by Chanté LaGon

So many artists. So much talent. So little time. That about sums up this lounged-out compilation. The only thing you might be disappointed by is not being able to check the entire CD in one sitting.

The 17 tracks range from pre-party cool to peak-of-the-night lounge all the way to sexy smooth. "Anticipation" by Atlanta's own Kai Alce leaves you wanting more, as does "Something New" by Salah Ananse. Longtime producer Bryan Ogden's track, "All Purpose Fill," is just that - a perfect groove for any atmosphere. "Summer Daze" by DJ Puzzle is another standout, especially for those who are drum and bass inclined.

A couple songs take a while to get going but are worth the wait, like the jazzy horns and housey thump in "Musique" by Lenny B. Slightly haunting Madonna-esque vocals wind within the energetic beat of "My Personal Moon," a track by the label's founders.

This "Lifestyle Concept" compilation matches whatever mood you decide to wear. The full-length CD dropped earlier this month, and with a national advertising campaign to support this Atlanta-based project, the album should move quickly off the shelves.

The track selection takes you from San Francisco to Detroit to New York, so some folks probably won't believe this was "Made in the ATL." But all of the artists included do have some connection to the city. Vol. 2 is already in the works, so go out and get connected to the New Sound - the first time around.

New Sound Theory
by Basic Lux Records
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