Reviews (page 7 of 8)
Niet helemaal geluisterd, maar dik. Paar dikke covers
Really fun
I was just reading about Ananda Shankar earlier this week after I was assigned Nora Jones's album, but before then, I'd never heard of him or this album. This album was a nice listen, with the two cover songs being my favorite tracks. Ananda's goal with this album is printed right on the cover, and I think he succeeded in that aim. Even though only two of the songs were covers of already popular songs, when I was listening to the other songs, my brain was trying to convince me that there was something familiar with them too. I'm not the biggest fan of the sitar's sound, but I still enjoyed listening to this album, especially since it was a unique combination of western and eastern music.
Not a huge fan. Lots of just noodling on the sitar that never seemed to go anywhere.
You never really want to peak on track 1
Middle eastern Asian vibes
-never heard of this artist or album -but im excited to hear this -already this sound is so COOL -would love to hear some singing personally -but its fine this is so neat -i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again: I LIKE LYRICS! AND SINGING! -loving light my fire tho -omg was not expecting the last song to have a voice in it -i did enjoy this album, but i didn’t love it or hate it -overall it was a beautiful sound throughtout the whole album, lack of lyrics is part of the low rating
This was interesting but not something I'll reach for again. The stones covers were fun the first time but seemed like a novelty act already by the 2nd listen. Def there is cool stuff here and I'm glad it's on the list but it's not something I'll miss now that I'm done listening to it.
I actually like Indian music, and I like rock music that has Indian influence, but this somehow isn't working for me. It almost sounds like a joke at times, with the sitar trying to play the lead part of songs like Jumpin' Jack Flash. I did enjoy some of the more traditional Indian-sounding songs though, like Sagar (The Ocean) and Metamorphosis. 3 stars.
Psychedelic, background music. Dragged on, not a big fan.
Cool takes, will listen again!
Would have never guessed he played with Jimi Hendrix.
“Did you know the Beatles discovered India?” “Ever hear that George Harrison invented the sitar for “Norwegian Wood”?” “You know about raga rock, which was all cool and psychedelic because it was a bit foreign-sounding?” And so it goes on. A lot of popular music discourse seems to centre so much on Western artists slapping a sitar on their tracks that we rarely seem to hear about it the other way: Indian musicians bringing Western influences into their work. This album of Ananda Shankar’s is worth hearing for this reason alone. It was 1970, psychedelia was already on the way out, and Shankar was aiming to combine his traditional instrument, the sitar, with dominant trends in western music (rock, psychedelia, the Moog synthesiser). As a result, the opening song on the record is an ear-grabbing cover of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, the sitar covering the lead vocal line. Two tracks later, we have the same with a drowsy arrangement of the Doors’ “Light My Fire”. While these covers are perfectly serviceable, overall they come off as a distraction, shoehorned in by Shankar to bridge a gap between cultures. Of course, we shouldn’t blame Shankar too much for taking steps to bring his music to a wider audience. It’s just that he shouldn’t have worried too much, as the original and traditional material here outclasses it in almost every way. The traditional “Snow Flower” is delicate and elegant, with some lovely atmospheric keyboard work. “Mamata (Affection)” is an unlikely pairing of sitar with bossa-nova: soothing and strange, it has to be heard to be believed. And although “Sagar (The Ocean)” is a bit of a lull, we recover in full force with the softly menacing “Dance Indra” and the communal, high-spirited singalong in “Raghupati” (the best track of all, it could run and run). Shankar’s playing feels nuanced and emotive, managing to not bore me throughout the album even if the songs around it were sagging slightly. “Ananda Shankar” is unlikely to appeal to anybody who doesn’t appreciate the sitar, but I’m glad to have had the chance to hear this. And of course, today I have learned that The Beatles did not invent Indian music. Shock!
Not my jam but I’m sure he got all the 70’s bobs and vagenes.
Versiones con sitar. Se hace rayante
I didn't know it was possible to shred this hard on a sitar. Really fun album.
Great mix of Indian and western music. Sitar heavy but wonderfully so. Jumping jack flash cover is excellent! The ocean is nice as well
Super cool, has that proto-muzak world music vibe I dig on.
Quite good. Nice tunes. Good to put on in the background
Killer first track
Could do with a little less sitar.
Usually on things so out of my style I Give a 3 and say that it is hard to rate. This one I very much enjoyed.
Meh
Apresentou uma novidade bem interessante com as versões com Sitar.
This is such an interesting record. A sitar driven album that features a couple of dope covers and some REALLY cool songs native to Ananda’s native India. I certainly haven’t ever heard of something of like this before. Check this one out!
some pretty cool things in here!
Had to listen knowing that I wouldn't like it. Not a fan of the Sitar in general except for the couple of Beatles tracks it appears on. Yeah, I was right. Didn't like.
This album was pretty interesting. Not really a fan of a whole album of sitar, but that's probably just my western music - trained ear. A nice bit of variety from the typical 70's white man rock on this list.
Wow! Psychedelia supreme. Incredible skill playing the sitar, over great psychedelic beats, with some quieter, layered, beautiful synths.
okii!!!!! 6/10
i've heard different versions of "jumpin' jack flash" before, is this the original? goes extremely hard still. a little bit long for what it wants to do, "sagar (the ocean)" especially doesn't need to be 13 minutes long. but there's some really nice stuff here too, so it evens out enough.
For some reason I was familiar with this cover of Jumpin' Jack Flash and really liked roughly the first half of this album. It started dragging a bit at the end. Not too shabby, though!
I like most of it, but the 13+ minutes Sagar is booooring. Favorite song: snow flower.
I appreciate the eclectic mix here, but it just wasn’t for me… maybe I am just an uncultured swine… maybe it was just boring…
I’m sorry but I don’t need a full album of sitar
Did not hate this half as much as I thought I might!
Really enjoyed the first half of covers but the second half of original material was a bit grating. Nice change though thanks ananda
Generic sitar music
An interested spin on Indian music, probably an easier introduction for a western listener, being interlaced with some late 60s rock elements. Great exposure, but hard to put on on a whim.
Indian music is often reduced to some trip scenes in movies. We often don't know proper music. This album by Shankar is a good bridge into the genre with it's combination of western sounds, instruments and some covers. I prefer the last tracks though instead of some of the covers because it is more of the actual music we want to listen to.
Amusant d'initier les gens avec des reprises de chansons connues. Me semble quand même un peu lourd et répétitif, parfois dissonant.
difficult to appreciate
Een sitar, loev het nu al. Dit is wel echt precies 1001 album you should listen to before you die, obscure shit die ik zelf echt nooit had opgezocht. Ik ben heel erg benieuwd! Jumpin' Jack Flash is een lekkere opener, maar niet echt representatief voor de 2e helft van het album. Ik weet niet waarom, maar ik waan me echt weer op Runescape ofzo, daar had je ook vaak van die Sitar tunes Light my fire is echt episch Mehtamorphosis is een slechte trip in een nummer, heel heftig, ook wel vet. Sagar (The Ocean) was juist een mooie meditatie terwijl ik op kantoor zat. Prachtig, kan ik echt van genieten. Dit album is sowieso echt heel verschillend van de voorgaande 1001 albums en daarom kan ik het alleen al waarderen. Ragupathi is een fijne afsluiter, maar ik denk dat Sagar (The Ocean) nog beter was geweest als afsluiter persoonlijk, omdat dat zo'n ontzettend episch en groots nummer is. Favo: Jumpin'Jack Flash, Light my Fire, Sagar(The OCean)
Zooo fijn na al die scheurende gitaren. Deze sitar was mij schoon van alle rock en verlicht mijn wereldse persoon. Ik vind de emotie die er uit dit instrument komt fantastisch. Van helemaal gek gaan, tot een rustig tokkeltje, het kan allemaal zonder dat de karakteristieke klanken verloren gaan. Een van de beste verrassingen tot nu toe. Favorieten: Jumpin' Jack Flash, Metamorphosis
Have had a very 1960s day catching up on my list - The Mamas and The Papas, The Monks, and now this. All totally different but great in their own way. I like the original tunes; not so keen on the cover versions, but can see how this might have helped Ananda Shankar get an audience back in the day. It's going on my Working playlist.
This album is billed as an innovative form of Indian-Western Fusion, but it's really just sitar covers. Best track: Snow Flower
I've got to say it, I reeeally didn't care for the covers of the Stones and the Doors. I get the idea behind it, but they're just not good. The other songs on the album fall on the spectrum between intriguing and irritating. I had to check out early on the last song. Fave Songs: Snow Flower, Dance Indra, Metamorphosis, Sagar (The Ocean)
Ik ben geen fan van covers waar de zangpartij door een instrument vervangen is.
-didn’t write a BL- AL: this was a delight to listen to. The hybrid of western music and sitar Asian music was absolutely beautiful and really gave it a psychedelic feel. I’d expect nothing less from the talents of the Shankar family. Highly worth a listen and one of my favourite albums I’ve had on this generator so far. FT: “Metamorphosis”, “Raghupati” 5/5
Disappointment. The doors/stones covers are very bland, Side B picks up with some interesting tracks with fleshed out concepts
The sitar, over the course of an entire album, can get very irritating to listen to. I really only enjoyed a part of one song. I think it was Metamorphosis when the drums kicked in. The covers (Jumpin' Jack Flash and Light My Fire) sounded kind of cheesy. This album seems like more of a curiosity than anything.
Didn't mind some of it but the covers of 'Western' songs were a bit shonky.
Jeez, like muzak for elevators or shopping malls, if you can make an exciting, revoltionary song like Jumping Jack Flash or Light My Fire into this soothing stuff, for me you are killing music. Not prejudiced, nothing wrong with the instrument. But please...
I got through it. Didnt hate it or love it. Just some sitar for the morning. Nice mix or culture. Way to Jam it Ananda Skankar
The original songs were better than the covers, but I’m not sure why we needed yet another sitar album in this list
This is yet another example of the western take on this list: a mediocre Indian album with two covers of western songs. Probably that is the best way to become essential: western artists, covers or collaboration. Too bad. This is a subpar album while there are so many Indian albums deserving recognition.
I like thought! Scitar by Shankar.
Usually when unusual instruments (sitar, bagpipes, etc) are added to western music it is just added on top of rather than integrated into the music. A few bands/albums/songs do this well, but this is not one of them.
It's not groundbreaking, but it's not as bad as people are saying. There's only one Rolling Stones cover and a Doors cover and they're both more interesting than a lot of the covers of those songs. The whole idea is to mix modern electronic instruments with the traditional sitar. The sitar definitely overpowers the rest in most songs.
I can imagine having this as a slightly ironically cool album in the 90s to put on the background of a gathering, but come on, it's ridiculous. Not BAD, per se, but just... very very silly.
like so many of these albums, i fell asleep a couple times and it took more than one try to make sure i heard it all but the fusion is outstanding and we love an instrumental moment
I’m curious about this album. These aren’t original songs so what did this influence?
Favour tracks: jumpin jack flash; light my fire
I much preferred the tracks that leaned more classical Indian, but I suppose the ridiculous "Jumpin Jack Flash" and "Light My Fire" were necessary to setup the fusion that he was going for here - and let's ask ourselves, would it even be on our list if it weren't for those two? But it was a bait and switch in the best way, quickly working in other sitar-based originals & traditionals, even getting fully meditative with the 13-minite track "Satar." It was a great experience after getting through the obligatory covers.
I'm sure some purists think this is sacrilege, but this funky-ass fusion works for me.
Nice vibes of a cross between traditional sitar and psychedelic rock. Kind of washed over but it was nice. The synthesizer parts were a pleasant surprise. Really illustrates that the combo can work and I’m surprised I haven’t heard it more often.
If you like 60 minutes of sitar, this is for you.
All over the place. I enjoyed the Stones cover, some of the songs were a lot of fun, but some, particularly the 13-minute long Sagar, dragged quite a bit. The best of this album is really great, but as a whole I wasn't a huge fan. At least give the Jumpin' Jack Flash and Light My Fire covers a change, and maybe Snow Flower as well.
the sitar is a cool sounding instrument for one maybe two tracks, a full album is like having a shack full of SHACKs.
Better than Lucas Levia
It was decent reading music.
I enjoyed this album. It's a cool bit of "fusion" - but as cool as Jumpin Jack Flash and Light My Fire were, it's really just someone else's song played with different instruments. The original pieces were actually a little more interesting.
Cool psychedelic sitar music - what's not to like?
I really enjoyed this. At times kitschy, but at other times completely succeeding at the goal on its front cover. I realise the sitar is the main event here, but those keyboards sound a good decade ahead of their time too. A lovely surprise
Raga Rock, Rock with an Indian influence. Covers Jumping Jack Flash and Light My Fire very well. The rest of the album is sweet and easy to listen to and enjoy - with or without a doobie. 3/5
just okay, not my favorite.
As I drove in my hot car from Bend to Redmond I found this more and more annoying.
Mellow Indian sitar jams. Loved the Stones cover, and the Doors song was ok too. A westernized take on the Indian sound.
1970’s curio. Not great
The original songs here are actually pretty good, but the covers of rock songs are unlistenable. Sitar really had a moment in the late 60's / early 70's didn't it. 2.5/5
This is an interesting mix of sitar and electronics. I definitely preferred the arrangements that were more 'traditional' and maintained emphasis on the sitar. That said, and on the whole, this was a good listen.
Weird. Ok I guess. Liked the covers of songs I knew.
Maybe the gimmick of just playing anything on a traditional instrument worked in the 70s, but this album does not hold up today.
One's first reaction was to roll one's eyes a the bad-Muzak energy, only to soon recognize the virtuosity and commitment and the simple fact that these songs sound cool with sitar and other Indo instrumentation. Surprisingly cool, which is often the best kinda cool. Yes, the songs sound odd at first, but they are so good, that one adjusts quickly, especially if one has Indophiliac tendencies. Microgenre or not, sitar rock works. One wishes there were more of it in the world.
Suprised not to have come across this before. I like Ravi Shankar, I like the Sitar. I like the Stones, I like Blues/Rock. I do not like fusions of them.
It’s okay a full album of this is a bit grating but it’s nice at the start.2/5
Pretty terrible.
Honestamente no se porque recomendaron este álbum.
Interesting album with interesting Indian style covers of 60’s classics. Worthy place on this list? Guess it’s something different, will I listen again probably not.
The nephew of sitar legend Ravi Shankar puts his own poppy spin on the instrument. With a mixture of covers and ragas, Ananda proves what a versatile instrument the sitar truly is.
3.4
Never heard this before. When I started listening I was very excited, and I really wanted it to be one of those rare gems. But it wasn't as good as I had hoped, it became a bit too monotonous for me I think with the songs being hard to distinguish from each other. I think it worked well as a mood setter though, and it was nice to have on in the background as a variety from the usual stuff I listen to. It was definitely not bad, but didn't capture me as I had hoped either. Plus points for being different though!
I doubt that the best sitar album ever is mainly covers of western 70s songs. Feels a bit like a quiz show where one should guess the song based on an instrumental version. I mean it's like saying that the best violin piece ever created is not Vivaldi but an instrumental version of Sk8terboy. That being said instrumental cover albums can be incredible like Brad Mehldau's Beatles album.
This album was much more enjoyable than I initially thought. I love the mixing of Western and Indian music styles. The sitar sounds amazing backed by bass, drums, and background vocals. Favorite songs: Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Light My Fire, Mamata (Affection), and Metamorphosis.
Interesting idea but not great. something that would catch my attention at a restaurant or cafe
This album is actually much better than Ravi Shankar's album (for my westernised taste). The record starts with few covers of sixties rock songs, with a strong Indian influence, which makes it much more interesting and exotic. But what really makes this great is the second part of the album with original songs. There is a slight reverse in the trend, now we listen to Indian music with strong Western rock influence. I actually really liked every song on side B of this record. Amazing quality, the songs are very mature, Ananda is not in rush to show off his skills, instead he slowly develops the sound and atmosphere, creating a terrific tracks. It's going to be hard to rate this album, as we have two completely different styles clashing. Side A gets a 3+, but side B is an easy 5. I think it's fair to appreciate good parts more than bashing on average moments, so 5 it is!
very 70s lol. but pros for sitar. forgettable, 3 stars imo re how it connected with me.
Reckon George Harrison loved this. Personally quite liked a few of the covers early on. The lengthier, more classical Indian stuff was alright too. However, having had a (brief) Ravi Shankar phase as a teen (dont watch) those numbers didn't really compete with the old master in terms of richness and ultimate zen-ness. Raghupati was great though, a brilliantly executed fusion. My new favourite record by an Indian. If the album had stayed on that path this could have got a really high score. 3.5
Best served with earplugs
I was going to make the pun that Ananda can ‘sitar my face’. It transpires that Ananda Shankar is in fact a balding Indian bloke, so the pun was redacted. The cover of Light My Fire was a pleasant surprise, but the rest was… okay
Not only is he riding his uncles coat tails, he’s covering other peoples songs. Didn’t even do well when it came out, not sure why this is on this list. Interesting enough listen if you’re sat in 1970, but this is not what peak western/Indian music is in 2023. 1.5/5
- very hippy - very trippy - very the beatles when they got high in india but this is the real deal
AJ: it’s a gas!!! Weed helps. Very cool album. Cool to read he hung out with Hendrix. 13 minute The Ocean, yo. Wicked cool. Weed helps. Cat: this is great! Heavy rock elements with sitar and minor modes, complex rhythms. Love the additional instruments too (especially clarinet)!
Meh?
Novelty value only. Unenjoyable. The sitar is unpleasant.
I liked this and the fusion of sitar with the cutting age synth technology of the era was surprisingly effective. The music though seemed under-ambitious, most evidenced by the two pedestrian covers of over-exposed rock hits.
No doubt this album is a favourite in Indian restaurants, to really give that """"authentic"""" vibe. For me though, as someone who isn't a particular fan of the sitar, this album was a flop. Once you've heard one track, you've heard them all. Nothing exciting or new. Felt like a demos track on my Yamaha keyboard.
Not sure how a album of covers is a top 1001 smh
Is this good sitar playing? Who the hell knows? I enjoyed the final track and the rock covers were amusing diversions. I have a feeling Ravi Shankar is way better than this guy.
Interesting for sure but not something I would want to listen to on a regular basis...
actually interesting
INT
a couple of fun covers, but otherwise not my thing
enjoyed first half 2.5
Weird sitar covers of old pop 2.5
Meh.
Meh
I’m sure it was appreciated in its time
Rating: 4/10 Maybe didn’t give it a fair shot, but not a fan.
Didn’t really grab my attention at all.
Seems like kind of a novelty record.
Covers sound like sitar-aoke (karaoke, geddit) and the albums drags. Shame.
Boring mix of Indien and western music
- unexpected. Have it on in the background and then suddenly will realize I know the song
HL: "Metamorphosis", "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Snow Flower" Kinda love this I'm sure this is on the list for side one, but there's something to be said about the looser interplay between the sitar & the Moog going on there; it's both very indicative of the era and also unlike anything else I listen to
The covers of "jumping jack flash" and "light my fire" were interesting. An entire instrumental, except for the final track, album that combines traditional Indian sitar with western rock. A compelling concept if done correctly. This one doesn't quite hit the mark. I found it good for background music
Good! Beautiful instrumentals.
Metamorphosis is a five- star banger that just keeps building. This was quite enjoyable.
It turned out to be a pretty impressive melding of western rock with sitar and traditional Indian music. I was disappointed in the two cover songs since they felt like Ananda sold out to add more sales to the record, but most of the others are pretty cool and groovy. 6/10
Did not like the covers of Jumpin' Jack Flash or Light My Fire, the other more traditional Indian songs were great though.
Nice palate cleanser.
Weird covers, drags on in the middle
Pretty neat but instrumentals can only do so much for me. Light my Fire and Raghupati were fun. I’ll keep this album in mind if I do any psychedelics.
This was a pretty fun listen. I liked the covers and enjoyed the traditional stuff too. I don’t have much to compare it to but I had a good time listening to it
When I heard this in the 70s I thought it was awesome. By the 90s I thought it was a somewhat crass way of selling Indian music to the western market. Now I split the difference and think it was a fascination musical experience. The sitar playing is superb and when put on repeat I can listen to it all day long. That is saying something.
When I saw this I wasn’t going to listen at first. Then I saw Jumpin Jack Flash was the opening track so I was curious. I actually thought it was pretty good. A couple of interesting covers and the rest was ok too.
We’ve all heard 60s rock incorporating elements of Indian music, but I’ve never heard the reverse until now. This was interesting, but at its best on the songs that were not rock covers. I’m glad I heard this, but would not listen again.
Niet verkeerd, maar het gitaar achtige instrument wordt na een paar nummers heel irritant en lijkt op een jammerende kat
Música hindú. Alguna versión de canciones conocidas. Venga, un 4 por lo original.
I liked the covers, but the middle was not my favorite style.
Catchy fun!
Interesting stuff, but I don't care for the Indian music.
A complete masterpiece. Incredible album that is damn near perfect.
I loved this, until I looked at the release date I assumed these versions of jumpin jack flash and light my fire were the original but i guess this is reinterpretations? Either way this album is sick
Really fun album. Love the blend of Sitar and rock. Sitar in general is a great sound and I think this is my favorite example so far. 4/5
loved this - hidden treasure
Have to say I have never experienced this kind of music before but I kind of enjoyed it. To be honest I think the rolling stones and doors covers were the worst parts of the albums with highlights being "metamorphosis", in general though a nice album to have on in the background whilst cooking or something.
Yet another weird album, where I tend to find that it is in this list for curiousity reasons rather than it being actually good
индийские биточки, мимо
I liked this psychedelic, world music 8nstrumental album abput 300% more than I ex0ected i would when the first track first started.
This is what I wish were more on the list. I never had heard of this artist (but I know his uncle) and this was a really interesting take on some rock songs mixed with Indian music. I won't say it was super successful but it's worth the price of admission and something that I enjoyed listening to.
An Eastern flavored “Light My Fire” and “Jumpin Jack Flash”. The other tracks are a bit more loose and don’t grab my attention.
some sitar covers of known rock song. Not a bad way to start my day but nothing I'm going to seek out.
Some good jamming moments but I’ll most likely never come back to this record.
I have to admit I listened to this one a few tracks at a time as opposed to all in one sitting. I think that may have made it drag a little bit less than expected. However much I adore instrumental covers, I was a little underwhelmed by them this time. Overall, the non-covers were more refreshing but the sitar I can only take so much of, personally.
This is fine.
Enjoyed it. Thought some of the songs and covers were pretty interesting to listen to, and thought it ended with a nice banger.
Too much sitar. This album is relentless sitar.
Sitar covers of classic rock hits…not something I would choose for myself but I respect the fact that it exists
A little too much sitar for my taste
An interesting listen that kept my attention. The covers of Light My Fire and especially Jumpin Jack Flash were very cool but the hilight is the 13 minute composition Sagar (The Ocean) which has some wich ebbs and flows beautifully. 3 stars
I get it, but also not sure this works for me. The sitar is just so unique that pairing it with songs like "Light My Fire" just sounds...not great. I appreciate the effort here, but I would have preferred Shankar to take his own spin at it vs, just intro'n the sitar to make it "different". 2 stars
Joah. Nett. Aber nix besonderes
I prefer music to have lyrics, so 40 minutes of almost exclusively instrumentals was really not to my taste. Also, the ringing sound in Sagar (The Ocean), the song that makes up for more than a quarter of the album, really bothered me.
Today I learned a new music term - raga rock. While some efforts are enjoyable, I found this one incredibly dull and adding nothing new to the random Rolling Stones and Doors covers.
I honestly don’t know how, but this worked to some extent. Not the The Rolling Stones and the Doors covers; those were absolutely horrific. But I was quite impressed with “Snow Flower”, “Sagar (The Ocean)” and “Dance Indra”. I don’t know exactly why, it just worked. That being said, I hope we’re not getting another sitar album the next month.
Trippy sitar tunes
This is not Hindustani music with rock instruments or Psychedelic rock with a sitar, it is a blend of the two strands, though it seems to lack the improvisation of traditional ragas. The result is a really enjoyable listen that foreshadows much of the Asian Underground that would come more than a generation later.
ok
see this is why i love this website. would have never listened to something like this otherwise.
This is very much of its time - from the choice of covers to the mix of Indian music with early synths.
If this was your first day / album you might just cancel your sign up and walk. Pants
-The covers of "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Light My Fire" are cool -The gets jamming pretty good on "Metamorphosis" -Got pretty slow and sparse in lots of sections. I much preferred "The Sounds Of India" by Ravi Shankar
east meets weast what a feast
Doing his uncle proud in my opinion. These tracks are gonna slip right into my instrumental playlists.
Love. It’s so psychedelic and with the sitar its Indian influence is clear. There’s a couple covers that are recognizable and the others are great as well. I only wish there were lyrics! The only singing is background. That makes this better as interesting background music though.
Not much to say here lol. It’s good instrumental stuff but casual sitar isn’t really my jive
2. Not bad. The type of music I would enjoy listening to while on hold or stuck in an elevator.
Westernized Sitar Music. I can't believe of all the amazing world music there is, this album that has been built on the western poppy influences made the list. 'Metamorphosis' is the only real positive on this album. It's the only song where barriers get broken and Shankar dares to take it a bit further.
This could have been interesting, but as he chose to cover some very obvious songs, and without any particular variation other than using a sitar instead of a guitar, it was rather flat. Not impressed.
Nice.
I really really enjoyed this album. Tasteful playing all around and even counter melodies. Sometimes there was like 3-4 Melodie’s all happening at the same time and it worked? Didn’t bother me at all. Sonics were great. Sometimes a lil harsh on the sitar but hey that’s the vibe. Super tight drums and drum breaks, loved all the percussion happening. This is something I’m keeping in my library and when I’m tired of words I’ll live here for a bit. Fantastic synth work and really enjoyed the whole album with the exception of the ocean song. 13 minutes or whatever it was, was just a lil too long. Beautiful track but yea anyways I’m done loved this tbh
So good. I was between 4 and 5 on this one. But this album just feels hugely important and groundbreaking. And something I'll return to frequently. 5 it is.
Not only a really cool idea for an album, very impressive to pull it off the way he has. Everything sounded so clear and clean (except maybe the sitar at times) and the album as a whole felt so natural and almost familiar rather than an experiment of sorts. Dance Indra stood out as a favourite to me. Brave sticking his manifesto on the front because if he fucked it, it would've been embarrassing. But I think he's pulled it off perfectly.
Awesome listen! Wow. Everything from the guitar and sitar tones to the juicy Moog lines to the unexpected backbeat grooves. The mix is airtight; sitar can sound really pokey and bright but here it sounds warm and full. I love all of these songs, but "Mamata (Affection)" comes to mind as a favorite. The sitar tones sound really thick and rich, they play super well with electric guitar and I can't say I've heard a blend like that before. I get chills every time the sitar swells out over a simple backbeat pocket or flourishes out of the texture. It's such a simple recipe: Western rock guitar tones and harmonies, spacey Moog lines and textures, a rock solid battery of bass and drums bolstered by Indian drums, all as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful sitar lead.
Can definitely understand why this has strong appeal to the production savvy members of our club. It just sounds so crisp. And I like it as background music! But I'm not about to sit down and listen to 40 minutes straight of the sitar front and center.
Incredible! Such a creative, spirited album. You can read much about Amanda Shankar’s ambitions for this album— he put his statement right on the cover!— so it’s a manifesto kind of album. His goal is to combine his advanced study in the sitar, plus Indian classical forms, with 60s psychedelic rock, heavy Moog synths, big operatic arrangements. A platform for him to show us how expressive the sitar can be. On every one of these points he succeeds. The album is innovative as a piece of music for its time, but it’s also fun, and you can tell that everyone is having fun. The idea of combining Sitar and Western music could have been boring, or academic, or shallow in its exploration. This album is none of these things. I get the sense that Amanda Shankar is exploring this idea to its absolute fullest, complete with some crazy Moog sound effects on the tracks! And it’s a perfect environment to show us his skill in playing, with different shades of an instrument you might have overlooked. I’m getting major Herbie Hancock vibes on this album, in the way the album feels so inviting, excited about its own sound, like he’s the first explorer. And the musicianship is just amazing throughout. This album made me re-discover the sitar! Which makes me one more convert to Amanda Shankar’s way of thinking. What more can you ask for. 5 stars!
Oh yeah this is a great album!! Ananda Shankar is a genius and this album has my favourite tracks from him too. Light my Fire is on a couple of my favourite playlists I have and it's just pure brilliance. The instrumentation is so impressive to me, I could never!! Anyone who can play the sitar is pretty much a God and I could listen to it forever. Such a magical sound. The entire album is super creative and exciting. Major love. Including the beautiful album artwork and the sweet message he's included on there. Love how Metamorphosis grows and builds.
This was interesting and I'm glad I've heard it, not necessarily my thing but I appreciated it. Found one of them a bit disturbing and irritating - Dance Indra I think. Actually really enjoyed the 13 min one and how it built- really interesting layers and timbres
I flipping loved this, thoroughly good sounds babe
Eh
Well this is the third Indian artist that I came across in this list and the third one that pleasantly surprised me. It’s surprisingly earnest and the songs pump through with very awesome renditions of Jumping Jack Flash and Light My Fire. It’s a tad tad longer than it feels like it should be - but otherwise a record i would return to.
Am I in an elevator that's stuck? Weird, because I hear no ringing. Very odd. Also why this is one of the 1001 albums I need to listen to. Maybe it's the wait music?
Okay, it was pretty wild to get some familiar covers in a Sitar world-music style. However, can't say i really want to listen to them more than as a curiosity.
Rips. In a good way. If I listen to this in the future I will update the ranking, but really had me grooving for most of the runtime
Classic jams
Um, no. I love Sitar music but this is just terrible. Sitar covers of Rolling Stones songs and Light My Fire?? I just ... can't. I can get into some music fusion, but why these terrible songs?! In case this didn't come across (lol), this is not my thing AT ALL. But I will acknowledge (barf) that this album might have turned some bland white people onto sitar music. So sad.
Classical Indian meets Rock - lovely!
I enjoyed most of this album and would be happy to put it on in the background. By the end, it did feel like it was dragging on a bit too long
Okay Indian music, just not something I Would normally listen to. This album does not change that.
While the cover song interpretations were neat to listen to, I'm more interested in the original music. I love being exposed to musically sounds from other cultures and this album was interesting. I'd definitely listen to it again and seek out the rest of his discography.
Bit worried when I saw the cover versions but I ended up enjoying this
Juste pour le light my fire
Probably revolutionary for its time. Worth a listen.
Solid
Pas mal mais 1 point de malus car non occidental
je sais pas ce que ça fout là
Strangely interesting album. Dug the 2 covers, Jack flash and light my fire. Others seemed to drag on. Did like Raghupati. On my Spotify, immediately kicked into Beatles after this album. Wierd. .5 for having SHANK in his name. .5 for Stones/Doors cover .5 for Raghupati 1.5 but enjoyed the new experience
3.5 Right off the bat I was surprised. This is simultaneously nothing like and exactly like what I was expecting. This is what the 60s must’ve sounded like. Really interesting, fun pace for most of it. I can see myself listening again for something different but also safe sounding.
3 I appreciate this list recognizing music outside of Western/English-speaking countries, because not only do I feel like it's typically neglected when it comes to top album discussions and rankings, but I admittedly have also done a really poor job of exploring myself. Granted, this album is a take on Western music (it literally says so on the album cover), but I feel like it's a good stepping stone into venturing out further. Aaand I quite enjoyed it. My guy shreds the sitar in ways I didn't know one could, and I really thought he bridged the gap between two cultures effectively. Both of the covers were really, really good, to the point where I may even say Light My Fire... sounds better on a sitar than on a keyboard? It didn't blow my mind, but it definitely encouraged me to listen to more world music - so an effective record through and through. Favorite songs: Light My Fire, Raghupati, Jumpin' Jack Flash, Metamorphosis
A lovely fusion between Indian music and western music. It gets very psychadelic and the sitar sounds great.
Very cool album. Both the covers and originals were equally impactful and showed the versatility of Indian music. Favorite track: Indra Dance
Not too much of my thing but I can appreciate the good musicality
The first couple of songs were quite interesting, but I must say that I lost interest quite quickly, and that sitar really got quite dragging on my Western untrained ears. It was a weird experience that worked quite well on some songs because it matched quite well with the fact I was travelling on a train while listening to it, though I don't think this is the usual kind of trip that people listen to this sort of thing on. Favourite: Jumpin' Jack Flash
Love the sound! The sitar goes hard and I gotta give props to how experimental the sound is
I just get the vibe.
Enjoyed it but wouldn’t listen regularly
3.5 for me, loved the Rolling Stones and the doors cover, the Sintar mixed with western music was cool
A lot of Indian covers of rock and roll tracks. Interesting, but nothing that's making me think anything over and above some good, if uninspired musicianship.
The originals are actually quite beautiful, but the covers (especially "Light My Fire") resemble the most painful of muzak. I'm sure this was an interesting idea in 1970 but it's not very interesting now.
Great album. Deff glad listened to that experience
The Stones and Doors covers were pleasurable. Everything else was something of a snooze.
pretty intresting the mix of indian music and normal beats would be better with actual lyrics and vocals
The gimmick behind this album is the mixing of rock music with Indian style music. The question is, does this gimmick create for a good album? For me, the true test case were the covers for Doors' Light My Fire and Stones' Jumpin' Jack Flash. The answer to the question "would I have liked these [cover] songs if I was unaware of the original versions" was a definite no. Hence why I relegate the album to the gimmick category.
Never listened to something like this before, but I can say I enjoyed it. Not sure if I would ever come back to it though.
While not the biggest sitar fan, this album surprised me as being accessible due to such songs as 'Jumping Jack Flash' and "Light My Fire'. Not for all tastes, but much better than I had anticipated.
Sítarábreiður, hvað getur maður sagt.
This was.... awesome. I don't know what I was expecting, but what I got was something that sounded as if George Harrison, during his sitar phase, put out an album of proggy instrumental jams.
I listened to this album at a friend's house and was blown away by the covers.
Wow, was definitely not expecting that. It was an interesting concept and it's weird that the sitar is so culturally ingrained in my head as a "sixties" sound. Was a bit of a slough to get through though. Good album but not my thing.
I love the combination of the sitar and the synthesizers! Favorite track: Metamorphosis.
This one surprised me, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The sitar and moog work really well together, and the fusion of eastern and western rock music was great. Melodic and familiar at times and almost trance like at others.
Of course I remember Ravi Shankar playing with the Beatles, and teaching George Harrison how to play the Sitar. Although there are more and more Indian influences on modern music, I don't think the Sitar's fusion with western Rock music has been as successful as Ananda had hoped.
Really cool how this album worked. Added it to my background music list
Here we go!
Good
This was an interesting album for sure. However, its execution varied throughout. The first few songs were enjoyable; the covers were not nearly as bad as some reviewers were making them out to be. The album did drag towards the middle to the end though and for a short 40 minute album to feel like a drag is not a good sign. This album still gets three stars because it is doing something interesting and fusing two very different styles of music. Though western/Indian music had been incorporated before, it was always from a western artist. Here we see the flip side, an Indian artist incorporating western music into Indian music.
Not more Sitar. Not for me
Pretty strange, not sure I'd seek out to listen to again
Interesting concept
Well.. It's different that's for sure. I admit I sort of like it and I wasn't even high.
Another “enough is enough” record. Interesting though a few songs and a kind of novelty cover, but couldn’t hold my attention further.
The two covers were kind of interesting. Not really my thing. Really lost me in the middle.
Not a fan. The covers I recognized were maybe a little neat, but the Sitar is an insturment that I can only take in small doses and an entire album of them is painful.
You know I love that sweet, sweet sitar. And sitar covers? Go on with ya bad self
Nepotism will get you everywhere. Loved the Rolling Stones covers, and the rest of the tracks were a jam too.
A very intersecting album but exactly what I was looking for in this type/style of album.
Telling that my favourite was the cover of Jumpin’ Jack Flash. Didn’t love it otherwise.
An interesting take on popular music using a musical style most were not familiar with? Sure. A must-listen? No. There are more sitar styled albums that should bump this from the list, heck there are more options from people named Shankar. 3/5.
går litt i surr for eg prøve å henta meg inn igjen her, men trur detta va ganske ok?
"Featuring sitar and Moog synthesizers", da love jo godt. Men blei diverre litt for mange coverlåta for meg
I suppose I would look no further than the cover of this album for my comments. Ananda Shankar fulfilled his dream, I think. It is melodious and touching, and so interesting to bring the Moog synthesizer and the sitar together. I enjoyed the entire album, which has quite a range of music, making it difficult to pick favorites. I always love when something new and exciting is brought to a well worn song, and that happened with both "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Light My Fire." I think "Metamorphosis" is a beautiful piece that showcases the creativity and skill of Shankar and makes its novel blend of instrumentation make absolute sense. "Raghupati" was such a lovely way to end the album with its joyous singalong. It feels very much of its time, but I really liked that about it. Beyond that, it was just beautiful music for a walk along the river today, nicely accompanying the sun shining through the trees and sparkling on the water.
This is totally digable music, and I totally dug it. I kept hitting start every time it ended.
Super groovy and fun! Yeah, baby!
I discovered Ananda Shankar sometime in the 80s courtesy of the used record market. I love remakes that really remake a song, and the groovy sitar versions of Jumpin' Jack Flash and Light My Fire more than qualify! I also love Moog music, and there’s plenty of that here. It's great to have this album make the list! Some great sitar jams... and the go-go arrangements are icing on a delicious cake! Definitely worth a listen for its unique style.
Why is this even on the list? Garden centre relaxation tape fodder.
It was just acceptably there. Made little impact on me.
Yea a really interesting listen
Nice easy listen. The sitar sounds awesome.
Oh okay. Never heard the Rolling Stones in sitar before. Not for me, but it kept my toddler chill during breakfast.
I love the sitar and the traditional Indian sounds, but I think this works best when it's straying away from trying to bring in obvious western elements. Despite the cover of Light My Fire being in moments a standout, the whole thing has a tendency to feel like a lounge act. Not bad, by any means. I would've just preferred something a little more traditional and less jam-band-y.
3.5: some really awesome and fascinating tracks with some great sitar work, surprisingly very easy to get into. The jumping jack flash cover is a great highlight
Solid album of oriental, indian music. My favourite was Sagar (The Ocean)
Interesting Indian music, not my favorite but I appreciate the sounds.
I guess it is interesting. It is also background music for a movie or a restaurant and not something I'd ever listen to again
Interesting album, enjoyed the music, would listen again
Being a huge fan of sixties psychedelia, I was already familiar with this and it's right up my street. It's a wonderful fusion of eastern and western (rock) instrumentation. It's trippy, mystical, euphoric, groovy and exotic. There's plenty of cool kaleidoscopic effects and far out shifting sounds. The mix of longer and shorter tracks works well and of course Shankar's sitar playing is exquisite. Also it sounds sincere, not some cheap flower power exploitation cash in. PS There's a cool series of compilations called 'Psychedelic Sitar Headswirlers' that is well worth checking out. Love and peace man.
Enjoyable escape, blend of Western and Eastern music is it called fusion.
Alright, but just sounds a little bland and stereotypical to me
Oh no.
An album of two halves, the first to entice the Western audience - something familiar, with a mix of Indian culture... with the second half delving deeper in the raga psyche. Sagar (The Ocean) is magnificent - albeit only if you're in the right mind-space for it.
Like others, I'm not too big on those covers, but Raghupati is fantastic, so is Sagar.
Half these songs are annoying covers of really popular songs with the rest maybe original? Who knows; can't imagine willingly wanting to listen to this but here we are. 3/10.
De covers zijn wel leuk, maar een sitar-nummer van 13 minuten lang is me er toch wat te veel aan.
Interesante pero cansa
Well...whoa! Had nary a clue what to expect, who this is, what they would do, and...well, it is definitely interesting. As a Westerner who grew up on, and still mostly listens to, music made by Western musicians, I am always glad to be introduced to music outside my normal listening bubble. This album does, of course, have quite a lot of familiarly Western elements -- covers of Jumpin' Jack Flash and Light My Fire (And that one is so fun! Like a hyper-psychedelic video game soundtrack) are on it -- but the elements and instruments they weave in from Indian traditions really work here. The percussion work in Metamorphosis is fantastic. Sometimes, in other settings, when I've heard Western musicians add Indian instruments to their music, it just stands out too differently for my ear in contrast to the musical context of the particular song, and at least for me I experience it as an afterthought or add on. Here, Ananda Shankar and the other musicians do a masterful job of not letting one style overpower the other. I'll admit it's opened my ear to this music in a very welcome way. I like the album. Very cool. Well done, 1001 Albums project!
Música hindú. Alguna versión de canciones conocidas. Venga, un 4 por lo original.
Vaya chorrada de álbum. Versiones de canciones clásicas tocadas por un tío con una trompetilla de feria.
An interesting listen, but the covers make it sound like one of those pan pipes albums you buy outside Pennys
Quite cool actually!
Hmmm, I struggled a bit with this. I just didn't feel that it stands up after 50 years
not for me but i thought the first song was ok
I would like it if it wasn't for all the covers. Like sitars, hate covers.
Do you want sitar covers of the Stones and the Doors? Do you want other music that contains synthesizers and just the sitar? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, then this is the perfect album for you. If you answered "no" then go ahead and skip this album. I have no desire to listen to this again and I didn't need to listen to it. It is better than some of the albums that have received a 1 but not worth a 2.
Classical Indian music has a real cool sound, I really adore the instruments. And here we have a fusion with western rock, except a little too pulled into appealing to western audiences. "Jumpin Jack Flash" and "Light my Fire" don't really have much substance besides being raga covers... Apparently the former was a huge club pick. "Mamata" sounds like some 60s Spanish hit, but I can't figure out what it was called. Really all the songs suffer from too much westernization. The drumming in "Metamorphisis" and rapid sitar playing comes off as repetitive and dull rather than enveloping as traditional Indian classical music is. I did like the ending of "Metamorphisis" though. The mysterious nature of "Sagar" was inviting, plus the exciting bridge to the 2nd half, and I actually preferred its 13-minute length... This is the kind of raga I look forward to. "Dance Indra" is a bit silly, but it reminds me of Banjo Kazooie music, so I give it a pass. The last song just sucks.
Didn't mind it, but it's still covers and still much worse than original songs. Got bored way before the end
Very interesting and enjoyable.
Áhugavert en ekki minn tebolli.
That was the surprise of the month for me. Wow, I really enjoyed that.
Interesting take on some western covers, almost a reverse-Beatles effect. An interesting fusion of traditional Indian instruments and rock
Vaguely interesting, but not that special. Reasonable crossover.
4/02/2022 Today's Album: "Ananda Shankar" by Ananda Shankar - This album starts off with a great song, Jumpin' Jack Flash, which has really elaborate production, with fuzzy synths, a grooving sitar, and some really colorful chorus vocals. The whole track feels really jamming and chill and generally colorful. Jumping to this next track, it's clear I am going to be listening to a lot of Indian inspired music infused with 70s psychedelic rock, with this one being an awesome sitar solo with some backing synth, bass, and bongos. I have given the rest of these tracks a listen and they are all just consistently amazing psychedelic sitar tracks with no vocals. Just a bunch of groovy and meditative instrumental tracks, with Sagar (The Ocean) being over 13 minutes long and fantastic from start to finish, shifting in tempo, style, and instrumentation throughout. Dance Indra sounds like a Mario Desert level backed up by these dark piano and synth chords and I really love it. The final track, Raghupati actually does have lyrics and I don't know how much I really dig it. There is a nice message about accepting each other despite our beliefs, but the singing in Indian just doesn't appeal to me due to the language barrier. The instrumentals go pretty wild, but I think it would honestly fit better somewhere in the middle of the track list and I can't really enjoy it casually like I have the rest of these tracks. I just can't really be blasting this Indian chanting in my car and expect to not get intentionally crashed into. Overall, this album has a ton of amazing psychedelic instrumental sitar tracks that are almost perfect in my opinion topped off by one track that is just kind of meh for me. If you like Indian or Psychedelic music, give this one a listen. P.S. I think if you listened to Raghupati and Dance Indra after Metamorphosis and then close it off with Sagar, it would be a really nice listening experience and would conclude more concisely. Score: 9/10 Really fun to listen to but feels a little out of order Highlights: Jumpin' Jack Flash, Snow Flower, Light My Fire, Mamata (Affection), Metamorphosis, Dance Indra, Sagar (The Ocean)
weird
2/5 oriental versions of popular songs. Not of my liking.
Jumping Jack Flash with sitar is still Jumping Jack Flash.
There are so many better oriental albums out there, I was pretty disappointed with this one. An album with more than 1 cover song, shouldn't be considered as one of the best ever made...
All the key element were there so that I love this album but unfortunatly it didnt impress me like I thought it would...Too generic, not enough creative if you listen to a bit of world music..
It's strange, I felt inclined to love this album, but... Not so much after all. There are a few good moments, but I feel like it was put together for an american market, or at least an english market, and it felt somehow weird. A sitar album starting with a cover of Jumpin Jack Flash, I think that killed the vibe right at the beginning for me.
This was very good. It is different from the music I listen to, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Was good, good for the background