One of the biggest names in the lounge movement, this dynamic D.C. DJ duo received much attention off the Garden State Soundtrack with Lebanese Blonde. This album is their most easily-accessable, the album I would recommend to anyone just getting into Thievery Corp. It covers a variety of world sounds, but mostly it's all about the blending of addictive beats with romping bass and diverse vocals.

No collection that includes the words Trip-Hop would be complete without Portishead. While other Trip-Hop kingpins such as Massive Attack and Tricky are far too hot/cold for the casual listener or someone just getting into the genre, Portishead's Dummy is much more accessable. If you like it, definitely expand to Massive Attack's Mezzanine and Sneaker Pimps' Becoming X, but try Dummy first.

This quirky little pop band has everything you'd want: dreamy vocals, luscious beats, and more than a dash of sultry sexiness in every track. They may be a bit on the lighter side, but they are one of those bands you could play for practically anyone and get a favorable reaction. If you like this album, check out the ridiculously great remix that Thievery Corporation does on The Remix Game album.

Not UNKLE's best known album, but certainly this UK electronic guru's finest in my humble opinion. UNKLE has contributed with a host of other talented artists in the downtempo scene, and there's a reason they all come to him: he's got that golden touch. And while we're talking about those other artists, check out DJ Shadow's Endtroducing, Ian Brown's Music of the Spheres, and Radiohead's Kid A.

There is no way I would leave this gem of an album off my list. Assuming you listen to Tantra Lounge 4 as well, you'll recognize Beauty and the East, the best track on the album, but only one of many many brilliantly blended East-meets-West tracks that inspire and relax in equal measure. The duo also worked with Bjork and VAST, both worth a listen if interested in expanding your sound.