Rasa ‎– Everything You See Is Me (Gopal, 1979)

Media NM
Sleeve VG+

Format : LP
Cat N° : RP 106
Style : Fusion, Jazz-Funk

This little-known 1978 album, created by teenage musicians Chris and London McDaniels, explores a unique blend of spiritually-inspired pop-funk. Growing up in a musical family in Southern California, the McDaniels brothers were encouraged by their mother to engage with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This led to a request from ISKCON officials to produce an album aimed at introducing the “Hare Krishnas” movement to a young audience. The album, titled “Rasa,” features a mix of catchy and amateurishly produced tracks, with guest appearances from notable musicians and lyrics that blend love songs with heartfelt Krishna-themed messages. Notably, it’s the first full-length attempt to bring Krishna Consciousness precepts to an English-speaking audience. The album, with its funky tunes and thought-provoking lyrics, reflects the collision of cultures and spiritual seekers of 1970s California, capturing the era’s quest for global consciousness and ISKCON’s desire to spread Krishna’s name worldwide.