#123: Ananda Shankar - Ananda Shankar (1970)

Emily: “Shankar” should really be a synonym for “sitar master.” Both Shankars are experts at their instrument, which allows them to instruct and experiment, respectively. First, Ravi introduced us to the Eastern instrument and its unique sound. Now, we have Ananda, Ravi’s nephew, who gives the Eastern instrument a Western twist. He combines psychedelic and rock influences with the Indian rhythms of the sitar, creating a sound that is very unique and very cool. Nowhere is this more apparent than on his cover of the Rolling Stones’ Jumpin’ Jack Flash. Shankar uses his sitar to infuse new life into the iconic rock and roll song. The instruments are barely recognizable, but the song is instantly familiar. East-meets-West will probably apply to many of the world music albums we review, but I think Ananda Shankar will remain our best (or perhaps only) example of its Indian/rock equivalent – guitar-meets-sitar.

Favorite Tracks: Jumpin’ Jack Flash; Light My Fire; Metamorphosis

Zack: Long, long ago, we reviewed Ravi Shankar’s Sounds of India. Well, it turns out his nephew inherited a little of the family music talent. While both Ravi and Ananda are undeniably great sitar players, they approach the instrument with a very different style. Ravi, if I remember correctly (I do), was much more traditional, even educational, with how he played. Ananda? Not so much. His debut album is a combination of a few classic Bengali tracks with some sweet covers of Western hits. It’s not exactly surprising, considering he was kicking it with the likes of Jimi Hendrix at the time. The sound of the sitar adds an extra flare to some already great songs. Nowhere is this more apparent than the cover of Light My Fire by The Doors. Already a signature song of psychedelic rock, the sitar just enhances the overall trippy feeling to the point where you feel like locking yourself in the closet and rambling like the drinkin’ out of cups guy. No matter what he’s playing, Ananda Shankar makes the song his own. He dominates the sitar in a way that is comparable to how his American/UK contemporaries manhandled their instruments of choice. And he does it in a way that welcomes unfamiliar listeners to check out a style of music that may be a little foreign. This album was a sneaky good album that any fan of 70s music should be able to appreciate.

Favorite Tracks: Light My Fire; Raghupati; Jumpin’ Jack Flash