THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED!!!
Darrell L. Lee | Jackson, MS | 09/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After picking up Man Ray 3, I was immediately drawn in and taken on a ride like no other chill-out compilation could ever take me! Man Rays 1 and 2 are sheer delights, true enough, but volume 3 makes them both sound like gobble-dee-goop! I wasn't too thrilled with the sub-par mixing of DJ Nat Rahav, or the inclusion of Fila Brazillia's "DNA", being that it's already present on another Milan Record's comp--Cafe de Artistes--however, due to the presense of songs from virtual unknowns such as Loopless, Louise Vertigo, Mich Gerber, Vogado Project and Jason Douglas, F.B.'s track is quickly overshadowed. There's also a killer, dancefloor-ready remix of Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line" which is a pleasant welcome being that it's another song that rears it's head on nearly every chill out CD out there. I've always said if you're going to overuse a certain song then at least remix it!! Other stellar tracks include Quantic's "The 5th Exotic" which has overtones of Supreme Beings of Leisure's "Gold Digger" track, Arkestra One with the very haunting "Shine", Troublemaker's cinematic remix of "Get Misunderstood", Nickodemus and Osiris, with the fun and Tango-ish, "Mariposa" and the aforementioned artists with their unique productions. There's also a beautiful hidden track that drifts you away into total euphoria. Man Ray 3 is full of grooves that are infectious, original and oftentimes--funky. You'll love it unless you're one of those listeners or reviewers who compares every hotel-themed CD to the Costes series."
One or two more beats left in the french house heart
Darrell L. Lee | 07/08/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"as you listen to this latest release from man ray and think that french house has run its course, hang in for a few more tracks. this album meets (maybe exceeds?) expectations despite having one or two repeat tracks that you've heard at coste or some parisian bar. the last two thirds are new material that is as original and well-spun as anything the french have produced to date. not ground breaking, but add it to your gallic collection. i think it will wear well."