The sweetest end to a hot evening you'll find all year
Richard Diaz | 10/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've no idea why England packs all their "chillout" albums in such a brief three month span, leaving the cash-conscious buyers to wade through seas of big label twaddle and Ibiza comps for that special sunset diamond to spruce up their evening. When in doubt though, trust the DJ- and Phil Mison's been doing the blissful, balearic vibe for quite some time. There's plenty of tingling deep house and spicy percussion to have you nodding in the lawnchair (Saudaco Aos Orixas's "Pancho," or Joe Claussell's "Spiritual Insurrection") with enough wistful restraint and downtempo groove tucked in (Nick Holder's "Summer Daze") to keep you locked in and relaxed. Mison even digs up a remix that makes somber wallflower Beth Orton positively balmy. Tracks by Max 404 and Solar Quest (the crystalline beauty "Singtree") slide in effortlessly, drifting you off into the night. Uplifting, soothing, it's pretty faultless, actually, and probably the best way to end a hot evening you'll find all year. Grade: A"
Just here to check the meter
Russell E. Scott | Austin, TX | 03/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Phil Mison wear two hats, one as a part-time DJ, the other as a part-time sheep farmer in the hinterlands of western England; neither makes a difference though. Or maybe it's that exact combination of expertise needed to cull a vast record collection and surmount one the finest downtempo, deep house disc of any year. Working as a DJ (on the club scene in Ibiza during the summer and the recent Leftfield tour) must has honed his licks. Presented here in a seamless mix are is a rare blend of top artist including; Nick Holder - "Summer Daze", Joe Clausell - "Spiritual Insurrection", Dan K - "Sunburst", Beth Orton - "Central Reservation", Flow - "Another Time", and his own Cantoma - "Pandajero". What sets this puppy apart from the rest of the pack is not only the artist, nor their respective songs, but the intuitive, instinctive flow and order of the material. Like some extraordinary day in your life, it starts like crystal clear dawn, then builds slowly, gaining momentum with each track. By mid disc, you head is in the clouds as it explodes into a mental and emotional sound ecstasy. From there you are gently led back down for the crowning sunset and to kiss the sky of a starlit night. For dessert, the whole affair is wrapped up Solar Quest - "Songtree". This is the perfect compilation for romance, kick back grooving, and plain ole' head nodding nothingness. Explore at will and be delighted."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1