Nusrat Remix. It is hard to believe that one of greatest South Asian singers of all time has passed, yet many are not aware of who Nusrat was. Star Rise is a great album to add to ones collection for those into Nusrat or Asian underground music or just plain new to Sufi music. The album works like a greatest hits album in that the remixes are some of the best in the world. Star Rise is not a new album, yet it is one of the gems that must dusted off once in a while to show its shine. Star Rise is more than a Nusrat album; it is a precursor to many of the newest and best Asian underground artists out there. The album is remix of an entire album called Night Song, which one was one of the last albums Nusrat worked on. There will be a review available on that album in the future. At $12.99, this is a great buy. Read on: Star Rise is notable due to sheer star power of Asian underground producers that were involved. Track 1 (Sweet Pain Remix) has been done by Joi, (best known for their new album One and One is One), and is a good start for the album. The bass line is not too heavy and is good compliment to the vocals. At points, the beat is not appropriate as it drowns out some of the vocals, but overall, its a good track. Track 2 (My Heart, My Life remix) by Talvin Singh is easily one of the best tracks on the album. It helps that the song itself is very hypnotic and mesmerizing, but Talvins addition makes it truly a sublime remix. The song involves heavy repetition by Nusrat about longing for a soul mate, and Talvin captures that essence with his production. This is one track that is worth listening to over and over. Track 3 (Taa Deem Remix) by Asian Dub Foundation is actually a great surprise as this remix is probably one of the first to introduce the band to North America. Although a punk rock group, one would not expect them to do a Nusrat remix. But ADF does an admirable job. Over laced with heavy bass lines, this is a subversive track in that it gets better with every listen. The track is also unique for its use of the electric guitar to go along with Nusrats vocals. Track 4 (Shadow Remix) by State of Bengal starts with a very long taal by Nusrat, emphasizing how Nusrat was a vocal prodigy. The track is mellow, and nice to listen occasionally. More likely, the track will appeal to traditionalists rather than dance lovers. The track has all the Nusrat trademarks: long vocalizations and repetition. Not a bad track, but one that didnt really appeal to me. Track 5 (Longing remix) by Aki Nawaz is a music roller coaster that features some of the best that Nusrat had to offer. Those unfamiliar with the Asian Underground will not recognize that Mr. Nawaz is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Asian Underground scene, and is the owner of Nation records, a haven for Asian alternative music. The song has great hooks that are sometimes drowned out by Aki, but the track definitely works as a club track. Track 6 (My Comfort Remains Remix) by Black Star Liner is a soothing remix which can be best used for South Asian restaurants or even fashions show. There is good use of a Tabla loop, and bass line. A good track to mellow out to. Track 7 (Tracery remix) by Nitin Sawhney starts with a verse read by Jatinder Verma, a urdu poem by Wajid Ali Shah, providing a nice entrance into this drum n bass/garage remix. The track is mostly instrumental and should provide plenty of samples for DJs to use. Track 8 (Lament Remix) by Earthtribe is a brilliant track that makes one want to get and dance. This is not a club track, but Nusrats vocals and the Earthtribes beats makes for a great partnership. This is easily one of the best tracks on the album and one that I am sure you will return to again and again. Track 9 (Tere Bina Remix) by The Dhol Foundation & Fun Da Mental is easily a good Bhangra track due to addition of the heavy Dhol to the track. Add also the fact that this is a track well known to most Nusrat fans, and you have a great track that can be played at most parties. The track has a feeling of being a live production due to the fact that only a Dhol loop has been added. Overall, Star Rise is a great addition to your collection and one of the reasons that it is an Ultimate Ziba music picks.
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