Hotel Costes, Vol. 2: La Suite CD - Import

An eclectic collection of jazz-styled funk with a dash of cocktail lounge marks Costes La Suite as another standout by France's Stephane Pompougnac. And the resident DJ of the famous Hotel Costes certainly knows his stuff, mixing up more funky, uplifting house that powers these predominantly English-sung tracks. The funk-filled beats of Lovetronic's "You Are Love" is a standout, while "Carnaval de Sao Vicente," sung by Cesaria Evora, is a mood-setting piece worthy of any '70s-styled B-grade film. Occasionally the album careers towards the cheesy end of lounge, as in "Symphatique," but, otherwise, there's nary a low point. An eclectic mix which maintains a steady groove, Pompougnac continues to find a much sought after balance: music that stands out in its own right and yet makes the perfect backdrop while entertaining friends. Just like at the Hotel Costes, really. ~ Brendan Swift

1999 release, French DJ/Artist St‚phane Pompougnac's second installment in this popular series featuring the best tracks heard at France's premiere club, bar and cafe. The Hotel Costes series serves as a ''tastemaker'' (read: trendsetting) for the rest of the world. His penchant for choosing the very best music for this series burns bright as he incorporates tracks on this outing from De-Phazz, Pink Martini, Mo' Horizons, I:Cube and others. Feel free to luxuriate with the sounds and splendor of the most relaxing place in Paris with the upper crust. The ''C“stes'' brand is forever linked with the ultimate in quality and is renowned with patrons as the home of luxury in Paris. After all, the overriding theme is ''all things in excess.''

DJ: Stéphane Pompougnac.