Search - Various Artists :: Ultra Chilled 01

Okay intro to chillout, but there are better ones out there

Daniel Sweeney | Los Angeles, CA | 01/16/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This album does have some nice chillout grooves, but overall i was disappointed in it. I'm not saying that you won't like it, because you probably will, but there are a number of other compilations out there that are much better. If you're new to chillout and are interested in the genre, definitely go with Ministry of Sound's Chillout Sessions 1 & 2 and Ibiza Chillout Session. These are imports CD's and cost $5 to $10 more, but they also have 30+ tracks and are a much better overview of the genre. Trust me, i listen to these cd's constantly and people are always asking me what it is I'm listening to.For those that already own some chillout CD's and are looking to go even further, Hed Kandi's Winter Chill Collection (especially vol. 2) is excellent and contains amazing tracks that you won't find on most compilations. Also, the well-known Cafe Del Mar series boasts a number of CD's containing more great tracks that you won't find anywhere else.My problem with Ultra is that it seems like a "generic" American overview of what is really a genre developed and made popular in Europe. Would you buy a European compilation of rap music? Of course not. And to really get the cream of the chillout crop, pay the extra five bones for the superior European import compilations. You won't be disappointed"

Oh man. Awesome.

Adam Nowek | Vancouver, Canada | 02/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There ARE thousands upon thousands of chillout compilations. It seems like the in thing to do if you're a producer.But this one is still excellent. I purchased this a couple days after it came out, and I've been in love with chillout music ever since; a good introduction indeed.The track selection is a great way to get anyone into chillout. It showcases big names in downtempo (Thievery Corporation, Zero 7, Massive Attack), stuff you've probably never heard of (Royksopp, Dusted), and even commercially available stuff (Dido, Moby, Deep Dish, Chemical Brothers).The first disc is the easier to enjoy of the two, as it's livelier, funkier, and would probably go well with your girlfriend, a couch, and dimmed lights. Standouts on the disc are Zero 7's "Destiny", one of my favourite songs ever, Royksopp's incredibly catchy tune "Eple", and the classic Massive Attack tune "Hymn Of The Big Wheel". The only shortcoming on the disc is I Monster's "Daydream In Blue", which doesn't really fit with the mood of the rest of the CD.The second disc is slightly more abstract and full of lesser known artists. But it does include two very classic tracks: Moby's "Go", and The Future Sound Of London's "Papua New Guinea". Standouts on this disc are Banda Sonora's "Guitarra G", a slick drum+bass track with flamenco guitars, as well as the warm and fuzzy track "16 Again" by Neon Heights.All in all, this collection is well worth your money, especially for someone who is new to the realm of chillout music."

Another chillout album...

forsheez | Sydney, Australia Australia | 04/30/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those of you who haven't an extensive cd collection of chillout beats this cd would make a nice addition to your collection. I recently purchased this cd as it makes a nice compilation including many of the artists I hold in high regard making an appearance. I must say that the track selection is for the most part exceptional with several of my favourites being listed including "Zero 7 - destiny", "Future Sounds of London - Papua new Guinea" an excellent downtempo version which also makes for an excellent dance track via Hybrid's remix, "Massive attack - Hymn of the big wheel" a moving and vocally aesthetic song as only Massive Attack knows how.. and "St Germains - Sure Thing" a popular track regularly played in bars and lounges since its release on "Tourist".
The cd also includes a few more 'commercial' American tracks from Roger Sanchez ,Jakkata, Dido and Gorillaz , each having been mixed to keep in with the deep and downbeat atmosphere created by the rest of the tracks. Personally I don't think these hold up alongside the European masters of chill on the album like Zero 7, K&D, Thievery corporation and St Germain. CD 2 starts to lose its flair after track 10 with a few sterile and rather flat tracks."