Ultra Chilled 3
The third in Ultra Records' pioneering, yet dependably commercial downtempo series,Ultra Chilled 3features more of the silky, jazz-flecked techno that's seen an explosion of popularity in recent years. The first of the two-disc set is packed with safe and sane choices fromBeth Orton,Bebel Gilberto, andKoop, along with aNorah Jones-sung cover ofRoxy Music's "More Than This." There are a few gems, starting withAlpha's melancholy remix ofColdplay's "Yellow," and ending withSondre Lerche's quirky and carefree "Dead Passengers." In keeping with the general trend of the series, the second disc explores riskier ground, withNightmares On Wax's stony trip-hop leading intoFlunk's acoustic-tinged cover ofNew Order's "Blue Monday." Later, Chin Chillaz drop some rumbling dub behind "Trinity," while Freddy & Herman threaten to wake everybody up with an actual dance beat on "Aquarius." Depending on how tired you are of the downtempo scene,Chilled 3is either a handy collection of post-yoga relaxation mood music, or an opportunity to burn a few great tracks before selling it back.--Matthew Cooke