Streetbeats Vol 1.

Review by Ajay Pamneja.

Album released by Ruthless Records (July 2003)

A Bhangra album from Ruthless Records which is definitely made an attempt to be different.

An absolute treat of a Bhangra selection with truly wonderful lyrics and genius of music production. Even the samples have been so well blended into the soul of the tracks that they do not stick out like sore thumbs.

First track - Hor Glassy sung by Manak-E and written by Nirmal Purewal is an absolute joy with samples from 50 Cents. Love the MCing on track 2 - Kamaal sung again by Manak E and written by Dempa Cheemay Bath. Track 3 - Ikko Jaya is another gem sung and written by Jasvinder. True bhangra style with banging drums. DJ Sangha's Udan Khatola relies too much on teh vocoder & Sean Paul to do the trick. The only track which fall below par, although has a good beat to it. Sukhwinder Singh's Dhol Vajda has good lyrics and beats with definite dance floor flava. Track 6 - Ais Jawani by Kuldeep Purewal and written by Parminder Siddhu makes good use of the mainstream track - Two tracks in one! DJ Sangha's second attempt (Glassy) on this album is definitely in the right place with a wonderful modern beat, chants and excellent lyrics. Ki Karriye by Rakesh Rekhi has a very with more carribbean feel and is impressive. Surma by Jamna Ranila is another 'stop-start track' with a poorly blended mix of garage beat, vocoder and some mcing. Track 10 - Sona Lagda has wonderful vocals of Sarbjit Siddhu and excellent beat on the keyboards & drums. Why so much MCing? Track 11 - Yaar Da Viyaah has the traditional feel with a good beat and lyrics. Not a fast paced dance floor filler, but another good bhangra track. Track 12 - Billi Akh with some effective sampling and mixing of Hindi words is more of a chill-out bhangra track, if there ever was one.

Overall a good album worthy of inclusion into any decent Bhangra collection. Tracks 1 & 3 do it for me.

6/10.