Released 20 years ago
Hôtel Costes, Vol. 9: Neuf
Stéphane Pompougnac · 2006
71 min · 16 tracks · lounge music
A sophisticated blend of downtempo beats and smooth melodies perfectly encapsulating the essence of chic lounge culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Emotional Rescue (2 Many Beats remix) — This track stands out for its inventive remixing of a classic Rolling Stones song, infusing it with fresh electronic energy while retaining its original allure.
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You Ain’t Really Down (Jazzanova’s Hey Baby remix) — Jazzanova's remix adds intricate layers and lush instrumentation, transforming the original into a captivating lounge piece that exemplifies Pompougnac's curation style.
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The Ballad of Sacco and Vanzetti — Opening the album with a compelling narrative, this track brings an evocative depth that sets the tone for the entire collection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends lounge elements with a cohesive flow, making it a notable entry in the genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent downtempo beat throughout, with tracks often layering smooth melodies over rhythmic bass lines.
- Several tracks incorporate vocal samples that are manipulated and looped, creating a hypnotic effect rather than traditional song structures.
- The running time is extended with ambient interludes that bridge the more structured pieces, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sophisticated lounge atmosphere
- dynamic flow with peaks
- long, immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing and movement
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Hôtel Costes, Vol. 9 was released in 2006, Stéphane Pompougnac was already a well-established name in the lounge music scene, known for his work with the Hôtel Costes compilation series that began in 1999. This volume continued to showcase his knack for curating tracks that evoke a luxurious ambiance, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thievery Corporation· Air· Zero 7
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Free for All
The bridge introduces a sudden change in tempo and mood, creating an uplifting moment amidst the more subdued verses.
This shift not only energizes the track but also highlights Pompougnac's skillful arrangement that maintains listener engagement throughout.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Ballad of Sacco and Vanzetti 4:51
- 2 No One in This World 4:15
- 3 All I Want 3:09
- 4 One 4:48
- 5 Emotional Rescue (2 Many Beats remix) 3:09
- 6 Diferente 4:39
- 7 Con mi sombra 4:55
- 8 Kiss Me Twice 4:44
- 9 You Ain’t Really Down (Jazzanova’s Hey Baby remix) 6:46
- 10 Little White Roses 6:08
- 11 Free for All (Soundstream remix) 4:59
- 12 Bluebird 3:42
- 13 Et toutes ces choses… 4:45
- 14 Paris… demain matin… 3:35
- 15 Womb 3:44
- 16 Belle 3:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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