As you all are probably aware that Varese Sarabande has reissued Vande Mataram,
here's a cursory review of it on FSM-
Vande Mataram *** 1/2
A.R. RAHMAN
Varèse Sarabande 302 066 957 2
9 tracks - 55:29
Vande Mataram is a straight re-issue of a 1997 album from Sony
Music India and is not connected to any film in particular. It was
originally intended to introduce the world to Indian music and one of
its more popular artist/composers. Now, the world—or at least the
soundtrack world—is already well aware.
This release features the blend of global music beats, New Age and
dance music that makes up the lifeblood of Indian film music. This is
the “new” sound that became the music of the moment after Slumdog Millionaire
swept the Oscars, including the award for its composer A.R. Rahman.
Rahman has already sold millions of albums worldwide, and the expanding
U.S. market (now getting saturated with albums like this) is bringing
his name to new audiences. This disc, which originally marked the 50th
anniversary of India’s independence from Great Britain, will be of use
to anyone looking to familiarize himself or herself with Rahman’s
oeuvre.
The CD has been available as a hard-to-find or pricey import, so
Varèse’s version could save some folks a few pennies. It is at any rate
one of the composer’s best albums, effectively blending Western and
Eastern music. One does wonder what might have happened had this album
caught on in the U.S. when it was first released. [Special thanks to
Varèse for sending a special review copy of this album.] —Steven A. Kennedy
