Various Artists
Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India
Silva Screen Records
Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India is not what you expect. This is a two CD set to accompany the new documentary The Beatles And India. The first CD being covers of Beatles songs and the second CD being instrumental film music. The film, from which this CD is derived, is a brand new documentary about the time The Beatles spent in India. Interestingly most of the songs covered are songs that The Beatles wrote during their stay in India. This means that there are a number of songs from The Beatles (The White Album), plus a few surprises. The three exceptions are βNorwegian Wood (This Bird has Flown)β, βLove You Toβ, and βTomorrow Never Knowsβ.
The covers are by some great artists (all from India), and their take on The Beatles songs are quite faithful to the original (such as Karsh Kayle and Benny Dayalβs cover of βMother Natureβs Sonβ) while others are complete deconstructions (such as Nikhi DβSouzaβs very unique and stunning cover of βMartha My Dearβ), while others are complete overhauls of the original (check out Ragga Trippinβs interesting version of βThe Continuing Story Of Bungalow Billβ). It is also lovely to hear Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kaleβs beautiful remake of βThe Inner Lightβ. What is interesting is that, although there is the influence of classical Indian music, the songs are remarkably modern and much more Western in style.
Artists also tackle some solo Beatles songs (such as βGimme Some Truthβ which was originally released by John Lennon on his 1971 album Imagine) and one song that remained unreleased for many years (βIndia, Indiaβ). But the artists, while sticking close to the source material, still infuse their style and their own sounds. It makes for an incredible listening experience. It also makes one aware that there is more going on in the music scene in India than the traditional classical music and βBollywoodβ.
While the covers are interesting and quite enjoyable, the real highlight from this βsoundtrackβ is the second disc containing the film music written and performed by Benji Merrison, perhaps best known for his music on BBCβs Green Planet. Much like Harrison, Merrison has written music that incorporates classical Indian music into Western classical music with a tinge of pop/rock. Having not seen the film, much like the first disc, it still works on its own. I am reminded of the classic soundtracks which evoke a definite sense of travel. One can imagine the visuals as the music plays. It is melodic, and, at times, quite subtly majestic.
Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India is a very ambitious project. But it is a success. The producers have come up with a creative way of providing Beatle music for a film about a fascinating period in their history. Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India also succeeds in being an excellent promotional tool for the film. Having heard the album, I look forward to the documentary in 2022.
Film Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VARIOUS ARTISTS – SONGS INSPIRED BY THE FILM THE BEATLES AND INDIA
Aaron Badgley