Customer Reviews

ASIAN GROOVE

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Following on the heels of Arabic Groove (easily one of the most played CDs in my collection), this CD draws upon techno-fusion tracts from India and Pakistan. If you've ever heard remixes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, you will know just how moving and seductive this music can be. Its a wonderful romp through South Asian music. Bhangra legend Bally Sagoo has a moving number on the CD. However, the most interesting song comes from Yulduz Usmanova of Uzbekistan (which, granted drifts from the South Asian focus, but is deeply appreciated anyway). Her moving tract combines Uzbek folk music and western sensabilities to create a vivid and beautiful image of life on the steppes. Definately a keeper.

I personally feel that they have arranged the numbers is the wrong order. I am writing this review after listening to this cd only once, but nonetheless being of indian origin i have heard the songs before. 8,9,10,11 are the best. Deepak Ram is just too good on the flute, its classical indian music with which the new generation can relate too, bally sagoo as usual is good with "Noorie", "aankh naal" is a true dance beat. Other than these 4 songs, i found the rest of them pretty dull in comparision .

I usually enjoy Putumayo compilations very much, but "Asian Groove" turned out to be a major disappointment. It is described as a blend of South Asian music, electronica, and funk. The comments I read about it persuaded me to expect a CD in which one could find danceable songs with a traditional Hindi music influence. But most of the tracks come across as adult contemporary world music. One hears more jazz than funk, and most would be pretty difficult to dance to. The Punjabi bhangra music mixed with electronic dance beats have proven very popular and danceable in the UK. Someone looking for South Asian-influenced dance music would be better off with a CD from that musical genre. "Asian Groove" makes for pleasant, fairly interesting background music, but alas, not much else.

This CD is good for easy listening music, or background music at parties or gatherings. Also very good for lazy afternoons in summer sitting on the verandah with a nice cool drink watching the world go by.

This CD has a different style of music to most CDs available and is a refreshing change. No regrets in purchasing it.

Nick

I liked the song on this CD very much, but I do wonder why it was called Asian Groove when it basically covered only Indian and Pakistani music. The groove logo also usually means dance music and this music isn't necessarily dance music. Just the same I liked the songs, just felt the CD was misrepresented as Asian when it was a lot more centralized than that. That's why the linear notes mention Birmingham, England as being the center of the CD's music scene.

For those who are unsure about the vitality of world music, give them this CD. It does a fantastic job of showing how danceable, yet musical, this music can be. I have heard a few Putumayo CD's before this one, and most have a few good tracks, but are not worth purchasing. This one is a definite exception. Every track shines, from the intro "Pheli War," which combines Indian and English vocals, to the final "Aankh Naal" which will force you onto the dancefloor. Mo' Horizons shows why they are a force to be reckoned with, with the funky "Remember Tomorrow," while Deepak Ram delivers some amazing flute on his "A Night in Lenasia." Who needs drugs when you have music this fine to put you into that trance? This CD will certainly cause an addiction, but one of the good kinds. Try it and you'll see what I mean.

A so so collection of World Music.
Repeated listening highlights some annoying cliché tracks and others that are quite enjoyable.
While not being a "must have' album, it provides an OK introduction to a variety of artists, which if you like can explore further.

This instalment in the Putumayo World in the world of groove music is quite good. "Pheli War" by Bally Jagpal is an excellent song, although I'm dissapointed with the choice they made for Bally Sagoo "Noorie". While "Noorie" is itself a pretty good song, it's not one of his best. There's a good blend of the different styles of South Asian music, and I can't complain about the song choices made. I was a little suprised, however, with the choice of puting the German group Mo' Horizons in this, since they're not Asian, but they do a terrific job mixing Sitars with electronics. They missed out on some very popular Hindi artists, however, like A R Rahman. Aside from that, great CD!

This putumayo cd I felt was lacking something that I expected. It was ok but I dont listen to it that much really. Not quite sure what it is however. Preview the clips before buying it.

This is an awesome CD, following in the footsteps of Arabic Groove! I don't think you could find a better collection of Indian music anywhere else. Sadly, it seems only Indian music(and one Uzbek song) were showcased, but it works. The best tracks...1,2,5,7,9,11, which is, as you noticed, almost all of them! I would also recommend the CD "Bhandra", a collection of Punjabi Pop. It has various artists, too, and has some good songs.