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Description
GDRC-573
Dec 02, 1999
USD $12.99
Low Stock
CD 3xLP
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Various - Hi-Fidelity Lounge - Volume One
Guidance Recordings is pleased to announce the release of Hi-Fidelity Lounge, the first volume in a compilation series exploring the diverse spectrum of sounds emerging from the backroom bars, restaurants and lounges of our planet's urban centers. The subterranean selections on this album are a reflection of the eclectic and open minded musical program that has transformed these venues into a vital and welcome alternative to the corporate club experience. Downbeat masters Jazzanova, Rainer Truby, Paul Hunter, Thievery Corporation, The Mighty Bop and more serve up a tantalizing blend of trip hop, jazz, funk, soul, swing and bossa nova custom made for chilling at your local cocktail lounge, bouncing on your barstool or groovin on the dancefloor. The album kicks into gear with Flywheel's "Slowdown" an ultra groovy funk joint complete with flutes, hammond organs, shuffling drum breaks, aptmospheric strings, gorgeous female vocals and cool scat solos. Next on the deck is Louise Vertigo's " Ou Est La Femme" a truly breathtaking cinematic soundtrack laid down by highly respected Parisian production outfit The Mighty Bop. Features gorgeous vocals from Louise Vertigo and a very stylish "dub noir" production which makes you swear you heard this track before in a Goddard film ! Licensed from the outstanding Yellow Productions label this track sets the perfect stage for the Thievery Corporation's " Lebanese Blond" an extremely groovy middle eastern flavored trip hop homage to that someone special in Beruit. Germany's men of the moment, Jazzanova heat things up with their masterful remix of the Marshmellows "Soul Power:" A monster slap style electro bassline, warm keys, wicked effects, tight drum programming and sultry female vocals turn this one into a bona fide electro soul classic. May the funk be with you! Talented Nottingham, England based producer AtJazz take things to the next level with " Wind and Sea" an undeniably funky jazz fusion workout. Licensed from his excellent full length " That Something" on DIY. Talented and innovative Berlin based producer, Rainer Truby keeps up the pressure with his haunting bossa flavoured remix of Extended Spirit's " Solid Water". Licensed from the Jazzanova label group Sonar/Kollectiv/Dialog Recordings, this track is proof positive that the future sound of jazz is alive and well in Germany. The London based Funky Lowlives cool it down with " Notabossa" a lovely midtempo ambient bossa nova joint anchored by a relentless breakbeat, an infectious bassline and some lovely flamenco guitar solos. The Lumen Soundsmith's remix of a Friend From Rio's "Para Lennon and McCarthy" continues in the futuristic Brazilian breakbeat style. Here, the Lumen's completely transform this beautiful bossa piece into a sublime, melancholic trip hop groove utilizing some choice percussion and vocal parts from the original. The Bobby Hughes Experience carries on with the sizzling retro funk vibes of "Seasons". Warm fuzzy hammond organs, vibraphone solos, wah wah guitars and a hip shaking bassline. Smoking future funk for you mind, your body and your booty! Parisan chill out specialists Bang Bang dive even further into the sublime lounge sound with "Bye Bye Blue" a dreamy fish tank friendly aquatic trip hop groover. Guidance's very own Paul Hunter winds down the journey appropriately with " Paul's Pal" a stunning jazz hop joint. Lush keys, an infectious bassline, sublime horns, a dash of spoken word and some gorgeous female vocal chants thrown in for good measure. Ahhh Refreshing!!! Its no wonder Gilles Peterson has been caning this track on Radio One! Subterranean sofa sounds for the jet set generation !!!
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| 1 |
Slowdown | Flywheel |
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Femme Fin De Siecle | Louise Vertigo |
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Lebanese Blond | Thievery Corporation |
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Soul Power | Marshmellows |
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Wind and Sea | AtJazz |
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Solid Water | Extended Spirit |
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Nota Bossa | The Funky Lowlives |
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Para Lennon and McCarthy | A Friend from Rio |
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Seasons | Bobby Hughes Experience |
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Bye Bye Blues | Bang Ban |
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| 11 |
Paul's Pal (Peace) | Paul Hunter |
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All Releases in Hi:Fi Lounge Series
Reviews
Magazine Reviews
From one of Chicago's leading house music labels, Guidance, comes this new copmilation of funky grooves. Subtitled Subterranean Soundtracks, this album is a medium-pace shuffler of jazz-tinged, soulful releases selected from around the world. Try the easy paced "Ou Est La Femme?" by Louise Vertigo and Flywheel's "Slowdown" when you want to chill out to something cool. Thievery Corporation's eastern "Lebanese Blonde" is a highlight as is the pacier "Soulpower' by Marschmellows, and Bobby Hughes' sisties styled "Seasons". This is a great CD to space out to, without the interference of wailing vocals and bangin rhythms. Grab a martinie and get mellow with this release.
SAIN Magazine Issue 99
Jan 1, 2000
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Guidance Recordings, located over in Chicago, are a label as far as possible from the traditional concept of "Chicago house music", and over the course of the past couple years they've released some scintillating tunes. Scintillating not so much for the wallop they pack on the dancefloor, but for the effortless way which their cuts find a groove, lock in, then move around that course in mesmerising fashion. There's no sense of urgency about Guidance releases; without going for an obvious trance, breaks or house approach, they're suave and sophisticated and somehow infectious. Tracks like Slowdown by Flywheel and Ou Est La Femme? by Louise Vertigo incorporate a variety of styles and nuances that blur the definitions between sophisticated filtered house rhythms, smudges of ethnicity, and reminders of panaromic '60s filmtrack scores. Thievery Corporation introduce a swanky sitar aside on Lebanese Blonde, while Extended Spirit somehow resurrect the career of both the piano and the Hammond organ on Solid Water. This is one very tight and very essential collection for those more poignant moments over a chardonnay back in the bachelor pad - or the morning after a big night out. -Alec MacKenzie
Inpress
Feb 3, 2000
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How enchanting is it that a CD has the power to relax you beyond your wildest imagination. Hi-Fidelity Lounge is the summer holiday you missed going on or that day by the pool long forgotten. From the opening Flute on Flywheel's "Slowdown" you will be aurally messaged by a tantalizing cocktail of jazz, funk, soul, house and bossa nova. Selected from labels the world over subterranean soundtracks is your passport to the world's most beautiful beaches and exotic locations. Thievery Corporation's Middle Eastern inspired "Lebanese Blonde" combines a distinctive sitar loop with lazy beats, while the latin tinged "Notabossa" by the Funky Lowlives will wisk your mind away on a Spanish holiday. If the spirit of summer can be captured on CD, this it.
Large
May 1, 2000
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With 66 quality releases under its belt, numerous compilations and a mixed CVD by David Alvarado. Chicago label Guidance has all our ears when they drop something new. "Hi-Fidelity Lounge" features 11 tracks ideal for bars, cafes or just lounging about at home. With artists such as Jazzanova, Rainer Truby Trio, Flywheel, and Thievery Corporation, the compilation keeps a jazzy funky feel despite the various styles covered. Truby Trio's mix of "Extended Spirit" represents one of the deeper tracks along with the beautiful jazz feel of 'Paul's Pal' by paul Hunter. Jazzanova's remix of "Soulpower" by Marshmellow is pure joy. Also look out for "Love Capsule" by F.L. Available on CD or 3 X Vinyl.
TRM
May 16, 2000
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Guidance Recordings are alabel as far as possible from the traditiona;l concept of Chicago house music and over the past couple of years they've released some scintillating tunes tunes. Scintillating not so much for the wallop they pack on the dancefloor but for the effortless way in which their cuts find a groove, lock in and, then move around that course in a mesmerizing fashion . There's no sense of urgency about Guidance releases, without going for an obvious trance, breaks, beats or house approach, they're suave, sophisticated and somehow infectious. Tracks like 'Slowdown' by Flywheel and Ou Est La Femme ? by Louise Vertigo incorporate a variety of styles and nuances that blur the definitions between sophisticated filtered house rhythms, smudges of ethnicity, and reminders of panoramic 60's film soundtrack scores. Thievery Corporation introduce a swanky sitar side on Lebanese Blonde while Extended Spirit somehow resurrect the career of both piano and Hammond organ on Solid Water. This is one very tight and very essential compilation for those more poignant moments over a chardonnay back in the bachelor pad -or the morning after a big night out.
Beat Magazine
Apr 10, 2000
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Though much maligned and badly wounded by the popular press and other would-be taste makers acid jazz is alive and well, as evidenced by Hi-Fidelity Lounge. True to form, it's a likeable, straightforward collection of funky instrumental dance cuts representing the genre's strengths with savvy syncopation and melodies. Downtempo, which helped resurrect many of acid jazz'z best artists, won't be found here. Instead there's Soulpower "(Jazzanova Rework)," which plays like funky house circa '94; lounge wizards Thievery Corporation's "Lebanese Blonde (Instrumental Mix)" and "Para Lennon and McCartney," a pensive tune from A Friend from Rio. Updating Bossa Nova's allure, they're the kind of sounds custom built for smoky nightclubs and romantic interludes. Though not groundbreaking, Hi-Fidelity Lounge is made for chilling and there's enough collected rhythm to emit a two-step or two - Mosi Reeves
Lotus
Apr 4, 2000
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Les plus radicaux d'entre nous ne manqueront pas de se demander ce qu'un label house, qui plus est originaire de Chicago, vient faire dans ces spheres reputees contemplatives. Nous preferons y voir la l'un des nombreux signes d'une mondialisation s'accomplissant desormais des deux cotes de l'Atlantique. Difficile de ne pas faire le rapprochement avec les rassemblements de l'Eighteenth Street Lounge des Thievery Corporation, lesquels sont d'ailleurs de ce voyage avec "Lebanese Blonde", au meme titre que Bang Bang et Louise Vertigo, voire At Jazz et Extended Spirit, dans des concepts moins lascifs. Tout cela semblerait quelque peu date aux Europeens que nous sommes, s'il n'y avait pas ici et la quelqes sucreries bien tentantes. A commencer par l'hispano jazzy "Notabossa" de The Funky Lowlives, le deep et phonky "Para Lennon & McCartney" de A Friend From Rio, revu par Lumen Soundsmiths, voire le groovy "Soul Power" de Marschmellows retouche par les inevitables Jazzanova. MFSB
CODA Magazine
Feb 2, 2000
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A bit of a departure for Guidance-out go the lush deep house moods to make way for more blunted grooves soundtracking those smoky Saturday nights and messy Sunday afternoons. What "Hi-Fidelity Lounge" proves is that "lounge music" doesn't mean sophorific ambient noodling. This is music thats designed to be listened to-its not wallpaper muzak. Thievery Corporation are represented here with "Lebanese Blonde" which is all funky sitars and dubwise bass. Britan's At Jazz up the tempo with a gliding sax solo, while elsewhere bossa nova, retro funk and abstract beats all take turn in the limelight. Surprise package come from French chanteuse Louise Vertigo whose cinematic "Oou Est La Femme" benefits from a spooky dub production courtesy of the Mighty Bop and Guidance's own Paul Hunter, who delivers "Paul's Pal" resplendent with the languid trumpet twirls that doctors should prescribe for stress. Hi-Fidelity lounge? sofa so good.
Urb Magazine-Kieran Wyatt
Feb 1, 2000
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Diese Compilation aus dem Hause Guidance tragt den Untertitel "Subterranean Sound for the Jet-Set Generation!". Ich meine, das ist etwas dick aufgetragen, aber die Muik spricht letztendich fur sich selbst. Wie es sich fur eine Downbeat-Compi gehort, wandert man zwischen Swing, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Trip Hop, Funk und Easy Listening. Zu den auserwahlten Teilnehmern gehoren Flywheel, naturlich die Thievery Corporation, Bang Bang, Paul Hunter, Jazzanova, Louise Vertigo, The Mighty Bob. Alles nicht mehr so frisch, aber zietlos schon.
[Raveline:]
Jan 1, 2000
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The whole concept of "lounge," which once brought to mind second-rate has-beens playing the bar at a Holiday Inn, has taken on new meaning since the advent of electronica. The way house label Guidance would define it on the first in a new series of lounge compilations is lava lamps and new-hipsters milling about listening to "the diverse spectrum of sounds emerging from the backroom bars, restaurants, and lounges of our planet's urban centers." Check the lazy, lovely grooves of downtempo masters JAzzanova, Paul Hunter, The Mighty Bop, and more, dishing out delectable servings of trip hop, jazz, bossa nova and other forms of "chill-out" music.
Tokyo Classified - as found by Walter Clements
Feb 1, 2000
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Guidance Recordings' first in an ongoing series highlights lounge music with a tad more oomph, drawing from funk, breakbeats, bossanova and muzak. No famous names admittedly, but plenty of the right stuff: Flywheel, Louise Vertigo and Thievery Corporation shuffle along on the bachelor pad tip, Marschmellows and At Jazz turn serious with sturdier beats, but there's Latin inflections and soul/funk sizzle to finish things off. -Martin Aston
Select Magazine
Jan 1, 2000
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According to the title, the Subterranean Soundtracks on this disc are for lounge play, but I would argue that their tones and tempos are much too danceable and DJ friendly to simply chill folks out. Forgotten catagories like jazz funk and acid jazz come to mind for describing the way these tracks beautifully fill the void between sentimental R&B and pulsing garage. Its not that the tracks are necessasarily written within a jazz style, rather they carry an impulse for musical freedom that is jazzy. The vocals and flutes on Flywheel "Slowdown" are light and catchy, but not as addictive as the deep grooves on Jazzanova's remix of "Soulpower".Atjazz evoke the elements of nature with crisp drum breaks and soft keyboards reminiscent of Azymuth on "Wind and Sea" Hi-Fidelity Lounge is a strong compliation except for two downtempo tracks from Louise Vertigo and Thievery Corporation respectively . There's a dead vibe on these tunes, lacking the fresh attitudes towards sound that are otherwise strong on the rest of the disc.
Exclaim
Feb 1, 2000
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Jazz heavy chill-out collection that's snugger than a pair of elderdown long johns. Such is the unshakably horizontal inclination of many of these tunes, you'd expect them to wither and melt in the fluoro-glare of the current musical climate. But that's what makes 'Hi-Fi Lounge' sucha different place to send your head. At times this collection of stoner-funk and pre-trance jazz oddities veers perilously close to acid jazz- it's got Hammond organs, tootling solos, Donovan covers- but mainly, as tracks like The Funky Lowlives 'Notabossa' and Lumen Soundsmith's remix of A Friend From Rio's 'Para Lennon E McCartney' all point out , feel up is sometimes as fun as heads-down.
MixMag
Feb 1, 2000
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Pour yourself a very dry Martini, slip into your finest silk pyjamas and retreat into a world where nothing messy ever happens. Gentle jazzy organs, horns, and guitars slither across polished drum patterns while funky female vocalists shimmy in the background and a garden of Latin rhythms scesnts the calm summer evening outside the window. Who needs reality when the likes of the Marshmellows, The Funky Lowlifes, and A Friend From Rio (everyone needs of those in midwinter) are soundtracking your fantasy?
Time Out
Feb 1, 2000
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As house fans grow older, the kids that pushed the scene back in the 80's and early 90's are more likely to hang out at a lounge than a club, where they will still want their music as good as their house music. Guidance, once again, has managed to define a niche and a need, and of course has satisfied both. "Hi-Fidelity Lounge" is easier listening music that moves the mind and the body without being overpowering or begging for attention. The A&R work is top shelf and all of the cuts help further the vibe of that long ago visited lounge with the music you've been humming ever since. More sedate, the sound's never unfunky. Cuts like "Slowdown" by Flywheel, "Lebanese Blond" by Thievery Corporation and "Notabossa" by the Funky Lowlives deserves to be mentioned. Kruder and Dorfmeister may have first brought this sound to a wider audience, but the artists here truly deserve the accolades. Guidance is know for quality and this release only furthers their reputation.
Mixer Magazine -Compilation of the Month
Jan 21, 2000
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From the embers of 1999 came this late comer to snatch the crown of best compilation of the year, in a year that was proliferated by mundane, same old same old look-a-like tracks comes a saviour. Guidance have been doing this Hi Fi series for a while now but this is their first subterranean soundtrack and how much did I need this LP over the festive period. Kicking off with 'Slow Down' by Flywheel, a dub lazy break beatish, groove that saunters along with baggy pants and a big joint to boot. Louise Vertigo wades in with 'Ou Est LaFemme?' another French tinged lazy groover that tip toes along to slow tempo beats and angelic harmonies, a past top tune 'Lebanese Blonde' by Theievery Corporation shows up to add Estern promise, whilst the Marshmellows provide true 'Soul Power' in their bass guitar licked Toko sounding funkster, another fine late night mood. Extended Spirit truly show up with the jazz take on all this with their superbly mellow and percussive laden 'Solid Water'. With the likes of At Jazz, Paul Hunter, Bang Bang and Bobby Hughes also providing quality tunes this is for me a late winner of the long playing compilation of the year.
Untitled
Jan 17, 2000
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Whats it all about? From the blissed out beats of Bent to the glistening soul of Skyray, the rebirth of the lounge is here. Whats on It? Kicking off with the Espiritu style Hammond vibe of Flywheel "Slowdown" and featuring deadly cuts from Bang Bang, Thievery Corporation and Louise Vertigo plus Jazzanova delivering the goods with the soaring "Soul Power." Any Cop then? This entire compilation is infused with cosmic cool from a normally excellent house label. Chilling never got so comfy.
Muzik Magazine-R.M.
Jan 17, 2000
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The Guidance label has come up with an outstanding collection of eclectic electronica. Featuring artists such as Thievery Corporation, Marshmelloes and Extended Spirit it mixes jazzy beats with laidback aptmosphere to great effect.
Music Week
Jan 19, 2000
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If house music commanded you to Move Your Body in '88, it seems that, in 2000 its message has to Sit On your Arse And Wrap Up. Chicago deep house label Guidance gives us this fine chill out album, featuring house and downbeat artists like Germany's Jazzanova and Washington's king of the king cones, Thievery Corporation. Get off the dancefloor and hear how house sounds with it's feet up.
Ministry Magazine Jan 2000
Jan 1, 2000
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The funkiest of funky breaks and beats. A distinctly 60's soul feeling mixing with a definately 90's sensibility.
DJ Magazine Top 10 compilations of 1999
Jan 10, 2000
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Guidance can do no wrong at present and with this compilation, Hi:Fidelity Lounge, the first compilation in a new series, look set to reach new heights amongst the UK's jazz clubbers with an incredibly funky selection of abstract and club jazz tunes. Amongst them are gems from Flywheel with the flute-led "Slowdown", At Jazz's "Wind & Sea", Bobby Hughes' "Seasons" and a superb TrŸby Trio rework of Extended Spirit's "Solid Water". Elsewhere, TrŸby Trio's label mates Jazzanova, turn in a superb rework of Marschmellows' soulful vocal cut "Soulpower" and Paul Hunter's downbeat hammond groove "Paul's Paul" is another of those afterdark grooves with monster hip hop beats on a cut that also features some phat horns and vocals. Without doubt, one of the most impressive albums these ears have heard for a while - just point me in the direction of that Hi:Fidelity lounge!
Blues and Soul
Jan 6, 2000
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This is a compilation dedicated to the backroom bar and lounge sounds, which in this instance means records you'd at least be as happy sitting down and nodding your head to as mooching around on the dancefloor. Needless to say then, there's nothing too hectic here just a delicious blend of lazy funk, chilled house, crunchy jazz rhythms and the occasional Latin flourish, which manages to hit the right dreamy note without getting too noodly. The likes of Thievery Corporation, Bobby Hughes Experience and Atjazz all lend a hand for a very fine album thats equally suited for day dreaming to or chatting over.
DJ Magazine-Tim Irwin
Dec 15, 1999
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The backroom lounge sound moves into the foreground on this hypnotizing 11 track compilation, whcih features recent cuts from some of the world's most lauded downbeat producers. Trip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul collide with bossa nova and swing beats on this mentally stimulating, soul soothing, after-hours excursion. For fans of: Kruder & Dorfmeister, Peace Orchestra, Thievery Corporation, Jazzanova.
CMJ - Tye Comer
Dec 1, 1999
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Guidence Records (Homepage) sind fŸr gute DJ Mix CD«s, House und Lounge Veršffentlichungen bekannt.Da macht die neue HI FIDELITY Reihe keineAusnahme. Eine feine Zusammenstellung von relaxten Bar/Lounge Sounds wie man sie in gepflegten LokalitŠten abseits der Clubs gerne hšrt. Downbeats zum abhŠngen und genie§en, nie hektisch, instrumental oder mit female vocals versehen, die StŸcke schweben mindestens 10cm Ÿber dem Boden. Guidance konnten einige bekannte Namen fŸr den ersten Teil gewinnen, Jazzanova, Thievery Corporation und Rainer Truby zum Beispiel, aber das QualitŠtslevel sinkt auch bei The Funky Lowlives oder AtJazz nicht ab. Die zwar sparsame aber stylische Aufmachung lŠ§t diese Compi zusŠtzlich zum SchmuckstŸck in der eigenen Sammlung werden.
www.sound.de
Dec 1, 1999
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Not content with dropping the deepest, funkiest house around Guidance seem to have set their sights on cornering the market in leftfield downtempo compilations and using their own releases as a benchmark. It was always odds on that this selection would be the proverbial bomb! They ease you in with the breathy vibes of 'Slowdown' courtesy of Flywheel before Louise Vertigo drops dreamy vocals for those clear days that draw the past into forever on 'Ou Est La Femme?'. Masters of the sublime Thievery Corporation entice with'Lebanese Blonde' while Extended Spirit's 'Solid Water' gets the RainerTruby treatment for a smoking, early-hours groove. The Funky Lowlives bring the Balearic flavour with 'Notabossa', a solar-infused number to while away a lazy day and Bobby Hughes drops the sleazy gut-bucket funk of 'Bye Bye Blues'. Marschmellows up the tempo via the slinky Jazzanova remix of'Soulpower' and At Jazz work the elements with 'Wind & Sea', an uplifting,funky paean to the forces of nature. With Guidance themselves sealing thedeal with 'Paul's Pal' a tough little brassy number from the ubiquitous Paul Hunter it just goes to show that their taste isn't definable by genre. Guidance by name, guidance by nature Ð they're showing us the way right across the spectrum.
Straight No Chaser Magazine-Mat Anthony
Nov 22, 1999
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Guest Reviews
YO THIS COMP IS THE ILLIST. CAN U GUYS DO ANY WRONG? THIS IS TRULLY MUSIC 4 THE URBAN JETSET GENERATION. SOUTHSIDE-CHICAGO,PHILLY,NYC,JERSEY GET READY TO ROCK
MADLION
Mar 12, 2002
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This is the tightest compilation in the Guidance series to date. Solid from sart to finish. Light a spliff and enjoy!!!
selecta c
Sep 7, 2000
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TRULY, DEEPLY CHILL OUT
dj buco
May 4, 2000
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Just picked this up last night. VERY TIGHT!! I got this on the heels of picking up some King Britt material, and I'm diggin' this sound! This CD can hold it's own in ANY setting. Keep the sweet music comin' from the Chi(cago) Guidance! Peace!
Lloyd Hodges
Mar 8, 2000
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As a DJ I found this album perfect particularly for graduating from soul to more funky stuff!. This is the first album I have bought from Guidance records and I shall be buying many more. "Ou Est La Femme?" is a milky warm funky tune that I would find very easy gradiating with Sly and the Family Stone's, "Frisky" from the album 'Fresh'. Hi: Fidelity Lounge for me, has the perfect mix of old and new, slow and groovy music. Please, Please release more!!
Emma Collins
Mar 2, 2000
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mœsica para relajarse y estar a gusto!!! excelente!!! saludos desde mŽxico!! enorme!!!! a descansar! mœsica hecha para la cabeza, los pies y suspirar...
Aletz
Feb 29, 2000
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This release continues the Guidance tradition of putting out quality wax. I picked this up at Primal records in Berkeley after only listening to 2 tracks. It is soulfull, electric, uplifting and chill... A solid release that made it into my record bag... It holds it own on the dancefloor and is great for keepin the heads movin.. Pick it up, while it's still available. Goto:members.xoom.com/Jondabomb/bag.html
Jonathan Wishnev
Feb 25, 2000
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There's somethin wrong with you...if this electro-downtempo isn't music to your ears
Lukedog
Feb 23, 2000
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I can't help but be passionate about music that moves me, so I am about to gush. Get this. This is an unquestionably superb compilation of the fine music that defines underground music. Emphasis on both underground and music on this one will have you feeling it. Artists on the compilation:Flywheel,Louise Vertigo,Thievery Corporation, Marschmellows, AtJazz, Extended Spirit, The Funky Lowlives, A Friend From Rio,Bobby, Hughes, Bang Bang and, Paul Hunter. Need I say more. Bang.
http://www.testpress.com
Feb 15, 2000
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The opposite of high-energy glowstick rave tracks that still gets the groove moving with a soulfull, funky twist. With it's languid jazz bar organ solos, and infectious latin rhythms set to a relaxing tempo, this compilation is something truly different from a label that can't help but release the best in house music. I would mention two or three favorite tracks from the album, if only I could decide! This is a group of artists I was previously unfamiliar with - Flywheel kicks it off with stabbing flutes, and an amazing groove. What a way to set the mood. After that, we get a selection of downtempo house, acid jazz, and trip-hop, interwoven with flutes, guitars, hammonds, and some truly fantastic bass lines that are sure to make you wiggle in your bar stool.
Dilvish
Feb 2, 2000
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This album brings together a danceable beat, some sweet jazzy funk, a bit of Latin love and even some African drumsÉ all the while keeping you in touch with the music from start to finish. There is not one track lacking on this album. All I can say is when does volume 2 come out?
Moses
Feb 2, 2000
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Just last night, I picked up High Fidelity Lounge at the Local Media Play. Man, very rarely do I ever buy a CD that I haven't heard anything of, that blows me away. This one did. I guess that my tastes have veered from the "BOOM BOOM" techno merry-go-round over the last year into a tripHop/acid jazz groove (Just in time). Although, I am really still looking for great new sounds in electronica, I find it truly refreshing when a compilation turns up as good as this one. Best 15 bucks I've spent this year so far, and believe me, I get an average of 5 - 50 new discs a month. Great Stuff!
Jeff Glaze
Jan 28, 2000
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Greetings from Copenhagen. I picked this CD up at Free Base Records on a recent visit to Frankfurt. It has been in my CD player constantly for a more than a week now. Infectious is the best description I can give. Probably the Latin rhythms that make up much of the background. Track seven is my current favorite. I hope there is a second volume in the works!
James S¿rlie
Jan 28, 2000
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Once again I put on a CD from Guidance that has all the old jazzy funk and yet make people dance to something absolutely fresh. But still, I get the freeky feeling that some of the tunes are just a bit too noizy. The simplicity in a good mix gets lost in the overwelming soundscape with too many different sounds (like "soul power" by marshmellows)... But people REALLY dance to the song anyway, so what the f---!
DJ b-boy (sweden)
Jan 24, 2000
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This must be the heaven on earth!
guta
Jan 17, 2000
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Not content with the million plus robots spewing forth the most mindless, uninspired blips and bleeps, a sonic goo thicker than the hudson? Rather wear a nice suit with pant crease to kill than have anything to do with a glowstick? Then Guidance has the compilation for you. Inspired by lava lamps, dry martinis, wet bars, jazz men and women, beatniks, beatnuts, sitars and cigars, this album is garanteed to give your head and tail a bop or too. "Hi-Fidelity Lounge" is a tripnotic journey around the global groove and back, slowly and languidly peeling away with each track, enhancing a mellow vibe thorugh it's hypnotizing and lush deliveries. Smooth, strip-hop, flipped out and served fresh, "Hi-Fidelity Lounge" is one sonic treat one with such refined tastes as yourself simply cannot pass up. One Love.
Keith Houston
Dec 10, 1999
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We have come to expect high quality music from the Chicago based label Guidance ever since their first release but what this label has been releasing lately is absolutely stunning. Just when you think Guidance has reached its top, there they are with fresh releases that blow your ears. With this new compilation, Guidance records goes head to head with the "More space to dance" compilation on Alola for the title of best compilation of '99. Now, what's Hi-Fidelity Lounge? Well, it's the slickest and smokiest acidjazz-funk-groove compilation on planet earth. Flywheel with "Slowdown" and Louise Vertigo with "Ou est la femme" immediately set the mood. A super warm and heavy bass sound on a relaxing tempo. Every musical ingredient balanced just right without any sharp edges. Marschmellows and "SoulPower" as well as AtJazz and "Wild Sea" go a little more uptempo for a groove with the first featuring an attracting bass guitar and a touch of garage, the latter nice atmospheric synths. Guidance goes Europe as well, with a selection from Extended Spirit and "Solid Water", the now well known and already classic Rainer Truby remix. Another noteworthy track is the one from Bobby Hughes and "Seasons". A jazzfusion track with heavy sixties influence and a remarkable female voice saying "hey wake up." Finally, the Guidance compilation closes with one of Guidanceown most remarkable artists of this moment : Paul Hunter! Paul Hunter and "Paul's Pal" reminds us a little of an old Aretha Franklin track, it's acid jazz at its best. We are already eager for his forthcoming album. All in all, the Hi-Fidelity Lounge is 60 minutes of pure musical pleasure!
EZ Boy (www.xyberweb.com/freestyle) Belgium
Dec 8, 1999
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Once again, the definitive Guidance label has brewed yet another robust album. The pure richness and chocolate-y sounds retrieved from the depths of music just sends you off to a lighter state of being. Good work.
Xavier
Dec 6, 1999
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Laidback Lazyness, another Guidance classic.
Alex
Nov 23, 1999
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Don't think that this is another "kitchy" Lounge album. These tracks are pure jazzy soul with funky grooves. Down and mid-tempo beats mixed with silky smooth flutes, organ, vocals and percussion. Perfect for all spaces and places from packed dancefloors to modernly furnished bachelor pads. Call your friends over, pour a few drinks, put this album on and enjoy each others company...this is what good music is all about, from Guidance...the label synonymous with high quality, every time.
Freshie
Nov 16, 1999
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CLASSIC FUSION OF GOOD VIBE RIDDUMS
CAROBS
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Fingers on the pulse. Ears to the ground etc etc....Damn fine selection which is ideal for the (Hi-Fidelity) home listening environment. Many samples within these sonic soundscapes are both choice and rare. Lush strings both acoustic and synthesized fuse with all sorts of worldly noises, taking the listener on a musical flight, First class. These artists are scattered all over the joint yet all share the same philosophy. Listen.
Colin Laird
Sep 23, 1999
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It is a very good mixture of downbeat, trip hop, jazz....
Sascha Kunze (Germany)
Sep 12, 1999
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