Pre-Owned ESL Soundtracks: Modular Systems (CD 0795103003729) by Various Artists

0795103003729. Pre-Owned: Good condition. CD. While virtually nobody was looking, D.C.'s tiny Eighteenth Street Lounge label has put together an impressive roster that rivals such underground hipster imprints as WordSound and Asphodel. Masterminded by Thievery Corporation (who also owns the label), this compilation provides a wonderful introduction to the label's stable of artists, with 13 mid-tempo tracks that flow seamlessly from one to the next to create a mood-altering mix. Italy's Nicola Conte, who contributes two tracks, starts things off with the swinging "Arabesque," a vibraphone-heavy blast of '60s-style Latin jazz, and nearly every song thereafter fits perfectly with the ones that come before and after. Artists like Blue States and Thunderball have already created small-but-fervent followings among the college radio set, but the spy themes of Ursula 1000, the futuristic dub of Desmond Williams, and the off-kilter funk-hop of Farid make equally strong impressions. You may not know the sound of Eighteenth Street Lounge yet, but you definitely should. Get on the bandwagon now and avoid the rush. ~ Bret Love, Rovi