111. Ravi Shankar | The Sounds of India (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. An Introduction to Indian Music
2. Dádrá
3. Máru-Bihág
4. Bhimpalási
5. Sindhi-Bhairavi

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The Sounds of India is a hypnotic album. The pieces are classical Hindustani music. On the first track, Ravi Shankar describes what Indian music is and makes it clear that it doesn't follow the conventions of Western music. He also explains what the three instruments featured on the album are and what they do. Then, before each piece, he explains a little about its structure like scale and beats. I understood some of what he talks about, but his explanations are meant for smart people and musicians.

Of course, I'm not sure why this is on the 1001 Albums list. This album certainly has significance in the late 1960s for Western musicians and Western music listeners. This album would best be considered for a list that isn't devoted primarily to Western popular music.

I liked the album a lot. The music has a distinct boundaries, but within those boundaries, there's a lot of opportunity for variation. It's good music to put on and relax to. Despite not thinking it should be on the 1001 Albums list, I do think it's worth listening to. All four pieces are excellent and intricate. And if you do pay attention to Ravi Shankar's introductions, they really are informative despite their brevity.

★★★★★★★★★★

103. Shivkumar Sharma / Brijbushan Kabra / Hariprasad Chaurasia | Call of the Valley (1967)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Ahir–Bhairav
2. Nat–Bhairav – Ek Tala
3. Piloo – Teen Tala
4. Bhoop – Jhap Tala
5. Des – Dadra Tala
6. Pahadi – Kehrawa Tala

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Call of the Valley is a peaceful album. All the pieces are classical Indian music.

It's hard to have an "informed" opinion on this album since I have no basis from which to form an opinion on any Indian music. Apparently, this was a popular album with many of the rock and roll musicians at the time, so it must be good, right?

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this album a lot. I enjoying listening to the flute and the tablas. The flute has a haunting quality to it. It's also pretty amazing how versatile a guitar can be. In the hands of an Indian musician it sounds completely different; of course, it resembles the sound of a sitar.

Should this album be on the 1001 Albums list? It shouldn't if it's simply because of the influence it had on the rock and roll musicians of the 1960s. However, the list only pays lip service to non-Western music, so it wouldn't have been on the list otherwise. Therefore, it shouldn't be on the list. Of course, the title of the list should be changed from Albums to Western Popular Music Recordings

Is it an album worth listening to? I think it is. Indian music, in general, is worth listening to, so someone knowledgeable about Indian music should produce a book called 1001 Indian Classical Music Recordings You Must Hear Before You Die.

★★★★★★★★★★