Sunday, July 28, 2013

Compilation Review// Cafe del Mar Classical

HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU SEE THE WORD COMPILATION SNIFFED AT LIKE THE PROVERBIAL UNWANTED?

As the hot weather gives us all miniature shocks and tans it's time for that essential companion to a sunny day to come out and play. In the case of this companion, quite literally - the latest Cafdel Mar release finds the legendary series team up with Decca records for a collection of classical tracks with an electro ambient twist.




COMPILATIONS ARE SOMETHING WE'RE NOT USUALLY PRONE TO FEATURING BUT VERY OCCASIONALLY A COMPILATION CAN HELP YOU REDISCOVER THAT BAND YOU'VE FALLEN OUT OF LOVE WITH OR OFFER THE CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN MUSICAL TERMS FOR YOUR LISTENING TIME. IN THE INTERESTS OF THE LATTER WE LISTENED TO CLASSICAL AND WE HAVE TO SAY, WE ENJOYED IT.

There's much written of lounge bar compilations being just that - music to sip overpriced cocktails over. But having been party to many a lounge bar evening we have to say that certain music was designed for chilled evenings out. Just like your aperitif - there's a time and a place for certain genres and Classical finds it's moment in the vibes of an evening that doesn't want to let the heat go just yet but isn't going to make any drops of sweat on your brow.



Thus we would describe the listening experience of Classical to be one that should be cherished rather than scowled at. Yes - it's chilled out electro but that's what brings the ambiance to the surrounds that offer such sanctuary to their guests. And as fans of the majestic work of Miles Davis - often heard in bars as wine is consumed we have to concede that the music is doing just what it's supposed to.



There's some smooth moments on here, most notably a stirring, electro circus like version of Aquarium (Saint-Sa ns) by William Orbit, always worth a listen for his impressive brush strokes of sound that remain timeless. A version of Pavane by D*Note that aches with a pain is also made all the more effective by the minimal production that captivates the ear perfectly.



As a whole the album is mixed cleverly, with highs and lows mixed into the calm. Classical music can be a potent force and on this compilation it's manipulated and moulded in ways that diminish this force not a bit - chill out may be the key here but played at the right moment and this could be the key to an inspiration far more potent than even the strongest concoction you can obtain.



REVIEWED BY SEBASTIAN GAHAN.



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