Search - Various Artists :: Chillin at the Playboy Mansion

MOVE OVER DIMITRI FROM PARIS!!!

Darrell L. Lee | Jackson, MS | 08/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first bought Dimitri from Paris' "A Night at the Playboy Mansion" and although he his an outstanding DJ and mixer in his own right, I really found very little interest in that CD...It was too disco-ey...DJ/Mixer extraordinaire Chris Coco has now assumed the reigns of the Playboy Mansion series and honestly he does a way better job than Dimitri does in musical selections and variety. Whereas Dimitri stuck to a certain redundant formula, Coco eases you in and out of the various styles of electronica and chill out. Disc 1 is aptly named "City Nights" and is a sure delight for you party goers and club hoppers...But for those expecting a bunch of disco beats, drum and bass or heavy techno, that, it is not...Disc one offers very subdued house beats with just the right touch of funk and jazz. Check out songs from Ralph Myers and the Jack Herrin Band, the Funky Lowlives, Chris Coco himself, Dzihan and Kamien, Nick Holder, Saville Robots, Kaori and Sepia. All perfectly mixed together just as well as DJ Stephane Pompougnac of the Hotel Costes series would do it, if not better. There's also a pleasant and impressive rendition of the infamous rap song "Hot in Herre" from some dude named Tiga. I can almost stomach it a little better than the original (and overplayed) version from Nelly. Disc two "After Hours" slows it down a few notches with a plethora of downtempo music. This is in fact my favorite of the two CDs. Afterlife's mysterious "Shine" is beautiful, as well as Chungking's haunting "Bubble Love" and Easy Access Orchestra's cinematic "The Affair." El Gran Lopfsky's funky "Mumbo Jumbo" sounds like it belongs on disc one with it's uptempo flava, but it still somehow nicely fits here. Thievery Corporation's "Facing East" could have been left off all together, but other than that, disc 2 still shines with killer tracks sure to relax you after that loong stressful night of partying. Just try not to pass out from over-indulgence, otherwise you'll never really know."

Sexy-cool beats for a complete night out

Mike Stanley | New Orleans, LA | 06/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In Chris Coco's introduction inside the CD, he recommends that you use CD#1 to get you ready for a night out while you groom, dress, etc. It's fairly uptempo and optimistic and I agree that it does the trick. It makes me feel like I'm ready to conquer the town in a suave, Jay Gatsby-like way.CD #2 is a noticeable change of pace. It's for when you return with company. You should fire up the flaming lamps, pour a couple of drinks, and try to coax your company to get a little more comfortable. This is a great package, it feels very "wintry" with the beats, yet it's still pleasant and upbeat. It's definately something that people will like the first time they hear it. And it makes you feel sexy, cool, and squeaky clean. I'd definately recommend it to anyone who likes european music."

Just chillin'

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 05/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am such a huge fan of downtempo music. It is one of my favorite sub-genres of dance music, let alone music in general. I consider myself an afficienado of downtempo. I am a big fan of the Buddha Bar/Chill Out in Paris/Siddharta series in particular. Of course there is a lot of dull, predictable, boring downtempo music (i.e the Ultra Chilled and Ultimate Chillout series). My lastest chill out acquisition is "Chillin at the Playboy Mansion". I was always intrigued by this cd. Like the Buddha Bar series there are two discs, one disc is more uptempo and the second cd is more relaxing, downtempo to be exact. I have to admit I was not really all that impressed with the first disc (the City Nights disc). I couldn't believe that someone did a cover of that horrid Nelly song "Hot in Herre". That was not good IMO. I liked the last 3 or 4 songs on the cd but otherwise, I couldn't get into it. The second cd (the After Hours disc) on the otherhand is the stand out disc for me. The songs were much more mellow and soothing to listen to. The After Hours disc is perfect for when you come home from clubbing or to throw in during a dinner party. The songs were excellent. I especially loved tracks #7-9. Those songs eally stood out for me. Although the cd isn't perfect, I still enjoyed it immensely."