The Exciting Sounds of Martin Denny: Exotica/Exotica, Vol. I & II

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These early Denny creations cover his more wildly "exotic" career phase. The first album, presented in its original "Spectra-Sonic" mono, includes the hit title track in its entire eerie swamp-varmint splendor. Other standouts are the dreamy xylophone on "Lotus Land" and the absolutely wacky "Love Dance," which sounds more like an ornithologist's orgy. The second album, in stereo, gets more intricate and oddly romantic. The best is the opener, "Shoshu Night Serenade," with its ghostly textures and the persistent ringing of bells that suggest the carriage of a typewriter. The Denny arrangement of "Ebb Tide" is also a stunner. This double volume gives listeners a clear picture of how Denny was interested less in an "authentic" Hawaii and more intrigued by an imaginary and often surreal geography. --Joseph Lanza

Tracks:

Quiet Village
Return To Paradise
Hong Kong Blues
Busy Port
Lotus Land
Similau
Stone God
Jungle Flower
China Nights
Ah Me Furi
Waipo
Love Dance
Soshu Night Serenade
Island Of Dreams
Japanese Farewell Song
Singing Bamboos
The Queen Chant(E Lili U E)
Wedding Song(Ke Kali Ne Au)
Escales
When First I Love
August Bells
Bacoa
Ebb Tide
Rush Hour In Hong Kong

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These early Denny creations cover his more wildly "exotic" career phase. The first album, presented in its original "Spectra-Sonic" mono, includes the hit title track in its entire eerie swamp-varmint splendor. Other standouts are the dreamy xylophone on "Lotus Land" and the absolutely wacky "Love Dance," which sounds more like an ornithologist's orgy. The second album, in stereo, gets more intricate and oddly romantic. The best is the opener, "Shoshu Night Serenade," with its ghostly textures and the persistent ringing of bells that suggest the carriage of a typewriter. The Denny arrangement of "Ebb Tide" is also a stunner. This double volume gives listeners a clear picture of how Denny was interested less in an "authentic" Hawaii and more intrigued by an imaginary and often surreal geography. --Joseph Lanza

Customer Reviews:

It's what I wanted.......2007-07-14

This is exactly what my Father wanted and this one was both Volume 1 and Volume 2 combined in one disc.

Tiki Party Music.......2007-05-14

This has always been regarded as one of those must have CDs if you ever wanted to throw a Tiki theme party or want to enjoy some memories of years past. It really is that good and worth having........even goes with Margaritas!

Magnificent! Bravo Martin Denny.......2006-01-05

My Dad introduced me to Exotica a long time ago. I had forgotten about it, until my brother brought it back into my life.

It combines rich layers of sounds that take you into a relaxing adventure - natural acoustic music with the healing sounds of paradise.

This CD represents the cheapest vacation you may ever take, $16. It soothes the senses while allowing you to explore an inner fantasy world elicited by the exciting sounds of tropical exotic places.

Jeff Labno
Los Angeles, California

FLOAT OFF TO TROPICAL PARADISE.......2005-07-16

I recommend all of Martin Denny's immortal albums if you want to relax into a time capsule of a different reality when things were so nice, pleasant and innocent.

Exotica/Exotica, Vol. I & II.......2004-09-09

I was so happy to find both of these great titles on one CD. Martin Denny is a must have for anyone into Exotica!

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