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Oozes quality...

Vibealive | 07/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you fancy something chilled out & relaxing but with some deep & sophisticated latin vibes check out Kinkysweet's first release in their new 'Vibes' series of CD compilations (future 'Vibes' to include jazz, disco, funk etc). "Latin Vibes: Lounge Selection" reflects and collects on an array of production talent from some of the worlds coolest labels including, HiTop, Lovemonk, Papa & Freerange as well as introducing 14 (yes 14!) previously unreleased tracks making it a must have for both the sophisticated music fan & DJ alike.



The album is an intriguing exploration of how the many forms of latin music have subtly infiltrated the consciousness of so many of today's contemporary producers representing the new, sophisticated tastes of a wider audience. A perfect accompaniment to the poolside, beach or barbeque, this classy selection incorporates a wonderful balance of style & substance where the traditional rhythms of Latin America blend smoothly with cutting edge contemporary production values and soulful musicality, taking you on a smooth evocative sun drenched trip from Rio to Madrid and back, all from the cool and comfort of your convertible...



Here's a selection of feedback:



Oozes quality - Rainer Truby

A richly contemporary, cultured blend of sophisticated Latin American dance music - Bar Code

For lovers of stylish 'son' and gorgeously supine bossa - DJ Mag

A great example of elegance in music combining jazz and hot latin grooves - Pitch Adjust

If you're looking for a chill out album with a difference then chose this - Beatzbase

Exquisitely chilled, intelligently crafted (...)

'Very few will come close to matching such a pedigree selection - What's On in London

An array of compilations out there, but this one is done with style ! - Pathan"

A Remarkable Improvement

bordersj2 | Boston | 06/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over the Destination Rio album, that is. I was so turned off from that album, I probably put up my most negative review ever on this site. There wasn't a fresh spark to it, and it was lacking in sampling what's new and out there. But this one - Latin Vibes, is a major improvement. Admittedly, I didn't know it was Kinkysweet putting it together (I still check out Seamless "BarGrooves" albums from time to time. Had I known, I might've passed based on the Destination album. But I was very pleasantly surprised with this one (although I have yet to give it the test in a computer).



One of the more impressive things about the album is it's truthfulness in the title. It's more of an overall latin vibe... not just "Brazilian Electronica", but there's also Spanish influenced music as well and some great latin house & jazz. Very neat blends. So as not to go through two discs of songs, expect to hear a deep beat, excellent flute work, acoustic guitar and neat effects in the music. A really cool, tripped out latin experience in general, highlighted by Moodswings, Shawn Ward, Favela 5 and others. And that's CD1. CD2 starts out a bit shaky, but eventually warms up. Mondomo's track is a throw-away IMO - I never got into it when I first heard it on Cafe Copacabana. A bit too... not over the top, but the electronic voice takes away from the tune and is a sample that should've been left out. But the entire album really does have a sort of ambient vibe, even if the bossa feels a bit too dramatic. Some top cuts there were Malena's "No Me Digas Nada" (remember their popular "Para Ti" fro ma while back). This track reminds me of some of the old S-Tone Inc. songs from the early 2000's with Manuela Ravagliolli (SP?). Great soul! I thought "Fireside" was pretty interesting too.. nice little touch there with the horns, has a real sort of "Sunset on the West Coast USA" feel. Then the album ends with a pretty dreamy song dedicated to a giant melting pot of latin culture (today), Miami.



So this is a pretty good compilation. Real ambient, latin vibes perfect for lounging. Granted I couldn't listen to disc two all the way through, but there are some terrific songs here. Admittedly, I've had this one for a while but never tried to load it into the pc for iTunes or Rhapsody, Media Player etc. so I couldn't tell you if the wretched copy protect is still on this. If so, I'll adjust the star ranking tomorrow. :) Otherwise, it's a pleasant enough album - not a Brazilectro/Brazilution or Brazilian Love Affair threat by any stretch, but a cut above the criminally priced "Cafe Copacabana" import and obviously better than Frequent Flyer: Rio. So if you like this, check out Brazilectro and Nova Latino. You definitely want to catch the "Latin Deluxe" series, although it's hard to find now. And you'll probably like "New Latinaires" too."