Great....but something is missing
J. Taylor | Washington, DC, USA | 08/22/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"But, not enough to cause serious damage. Es Vive is a new compiliation series started by Hed Kandi which provides great marketing for a new hotel opening this year in Ibiza by the same name. Es Vive starts off strong with Fenomenon's "Can't They Be Good". Deep, dark, soulful house music always gives me goosebumps and this track certainly fits the bill. CD 1 continues on with good choices from Afterlife (a Hed Kandi-label artist) and Crazy Penis's "Mind Wide Open." Things start to pick up with Rupeski's "Dreaming about Tomorrow", a nice neo-disc groove that has just enough punch to gently arouse you from the lounging done during the previous tracks. An unusual track is Playgroup's "Pressure". It stands out because it contains a sample from "Sunshine and the Rain" by Joi's first and now out of print album "Pendulum Vibe". Other than that, the track doesn't really impress me. However, my disappointment is halted by Black Science Orchestra's "Soul Weekenders Mix". Black Science Orchestra has been a long time favorite of mine and this upbeat, funky, and diva-singing track tells me why. CD 2 starts out fine with Onda Music's Happiness is Free". This track found its way to Es Vive from the Naked Music label. Nice, smooth, and jazzy track that speaks of the virtues of free happiness. Lydia Rhodes' remake of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" is definitely worth mentioning. This classic rock gem was successfully turned into a dark, progressive house floor mover. I love the original version of "Dreams", but I'm equally pleased with this remake. Another fave track is Moments of Soul's "Delicious". A deep house groove with the repetitous refrain "Your Love is Delicious" is certainly entertaining. However, this will where the CD starts to lose something. Besides what I have mentioned here, there's nothing else that stands out on this CD. I have already forgotten much of the music. The music on this CD is missing the panache that are common on other Hed Kandi releases. And when this CD is compared to last year's "Base Ibiza", it does fade a bit in comparison. However, you won't waste your money if you buy this CD. It still has enough going for it to warrant attention. It's just, for myself, I feel that's something is missing."
Good Stuff!
Maxwell Eugene | Denver, CO | 07/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This compilation is wonderful. It's one of those albums that you grow to enjoy more, each time you pop it in the CD player. Some of the songs do grow on you, but overall each tune is seductive, soulful, and can easliy be enjoyed by the pool or on the dance floor. I am very happy with this compilation, and think it is one of the best Hed Kandi projects to date. I'm still waiting for the newest installment of their Beach House series, but Es Vive will hold me over until it is released.My favorite tracks on the album are:CD 1
Track 06- Seacruise
Track 03- Magpie (Morgan Geist Remix)
Track 10- All RightCD 2
Track 02- Sweet
Track 04- The Way I feel
Track 03- DreamsYou won't be disappointed with this purchase!"
'Chilled and Funky Poolside Lounging'
Mr. Iyare A. Umweni | London | 07/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Amazing, incredible, Smooth - These words are good but they just don't
capture the vibe of Es Vive.
'Chilled and Funky Poolside Lounging' - Now there is a term that really
paints the right picture.
From the very first bars of 'Can't they be good' by Fenomenon' - you are
given that rare quality-chilled vibe and this continues through the next 4
tracks (including At Night - Shakedown mix & READY by Charles Webster -
WOW!!)
The production this compilation is of a very high standard.Then it gently gets funkier and funkier until Soulweekender.
CD 1 is a triumph and easily stands on its own. CD2 starts where CD1 left off.
Again this is excellent - Happiness if free - Onda Music.
The tempo is kept up for the next 4 tracks.
What's On your mind by Mr. O is a SPECIAL number and funky in the extreme
without being hard.
(remember we are poolside lounging here)
From here the funk remains but it gets gentler and mellower
Track after track - chilled and funky. Amazing.
Till you are hit with the intro to Twisted by the pool - FAC 15.
At the end of this track there is only one thing to do - Find CD1 and put it
right back on. There are numerous IBIZA chill albums out there and it is hard to choose and
you have to beware of fakes with nice CD covers.
This is one designed to reflect the mood of a particularly chilled place.
It is selected by Mark Doyle who has a GREAT track record doing this. The
tracks perpetuate the mood.
Do not be deceived - don't fall for cheaper (or more expensive imitations)
GET Es Vive!!I have given this as a present several times and have recommended it to
friends who have bought it - ALL have thanked me afterwards and are
amazed that so much quality music is to be found in one package.
Buy it - find some sun and a pool (simulate if you must) and ENJOY some
'Poolside Lounging'."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1