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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Call of the Valley

Shivkumar Sharma

1967

Call of the Valley
Album Summary

Call of the Valley is a 1967 light-classical album by Hariprasad Chaurasia, Brij Bhushan Kabra, and Shivkumar Sharma. It was recorded for the label EMI. The instrumental album follows a day in the life of an Indian shepherd from Kashmir. It is one of the most successful Indian albums and one that became popular with an international audience. It was very important in introducing Indian music to Western ears and internationally the best selling Indian music record. George Harrison, David Crosby, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Roger McGuinn are fans of the album.The atmospheric music is traditional, but the innovative use of guitar and flute make the sound more acceptable for Western audiences. Kabra plays slide guitar, Sharma santoor, Chaurasia bansuri and Tabla was played by Manikrao Popatkar. The artists became well known musicians as a result of this album. Today Call of the Valley is considered a classic and a milestone in world music. Shivkumar Sharma, the guitarist Brij Bhushan Kabra, and flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia were all aged about 30 when they made Call of the Valley. Conceived as a suite, they used their instruments to tell the story of a day in the life of a shepherd in Kashmir using ragas associated with various times of the day to advance the dramatic narrative. Allmusic advises: "If the newcomer buys only one Indian classical recording, it should be "Call of the Valley"."The remastered edition on hEMIsphere has three bonus tracks. It is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die by Robert Dimery and Michael Lydon.

Wikipedia

Rating

2.96

Votes

11947

Genres

  • World

Reviews

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May 27 2021
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3

Apparently, you can't actually listen to the original album on Spotify. What the site links to is a some sort of re-recorded version by Shivkumar Sharma's son? I was able to find a version on Youtube, though. Which is great because the version on Spotify (apparently a remake by his son) was trash. The ACTUAL album is hauntingly beautiful. I can see how this inspired a generation of musicians.

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Dec 08 2021
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3

Really beautiful music, pastoral, relaxing. Note that the version on Spotify is a re-recording and not worth your time. You need to go to YouTube to hear the original. I wasted half an hour listening to the wrong thing on Spotify before figuring that out. Fave Songs: Bhoop, Ahir Bhairav/Nat Bhairav, Rag Piloo

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May 27 2021
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4

This album of stunning Indian instrumental music was absolutely gorgeous. Lush soundscapes often evoke mountain valleys, small villages, serenity. Sonically quite unique compared to what I've heard from this list so far made this more than just beautiful relaxing music; it was as refreshing as it was peaceful.

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Oct 21 2021
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5

I’m into this WAY more than I thought I’d be. It’s so calming and the music is so complex and intricate.

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May 31 2021
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5

Beautiful piece of work. I think the blend of western classical music and North Indian classical music lends itself well to being more accessible while preserving the integrity of both genres. Full of peace and serenity, this body of work is best for relaxation. I appreciate being introduced to this album, as it also lays groundwork for later psychedelic influence from the likes of The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and many others I'm sure. Love this album.

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Jan 26 2022
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5

Genre: Hindustani Classical Music 5/5 In 1968, 4 Indian musicians got together and recorded some of the most influential Eastern music in modern history. While Eastern influences had already been felt throughout rock and pop music, it was this album in particular that truly transcended the standard market for this style of music. It hit with everybody, including the artists who were making their own sounds around that time, injecting lifelong gems with twists of Indian/Asian flair. The playing, the mood, and the production on this thing is top notch. The stereo dulcimer and slide guitar dueling (NOT sitar, which is CRAZY) is tremendous, but it's when the tabla kicks in when the fun truly begins. Add in some wood flute and you've got yourself a recipe for success, driven by the same classic melodies these cultures have been playing for ages. If you don't take the time to enjoy this one, or if you find it uninteresting and boring, then your opinion is invalid and you're probably racist.

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Jun 18 2021
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4

The guitar work on Call of the Valley, whether it's slide, dulcimer, sitar, etc. is so wonderful and innovative. Everything felt very organic, as the songs flowed into one another with this kind of ambient droning that has influenced so many other genres (psychedelic, shoegaze, experimental). The flute and percussion also add layers to this sonically simplistic but intoxicating instrumental album. Fav Tracks: Piloo-Teen Tala and Des-Dadra Tala

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Jul 06 2023
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5

I'll add to the list of people who say DON'T LISTEN TO THIS ON SPOTIFY THE ALBUM THAT COMES UP IS NOT THE RIGHT ALBUM. Listened on Youtube and it was so enjoyable that I listened to it immediately a second time after.

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Sep 18 2023
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5

Holy cow. I knew there was some Hindustani music on here, I believe we'll be getting Ravi Shankar at some point. I've never heard of this one but it seems to be legendary, and the root of a lot of big artists getting interested in traditional Indian folk music and sounds. I can see why, good lord. First of all, this album is not available on Apple Music; there's a "reimagined" thing made by his son on there, it seems fine but it's not even close to the traditional Hindustani stuff. I had to listen on youtube, and then scour the internet further to see if I could download this album somewhere because it's incredible. I'm a sucker for Hindustani/raga stuff, it's just so transportive and meditative and relaxes me like nothing else. I'm not someone who has the palate to tell you "good" from "bad" in this genre, or to even distinguish artists from one another, but jeez louise this is an amazing listen, and it has to get a five star from me in the hopes we get more, and to let everyone know that this shit rocks. Favorite tracks: Every single one. There's even an extended reissue, even more of a good thing. Album art: Amazing, amazing. Perfect art for this. Warm painting of shepherds herding their sheep. I forget sometimes that this was often the music of sherpas and farmers. 5/5

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Jun 18 2021
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4

I really enjoyed this album and can see why it is worthy of this list. Considering it was recorded in 1967 it would be considered an early introduction to the successfully marriage of Eastern and Western music and an introduction to the popularity of World Music. Interweaving the guitar and flute with traditional Indian music makes an easy transition for most Western listeners to this great traditional music. The atmospheric music that results is wonderful to listen to. I have no specific favorite as I prefer to consider this a single suite of music and enjoy it in its entirety. 4 stars

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Apr 07 2021
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4

This really isn't my kind of thing, I was dreading listening to it. However, this album is beautiful from start to finish. Like work of art type beautiful. It's so relaxing, it makes me feel a little stoned. It's unassuming, uplifting, and probably good for the soul. I feel as though it's cleansed me, flushing away the bad music that came before. I'm a fan.

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Jun 18 2021
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4

I really enjoyed this peaceful, pastoral record. The narrative of a day in the life of a farmer is so gentle, but compelling. It's also pretty much perfectly produced, each instrument has incredible clarity while still fitting into the whole. Hard to believe it was recorded in 1967! Favourite tracks: The Shepherd Girl, Stars Twinkling Within, and Glacier Waters

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Aug 24 2023
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4

I really dig this. It's a shame it's not available on Spotify - as another reviewer pointed out, the version you might find on Spotify is NOT the original - apparently it's the original artist's son trying to cash in or something. Find it on youtube here, complete with vinyl popping sounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFWfF3Zow74 Just beautiful. 4 stars.

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Jul 08 2024
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5

Call of the Valley Couldn’t find the correct version on Tidal, so had to listen on YouTube, which is normally annoying, but for this it wasn’t, as it felt like one suite of music, so knowing individual tracks doesn’t really matter. (There is a version on Tidal, which seems to be a remake by his son I also refrained from looking up anything about it until I’d listened to it. Obviously I knew it would be Indian, but I didn’t know whether it would be classical Indian or something more akin to the fusion of Indian and rock music on that first Ananda Shankar album. After a minute or two it’s in the former. I know very little about Indian classical music, apart from the odd bit I’ve read about due to George and other 60s musicians who listened to it and were influenced by it. I also know that it has a different scale and also some very specific rules on instruments and improvisation, but when it comes to how that manifests itself and how it actually works I’m pretty clueless. But I really really enjoyed this as soon as I started listening. I presume from the title it has a pastoral theme, and I definitely got that sense from it. I suppose that may be to do with the flute-like instrument, but I got the same pastoral or nature inspired impression that I get from Vaughan Williams or Sibelius in western classical music. Now reading about it after, the flute-like instrument is actually a flute! And that plus the guitar throughout is probably why it appeals to my western ears, as it’s not full-on Indian classical but classical music made accessible for international audiences. That doesn’t diminish my enjoyment of it all however, I just found the whole thing incredibly pleasing and relaxing, and even more so once I read more about it and the themes and inspiration. I loved the intricacies of the melodies and instrumentation and the peaceful and serene atmosphere it evokes. It really is a very beautiful 40 odd minutes of music.While I wouldn’t say I’m about to embark on a lifelong spiritual journey into Indian classical, I am interested to find out about and listen to a bit more. Kind of hard to judge against the rest of the albums on this list, as it's probably more comparable to classical rather than pop, rock, jazz, soul or hip hop etc. I really really liked it though and as it kind of stands apart from the rest of the albums I’ll give it a 5. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Playlist submission: The 4th one, Rag Des (although if the albums on streaming we can’t put it on the playlist I guess)

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Jul 02 2021
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4

I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Very peaceful and melodic without being overwhelming. "Stars Twinkling Within" is ethereal and I would like to live in that track if possible.

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Oct 28 2021
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4

Them Eastern sounds. Them West Coast vibes. These jams will sure straighten out your chakras. Fantastic use of the Santoor. As the great MC would say, hammer time! Once you are all loosey goosey, float away on the bamboo flute sounds. It's pretty far out man.

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Jul 22 2022
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4

First off, go to YouTube. Ignore the Spotify version which is not good. This is pretty magical, all told. The last track is gorgeous. It's a shame you have to faff with YouTube and VLC and whatnot as otherwise I can see me sticking this on more often.

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Jul 10 2024
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4

I really enjoyed this. It wasn't exactly my style of music, but it was relaxing. I listened to a re-recording of it by his son (?) on Spotify first by accident, so I've heard this album twice. I had this running while doing my work, and it was great background music. I really did feel like I was working the fields in the countryside. 7/10

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Jul 15 2024
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4

Felt like I was playing Age of Empires 2 and Minecraft at times, kind of wild to me that this came out in the 60s.

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Jul 23 2024
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4

I just like instrumental albums. This list lacks them. This particular album is a great calming piece of music to listen after a long day at work.

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Mar 01 2022
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3

This isn't the 1967 album pictured. This is a very different album from 2012. However, it's a well-needed sorbet to cleanse the palate. Optimistic, new age-y guitar and woodwind based instrumentals, the kind of thing Windham Hill Records used to publish. Relaxing albeit a bit too plinky-plonk to really let yourself go.

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Nov 04 2022
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3

Firstly, thanks to those people who flagged that the Spotify version of this album is not the original. I ended up listening to both and the original is much better. I can hear how and why this was so inspirational to so many artists on release. I would definitely listen to this again.

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Feb 13 2023
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3

2.5/5 First of all, the Spotify version (from his son) is way different than the original which you can find on YouTube. The original is quitte nice. It has this calm over it that is very relaxing. Not something I will listen to a lot, but for one time it was good.

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Mar 02 2023
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3

Heralded as a "world music classic", *Call Of The Valley* is actually so obscure for Western pedestrian audiences that even the folks responsible for this app got confused. The links they put up here indeed point to different recordings. The Spotify link is a "modern" reenactment with all sorts of new age shenanigans going on in the background. And the You Tube version is the 1967 original version played on vinyl, complete with charming crackling sounds. As for Ravi Shankar, I'd say that my ears are not trained enough to properly "judge" this sort of (admittedly influential) work. It would still do as nice background music if I suddenly had the strange idea to perfume my home with patchouli and incense, I imagine. But to be honest, I would feel a tad bit hypocritical if I raved and ranted about this album. No matter how many so-called "objective" rankings and podiums you can establish out there, listening to music is still a subjective affair after all. And cultural "blind spots" play their parts there, too, obviously... Number of albums left to review: 640 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 181 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 84 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 102 (including this one)

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May 15 2023
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3

Putting on this record, while laying on the couch after a massive Mother’s Day breakfast, I was able to shut off my mind for a good 40 minutes. No thoughts about work or worries about things I have to take care of this week. Just this record and nothing else. I shut out the world for a little bit, and at the end, my stress and anxiety levels had receded. I found it to be immensely calming and a great escape.

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May 26 2023
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3

Five minutes into listening to this and I had to go book a massage. The back massage was excellent and the price was right. Gotta love the $60 per hour Chinatown rate. On the negative side, I had a had time getting her to zero in where I needed it most. I really don't think Google Translate got the translation of "second vertebrae" right since when I showed her the Chinese translation she motioned for me to turn over and asked for a $50 tip. Funny how good her English was when it came to numbers. Who knew? I'll have to get a Chinese friend to help with the translation and get my neck taken care of next time. I was able to get her to play Call of the Valley over the parlour's speakers during the massage. Fortunately, Google Translate nailed that one.

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May 30 2023
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3

tabla sound cool any time any place however you really have to be in the mood for an album of sitar, either that or fucking baked.

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Oct 26 2023
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2

Nr. 17/1001 Ahir Bhairav/Nat Bhairav 1/5 Rag Piloo 1/5 Bhoop 3/5 Rag Dies 3/5 RAG Pahadi 3/5 Average: 2,2 I enjoyed the B-Side way more than the first half of the album

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Mar 25 2021
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5

Traditional Indian flute and sitar

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Apr 22 2021
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5

absolutely delightful would listen again and again

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May 28 2021
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5

Really good indian sitar music, with western influences

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Aug 13 2021
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5

Took a nap to this and it was the most peaceful 55 mins of my life

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Sep 03 2021
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5

A wonderful piece of art that shows how music is the best way to explore the world.

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Jan 07 2022
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5

I'm guessing there probably wasn't much like this when it came out, and it still sounds fresh and vibrant. Occasionally gets a bit Muzaky, but I don't think this detracts from the album overall.

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Feb 04 2022
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5

Amazing instrumental world album

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Feb 11 2022
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5

Very good work music. Refreshing but not too distracting

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Feb 13 2022
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5

9/10. Really quite good, and very palatable to my Western tastes. Just like it says on the box.

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Feb 13 2022
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5

really had me feeling like a shepherd in a himalayan valley. 9/10. i especially liked Ode to the Sun God and The Shepherd Girl

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May 09 2022
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5

One of very few albums that I can call lush without also calling it dense. The instrumentals feel very full and complete, but there aren't an excessive amount of layers. I think the front half is more captivating than the back due to its construction and its more serene ambiance and inclusion of nature sounds. This is one of the more niche albums on this list, but I thoroughly enjoy its inclusion. I am not sure that it is a must listen for everyone, but for anyone that likes instrumental songs or ambient music in general, I think this is a must listen. I am also not usually partial to the flute, but I really do like it in this. I wrote some of this review while listening, but now that I am nearing its end, I think I will give it a five. The back half, while less good, is still pretty great. Highlights: 1, 2, 3, and 5.

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Jun 08 2022
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5

No one told me teleportation existed, and then I just happened to be transported to a beautiful river valley in a fantasy setting.

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Dec 13 2022
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5

Very captivating record, and (speaking for myself) a great introduction into a genre of cultural music that may have gone unappreciated otherwise. This may be my ignorance speaking since, as stated above, I've never attentively listened to Indian classical, but I caught hints of international influence throughout the album that made the listening experience engaging.

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Jan 25 2023
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5

Awesome album, regarded by many as the best classical Indian album made. A little confusing as it's not the same Call of the Valley as is on Spotify (although the cover is the same) but I found it on YouTube easily enough.

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Feb 09 2023
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5

i didnt know i needed to hear this but i did, i really really really did...thanks🫣😭😭😭😭😅

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Mar 01 2023
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5

Really enjoyed this one. Beautiful soundscapes with unique instruments blended together perfectly. Reminds me of a video game soundtrack

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Mar 29 2023
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5

Sublime experience somewhat ruined by having to listen to it on YouTube (FOUR ads in the first track alone). I say sublime, because it somehow fit perfectly with taking a train through a frozen prairie, leaving the bustle of city life behind me if only for a day. March 28, 2023

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Apr 24 2023
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5

Whilst I dont particularly enjoy instrumentals this was very soothing and relaxing to listen to

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Jul 20 2023
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5

This album is great, I just wish it weren’t so relaxing as I listen to these at work and this made me want to lay down in a field somewhere.

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Sep 21 2023
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5

This is really incredible. The flute and guitar sound really great. The atmospheric and traditional Indian sound is extremely cool.

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Nov 08 2023
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5

Starts off with Ode to the Sun God, I got the feeling like it was going to be a modern synth-and-pads spa album. It quickly shifts to a dulcimer lead journey through 'the valley'. Middle eastern inspired chord structures with western jazz influences. Ode to the Sun God is a grab-bag of musical experiences: electronic, acoustic, middle eastern, jazz, call-and-response...it manages to contain all of this in a single track successfully, creating a immersive journey which feels authentic...not chintzy. Within the first track, I'm hooked to continue listening. This is the type of discovery I was hoping for from this album generator.

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Nov 27 2023
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5

I'm a newbie with Indian classical music, but I love what I've heard so far. This album is absolutely gorgeous.

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Nov 30 2023
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5

Lush, gorgeous instrumentals that are just great for chilling. I have long been a fan of Hindustani classical music. I had not heard of this album before but wasn't surprised to learn of the artists who have been influenced by this work

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Dec 03 2023
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5

Very cool and unique!! I love being exposed to music from around the world and from other cultures! Awesome!

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Dec 06 2023
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5

Listend all the way through a few times today. Solid album. Nice production. Wild on headphones. Rag Piloo and Dhun-Mishra Kirwani Are my favorite tracks. Would listen again.

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Dec 06 2023
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5

I listened to this straight on a walk and it felt like an odd montage. Great music, blends effortlessly.

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Dec 21 2023
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5

Viiiiiiiiiiiiiibes. Yeah just really good vibes.

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Dec 22 2023
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5

Well after all the discovery and digging in to the information regarding the version on the streaming sites actually not being the real version, and then settling in to a well worn sounding recording pulled straight from vinyl on YouTube, this album delivers. It's beautiful and peaceful and serene. I really love Indian Music and can get in to the ragas for sure. Excellent record.

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Jan 15 2024
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5

Stunningly gorgeous. Indian classical music has a mystique and beauty all its own.

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Jan 19 2024
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5

In 2017, I traveled to Ladakh in the Jammu & Kashmir region after attending friends' wedding in Delhi. I'm pretty certain it was one of the most otherworldly and beautiful places I've ever been (do a Google image search of Tso Moriri and know that it actually looked like the photos. And not only from specific angles!) I know a large part of my admiration was because it was so unfamiliar and is now because I know how few US Americans have and will be able to travel there. Anyway. This music truly fits the type of gorgeous, pristine, and kind of dangerous vibes and kind of makes me understand why so many rock bands in the 60's incorporated elements of Indian music into their own.

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Jan 19 2024
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5

Great folk/world album. Strings in focus.

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Feb 01 2024
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5

Music: "Call of the Valley" is a landmark album in the realm of Indian classical music. Released in 1967, it beautifully blends the distinct sounds of the santoor, flute, and guitar, creating a harmonious and meditative experience. Each instrument contributes to the overall texture of the music, showcasing the virtuosity of the performers. The santoor, played by Shivkumar Sharma, takes center stage, producing ethereal and resonant tones. The instrument's unique timbre adds a layer of depth to the compositions, creating a serene atmosphere. Hariprasad Chaurasia's flute weaves seamlessly with the santoor, offering a melodic counterpoint. Brij Bhushan Kabra's guitar, though unconventional in classical Indian music, complements the other instruments, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional compositions. The compositions exhibit a delicate balance between intricate melodic patterns and rhythmic structures, showcasing the musicians' technical prowess. The interplay of improvisation and structured compositions is a testament to the mastery of the artists. Production: For its time, the production of "Call of the Valley" was commendable. The album captures the essence of live performances, maintaining the authenticity of Indian classical music. The balance between the instruments is well-maintained, allowing each to shine individually while contributing to the collective musical experience. The recording quality, though not as advanced as contemporary standards, effectively captures the nuances of the instruments. The ambient sounds, such as the resonance of the santoor strings or the breath of the flute, add a natural and organic dimension to the recordings. Themes: "Call of the Valley" takes the listener on a sonic journey through the landscapes of the Kashmir Valley. The compositions evoke a sense of the serene beauty and cultural richness of the region. Each piece is named after different stages of the day, reflecting the moods and atmospheres associated with those times. The album's thematic coherence is a notable aspect, as it not only showcases the technical prowess of the musicians but also tells a musical story. The listener can almost visualize the changing scenes of the Kashmir Valley as they progress through the tracks. Influence: The impact of "Call of the Valley" extends beyond the realm of Indian classical music. The album played a crucial role in popularizing the santoor as a solo instrument and establishing its presence in the global music scene. The fusion of traditional instruments with contemporary elements opened new avenues for experimentation in Indian classical music. The success of "Call of the Valley" influenced subsequent generations of musicians, encouraging them to explore collaborative projects and experiment with instrumentation. It paved the way for the acceptance of diverse instruments in classical music, breaking away from traditional norms. Pros: Innovative Fusion: The amalgamation of santoor, flute, and guitar was groundbreaking, setting a precedent for fusion in Indian classical music. Expressive Performances: Each artist's performance is marked by emotional depth and technical brilliance, creating a captivating listening experience. Thematic Cohesion: The album's thematic approach adds a narrative dimension, making it more than a collection of individual compositions. Cultural Representation: "Call of the Valley" serves as a cultural ambassador, offering listeners a glimpse into the beauty of the Kashmir Valley. Cons: Recording Quality: While acceptable for its time, the recording quality may be considered dated by modern standards. Limited Variation: Some listeners may find the album lacks diversity in terms of rhythm and tempo across its tracks. Instrumental Focus: The absence of vocals may limit the appeal for those accustomed to lyrical content in music. In conclusion, "Call of the Valley" is a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of its genre. Its impact on Indian classical music and the global appreciation of traditional instruments is undeniable. While it has a few limitations, its innovative fusion, expressive performances, thematic cohesion, and cultural representation make it a timeless gem in the world of music.

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Feb 01 2024
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5

Super calming might listen to it for a very specific vibe

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Feb 05 2024
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5

I'm a sucker for this. Reminds me of music from the game Civilization in terms of the worldliness but just generally very beautiful and hypnotizing kind of acoustic jams.

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Feb 07 2024
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5

Caused an outer body experience and unlocked a new part of my soul 4.9

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Feb 08 2024
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5

This was beautiful, relaxing instrumental Indian music. Apparently the version on Apple Music is not the correct album, I had to find it on YouTube.

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Feb 14 2024
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5

Digital release from '95 with bonus tracks: https://youtu.be/dPBY3vBFWmA?si=53pY4fECAS43cCyw Vinyl rip: https://youtu.be/yFWfF3Zow74?si=fd65ONw0GCMHa2Q8 I'll admit, this style of music is not the easiest to get into but this album is excellent and has a particular quality. I would easily purchase a copy if I could find it. It's also important to understand and see how these instruments function and are played which might give a greater appreciation and enjoyment of this.

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Feb 23 2024
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5

I listened to the remake on Spotify (since that's where the link took me) and the original on YouTube Music. The YouTube one is so much better! I love music like this in the background while I'm at work. 3/5 for the Spotify remake 5/5 for the original.

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Feb 29 2024
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5

Ethereal soundscapes and atmosphere. This was a great way to start my morning. So relaxing and calm. I might come back to this just for how relaxing it is. Very good.

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Mar 06 2024
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5

Beautiful. Just calming and lovely. The coolest part is when the santoor and the slide guitar come together. Both are played with such dexterity but also in perfect harmony. The flutes also bring such a positive vibe. Nomads in the Valley is the epitome of all this, if you need a specific example. This is the album you didn't know you needed, especially if you were having a bad day.

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Mar 13 2024
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5

Typical Indian classical music. I have always liked it as a background music. In a restaurant, when working, when reading, ... But never really dived any deeper into it. For me this album is exactly perfect for this kind of background music. And it gets better at every listening.

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Mar 14 2024
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5

I'm not well-versed enough to truly appreciate this music but I love it to death.

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Apr 04 2024
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5

Mesmerizingly beautiful. I could listen to this every day. I wish it was more accessible online though

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Apr 18 2024
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5

Excellent playing throughout this album. It is very soothing music

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Apr 21 2024
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5

Sometimes. These recommendations come at the perfect time. I was having a stressful day running late for a flight and started this record. Definitely improved my day. Definitely a personal rating!

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Jun 06 2024
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5

Make sure you're listening to the real deal and not the 2007 recording by the same name. 1967: Brilliant. Perfect.

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Jun 12 2024
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5

Well this was totally fucking awesome. Just swept away into another dreamworld with this one, the instrumentation is just sooo lush that you really feel like you're bathing in sound. On the other hand though you have this melodic and harmonic writing that fills this floaty music with tension at a second's notice and constantly keeps you on your toes. I'd imagine this is music for old shut ins on the subcontinent the way that vivaldi is in the western world, but in drawing that comparison, I can enjoy and get lost in this album in the exact same way. I can totally see why this so heavily affected musicians in the 60s who were less familiar with other cultures music as it grabs you instantly and never loosens its grip for a second

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Jun 12 2024
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5

This was such a delightful album! I’m so glad I was introduced to it!

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Jun 14 2024
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5

There's a lot good to be said about this. But I'll leave that to other people.

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Jun 16 2024
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5

Never knew how badly I needed to hear instrumental Indian subcontinental music. This is genuinely amazing. Makes me think of a lot of modern post-rock records as well.

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Jul 04 2024
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5

I liked this album! It was very chill vibes, and I love that the tracks tell a story. I really enjoyed the laid back nature-y vibes.

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Aug 25 2024
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5

Quite lovely, I will have to track down a CD or download of the original version, I think. The complex melodies are really something special, and it's great to listen to something that comes from a different family tree than western music.

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Sep 01 2024
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5

i loved this. so beautiful and atmospheric. it was interesting especially to listen to this back to back with oracular spectacular because the mgmt album uses the same kind of bird/forest ambience effects that this one does. in a similar vein it's really easy to hear the influence that this album had on the beatles and other western artists in the 1960s, which of course i've read about but never actually heard in action. honestly a lot of classical/purely instrumental music can be a bit of a challenge for me to listen to, in the sense that i know it's good and/or interesting but i don't earnestly Enjoy it because it doesn't hold my interest for the length a whole album...but i genuinely enjoyed listening to this and i found it engaging throughout.

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Sep 11 2024
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5

Just a lovely album. Great for working to.

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Sep 16 2024
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5

Finally, something interesting. More albums like this! This is an instrumental album that is both soothing and attention-grabbing. The melodies are at once unusual and familiar to a Western listener, especially with the mix of traditional instruments and guitar — it's immediately clear where George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and other 60s/70s rockers who dabbled in Eastern music got their inspiration from (and if George was a fan, I'm a fan). These sounds aren't totally foreign to anyone familiar with Balkan, Klezmer, or Middle Eastern music, which goes to show that we're all more connected than we sometimes think. Also, the history of how the slide guitar made its way from Hawaii to the southern US and on to India is fascinating. The third track (Nat Bhairav) was my favorite — that tabla beat makes you want to dance. The next track, Raga-Desh also had a really great groove about halfway through. The dynamic range on the title track is amazing — the flute takes up so much space and feels like it's right in the room with you. 5/5

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Sep 20 2024
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5

Never heard about this before, but just... wow. I was absolutely taken away by this. The album cover had me interested and turned out to very well convey the serenity you feel when listening to this album. I also read that it was supposed to represent a day as a an indian shepherd in Kashmir. This makes me really want to visit Kashmir. I haven't listened to much oriental music, but this feels like it managed to cater a bit to western tastes as well, with a nice blend of oriental instruments, acoustic guitar, some background pads, and acoustic drums elements. The album takes you on a very nice journey, quite similar to how soundtracks does. There is calm, excitement and tension weaved throughout the songs. Some jazz serve the same purpose to me as this does; to calm and put you in a nice state of mind. That can sometimes fly over your head, but I didn't feel any of that with this record. The melodies were really memorable and it kept my interest throughout the record. Overall I found this extremely nice to listen to and will come back many times I am sure. This might not objectively deserve 5 stars, but to me this was such a nice gem and revelation. Will try to seek out more similar music in the future for sure!

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Oct 24 2024
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5

Lovely relaxing album, perfect when I was doing my long run

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Oct 24 2024
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5

Such a vibe. Love all of these south asian albums

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