8
Dec
2008
Thoughts on “Indian Timing”
The fans have spoken up, and the general consensus is that UK Bhangra needs saving. The situation at times seem dire, but then you have a month like November, when two huge acts (Tigerstyle and PMC) each put out an album around the same time, and you think to yourself “We’re saved.”
Panjabi MC hadn’t released an album of original work since “Steel Bangle” in 2005, and whenever the man releases an album, he brings the funk.
He goes on record saying that the album is basically a number of songs he has produced and refined while he was on tour across the world.
“Snake Charmer” has been out for a few years. In fact, you could scope out some YouTube videos of PMC playing it in the clubs to a frenzied reception.
Another story I heard was that “Bhet Ke Roh Len De” came together when “Sharpp,” a U.S. based MC stalked and pleaded with P to put him on the album. PMC complied and coupled him with a tea server he heard singing to himself in India.
Glimpses into stories like that help add to the sentiment that PMC is indeed an elite producer.
Is this Panjabi MC’s best work to date? No. It isn’t close to the level of “Legalised.” I found that while listening to the album, there were quite a few harmonies that had been recycled, as well as a lot of sounds that I was familiar with in his previous recordings. “Aaja Sohniya (Part 1)” has a ridiculous resemblance to “Mirza Part 2.”
Is this album better than 85% of the kitschy stuff released this year? Yes.
But I still find myself questioning the brilliantness of this album.
Do we like the album because the album comes from a person that has generated so many hits for us in the past that almost anything he releases is like the Midas touch so to speak?
Would we have the same feelings towards some of the songs on the album if anyone else’s name was on the cover besides Panjabi MC?
I get stuck at those questions, because I truly believe that PMC hasn’t transcended. He still has his best work still left in him. My only hope is that the industry is still around the next time he decides to release something.
Top 5 Tracks
08. Indian Timing (Jeona Morh)
01. Can’t Stop Us
03. Snake Charmer
07. Kee Lagh Da
14. Boliyan
Buy Indian Timing here
[...] sounds like this album picks up right where “Indian Timing” left off, with subtle hints of some throwback production a la “Grass Roots” in the [...]