Washington based purveyors of downtempo lounge music Thievery Corporation release Versions, the follow up to 2005’s The Cosmic Game, this May.

Comprised of Eric Hilton & Rob Garza, Thievery Corporation began producing contemporary lounge beats that are heavily influenced by the eclectic mix of genres both artists have listened to, ranging from bossanova, latin and dub. After releasing a number of singles in the early 90’s, they gained widespread attention when their debut LP Songs From The Thievery Hi Fi was released in 1996. Since this time they have consistently released varied singles, albums and DJ compilations, all featuring both their distinctive influences and production trademarks. Notable releases include The Mirror Conspiracy (2000) and Richest Man In Babylon (2002).

Versions is a diverse remix album of artists ranging from Public Image Ltd to Herb Alpert. The album contains 18 songs, all are “versions” bar three that are remixes or releases for this album. This is not the first project of its kind, 1999 saw the release of the similar Abductions & Reconstructions.

On first hearing of this release I was a little cynical. Last years offering The Cosmic Game, featuring brave collaborations with artists Perry Farrell & The Flaming Lips was a departure from the popular Thievery formula evident in earlier releases. Beyond this though the album is a collection of songs that whilst consistent and sure to satisfy the most ardent fan, did not push production or style envelopes. Earlier releases such as the acclaimed Mirror Conspiracy album represented a new and unique downtempo sound coming into its own, The Cosmic Game was released five years later and by comparison did not break any new ground.

However, Versions exhibits Hilton & Garza’s uncanny talent for remixing and recreating what on surface glance would appear to be unlikely targets for a reworking. Songs such as the otherworldly Nouvelle Riche interpretation of perennial PIL anti-ballad This Is Not A Love Song, and a space age version of Strange Days by The Doors (featuring an eerily disembodied Jim Morrison vocal) are works from diverse ends of the musical spectrum, however both are fine examples of the Thievery flair for a credible and individual remix that contains characteristic elements of the original.

The album is an excursion into varied styles as well as interpretation. Songs such as opening track, Tanara, by Ustad Sultan Khan, take us into dub and eastern flavours, certain to please devoted followers of the Eighteenth Street Lounge sound. By comparison there is a reworking of roots dance act Transglobal Underground track, Khalgi Stomp. Both tracks also sit comfortably in the remix arena alongside reinventions such as Lemon Tree, a faithful yet contemporary rendition of the original Herb Alpert tune. It’s a great example of the subtle variations on a theme the group introduce into the mix.

Thievery Corporations own contribution to this album deserve a mention, The Cosmic Game’s Revolution Solution gets a redesign for this release, other tracks such as Shiva and Originality again reinforce why the ESL label is at the forefront of contemporary lounge music releases. Fans of the Verve remix series will also note the inclusion of Astrud Gilberto’s soulful and haunting Who Needs Forever, released previously on the original Verve – Remixed compilation. Other notable tracks include Wax Poetic’s Angels, assisted by Norah Jones on vocals, and Nothing To Lose with Isabelle Atena.

As a whole album this is largely a creative representation of the intent and direction Rob Garza & Eric Hilton seem to be taking Thievery Corporation, directing their efforts towards remix projects. Some commentators have criticised the collaboration as stagnating and being rigid and formulaic in their production approach, conversely many people like their sound for that very reason and they now enjoy a growing international fan base.

This album should appeal to the music lover and the lounge enthusiast alike. The variety of interpretations will satisfy the remix trainspotters, and at the same time the album explores the distinctive production and genre busting influences Thievery Corporation have combined to create their unique style.

For comments on this review go to:
http://www.teknoscape.com.au/forums/showthread.php?p=1109566

Versions Tracklisting:
01: Tanara - Ustad Sultan Khan
02: Habanos Days - Damien
03: This Is Not A Love Song - Nouvelle Riche
04: Beloved - Annoushka Shankar
05: Who Needs Forever - Astrud Gilberto
06: Desert - Emile Simon
07: Lemon Tree - Herb Alpert
08: Originality - Thievery Corporation feat. Sister Nancy
09: In Love - Fear Of Pop
10: The Girls Insane - The Januaries
11: Strange Days - The Doors
12: Revolution Solution - Thievery Corporation (TC Remix)
13: Shiva - Thievery Corporation (TC Remix)
14: Khalgi Stomp - Transglobal Underground
15: Angels - Wax Poetic feat. Norah Jones
16: Nothing To Lose - Isabelle Antena
17: Cada Beijo - Bebel Gilberto
18: Dirty Little Secret - Sarah McLachlan

Other Listening
Songs From The Verve Hi Fi (1998)
Abductions & Reconstructions (1999)
The Mirror Conspiracy (2000)
Richest Man In Babylon (2002)

DJ Mixes:
DJ Kicks Compilation (1999)
The Outernational Sound (2004)

Influences:
Songs From The Verve Hi-Fi (2004)

Thievery Corporation links:
www.thieverycorporation.com
www.eslmusic.com
www.music.aol.com/artist/thievery-corporation/203585/main