Various - Café Del Mar - Volumen Dos

UK 1st pressing on Ltd. Edition 2 x 45rpm Vinyl

Year Released: 1995

Genre: Downtempo, Ambient, Lounge, Chillout, Electronic

Description:

Café del Mar - Volumen Dos is the second compilation album in the legendary series curated by the resident DJ of the Café del Mar bar in Ibiza, José Padilla. Released in July 1995, it followed the runaway success of the first volume and helped to define the burgeoning chillout genre. The album, like its predecessor, was compiled with the express purpose of evoking the serene and reflective atmosphere of watching the famous Ibiza sunset.

The album's sound is a masterful blend of ambient music, downtempo grooves, and world music influences. It features a diverse mix of artists, many of whom were obscure at the time, but whose inclusion on the compilation series helped to launch their careers. The album is a testament to Padilla's impeccable taste and his ability to sequence tracks to create a seamless and captivating journey. The mood is often melancholic and introspective, with a focus on relaxed beats, lush synthesizers, and soulful melodies.

Volumen Dos features a number of key tracks that have become staples of the genre. It notably includes a remastered version of the Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía's classic "Entre Dos Aguas," which adds a touch of organic, traditional sound to the electronic landscape. Another standout track is "Haunted Dancehall" by The Sabres of Paradise, a moody and atmospheric piece that showcases the ambient and trippy side of the genre. The compilation also includes a track by José Padilla himself, "Sabor de Verano (The Way Out West Mix)," further cementing his role not just as a curator but as a creative force. The album's critical and commercial success solidified the Café del Mar brand and helped to popularize the chillout genre on a global scale