OK

OK is OK, until it isn’t. For me, that was about 5 songs. Once again, my rule of thumb for the list hasn’t been disproven: If you haven’t heard anyone talking about an album on this list in 25 years, you don’t need to hear it before you die.

Loads going on here, most of which I didn’t like. The album is tedious and gets progressively worse from start to finish. I wouldn’t say I hate it, but I certainly didn’t enjoy my listen and wouldn’t go back.

If Yanni and Kenny G had a baby, that baby would grow up to make music like this, have sex with Linda Evans and be a surprisingly decent golfer.

oh, you put South Asian instruments on top of your boring-ass techno. cool, i guess.

OK, Talvin. Talvin, OK. I legitimately don't understand what the hell I just listened to. But it wasn't enjoyable, I know that. Nope. Not at all. Sorry, Talvin. That's a no for me, dawg.

"The world is sound" Great eastern tonalities and rhythm that mix in with hard driving beats. Pulls in a lot of eastern music (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, etc) Great beats.

The concept is fantastic! But if I was to record puppies sleeping and put it on an album, that might also sound like a great idea. I just couldn't get through it. Most likely not listen to it ever again.

OK is ambitious in scope and execution, simultaneously futuristic yet ancient in sound. A wonderfully layered fusion of styles and influences gives it a sense of timelessness. Equally at home on the dancefloor as it is on your headphones, this is a beautiful album.

BL: never heard of this artist before but the cover reminds me of the Roni Size brown paper bag album so I’ll be interested to hear if it’s in a similar vein AL: funnily enough, my 90s ambient DnB assumption was correct, and wow. This album blew me away. I wasn’t too sure about the opener, but by track 3 this album had me in a chokehold. The fusion of ambient DnB & Sourh Asian instrumentals and vocals was mesmerising, the drone of DnB was meant to go with the resonant frequencies of the sitar. Definitely some Bhangra influence in there too. Highly recommend this. It reminds me of another comment I saw under a different album (can’t remember which one though), with albums like this on the generator, you have to wonder why the people who wrote those chose so many 80s new wave and post punk albums. FT: “Eclipse”, “O.K.”, “Light”, “Vikram the Vampire” 5/5

I really enjoyed the drops and the multicultural influence. "OK" was the best track rightfully so, but there were a few other stand outs as well that covered a variety of energies

Really tried but couldn't get into this one.

This. Is. Madness.

Craptastic. 1.7/10

This is a superb album. I loved it in the early 2000s and while I prefer Ha!, this is a really great album too.

this fucks

OK! Loved it. Cool fusion of eastern sounds with electro beats. Can't believe it's from 1998.

This is a very refreshing album this morning, Travelor is very busy yet free at at the same time. Its lush sound really just hit right today.

Loved it, my new everyday listen

Love this! It’s a must listen to, chilled out, sits there and makes you feel good type

5/5 - Really cool

Electronica,indian classical,exotica

Ambient, Drum & Bass and Classical Indian music meld to create a vision of a future that never came. Yes, the spoken word sections can come off as pretentious and some of the synths are cheesy, but it just adds to the charm. A forgotten artifact of Britain in the Y2K era.

At first sounded like post rock and then some indian (?) vocals came along as well. Interesting mix

Far better than native British electronic DJs from this list. I've enjoyed the softer tracks. The Indian spice adds very much to the whole composition. Something new for me.

No. 211/1001 Traveller 3/5 Butterfly 4/5 Sutrix 2/5 Mombasstic 2/5 Decca 2/5 Eclipse 2/5 OK 2/5 Light 4/5 Disser 3/5 Soni 2/5 Vikram the Vampire 2/5 Average: 2,55 Very interesting mesh of genres I never heard before. On most of the tracks I didn't work for me. Really enjoyed Butterfly and Light though.

This was good, drifted into irrelevance at times but overall enjoyable

It’s cool at first but gets real old and boring after a while

If I have to listen to another record like this I swear to god

My previous commentary got wiped out some how, but honestly, it was about as important as this album really is/was. That is to say, not so much. To sum it up, OK is hardly worth the time and is likely taking up a spot on this list that should be going to a far more deserving album. I'll give it 2 stars because there is some interesting live instrumentation on this album, but it's not enough to save the otherwise boring electronica album..

😫

nope for the love of god. just because you can doesn't mean you should

A little bit too experimental for my taste. Some of the songs were a nice mix of modern and traditional but they quickly get too drawn out and weird. Felt like being in a washing machine of music.

Brilliant!

Really loved this one! I'd never heard of the Asian Underground subgenre/scene so this was a great discovery for me. I love electronica so much, it's cool to hear different varieties of it.

“World Music” is an idiotic term born of Western ignorance and ethnocentrism. However, in the case if this gorgeous mosaic of a record, it’s entirely appropriate.

Holy fuck!

First time listening to Talvin Singh. Interesting stuff. I appreciated the blending of world styles. Not my usually listen but I'm glad I heard it.

Super fun trance edm but with an eastern meditation vibe to it. Great listen.

Wow, brilliant. Loved this.

Weird but I like it

I was there too, the places Marco mentioned. We said नमस्ते to each other while floating into space

August 25, 2024 HL: “Traveller”, “Butterfly”, “Sutrix”, title track, “Light” Had low expectations going into this (the late 90s picks of this list are hit-or-miss imo), but it blew me away. Somehow equally fitting for a rave & a spa. I was worried when the grandeur of “Traveller” gave way to the dirty synths in “Sutrix”, but by the end I believed it was all part of the same artistic vision. For comparison, I didn’t always feel that way with Red Snapper and Nitin Sawhney from this list, era, and country (the UK, surprise surprise). An uneasy 5 stars from me

ggood

We’ve listened to some albums lately with painful mashing of genres, but Talvin Singh stands out for the way he weaves diverse influences and world music into a genre-bending electronica album. I checked out LTJ Bukem right before this, and while they both have a great atmospheric vibe Singh does more to break out from the chill monotony that can create. (Apparently Singh’s London club often featured Bukem, and in many ways “OK” feels like a logical progression from Bukem.)

i have very little to go on here in terms of reference points but it turns out this guy is the missing link between late Siouxsie, early Bjork, and 2000s Madonna...true world music in the sense that it brings any and everything together in a blissful sonic landscape 10/10

The mix of drum n bass and India classical works so well together. What utter genius. This is a great relaxing listen if a bit on the long side (some drag near the end)

Very interesing sound!

Loved this combination of old and new.

Electronica,indian classical,exotica.

Surprisingly good.

innovative

My goodness what an interesting journey. Loved that.

Hey, this rips ass. Between this and Call of the Valley, I guess I’m just learning that I like Indian/Indian inspired music. Eclipse in particular goes hard.

Love it. Right up my electro weird avenue.

I'm happy I decided to start this journey of reviewing an album every day for 1001 days. Even if it feels tedious sometimes, knowing that every day I must listen to an album, even when the album isn't a good fit for my mood that day, or I just do not have the mental energy to gather an opinion or write anything, it all pays off when it recommends something amazing and very much up my alley that I wouldn't have found otherwise. This is one such album. It has more of that Indian and generally Asian flavour that I fell in love with when I was introduced to Nitin Sawhney's "Beyond Skin" earlier in the list. This is a crazy, trippy, dramatic journey that blends orchestra, Indian classical music, electronica, drum and bass, IDM, dub, and so many other genres. It's chaotic but never loses its direction. And yet, it's all pretty chill but never boring. Just a pure journey of sound with influences from across the globe. Favourite: Butterfly

Electronica,indian classical,exotica.

Unique style and combination of instruments give a relaxing ambient sound that I thoroughly enjoyed. An hour of soft groovy beats.

это что-то совсем не из этого мира невероятная энергетика, безумное смешение жанров, один заглавный трек альбома Traveller чего стоит незабываемая работа возможно, лучшая из этого списка

Как только я начал слушать альбом, то я понял: он или гениальный или говно. Здесь все же первый вариант. Очень необычные сочетания медитативной индийской музыки и хауса/IEM/техно. В результате одновременно получается, что тебя вгоняют в транс и заставляют танцевать/рейвить. Поэтому очень необычно и круто звучит и по сей день. Сэмплы чувак взял, конечно, мое почтение. А теперь субъективный обзор: я только встал и сел за стол работать. Хочется очень спать, работать даже особо не хочется и тут я думаю: хм, а может включить альбомчик послушать с утра, взбодриться. И когда я его включил, то я думал что я сейчас умру от душноты (реально, первую половину первой песни можно смело пропустить, имхо). Но слава богу дальше все норм было. Честно говоря, реально думал что сейчас еще хуже станет)))

Ахахаха, это слишком хорошо, чтобы оказаться 100ым альбомом! Ладно, теперь серьёзно: индийская музыка не от мира сего. У них свои гармонии, которые могут казаться неправильными (непривычными) на первый взгляд. Это интересно услышать и оценить, но на постоянку возможно будет тяжело. Опять же, говоря об индийской музыке, возможно присутствует навязанный Болливудом и мемами стереотип о том, как это должно звучать. Это не относится к этому альбому. Где-то это техно, где-то симфоническая музыка, где-то акустика. Всё и вся собрано здесь, но основывается на вот этой восточной музыкальной гармонии (тут пусть лучше Егор в подкасте расскажет, как у них интервалы устроены). Но сука))) c "The True Story Of Extasy" я конечно улетел, это просто ор. Ещё и вот этим индийским голосом из видосов по программированию... Альбом крутой по задумке, лёгкий по восприятию (настолько лёгкий, что когда после заиграл Apex Twin, я был уверен, что пластинка не закончилась). Я не готов поставить 5 за музыкальность, ибо вопросики остались, но готов поставить 5 за вклад в развитие индийской музыкальной культуры.

Альбом создаёт вокруг тебя какое-то новое пространство, которое заполняется всеми звуками мира, как будто. Однозначно не на постоянное присутствие в плейлисте, но иногда вернуться и переслушал вполне кайф

Electronica,indian classical,exotica.

I really enjoyed this album! It was unexpected and had elements from so many different genres that I enjoy.

9/10 super creative and definitely stands out from mainstream electronic/DnB with its Indian/Asian influence

This is a classic Indian fusion album

Epic

I’m at a 3.5 that I’ll bump up to a slightly biased 4. When it comes to mostly instrumental albums like this, I don’t think there’s too much to say, because you either like it, or you don’t. In this case, I liked it. I didn’t like it enough to give it a flat 4, because there’s certainly enough repetition in the soundscape and enough filler moments to create a DBZ arc, but I like this enough to bump it up to a 4. My bias is simply that this appeals to a lot of my VGM sensibilities. That is to say, give me a PS1 jungle style beat, and I’ll vibe with it a lot of the time. This feels a LOT like PS1 jungle, and I love the way this blends aspects of traditional Indian music, Japanese DnB, & electronica. It makes for a really coherent soundscape, one that’s not too far removed from the Ridge Racers or Ape Escapes of the world, but just distinct enough to feel unique, at least for the hour-long runtime that this has. I do fully understand why this has a 2.61 average on the site, because to an ear that’s not paying attention, every track here sounds the same. Hell, even to my ears, I’m sure there are a few tracks that sounded the same that I just sort of chose to ignore. At an hour long, it’s shorter than some of the other DnB albums we’ve gotten, which helps a bit. It’s still long though. However, when it fully clicks, there are moments here where it just feels great to listen to – the stretch of Eclipse to Light in particular is the best stuff on the album, by far. If I gave this another listen, I might find it tedious, but I do think the floor here is a 3 regardless. It’s totally competent Indian-infused electronica that I vibed with on most of the tracks, and even at its most bland, it still sounds pretty good to listen to. Hence, a 3.5 bumped up to a slightly biased 4.

The title track is by far the weakest song on the album by far. That being said... This is the soundtrack for a turn of the century hacker film, right? Because it would excel at that. If I was making a movie about westerners robbing an Indian target, or vice versa, I'd call this guy to do the music.

Liking a lot of this. The tabla and flute work is fantastic, and fusing it all with drum-machine dance beats and bass drops is kinda wild. Not sure this will become something I listen to often, but I really dig how different it sounds.

A really interesting blend of Indian sounds and electronic. Adding the tabla to the mix really expands the possibilities.

OK, Talvin, go off and traverse the world with your tablas in tow, bridging continents through your boundary-breaking beats.

I really dug this.

Интересная музыка с этно колоритом

15/03/25 This Surprisingly wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

Indiase klanken met een beatje eronder. Een beetje of je de Hindoestaanse versie van Café del Mar opzet. Ik heb verder geen context of dit veel betekend heeft voor de muziekgeschiedenis van het Indiase subcontinent, maar het klinkt wel, eh, OK.

Op basis van het internet had ik mij voorbereid op een percussie-plaat van een "tabla-player". Ik moest daardoor even schakelen. Het bleek veel meer digitaal. De ritmes blijven de nummers maken, dus in die zin zit het ook weer niet heel ver van de verwachting vandaan. Er wordt gewoon over de grenzen van een hokje heengestapt en dat is alleen maar te waarderen. Het eerste nummer spreekt mij erg aan. Ik luister vaker naar meer relaxte break-beatmuziek, maar heb deze artiest helemaal gemist daarbij. Wellicht ben ik zelf niet voldoende de grenzen van dit hokje overgestapt. Dankzij de 1001 een leuke ontdekking. De plaat varieert best aardig. Er wordt in elk nummer een andere muzikale insteek gekozen of een andere zang of instrument te voorschijn getoverd. Zelfs binnen de nummers zit vaak veel variatie. Ik stuit af en toe wel op een te saai moment of iets wat mij niet pakt, maar in totaal blijft het interessant. Dit album verdient een dikke 4.

Ik weet niet zo goed wat ik van dit album moet vinden. Ik had een soort punjabimuziek verwacht, maar dat was onterecht. Het is elektronische muziek. Maar niet alleen dat, er zit van alles in, van filmmuziek tot drum n bass, en van wereldmuziek tot lounge. Dat maakt het ook buitengewoon gevarieerd en bijzonder leuk om te luisteren. Het kleine uur vliegt om. Het is misschien niet iets wat ik vaker op ga zetten, maar ik heb me prima vermaakt hiermee.

first listen i dug it

Fuck yes man, this is the sort of stuff I'm looking for. It brings the best parts of techno and adds in some Asian elements and it creates a godlike combination. Really unique, really talented, a nice breath of fresh air. Probably the only reason I am not giving it a 5 is my opinions on techno and genres adjacent. I need to be in the right mood to listen to it, and especially with this album due to it's far-fetchedness. A high 4, nonetheless.

More than OK

Super cool! This is basically the best of SomaFM's Suburbs of Goa station, which I listen to a lot.

An interesting album. Must confess I preference the more mellow and laid back tracks. Nice interplay between electronic beats and traditional Indian music. The odd track I found a bit jarring. I can find time for the experimental nature of this album.

Very fun and unexpected

Great listen. First track, Traveller, really transports you and makes you feel like you should be on a train in India having an existential moment. Overall enjoyable album

А я вот ставлю четвёрку. Это интересно, любопытно, местами брейкбит на табле с этническиии мотивами Я бы слушала, но при этом конкретно ничего не выделила. Но - на заметку неплохо вполне

I remember when this came out - I have it : ) it was so IN and new at the moment (late 90s) and this Cafè del Mar genre was exploding. A whole disc I learned is too much.. but very cool, ethereal, other worldly ambient music that fits very nicely into a playlist

way cooler than i expected it to be. the ‘world’ music on here is sometimes hit or miss but this was a very nice listen. the heavy techno core with the various world elements, especially the percussion, throughout worked really well

An interesting journey into a weird and wonderful soundscape. Truly experimental with the tools available at the time.

YES wait I love and 11 minute song with like 6 lyrics let's gooooo loving this - Light gets some BEATS going like when will I hear this at the club ?? Vibey and atmospheric, I love a good percussion moment AND 1998 moment. it's a yes from me!

etno dnb nice nice

Well that was a cinematic experience. Though I may never listen to it again, it is a worthy addition to the project and I did enjoy it.

A good fusion of late 1990s electronica and Indian music. It's always great to listen to something different and unique on this challenge. Not surprising that I liked this record as it was released on the Island label, which always releases quality albums that are likeable and unique.

What a fucking crazy album, especially for 1998. You wouldn't think that a full album of electronica mixed with tabla drums would be meaningful, but this album has so much depth to it, especially for being largely instrumental. The album is consistently high BPM, but it never feels exhausting. Instead, it feels well-crafted and experimental. Really cool album that still feels relevant, even if the brand of electronica on it is a bit dated now 4/5

Quite a belter

My pretentious tastes are perfectly pandered.

This is world music I can get into. When Ravi Shankar and George Harrison started mixing Indian and Western Music, this is the nirvana they would have liked to achieve. 4.5/5

## Overview of "OK" by Talvin Singh Released in 1998, *OK* is the debut studio album by Talvin Singh, an influential figure in the fusion of traditional Indian music with contemporary electronic sounds. The album not only showcases Singh's mastery of the tabla but also his innovative approach to music production, blending various genres to create a unique auditory experience. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while also evaluating its pros and cons. ## Lyrics **** Lyrical Content The lyrics in *OK* are often minimalistic and abstract, focusing on themes of connection and universality. The opening track, "Traveller," sets the tone with a spoken word introduction that emphasizes the idea that "the world is sound." This phrase encapsulates Singh's vision of music as a universal language, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Many tracks feature vocal contributions that are more about texture than narrative. For instance, "Soni" employs a choir of female singers whose harmonies add depth rather than convey a specific story. This approach aligns with Singh's intent to create an immersive experience rather than a conventional lyrical journey. ## Music **** Musical Composition Musically, *OK* is a rich tapestry of sounds that blends traditional Indian instrumentation with modern electronic elements. The album is characterized by: - **Tabla**: As a classically trained tabla player, Singh uses this instrument to anchor many tracks, providing intricate rhythms that drive the compositions. - **Flute and Sitar**: Collaborations with musicians like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Rakesh Chaurasia introduce lush melodies that complement the rhythmic complexity. - **Electronic Beats**: The incorporation of drum and bass rhythms alongside bhangra beats creates a dynamic soundscape that feels both familiar and innovative. Tracks such as "Light" exemplify this fusion, combining Indian flute melodies with atmospheric electronic backdrops. The result is a sound that is both hypnotic and engaging. ## Production **** Production Techniques The production of *OK* reflects Singh's commitment to high-quality sound and innovative techniques. He spent nine months recording in various locations, including London and Okinawa, to capture diverse musical influences. Notable production elements include: - **Layering**: Singh expertly layers traditional instruments with electronic sounds to create depth. This technique allows for a rich listening experience where different elements can be appreciated on multiple levels. - **Field Recordings**: The use of field recordings adds an organic quality to the tracks, grounding them in real-world sounds that enhance their authenticity. - **Collaboration**: Singh's collaborations with various artists contribute to the album's eclectic sound. For example, Guy Sigsworth's keyboard work on "Traveller" adds a contemporary flair that complements the traditional elements. ## Themes **** Central Themes The overarching theme of *OK* revolves around cultural fusion and global connection. Singh aims to bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions, reflecting the multicultural landscape of late 1990s Britain. Key themes include: - **Unity through Sound**: The idea that music can connect people across different cultures is prevalent throughout the album. This is particularly evident in tracks like "Butterfly," which blends various musical styles seamlessly. - **Cultural Identity**: Singh explores his own identity as an Indian artist in Britain, using his music to navigate and celebrate this duality. - **Exploration**: Many tracks evoke a sense of journey or exploration, both musically and culturally. This theme resonates with listeners seeking new experiences through sound. ## Influence **** Impact on Music *OK* has had a lasting impact on both the Asian Underground movement and electronic music at large. By successfully merging traditional Indian sounds with contemporary genres like drum and bass and techno, Singh paved the way for future artists exploring similar fusions. The album won the Mercury Prize in 1999, further solidifying its significance within the music industry. Its inclusion in lists such as *1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die* highlights its critical acclaim and enduring relevance. Singh's work has influenced numerous artists across genres, encouraging them to experiment with cultural blends in their own music. His approach has inspired subsequent generations of musicians who seek to break down barriers between musical styles. ## Pros and Cons **** Pros - **Innovative Fusion**: *OK* successfully merges traditional Indian instrumentation with modern electronic music, creating a unique sound that stands out in both genres. - **High Production Quality**: The album features meticulous production techniques that enhance its overall listening experience. - **Cultural Significance**: It represents a significant moment in British music history, highlighting the contributions of immigrant artists to the cultural landscape. - **Critical Acclaim**: Winning the Mercury Prize and receiving positive reviews from major publications underscores its artistic merit. **** Cons - **Abstract Lyrics**: Some listeners may find the minimalistic lyrical content lacking depth or narrative engagement compared to more conventional albums. - **Niche Appeal**: The fusion of genres may not resonate with all audiences, potentially limiting its mainstream appeal. - **Pacing Issues**: Certain tracks may feel lengthy or meandering for listeners accustomed to more structured song formats. ## Conclusion Talvin Singh's *OK* is a groundbreaking album that successfully bridges cultural divides through music. Its innovative fusion of traditional Indian sounds with contemporary electronic elements creates an immersive listening experience that remains relevant today. While it may not appeal to every listener due to its abstract lyrics and niche soundscape, its critical acclaim and influence on subsequent artists affirm its place as a significant work in modern music history. Overall, *OK* stands as a testament to Singh's vision of unity through sound, inviting listeners on a journey through diverse musical landscapes.

Cool fusion music. Blog review called this "tabla tronics" or asian fusion music? I could see it. I liked that this was unique and spotlighted the tabla which I'm not too familiar with. I feel like 15 minutes could have been cut from this album to get me to enjoy it even more, some songs dragged on.

Quite good,

Very cool combination of Indian and dance