Search - Various Artists :: Rough Guide to the Asian Underground

Nice sampler of modern Asian techno

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 04/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Generally speaking, I'm not the world's biggest electronica-dance fan, but as the genre goes, I find myself frequently drawn to Asian-oriented releases, since they often seem to have more going on, rhythmically and melodically, than your typical club mix disc. I guess it's because they have to introduce some distinctively "Asian" element, such as a sitar or koto, or readily identifiable Chinese or Hindustani melody...*something* to set the music apart. Or, maybe, it's just that some of Asian mixmasters have better taste or a wider palatte than their Europhilic contemporaries. At any rate, this collection has plenty of nice, mellow, listenable tracks on it, and makes a worthy contribution to the growing catalogue of likeminded records that are available to inquisitive music fans. Worth checking out!"

Not much on virtuosity

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | 08/22/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the reviewer below has stated, this is dance mix stuff. If you are as intrigued as I am about the adaptability of Indian musical ideas to western pop, this is worth listening to. But nothing here is going to startle or move you in any way. It is mainly atmospheric. The more I listen to this the less India I detect in my mind's ear. Mainly I visualize colored lights and frenetic dancers gyrating across a sweaty floor. Be careful not to slip. This is strictly music for shaking your bootie. Enlightenment should be sought elsewhere."