Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi

Its hard to believe this disc came out in 1996. Depending on which way you look at Thievery Corporation, and which specific aspects you focus on in their later albums, you could say that they've come along way. You could also say they've stayed the course the entire journey.

This, the debut album, was the second Thievery Corporation disc I purchased, the first being Richest Man in Babylon. I've always felt that for newcomers, Richest Man in Babylon is the best starting point - but for what its worth, this disc could be as well.

This disc has the same variety of genres and flavours that can be found in any Thievery Corporation disc. I find that this disc pumps out a little more bass than the others, especially in the first two songs, which kind of flow into one another. Ethnic downtempo is present, (with that unmistakable Thievery Corp. flavour), but some songs are more reggae-influenced, especially with the voice-overs.

As far as replay value goes, this disc is the one that makes an appearance most often. Because of the typical Thievery Corp. song variations, it can be played in a lot of different situations. I find its very appropriate late night music, whether hosting a party or driving through city streets.

If there was any T.C. disc more appropriate in a dark, smoke-filled lounge, this is it. Go grab that martini. Let Sounds From The Thievery Hi-Fi do the rest.

One thing to note: I seem to have the UK edition which does not have the songs "Manha" and "Encounter In Bahia." I can't speak for these two songs.

perhaps not their best album in comparison to 'the mirror conspiracy', but good and solid- you will not regret you bought it. so buy it...hurry!

This is Thievery Corporation's first album, released shortly after the talented "duo" hooked up in DC. If you're familiar with their later works, i.e. The Mirror Conspiracy or the Cosmic Game- then you'll notice this cd is lacking in some of the many intricacies that can be found there. Although still a good cd, it doesn't last as long in my changer as - say - DJ Kicks.

For anyone new to chillout, World lounge or Brazilectro, "Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi" is as good a place to start as any. Still low-key while maintaining a driving sense of rhythm, Thievery Corporation prove themselves an essential electronica act on their first collection of original material (the band is also well-known for their remix and compilation work).

Tracks like "2001 A Spliff Odyssey" and "The Oscillator" beg for a sofa and a shaker of martinis at 2 a.m., and more insistent groovers like "Shaolin Satellite" and "Univeral Highness" are sure to breathe some life into any social gathering. Other cuts aren't so easy to peg; "The Glass Bead Game" spends almost four minutes as a mystical Bossa Nova before introducing a head-bobber of a drum loop, and "Incident at Gate 7" casts an ethereal spell that almost puts a sustaining effect on its funky rhythms.

The only thing that could have been shaken up a bit is the disc's range of tempo...sometimes the tracks are better appreciated when played in a changer rather than taking on all sixteen at once. But either way, "Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi" is solid proof that between their own fantastic work and their forward-thinking Eighteenth Street Music label, Thievery Corporation are clearly here for the long haul.

This is the first Thievery Corporation CD, and a monumental one at that. A groovy blend of Dub, Jazz, and Drums is the only way I can describe this CD. Thievery Corp nowadays has added more instruments and progressed their sound more but still; any Thievery Corporation fan should pickup this classic. Lay back and enjoy this amazing CD.