"Rare Elements" is a fusion of western and near-eastern musical cultures that takes ten new songs by Indian sarangi master Ustad Sultan Khan and hands them over to be re-worked by western artists such as Thievery Corporation, Joe Claussell, Nickodemus & Osiris and others. The result of this blend of cultures takes the strong percussive rhythms and intricate melodies of Ustad's original work and weaves them into a fabric of beats and basslines that more often than not, are slow in tempo, beat-driven, bassy and melodically beautiful.

1. Aja Maji (sacred rhythm version by Joe Claussell)
2. Tarana (Thievery Corporation remix)
3. Jana (sad bachelor remix by Radar One)
4. Jaadu (magic by Nickodemus & Osiris)
5. Majhi Re (Brainpolluter remix)
6. Maula (bhangra-hydrate vocal mix by Ralphi Rosario)
7. Sayaji (dance trance version by Joe Claussell)
8. Meher Ali (bollywood burning remix by Radar One)
9. Caravan (karava by Brainpolluter)
10. Don't Run Away (Radar One remix)

When critics of this release are familiar with Ustad Sultan Khan, they point out that some may feel these remixes destroy the detailed melodies of music and voice that Ustad is so well known for. It may be true, but to approach these songs from such a perspective, even though the songs bear Ustad's name, is to ignore the nature of the project: mix near-east and western cultures together so the result is neither one nor the other.

Besides the host of remixers, Ustad is supported by several vocalists, not the least of which is Falguni Shah. Viewed as a rising star who often holds performances in and around New York City, the feminine, yet culturally sharp style she brings to Rare Elements, both in contrast and support of the albums strong male vocals is essential to the overall appeal of the songs.

Each of these songs maintain a strong cultural identity, while the western touch gives them strong head nod appeal. Thievery Corporation's mix of "Tarana" could easily have fit in the tracklist of their latest album The Cosmic Game. In my opinion there is only one weak link: Ralphi Rosario's up-tempo treatment of "Maula" called the "(Bhangra-hydrate vocal mix)". This one has too much of a mainstream euro-house sound for me, but depending on your tastes and mood you may disagree.

By now I probably don't have to tell you, if you're a junkie for the sound of near-eastern meets western in a head-noddingly rhythmic and stunningly melodic style, you need this album.

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