RASA: Exotica and RASA: Mello by various artists.


These two collections of world beat music offer contrasting but complementary "flavors." Rasa: Exotica elevates the heart rate with rousing dance beats collected by South Indian-born and Australian-raised producer Donna D'Cruz in clubs around the world, from Nirvana Lounge in Pans to the barrios of Rio, from the Middle East souk to the Australian outback. The 13th century poet Rumi is quoted (on the inside cover) as saying, "Whosoever Knoweth The Dance, Dwelleth in God.' D'Cruz adheres to this philosophy; boldly mixing "the sounds of the Souk with the sounds of salsa," in search pi "the unexpected" that will free the lover’s soul from limitation. Highly arousing results set the stage for the sequel, Rasa: Mello. This isn't exactly lullaby stuff either, but definitely stabilizes the dance floor ecstasy into relaxed, sensuous, and more sustainable vibes. –KJ