Customer Reviews

Sitar Beat! Indian Style Heavy Funk Vol. 2

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I love when label people write up an editorial review because it is so obvious they are hyping a product and it also gives me a chance to compare notes. This compilation has three decent cuts on it. One, Eight and Eleven, effectively combine Indian flavor with western beats or what the label would have you believe is "funk." They are not that funky. See Dave Pike's "Mathar" for more of a four on the floor groove with a nice sitar riff and funky drums. It is not on this cd, unfortunately. There is so much Bollywood reissue out there that this cd coming out in 2007 doesn't really make the cut. If you are a collector... maybe. There is a funny Innagaddadavida rif that starts the third track, but not much more. And again... no sitar! If you just want some background Indian kitsch at your party pick it up.

This is an absolutely great compilation, even if the subtitle's promise of "heavy funk" isn't entirely accurate. There are heavy funk tracks on here, but also smooth cinematic soundscapes, VU-style noise rock, and Massive Attack-sounding otherworlds of terror. Nearly every song will burn its way into your mind, and many are among the best Indian songs I've ever heard. Tracks 2 and 10 in particular are just epic, 10 especially. Highly, highly recommended, especially for anyone who already loves Indian dance music. (DISCO DANCER is my all-time favorite.) I will be grateful forever to this compilation just for introducing me to the amazing Asha Bhosle, whose voice and choice of songs are just astounding. I can't wait to get Volume 1.