'Junun' is the debut collaborative album by composer Shye Ben Tzur, Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, and the Indian ensemble the Rajasthan Express. Originally released in November 2015, the album was recorded in a makeshift studio within the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, India. with Radiohead's longtime producer Nigel Godrich.
The album features Ben Tzur's compositions, which incorporate devotional Sufi qawwal musicians singing in Urdu and Hebrew. Greenwood contributed guitar, bass, keyboards, ondes Martenot, and programming, aiming to use chords sparingly and instead focusing on North Indian ragas. The recording process sought to capture the "roughness" of Indian music, avoiding the high fidelity often found in world music recordings.
The making of 'Junun' was also documented by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, offering an intimate look at the creative process and vibrant daily life during the album’s production. His film, also titled 'Junun', debuted at the New York Film Festival in October 2015.
'Junun' (an alternate spelling of "junoon", meaning "mania" or "the madness of love") received widespread critical acclaim—including Album of the Year honors from The Sunday Times, who called it “one of the most inspired releases of the year” and “intriguing, sinuous, and essential listening”. The group also supported Radiohead's 2018 'Moon Shaped Pool' tour, performing under the name Junun.
The album features Ben Tzur's compositions, which incorporate devotional Sufi qawwal musicians singing in Urdu and Hebrew. Greenwood contributed guitar, bass, keyboards, ondes Martenot, and programming, aiming to use chords sparingly and instead focusing on North Indian ragas. The recording process sought to capture the "roughness" of Indian music, avoiding the high fidelity often found in world music recordings.
The making of 'Junun' was also documented by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, offering an intimate look at the creative process and vibrant daily life during the album’s production. His film, also titled 'Junun', debuted at the New York Film Festival in October 2015.
'Junun' (an alternate spelling of "junoon", meaning "mania" or "the madness of love") received widespread critical acclaim—including Album of the Year honors from The Sunday Times, who called it “one of the most inspired releases of the year” and “intriguing, sinuous, and essential listening”. The group also supported Radiohead's 2018 'Moon Shaped Pool' tour, performing under the name Junun.
TRACK LISTING
1. Junun
2. Roked
3. Hu
4. Chala Vahi Des
5. Kalandar
6. Eloah
7. Julus
8. Allah Elohim
9. Ahuvi
10. Azov
11. Junun Brass
12. There Are Birds In The Echo Chamber
13. Modeh