Search - Talvin Singh :: Talvin Singh Presents Anokha Soundz of the Asian Underground

Leif H. (Leif) from CROSS PLAINS, WI
Reviewed on 12/1/2006...

Asian/Indian Drum & Bass

Manifestation of Asian Underground

HHK | Silver Spring, MD United States | 02/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great CD. I've been listening to it since I bought it almost 3 years ago.At that time, Asian Underground movement in UK was in its infancy period,and I was introduced to the movement with this CD. So much happened since then. Talvin Singh was involved in 'Star Rise' project, a tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, released his solo debut named 'OK' and received the prestigious Mercury Prize. He also remixed songs by artists like Madonna, Blondie etc. And now he is considered the center figure of Asian Underground. His songs in this album are terrific. Especially 'Jaan' which is also used as Philips commercial music. Vocals by Indian singer Amar are amazing. Her own solo song (Heavy Intro) is stunning. The only other album I heard her voice on is Algerian rai singer Khaled's latest album "Kenza". She contributes to Middle-Eastern -Indian fusion "El Harba Wine". Great song.. I definitely recommend it. Another important contribution to this album comes from drum'n'bass band State of Bengal.Their both songs are amazing.They also contribute to Star Rise project with the best Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan remix (Shadow remix).I also listened to their other remixes to Bjork (Hunter), Massive Attack(Inertia Creeps) and DJ Cheb i Sabbah (Shri Durga). All these remixes are great. Recommended.. I think a State of Bengal album was released in UK, but not here in US. Other important contribution is from AR Rahman who is a well-known movie soundtrack composer in India. The piece in this album is from the movie called "Mumbai". Great piece, isn't it? If you liked this song, check out "1947 Earth" soundtrack again by AR Rahman.Although not as good as "1947 Earth", another album that you can find in US is "Vande Mataram". The title track is amazing, but the rest is not as good. Other than that, all songs in this album are good although the other contributors have been pretty obscure so far. I also recommend Badmarsh & Shri, DJ Cheb i Sabbah and all these guys' godfather Ananda Shankar."

Sensational CD!

Santosh Jayaram | Mountain View, CA USA | 08/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Talvin Singh has a rarity in style that comes from his Indian roots and western upbringing,.... melding these two musical influences, that are mutually disjoint in structure and equally satisfying individually, requires the work of a genius. Talvin strains to forge a joint between these two musical spheres while all along expressing himself in the Drum n' Bass/ Jungle/ House genres.This CD is the result of an experiment that began with Talvins budding career as an underground DJ catering to the diverse Asian community ( unlike the US, the term 'Asian' in UK conveys an East Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Sri Lankan stereotype). From there his career took a blazing turn upwards,... his sets were immensely popular, he carved a niche that had all his DJ peers in neighbouring Holland dumbfounded and tapping their feet at the same time. Talvin created a whole new sub genre,.... The Asian Underground.This CD is masterly in that it respects both influences (Indian tunes and Drum n' Bass) creating a throughly enjoyable, melodious work of art. The CD does have issues in the flow. Songs 6 and 7 do not exactly go with the heavy dub sounds of its earlier siblings, the 'Mumbai Theme' being a fish out of the jewel case. And all the following songs are a mellow and have a trippy edge to it, relying more on the Tabla.But overall, this CD is highly recommended. It's a purveyor of brilliant diversity in a seemingly repetitive genre. The bassline is deep, smooth and floods your senses."