There are two kinds of compilations. Those that sound like a mismatched mix tape, where most songs, from unknown artists, act as fillers between the few strong cuts from some brand names. Then you have those compilations that you know you can trust, as they deliver a homogenous ensemble of songs that will carry you from the beginning to the end, without a single glitch, even though they might dare to venture off the beaten path into new musical territories.
Now in its third edition and followed by a reputation that led it to the top of the charts at your cool local record store — let's say Amoeba Hollywood — Verve Remixed belongs to the latter category.
Surfing through the styles, from diva anthems to smooth bossa nova grooves, jazz narratives and Nortec Collective-like pulses, Verve Remixed 3 keeps the vibe going, despite a few radical changes of tempo. The compilation includes works from Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Astrud Gilberto, which have been remixed through the expert hands of guests such as The Postal Service, Groove Armada and Brazilian Girls, among others. If you are familiar with the albums and remixes of these artists, you won't be disappointed by their contributions here as they are coherent with their bodies of work.
I would have a hard time being objective and recommending specific tracks as I'm a sucker for atmospheric songs with strong beats, whether it's electro bossa nova tunes à la Bebel Gilberto or Moby-like techno-diva ballads — you know these haunting tunes overused in films and commercials before he got the weird idea to get behind the mike (Hotel anyone?). However, I can say that I found the diva take on Peter Gunn pretty intriguing and that it became, through Max Sedgley's variation, a James Bond-like theme. As for the rest of the tunes, there is no need to worry: just sit back, relax and let it flow — you're in good hands.
Verve Remixed 3
