The Sound of Raga Rock

"The Sound of Raga Rock" explores the psychedelic crosscurrents that emerged when Western rock began absorbing Indian classical influences in the late '60s and beyond. Featuring sitar-led reinventions like Ananda Shankar’s takes on “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Light My Fire,” the playlist weaves through the genre-blurring edges of acid rock, cosmic jazz, and spiritual experimentation. Tracks like “Dandelion Seeds” by July and “Free To Be Stoned” from Clark Hutchinson sit alongside deeper underground cuts from artists like Lord Sitar, The Ceyleib People, and Quintessence.

The selections move fluidly between electric improvisations and meditative ragas, bringing in contributions from cult figures like Pelt, Cosmic Eye, and Ashwin Batish. Whether it’s the fuzzed-out grooves of Saddar Bazaar or the cinematic mysticism of Third Ear Band’s “Fleance,” this collection captures an adventurous spirit that fuses drones, Eastern modes, and psychedelic textures into something both grounded and transcendent. It’s not all vintage, either—modern throwbacks like Erik Amlee and Floating Flower keep the sound alive, showing that raga rock is more than a trend; it’s an enduring vibe.