Search - Various Artists :: Paris Lounge V.1

Good Double Set

bordersj2 | Boston | 09/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Paris Lounge series now spans 4 volumes and the recipe for each is the same. One side daytime lounge, the second side up-beat house and an occasionally beat heavy nu-jazz cut. The series is released and distributed by Wagram, which also released the St. Germain Des Pres Cafe series, Hotel Costes series along with Berlin Lounge, London Lounge, New York Lounge, etc.



This one, the first one, is actually my favorite! It's a bit older, released back in 2001, but the songs on it bring back some good memories. From CD1 - Paris by Day, the opening Troublemaker's cut lets you know you're on a light and easy going voyage. Llorca's "The End" is kickin' on it too. But Zimpala's "Doo You Bop" is the gem... epitomizing French lounge with that old style swing. "Lovelight" by Stereo Action Unlimited (STRONG tie with Gotan Project and Boyz from Brazil) is a smooth cut too. And as is the case with every Paris Lounge cd, you have a bit of the Paris hip-hop scene. CD 2, Paris by Night, has some cool cuts on it too. In fact, CD 2 of this one I enjoyed more than the others. Stephane B, CD.D.D, Stephane Pompougnac (Costes DJ), St. Germain and Next Evidence have some cuts. THe real gem of CD 2 - a nu-jazz cut off of Reminiscence Quartet TOUGH to find feature cd titled 'Inspiration'. The cut itself is nothing new, but it fits the mood.



I recomend this - however Paris Lounge 1 wasn't flawless. While I dig Jene Moreau, I don't know if her cut really fits in here. And there is some general filler on both of the CD's. But through in through, it's a strong compilation that I've enjoyed. Further, if you like this be sure to check out the other Paris Lounge compilations and French comps on this label. Just know that this is a double disc set, and none of the recent Costes or Des Pres Cafe's can boast this. However shop around, the Paris Lounge series is pretty expensive on amazon and be careful of overlap between the different compilations. Before spidering out for the individual artists, make sure that the cut your looking for is on that feature'd artist' cd... for example, the Zimpala track isn't on Almaviva... and "Breeze is Black" just came out in 2003 so it wasn't on that either."

Paris Lounge?

blutgraff | 03/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just picked up both new releases from Paris. One is called Paris Lounge and the other Paris Under a Groove. I own both of these compilations and Paris Under A Groove is a bit better produced with stronger tracks. This is a more eclectic album compilation of all french artists including St Germain. It is more varied with downtempo, club, house, deep house, jazz electronica, electro, trip hop and some cool vocals. Check it out and visit Paris with Paris Under A Groove."