Decent, but not mind-blowing
Shantell Powell | Kitchener, ON, Canada | 06/12/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Asian Travels 2 is a collection of mostly downbeat ethno-techno music. Generally speaking, it's more appropriate for background music than for intense listening. This is today's equivalent of the exotica movement of the 1960s, and its stars include Talvin Singh (not present on this album), Karsh Kale, and DJ Cheb i Sabbah. The focus of Asian Travels 2 is on Asian countries like India and Pakistan rather than China or Japan. Techno crosses over into the realm of qawwali and bhangra to produce a complex album that is pleasant and nonobtrusive. Tablas and sitars meld seamlessly with drum and bass rhythms.Standout tracks include "Red Earth" by Outside (melancholy but hopeful breakbeat), "Aaja Re" by MIDival PunditZ (featuring the gorgeous voice of Bollywood star Lata Mangeshkar), and Karsh Kales's "Deepest Blue (KK's Deepest Brooklyn Mix)" which reminds me a little bit of a slightly hiphop-tinged Passion-era Peter Gabriel.The album finishes up with some ambient tracks courtesy of Bob Holroyd (reminiscent of 808 State's "Bird") and DJ Cheb i Sabbah (extremely organic)."
Asian Travels I Was Better -- In my opinion
Llana | California | 05/15/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This cd seems more repetative. Not as upbeat or diverse as the first one. I LOVE the first one though. It has been one of my favorite cd's since I bought it a year or two ago. I highly recommend it if you like eastern music with slight western influence."
A good South Asian beats compilation...
Savannah Skye | New York City, New York | 12/04/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I highly enjoyed this cd... I do prefer AT1 - but don't pass this one up... My favorite tracks was Karsh Kale - Distance (Banco de Gaia Remix) and Banco de Gaia - How Much Reality Can You Take? Though imho there's not a bad track on it... and it is a good mix from begin to end... and if you're a nu world dj - get it... Amor y Paz - DJ Dakini NYC"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1