth grooves and instead return to their record collection with a trippy compilation of soul, dub, ethnic grooves and, er, reggae, all mixed, remixed and filtered through their fashionable sound lounge.



The 70's easy sound of David Snell's "International Flight" (a track that appeared on the second 'Sound Gallery' compilation) launches the collection with an air of sophistication followed by The Gimmicks equally delightful 1971 Sergio Mendes-ish track Ye-Me-Le (Mendes also recorded this). Then decades start to blur with Thunderball's contemporary take on 60's easy as we hit a groovy oil patch with suave, if somewhat similar, sounds from the likes of Crazy Penis and Block 16.



There's some 70's (either sounding, or really 70's) funk from the likes of Breakestra and Antonio Carlos Jobim (which came as a bit of a surprise, not the bossa style he is generally known for). Interestingly it's often hard to tell which tracks are three decades old and which are contemporary as they meld seamlessly. 18th St Lounge label-mates The Karminsky Experience get a look in with their lush Marrakech via Cambden sound (and can I just take this opportunity to mention their album 'The Power of Suggestion' is very fine). The sitars come out with The Alan Lorber Orchestra and Indian Vibes before Alan Moorhouse (70's British library music composer) lands us squarely in the world of Suzi Wong with the corny 'Expo in Tokyo'. Following are some cool psycho-grooves from The Bobby Hughes Experience before rounding out the collection with some reggae/dub from The Thievery Corporation and Delroy Wilson (the latter I'll admit made me want to rush for the track advance button).



The Outernational Sound is tailor-made to soundtrack cafés or specialist book stores and you could be forgiven for feeling under-dressed or perhaps under-furnished, whilst listening to it (one probably needs 1960's Swiss modern furniture to fully appreciate the Thievery world). I can't help but think that they might benefit from casting their musical net a little less wide, it's the sort of compilation where tracks will be skipped. Also a few less tracks, rather than the snug 20 (in just over an hour), might have allowed a little more breathing room. Still, it's very smooth, very sophisticated, and basically very charming. The shiny silver packaging is truly dazzling, the contents, only very slightly less so.

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