There’s a reason why Martin Denny remains a cultural touchstone—his records are as earthly as they are from outer space. Forbidden Island was Denny’s third record, recorded after a nine-month residency in Hawaii. This era finds Denny just on the cusp of being a household name, a period where his records would shortly become certified Gold. Forbidden Island is a solidification of Denny being the King of the Exotica sound, where his recordings could illuminate just enough darkness across the Tiki Bar to let a few of us slowly dance the night away. These reissues also include the original iconic album artwork featuring model/actor Sandy Warner which was often the gateway into these albums before we ever heard the music in these grooves).