Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Cocktail Nation - The Best of The Best of 2016

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

As the year grinds to a halt, Koop revisits some highlights of his past shows.

We have The Best of The Best Product Releases, followed by The Best of The Best Music Releases.


The Best of The Best Product Releases

Tiki Joes Ocean - Angels We Have Heard On High
Tiki Joes Ocean - Dance Of The Sugar Plum Ferry

James Spencer - Les Baxter interview
Les Baxter - Quiet Village
Alex Kashkin - Bond The Spy

The Classics interview

Ixtahuele - At Sea
The Sharps - Caravan

Ford Interview

Elvis and Buble - Fever
Codename Carter - Time Bomb

Mai Kai Interview

Out of Abingdon - Django
Roland Remington - Baia

Dirk Daquiri Interview

Diana Dors - Let There Be Love

James Spencer - Ulitimate Martini Interview

Seduction - Bill Irwin Group





The Best of The Best Music Releases

The Sharps - Tenor Madness
Tony Felicetta - Sharps interview

Narco Lounge Combo - My Night With Sinatra
Richie Paradise  - Narco Lounge Combo interview

Tikiyaki 5-0 - Supernova 
Jim Bacchi -Tikiyaki interview

Codename Carter - Perfect Clarity Perfect Cut
Out Of Abingdon - Three Piece Suit
Warwick Hargreaves Interview

Roland Remington - Martinique
Roland Remington Interview

Ixtaheule - Call Of the Islands
Mattias Uneback Interview


Saturday, December 24, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 24 December 2016


Happy Chrismas, my fellow loungers!

It's Christmas Eve, and I'm sure not many of you will have time to listen or read this today or tomorrow, but I'm putting it out there.

Special treat tomorrow, as we play Christmas tracks all day and night. So put us on for background during your festivities.

Thanks for another wonderful year of listening and support, despite some of the unforeseen issues of our host, Radionomy. We here at This is Lounge look forward to a brighter 2017. Let's hope all the artists and listeners are, too. A special shoutout to all the artists and DJ's that I have come to know this year. It's been a privilege.

Stay tuned, as I hope to compile a Best Top Ten of 2016.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Thanks for your support, and your votes. Enjoy the New Year's and Christmas celebrations.

Cheers!



Saturday, December 10, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 10 December 2016


"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

The weekend has finally arrived, but there's no rest for the weary as we all continue to "pound the pavement" in search of those perfect gifts. Of course, this can be a harrowing experience even for the most seasoned veteran of shopping. After working all week, it really is hard to put yourself out into the retail world.

The answer to keeping your sanity during this time is to take a page from the jogger's diary - pace yourself, keep hydrated, and be sure to have your favourite tunes running through those ear buds. 

Music, as they say, soothes the savage beast, and we all can fall prey to that emotional distress at this time of the year. So, as always, "tune in, turn on, and chill out"!

Ho, ho, ho!

Congrats to Skcollob this week as he makes it to number one. Followed by Kant Sleep and the beautiful Miss Norah Jones. All three are in good company of each other. 

The ambient sounds of The Orb continue to climb the chart. The blood pressure lowering sounds of The 10 Sultans of Rudyard is a perfect antidote to the anxiety of the season. Of course, the same can be said for Michael e, Nouvelle Vague, and Normandie. Thanks for tuning in to relax!

This week saw the release of a wonderful collection from seasoned chillout artist, Pier-O, entitled Passion. Made up mostly of older titles, it does include three new tracks. One of which - Beach Waves  is Bubbling Under this week! Another calm-inducing track to help you through the day. Great collection, Pier-O!

A big shout out to all of you supporting the artists and the station, and be sure to vote for your favourite track at www.thisislounge.com.


Bubbling Under






Sunday, December 4, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 3 December 2016


Hope that all you fellow loungers are enjoying the weekend! Has that Christmas spirit got you busy shopping? Well, don't forget to take a few minutes for yourself. This is a hectic season, and we all have to stay positive.

Of course, enjoy that "me" time with the sounds of This is Lounge. Now that the sounds of the season are programmed into the mix, it's the perfect soundtrack for that Christmas cocktail party. 

The Top Ten this week has seen some interesting changes. Anton Borin has moved into number one this week! Skcollob follows in behind at number two. It seems that the two of them have climbed the chart neck and neck since coming onboard. Looks like Anton's votes got him there faster.

There were two big New Release announcements this week in the Chillout community - Pier O  and Michael e. Thanks to Michael for dropping his album in my email box. 

As I look forward to hearing Pier's, please enjoy Beautiful, the lead off track from Michael e's Heaven Sent album. 

As always, I shall post a ballot at www.thisislounge.com to start the voting. Thank you for your support. Enjoy the season!


Bubbling Under



Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Cocktail Nation 429 Call of the Islands

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

On the show this week, a new album from one of the leading exotica bands, there’s Swank Advice on cell phone manners In a restaurant, plus we have a fantastic Netflix show to catch up on, The World of Swank Gig Guide, plus the best Lounge and Exotica sounds.


Alex Khaskin-Mister Bond
Karen Souza-Tainted Love
Ixtahuele-Call Of The Islands
Quincy Jones -Soul Bossa Nova
Connie Francis-Bossa Nova Hand Dance
Naughty Ones-Trapped In a Web Of Love
Big Six -We The Boys Will Rock You
Royal Crown Review -Hey Pachucco
Walter Wanderly -Summer Samba
Rene Paulo Trio-Black Coral
Martini Kings-Girl From Ipanema
Jetset Sweden- A Man And A Woman
Piero Umilani- Crepuscolo Sui Mare
Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited-The Whistler Returns


Saturday, November 26, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 26 November 2016


Happy Saturday, my fellow loungers! I hope the sun is shining in your part of the world. 

As the Christmas shopping season begins, lets all not forget to take a few minutes to chill from the hectic hustle and bustle and stress of shopping. Don't worry about that perfect gift. Relax, and let your mind flow, and it will come to you.

This week, we have Nouvelle Vague slipping back up into the number one position. Such a beautiful cover of a Cocteau Twins track. Skcollob and Anton Borin also make some moves up, rounding out the rest of the top three tracks this week.

The Orb, with the closing track from their new album, The 10 Sultans of Rudyard, brings some wonderful ambient sounds into the mix, which I hope you enjoy.

Thanks to everyone who has voted for their fave at www.thisislounge.com. Please continue to vote. I love the feedback, and it's your way of playing a part in the programming here.

Alos, thanks for supporting the artists through the purchase of their music. It certainly helps keep the landlord at bay.

This week, I have no Bubbling Under tracks. With the season and a busy week, keeping tabs on new music this week has been impossible. But do not fear, as I will have some new releases for you next week, I'm sure. Until then, thanks for tuning in. This is the season to take advantage of the sounds....and stay tuned as the sounds of the season get added into the mix.



Saturday, November 19, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 19 November 2016


The weekend has finally arrived! Happy Saturday!

As the malls and shops begin to pump the sounds of Christmas through their sound systems, we here at This is Lounge feel November is still a wee bit premature for that. So, allow me to officially announce the programming of Christmas music will begin December 1st. I'm just as excited as anyone with regards to the holidays, but it's just not cold enough or snowy enough until the final month of the year.  

That being said, we experienced a day of sunshine and 18 degree temperatures yesterday! Not really condusive to holiday shopping, unless you live in a Southern clime.

So ease yourself into that Winter chill with a little......winter chill! Tune in for a hot toddy of sounds that will warm your heart as well as chill you out. 

Speaking of chill, I'm proud to announce the title track of Normandie's wonderful album, Time Lapse, has reached the number one position this week. The sounds of Ambient and Chillout appear to have filled the top half of the chart this week, as Norah Jones, Narco Lounge Combo, and Van Morrison all battle for a better position in the bottom half. 

So this news should make all of you that are Ambient Chill fans very happy - Recently, The Orb released a special collection of strictly that genre of music, keeping the beats to a minimum. Are they mellowing in their old age? More than likely, a diversion or something they've wanted to do for a long time.

COW / Chillout, World! has been out for a month or so, but we here have taken our time in choosing a selction that would fit into the playlist just right. The 10 Sultans of Rudyard (Moo Moo Mix) fulfills that requirement. a beautiful piece incorporating the sounds of nature, it would bot be out of place segueing in a mix with Pink Floyd's Grantchester Meadows. So tune in and enjoy this closing track on the album, and I will post it on the website for your votes.

Thanks for supporting the artists and the station.


Bubbling Under



Monday, November 14, 2016

Karen Souza - Paris

Cocktail Nation 427 The Classics

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

On the show this week, we talk movies and movies stars with the author of a new book on the Golden Age of movies. Also,  news of a Pan AM Museum, and an interesting story of a musician who was shot by his wife on stage 44 years ago! All this and music, too.


Alex Khaskin - Austin Powers
Ixtahuele - Call Of The Seas
Karen Souza - Creep
Stanley Turrentine and the Three Sounds - Blue Riff
Lee Morgan - These Are Soulful Days
Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited - Teacher and the Priest
The Sharps - Odd Couple Theme
Robert Drasnin - La Mer Azure
Antonio Carlos Jobim - Wave
Bobby Darin - It Had To Be You
Keeley Smith - A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening
Narco Lounge Combo - Fire At Vent Haven


Sunday, November 13, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 12 November 2016


Well, Happy Sunday, my fellow loungers!

Since Saturday was so crazy, I had to postpone this week's entry - I was so exhausted.

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, and thoughts of Summer become a distant memory, we prepare to cocoon ourselves for the Winter. For many of you a winter break in the Caribbean  helps to keep that Summer feeling alive, and a chance to escape the snow, even if only for a week or two.

But as I've said before, Summer is also a state of mind. Keep that feeling inside of you till Spring.

In the meantime, let's check out the chart this week. Poolz relinguishes the top spot this week for Nouvelle Vague. Normandie rounds out the top three with Time Lapse.

Michael e finally drops a little, as newcomers Van Morrison and Norah Jones battle to better positions.

Bubbling Under this week has only one entry, from Soundcloud discovery, Kant Sleep. He has some wonderful tracks on his page. Be sure to delve deeper into what this artist is showcasing.

Thanks for supporting the artists and the station. 


Bubbling Under


Sunday, November 6, 2016

Cocktail Nation 426 Ford

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

This week, a new book on the Ford Motor Company; so we will catch up with the author who for many years worked on the Australian Ford factory floor.

Tippi Hedren has a new memoir out with some interesting revelations in it, plus I bring you a DVD box set you need in your collection!

David Baker - Be Bop
Tikiyaki 5-0 - Enchanted Sea
Metropole Orchestra - OSS117 Theme
Henry Mancini - It Had Better Be Tonight 
Codename Carter - Perfect Clarity Perfect Cut
Network Music Ensemble - Lady At The Bar
Bill Evans - This Thing Called Love
Nino Rapicavoli - Doctor Moo
Curtis Amy - Bongo Blue
Elvis and Micheal Bible - Fever
Roland Remington - Legend Of Zelda
Johhny Mandel - Barbara Surrenders
Dizzy Gillespie - Birks Works


Saturday, November 5, 2016

The Top ten - week ending 5 November 2016


Happy Saturday, my fellow loungers!

Have to make this quick, as I am not supposed to be typing. I am in recovery mode following a short hospital stay. Needless to say, I am all the better for it, thank you very much.

It's nice to have the music to help in recuperation. 

Poolz and his wonderfully chilled sound of Is it, Or is it not remains in number one position this week, while Skcollab jumps into the second spot, followed by Nouvelle Vague.

Newcomer Anton Borin makes a sizeable jump this week to number five, as does Normandie. It's obvious that the chillout sounds are a fave with listeners.

Making the jump from Bubbling Under, the retro sounds of the Narco Lounge Combo climb into the tenth position this week with Sex Tape Scandal.

Tune in this week to hear the sounds of Kant Sleep, and a track taken from his Soundcloud page, She's My Jazz. A wonderfully smooth, jazz-influenced hip hop/trip hop sound that I'm sure your going to love.  Check out the link below, and be sure to Follow him - a new EP is forthcoming. stay tuned!

Be sure to visit the website at www.thisislounge.com and cast your vote for your fave New Release. 

As always thanks for supporting the station's artists through your favourite legal download sites. Click on the artist links to lead you in the right direction.


Bubbling Under







Friday, October 28, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 29 October 2016


Happy Saturday, once again! I am certainly looking forward to it, as it has been one hectic week. Month end is always a crazy time.....making me all the more grateful when I finally get a chance to decompress and chill. 

Ahhhhhhhhh.......

Not quite acheiving Zen, but at least a very relaxed state. Weather here has gone up and down like a yo-yo - 25 and sunny to 10 and rainy to 20 and sunny, and today promises to be another sunny and 20 - at the end of October!!! Unbelievable! 

We have some beautiful sounds to enjoy it with, as well. Congrats to Poolz! Our station newcomer has made his way to the top this week. Big shoutout to him over his laid back piece. Michael e  sneaks back to number two. Nice one, my friend! Another indie Soundcloud find, Skcollob makes an impressive move this week as he takes the fourth position.

Shoutout to Koop Kooper! Welcome back from Fiji! I'm sure you had an awesome time. Don't forget, at 6:00 pm Toronto time, tune in for a sneak preview of this week's Cocktail Nation, and listen to Koop spin those groovy toons, baby! 

I would also be amiss not mentioning a new addition, a track that's Bubbling Under with a wonderful sound. I am finally getting around to listening to the new Norah Jones album, and let me say, I have fallen for Sleeping Wild - a sexy slow burn that will leave you in another world. Enjoy.

Thanks for all the support, everyone. The artists and the station are most appreciative. Till next week....as Koop says, "stay hip"!


Bubbling Under





Sunday, October 23, 2016

Cocktail Nation 424 Ultimate Martini

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.


This week on the show, a great place for the Tiki lovers to visit, and we talk martini’s with the author of a new book called Ultimate Martini. We also talk swank advice on getting the best service.

Spy Fi - Man From UNCLE Theme 
Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack - Night In Tunisia 
New Morty Show - Blue Martini 
Bobby Darin - I Can’t Believe 
Dizzy Gillespie - Be Bop 
Daniela Schachter - Come Fly With Me 
Narco Lounge Combo - Sea Of Hollywood 
Diana Dors - Let There Be Love 
Lionel Hampton - Vibra holiday 
Rebecca Angel - Jet Samba 
The Sharps - Flintstones Theme 
Don Ralke - Poison Dart 
Robert Draslin - Aloha


Saturday, October 22, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 22 October 2016


Hapy Saturday!

The week has finally ended and you can shed that suit and tie and relax a little now. The weather may not be cooperating in your part of the world, but the Autumn season has it's own chillout properties. 

Embrace the Fall, and all it's colours and temperatures. Create your own soundtrack to the season and look forward to the Christmas season ahead.

This week, with the change of season comes a change of number one in the chart. Those Bristol UK trip hoppers, Massive Attack, have reached the summit with their wonderful single, The Spoils. Following close behind is indie artist, Poolz, and Michael e.

This week sees newcomer, Anton Borin, make the leap from Bubbling Under, as the staff here at the stationlike what they hear from this artist. I hope you do as well.

Thanks for your great support, and be sure to vote for your fave at www.thisislounge.com.


Bubbling Under



Saturday, October 15, 2016

The Top Ten - week ending 15 October 2016


Greetings fellow loungers!

Welcome to another Saturday posting of the This is Lounge Top Ten. Because of another "Indian Summer" day here, I have been enjoying life in the sunshine today, rather than sitting behind a computer. But, needless to say, I have a duty to perform, so here I am - a little later than usual.

This week was a bit of an anomaly, in the sense that we didn'y lose anyone from the Top Ten. Let's just say, the deck was shuffled, as artists moved around this week.....all but two, that is - Master chiller Michael e remained atop the list with Day by Day.  A very worthy leader, no doubt. Plus, Poolz maintains his middle position.

Skollob made some surprising gains, and Luederwaldt's excellent Namida must finally make room on the chart for some new candidates, as he hangs on to the tenth position for another week....a hard decision here at the station.

Stay tuned for some great Bubbling Under tracks just itching to make the move. Van Morrison's latest croon, Out in The Cold Again, will have a few romantics out there sighing. The title track from chillout artist, Normandie's new album, Time Lapse, is getting a few votes at www.thisislounge.com.

If you're a fan of Koop Kooper's Cocktail Nation show, then I'm sure that you're aware of those loungey Brits, the Narco Lounge Combo. This week, we've added a new track from their latest Sea of Hollywood release, called  Sex Tape Scandal. It's chilling. It's retro. It's jazzy. And it's pretty cool. I think you'll get a kick out of it. Thanks to Koop for the heads up on these guys.

Thanks for supporting all of these artists, as well as the station. Spread the word. 


Bubbling Under




Sunday, October 9, 2016

Cocktail Nation Twilight - Sin City Spy

Tune in Saturday nights at 18:00 EST Toronto time (6:00 pm) for a Sneak Preview of the week's show. Shake that martini, and relax in your bachelor pad as Koop Kooper takes us on a musical journey through that Exotica and Tiki world of the 50's and 60's.

Today, we take a listen to another "best of" Twilight episode, turning the clocks back to October 2010 for this repeat broadcast. Enjoy. 

This week on the Cocktail Nation, Koop Kooper checks out the latest book from good buddy of the show, Bill Raetz, as we hear about the latest adventures of Bryce Attewelle and the World Espoinage Bureau. There's our segment, "Ask Koop", as we tackle the English language and some confusion in plurals!

If you are at your loose end for entertainment, then Koopers look at the world of swank is just right for you, as he has the lowdown on plenty of great parties and events to attend. And for the book worms, we've got news about a brand new book out about Ms. Monroe from the early fifties, and sad news on the death of another icon. We'll also head into the blogosphere again with a cool blog on beatniks and their cool jazz.

Martini Kings - Kings Highway
Waitiki 7 - Similau
Spy Fi - Web Theme
Oscar Peterson - Dreamsville
Machinoso - Vampire Jazz
Cocktail Angst - Gidget&Martin
Vibes On Velvet - Topsy Astrud
Astrud Gilberto - Corcovado [Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars]
Pete Rugolo - All Star
Esquivel - Limehouse Blues
Diana Krall - I've Got You Under My Skin
Mark Copeland - Goody Goody
Peggy Lee - Black Coffee
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Nelson Riddle - Theme from Route 66

UPDATE 10 OCTOBER 2016 - Just realized that the wrong podcast was loaded. Many apologies. Please enjoy.