today's chillout music (372)

monsoon / third eye

Where Indipop began and still one of the great experiments in East-West pop culture. The heart of the group was vocalist Sheila Chandra and the underrated men-in-the-shadows Steve Coe and Martin Smith on whatever instrument came to hand. Other musicians contributed color parts, including Paul James who found fame and glory with the European folk-dance ensembles Blowzabella and Scarp. Best known for their singles "Ever So Lonely" and "Shakti" Monsoon was a signpost to new space and the launch pad of its three major players. An important album, it had its flaws but it was the first in its field.