Midival Times

Midival Punditz | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 20, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Six Degrees
• ASIN: B0007W7H8Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,639 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The music of India reaches back countless generations. Yet while some continue the old ways, the digital revolution has enabled musicians there, like everywhere else, to modernize and cross-pollinate at a rate that is nearly exponential. New Delhi's Midival Punditz, which is composed of Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj, are at the leading edge. Even so, the two look back to ragas, Indian classical and Bollywood even as they move forward with some of the sharpest programming to come out of the ethno-techno genre. They get old school flavor by bringing in Anoushka Shankar, Ustad Sultan Khan and others for standout performances, but these strong turns are a tribute to the production, writing and programming of Raj and Raina--the music is timeless, panoramic, and always moving forward with beats and groove. The styles are seamlessly fused together throughout, but tracks like "Saathi" and "Raanjhan" have set the bar to a new high for the duo and the genre. –-Tad Hendrickson

Product Description

The MIDIval PunditZ are producers extraordinaire from New Delhi, India. When Six Degrees Records signed them to a worldwide deal, they became the first-ever Indian electronica band to sign to an international label. The PunditZ morph at will into remixers or recording artists, live performers or club promoters as the occasion demands. They have performed as members of Bill Laswell and Zakir Hussain's super group, Tabla Beat Science and have toured around the world as DJ's and performers. The PunditZ first, self titled CD spawned the underground anthem "Bhangra Fever" which has been used in a major mobile phone television campaign in India and is played regularly at Indian soccer matches.

MIDIval Times is the follow-up release that Asian Massive fans have been waiting for. Once again fusing classical Indian traditions with cutting edge electronic dance music, the PunditZ have created a masterpiece which transcends genres. The new release features guest performances from Ravi Shankar's daughter (and the heir to his musical legacy), Anoushka Shankar as well as Tabla Beat Science member and sarangi master Sultan Khan. The tracks range from beautiful, lush ambient moods to dance-floor monsters which are as influenced by such groups as Underworld and the Chemical Brothers as they are by Indian music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 10 out of 10, April 19, 2005

By 

Naveen (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midival Times (Audio CD)

I'm a big fan of music of this genre, but this album blew me away.

Midival Punditz have taken their game to a new level and this album is a masterpiece and a must have for any serious listener. You don't have to love this genre to love this music.

First, the sound recording and production quality is even better then the first album. You have to hear this album on a high end music system to understand the full power and impact of these songs. I don't know how they manage to pull off such high production values when other bands just screw this up.

Midival punditz have again seamlessly interwoven classical indian vocalists/instruments with some of the most cutting edge and pleasant sounding electronica sounds you can find.

Personally, I absolutely loved 9 of the 11 tracks (all the generally slow/mid tempo stuff which they absolutely nail), while I felt "Kesariya" and "Enemy" were somewhat more pedestrian attempts (and feel out of place).

I can't wait to share this CD with friends and I can't wait for more greatness from this band.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Technology meets Tradition, July 27, 2005

By 

A. Kazi "[kazi]" (boston, ma.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Midival Times (Audio CD)

When it comes to what's been widely described as the "Asian Massive" genre, the measure of an artist's success has been his or her ability to deliver the "East meets West" sound. Scores of U.S. and U.K.-bred asians have worked hard at capturing this sound. The Punditz are unique in that this Delhi-based duo's approach finds a graceful balance between technology and tradition. With "Midival Times", the Punditz have clearly mastered this approach. The album does a masterful job of integrating deeply tradional sounds and vocals with technologically savvy music production that only a set of G4 powerbooks can produce. Delhi swings baby, Delhi swings!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars album review, March 20, 2006

By 

H. Sommers "Geisha Girl" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Midival Times (Audio CD)

Recommend this cd highly. Rarely do you find something good beginning to end; this album is worth it. Takes you to India when your pocketbook can't afford to.