Les Baxter - Ritual of the Savage

A cornerstone of exotica, Ritual of the Savage by Les Baxter is widely considered one of the records that defined the entire genre. Originally released in the 1950s, this album laid the foundation for the lush, atmospheric sound that would influence artists like Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman for decades to come.

Blending orchestral arrangements with primal rhythms, exotic instrumentation, and cinematic flair, Baxter creates a soundscape that feels both adventurous and transportive. Tracks like “Quiet Village” helped establish the sonic identity of exotica, evoking distant islands and imagined landscapes through music alone.

This reissue brings the classic album back on 180-gram colored vinyl, sourced and packaged for collectors and longtime fans alike. Bonus tracks expand the listening experience while maintaining the integrity of the original release.

As an import pressing, this edition is a great opportunity to own one of the most influential lounge and exotica records ever made in a fresh format.

Why We Carry It

This is essential listening. If you are into exotica at all, this is ground zero. Les Baxter helped create the entire lane, and this record still holds up as one of the most immersive and defining releases in the genre.

For fans of:

Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman, Yma Sumac, space age pop, exotica, vintage lounge