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Palm Pictures has truly been around the block. The company has put out a number of world oriented music and documentaries. The "Palm Beats Volume One" compilation focuses on the latter. Palm Pictures has had some exceptionally stellar singles released over the past few years. With songs and remixes from heavy-hitters such as Da Lata, Restless Soul (Phil Asher), and Ashley Beedle the label has grown in popularity.


"Palm Beats" captures all of these classic singles into one unmixed compact disc.

Sidestepper starts off the goodness with "Linda Manigua," an interesting African dub track that is benefited by some great compression and well-placed delays. Next up is the ever-popular "Gud Fella" by the African goddess Gigi. Baaba Maal's powerful Fa Laay Fanaan also shines through with Ashley Beedle's beautiful remix featuring smooth synthesizers and a storming bass line. We move into an Afro-Latin groove with a pair of tunes by Da Lata, both of which send the listener to the breezy beach on the hunt for a pina colada.

Unfortunately the compilation is aimed at working deejays that would prefer to buy it on vinyl instead of the average consumer who wants a fulfilling album. Many of the songs are simply too long for regular listening. While many Palm Pictures singles can form the foundation of a great deejay set, alone they do not stand up to par. Most of the singles sound too similar. While creating a very unique Afro-Latin genre, all the tracks share this same theme and quickly burn out the listener.

Maybe if the album was mixed by Patrick Forge of Da Lata it would have a more flowing feel, but as it stands, the "Palm Beats" compilation is better suited for a posh clothing boutique and not a pair of hi-fi headphones.