Circuit World

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The dynamic duo strikes again! Down-tempo kings {|Thievery Corporation|} have compiled yet another hour's worth of rhythmic, pan-global toe-tappers that span the breadth of their label's roster and offer a musical depth rare to the genre. The flavors are pungent and varied, from the {|Karminsky Experience|}'s pulsing, sitar-laced "Exploration" to the laid-back dub of {|Desmond Williams|}'s "Brooklyn Blues" to the Brazilian jazz of Les Hommes' "Hommage." The greatest strength of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, however, is in pairing the organic sounds of the past with the freshest beats and electronic techniques. This is what occurs on the Thievery-produced "Postales," a breezy, flamenco-tinged track from Argentinean {|Federico Aubele|}, who balances gorgeous acoustic guitar picking and Gabriela Mairu's vocals with a dub-informed bass line and spare synths. Following suit is Thievery's own "Language Symbolique," featuring light-as-a-cream puff vocals from French singer Lou Lou and lots of dub flourishes. Boasting both retro flavors -- in its bouncy samba beat and Barbara De Dominicis's coos -- and a live jazz sound led by flute, {|Nicola Conte|}'s mix of {|Ursula 1000|}'s "Samba 1000" will have you catching a cab to the coolest after-hours lounge you can find. With its easygoing vibe and sophisticated palette, Den of Thieves is yet more proof of Thievery Corporation's remarkable sonic interior design. It doesn't get much classier than this.