Few recordings did more to welcome a new Western audience into India's musical universe than Ravi Shankar's 1967 album, The Sounds of India. Spoken in English, Shankar begins by explaining a raga's mechanics and introduces the sound of each traditional Indian instrument. These descriptions are scattered throughout, but never overshadow his vibrant, precise playing of the sitar—his invigorating performance style especially apparent in the shimmering, expansive "Bhimpalasi". The album was re-released in 1989, and continues to introduce new generations to the expansive sounds of the subcontinent.