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Product Description
Review
Music For Crocodiles is at once smoother, and more commercially orientated than its two predecessors, yet still has room for unexpected outbreaks of fuzzed-up guitar or cello.
It's more accessible because Raman chooses to sing a bigger proportion of songs in English, which is her native tongue, pushing her closer towards the singer-songwriter zone. Theres a soulful feeling that has its roots in her teenage days, when Raman was singing with blues bands in Sydney.
Although Susheela was born in London, she grew up in Australia, and spent time in India. Her original studies were within the world of Indian classical music, and this broad cultural experience lends Raman's music a gently schizophrenic quality, magnified by its production process. The basic tracks were laid down in Wiltshire, then Susheela and her guitarist/producer Sam Mills travelled to Chennai (Madras), where they recorded contributions by local classical players. Finally, the songs were mixed in Los Angeles.
The large roster of guest instrumentalists is always sensitively framing, supporting and embellishing Raman's expressive vocal lines. The Indian string trio parts soothe as they sweep around, whilst Cheick Tidiane Seck makes a significant contribution on purring Hammond organ.
The title track leads a small clutch of tunes that are essentially rock in structure, if not in their sonic palette. The closing "Leela" sounds like a song that Robert Plant would be happy to perform...
These melodies worm gradually into the consciousness, rather than being immediately catchy. The Indian traditional songs are held back until the end of the album, but it is noticeable how they allow for greater ornamentation in Raman's delivery, even though it's clear to see why she's chosen the English language path, opening up the possibility of increased mainstream radio-play. --Martin Longley
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Product Description
Music For Crocodiles is Susheela Raman's 3rd album. Her first, Salt Rain, was sensationally nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and has gone on to become a massive hit in Europe.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I like Susheela Raman. Her previous album, Salt Rain, is a favourite and I regularly return to it. Music For Crocodiles isn't as good, it lacks the originality and isn't as distinctively her - it hasn't grabbed me in quite the same way. That said, it is still a pleasant listen - I will give it a few more tries to see if it grows on me. For those new to Ms Raman, I'd recommend trying Salt Rain first.
The big problem I have is with the copy protection. In line with the reviewer below, I've found this causes real difficulties. I played it on an old mini system in the kitchen and it worked fine. I then made the mistake of putting it into my Mac to load onto iTunes and then onto my iPod (which I use for a lot of my music listening). My Mac completely seized up and, eventually, all I could do was pull the plug on the Mac with several open documents - upon rebooting I was able remove the CD. I haven't dared try it in my car CD player.
Looking at the CD case, in small type on the reverse is a comment that it has copy protection and may not work in car CD players. So, let's get this straight, I buy a CD but it is mangled deliberately by the manufacturer so that I can't play it? Great tactic - it won't stop the teenage hackers (who would probably not buy this album anyway) but it annoys the actual buyers. If copy protection issues stop you listening to the album, it is a major issue. Record companies (and internet vendors) should be forced to disclose PROMINENTLY any copy protection so the informed potential buyer can make a decision on whether to proceed. I wish I'd taken notice of the reviewer below and EMI/Virgin/Narada have joined Sony on my black list.
The big problem I have is with the copy protection. In line with the reviewer below, I've found this causes real difficulties. I played it on an old mini system in the kitchen and it worked fine. I then made the mistake of putting it into my Mac to load onto iTunes and then onto my iPod (which I use for a lot of my music listening). My Mac completely seized up and, eventually, all I could do was pull the plug on the Mac with several open documents - upon rebooting I was able remove the CD. I haven't dared try it in my car CD player.
Looking at the CD case, in small type on the reverse is a comment that it has copy protection and may not work in car CD players. So, let's get this straight, I buy a CD but it is mangled deliberately by the manufacturer so that I can't play it? Great tactic - it won't stop the teenage hackers (who would probably not buy this album anyway) but it annoys the actual buyers. If copy protection issues stop you listening to the album, it is a major issue. Record companies (and internet vendors) should be forced to disclose PROMINENTLY any copy protection so the informed potential buyer can make a decision on whether to proceed. I wish I'd taken notice of the reviewer below and EMI/Virgin/Narada have joined Sony on my black list.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
For me, this is Susheela's most accessible and successful album to date. It is a mature piece, full of sensual production values, some profound lyrics with intense delivery(Chordhiya)and an overarching warmth to the whole. For me this is the perfect introduction to her work and one I will be buying for friends for a surprise christmas gift without having to worry,too much whether it will appeal to them, I'm sure it will. It has the perfect blend of accessible easiness on the ear yet with depth of feeling, originality and integrity.There is the usual mix of English and Indian lyrics and there is some fantastic, refreshing, musicianship from her band who also reach new heights. A perfect album for a lazy ,sunny afternoon, or an intimate party where you want a warm sensual atmosphere. Excellent at any time in fact. Buy it and be seduced.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is by far Susheela's best album yet. Again she sings in different languages, namely Tamil, French and English, and the whole musical concoction this album offers has both a deeply moving and compelling effect on the listener, seducing you with it's smoky sounds and beats. Music For Crocodiles is one of my favourites with it's bold, exhilarating delivery rising to a pitch at the end. Meanwhile is an extremely provocative sexy track which just makes you want to dance. Sharvanna is a gorgeous soft mellow track which is evocative of other worlds, sensual and earthy and beautiful. In fact, all the tracks are brilliant. You cannot go wrong with this album, it is pure inspiration and genius personified. Buy it and love it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
MUSIC FOR CROCODILES - easy on the ear
This is a better album than Love Trap, but not quite equal to Salt Rain. What lets this album down - is the production. Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2006
Album of the Year !!
Encoding worries are in no way an excuse not to buy this significant album. It is for me simply the album of the year and a valuable contribution to the music world. Read more
Published on 21 Nov 2005 by "jadid"
Copy controlled content
This is an excellent album from a stylish set of performers.
However, this pales into the background by the crass, and selfish actions of the record company and their use of copy... Read more
Published on 25 Oct 2005 by Roger Cliffe
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