Dark Exotica: As Dug By Lux And Ivy - Various Artists

Facts Two CD set containing four classic exotica albums. Groovy sound from Lux And Ivy's imaginary basement. A deep dive into the darker sound of bachelor pad music, filled with effects, jazz asides and heady rhythms. Heavy conceptual nuggets that defy boundaries. Featuring The Buddy Collette Septet's super rare Polynesia, the holy grail of weird exotica. Plus pianist John McFarland's Provocatif from 1959, which flows with a jazz vibe that propels proceedings into new territory. With Stan Kenton's off-kilter jazz melting pot Cuban Fire, a breath taking set of arrangements from Johnny Richards' compositions. And Bill Russo's eerie concept album based on the seven deadly sins, like a dramatic score for a play that's unravelling in Russo's mind. A long way from the Tiki bar in Vegas; this is music from the dingier side of town, sounds that seek escapism but are hell bent on twisting the plotline as much as they can, all set for the kind of shack that Quentin Tarrantino might inhabit with John Travolta looking decidedly seedy just of camera. Remastered from the original sound sources, with sleevenotes by MOJO's Dave Henderson