Leave it to Capitol Records to release such a great series. Ultra Lounge definitely has given life to many recordings of yesteryear. Since this series began in 1996, a number of copy cat offerings have sprung up. Some good, some bad, but none approached in marketing like the folks at Capitol did. No I doubt Capitol is making a mint off these CD's, so I think it's more of a labor of love by those involved with Ultra Lounge. That is obvious at one look at the Ultra Lounge website. Then again, Capitol was and has been a leader in recorded music for many years. In the late fifties Capitol released compilation albums titled "What's New", an offering of soon to be released artist. In the fifties there were budget type recordings that were available. This did not mean the process was any less. Capitol Records had a distinctive sound and corners were not cut in those days. Think of those recordings from cats like Sinatra and Martin to name a couple. Audiophiles back then were in to Capitol. Simply, the quality and sound was amazing. So, why not carry that on today. Welcome Ultra Lounge! The series features many artists from the capitol vaults and meshed together in genre such as: spy,crime,mambo, and others. Some terrific music is ready to be heard. I suggest that if you are unfamiliar and just getting into appreciating this music is to listen first. Not everyone will be turned on by every volume and track and want to spend the money just for one or two tunes. You could say, you either like it or not when you first here it. Don't be too quick though, many of these tunes build to great excitement. For get about the 15 second intro scan! The care that went into these recordings is obvious. They sound great even on a small system. I recommend all in the Ultra Lounge series. You may not listen to everyday, but having these rare recordings certainly will expand your library. More so, appreciation of music in orchestrated form. Sadly though, after 1999, Capitol no longer offers newer offerings to Ultra Lounge on compact disc. Today, it's download only. Very disappointing because this music is short changed by way of mp3. The hard work that went in to these recordings gets left behind. With luck, Capitol may realize that and return to the CD format as true audiophiles and music buff's are into quality not convenience.