Disco Bhangra

Amazon.com
The sounds of traffic--obviously a busy corner in Jaipur--and some tuning up, a few horns, a megaphone, and then (finally) the Prakash Band kicks in, and a whole herd of celebratory elephants are let loose. Truth be known, they're actually trombones (not elephants), and the celebration you're hearing isn't real: these guys gotta get paid to play. You see, Indian wedding bands--brass bands amplified through cheap PAs (to the point of distortion), with horn sections, accordions, and conductor-vocalists shouting through equally lo-fi megaphones--are serious business in India. This disc captures five of them, from the Prakash Band screaming through "Tequila" to the Babu Band's insanely wild version of "I'm a Disco Dancer" (they can't play to save their lives, but it doesn't matter). Instrumental proficiency is negligible here, but these bands--pent up on enthusiasm, pride, and capitalism--swing like no one else. Yale Evelev captured all this on tape, and it makes for a terrific document. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

Fun-da-mental - Mother Africa Feeding Sista India
Mo Magic - Mixed Vision
The Dub Factory - Kaise Guzar Rahi Hai
Baksheesh - Ges E
Maye Ni Maye - Shade
Late Nights - A.K.A.
Path of the Blazing Sarong - Ravi Harris
Losing It - Earthtribe
Jogi (Stoned & Live) - Panjabi MC
Respect - Apache Indian
Say - Loveson
Maya - Maya
Kajri - Baluji

Customer Reviews:

Trippy!.......2000-05-19

This compendium of various acid trippy Indian music is a great foray into the mixture of contemporary and the traditional. Swaraj means "self-rule (or independence), is not merely doing what you want, it means having total control over the things that control you." The artists presented here are certainly in very good control of their craft. Artists such as Ravi Harris & The Prophets to Panjabi MC keep things peppy and varied. I love driving around on a warm sunny day blasting this. If you like Talvin Singh, Bally Sagoo or any of the Trance Planet recordings, it is certainly well worth your while to check out SWARAJ. Namaste!

Average customer rating:

Yeah!

Wedding Bands from Rajasthan
Disco Bhangra
Manufacturer: Avant Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000058VM
Release Date: 1994-11-22

Tracks:

Aj Aj/Today Today - Prakash Band
Disco Bhangra - Prakash Band
Ruk Jao Janewale/Stop Passenger - Choutou Band
Jhumar (Folk Song Sung By Dancing Women At The Time Of The Hindu Spring Festival 'Holi') - Village Band
Tequila - Prakash Band
Aj Aj (Instrumental) - Prakash Band
I'm A Disco Dancer - Babu Band
Mere Rang Mem Ramgnevali/You Who Are Entangled In My Love - Gulab Panjab Band
Disco Bhangra - Temple Boy

Amazon.com

The sounds of traffic--obviously a busy corner in Jaipur--and some tuning up, a few horns, a megaphone, and then (finally) the Prakash Band kicks in, and a whole herd of celebratory elephants are let loose. Truth be known, they're actually trombones (not elephants), and the celebration you're hearing isn't real: these guys gotta get paid to play. You see, Indian wedding bands--brass bands amplified through cheap PAs (to the point of distortion), with horn sections, accordions, and conductor-vocalists shouting through equally lo-fi megaphones--are serious business in India. This disc captures five of them, from the Prakash Band screaming through "Tequila" to the Babu Band's insanely wild version of "I'm a Disco Dancer" (they can't play to save their lives, but it doesn't matter). Instrumental proficiency is negligible here, but these bands--pent up on enthusiasm, pride, and capitalism--swing like no one else. Yale Evelev captured all this on tape, and it makes for a terrific document. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Yeah!.......2003-01-22

I have not listened to this cd in a while. From what I remember, the cd had a fascinating mix of influences in the music: Gypsy/Klezmer horn sections, vocals that sound like they are being projected through a public address system and ambiet sounds. All together, you feel like you are in the middle of a crowded street festival dancing.

Average customer rating:

Swaraj-Indo-Acid Jazz Blast

Swaraj
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Hollywood
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Techno-House | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000056QEU
Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

Mother Africa Feeding Sista India
Mixed Vision - Mo Magic
Kaise Guzar Rahi Hai - Dub Factory
Baksheesh - Ges E
Maye in Maye
Late Nights - A.K.A., AKA
Path of the Blazing Sarong
Losing It - Earthtribe
Jogi (Stoned and Live) - Panjabi MC
Respect - Apache Indian
Say
Maya
Kajri

Customer Reviews:

Swaraj-Indo-Acid Jazz Blast.......2001-04-25

This collection of outstanding, though diverse, tracks in the India-meets-Acid Jazz genre is a joy from beginning to end. Perhaps the strongest selection is Shade's Maye ni Maye based on a lovely melody and infectious groove. Other tracks of note are Kaise Guszar Rahi Hai by Dub Factory, Losing it by Earth Tribe, and Apache Indian's Respect. Although most of the groups are based in London this is world music with heart and soul for everyone.

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