DJ Cheb I Sabbah - Krishna Lila

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Music reviews of Krishna Lila

Music Review: Playing with the Blue God
Rating: 4 Stars

I was not disappointed. Slightly thrown off balance -- there are some significant differences from "Shri Durga" -- but luckily, the CD did not go the way of "Maha Maya" (which I didn't much care for.) In fact, quite the opposite: where "Maha Maya" consisted of remixes of pieces from "Shri Durga", many of which were, in my opinion, largely inferior to the originals, "Krishna Lila" is far more traditional, even acoustic, sounding.

Don't get me wrong -- this is not you're father's old Ravi Shankar album with modern production values. If my ears aren't mistaking me, dj Cheb i Sabbah did quite a bit of work. While "Maha Maya" was often overwrought electronica, "Krishna Lila" is a sublime, sometimes comparatively rough sounding, celebration of devotional music from the Indian subcontinent. And when I say 'rough,' I mean that in a GOOD way. It's the difference between a supergroup who gets together in a $1000/hour studio and a band that's been playing live for parties and on street corners for decades. The latter just has that STUFF that the former, for all its flash, never will. Also, unlike much Western music, which strives to make things as clean as possible, much Indian music purposefully "dirties" things -- the sympathetic strings of the sitar which add lush overtones is a good example, the raspy sound of much Indian violin compared to, say, Western classical technique is another.

So why only four stars, after I've gushed all over the screen? Because I have to admit that I missed the beats. I missed the transcendantal soundscapes of "Shri Durga" and the powerful, propulsive rhythms.

On the other hand, I deeply respect dj Cheb i Sabbah for showing such breadth & such subtlety, something really, really lacking in far too much electronic/dance music.

In other words, buy this CD. It may just change your life, and introduce you to musical worlds you'd never encountered before. But if you're looking to the newest DUN-DUN-DUN-DUN ravelectronicatrancewhateverit'scalledforthenextfiveminutes, you will be disappointed. If you're looking for potent beats and intense soundscapes, you'll be surprised, but, I think, pleasantly.

Description of Krishna Lila

Dance & DJ CDs

• Music > Styles
• World Music
• Pop