AMG Review of Exciting Sounds of Martin Denny: Exotica/Exotica, Vol. 2

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

The two Martin Denny albums that gave the exotica style its name and popularized its sound, originally released circa 1957, are here combined onto one compact disc. If you want more Denny after you're finished with Rhino's best-of, this should be the next stop. Only seven of the 24 tracks here duplicate the Rhino set, Denny wrote the extensive liner notes, and the sound is better than what you'll find on the beat-up original vinyl. The earlier album (featuring "Quiet Village") is jazzier and more boisterous than you might expect; Exotica, Vol. 2 is considerably mellower, and heavier on the cocktail lounge vibe.