Customer Reviews

Ha

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Anokha : Sounds from the Underground was my first introduction to the world of fusion music. There are a number of great artists like James Asher who have infused rock and Indian classical to tremendous commercial success. But none can come up to the critical acclaim of Talvin Singh as the maestro of fusion. And if a man follows up with something so original as Ha, then you know he is something special.

And special he is. I'll rate the songs individually so that you will get a good idea of Talvin's versatility.


One (10/10) : This first song is almost 12 mins long with the vocals provided by Ustad Sultan Khan. What a rendition !. Starts of slow, soulfully and then reaches a tremendous long crescendo of drums,violin, tabla and percussion. It is the perfect blend of east and west. Perfect. This is by far the best opening I've heard in any fusion album to date. On any other album I would have placed it as No 1. But read on.....

Mustard Fields (8.5/10) : If the first song starts slow and ends up fast then the second one blows on your face the minute it starts and ends the same way. Heavy percussion, tabla and bass is evident in this ripper of a song. Vocals by Sultan Khan himself. However it could get a bit repetitive owing to the same beats all through the song. But is still a trrific bhangra blast, mind you.

The Beat Goes On (9.5/10) : The strangest of the lot. And probably the most likeable. It starts so weirdly and then blends seamlessly with the main music. This is definitely a perfect set up for some retro dancing. Cool song really.

Uphold (9.5/10) : Wow. The beat is simply tremendous. In the background you hear chants and some weird percussion effect, but all that is immersed in some amazing drumming. It has a mystical eastern aura : dark , broody but full of rage and anger.

Sway of the verses (10/10) : One of the best an already superb album has to offer. The first real slow song. It starts of with, I believe bhangra lyrics, and then slowly falls into rhythmic natyam chorus. It is an uplifting piece. Tune progression is one of Talvin's fortes and this rendition is an ample proof of it. The way the song builds to its conclusion is superb.

Dubia (10/10) : The best of the lot. This HAS to be heard with surround sound. Starts of slow with rhythmic percussion and then blasts you of your feet with some truly amazing beat pattern. Along the way, the Bharatanatyam type dance vocals begins and that takes the song to a whole new level. It ends up with all the percussion and music fading off into a single beat with the vocals carrying on to the end. This is THE best fusion song to date. It is fast, it is catchy and is downright addictive. Mind you, if you don't like fast fusion, probably you might not like this.

It's not over (8/10) : A slightly melancholic, melodramatic song that probably suits a rainy day. It connects more when you listen, cast on favourite couch it in a dimly lit room. It probably forces you to reflect on your thoughts. Good song, but not one for all occasions.

Abalonia (8/10) : Not a really great song, but very amusing to listen to. It is more offbeat than all others in the album. Probably Talvin wanted to add a track that you couldn't place in his already weird set pieces. But nevertheless it is a welcome change.

See Breeze (10/10) : The comes real close to Dubia except that it has rhythmic vocals backed up by some powerful flute and drum rendition. It is one of the best in the whole lot and probably tries to uplift you to some newfound optimism for life. It is an expansive, soulful, gorgeous song.

Silver Flowers (6/10) : The weakest of the lot. I seriously couldn't connect to it or place it in any form whatsoever. Yet, behind its virtual lack of any music, at certain points of the day, you might want to check it out because of the beautifully haunting vocals in the background. But it can be skipped most of the time. It is the only real flaw in an otherwise, superb musical orchestra.

Overall, Ha is a masterpiece. Fusion music has always had trouble with the public, owing to its cross cultural mix of unplacable tunes. Yet it is probably the most exciting genre since you can just about mix anything to bring out some truly flabbergasting renditions. Certain songs transcend both spiritual and physical barriers to become truly uplifting classics. Take Deep Forest , Enigma or even Sting....all have dappled in it and have come out with critical and commercial success. And Talvin is no different. Try it out and you will probably be hooked to his other albums like I did. Even to this day, I don't get bored of what he has to offer because they are sound so pure and unique. Enjoy

After being intruiged by 'Anokha', and mesmerized by 'Ok', I have to admit it wasn't too hard to get me to pick up 'Ha' once I'd realized it was on the market.

'Ok' was wonderfully underrated Indian-flavoured drum 'n' bass that never lacked for imagination, and actually inspired me to pick up some traditional tabla stuff, which I in turn loved just as much.

I can't say for sure if it's a better album than 'Ok' but it's just as good, and a bit more constant. "See Breeze', 'One', and 'Uphold' maintained my interest incessantly enough for repeated listens, but the entire album is truly excellent. He might not be breaking any new ground, but it is sure to please fans of his last album.

If you can find a domestic release that's a lot cheaper, however, I would recommend it, because one bonus track does not make much difference either way.

Having been hooked by the initial Anokha phenomenon, i admit i was disappointed by Singh's second product "OK". Maybe that is partly due to the fact that i'm not the biggest drum and bass fan. Regardless, what he has conjured up on "HA" is nothing short of amazing. The perfect blend of traditional indian beats with downtempo drum and bass...did i mention this album is amazing? By far, his best work to date. The album jumps back and forth from cruising at 50,000 ft to making you get up and sway freely around the room in some blissed out haze. a must have for fans of asian influenced electronica.

Talvin Singh's latest is more of a groove-based outing. Whereas the British Mercury prize winning "OK" album had a myriad of moods and tempos, "Ha" is more firmly ensconced in the territory carved open by a dearth of drum 'n bass styled offerings over the last five years. There is less contrast and unfortunately also less rhythmic intricacy on this album, something which together with the prominence of tablas and Indian vocals hints too closely at the clichéd "East Westercised" dance craze. "Ha" is several notches above most releases in this genre, but short of the levels of eclectic and rhythmic delight for which Talvin Singh is renowned.

Talvin is back with another masterpiece. Its totally different from his first album in the sense that this one is not as intense. Mnay songs on here are excillent chill out tracks like "Mustard fiels"..beautiful mix of traditional indian vocals morphed over a catchy bgangra based bass line. "Sway of the versus" is another excillent track with minimalsitc electronic influence fused with beautiful traditional Indian vocals. "Its Not Over" is a cool stone cold chilled tune with a soothing soft feel to it. There is only one track that is as intense as the ones on "OK"..."Sea Breeze"...excillent fast paced calssic Talvin style tune. This CD brings out mixed emotions in me....some of the tracks take me back to my home country India while others remind me of LTJ Bukem or Goldie with a very slight Indian influence. The best thing about this Cd is that you dont have to be familier with Talvin's other works to enjoy it. It is very unique and stands tall on its own. I eagerly await his next release...there have been talks of Anokha Sounds of the Asian Underground Vol 2..keep your fingers crossed and it might just become available soon.

He has got to be the most creative music artist I have In my collection, I first heard him on my Krishna Beats Comp, and saut him out. I love his style it has an edge , but a very clean one. His music sounds perfect and carefully crafted, I can dance to it, Meditate to it, or have it as background sounds. Each song has many things going on at once as far as rhythm and sound go. Earth and sky come together as one with this artist.

This CD is hard to describe, it has a Drum n Bass feel mostly but also some very haunting airy sounds, I just ordered all of his other CD's this week if that tells you anything. He is a gem in my collection, My new favorite.

This CD is a must have for any Talvin Singh Fan. Those who know his work will find it huantingly familiar yet different. Different as in the difference between "Anoka Soundz of the Asian Underground" and "OK." This is a must have for any fan.

Talvin Singh's album "Ha" is more soulful than his "OK" release (a man of small words) with more of an emphasis on beautifully ambient tracks. That's not to say that he hasn't offered some of his trademark tabla beats, there's plenty here to satisfy the more frenetic drum and bass listeners, but with "Ha" he does weave some wonderful soundscapes particularly in "It's Not Over" and my favorite of the slower tracks "Abalonia". I'm still on my first listen, as I write and have been awaiting the release of this album. I'm by no means disappointed with "Ha" as it's worth the wait and would recommend this album to anyone who wants to explore global beats with an asian flavour. A fine introduction into the genre.

"Ha" by Talvin and Company is a real jem. If you liked "OK" or "Anokha - Soundz of the Asian Underground", you will dig this. Even better than "OK", Ha floats on intricate, ingenious rhythms which are at once mesmerizing and soulful. The flavor is more Indian and Arabic this time around without becoming tedious or unnerving to the western ear. Talvin fuses anchient with modern and throws out grooves so clean, so cool, so masterful they might just blow your mind.

whew!! wot a ...' awesome album! buy it and your life will improve tenfold. no lie.