Category Archives: Reviews

5 Best Rock Legends

Posted by on October 2, 2011 No comments

FIVE BEST ROCK LEGENDS????

This is a near impossible task. For starters, the word ROCK is a genre of music that has so many divisions. And there are scores of musicians who have been given the tag LEGEND!

And a huge percentage of rock and many other forms of music owes its existence to the BLUES!!  Now how does one pick 5 legends from this massive mix of musicians. And from which rivulet of the river called rock?? Blues rock?? Hard Rock?? Folk Rock??

I’m going to take that mighty dive blindfolded and am going to write this little piece… no re-reading… no editing… If I falter in this mission, feel free to throw your cans of soda on my head…

HEY!!!! Hold on!!

To Beelzebub with this TOP FIVE business… I cant do this… I cant pick five… I’d rather electrocute myself!

I’m going to jot down some names… who can safely be labeled LEGEND…

Individuals:
—————————-

* Jimi Hendrix (Electric Ladyland, Purple Haze, Wah Wah, psychadelic 60s…)
* Frank Zappa (The father of invention….)
* David Bowie (Decadent rocker who defied logic and churned out some innovative music)
* Elvis Presley (Its the KING baby! He’s a legend. And yes… Rock n Roll is rock too… so’s rockabilly)
* Janis Joplin (the queen of angst….)

Oh boy… Joni Mitchell… lets see… Van Morisson… Leonard Cohen… argh…. this is painful…

Groups
—————————-

* Bill Haley and the Comets (they started it…)
* The Beatles (heh.. you liked this choice didnt you)
* The Who (Pete Townshend, Roger Daltery, Keith Moon… boy… )
* Cream (the original supergroup)
* The Rolling Stones (Sir Mick Jagger and his @$$ shake had the Brits and most of the planet screaming for more)
* Creedence Clearwater Revival (Delta rock and the incredible John Fogerty)
* The Yardbirds (Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck played in this band)
* The Trinity – Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath (no need to say anything about these three)
* Aerosmith (4 decades of great music is reason enough to earn the sobriquet LEGEND)
* U2 (hey… they’ve been inducted to rock n roll hall of fame… so dont question this one)

There are too many… there are just too many….I’m done for now! Never in my life has writing a small piece like this tortured my existence so much. I’ve failed to accomplish what I set out… but there is always another day and this isnt done… not by a long shot…thanks for reading… watch this space… I’ll be back!!

5 Best Hollywood Action Films

Posted by on October 1, 2011 1 comment

Time to pick 5 action movies! Whoooopeeeeee….

Before I type, I have to warm up (does 50 virtual pushups, 100 virtual sit ups, 200 virtual bicep curls… ok… thats enough… thank God that was virtual… I would have died doing all that)

Now for these action flicks… hmmm… what qualifies?? There are several segments that all qualify as ACTION. You got the martial arts flicks, the sports flicks (sure… sports are action), the violent flicks (where bones break for no rhyme or reason) and so on. No point speculating… will just pick 5…

#1: First Blood
Sylvester Stallone was once the third most recognized face on this planet. Right after good old Ronnie Reagan and Mike Gorbachev. And its all because of the Rambo and Rocky flicks.

First Blood is the tale of John Rambo, the green beret who fought many a war including the Vietnam one (dont know how many movies exploited that one). While hitchhiking down the Canada-US border, he gets into trouble with the sheriff of the town who takes his position a bit too serious. Rambo is arrested for no reason and taken to the local precinct where he is mistreated. He snaps, unleashes his fury on the cops and makes his escape into the wilderness. The sheriff launches a manhunt but Rambo eludes him. Finally, John Rambo, a true warrior, trained in survival and the grim art of warfare, takes down the entire town and humbles the sheriff.

Sylvester Stallone in this movie is young and with a body thats carved out of solid rock. He had already become THE icon of action.

#2: Mad Max
And God made Mel Gibson…

Years before LETHAL WEAPONS and BRAVEHEART, there was a movie called Mad Max. Mel Gibson’s second movie made him a cult icon.

Set in Australia of the future, a notorious HELLS ANGEL style bikers gang murder a cops wife and child. The cop, played by Mel Gibson, takes his revenge by taking out the entire gang and becomes Mad Max. The movie had two more installations in MAD MAX 2 and BEYOND THUNDERDOME.

#3: Enter The Dragon
I am a huge BRUCE LEE fan. And no action movie list of mine is complete without mentioning the man who brought Kung Fu to the mainstream. Although this would have qualified as a martial arts flick, to me the sheer intensity that Bruce had was reason enough to put it here. Its more of an homage thing than a pure ’’I will conform to the topic’’ thing.

Bruce Lee is on a mission to bust an evil criminal Han who has only one hand. He accepts an invite to a Martial Arts tournament on a remote island owned by Han to spy on his activities. There he find the people who caused his sister to commit suicide. He makes short work of them and sends them upstairs. Several action scenes later, Lee destroys Han and his henchmen with the help of an American Roper (John Saxon)

R.I.P Bruce Lee… WAKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

#4: Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Had to pick this one because of one reason. Its CULT material. Its got so many hooks, twists and ground breaking CGI. Not narrating the storyline here because I’d be hit by someone. Arnold Schwarzenegger throws some of the most memorable one liners… including the now legendary ’’Hasta La Vista… Baby’’

#5: Die Hard
Bruce Willis is the epitome of an action star in this one. He plays a reckless cop on vacation who singlehandedly saves a whole bunch of hostages from a dozen terrorists/crooks who have taken over a building (Nakatomi Plaza) and threatened to blow the whole thing, and the hostages, to smithereens.

With limited resources, no help, sheer ingenuity and survival skills to bank on, the hero triumphs and the terrorists end up in body bags. The title of this review was borrowed from a line Bruce used in the movie. Brilliant!

I have one more… saved this for a special occasion…. here it is…

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE: THE CROW
’’People once believed that when you died, a crow took your soul to the land of the dead…..but sometimes, just sometimes, the crow could bring that soul back, to make the wrong things right…’’

Eric Draven, a talented musician, is engaged to Shelly Webster and they are set to be married on Halloween day. Not to be, as a crime lord called Top Dollar’s thugs brutally rape Shelly and put a bullet through Draven. He dies and some hours later, she crosses over too. Eric Draven’s restless soul is brought back from the dead by a crow (to which his soul is bound). One by one, he destroys the gang and avenges his and his fiancees death.

The movie was tragic in real life too. The lead role of Eric Draven was played by the promising Brandon Lee – son of the legend himself, Bruce Lee. During a scene where the gangsters fire randomly at Lee (the crow) Lee too a shrapnel from a gun in his heart. He passed away….

All the guns were loaded with blanks for the scene. However, due to a quirk of fate, a piece of metal in one of the guns broke off, traveled and found its place in Lee’s heart… one of the most promising action heroes of all time was gone.

The Crow is a movie that brings a shiver down my spine every time I see it. Mostly because of Brandon’s haunting performance… and because of what fate had in store for him

Here ends my review…

~finis~

10 Songs for Easy Listening

Posted by on September 30, 2011 No comments

Although I’m raised on good old rock – blues, hard, metal, industrial, grunge, garage, alternative etc., I do listen to everything I can – anything… except hip hop, rap and boy bands (although some of them do have some great covers like We Will Rock You one…). Also, I’m a man who has a whole spectrum of moods. Even though its mostly under check, I do go through the whole range once in a while. The calming factor has always been music. Whether its the mp3 player or the CD player or the car stereo – its on 24/7 (er… subtract the hours I sleep which would be around 2-5 per day).

I’m going to first define Easy Listening in relation to my thought process. Its got to be mellow, the words have to be beautiful, the music has to have a degree of subtlety and finally it should linger in your minds. And to me – easy listening is something that doesnt make my body churn out adrenaline (most songs do that)

Easy listening is a bit of a mixed bag as far as I’m concerned because on a given day, easy listening to me can be ENYA and on another day – NINE INCH NAILS! For this review, I’m going to pick 10 of the most mellow songs one can listen to (atleast from the sonic archives of my mind)

Tea in the Sahara – The Police (album: Synchronicity)
The Police is one of my favourite bands of all time. The band was made up of three of the most talented musicians ever – Stewart Copeland (percussions and drums), Andy Summers (Guitars) and Gordon Sumner (aka Sting – on Bass and vocals). The band sold over 75 million records and became on of the greatest acts of all time. For some reason, they broke up at the heights of their careers after their awesome record – Synchronicity.

Tea in the Sahara is a mellow ballad about two desert girls and a man who deceived them with promises of love… the lines ’’as their eyes searched the land… with their cups still full of sand’’ portrays destroyed feelings coupled by a hope that never dies. Sting at his soulful best.

Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd (album- The Wall)
This could probably be the most haunting song you might ever hear. It blends melancholia with deep rooted emotion and a sonic structure that is hard to emulate and even harder to surpass. The David Gilmour solo is probably the most beautiful one he’s ever played – every note conveying pure unadulterated emotion. The song is part of the epic album The Wall.

Wish you were here – Pink Floyd (album- Wish you were here)
Hark! Another Pink Floyd song. And why does it feature here? Because its BEAUTIFUL! ’’How I wish… how i wish you were here… we’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl… year after year… running down on the same ol ground… what have we found… same ol fears… wish you were here’’

Fearless – Pink Floyd (album- Meddle)
A PINK FLOYD HAT TRICK!!!!! Now go listen to this one and you’ll know why I picked it. Another beautiful song from a legendary band.

NOTE: PINK FLOYD HAS OODLES OF SONGS THAT QUALIFIES AS EASY LISTENING

ok… I got emotional there… on with the review…

A Different Corner – Wham/George Michael (album- Edge Of Heaven)
I was going to pick Careless Whisper but then I remembered this gem. Its mellow and its great. George Michael is great.

Cherry – J J Cale(album- Troubadour)
J J Cale is a legendary bluesman. His guitar licks and his laid back vocal style is incredible. This little nugget from the Troubadour record is the perfect love song with simple straightforward lyrics and instruments set to SEDUCE!

Drive – Cars (album- Heartbreak City)
Heh, this list is harder to compile than I thought. I picked this song because I wanted ti pick one of those synth pop songs from the 80s and this is the one that came to mind. ’’Who’s gonna drive you home… tonight’’

Day-O (Banana Boat Song) – Harry Belafonte (album- Calypso)
Here’s a little fact: Calypso was the first record to sell over 1 million copies. Harry Belafonte is an icon, a true legend. He had a perfect sense of rhythm like all West Indians do and a very versatile set of vocal chords. His songs were spontaneous and the lyrics were often laced with dry humour. E.g. ’’Mama look a bubu, they shout… their mother tell them shut up your mouth… that is your daddy… oh no… my daddy cant be ugly so… shut your mouth… go away’’ heh heh

The Banana Boat song is a beautiful song. ’’Day-O, Day-O, Daylight come and me wanna go home’’

If you haven’t heard Harry Belafonte songs before, here’s some songs to download: Jump in the line, Matilda, Lion Sleeps Tonight, Come back Liza, Brown Skin Girl, Mama look a bubu and so on…

Shilo – N. Diamond (album- Velvet Gloves and Spit)
N. Diamond has churned out a lot of mushy songs but they do have a songwriting quality thats downright cool. Shilo is a pretty song.

I love you always forever – Donna Lewis (album- Now In A Minute)
The last one in this list. I put this here because this is the ideal song to send to your girlfriend or boyfriend on Valentines Day. Its easy on the ears, extremely hummable and pretty bubble-gummish.

I’m ending this list… I have some NINE INCH NAILS to listen to… This review has drained me heh heh…

PS: Dear friend… thanks for the patience. I know the songs listed here might not feature in your top ten lists but I tell you this… listen to them if you havent. They will definitely make a top ten list after that.

now… wheres the NIN CD

20 Best English Music Albums

Posted by on September 28, 2011 No comments

Since this is a top twenty list, I need all the space I got to write a short note about each choice… so no introductions… no spiel…

Ladies and gentlemen… in no particular order…

Seed – AFROCELTS
buy this one for the brilliant ’’Ayubs Song’’. The whole album kicks. I’m a big fan of world music and this one is one of my all time favourites. I want someone to play Ayubs Song at my funeral. Formerly known as AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM.

FACT: did you know that the hindi song KAMBAKT ISHQ is taken straight from an Afro Celt song from their second record Volume 2: Release? The song is called ’’Urban Aire’’

Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin
This has to be Led Zeppelin’s finest work in terms of musical explorations and sheer variety. Some of the brilliant tracks on this record include ’’Custard Pie’’, ’’Ten Years Gone’’, ’’In my time of dying’’ and the incredible ’’KASHMIR’’

Back in Black – AC/DC
When Bon Scott, the AC/DC vocalist died from hypothermia (caused by drinking and falling asleep in his car during a snowing winter day) the band recruited the services of Brian Johnson and recorded this classic. It is rumoured that this record has the BEST Side A in heavy metal. I tend to agree.

Rust In Peace – Megadeth
An aural assault that is unmatched. From ’’Holy Wars’’ to ’’Hangar 18’’ to the title track, your head wont stop banging.

Joshua Tree – U2
Lets just look at the list of songs on this record – ’’Where the streets have no name’’, ’’Still havent found what I’m looking for’’, ’’Running to stand still’’, ’’With or Without You’’, ’’Bullet the blue sky’’…. need I say more? My personal favourite is an little gem called ’’Mothers of the Disappeared’’… it tugs you within

Nevermind – Nirvana
’’Smells like teen spirit’’ made it to number 1 on several lists across the globe. End to end this is a great album written by a genius

Ten – Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder has a great voice! And Ten is an awesome debut album for a band that changed directions after churning out two great albums. My personal favourites on this record are ’’Even Flow’’, ’’Alive’’, ’’Garden’’, ’’Release Me’’ and ’’Jeremy’’

Purpendicular – Deep Purple
Wondering why I picked this one and not Deep Purple In rock or something else? For one reason, Steve Morse and his brilliant song ’’The Aviator’’. Every song on his record is worth listening to. This includes the blistering ’’Vavoom.. Ted the mechanic’’ and ’’Sometimes I feel like screaming’’

Faith – George Michael
In another article I wrote on this site, I put father figure as one of my favourite songs. Its from Faith after all. Priceless work, this one.

The Wall – Pink Floyd
I wont insult your intelligence on writing about this one. Its already too well known. Personal picks ’’Run like hell’’, ’’Comfortably Numb’’, ’’Another Brick in the wall’’, ’’In the Flesh’’… forget it… personal pick = Entire record

The very best of Cat Stevens – Cat Stevens
20 great works by this great singer and musician. Gems include ’’Father and son’’, ’’Where will the children play?’’, ’’Moonshadow’’, ’’Morning has broken’’,’’The wind’’… easy on the ears and great songs for the guitar… you’ll love this one.

PS: The Harry Chapin classic ’’Cats in the cradle’’ which Cat Stevens and many others covered is missing from this one.

Synchronicity – The Police
A power pack from a great band. The songs include ’’Every Breath You Take’’, ’’King Of Pain’’ and the title track. Personal Favourite: ’’Tea In The Sahara’’

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
It was either this or the White Album. This one won because I love ’’Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’’

Troubadour – J J Cale
This ones dedicated to a special Scottish friend of mine whom I havent seen in ages. The blues rocker dishes out some beautiful songs on this one. Personal Pick: ’’Cherry’’

Elvis 30 #1 hits – Elvis Presley
Its the KING after all. It even churned out a number one hit after all these years. Elvis must be smiling up there on a cloud.

’’Well since my baby left me… I found a new place to dwell…’’

The Singles 81 – 85 – Depeche Mode
Four dudes who play synthesizers and create dark songs that kicked @$$ cant be wrong ;) Personal Pick: ’’Shake the disease’’

Salisbury – Uriah Heep
This record was released a month before I was born. The title track is LONGGG (around 16 minutes or so). Contains gems like ’’Lady in black’’ and ’’High Priestess’’, Personal Pick: ’’The Park’’

Exit… Stage Left – Rush
Contains classic prog rock tracks such as ’’Red Barchetta’’, ’’The Spirit of Radio’’, ’’The trees’’, ’’Xanadu’’, ’’Closer to the Heart’’. Rush is still going strong after all these years. Personal Pick: ’’TOM SAWYER’’

And Justice For All – Metallica
Everyone picks the black album. I like this one better. Its got the incredible ’’ONE’’ in it. Flip side – the recording wasnt done well. But this ones the essence of Metallica

Saved the best for the last:

Paint the sky with stars (the best of Enya) – Enya
Enya is my all time favourite female vocalist. I suggested a BEST OF ENYA because if i didnt, I might have put 5 Enya records in this twenty best list. Songs to listen to are the haunting title track ’’Paint the sky with stars’’, the awesome ’’Orinoco Flow (sail away)’’ and ’’Anywhere Is’’

Thats it!

SPECIAL MENTION:

A list of musicians/singers who would definitely find an entry or two in my record collection:

* Vangelis
* Dream Theatre
* Judas Priest
* Madonna
* Iron Maiden (I was tempted to add Fear of the Dark)
* Ozzy Osbourne
* Creed
* Puddle Of Mudd
* Stone Temple Pilots

too many to list…

I have had to omit lots of others because of the 20 record limit. Forgive me for not including something you might have expected or liked to see but… whats the fun in writing a review if you got to conform :)

happy listening :)

5 Best Cover Versions of English Songs

Posted by on September 28, 2011 1 comment

Doing covers is a safe bet for most musicians. For one, the material has already been written, the wheel invented. All you have to do is do a tweak here, add a touch there and sing it again.

A healthy percentage of covers have always sounded better than the original. That makes picking 5 of them a real tough ask. I’ll illustrate with an example:

Take a look at the CATS IN THE CRADLE track. It was originally written and performed by Harry Chapin. Well crafted instrumental phrases, decent vocals and real good lyrics made this song a great one. The came the Cat Stevens version and he managed to upstage the original in his inimitable style. Finally you have the Ugly Kids Joe version which kicks @$$. Not to mention lots of other bands that covered the song.

Anyway, here’s my pick:
————————————–

Crying in the Rain
* Covered by: A-Ha
* Album: East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon
* Originally by: Carole King & Howie Greenfield / Everley Brothers

I’m a big fan of this Norwegian trio. They churned out some real good synth laden songs. Their version of Crying in the rain is one of the most beautiful covers you can ever hear.

The song begins with sounds of rain and thunder. Pal Waktaar slowly blends his synth sounds in and the song takes you on a sonic journey you’ll never forget.

(I Cant Help) Falling In Love With You
* Covered by: UB40
* Originally by: Elvis Presley

They took this great love song, added some reggae beats, they blended some great notes by the brass section and they made Ali Campbell sing it in his unique way. Peppier than the original, this is one cover that you might want to listen more often than the original.

Perfect Day
* Covered by: Various Artistes (Bono…)
* Originally by: Lou Reed

A timeless song by the legendary Lou Reed. A song that makes a perfect gift for someone you care about or an invaluable addition to your collection. A song covered by many bands including Duran Duran. Now visualize this song being sung by Bono of U2 for Children in Need and ably supported by a host of singers including the legendary Luciano Pavarotti…

Beautiful!

The Man Who Sold The World
* Covered by: Nirvana
* Originally by: David Bowie

Nirvana unplugged is a classic. Its got acoustic versions of some great Nirvana songs including Polly and also covers of bands like the Leadbellies and Meat Puppets. This song is the pick of the lot. David Bowie is a genius. Kurt Cobain was a phenomenal genius.

I would also like to mention the songs PLATEAU and LAKE OF FIRE from this record. They’re great.

Knockin On Heavens Door
* Covered by: Guns n Roses
* Originally by: Bob Dylan

GNR took this song to heaven and back with some great hooks and wonderful orchestration. Axl Rose is also one of the best frontmen of all time.

~finis~

******************************************************

Quick List Of Other Noteworthy Covers

* SMOOTH CRIMINAL – Alien Ant Farm’s version of this Michael Jackson hit is very very cool.
* HUSH – originally by Joe South – well done by Deep Purple ;)
* Always On My Mind – Pet Shop Boys did a great synth pop version of this classic
* Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds – The Beatles song was covered rather well by that eccentric dude – Elton John
* American Woman – Creedence Clearwater Revival did a good version. Lenny Kravitz also did a good version.
* We Will Rock You – listen to the version of this Queen anthem… by FIVE… its great and the video also features the Queen members – Roger Taylor and the legendary Brian May.

5 Best English Love Songs

Posted by on September 27, 2011 1 comment

Yeah… I play the guitar and keys… I know a few…

I’ll make this short. These are 5 of the best love songs I play (on whatever instruments I play). No introductions… am going straight to the tracks:

#5: Always on my mind – the Elvis Presley version
It isn’t exactly a positive love song as it sounds more like an apology and a take me back sort of song. But the song is beautiful so it finds its place in here. Pet Shop Boys covered the song and did a real good synth laden version of this song.

#4: And I love her – Beatles
Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

The lyrics are plain and straightforward. The song is simple and true. It works.

#3: Play Me
She was morning and I was night time
I one day woke up to find her lying beside my bed
I softly said… come Take Me…

the God of mush… Mr. N. Diamond… wrote this sweet song… here’s the chorus

you are the sun i am the moon
you are the words i am the tune
play me…

#2: Father Figure – George Michael from the album Faith
I was a huge George Michael fan in the 80s. I still am. Because the man is very very talented. His record Faith showcases his immense talents. It churned out 6 number 1 hits – Faith, Father Figure, One More Try being some of them.

Father Figure is a beautiful beautiful song. The transition between the chords and the lyrics are beautiful. My favourite lines in this song:

If you are the desert I’ll be the sea
If you ever hunger, hunger for me
Whatever you ask for that’s what I’ll be

shucks… wheres that wretched guitar….

#1: Hawkmoon 269 – U2 from the album Rattle and Hum
The hairs on my hand stand up each time I play this song. Its one of U2s best and most underrated songs… I’ve played this song at least a thousand times and I vow to play it till I die…

I’m going to type the lyrics in here… better still, I’ll copy and paste from some site (talk about being lazy)

Hawkmoon 269 – by U2

Like a desert needs rain
Like a town needs a name
I need your love.

Like a drifter needs a room
Hawkmoon
I need your love.
I need your love.

Like a rhythm unbroken
Like drums in the night
Like sweet soul music
Like sunlight
I need your love.

Like coming home
And you don’t know where you’ve been
Like black coffee
Like nicotine
I need your love,
I need your love.

When the night has no end
And the day yet to begin
As the room spins around
I need your love
I need your love.

Like a Phoenix rising needs a holy tree
Like the sweet revenge
Of a bitter enemy
I need your love.

Like heat needs the sun
Like honey on her tongue
Like the muzzle of a gun
Like oxygen
I need your love,
I need your love.

When the night has no end
And the day yet to begin
As the room spins around
I need your love
I need your love.

Like thunder needs rain
Like a preacher needs pain
Like tongues of flame
Like a sweet stain
Need your love
I need your love.

Like a needle needs a vein
Like someone to blame
Like a thought unchained
Like a runaway train
Need your love,
I need your love.
Need your love
I need your love.

Like faith needs a doubt
Like a freeway out
Need your love.

Like powder needs a spark
Like lies need the dark
I need your love.

Viva U2! Bono and gang rule.

Hope you enjoyed the pick of five. Please listen to Hawkmoon 269. Its a request!

5 Best Books

Posted by on September 26, 2011 No comments

Every book has something to give you… even the crappy ones. As such its extremely unfair to pore through manuscript after manuscript and do a process of elimination vibe a la American Idol (or its sorry clone Indian Idol). An Idol mind is a devils workshop??

I am going to pick 5 books which gave me food for thought and maybe an Adrenaline rush or three…. so read on me hearties:

Journey To The Center Of The Earth – by Jules Verne (Science Fiction)
This book made it to my other list too – the childhood favourites one. It must be because I’m a sucker for science. I love to learn about minerals and metals, inventions and how things work. And I love this planet. This book may be fiction but it contains enough facts about the earth to make an earth lover smack his lips (smack smack smackola smackity smack). The tale is about an eccentric professor, his young protege Axel and their discovery of a manuscript that plots the path taken by an ancient explorer to reach the center of the earth. They decide to follow the path. The author then takes you on a bizarre trip filled with little nuggets of science, all the way down one volcano in Iceland and out of another volcano. Read it… experience it… dream it every night for the rest of your life.

Fall Of The House Of Usher – E. A. Poe (horror)
This book gave me the chills. Now I’m one of those people who aren’t shaken by anything. I don’t have any phobias (except waking up with all 5 spice girls next to me brrrrrrr… scary). But this book did it. The gripping tale of how a brother sentences his ill sister to a live burial and how she comes back to extract revenge is nothing short of BRILLIANT! Beware – you may never sleep the same way again :P

The Hobbit – J.R.R Tolkien (fantasy)
A lot has been written on this post-LOTR but my relation with this book started like 10 years before the movies hit the screen. The Hobbit is the prelude to the Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Tolkien conjures an imaginary world filled with endearing characters. The narrative is great and your imagination is stroked.

One more reason why I like Tolkien is the song Battle Of Evermore by Led Zeppelin. Its drenched in Tolkienism. The song uses three mandolins – my favourite instrument.

’’The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath and drums will shake the castle walls, the RINGWRAITHS ride in black’’

The Exorcist – William Blatty (horror)
I liked the movie. I loved the book. enough said

Hammer Of The Gods – the Led Zeppelin biography (er.. biography) :P
Why is this book here? Because its my favourite band. They were the wildest, meanest, baddest band in their time. And their rags to riches tale. accounts of debauchery and excesses is legendary. Read this book if you want to learn how they rocked in the 60s and 70s. From groupies to gangsters, flower power to florescence… this is one psychedelic trip. Not recommended for people who dont like reading this kind of stuff (I’m playing it safe).

any more??? you bet there is more… but the train of thought has left the station. So I’ll save the rest for a rainy day.

peace

PS: this topic will see some edits in the near future. thank you :)

5 Best Cartoons

Posted by on September 25, 2011 2 comments

I watch cartoons. I watched them when I was 1. I watch them when I’m 34. I will watch them when I’m 200. And no ones going to stop me. I’ll go to any lengths for my laughs.

And now, I’m going to pick 5 of my favourite cartoon shows of all time. Some of you might have not heard of some of these, but they rock. Here goes nothing:

#5: Barbapapa :- I bet you havent even heard of this one but this was the first cartoon I ever watched without missing a frame. Its a family of shape shifting blobs headed by the loveable dad BARBAPAPA. Adorable and extremely cool, they could turn themselves into any shape.

#4: Count Duckula :- The count was accidentally injected with ketchup by his assistant Igor and he turned vegetarian. His nemesis was Dr. Von Goosewing who was out to drive a stake through the count’s heart. Castle Duckula and its members teleported to different times and places at will. Incredibly cool

#3: Duck Dodgers :- I have a thing for ducks dont I :) Daffy Duck is one of my favourite foul mouthed feathered freak of all time.

#2: Drak Pack :- Another one of my all time favourites. The three heroes are descendants of famous monsters – Drak, Frankie and Howler (their ancestors were Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster and Werewolf). They have all the powers their ancestors had but they use it for good. Together they fight Dr. Dred and his O.G.R.E group (Organization of Generally Rotten Endeavors) which included Big D, Fly, Toad, Mummy man and Vampira

#1: Pink Panther :- The coolest thing ever drawn. Enough said!!

There… thats all. :)

Out of Order – Rod Stewart

Posted by on August 18, 2011 No comments

So… its time to listen to some raspy renditions by the man – Rod Stewart. From stompers to romantic ballads, this record is COMPLETE!

I picked up this record way over a decade and a half ago when I saw it in a shelf and got intrigued by the cover. I had listened to Rod Stewart before but I wasnt one of those fans or dedicated Rod Stewart listeners. And boy, I laid my hands on a winner.

Rod Stewart had this tendency of slapping his face on the cover of each of his albums (incidentally Rod Stewart was the singer in a band called THE FACES). This one had him sitting in a chair with his face buried in his arms… heh… he didn’t need a face to produce a good record.

Out Of Order has some songs that can get your feet moving. It also has some carefully crafted pop tunes that are LISTENABLE, LIKEABLE and HUMMABLE (if you cant sing… hum…)

Out Of Order
The original Out Of Order tape in my shelf is out of order, from repeated listening. I laid my hands on it in 1988, the year it was released. And all those repeated listenings bear testimonial to the fact that this IS A GREAT ALBUM.

I’ve managed to acquire a replacement for that first tape. The reason being, its one of those records that you can slip in and listen from song 1 to song last without hitting the fast forward button. Good call psyxx. Good call.

Rod Stewart’s strong points have been his unique voice and the musicians who played with him (Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor worked with Rod on this one).

And you… you might know Rod Stewart for ’’Have I Told you Lately’’, ’’Maggie Mae’’, ’’Sailing’’ and other songs but if there is ONE Rod Stewart album you SHOULD buy – it is this one.

The Tracks
The opening track, Lost In You, a big hit in the late eighties, kicks things off for Rod and crew and is downright good. Next comes Wild Horses, a song featuring some cool guitar work. Lethal Dose Of Love is a lesser known track but a pretty peppy one.

The fourth song is a beautiful ballad Forever Young that went on to be a big hit. My Heart Cant Tell Me No is next and its a nice ballad that pulls your sentimental chords… love can be a painful emotion.

This song t is followed by one of my favourite songs on this album Dynamite… its racy… its romping… its stomping… ITS DYNAMITE!!!!

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out tells you about how people ignore you when you’re down… but they flock back to you when you’re on a high (isnt that the truth? :) )

Now if you need a song to sing when you’ve gone bonkers or have a crush on some girl… the next song is ideal – Crazy About Her….

’Hey, I’m a loaded gun
I’m crazy about her, crazy about her
Hey, I’m a lovesick son
I’m crazy about her’

And… there is a cover song in here too… an old classic called Try a little Tenderness… its beautiful. Another cover comes by… and again its a beautiful ballad – When I was your man Most of the songs on this record ooze romantic vibes.

And now…
I did save the best for the last… and I did tell you guys that the rains have made me feisty… so its time for the last track on this @$$kicking record…. time to turn on the PSEXX APPEAL… and sing….

Almost Illegal

She’s wonderful, she’s beautiful
She’s desirable, she’s MINE

I’m delirious, she’s serious
It’s kinda dangerous, almost illegal

Wonderful, so beautiful
She’s not a radical, but she’s mine

She’s fabulous, so sensuous
And it’s marvelous, almost illegal

Beautiful and she’s wonderful
So desirable, almost illegal

sing with me all you dudes…

BEAUTIFUL… SHE’S WONDERFUL…. SO DESIRABLE… SHE’S MINE…

click…

~finis~

Piece of info: Rod Stewart worked as a grave digger for a short while… he’s a multi-millionaire today and drives some incredible cars…

Different Light – Bangles

Posted by on August 3, 2011 No comments

No, they’re not paying me to do album reviews. I’m doing this out of free will… free spirit…. free mind… free… yeah… I’m doing it for free!

I’ve been trying to pick records that don’t have a weird HITS to BLAHS ratio. In other words, the records I’ve been choosing are ones that have more than a handful of good songs. Value for money sort of vibe.

I’ll confess. There’s nothing cooler than an all woman rock band. Especially if they got the stage presence and they can deliver. There is a shortage of these so if you’re a woman reading this… grab a guitar… grab some friends… make them grab some instruments… start jamming… and show the world what WOMAN POWER means :)

The Female Equivalent of Beatles
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The Bangles are four beautiful women who played some sweet sounding fun pop tracks and also some seriously intense songs. They had some big hits during the 80s that included songs like Manic Monday, Eternal Flame, Walk Like an Egyptian, Hazy Shades Of Winter and so on.

The Bangles were:

* Debbie Peterson – drums, guitars, vocals
* Vicki Peterson – lead guitars, vocals
* Suzanna Hoffs – guitars, lead vocals
* Michael Steele – the hottest woman to ever play the bass guitar, vocals

heh… I always had a soft corner for women who play bass guitar.

The Bangles discography isnt as lengthy as the Beatles. For some strange reason they broke up after their studio album Everything. But the three or so albums that they released had enough hits to showcase what a great band The Bangles were.

The Quintessential women’s band! Sure you cannot compare them with the Beatles but in a world thats starved of great all-woman rock/pop bands, The Bangles did well.

Different Light
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This record is a great mix of songs ranging from the poppy hit ’’Manic Monday’’ to the intense Michael Steele ballad ’’Following’’

I’ll give you a taste of whats in this record:

* Manic Monday – this song is the anthem of people who dont like Mondays (like ALL OF US in here??). It was penned by that great musician Prince who had a crush on Suzanna Hoffs.

Its just another Manic Monday… wish it was Sunday… cos thats my fun day… my ’I dont have to run’ day… its just another manic monday

* Walk Like An Egyptian – heh… it had a whole lot of people walking like Egyptians on the video. Its been copied by some hindi music director for a Sunny Deol movie (the song goes something like chori chori ankhon mein…). It has a great bit of whistling and Vicki Peterson, Michael Steele and Suzanna Hoffs singing one verse each. Brilliant! Perfect song to sing when you are bored or whistle in a cinema hall while everyone’s watching a soppy tear-jerking tragedy scene (I know… because one idiot I went to watch a movie with a long time ago, did just that…)

* Return Post – an ultra cool song that will make you snap your fingers with the beat.

* Walking Down Your Street – a big hit in the 80s.

The rest of the tracks on the record are ’Angels Dont Fall In Love’, ’September Gurls’, ’Following’, ’Not Like You’, ’Standing in a hallway’ and the title track ’In a Different Light’.

A PSYXX star album
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My verdict. This is worth owning. Its got a whole lot of melody and enough groove to make you want to listen to it all the time. Yes, this is a psyxx star album :)

The Bangles did a reunion of sorts in the late 90s. They looked prettier and better than ever. AOOOOOOOOOOOW!

PS: Michael Steele…. woooooooooooooooo….

~finis~

check out www.thebangles.com

PS: A lot of drool was expended while writing this review. I cant help it. There’s something about a woman playing a bass guitar (no innuendo intended).