Sunday, June 23, 2013

Exotica Today - Martin Denny


How are YOU feeling today? Exotic? Well that's mighty fine by us at the Starlite, because tonight it's another rare one from maestro Martin Denny himself, "Exotica Today". This collection is not one of my favorite albums from Mr. Denny--I could do without his overly horn-y rendition of "Love Me With All Your Heart" (pun definitely intended), and his choice of "Lara's Theme" to cover leaves something to be desired. However, there are plenty of shimmering jewels on this long player to make up for the skippable ones. Denny's "Strangers In The Night" is a keeper for sure, and his supermarket-chic reading of "Promises" had me reeling with reverbbed excitement. You probably already know Martin Denny gave a name to the genre "Exotica", but who knew he was the inventor of the mash-up, too? Check out his unique take on the opening track "The Shadow Of Your Smile", where he wraps the song around the skeleton of his own #2 Billboard hit "Quiet Village".

Tonight's drink: it's no fooling around. You pour a shot or two of Tropical Punch flavored vodka in a large Tiki glass, then fill it with mango-orange juice and ice. Exotically hypnotique! Belly up to the bar, or just relax on the cheap rattan outdoor furniture and listen to this.

Your Tropical Exotic download is here!