Post #221803 by gwenners on Sun, Mar 19, 2006 4:18 PM

I originally came into Denny from my mom: she had a modest collection of his works that she played when I was young.

I recall also trying the albums out back in my high school years and, naturally, hating them.

Fast forward to '99 or so, with the release of the "Ultra Lounge" album, which included a remix of Hypnotique. I was intrigued, and got ahold of the Exotica III / Hypnotique reissue from Scamp. It was all downhill from there, as I've collected a pretty decent-sized collection of Denny's works, both in CD and original LPs when I can find 'em. I even carefully brought back an original monaural Exotica and a silver-covered Exotic Sounds of the Silver Screen from a trip to Iowa City. Yes, also my mom's old albums are now mine, and take a place of honour in the collection.

The vinyl gets spun pretty regularly, especially Exotica III, which seems to be my fave of the collection nowadays. It's like an instant "mood adjustment."

I picked up The Best of Martin Denny's Exotica yesterday. Not much I didn't have on there, but still a fine selection of tracks, including some of my favourites from Mr. Denny. Great packaging, too, which is a rarity nowadays.

Cheers,
Gwen Smith