Category Archives: Bangalore

Simla Beat 70: The Confusions from Madras, and the Dinosaurs from Bangalore

Simla Beat 70, the Confusions and the Dinosaurs
Simla Beat 70 seven-inch with the Confusions and the Dinosaurs

Confusions Simla Beat 70 45, Voice from the Inner SoulFor at least five years, from 1968 to 1972, a cigarette company in India sponsored a nationwide battle-of-the-bands competition.

In 1970 and 1971, the winners went to Calcutta to record for compilations called Simla Beat. One LP was released each year, with no info about the bands other than their hometown. In 1970 Simla Beat also released this 45 with two of the better tracks from that years album, and some florid liner notes on the back of the sleeve:

Simla Beat 70 seven-inch liner notes

When I first read about Simla beat around 2002, some people commented that the recordings must have come from somewhere other than India, or that this was a hoax. However, it is now known that these are authentic Indian bands. It’s true that some groups have a similar sound, though this could be from sharing a studio and perhaps some instruments as well. Also, the bands lean heavily on American rock of the time and show very little British influence.

Dinosaurs Simla Beat 70 45, Sinister PurposeThe Confusions from Madras cut this amazing original, “Voice from the Inner Soul”. It has a tough, heavy sound with a rudimentary beat, sharp bluesy guitar fills, and an organ sound right out of 1966.

I only know one name from the Confusions: Bala Ravi was lead vocalist.

The Dinosaurs, from Bangalore, contribute a fine cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Sinister Purpose”, giving Fogerty writing credit. This one has fine fuzz guitar and gravely vocals. I’d say it surpasses the original!

The Dinosaurs included Terence Michael on drums and Roy Letchu on guitar and vocals. In 1971 they released a single on His Master’s Voice ‎NE. 1012, “Dream Walking Mary” / “It’s A Dog Eat Dog World”, both originals by Letchu, with R.H. Outerbridge contributing the lyrics to “It’s a Dog Eat Dog World”.

My research so far turns up no other information about the groups on these releases. Hopefully people associated with these bands will come forward and fill us in on their stories.

Simla Beat 70 seven-inch back cover