Track Listing

1. Morning
2. Saathi (feat. Ustad Sultan Khan)
3. Raanjhan
4. 136
5. Rebirth (feat. Anoushka Shankar)
6. Khayaal (feat. Vishal Vaid)
7. Piya
8. Kesariya
9. Ali (feat. Kailash Kher)
10. Enemy
11. Hold On (Thaarey Rahiyo)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9878 in Music
• Released on: 2005-06-20
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
The MIDIval PunditZ are producers extraordinaire from New Delhi, India. When Six Degrees Records signed them to a worldwide deal, they became the first-ever Indian electronica band to sign to an international label. The PunditZ morph at will into remixers or recording artists, live performers or club promoters as the occasion demands. They have performed as members of Bill Laswell and Zakir Hussain's super group, Tabla Beat Science and have toured around the world as DJ's and performers. The PunditZ first, self titled CD spawned the underground anthem "Bhangra Fever" which has been used in a major mobile phone television campaign in India and is played regularly at Indian soccer matches.

MIDIval Times is the follow-up release that Asian Massive fans have been waiting for. Once again fusing classical Indian traditions with cutting edge electronic dance music, the PunditZ have created a masterpiece which transcends genres. The new release features guest performances from Ravi Shankar's daughter (and the heir to his musical legacy), Anoushka Shankar as well as Tabla Beat Science member and sarangi master Sultan Khan. The tracks range from beautiful, lush ambient moods to dance-floor monsters which are as influenced by such groups as Underworld and the Chemical Brothers as they are by Indian music.

Amazon.com
The music of India reaches back countless generations. Yet while some continue the old ways, the digital revolution has enabled musicians there, like everywhere else, to modernize and cross-pollinate at a rate that is nearly exponential. New Delhi's Midival Punditz, which is composed of Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj, are at the leading edge. Even so, the two look back to ragas, Indian classical and Bollywood even as they move forward with some of the sharpest programming to come out of the ethno-techno genre. They get old school flavor by bringing in Anoushka Shankar, Ustad Sultan Khan and others for standout performances, but these strong turns are a tribute to the production, writing and programming of Raj and Raina--the music is timeless, panoramic, and always moving forward with beats and groove. The styles are seamlessly fused together throughout, but tracks like "Saathi" and "Raanjhan" have set the bar to a new high for the duo and the genre. –-Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

Best of Asian Massive
I had this CD for almost a year and is the one that frequents my cd player the most from the set of Karsh Kale, Talvin Singh & co.

Saathi and Rebirth are the highlights of this album - both are collaborations and the mix of instruments & styles is just right. This is in contrast to Karsh Kale (who is great as well) whose tracks often have too much going on - fortunately Midival Punditz keeps their tracks relatively uncluttered. But on a good sound system I find the bass is slightly overcooked in Raajan and a few other tracks.

I am eagerly awaiting their next album.

delightfull music
I was not sure what to expect when I chose this CD. I was not ready for this musical ride to the senses. It has the right amount of rhythm and lyrics to capture your attention and keep it to the end of the CD.
I immediately shared it with my friends from India and they LOVED it too. More likely I will acquiring another CD from them.

album review
Recommend this cd highly. Rarely do you find something good beginning to end; this album is worth it. Takes you to India when your pocketbook can't afford to.