Resilience is an album that calls on the classic rave sounds of Chrissy's Midwestern youth to explore themes of love, positivity, perserverence, acceptance, and the fight against cynicism. Get ready for big piano melodies, chopped breakbeats, heavy bass, and jacking Chicago drum programming, plus guest appearances from some of Chrissy's friends: vocalist Carrie Wilds, Portuguese DJ/producer/singer Maria Amor, and Berlin-based techno artist Dean Grenier. RAWAX will present it on three ep's!
Chrissy is a genre-bending DJ/producer with releases on Classic, Freerange, Razor N Tape, Hypercolour, and Planet Mu, and a 20-year DJ career spanning Chicago house, disco, rave, jungle, footwork, and more. He ran the influential 'My Year of Mixtapes' blog, and currently runs two record labels: The Nite Owl Diner and Cool Ranch.
'Chrissy is one of the best DJs to ever walk the earth and I am just going to keep saying it until everyone agrees with me.' — The Black Madonna.
Buscar:plus 8
Book/ Cd/ 7''/ Flexi
There are still precious few women at the helm of record labels, let alone Indian women, but Vinita stands out as a proud anomaly... a champion of the underdog, an underdog herself, a surrogate mother to unsung musicians, a relentless workerbee, a fan, a carer, a catalyst...' (Richard Milward, from the Rocket Girl 20 book)
2018 marked the 20th anniversary of Rocket Girl, one of the most eclectic and resilient small independent labels in the UK, steered single-handedly by Vinita Joshi. To celebrate this milestone, in March 2019 Rocket Girl will release a very special collection of music and literature, comprising a 16-track CD compilation of Vinita's artists past and present, a collectable 7' and flexi disc, exclusive Anthony Ausgang print, full 20 track download, plus a strikingly illustrated 70-page hardback book uncovering the history of the label.
Based on extensive interviews with Vinita, with contributions from many of her bands (Füxa, God is an Astronaut, Coldharbourstores, Pieter Nooten), the book's text is written by Faber author and long-time Rocket Girl supporter Richard Milward. Beginning with Vinita's formative years in Rugby in the 1970s and 1980s, the story covers not only the eventful history of Rocket Girl but also Vinita's teenage initiation into the music industry: managing The Telescopes, founding Ché with Nick Allport out of the ashes of Cheree, before finally going it alone and setting up her own label in 1998. It is both an inspiring and bittersweet tale. Vinita's staying power alone in such a challenging industry is worthy of its own tribute: she has built a record label on her own terms from scratch, she has overcome the loss of loved ones, survived a breakdown at the height of her label's popularity, and all in all her immense love of music, her strength and positivity in the face of adversity blazes throughout the book. Along the way we learn of the hits (and why Kurt Heasley's vocal cords seemed to be malfunctioning during the Lilys' Top of the Pops appearance), the near-misses (including a never-before-seen letter from Richey Edwards of the Manic Street Preachers), the triumph of Vinita's first self-released LP A Tribute to Spacemen 3, her heartbreak losing Jason DiEmilio of The Azusa Plane in 2006, plus sad revelations concerning Television Personalities' Daniel Treacy's condition following his brain trauma in 2011...
Regular Rocket Girl designer Xiaofei Zhang has been given access to Vinita's vast collection of personal photographs, letters, flyers, press clippings and other keepsakes, arranging these alongside the text to give the book the feel of a technicolour scrapbook, a vivid chronicle of indie music past, present and future.
As Milward writes: 'The artists Vinita has worked with over the years are undisputed luminaries of alternative music, and stand up to any major indie label's roster: Spacemen 3, The Telescopes, Bark Psychosis, Disco Inferno, Lilys, Low, Bardo Pond, Mogwai, Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields, Patti Smith, Jonathan Richman, Television Personalities, to name just a handful.' Likewise, the artists featured on the accompanying CD compilation reveal just how far-ranging Vinita's taste is, and how loyal her bands have been to her over the years. The disc opens with a special 'Rocket mix' of Silver Apples' 'Susie' - the band that adorned the A-side of rgirl1, the label's first 7'. From here, there are cuts from Rocket Girl stalwarts like Füxa and Bell Gardens, as well as tracks contributed by friends and supporters of the label, such as Andrew Weatherall and Mogwai. Arguably the most notable track (certainly the most poignant) is the Television Personalities' 'All Coming Back', one of just a few unreleased songs recorded before Treacy's accident, and released here with Daniel's sister's blessing.
Vinita began her career selling Loop/Telescopes flexi discs on New Year's Eve 1988 and, in homage to this bygone format, she has included a 7' flexi (featuring 'Fight For Work', an outtake from Mogwai's most recent LP, Every Country's Sun) as well as a standard 7' bringing together rare tracks from two Philadelphia bands she has championed since their formation: Bardo Pond and The Azusa Plane. The three discs are housed in pockets found in the book's inside covers, and there are yet more gifts: an exclusive print by Anthony Ausgang (the instantly recognisable artist behind MGMT's Congratulations and Füxa's Electric Sound of Summer covers), plus a free download code for all tracks featured across the various formats of the collection.
Vinita's story is anything but ordinary, and this extraordinary collection is the most fitting tribute to the label's legacy so far: a treasure trove of rare tracks and unheard stories for Rocket Girl devotees, a comprehensive introduction to the label for the uninitiated, and both an inspirational chronicle and cautionary tale for anybody interested in the history of British independent music in the past thirty years...
Mutima is the debut album led by bassist Cecil McBee recorded in 1974 and first released on the Strata-East label. In his review for Michael G. Nastos called it "A landmark recording in early creative improvised modern music" and states "McBee as a pure musician has staggering technique, rich harmonic ideas, and an indefatigable swing, but it is as a composer that he is set apart from other musicians of this mid-'70s era... Mutima (translated as "unseen forces") undoubtedly solidified his stature and brilliance as a major player". Dustygroove now calls it: 'A great bit of spiritual soul jazz - and one of the few albums as a leader recorded by the legendary bassist Cecil McBee! Cecil's joined here by a large group of players that includes Billy Hart on drums, George Adams on tenor, Onaje Allen Gumbs on piano, Jimmy Hopps on percussion, Art Webb on flute and Dee Dee Bridgewater on vocals - adding in just a touch of soulful color to the record as she did on a few other 70s sides like this.' Plus: 'The music's got that essential Strata East sound, with a rich and spiritual vibe on all tracks, and slight bits of funk hiding somewhere in the mix! Tracks are long and freely expressive - but never too outside, either.' A long lost classic we call it. And this latest reissue is the best vinyl version ever since it first appeared almost 45 years ago!
British duo, Wayward have enjoyed a compelling 2018 establishing themselves as respected producers with a trio of celebrated EP's including their 12' debuts on both Fort Romeau's Cin Cin Records and Australian based label Beats Of No Nation. They open 2019 with a return to the rapidly ascending Silver Bear Recordings. This time around, they perk up with the stunning Raval EP written whilst living between Barcelona and London throughout the summer. Featuring two originals from the London duo as well as remixes from woman-of-the-moment Nightwave, plus Shall Not Fade and Phonica Records affiliate, Earth Trax.
Dadub's 'Nusuth' (plus Ena Version) is the 2nd chapter of the Holotone Limited Series, invented for the purpose to create a place free from preconceived notions and format boundaries, changing from release to release with varying forms of content.
This 2 tracks EP represents the 1st episode of a miniseries of Originals + Dub Versions that the duo will release in the near future for Holotone.
This time Dadub invited Ena for an astonishing Dub Version.
Three 1982 disco classics from boogie trio Plush formed under the guidance of Angela Winbush, René Moore and Bobby Watson get the official, remastered reissue treatment from the original tapes.
Opening up the EP, an Angela & Rene original 'Free & Easy' is taken on by the Plush troupe, with the legendary Tee Scott providing a trademark extended mix. It kicks off with cosmic synths that dissipate into heavy funk, electric bass riffs, whilst scorching top lines and choice guitar licks trade off over the top. Scott's magic is clear to see in the composition of this extended mix. A man who clearly knew how to work a dancefloor, his use of breakdowns especially, extending the anticipation and power the track commands on its dancers. From the bass breaks that weave in modulated synths, to those that utilise the glorious sustained piano chords, cutting to just vocals and percussion before everything is added back in for ultimate dancefloor elation.
First up on the B side, 'We Got The Love', a more soulful, slowed down tip where staccato guitar plucks and chunky slap bass marries with warm Rhodes chords, and lush vocal harmonies blend with the power of Siedah Garrett commanding the lead vocals. A passion ingrained in their voices that cannot be taught, hanging in the air, as they hang onto their phrases.
Lastly, 'Livin For Your Love' a boogie-based serenade written by Herman Chainey and Tony L. Phillips, intertwines Phillips' deep dulcet tones with Plush's backing. Add in a dose of pure '80s bass synth, twanging funk flashes and juicy bass guitar ripples and you've got a recipe sure to woo any wandering hearts out there.
Lyra is DeWaltas fourth large solo-project and third full-length solo-album following Wander in 2012 (on Haunt), llumination in 2014 (on Meander) and Dark Matter in 2017 (on Amphia) besides - Residual' a collaboration-album with Mike Shannon.
The album consists of two individually available parts: a double LP (Lyra) with 6 tracks on Meander as well as a single LP (Lyra Pi) with 5 synth and ambient works. The Ambient-Part launches a new Meander Horizon Pi series-- a departure from Meander's well known dancefloor releases.
Lyra is by far DeWaltas most extensive and refined project to date. With 11 exclusive songs, a total running time of over 100 minutes - plus a collaboration with long time friend and Meander co-owner Fabian Geimer-Lorusso aka. Jupiter - it marks a new beginning of ambient and score-like modern electronic music works as well as the continuation of his inspired intellectual-emotional approach to dance music.
Lyra is a star-constellation in the northern hemisphere which is highest in the midnight sky in the early summer months. It contains one of the brightest stars in the sky - Vega. Many of the songs on this album were produced in these warm and gentle months during an inspirational creative time in Portugal.
In Greek mythology, Lyra represents the Lyre of Orpheus, Apollo's son. Made by Hermes from a tortoise-shell, it was given to Apollo who then passed it along to Orpheus. It is said to be the first music instrument ever made
- A1: Daisy Fields
- A2: Sruthi Dub Resonance
- A3: Barefoot
- A4: Pollinator (Eternal Opuscule #120)
- A5: Stamens (Eternal Opuscule #121)
- B1: Oregano In Dub Minor
- B2: Sunken Forest
- B3: Daisy Dub
- B4: Beat Resonance (Eternal Opuscule #118)
- B5: Gyration (Eternal Opuscule #119)
- C1: Time Zone Conversations
- C2: Deeping Breathely
- C3: Oregano In E-Minor
- C4: All That Spins (Eternal Opuscule #124)
- D1: Sruthi Box Resonance
- D2: Galaxea
- D3: Be As You Are
- D4: Be As You Will (Eternal Opuscule #126)
- E1: Sundog Suite
- E2: Pear Strings
- E3: Pair Of Seeds (Eternal Opuscule #122)
- F1: Spiral Activator
- F2: Final Oscillator (Eternal Opuscule #117)
- F3: Sundog Reprise (Eternal Opuscule #125)
It gives me the greatest honour to finally be able to announce the release of this amazing triple vinyl masterpiece by log(m) and Laraaji on Invisible, Inc.
It's been over a decade since Laraaji first joined forces with log(m) in their Canadian studio in early 2007. In those ten years the trio recorded many hours of music. Over time these recordings, beginning essentially as live jams, were polished, dissected, processed, re-arranged and then finely and painstakingly distilled down to the 105 minutes of music that now form this album, which finally reached completion just earlier this year. The wait has been more than worth it.
The Onrush Of Eternity is a melding of minds like no other. Ever the pioneer of experimental ambience, Laraaji's signature hammered dulcimer, zither, mbira, auto harp, sruthi drone box and of course his exceedingly positive vibes are here combined with log(m)'s unique vision of gronky hi-tech psychedelic space dub. The resultant voyage into deeply meditative ambience and trance-inducing dub is as unexpected an outcome as it is a bona fide "Eureka" moment. It sounds neither like log(m) OR Laraaji....but of course like both. It is one of those rare collaborations that is, without a doubt, even greater than the sum of its already great parts.
Log(m) started making waves in the early '90s as Legion Of Green Men with their visually striking 12"s, complete with eternal opuscules (locked grooves) and mathematically inspired titles, all lovingly issued on their own Post Contemporary imprint. These deservedly got the attention of Richie Hawtin who promptly asked the duo for an album on his own classic Plus 8 Records. 20+ years later and the music (much like their name) has morphed into something more sophisticated: even more complex, atmospheric and deeper than ever.
Laraaji's reputation of course precedes him: he first came to wider attention when Brian Eno released his "Day Of Radiance" as part 3 of his Ambient Series in 1980. Since then, Laraaji has released over 40 albums, yet his stellar path seems still to be on the ascendant - a recent landmark being the 2017 "Sun" series of albums for the wonderful All Saints' Records.
This unique triple LP in tri-fold sleeve is limited to 200 copies on coloured vinyl and 300 copies on black vinyl featuring ten of log(m)'s signature eternal opuscules and cryptic engravings on all three discs.
Beautiful debut album from the incredible, Ce´lia. Conducted & arranged by Arthur Verocai and Roge´rio Duprat; featuring songs by Lo Borges, Antonio Adolfo and Joyce amongst others.
Ce´lia recorded four self-titled albums for Continental between 1971 and 1977, 'Amor' in 1982 plus several more before she sadly passed away late in 2017, aged 70. This is her debut album from 1970.
Ce´lia was a Brazilian vocalist who worked frequently with master arranger-composer Arthur Verocai in her early years and many other heavyweights over the course of her extensive career. Joyce was particularly supportive in the making of this album, writing the beautiful 'Abrace Paul McCartney' and her husband at the time, Nelson A^ngelo, recorded some of the songs.
Features an exclusive insert of a translated interview with Celia, completed in 2011 in her hometown of Sa~o Paulo. Focusing, in particular on her recording work with Arthur Verocai, it showcases her wonderful sense of humour and how she was embracing her new legion of fans, particularly in the world of hip hop.
Official Mr Bongo reissue. Licensed from Warner Music.
After over 100 million album sales the Backstreet Boys return newly signed to RCA Records. Formats are double LP (1st Feb) and CD (25th Jan). Includes the singles "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", "No Place" and the Ryan Tedder/Shawn Mendes penned song "Chances". Radio support across R2, ILR network, plus ad campaign. Video plays at Vevo and MTV. Ads, features, interviews and reviews across all press. Online/social media activity. Recent TV performances have included Strictly Come Dancing, Loose Women, This Morning, Lorraine, ITN News, 'Stand Up To Cancer'. Sold out June UK arena dates. Poster campaign and database mailout.
Rich, Deep, Percussive Soulful Folk Album From Master Togolese Singer, Akofa Akoussah.
The Album Moves Through Uptempo Afro-folk-funk On 'tango' To Deep Ballads Of 'ramer Sans Rame' And 'i Tcho Tchass' And Lighter Moments On 'g Blem Di' And 'mitso Aseye'. Akofas Exceptional Songs And Soaring Vocals Are Decorated With Percussion, Guitar Lines, Subtle Backing Vocals And Horns To Create A Unique, Rich Sonic. The Album Was Recorded For Release By French Label Sonafric In 1976. Produced By Gérard Akueson; Founder & Owner Of African Record Label, 'akue', Based In Paris.
Music Was Truly In The Blood Of Julie Akofa Akoussah. She Began Singing At The Age Of Three, Inspired And Led By Her Mother And Older Sister And Became Principal Soloist In Her School Choir, St. Peter & Paul Choir Of Our Immaculate Conception Parish Of Nyékonakpoé, At The Age Of 8. From There Her Career Blossomed, And Singing Often Took Precedence Over Her Studies. In Order To Master Her Art She Spent Time Studying And Working Closely With Local Groups Including Mélo Togo, Rocka Mambo, Rio Romamcero, Ok Fiesta, Eryco Jazz, Afro Cubano, Los Muchacho, Elégance Jazz And Togo Star Amongst Others. In Her Own Words: 'luck Opened The Door In January 1966 Where I Had The Honour Of Being Selected To Share The Stage With Bella Below - One Of The Best Voices Of
Africa - At The 1st 'negro Arts Festival' In Dakar. On My Return, I Was Approached By Ambroise Ouyi, The Highly Respected Singer & Poet, And We Wrote 'tu Ne M'écris Plus', My Very First Opus.'
The Popularity Of Her Work Led To An Increased Exposure For Togolese Music Outside Of The Country, In Neighbouring Ghana And Benin Most Notably. During Her Career She Collaborated And Performed With Greats Including Manou Djibango, Queen Pelagie, Abeti Massikini, Aycha Koné And Myriam Makeba. Akoussah Was Also Dedicated To, And Widely Recognised For, Her Work For Social Causes, Championing And Nurturing Young Musical Talent, And The Fight Against Aids. She Was President Of The National Union Of Artists Musicians Of Togo (unam) Before Sadly Passing Away In April 2007 After A Long Illness, At The Age Of 57.
Split album by Joe Corfield and Slim, two of UKs most promising beatmakers. It's the follow-up to the 'KO-OP 1' album by Smoke Trees and Juan Rios on KO-OP, the sub-label and community dedicated to the art of beatmaking founded by reknown hip-hop label Melting Pot Music from Cologne, Germany.
When we started KO-OP in the summer of 2017, little did we knew where this journey would take us to. Ever since we had the pleasure to work with 21 artists from all over the world and have put out almost 80 tracks on lp, tape and digital. Now we are happy to share with you KO-OP 2 - a split album by two of our favourite producers from the UK: Slim and Joe Corfield. Slim is one half of London rap group Summers Sons. The Sons are signed to MPM where they have released two albums ('Undertones' & 'Uhuru').
In February 2019 Summers Sons will play their first German tour together with Children of Zeus. Slim has released instrumental cuts on KO-OP, Brownswood and Banoffee Pie, plus a beattape on Yogocop Records. Joe Corfield hails from Birmingham and has released a string of albums via Radio Juicy and Yogocop.
He is coming with his very own sound. Futuristic and soulful, with a great ear to detail. It was actually Flofilz' idea to have them both on one record. 'KO-OP 2' will be released on one LP with two individual covers by Rahel Süßkind, a Berlin based artist (and part of Money $ex Records) who is responsible for all KO-OP artwork.
Diskotopia is extremely proud to kick-start 2019 with Girar, a four-track EP of new kaleidoscopic productions from Lisbon-born, London-based producer Silvestre.
Silvestre is no stranger to Diskotopia, this being his third release with the label, debuting with the gritty noise-and-thump Frank Pike EP in 2014, and following that up with the more buoyant, latinate Floresta EP in 2016. In addition to producing, Silvestre also co-runs the Padre Himalya imprint, putting out 2018's critically acclaimed Focus EP from tombak virtuoso Mohammad Reza Mortazavi, Renato's 2016 Alo Alo, plus his own Sport Theories and All The Things 12"s.
With the Girar EP, Silvestre presents four idiosyncratic cuts: the bubbling psychotropic mutant rhumba of Ir a Sagres, woozy spliff-house Deptford Bus, RC Surfer, a time-stretched reggaeton soundclash and the pseudo-jubilant breakbeat-house Everybody Is Happy; testimony of a truly unique and exciting artist in the modern current of electronic music.
Basic Rhythm arrives on Arcola following two killer albums for Type and one as East Man for Planet Mu. Up top, 'Dough Boy' rolls a tough LFO heavy dance floor number that is sure to mash heads up everywhere it is deployed, while the anthemic 'Can't You See' shifts between early AI synths and an ambient dancehall vibe that while it has its roots in early 90's jungle and hardcore, has its sight fixed firmly on the future."
Made in the Designers Republic. 12" EP house in full print outer sleeve with clear foil detailing and custom die-cut holes plus custom print inner sleeve.
Mastered and cut by Beau at Ten Eight Seven.
Limited to 500 units worldwide
Following the best-selling first volume, Robert Ouimet returns to Basic Fingers with a second 12" volume of edits. Another essential selection of extends and amends from a real connoisseur
BIOGRAPHY
Ouimet's career as a deejay started in the early 1970's
His obvious talent for moving and grooving the crowd was soon noticed and he was approached to join the in-house staff of a newly opened club on Stanley St. called The Limelight where he remained as their principal deejay from 1973 to 1981.
In 1977 Robert also went on to win Billboard Magazine's Best Canadian DJ Award. Similarly he received Gold records for introducing his public to such artists as Boney M, Donna Summer, Musique and Gino Soccio to name but a few, plus a special commemorative plaque/mirror from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.
Robert was also the driving force behind the Montreal live performances of The Salsoul Orchestra, James Brown, Grance Jones, to name but a few. He co-produced many records licensed in the US by such labels as TK Records, RFC/Warner Bros., Arista, and Quality Records of Canada.
With Recent Appearances On Boiler Room And The Groove Magazine Podcast Plus Sets Across Asia And Europe, Jamaica Suk's Fearsome Techno Sounds Are Winning Fans Far And Wide. A Year On From Her Debut Release On Her Own Gradient Label Comes This Stunning Second Volume.
A1 Stinger Ray Kicks Off The Ep With Zingy Modular-style Synth Sounds Pulsing Over A Bubbling, Murky Bassline. Sheet Metal Snares Punctuate The Beat, With A Switch-up Halfway Through Into Gnarled, Distorted Synth Crunches Catching You Unaware. These Brutalised Rhythms Morph In And Out Of Hypnotic Arpeggiated Pulses To Make For A Hallucinatory Ride With Ample Dashes Of Psychedelia Throughout.
A2 Fallen Sets It Outs Stall Immediately, With Filtered Down Acidic Bass Playing Out A Jagged Groove. A Manic Counterpart Mimics Its Rhythm But Dizzyingly Delayed Off The Beat To Create A Rugged, Funk-fuelled Feel. Cymbal Rides Pitch Up And Down, Unidentified Snarls Of Fx Mutate Around The Edges, All The While The Sharp Hi-hats Keep The Metronomic Heartbeat Going.
B1 Whispers Ups The Intensity. Delicate, Arpeggiated Chime Sounds Set A Crystalline Mood Before Swathes Of Intense, Darkly-tinged Synths Swell In And Out Of Focus Atop The Throbbing Kick Drums. The Effect Is That Of A Factory Full Of Machines Growing A Mind Of Their Own, Malfunctioning In A Pleasing Harmonic Dissonance.
B2 Twilight Rain (vinyl Only) Completes The Set With Infectious Triple Kick Drum Patterns Underpinning Dramatic Drum Hits And Warped Atmospheric Shivers That Create A Spooky Feel As Droning Bass Tones Carve A Path Through Your Speakers.
A doctor by day and a musician by night, Leon x Leon has been producing songs in his
Parisian home studio since 2013, where house, italo-disco and boogie are mixing. When he
was younger, he was immersed in music by taking jazz drum lessons at the conservatory,
and especially by seeing his father, a sound engineer, who had been building his own
synthesizers since the 1970s. As a tribute, he used one of these unique synthesizers on a
title of the disc.
After a remarkable remix of Cerrone's "Funk Makossa" and several tracks on various from
'Red Laser Disco', he released his project My Solar Brass on the same English label in
2017. Organizer of many Parisian parties, he also participated in the founding of the
publishing label 'Good Plus". With the release of Rokanbo on Cracki Records, Leon x
Leon signs a mature EP with the influence of different styles.
The first eponymous title is a manifesto mixing Acid, House and Zouk. As soon as we
launch the track, the pop & acid 80's sounds takes us to another world... A UFO from the
Islands! The other parts of the EP don't leave us in the lurch! 'Formant Sweep' delivers a
soft and groovy bass that responds to an endless, spatial synthetic takeoff. On 'Red
Footpath', the harder kick cleverly blends with an atmospheric blanket and a bright, lively
flute solo straight from an abandoned piece of bamboo on a deserted beach. After that,
'Jungle Juice' lets a crazy keyboard solo resonate in the middle of tropical fauna and flora,
and finally on 'Horizon', the EP ends in beauty with an airy atmosphere. This last piece
sounds like a beautiful sunset at the end of a long summer day.
Through all these tracks, Rokanbo EP offers us a clever contrast between synthetic notes
and the warmth of tropical groove, and places our gaze towards the horizon, seeking the
groove to disturb its line on the infinite sea.
If you read the name Shankar you may right away think of Ravi Shankar, the grand master of contemporary Indian folk music who was very popular in the 60s due to his connection with the music industry in the United States despite staying away from the pure pop music by maintaining his classic sitar and tabla style ragas to express himself musically. Ananda Shankar used to be his nephew who also made a journey to the USA to gather inspirations from rock artists like Jimi Hendrix among others. His first album from 1970, a conglomerate of classic Indian folk tunes and instrumental versions of the hottest rock songs of the day clothed in a veil of sitar melodies and backed up with tabla drum grooves, was an attempt to combine the spiritual approach of his cultural origins with the light minded blissful attitude of western psychedelic pop music. It worked well in the sense that it is still, nearly fifty years later on, a groovy little album that leaves nobody sitting around at any random hippie party. He took a five year break from recording to create what should become his second album and this is what I am about to present to you now. The cover-tunes were replaced by all original compositions with a lush instrumentation that features the typical sitar, tabla and bowed string instruments such as sarong and sera arrangements mixed with sounds that have a definite western origin such as rock guitars, Hammond organ and moog synthesizers plus full drum kits that take care to enhance the actual groove. Psychedelic rock, raga, fusion-jazz and funk flow into each other quite naturally giving birth to something fresh and exciting I would label as Bengali pop'. The borders between eastern and western music get abrogated here. If it was not for a few deeply mythical chants on a bed of drones here and there you could not even tell this was a record by an Indian artist. This album is quite accessible most of the time and comes with a certain slickness that makes it easy for the listener to understand and appreciate what is going on. Still there is the other side of the coin, the depth pop music often lacks. So in the end this might have been too far out for the average western mainstream fanatic back in 1975 when disco began to rule but it is an awesome sound trip for fans of psychedelic dance music like INCREDIBLE BONGO BAND and all eastern influenced popular rock.




















