3rd Perspective

Amazon.com With a thing for vintage spy-thriller themes and ersatz jazz, the international collective United Future Organization has an inherent aura of cool. On 3rd Perspective, its most accomplished release to date, the group has no problem living up to the funk and flair of its forefathers. Moving through soulful vamps and sleek rhythms, the sharply dressed band bashes out the ideal soundtrack for any jet-set daydream. UFO even has their own answer to Shirley Bassey in a woman named Chezere on the 007-ish “Friends.” Elsewhere, “Spy Spice (Mon Espionage)” sounds like a lost gem from the Quincy Jones catalog, while “Picaresque Eye” prominently features soothing, exotic percussion and the poetic voice of Skip McDonald. Kitschy but classy. –Aidin Vaziri