Search - Various Artists :: Hed Kandi: Beach House 04.03

Life's a Beach.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 08/28/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Moments of pool party bliss can be found in Hed Kandi's "Beach House," a 2-CD collection of summer dance grooves compiled by Mark Doyle. As with the rest of the Hed Kandi releases, "Beach House" is for the more sophisticated and mature dance music lover, and let it be said that some of the best tracks on ANY of their collections can be found here. Unlike "Disco Kandi" or "Disco Heaven," the tracks (all unmixed) on "Beach House" are a bit more laid back and are suited for relaxing afternoons at the cookout, by the shore, or during a late summer party. The highlights? Zaab and State of Soul's "When I Hold You" is flat-out flawless and best represents the mood and spirit of the "Beach House" series. An inviting melange of spicy guitars and a bold sax set to a disco beat, it's nearly worth the price of this double disc. Another standout on side one is the synth-heavy "Your Day" by Organic Audio. Though not house music in the traditional sense, it is a seductive slice of electropop that has a vague 1980's feel. Yet, I reluctantly give this release just 4 stars because of the second disc, which is still quite good but just doesn't match up to its superior first disc. Late Night Alumni's "Empty Streets" is pretty good, while Louie Vega and Jay "Sinister" Sealee's "Diamond Life" and A Man Called Adam's "Barefoot in the Head" are sure to get nods of approval from anyone within earshot. As of this writing, summer is drawing to its inevitable close, but "Beach House" is solid enough to play at any season, all year round."

Variety packed into 2 cd's

soulelement | CA United States | 11/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i was a little reluctant to buy the cd, considering i had been a bit disappointed with the first beach house album. i bought the 4.02 album and i have to say i was pretty amazed with that one.. so i thought perhaps 4.03 would be a step forward in the right direction. luckily, this cd was definitley so! the first cd is definitley more mellowed out, probably stuff you'd listen to while you relax... but the second cd packs more of a punch with the beat. very melodic and groovy with many good selections! lots of piano, saxophones, and guitar.. i especially enjoy julius papp's, "your life." the one thing i have noticed with most of my hed kandi purchases is that although not all the songs on the compilations are "wow!," they always manage to put several tracks that are absolutely amazing, making the whole purchase worth it."

Absolutely intoxicating

ethereal | manila | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"iv just recently acquired a copy. im not even done absorbing the whole disc1, thats because im outright infatuated with disc2. late night alumni's empty streets, beautiful and bittersweet. glider's riding high, picks you up and soars to the roof of your mouth. volta's never been kissed, oozing with suuugaaaar! papp's your life, releases those endorphins!
this album is not fine exotic chocolate. its the local brand (and spiked with liquor) that youll always love coz it reminds you of youthful emotion."