Label - Saregama/Six Degrees,

Rating - 4/5,

Eden is a compilation that attempts to bring forth the deeper end of music from around the world. Six Degrees definitely got it right with their 11 track compilation Eden... that features songs from a number of very talented artists such as Midival Pandits, Karsh Kale, Rara Avis and many more.

If one were to classify the type of music on this CD, then I guess it would fall into the new age/electronica genre of music. The first track in the compilation is In the Shadow of Life... by Niyaz, the Iranian musical trio. Niyaz successfully adapts Persian, Turkish, and Indian elements in the song with electronic instrumentation and manages to weave a magical and almost spiritual musical web around its listeners.

The second track is Rebirth by Midival Pandits that features Anoushka Shankar. Midival Pandits, an Indian fusion group have successfully managed to incorporate the use of traditional instruments with an almost modern feel. Anoushka Shankar has proved that she has mastered the art of sitar playing with a song that combines all these elements - a treat for the ears.

The third track is Beautiful by Karsh Kale. "Beautiful" is a blend of Hindi vocals with the lush vocals of Sophie Mitchalitsianos (Sparklehorse) with vivid Hindi vocals amidst a hauntingly beautiful flute melody.

The fourth track, the Thievery Corporation Remix of Bombay Dub Orchestra's Feel is an epic arrangement of vocals and amazing instrumental music. It proves to be strongly Indian styled, yet undoubtedly influenced by western elements.

The fifth track is Toura Toura( The Medina Remix) by Cheb i Sabbah, a club DJ who instils Indian Fusion rudiments into his music . It is defined by Indian influences – drum beats and rhythmic clapping that blend beautifully with vocals that do not take away from its acoustic authenticity.

The next track, Shrift – Yes I love you (The Real Tuesday Weld Wee Small Hours Mix) attempts to retain the basic ambience of the original but tries too hard to stretch beyond its capabilities. The song is a good listen but makes you wish that it was the original version you were listening to instead.

Thoughts of You by Dierdre Dubois from her album One is the next track in the compilation. The song almost sounds transcendent and pure with her distinctly beautiful vocals that haunt you well after you listen to it – a mix of sounds from the electronic world with an almost soulful ring to it.

The next track on the CD is Desert Drive by Euphoria, pioneers of the unique sound dubbed 'guitronica'. The song has an almost hypnotic ring to it and compels you to listen to it over and over again. The beats have a global feel to them and the subtle guitar strumming throughout the song keeps it from getting dreary.

The next track is Kara Kum (The Bombay Dub Spaghetti Eastern Mix) by Banco de Ga, an electronic music band from England. The song is haunting, ethereal and cosmic in its rhythm with an interesting variety of guitar and harmonica.

Choying Drolma Orolma & Steve Tibbetts - Mandala Offering is successful in using a profound classic rock sound with heavy Eastern and African influences. The last track on the cd is the Deep Mix version of Medicine by Rara Avis where one cannot help but revel in the exotica of the music. The electronic instrumentation in the song is impressive and has an almost electronic raindrop feel to it.

Personally, I think Eden... is a must have for all music lovers as it transcends invisible global music borders and manages to take listeners on a soul searching quest of sorts. One cannot help but feel calm and relaxed with this amazing 11 track compilation – truly a collection of global chill....