Music for Crocodiles Should be Music for Everyone
Written: Jan 22 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Tabla! Susheela voice.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: See Review.
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| JennJoy's Full Review: Music For Crocodiles - Susheela Raman |
I absolutely adore Susheela Raman’s first two albums, Salt Rain and Love Trap. This Londoner, born of Indian parents, has lived in a variety of places around the world and this - in conjunction with her heritage - has directly influenced her brand of world music. It’s no surprise that Susheela is a master of combining old and new elements into fabulously eclectic music that is as homey as it is exotic. Raman’s previous releases have mostly been a mix of traditional Indian music and modern blues and rock mostly sung in Indian dialects, but this time around she presents an album mostly sung in English. I had to wonder if this was an attempt by Susheela to give her self a bit more commercial marketability, but Music for Crocodiles is just as magnificent as anything she’s ever done.
Music for Crocodiles is different from Susheela Raman’s other albums for three main reasons. First, the language difference already mentioned means that there are more English vocals than before. However, Susheela definitely doesn’t ignore her Indian heritage and a fair number of songs are in Tamil (and there’s even one in French). Second, despite the traditional Indian music that is the framework of her music Music for Crocodiles is the first time Susheela has actually recorded with Indian musicians. And third, the arrangements and production on this disc far exceeds Salt Rain and Love Trap, which is saying a lot for two nearly flawless albums.
Absolutely every song on Music for Crocodiles is a winner, although I will readily confess I’m a sucker for the tabla. “What Silence Said” couples this instrument with some beautiful strings that are a perfect complement to Susheela’s smoky English vocals. “Meanwhile” - also in English - starts with a striking intro of more traditional fare before segueing into a bluesy number punctuated by short table bursts and more lovely strings. The French track, “L’ame Volatile” is understated and has a jazz feel.
Susheela Raman is at her best on the non-English songs, like “Idi Samaym” or “Sharavana.” The fusion of styles on these tracks is done amazingly well and should appeal to anyone who enjoys thickly sensual music. An easy favorite on Music for Crocodiles is the intriguing “Leela.” This song has such a catchy hook and is so upbeat that it leans toward rock territory while still incorporating the traditional feel prominent throughout the album. The acoustic guitar and hand percussion here makes it feel like a group of musicians jamming around a bonfire and the result is phenomenal.
Music for Crocodiles is excellent from start to finish with no less than stellar moments. There is something here for a variety of moods and the musicians Susheela plays with have only become more cohesive with each release. Although many people hear “world music” and think that what they hear will be too foreign for their ears, Susheela’s music truly has a wide appeal and is quite accessible - English vocals or not. This is easily one of the best albums I’ve heard in awhile and it’s a shame that it has only been getting recognition in Europe. Here’s hoping American audiences will give this masterpiece a chance.
Recommended:
Yes
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JennJoy
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