Rare Elements - Ustad Sultan Khan (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

Inconsistent

S. Blodgett | California | 10/23/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There are some phenomenal tracks on this cd. The Thievery Corporation, Brainpolluter, and Radar One tracks (except Jana (Sad Bachelor Remix), this one didn't do so much for me) are great. They are relatively flawless fusions of Ustad's sound with the Western sound. The other tracks do nothing for me. They fall flat and sound artificial. I find this is true especially for the Joe Claussel tracks. I'm generally a fan of him, except he wasn't a good choice for this compilation. His songs sound like he just combined some keyboard licks and Ustad's exotic sound together without listening to the final product. These two aspects don't work well together. The other tracks are relatively monotonous and don't stand out. (The Ralphi Rosario track is actually decent, it is simply out of place here. It is more techno/trance than any of the other tracks on this album.) I would recommend this cd for the tracks I mentioned earlier, for they are definitly worth the price. This album isn't 4 or 5 stars due to its incosistency. More like 3.5."

DON'T MISS THIS

S. Blodgett | 05/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's face it: There have been so many attempts at electronica/Indian fusion, and so many have fallen short. Cast aside your doubts and fears, for 5 Points Records has risen to the challenge with their debut album "Rare Elements: Ustad Sultan Khan", and they have passed with flying colors. These remixers, including the well known Thievery Corperation, have taken the soulful music of Ustad Sultan Khan and transformed it into a loungy, groovy, dancy masterpiece. Perfect for parties, bars/restaurants/hotels, or an iPod stroll through town. Some highlights: Nickodemus and Osiris - Jaadu (Magic), a slamin and groovin banger featuring the deep beats and loops that they have become so well known for; Brainpolluter - Majhi Re, a hand clapin, hip shakin, urban/eastern blend that puts the Neptunes to shame; and Radar One - Meher Ali (Bollywood Burning Remix), an electro-break-beat-atom-bomb with a fist full of curry, guarenteed to inspire awe and some booty shakin on any dancefloor. Not a dull moment on this CD. Look out for 5 Points Records!"

Radar One Is Off The Hook

S. Blodgett | 05/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I eat up just about everything Thievery Corporation puts out. TC's down tempo Trip-Hop remix of Tarana is out even for them. Joe Claussell (Verve Remixed) and Ralphi Rosario (The Chicago House Music Master) will have you burning up the dance floor. Nickodemus (Turntables On The Hudson) and Osiris (Mariposa) does a slow burn on Jaadu (Magic). Brainpouter, (Who is this guy?) just listen to the percussion on Majhi Re and tell me i's not magic. Radar One's (Another unknown power player) Meher Ali (Bollywood Burning Remix) has blended so many styles so perfectly as to be in a league of his own. I predict that Radar One will soon come to dominate the the somewhat tired electronic music scene. Buy this record if only to say I was there when these guys first hit the scene."

East meets West...

S. Blodgett | 05/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Essential listening for fans of Thievery Corporation!! Will be a long term addition to my collection because of Joe Claussell, Nickodemus & Osiris, Radar One and the Brainpolluter songs. This CD really brings the eastern and western worlds together beautifully!!"

Exotic Elecronica Soundscapes for Sarangi

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 08/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The sarangi remains not only the authentic and original Indian bowed stringed instrument but the one which... expresses the very soul of Indian feeling and thought." ~Yehudi Menuhin

Rare Elements is a collection of exotic remixes to encourage an escape from the ordinary existence. Ustad Sultan Khan creates magic with his singing and the playing of an exotic instrument called a Sarangi (looks like an ancient relative to the violin but is more exotic and often made with Indian Cedar) that is extremely difficult to play but seems to retune the soul when played by a master.

In "Aja Maji" The sacred and the sensuous dance together in an uplifting and at times ecstatic musical experience. You feel as if you are falling into the song over and over again as truly stunning music weaves around the polarity between two beautiful voices. Udu Drum and Balinese Bells are featured on this track. You are drawn in all directions, but completely centered. The song builds and builds and then slowly fades and then without ending awakens into Tarana. This creates a mellifluous experience you can relax into as it takes you on a musical journey.

Jana is a deeply sensuous track with a late night mood and elements of apprehension and liberation that make it entertaining and relaxing.

Jaadu encourages an increase in volume and infuses your entire body with the need for movement and expression. This is a river rushing to an ocean of possibility. Without silence, the song melts into Majhi Re and before you know it you are on another journey that seeks to blend into emotional depths.

By the time you awaken into Maula you are on a superior musical journey into rhythm that turns into a trance from which you may not awaken until Meher Ali. Caravan is more soothing and brings you back down from a musical high. Don't Run Away smoothes out the night and has sweet, sexy and soul nurturing qualities.

AKG headphones almost seem essential when listening to the subtleties in this CD. I listened to this on two stereos and then with headphones and the headphones allow for a fully present experience. At first the sounds were so unique and overwhelming I could not initially capture all the elements, but by the sixth time I played this CD, I could then start to appreciate the distinctive musical pathways and how ancient and modern moments mingle together to produce an ecstatic experience.

~The Rebecca Review

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