Cornershop's "Brimful of Asha" is a groundbreaking fusion of British indie rock and Indian musical traditions that became one of the most innovative and beloved songs of the 1990s. Released in 1997, this track showcases the band's unique approach to music-making and their ability to blend different cultural influences into a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible. The song is a tribute to Asha Parekh, a famous Indian actress, and celebrates the power of Bollywood music to bring joy and comfort to people around the world.
The track features Tjinder Singh's distinctive vocals and the band's innovative arrangement, which combines traditional Indian instruments with modern rock production techniques. The recording showcases their ability to create music that was both culturally authentic and commercially successful, with its infectious melody and thoughtful lyrics. The song's success helped introduce many listeners to Indian music and demonstrated the power of cultural fusion in popular music.
Fun fact: "Brimful of Asha" became Cornershop's biggest hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and helping to establish them as one of the most important bands of the Britpop era. The song was later remixed by Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), introducing it to new audiences and helping to establish the remix as an important part of modern music culture. The track remains one of the most beloved recordings of the 1990s and continues to inspire musicians to explore different cultural influences.