Collective Unconscious by Didjworks
On the way to meet friends on Halloween night, I happened to hear the didjeridoo talents of simon 7, one of band members of Didjworks. I had already walked out of the subway but decided to use the extra $1.50 to come back due to the music. Upon listening for about 2 min, I was sold. I guess with subway fare the cd actually cost me $11.50, rather than $10.00. :) As a beginning note, the Australian aboriginal instrument plays through every song beautifully melded with each song. On to the songs:
Tracks / Reviews:
- Universal Language: Universal language is a blend of vocals done in multiple languages and various aboriginal instruments and samples. Which languages? This callow ear heard multiple dialects of Chinese and what sounded like sanskrit. But, could be completely off.
- Earth Tribe: Although the drum line stays constant and a bit repetitive throughout the song, the blend of sitar, flutes, violins, male vocals and (of course) the didjeridoo present this song in a fashion that leaves only the feeling of desire at the end.
- Indigenous Dimension: This is a very monotonous track; with both a forgettable drum line and tabla samples. The vocals and the strings thrown in for good measure are the only things that save it from being a complete waste of space.
- Yanomami: Sanskrit words (sampled?) leading to shehnai or clarinet and the sitar with vocals chanting right along; of course, with the didjeridoo playing the entire time. Gets lame.
- Native Tongue: Maybe it's a song with both male and female chants or maybe its the string instruments or a drum line that's catchy. Whatever it is, the samples and original work that make up this song form a very compelling and engrossing piece of work.
- Global Village: A very pointless, droning, song with the didjeridoo being the only thing that sounds decent. Its as if it was put together, with simon 7 playing and the producer just throwing in samples on top of the drum beat. Very boring. Sorry.
- Nomadic Heart: Very intricate song, again feels as if put together by sampling of various vocals and beats from elsewhere. But, the job here is actually pretty decent, producing a song that gets better every time one hears it. The vocals done in a well balance with the sitar and didjeridoo are what catch the listener by complete surprise.
- Kakadu: The didjeridoo starts, leading into chants that sound like they have been reversed and played along with the normal track. The track is again very patchy, put together without much thought. This time, some of the vocals, the flute and some of the tabla samples save the song from being a utter waste of space.
- Spirit Gathering: The strings, the violins, the vocals and the "effected" drum line make this song, possibly the best song on the album. Although, the strings could have been varied a bit more; but, hey we can't get everything we ask for.
- Freedom People Rising: This song shows the influence the stereotypical sound of the British "Asian Underground" has had on the world music scene. Drum n Base track with chants, didjeridoo and the works. But, with all the problems in the world why would one showcase the problem about the lack of Y2K compliance in the less developed nations?
This is completely a world music album, with strong influences from south asian music. Make no mistake by assuming that it is an "asian underground" album, only one track comes close to that stereotypical genre. The rest of the album is of a very specific taste. Obtain it only if you have enjoyed the above samples.
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