Search - Various Artists :: Crepuscule for Cafe Apres-Midi 2

Painfully beautiful and arty...

yipyipcoyote | 04/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What we have here is an irresistible Japan-only Crepuscule compilation, packed to the brim at 79 minutes, chock-full of rarities and/or simply beautiful music from the likes of Isabelle Antena (no less than 5 tracks by her), Pale Fountains, Cathy Claret, Thomas Dolby, Gavin Bryars, The French Impressionists, Border Boys... Some tracks, for example 'Something on my mind' and 'Airwaves' (from 'From Brussels With Love'), appear as earlier, alternative versions for the label. The style, of course, is not representative of the entire Crepuscule catalogue (which ranges from Cabaret Voltaire to Cybill Shepherd, hmmm), as the title sort of dictates the choice of tracks. Nothing too 'rock' or 'experimental' here, the cuts tend to be on the light, soothing side - a mixture of jazz, bossa nova, latin, neo-acoustic pop, and classical. Perfect music for the summer. And get the first volume too."

A Classic

yipyipcoyote | 07/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation has such a high sugar content only the robust need apply. Once you get over the quavering, pitch-imperfect vocals and tooth-achingly sweet arrangements, its pop genius is revealed. Here is music only 20-25 years old, yet already sounds like it came from another planet; a time when pop was still optimistic and daringly experimental. There's the odd stinker (The French Impressionists are like a bad watercolour), but overall this is stuff that can induce a positive change in mood."

Some gems

B. McGowan | dublin, ireland | 11/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Cafe Apres Midi compilations can be real hit or miss c.d.s. They are compiled by Tokyo based DJs who seem to be vynyl purists (in some cases I can discern the presence of vynyl hiss and scratch coming off of LPs!) The collections invaribly include a lot of French pop tunes from the swinging sixties, and a lot of bossa nova. The real surprises come in the form of tracks like Thomas Dolby's "Windpower." (unreleased demo version) This one track redeems the entire compilation. Incidentally, the Apres Midi Music compilations are used by lunchtime cafe's through out Japan to provide a stylish retro laidback ambience. They're perfect for cocktail parties and Sunday brunches. Your guests will undoubtably ask, "where did you get this music?""