This sprawling two-disc compilation dances between many moods that could ostensibly fall under the “chill” label, including pop, dreamy ambient, and soft jazz.
Couchy relaxation is served up with songs from Air and Doves, while more sing-along pop tracks from Crowded House and The Dandy Warhols also make an appearance. This selection would be equally well suited to either a sunny afternoon playlist or a late night wind-down session; however, it is suffering somewhat from an identity crisis.
The mix of tracks on the first disc flow well at some points, but tend to be incongruous choices; the most jarring being the upbeat clubby opener “Heaven” competing for headspace with Radiohead’s “No Surprises”. Although this is not an unpleasant listening experience, the problem with this compilation is not so much what is being offered, but why it is being offered.
Empire Of The Sun’s 80s-flavoured “Without You” and Roxy Music’s “Avalon” compete with the bluesy “Sweet Virginia” by Gomez. There is a degree of clichéd bossa nova with Astrud Gilberto’s “Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars)” and the yawn-inducing soft jazz classic “Colours”.
The second disc is very much a pop homage, with Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Norah Jones, and Kings of Convenience interspersed with heartfelt vocal tracks from Cassandra Wilson and Tracey Thorn.
Ultimate Chill 2012 is an eclectic ramble; there is nothing exciting or groundbreaking here, but overall it does hold its own as a passable easy-listening soundtrack.
