Sounds from the Verve Hi-Fi

I remember the first time I listened to a record by Thievery Corp. I became instantly aware of how different their sound is. I could not help wonder where this pair gets their inspiration, and what serves them so well in their constant stream of well engineered sounds.Well...this is it!I think they did a great job in letting their public know what inspires them to conceive the sounds they so well create.The songs in this compilation range from Bossa Nova to early Latin Jazz...a truly remarkable spectrum of early sounds that planted the seed for part of what is now known as loounge music.

I first heard this compilation in the Pacific Restaurant in Dublin. I asked the server for the name of the CD and ordered it right away. I'm a boomer and was heavily into the "Top 10". Finally, I've matured beyond that. Thievery has done a great job of placing the music so that it flows along. The instrumentals are catchy enough to linger in your head and complex enough to engage you in multiple listenings. First rate. I'm ordering this for my daughter!

I will repeat this later, but I think fans will want to know that this is NOT an ESL release. It's compiled by Thievery Corporation for VERVE.THat said, I enjoyed this album. However I think folks that are looking for the next new think from Thievery Corporation would be disappointed. Again, this album is not actually released by the ESL label. This is a "Verve Music" release - so it is heavy heavy jazz and old school. This album is a selection of music compiled by the guys from Thievery Corporation for a "Brazilian Jazz" feeling Verve release. None of their actual music is on this.That said, it's good music. It's true to Verve. However some of the songs that were selected are far from the artists most brilliant works. This would be more along the lines of a "quality tracks that may have been forgotten" sort of compilation. A previous reviewer was very correct when they said this about the Astrud Gilberto song. For Astrud Gilberto, why not "Goodbye Sadness" for example. And Elis Regina, take your pick really. But to hear an awesome version of Bola Com Bala, listen to Joao Bosco's instead. RARELY do I point someone over Elis, but that song, the xinga in it is unmatched.So in short, there are better comps out there - regardless of the tracks you're looking for here. For starters, I would recommend "Nova Bossa", another Verve Bossa Nova release. And there are so many others. But all the artists have done better work. However if you're a collecter, enjoy the B sides, or simply will get anything with Thievery Corporation attached this might be for you.I must admit though... I do LOVE Menina Flor, the first track.

Great service!!!

This is nice music. Jam jazz lol. This is not your typical Thievery Record, you may want to preview it before you buy it. I am happy to expand my record collection in this direction. Good music.

It is worth repeating ; this is NOT a Thievery Corporation disc in the vein of "Mirror Conspiracy " or their latest "The Richest Man in Babylon. " If you have recently been turned on to these guys, like their ability to remix the music and are looking for more of the same stay away from this disc. To use Thelonious Monks title to one of his songs, this is "Straight No Chaser." This is pure and simple some old jazz, of the softer variety and sort of like the roots of acid jazz. Featured are some pretty good selections for newbees to the genre but for grey beards this is a stroll down memory lane;essentially an eclectic compilation leaning towrds the softer sounds of bossa nova and the likes of Latin jazz. Imagine James Bond(the original Sean Connery) strutting with his eye on some obscene named babe, introducing himself as Bond.....James Bond with a martini in hand as the featured "For Mods Only " plays in the background by Chico Hamilton. This is music from the 60's, when spies were spies and Peter Sellers was shagadelic. This was the time when world music was spreading it's wings, east meets west with the introduction of sitars and tablas as in the catchy Richie Havens(he of the "Freedom" cry at Woodstock) number included here entitled "Something Else Again." It was a time when pop rock was making the crossover to jazz artists interpretations as in Astrud Gilberto's version of the Doors "Light My Fire". The musical boundries were beginning to be blurred. Some artists were experimenting with Latin rhythmns. The Latin flavors abound with some tasty offerings by one of the great vibe players Cal Tjader and his "Cuchy Frito Man." A few songs are on the fringe of straight ahead jazz like the the numbers by former John Coltrane pianist Wynton Kelly's Trio entitled "Escapade" or the jazz vocal stylings offered by The Jazz Renegades on "Do it the Hard Way ." All in all this is nice compilation for those softer moments when you want ot create a relaxed mood while you tap your feet without falling asleep.

This record just popped up on shuffle, reminding me how much I love this record! It may not be pure Thievery Corporation, but it is every bit as smooth and lounge-y - I wish they'd do another one like this.

most fans of thievery corporation will be very disappointed with this release. true fans will delight in seeing some very significant influences into their music presented here from the verve label. eric and rob were asked to put together a compilation of their favorite tunes from the verve label (you might remember a similar move by dj cam on his 'honeymoon' release last year). there is no mixing, but this albums provides you with two essential elements: (1) a look at what has inspired the new sound of thievery corporation and (2) a wonderful introduction to the verve label. there is very little electronic on this release, but it is a nice compilation album.

Excellent collection of A+ musicianship.

Top!

CD Review: Verve 2002This recording is a compilation so there can be variations between the tracks. On the whole the sound has been homogenised. Whilst the sound quality is not bad it does sound a little bland and lacking edge.Whilst not an outstanding recording the sound quality is not poor just adequate. Given the eclectic mix of music on this recording the only adequate sound quality is to be expected.I have not set out to write reviews of the music content as “beauty is in the ears of the listener”. These reviews are about the quality (or not) of the recorded sound. To read about how the reviews are done please see my profile. • Clarity – very good, crisp, transparent • Channel separation – excellent left and right definition with a strong centre stereo image • Channel balance a good remix and compilation which has not made the sound to soft and bland • Sound Stage – varies from track to track, but on the whole good. The sound stage is generally very wide and deep. • Distortion – non audible • Compression – the recording does not sound soft and the instruments soar and sound crisp. The dynamic and frequency range is reasonable • Atmosphere – a compilation album so no overall atmosphere and one which can vary widely from track to track. There is a general theme in that the sound is generally quite laid back • Bass – low frequencies – as a compilation there can be significant variations between tracks. The drum sound is generally reasonable, but on the whole it is a little “soft”. Other percussion tends to have a good range and clarity. Bass guitar tends to also sound “soft” and laid back. • Treble – high frequencies – piano and organ sound tends to be well defined and clear. The organ sound is used to bolster the lower and mid range and its sound quality is good. The cymbals can lack shimmer. The guitar sound is very crisp and clear, indeed it is quite distinctive wherever it appears. • Vocals – good, clear well defined.As a general rule of thumb recordings from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s are nearly always better on the original vinyl. Remasters often fail to please as it’s just not possible to make a silk purse from a sows ear, i.e. the original recording lacks the necessary detail to be processed digitally and show an audible improvement. Indeed such processing can make the sound worse.Modern recordings which have been processed digitally from start to finish can be as good as vinyl. CD’s are often unfairly criticised for being poor quality. This is not the case, it is the original recording or the process which is to blame. Modern “remasters” can both enhance and degrade a recording. The statement GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) is the limiting factor. Ignore this at your cost.

Not to bad an album. Has some good tunes as always from the thieves not their best work but added to the collection.