Call of the Valley

Soothing

I was really able to follow the storyline—refreshing, foreboading, and oh so expressive along the way.

I’d like to buy the world a coke

Nice

nice background sitar/guitar

Felt like I was in a spa - pretty boring.

The vibe is nice, and I like these drums (whatever they're called; can't say I know anything about Hindu music), but that's about it. This album is fine. I enjoyed listening to it once, but I don't see myself ever returning to it. It's just way too simple and calm, which is not for me.

Worked for me as background music and certainly a cut above meditation music. Some good themes going on but for me could've used a little more tension/release moments. The youtube cut I found was ripped from vinyl and had some hisses and other noise. Being old and remembering the days of scratchy records I really appreciated that.

It was ok. I imagine it was new to the western world upon release, back in the 1960's, but in the current age of globalism it just sounds ordinary.

I'm not well versed enough in this genre to understand the influence and importance this album had for Indian music in Western culture (according to the wiki description). I enjoyed listening while I worked, but can't rightly say I'll come back to "Call of the Valley".

A nice chill change of pace.

This was a really interesting listen!

im a sucker for instrumentals

Not my thing

Music I would hear at the good Indian restaurant (complimentary)

231/1089 - Let's spice up this 20 minutes of C# with 15 minutes of Db!

wow this is something else idk i loved the flutes a lot

The combination of instruments on this album feels so natural and full, but I never hear this type of arrangement. I also feel like the percussion was punching up a lot of these tracks but wasn’t getting a lot of credit considering the drummer isn’t one of the listed “artists.”

Should add to civ game.

Lovely, contemplative, meaningful/mystical – everything one wants from what was once called world music. This cat Sharma provided the soundtrack for one's multiple trips to India in early aughts, so fondly remembered (especially "Dogri Folk Tune," which is not on this record).

Shit

Not a bad instrumental album. Not something I'm likely to return to, but decent background music. 3/5

Would be good meditation music. Took the advice of reviews and listened to the Youtube version

3.8 // Indian instrumental music. I can absolutely see how this influenced The Beatles and others. Once you hear this you understand how those groups thought to experiment with their instruments a little more. That being said, the music itself is relaxing, but doesn't hit me extremely hard. It, of no fault of its own, suffers from being from a culture different from one I know, so I can't connect with it enough to give it a higher score.

Good musicians but just not something I would ever listen to. 2 stars or D.

Brilliant will defo listen to more

Fine enough for background music. I couldn't hum you any of the tunes again

Beautiful stuff, all Rama no drama! Apparently about a day in the life of a Shepherd so also one of the earliest concept albums? Not that it would be obvious from the music..

I’m sure it was influential, but all I hear is the soundtrack to me saying “I’ll have a chicken jalfrezi please, and we are going to share a rice and a peshwari naan…. Yeah, and a pint of cobra”.

I’ll admit, I never really sought out Indian classical music growing up. Something about it felt off-limits - as a child, I feel like (in America) "foreign music was weird and goofy." Maybe it was my small town upbringing. Maybe because, as I grew older, I associated it more with massage parlors, yoga studios, or incense-clouded head shops than with something I’d actually listen to. But Call of the Valley surprised me. It’s genuinely beautiful. It’s carefully composed, melodic, and intentionally structured to tell a story without words. It invites you in, gently. There’s a meditative quality to it, but also a quiet emotional arc. It’s the kind of album you can put on, let play in the background, and then suddenly realize you’ve been completely absorbed. You lose time in it.

Really gorgeous Hindi music, the stuff that makes you realize that the sounds we associate so heavily with ambient nowadays were treaded much earlier than the mid '70s in eastern music (and jazz music honestly). That's as clear as day on this album, and just a few minutes into the first movement. It's really the reverb nature of the Santoor that amplifies that effect - it's one of those hauntingly gorgeous eastern instruments that just naturally are very lush, not unlike the Gamelan. And honestly, it manages to sound even better when paired with the very loose guitar playing here. Ambient pieces aside, you still get these more traditional drum-driven grooves throughout this album, which are great, especially when that tabla goes absolutely nuts in the final minutes of that first movement. I think I ended up enjoying the groovier moments here overall. While I did admittedly let this hang in the background for most of its duration while I was running some errands, I did still enjoy it quite a bit, if not more than I would've otherwise, in that context.

Kinda like Indian New Age music. It was very chill.

𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 is a serene and evocative journey through the sounds of Kashmir, performed by three masters: Shivkumar Sharma on the shimmering santur, Hariprasad Chaurasia on bansuri, and Brij Bhushan Kabra on slide guitar. For many western listeners, the santur will be a revelation — its crystalline tones, blended with flute and guitar, create a soundscape that feels both timeless and fresh. While rooted in classical ragas, the music flows gently and accessibly, making it one of the most inviting introductions to Indian classical music. A beautiful and meditative record, deserving of its reputation.

I slept like a baby after listening to this last night. It's a shame it isn't available on Spotify. I could see myself coming back to this

Very interesting sound. Would listen again.

01) Rag Piloo - 6,5 02) Ahir Bhairav - 6,0 03) Nat Bhairav - 6,0 04) Rag Des - 6,0 05) Bhoop - 5,5 06) Rag Pahadi - 5,0 07) Bageshwari - 4,0 08) Ghara-Dadra - 5,0 TOTAL: 5,50 (55/100) Current ranking: 563/651

Really dug this one. I can definitely see why it influenced bands like The Beatles in the 60’s on incorporating Indian instruments.

I listened to both - the album on Spotify and the one on YouTube. They do sound very different, but I don't have a strong preference either way. I did like the actually album, but I don't have any way to consider the context when it came out as it's apparently very influencial but sounds like a lot of stuff I'm more familiar with.

I’m a sucker for blues rock. The more harmonica the better. These British boys were feeling it! It isn’t quite complex enough to rate five stars, some of the lyrics are clunky, but I did enjoy listening to this.

sounded okay but i wouldn’t listen again

This is a decent poppish Indian/world music album that will give people what they want. One could argue that this here is all bit too soft and playing too much into what us westerners want. Someone like Ravi Shankar, also known here in the west, might be more challenging, true, but it gives you more. Why do I rate it 4 stars though? Because it IS good for what it is. For all the stuff that's nice atmospheric background stuff on this list, this one here ranks really high.

This album is so beautiful, and not just relaxing but really deep and interesting, with so much flavors. I really enjoyed it, it is calmed but a delight for the ears.

It was fine

After so many albums and genres I am already familiar with, it was a breath of fresh air to hear something completely different. I have no knowledge about traditional/classical Indian music so I am very glad that this was recommended.

Two equally strong impressions. Sharma is aaster of his instrument, and I have no strong desire to continue listening to this music at this point

Artistes inconnus. Bonne musique d'ambiance, uniquement instrumentale. Original, mais un peu lassant sur la longueur: je ne suis pas sur d'avoir envie de l'écouter une seconde fois. =>2/5

Love the album though I’m no expert on its cultural significance. I feel like the album art should get a mention too! Maybe that’s a different list but I’m mentioning it anyways. 5/ 5

Really nice, though I can’t imagine myself coming back to it.

Beautiful, relaxing, esoteric vibes. But perhaps I wasn't in the best mood for it today. I can appreciate it, but didn't love it. Maybe something to try again!

Just not my type of music , probably very good for what it is. Very ethereal just not my thing, (listened to on YouTube ) fully taste based 2 stars

This was great. I have always enjoyed this Indian style of music, and this really scratched that itch. Awesome stuff.

Gorgeous sounds and artwork. I'm in a spa (complimentary)

Unfortunately I’ve only heard this album in Indian restaurants. That’s my fault, not the album’s.

I love this list for inclusions like this. It's an album I would have never come across on my on. Overall it was a great listen. I enjoyed it thourougly. I do doubt this is the best hindustani record out there.

The Good: We know who’s calling us… The Bad: It’s not a booty call… The Ugly: nothing, as it’s a purdy valley! Amazingly non-offensive, relaxing background music. I managed to get a load of work done, and will definitely want to play this album again in the future when it’s night time and I am trying to catch-up… So, 4*… because the like the Call of the Valley

Finally something interesting

Love the album cover, fits the music perfectly. Don’t have too much to say since this is so far removed from music I’m used to. The first half had some really cool moments but did get bored near the end and was waiting for the end. Interesting to read about all the famous musicians it influenced. Rating: 3.4

Soothing storybook soundscapes.

I do wish this project had less Western-centric music. Some of these albums are a real stretch to call 'greatest of all time' when you have the whole world of music to choose from. How fun would it be to broaden your music taste across the world instead of just across genres and decades. Now, did I actually enjoy this non Western-centric album? Not at all. It reminded me of jazz in that very -music that goes nowhere kind of way-. But hey, I'm glad I listened to it.

Not sure if it was due to the remaster I listened to, but it was extremely clear with surprisingly pop-y rhythms paired with Indian instruments and scales. Atmospheric without being boring.

There are some okay moments on here, but most of this just is not for me. It doesn’t help either that I do not enjoy the sitar.

Æ kan skjønne at det va spennanes og interessant i sin tid, men æ vil jo håpe på at også indisk musikk har gjort nokka anna siden den gang. På ingen måte fornærmanes, men ikke nokka øret festa sæ ved. Det festa sæ mest ved at tittelen på plata e på engelsk, egentlig, sett med 2025-øyne føles det som et rart valg.

Didn't really capture my interest, outside of the novel fact that these guys influenced the Beatles a lot.

It’s nice enough but too ambient to make an impression for me

Peaceful instrumental music, from India - sitar and flute. “ Conceived as a suite, the instrumental album follows a day in the life of an Indian shepherd from Kashmir, using ragas associated with various times of the day to advance the dramatic narrative.” (Wikipedia)

Fine. I’ve heard better ragas

Trippy peaceful energetic Indian instrumentals

Surprised at this one. Very pleasant listen. 3.5 stars

Soothing

Calm and cool, very spiritual. At moments, it feels like I'm listening to the soundtrack of an RPG such as Final Fantasy. Not my favorite instrument, but it's easy on the ears on this record. I enjoy this music, but it's not something I would routinely seek out. I'd revisit it.

no

No.

Interessante sound

Spa music.

Nice. Very nice.

Spa music.

Definitely understand why this is so important and influential, and as far as music like this that's not at all "Western" it's easier for me to digest and understand but probably not something I'll come back to soon. 6/10

With this, we return to the musical stylings of India. Cool! While this is not my first album to come from the country, it is potentially the most influential, with this album being an earlier player in the introduction of Indian music to the Western world. Of course, earlier albums like Ravi Shankar's The Sounds of India had done the same thing, but this album is just as good if not better. We can have multiple albums from a country, okay? Besides, India's traditional music style is pretty cool! I've always liked the sound of it. The difference in how scales work is quite fascinating. I like the flutes. It makes the album stand out more. The compositions here are quite elegant and I really like that. This feels like a cohesive musical experience... probably because it was designed as such. How neat. The instrumentation does get a little repetitive, but that could be the fault of my ears that have grown used to the Western music styles over my years of experience. Still, I have a ton of respect for this album and I'm glad I listened to it. If only it was available on streaming. High 3/5.

I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting and the recording and fidelity sounded much more contemporary than I would have guessed. It would have sounded. 3/5.

Different but ok.

Ist gute musik aber eher für ein passendes Setting wie Yoga oder so. Kann das Album nicht komplett hören aber weil es eigentlich echt gut ist dennoch 3/5

This was good. Great background music. Would definitely listen again.

no es el tipus de musica que m'agrada pero esta guay. potser tornaria a escoltar-lo en moments molt moooooolt concrets quan vulgui entrar en trance, meditar o desconnectar

A dope listen, but not something I'll return to.

I dig the concept but woof haha I def feel like a shallow-ass westerner! 😂 Let's just say I'm not ready for this one. 99% grind. But I tried it! I'm not going to eat it twice but I ate the whole dish! It's inside me, and maybe it'll jangle around inside me and work some magic.

This is exactly the sort of album that there should be more of on this list. It’s an improvised piece based on traditional Indian musical raga forms, telling the story of a day in the life of a shepherd. As well as the evocative sounds of the tabla and santor, there are also guitars and flutes which made this a crossover between Indian and Western music and influenced people like George Harrison and David Crosby. The YouTube link has the original album: https://youtu.be/yFWfF3Zow74

This is refreshing, once again, in this ocean of Western music that composes this list. And it is actually pretty soothing. Not really the kind of stuff I listen to usually, but the mix between the traditional instruments, building the atmosphere, and the more modern/western instruments (slide guitar and flutes) build something really interesting.

This is just straight up classical Hindustani music. Complete with the slide guitar, santoor, flute, tabla, etc. to provide an atmospheric experience unlike much else. A good album to immerse yourself in. I can see how this would've inspired some of the psychedelic rock acts of the late 60's.

It was really nice to listen to.

Good listen, appreciate listening to stuff like this I would have never thought to listen to

Meditation music..?

After recommendation from many of the reviews on this one, I avoided the version on Spotify like the plague and listened to the version on YouTube instead. And to be honest, I really don't see what all the hype is about. Like it's not god awful, but I just don't hear the beautiful atmosphere and complex writing that everyone is talking about. Maybe it will require more listens, but on the whole it really feels like nothing special to me.

Good album. Nice and relaxing. 3 stars.

Which valley?

Lagala bih da kažem da nije dobro odsvirano, ali bih lagala i da kažem da mi je bilo lijepo slušati ovu gomilu sitara.

You are gunna want the YouTube link for this. Very relaxing and mellow. It also put our cat to sleep which was nice!

Not that it doesn't exhibit endless talent--it just doesn't appeal.

Fine as background music. Not my usual fayre.

While I’m pretty hopeless in differentiating any one piece of Indian music from another, I was very engaged with this and enjoying the album. I even thought I started to recognize components of composition, melodies and structure, within the music. Not sure if that is a function of my getting slightly more familiar with this style or this being particularly accessible, but what could’ve been a difficult entry was a pleasant immersion.

I lack the knowledge, context, or even language to say anything even remotely intelligent about this music. All I can say is I dig it. It's peaceful and chill. It's not as demanding a listen as some Ravi Shankar music I've heard, but it also doesn't sound like "easy listening." So, I guess a 4 is as good a rating as any.

I like these sounds in the background. Worked well while working. But I'm not equipped to understand this music and be influenced like George Harrison et al. When I lived in Northern Libs in Philly in the mid 90s, I lived above Lenny Seidman, a pretty well known Philly tabla player. CONSTANT tabla came up through the floorboards. I generally like the sounds in this record but I'm still a little triggered back to the battles we would occasionally have (I was not the easiest person to live with back then and he had a constant Indian music soundtrack seeping up a flight of stairs).

the hindustani classical (and adjacent stuff like ananda shankar) that ends up on this list is an interesting phenomenon, partly because western classical is entirely ignored by the list, partly because connections to western popular music (being loved by george harrison et al) is clearly the main justification for them. whats cool tho about this one in particular is how well it pulls its traditional structure onto the LP format, two sidelongs with three main parts each that certainly fit in with the kinds of development ive seen in the other recordings of this kind ive heard...but all melded together into a genuinely rly well realized suite concept about the daily life of a shepherd. u can hear the sun rise at the beginning and the stars twinkle at the end and inbetween is a greater amount of activity but it ebs and flows, mostly emphasizing the pastoral beauty of the shepherd's work. it fits rly well with my general experience of this music, not being able to so much comprehend the structure beyond the very broad strokes i mostly hear the timbre itself As the composition, which is a very present-feeling way to listen to music that also obviously goes very well with the imagery here. ig what im getting at is that i dont mind hearing hindustani classical presented in a kitschy or overtly westernized way (tho i suppose im not the person to ask), i did genuinely love that ananda shankar record. but even with the use of flute and acoustic guitar itself feeling a bit western oriented, this doesnt rly feel compromised at all to me, just a rly rly good translation of these traditions into something that works not just functionally but Expressively with this new LP technology. its rly kind of a creative triumph! and great great music ofc

Didn't hate it, just very much not what I typically listen to so not my favourite

I don’t like instrumentals and this isn’t my vibe

I can see why people like this, it’s very soothing.

Beautifully meditative.

Pas écouté entièrement pas vraiment ma cam!🙏

The santoor in this is quite impressive. Definitely feels like the music in a movie as they head out on a journey of discovery when you get the sweeping travel shots through the mountains and forest roads. On occasion the camera will go into the cab of the Jeep, because it's always a Jeep, and show the protagonists chatting or pointing at some wildlife out the window

Much like the bossanova and salsa records I've gotten previously, this is one of those "It's really good, but it's not the type of music I'd go out of my way to simply listen to". For me, it's good soundtrack or background music. As such, it's simply getting a 3. What I will say is that at the least, I can see this type of music's influence, usually in prog metal, weirdly. Tool and Intronaut use this style of drumming from time to time, and it's generally cool in those contexts.

Imprescindible, más allá de la influencia (obvia) en la música coetánea psicodélica de su época (Harrison pero también Byrds, Dylan y tantos otros) también en el minimalismo sin ir más lejos. La historia es la versión hindú de lo que harían los Moody blues con su Days of a future passed ese mismo año, pero aún más intrumental y mística.

This was really nice to listen to while I was working.

Really relaxing soundscapes

Very pleasant, but it never really transcends the level of pleasant. I'm reminded a lot of the sound of balalaikas and so Eastern European music, an unexpected connection. I am very grateful for this entry on the list, I think it might be the first Indian entry I have heard in 426 albums which is truly shocking, proof that this list is way too focused on US and UK artists. And this does feel like a quota entry, "Ah, shit, we really should include one Indian album". I also feel that The Beatles and The Byrds being influenced by this album was probably what got it on the list, instead of the authors being impressed by its intrinsic merits.

So it supposed to represent a day as a herder, and it clearly catches that. This is more background music for me but pleasant enough

Llegué a la mitad, sonaba bien

The quieter passages of this album have a low-key ambience that's appealing. The fact that the music is often centered around single notes or repeating melodic structures gives the pieces an often-hypnotic sound and allows to more complex instrumental passages on top to really shine.

okay but not something I would want to add to my library

The YouTube is very different to the Spotify version. It’s better but you really do have to be in the right mood to enjoy it.

This one was much more fun than I thought it would be!! #albumsky #musicsky #musicchallenge 3.5/5

Honestly it's just classic Indian music. It's not really my tea but I respect the art. 6/10.

Nice traditional music, very interesting when done well

This is an artist new to me and at first I thought it was wonderful, beautifully played instruments with an ethereal quality . But then it just sounded like one of those albums you could buy to help you to sleep, like with dolphins cheeping. So after the initial interest it felt like no tracks stood out for me which is a shame.

According to other reviews, Spotify has the wrong album. My streaming service (amazon) doesn't offer it. So, I ended up listening on YouTube. I'm not sure if I got the correct one or not. The length of the first song did not line up with what Wikipedia has. this album was OK, maybe I would like it more if i wasn't so concerned about the correctness of it all.

Not sure what is meant to stand out about this but it's a nice change of pace from the rest of the list.

Found on YouTube. Interesting and different but not my usual music taste. Definitely worth a listen but I won’t revisit

It's pleasant background music. I don't choose to listen to background music.

Seems to be two different albums, one with the correct artists and sing names, kind of, and one with the correct album art. Both kind of meh.

I liked the remix by his son more, such boring music you really can't listen to it as an album unless you're really trying to become a beatle

i listened to the album on youtube after seeing the global reviews. really like the sounds and different instruments. but i wasn't in this specific mood when listened to it

Relaxing and pastoral, but perhaps a bit too much so. I liked the faster portions more and wished there had been more like that. Enjoyable listening, but I've liked other Indian music on this list more.

Um weird

Interesting stuff

2.4 2x

Following the Apple Music link I landed on the wrong Album (which was actually pretty nice). But I eventually found the right one and wow, it is hypnotic, beautiful, creative and puts me in an amazing mood.

Definitely zoning out music.

This is why im here. High quality music of a type i'd never normally come across. Lovely, chilled out orchestral indian fun

5/5

Not my thing

Make sure you listen to the original on YouTube and not the far inferior rerecording on Spotify. Beautiful album and totally understand how it introduced western audiences to Indian music. It is very much a light classical album though. Kenny G of this gorgeous tradition.

I listened to the original on YouTube and the one on Spotify. It isn't really for me, the music is nice but not something I would go out of my way to listen to.

🎧Am I enlightened now?

Not my taste sorry. There some nice parts but thats it

There was something nice and peaceful about it, but it didn't hit me like for some other people

Thanks to the previous reviewers, I knew to listen on YouTube and I'm glad a did. This was a relaxing piece of music that really did feel like a journey from morning to night as intended. 4/5

Vibey for 8 minutes and then got long quickly

• 3/5 • unobtrusive - I kept forgetting that I was listening to it

This was something different. I think I listened to the right album, but it's hard to find on streaming. Good background music for working? Certainly not bad in any subjective term I'd throw at it instinctively.

I dig this. It's a nice departure from my standard listening. So easy to get lost in the consideration of the rhythms and melodies not normally present in western music. Love the tabla work throughout.

I appreciate the reviewers who encouraged finding the original album on YouTube, as I didn’t want to waste my time with something that wasn’t the intended product. That being said, this wasn’t for me. I was just bored, even though I can appreciate the clear talent in the music.

This was pretty relaxing, unique music that I wouldn’t normally listen to. I went in thing I’d hate it because I didn’t like the sounds of India album, but this was decent.

Idk, sounds like all music from that region. 2.5/5

Traditional Indian music. It’s quite lovely but my tolerance for this kind of instrumental cultural music is about 20 minutes or so, then I’m ready to move on.

This was another one that is hard to evaluate just due to my sheer lack of familiarity with the genre. Even so, I can say that it was a pleasant listen and a nice change from the western music I've gotten on here since starting a few months ago. It wasn't overly complicated in its composition or production, but the parts all worked well together and made satisfying tracks. While the instruments were different than what I'm used to, they weren't abrasive or hard to get a feel for. The parts all went well together to form an album that had a nice vibe to it. It was easy to listen to even without really having any familiarity with the style. That said, I'm not sure what would make this a great album. It was nice, and I enjoyed it. But without knowing more, I can't evaluate it beyond that. I'm also not sure how much it holds in replay value, since I don't see myself wanting to put this on all that often. Overall: 2.8/5

Cool and calming

Irgendwie cool.

It was definitely something I wouldn't have heard otherwise, and I'm always glad for those albums to come up.

Gorgeous

Would not listen to this on its own.

Indian music. I normally listen to these albums when working, but that was quite difficult for this album. It was not bad, but the droning sounds kept me from focussing. It isnt bad per se, but also quite far from the styles I normally listen to. It is interesting though to read about the history, it being the first (well selling) record that made impact outside of Europe, and influcend great names such as George Harrison. But apart from that, not my style, not my jam :(

Not necessarily something I would seek out, but I definitely felt some stress melt away while listening. Probably a 2.5 for me, but bumping for importance.

A great discovery

Good vibe. Didn’t know about it. Happy I do now.

I probably wouldn’t have ever found this without this, but feel like I’ve been looking for it forever.

Simple, intricate, and engrossing. Not necessarily my music, but I appreciate its brilliance.

Instrumental - interesting

I'm barely on the first song, and it's amazing!

Keep falling asleep so haven’t listened much but pretty sure this is peak.

Very pleasant and relaxing, so relaxing I couldn't tell you a single thing about it now. Three stars seems fair.

This had a very nice calm feel to it, along with being accomplished and professional. Not exactly my cup of tea, but hearing it, I understand a bit of how a band like The Beatles could go to India and have their mind blown.

These songs are beautiful.

Both versions are boring. I hear this shit when I head down to the restaurant to pick up a chicken vindaloo. Hard pass.

Beautiful album. I'm thankful that I read a handful of reviews and found that the spotify version is not the actual recording. I listened on Youtube and enjoyed it far more than on spotify.

Out of my depth

A milestone in world music. Indian sound suitable for Western ears.

Wow. Just wow. I love Indian music, not the Bollywood type stuff but this classical stuff. Thanks to George Harrison, I’ve listened to a bit of Ravi Shankar and this guy is just as pleasant to listen to. Indian instruments are so beautiful and sound so incredible, I basically had this on repeat for about 3 hours!

Peaceful and tranquil. A flowing, meditative suite that gently unfolds.

Delightful. I kept the opening track.

Made me feel like I was milking a cow in the middle of a field in Mongolia

This was fun. I like getting more variety in this list, and this felt very different.

Cool listen, not sure if i’d return tho

Eventually managed to find the correct version of this on Spotify (not the first one that comes up). Very beautiful and calming. Strong 3

Seems like the kind of music for studying or yoga. Nice relaxing soundscape.

It is enjoyable thought it is, a vibe for music if that’s what you’re looking for. Definitely not something I put on all the time, but if I heard it in your background somewhere, I wouldn’t be upset. I’m sure it’s very influential to music that came out though

Не моё, но атмосферно

Very pretty sounds! While not every track impresses, the majority of the album does. That said, I don’t think I would come back to Call of the Valley very often.

Nah. Sort of. Just not where I need it to be

> The Beatles

Mjoah, Chill out Musik auf die man Bock haben muss. Hat mich nicht überzeugt.

Ganz chillig, wären 4 Sterne, aber das Instrument ist leider schon etwas nervig.

Fine

Great background music

I'm sure I've heard most of this in a restaurant. Very relaxing.

Pleasant and spiritual

5/16/25. This type of music I’ve never heard of before, but it was very soothing and peaceful. It definitely gives me more interest in exploring this sound further.

Sublime

A wide eyed, whimsical hour of uplifting instrumental twists and turns that take you on several fully fledged journeys. When it hits, it really hits. When it doesn’t, it’s still musically interesting.

i do feel called by the valley

Very much enjoyed listening to this. I would obviously need to be in the right mood (high), but I could see myself going back to this occasionally.

not particularly for me but i get why this hit for george harrison’s crazy ass

Excellent work music. Vibes were high

me hearing the dulcimer: ahhh yes, getting strong SWANS vibes from this me hearing the tabla: ahhhh, some TOOL influence on this as well, i like it flute @ 6:30 the control on the string bends is nuts do i buy a tabla??? side b draaaaaags

they were making ff7 soundtrack back in the 60s so crazy

Nice, mellow listening.

I can absolutely see how this album influenced the psychedelic 60's music that came after this music's popularization. The instruments are unique and the album good for light background music, but the remastered edition overstays its welcome by quite a bit.

Having watched many movies from India, I'm vaguely familiar with the music. I like it generally particularly the older, traditional style. So I liked this album and found it an interesting. Yes, a newer, remade album from 2016 is on Spotify and, yes, I prefer the 1968 version. I would not say the remake is garbage as some have stated in their reviews. If you know enough to say it's bad, then peace be upon you. I don't have that knowledge and would offer a theory. I think it might be remade to the current tastes of Indian listeners. And/or the guy wanted to honor his father but not just make it again note for note. Just a thought. But what do I know.

Table for 4 please.

shepherd's delight

Ahold vibes

Interesting sounds, but not interesting music.

Definitely skip the Spotify version and just go to the original on YouTube.

When I heard the first couple of notes, I was like oh my God, but by the end, I was like oh my God, this is pretty good

good classical, dulcimer based music. Better than the Mall

It was nice, but I can't see myself ever returning to it.

Horribke

Perfect for massage music

Gutes Album zum relaxen oder lesen nebenher!

The link goes to a different album on Apple Music. Found on YouTube.

I usually enjoy Indian classical music, but this is Hindustani music for elevators.

Pleasant and surprisingly timeless. Not very exciting, though.

Just didn't know what to make of this.

nice sounds, not my thing

Really chill, awesome world music with primary sounds from India, but there seemed to also be some Spanish guitar riffs and possibly Latin rhythms.

Very chill. It has that "make Indian music palatable to white people" feel that was around in the 60's. You could grade or read to this (or really, nap to it) and have a good time.

I am not against instrumental but this didn't really catch me. Bonus points for the artist using an indian instrument that is not mainstream in western media tho

Very meditative but not my thing.

I don’t think I was stoned enough to fully appreciate this one.

Couldn’t get into it.

Enjoyable to listen to the unique instrumentation and style. It’s pretty chilled and you can appreciate the musicianship. Can’t say I’m gonna rush back though.

2.5 Controversial opinion time: I actually though the Spotify version (i.e. the incorrect album) was better. After listening to it, thinking it was pretty chill, almost meditative, enjoying it, I went to see what people were saying and realised I'd listened to the wrong one. Seeing the comments furious about this, claiming the original was much better, my hopes were high. But nope. Fidelity didn't help, but didn't have as much soul as the follow up.

I was curious about Call of the Valley—I'd heard a lot about it. So I put it on via Spotify… and honestly, after a few minutes I was thinking: what is this kitschy mess? Total new age noodling with vague flute sounds and sparkly synths slapped on top. For a moment I thought I was listening to the worst album ever. Luckily, it turned out I’d accidentally landed on some kind of 2012 re-recording, made by Shivkumar Sharma’s son. That version? You can completely skip it—total waste of time. Eventually, I found the original from 1967—first on YouTube, and a few months later I even came across a copy in a second-hand record store here in Melbourne. That’s the real deal. It’s a beautifully understated album, and I totally get why it’s seen as a classic of the genre. Classical Indian music like you rarely hear anymore: pure, unadorned, and not yet fully influenced by Western or Bollywood-style sounds—apart from the use of a slide guitar. The combination of santoor, bansuri (bamboo flute), and slide guitar is super melodic and works surprisingly well. Highly recommended for anyone curious about Indian classical music but not sure where to start. Just make sure you’re listening to the right version.

Interesting... but I'm not interested in this kind of music.

This was excessively boring, however not unlistenable

Pleasant enough

More tabla! Virtuosity knows many forms. I'm not a scholar of Indian Classical music, but this seems like it's an exemplar. Very "listenable" and (this might seem weird) but it reminds me of the best jazz guitarists, like Django Reinhardt or Charlie Christian, the personality of the player really comes through.

i mean it was nice i guess?

Shivkumar Sharma - Call of the Valley Great, this is one of the reasons i’m doing this project: to hear things I might never hear otherwise. Have had this on all day, sometimes in the foreground, sometimes in tbe background, it’s been a good day! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Probably won't be back, but I enjoyed listening to it and glad this list introduces me to such work

A very chill & pleasant listen. Not particularly outstanding, but would pair well with any task that requires mental focus.

couldn’t really finish this. music was nice but didn’t draw me in.

Good background noise if you need it.

Well this is absolutely beautiful.

Schöne Musik

Nice music to read to. Enjoyed on a train to Busan.

Very pretty and soothing music. I enjoyed the mixture of nature with instrumental.

3 fire emojis. Good music, ancestral sound. Glad to have heard it before I died. Played it multiple times.

Of all the albums I’ve listened to so far, this is the one I had the least frame of reference for. I found it a soothing listen though.

Calming but not my thing.

Instrumental Indian music. Spotify version is not right one! Needed to re-listen! Indian classical music, very relaxing. Can see the influence in works to come! Best track - can't choose since all blend to together and not on spotify Added another version of Ahir Bhairav

This was really calming but not super interesting to listen to.

This is an interesting experience, but I'm not going to get back to this album ever again.

Very chilled background music

too chill for me today

I loved the bit where the pretty instrumental Indian music was interrupted by a youtube advert. 2 Stars. In all seriousness, pretty but not to my tastes. I could see how others get more out of this.

Not for me, but pleasant.

This is cool sort of ambient vibe record. Though very evocative with its instrumentation. What an absolutely lovely stroll through the mountains!

I prefer the Soundscapes album that is linked - great meditation music.

El enlace creo que llevaba a una versión actualizada, así que busqué la de 1968 y me ha gustado bastante. Mucho de lo que se oye me ha recordado a los Beatles y al Brian Eno de Ambiente music. Interesante.

A very peaceful and relaxing experience. Really hard to say anything else honestly. They are just three guys being good at their instruments and creating a calming an rural atmosphere.

Stars Twinkling Within //

Pointless

Nice music

Difficult to find the correct version to listen to, which wasn't ideal. Luckily found a vinyl rip on youtube. A pleasant listen.

I don't have any issue with the way the music sounds - I don't have the 'ear' I suppose to be able to pinpoint sections of songs, just notice differences in full tracks (which are like 10 minutes long each). Not the music for me, however pleasant.

Don't think I'm gonna be returning tp this one too many times but it was a crazy journey. Loved it.

музыка для слайдшоу, будто нагенеренная нейросетью , оч хорошая технически, но какая то бесполезная и скучная. круто вроде, но непонятно нахуя правда полотно не для зумерков крч

Sygt afslappende. Stor fornøjelse, godt med noget anderledes

Ok svært at finde det egentlige album! Hørte bare alle 70 minutter af den lange udgave på Spotify for det var pisselækkert. Ved ikke noget om den her slags musik men great time

I didn't find much enjoyment in this album :/

Apparently the spotify version is not the right one, but that is what I listened to. I kind of hated it. Maybe whatever I'm supposed to listen to is better I guess

Not bad for an instrumental album.

I get why this was influential, I’m happy to have heard it, and I will never listen to it again. It was definitely the best of its genre.

I honestly would not have minded if the name of this project was “1,001 Albums You’ve Never Heard from World Cultures.” But it ain’t. And when an album like this pops up I find myself wondering what the selection criteria here is. Surely there are more than 1,000 Israeli, Thai, Korean, Cuban, or Afghanistani albums that we should hear. That said, there was enough to enjoy here. I’m curious if it is the best representation of music from India and why this is likely to be the sole entry in this catalogue.

No es para mi o

Lovely

Very peaceful and relaxing. This album is quite different in comparison to other albums in the generator.

Seems just a folk album

It was ok, but not my type

My ability to rate this suffers from my limited exposure to the form. I’ve listened to Indian music for a long time, but I’m not a student. This music is so expressive, soothing, exciting. Always tasteful. Just beautiful— now I have a new artist to follow! Still, I think there are Indian musicians that I’d listen to before I listen to this album — Ravi Shankar, Roop Verma, and Arjun Verma come to mind.

Took note from other reviews here and listened to the original album recording on Youtube rather than the weird re-recording that is available on Spotify. I dipped my toes into the Spotify version and it was notably different and worse. The original was very good, a suite of pastoral and contemplative ragas - the addition of the flute was a bit much for me at times but I reliably love a tabla beat drop.

Not for me!

Like many people here, I listened on YouTube to get the original version. The Spotify version is a remake by the artists son. This album is good, but not great. I dig the tones and all but this is very same sounding throughout. To the point that I think even half the length would have been too long.

Firstly - neither Spotify nor Tidal have the proper version of this album, you need to go to YouTube. This is not a style of music I'm familiar with, so I can't say how it compares to others in the genre, but I enjoyed it. Relaxing and interesting, without straying so far from western styles and tunings that it sounds off key. I was worried it might get a bit 'new age pan pipes', but no - just calming, peaceful, tranquil. 4 on a first listen, but could easily reach 5 on repetition.

Þurfti að hlusta á Youtube, veit ekki hvað lögin heita, þekkti þau ekki almennilega í sundur og viðurkenni fúslega að ég hlustaði ekki alltaf af óskiptri athygli. En þetta er mjög flottur hljóðheimur og ánægjuleg hlustun fyrir því.

Beautiful, soothing and a perfect example of using music for great storytelling.

This was very pleasant. Put my headphones on laid down and chilled out for an hour.

Lovely. Delightful music. Vaguely new-agey. And I mean that as a compliment. This type of album is pretty much why I'm doing this 1001 album thing. I've never heard of it and would never have tried it. Now, I like Call of the Valley. Great cover art.

75% Best: N/A Must-Hear? I can understand why this album was so influential in the West: it is rich Indian classical music. As I am not an avid classical music listener, I would not put on this record to focus on. Falling asleep or studying are the best times to listen to this record. Therefore, I am going to say not quite on the Must-Hear factor.

Appreciate the musicality, but not really my jam.

Good background music, especially if you are doing a bit of yoga. I appreciate this as it is a good entry point to Indian classical music.

I’d never heard of this album, but I’m glad I have now. The composition, artistry and themes are wonderful, the mix of influences just works so well. Loved it.

I liked this. Chill Indian music.

I appreciate the cultural music and getting a chance to listen to it. It's just not my cup of tea.

Fine. Pretty, delicate, but not moving me too much.

this is cool i guess i don’t really know how to rate it or if i’m THAT big a fan of instrumentals but i’m gonna go 2 here

Pre-listening thoughts: hmm okay instrumental music. I will probably put this on in the background while I work. Post/during listening thoughts: it was great for background noise while I scheduled. It is beautiful but I can’t see myself revisiting this very often. It’s kind of repetitive and a little boring if I’m being honest. Idk. 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no I would usually add fav and least fav tracks here, but I listened to a vinyl rip on YouTube and there were no distinctive marks between the tracks. So it was all just kind of one long song. Plus it’s not on Spotify so I can’t add anything to my playlist.

I will listen again unique

I have never heard this before. It was pretty good.

Is this the background music of every spa in America?

Meh

This rocks. This checks almost every box for me: concise, good instrumentation, good flow, etc. Love it.