About The Epidemics
The Epidemics is a studio album by Indian violinist and composer L. Shankar. Released in 1986 on ECM Records GmbH, the album marked Shankar’s continued exploration of fusion between Carnatic classical traditions and Western contemporary styles. The primary format for this release was a 12\" vinyl LP, featuring nine original compositions.
Shankar composed and performed the album’s material, blending his signature double violin technique with electronic textures and rhythmic experimentation. The tracklist includes Never Take No For An Answer, What Would I Do Without You, Situations, You Don’t Love Me Anymore, You Can Be Anything, No Cure, Don’t I Know You, Give An Inch, and Full Moon. The recording sessions incorporated contributions from session musicians, though specific personnel credits remain partially undocumented in available sources.
ECM Records produced and distributed the album as part of its catalog of avant-garde and world-fusion works. The label’s characteristic emphasis on acoustic clarity and minimalist production influenced the album’s sonic presentation. The Epidemics followed Shankar’s earlier collaborations with artists such as Peter Gabriel and his 1983 debut Who’s To Know, further establishing his role in cross-genre innovation.
The album’s reception and commercial performance details are not comprehensively archived. Later reissues or digital remasters, if any, lack confirmed documentation in public records. The original 1986 pressing remains the definitive edition for collectors and researchers of Shankar’s discography.