Call of the Valley

As a European, I find it difficult to judge traditional Indian music fairly, simply because I’m not familiar enough with comparable music. I can say, however, that I really enjoyed listening to Shivkumar Sharma’s “Call of the Valley”—especially since I was in the mood for peace and meditation this morning. That this album was well-received worldwide upon its release, I would nevertheless attribute more to the spirit of the times than to any extraordinary quality of the music. The instrumental pieces simply tell a little story that you can follow if you already know what it’s about (a shepherd’s day in Kashmir). Of course, something like this exists in all cultures—Europeans probably think first of either Camille Saint-Saëns’s "The Carnival of the Animals" or Sergei Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf". Should one be familiar with these? For one’s own culture: certainly. Otherwise: I don’t know.

Dazzling.

What a wonderful, mesmerizing listen. Albums like these frequently remind me that India has some of the most unique and pleasant instruments out there! Can't blame the numerous white boys who worked the sitar into Western music over the years.

Better than coldplay

Well this was a bit of a mission to even get started. I spent the first half hour this morning listening to completely the wrong album via Apple Music before realising it was a remake by his son. That version wasn’t great. I eventually found the original Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma on YouTube, which was a much better experience.

The actual album is musically haunting and genuinely beautiful. It’s very chilled, very relaxed, and works perfectly as background music. You can just let it wash over you. That said, it does lack variety. It all blends into one long, continuous piece, and while it’s lovely, it doesn’t really give you any standout moments to hold onto.

I can appreciate how good it is, but it’s not something I’d go back to. It feels more like an experience than an album you revisit for specific tracks.

Favourite tracks: Ahir Bhairav_Nat Bhairav is probably the closest to a standout, although it could have been a bit shorter.
Least favourite tracks: It all blends into one, so nothing really stands out either way.
Album artwork: Nice, simple cover that fits the tone of the music.

This was very pleasant, easy listening. Great to have on in the background while working. I have a newfound appreciation for traditional Indian instruments and musical traditions.

Non something I would seek out on my own but I am very glad I listened. This is probably the most enjoyment I have received from an Indian album so far. I loved the use of stereo separation while the instruments danced around each other and did call and response. Every instrument finds ways to shine here. My favorite moment was the final two minutes of Nat Bhairav where it accelerates. The title track is probably the best song overall though.

This is #day582 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… that's definitely something I haven't heard before. I kind of understand the record's inclusion on the list, though. I like the sheep on the cover. Still, this is a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day583.

Kind of enjoyed this as background music for walks, but got pretty frustrated at the lack of structure. Maybe that’s a me problem and life is too structured, but if I’m giving you my attention for an hour plus I need some kind of progress.

As others have said - it's worth it to find the real album on YouTube.
This album starts off super peaceful and chill. Like I can imagine having this play in the background while just lounging around the house on a warm afternoon. I can't pretend to 'get' this kind of music at all, I haven't experienced any of that culture, and even the language of this music is unfamiliar to me. But I love it. I've always loved tabla, such a distinct and intricate kind of drumming. And who doesn't like a sitar?
I wish there were more albums like this on the list. The list is heavy on Brit pop and synthwave, it's really light on actual non-western albums. This album is something I probably never would have listened to had it not come up today even though I really like this kind of music. I just don't think about playing it that much. But I really enjoyed it, I wish it had been longer. 4/5

One day in the life of a kashmiri shepard … who knew it was so beautiful and essential. Pastoral soundscapes in a hindu classical album.

5 stars all day long

Came to the reviews here to work out why this is on the list. Everyone is right about the albums on streaming services being wrong. I really enjoyed this.

I can hear the talent here but I am too trashy to fully appreciate it

A pleasant listen but not something I'm all that into.

It's really pretty, and I like it's a concept album, it feels calm and grounded and I dont listen to music like this everyday. But at some point the flute work does get tiresome and I wouldn't want to listen to it everyday

This isn’t a bad album. In fact, the music is fascinating, the performances are impressive, and I love me some Indian percussion. While I enjoyed listening to it, it’s not something I’ll probably listen to again. Also, it’s a little on the long side for an album recorded in 1968.

Another album in the "why is it on this list?" category.

Very cool international effort - shining a light on a culture in an accessible way.

Although I love listening to world music in this project (and I think it's missing a little bit of that, somehow!), this wasn't for me. It's not that I don't recognize the merits and talent of the artists, but it's just not my kind of preference. And I'm giving it a 2 because I really don't understand or know anything to be able to evaluate it properly.

Hey, I know it's my fault, okay?

Good, but I'm not familiar with Indian music enough to have thought anything other than "Sounds like Indian music!".