Chillout 06: The Ultimate Chillout CD

Delerium/Sarah Mclachlan/James Holden/Talk Talk/Postal Servic

Personnel: Zoe Johnston , Steve Edwards , Shirli McAllen (vocals); Ashwin Sood (drums); Bent (programming).
Audio Mixers: Chris Potter ; Dave Bascombe; Greg Reely; Mike Hiratzka; Pierre Marchand; Steve Osborne.
Audio Remixers: Rich Mowatt; Andy Bury; Kevin Brazell; Kevin Bazell; Alpha; Mike Hiratzka.
Recording information: Paradise In The Hood Studio, Venice, CA; STratosphere Sound, New York, NY.
Photographer: Pete Soos.
Arrangers: Kevin Brazell; Kevin Bazell; Mike Hiratzka; Bent.
Flexing their strong licensing muscle once again, Nettwerk presents the well-chosen Chillout 06: The Ultimate Chillout. Their licensing power nabs big names like Sarah McLachlan, the Postal Service, Talk Talk, and Delerium, but where Nettwerk always succeeds and surprises with their Chillout series is with the lesser knowns. The collection would be less desirable without the lazy indie rock of the Perishers, the trippy sexiness of Holden & Thompson, and the otherworldly experimentalism of Ulrich Schnauss. The label once again pushes the definition of "chillout" to include much more upbeat numbers than most lounge DJs would spin, but nothing here will wake the neighbors, let alone the family cat. Of course, most DJs don't think out of the box as much as this collection does, and with Chillout 06 being able to juggle such diverse styles while remaining smooth and hip, it's easy to recommend. ~ David Jeffries
This 14-song collection features mellow pop tunes from Ian Brown, the Perishers, and others. One of the key contributors to THE ULTIMATE CHILLOUT is Sarah McLachlan, who lends a colorful remix of her tune "World on Fire" to this compilation. Containing rainstorm effects, washy electric guitars, and an entrancing drum and bass groove, this song brims with intrigue and portent.
The Postal Service's "Against All Odds" is another highlight on THE ULTIMATE CHILLOUT. Their cover of the 1984 Phil Collins hit begins with a fuzzy, monophonic vocal that abruptly shifts into stereo on the song's bridge; this contrast makes this romantic lyric resonate deeply. San Ilya's version of "Bellissimo" rounds out the release. One of the most beautiful tracks included here, this song features gorgeous orchestral swells, sparkling harp glissandos, and vibrant brass flourishes. All of this is set against the occasional distorted guitar riff and jazzy clarinet line. Unlike many relaxation albums, THE ULTIMATE CHILLOUT is not composed of ambient sounds or minimalist keyboard layers. In contrast, this compilation spotlights a number of creative pop artists whose music stimulates just as much as it relaxes.