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 :)

Starting a Music Band

Posted by on September 26, 2011 No comments

I took the Banding and Bonding bit from my current band’s motto… loads of bonding before the banding…the key to band survival and sustenance can be summed up with that one statement…

A BAND IS A BOND!!

There are several reasons why one would form a band. For one, its cool to be in a band. Then there is the popularity factor – play a gig or two and people start looking at you like you have Viagara in your blood stream and you’re a foot taller than you used to be. Finally, and to me, the most important factor – the sheer joy of entertaining a bunch of people.

Every time you step on a stage and look at the masses who’ve come to see you play, it gives you a rush that cannot be described. Its the perfect drug.

I say to myself ’’Control yourself, idiot… you have a review to write’’

Why band
====================

While lurking around the music section of this site, I saw loads of people writing that MUSIC is this… MUSIC is that… MUSIC is heart… MUSIC is soul…

They all speak the TRUTH. Being in a band has loads of benefits. Here are some:

* Learning an instrument and singing is a great skill to possess
* Playing in a band requires a lot of discipline (a great value to possess in life)
* Playing live builds your confidence
* You get your share of that precious thing called LIMELIGHT

And here’s another truth: YOU HAVE DREAMED THE DREAM YOURSELF! YOU WANT TO BE IN A BAND!

Anatomy of a Band
====================

A band can be ONE person (haven’t you heard – a one man band) playing multiple instruments and/or singing. Although it does sound odd calling one person – a band. Lets just live with that. A band can also be MORE THAN ONE person (ah… that’s what we’re talking about). The number of people is a variable and its determined by the style of music you wish to create and play and/or the instruments you wish to include.

Here’s my bulleted list of thoughts:

* Bands can contain ZERO instruments and just voices (music made by such bands are called A CAPELLA)
* Bands can contain 2 people (which makes it a DUO – like Simon and Garfunkel or the Pet Shop Boys). In such cases, the music might be provided by one of the members playing keyboards or maybe a guitar (so many possibilities).
* The there are three piece bands like the POLICE and RUSH. The structure of these bands are similar with all three members playing instruments (bass, guitars and drums). In the case of both these bands, the vocals are provided by the bass player.
* You got bands with 4 or more members.

Having more members allows you to add more instruments and provide a larger sonic structure but it need not mean that you can play better than a three piece. Its all about crafting great songs and understanding sound.

Assembling the components
====================

First things first – FIX ON YOUR MUSIC STYLE. Whether its an A CAPELLA or a PROGRESSIVE ROCK band… get a fix on your music style…

OR… be open to all forms of music and be ready to welcome people who think the same way…

Here’s your question: WHERE DO I FIND PEOPLE?

Its not easy. You have to look hard. You might even have to advertise.

Check out music themed sites like www.rsjonline.com and www.gigpad.com (hey sandy, wicliff dudes… I plugged your site in my review… buy me beer when I come to Mumbai). They have a classified section where people advertise. And you can post your own ads too. For Free!! (I know you love that word)

Check out colleges for talent too.

Also, make sure you get to a lot of gigs that happen all over your city. You meet people that way.

A good contact can do wonders. So meet more people. And ask around!

It takes time to get the right bunch of people… be patient

also… bands are about BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS too… so dont think you’re in for a cakewalk. The fruits are rewarding so sow your seeds and nurture them well.

What next?
====================

Now that you got all the pretty faces and instruments… PRACTICE like mad. And spend time together. The first three months are going to be STRESS INCORPORATED. You’re dealing with egos here. Sink in… communicate… laugh a lot… and don’t get on a high horse.

HUMILITY and CALM takes you places!

Once you have the BOND going… the BAND will have a foundation that’s sturdy enough to withstand the highs and lows that goes with the music scene.

FACT: The members of some legendary bands didn’t even know how to play a note when they formed their band… they worked together and learnt on the way up… so don’t lose hope… just WORK on IT!

Choosing a Set List
====================

You cant start churning out originals from day 1. So quit thinking about that. Sink in and get the sound right. Get everyone to make a list of 5 songs they want to play and pick 10 of the ones that are the easiest. Make a timetable for JAMS (those insane practice sessions) and stick to it. Work on 1 or two songs per jam.

Each member must do their homework and come to the Jam room. The jam room is where you tighten the bolts and piece the song together. Its not where you sit and figure out a song (do that at home… listen to the track over and over to get a good feel of it)

Once you crack your first 10 songs… you’re a band and you’re on your way.

Again, whats the next step?
====================

PLAY LIVE! Grab whatever opportunity you have to be in the public eye. Build your reputation gig by gig. Dont worry about getting rich. Here’s the golden rule:

HARD WORK FINDS ITS WAY

Focus on delivering consistent performances… the rupees and dollars will follow automatically!

The Flip Side
====================

As with everything, even bands have lows. There can be fights, clashes of egos, bad sound, lost voices… everything… so be prepared and tackle the problems like a unit.

A band is a bond. Its family. You have to look out for each other. If someone goes through a low, let them know that you are there for them. Motivate each other. These are the little things that go a long way.

Limelight
====================

Every band starts out small. People meet, jam, play live and dream… without DREAMING you cant do anything. Fantasize about the fame and fortune… and WORK for it. To quote a line from an OZZY song ’’THERE ARE NO IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS’’

I end my review here… enjoyed this one.

As for you lot with dreams of forming a band – GO FOR IT!

~ finis ~

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. :)

20 Best TV / Movie Themes

Posted by on August 23, 2011 No comments

Every time you rack your brains and sift through the archives of the mind to compile a twenty, ten, five, fifty ’’BEST this, WORST that’’ lists, you end up with a sinking feeling inside that you’ve missed something. As this is a problem with no solution, its best to just dive in a pick what comes up and not give it a thought after you hit the SUBMIT button.

Deep breath….

I’m sticking to non-hindi tracks as I have limited experience with those. Here’s my top twenty picks for great television or movie themes:

20: Battlestar Gallactica theme

19: The Batman theme (ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding BATMANNNNNN)

18: Theme from Miami Vice (Jan Hammer)

17: The Blade Runner theme (Vangelis)

16: Dances with Wolves theme (Enya)

15: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (the Spielberg classic)

14: Philadelphia (Brice Springsteen – for the movie of the same name)

13: Mission Impossible (am sure many people would agree with this one)

12: Star Wars theme (may the force be with you)

11: Everything I do (I do it for you) – dunno if its exactly a theme but it works

10: Dead Man Walking theme – Eddie Vedder meets Pt. Ravishankar – a beautiful movie too.

9: Theme from Lawrence Of Arabia

8: Last Of The Mohicans – Enya, Enya, Enya (listen to the song I WILL FIND YOU… its beautiful)

7: Theme from ’’Love Story’’ – its pretty touching

6: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (now thats CLASSIC)

5: Fraggle Rock theme (fraggle rock is a puppet show which I watched during my growing up years. The theme song can brighten any day)

4: The Sound Of Music theme – its legendary

3: The Pink Panther theme (Henry Mancini)

2: Now you are free (Gladiator theme) – Enya , Enya, Enya

1: Chariots of Fire – I’m a HUGE Vangelis Fan and this is my all time favourite.

Hope you get an opportunity to hear some of these tracks. If I’ve missed something memorable, please post it as a comment. I’d truly appreciate it.

Happy listening.

PS: some might not be a purists interpretation of a theme but I hope the music makes up for it

5 Gifts I Would Like to Receive

Posted by on August 22, 2011 No comments

Now am being greedy ;)

Can’t get enough of these ’five this’ and ’ten that’ topics!!

Ok, now this is pretty hard. How can one confine greed to just 5 items. I mean there are tons of goodies out there to grab, hoard, cuddle and hold. Brain… CONTROL!!!!!

Ok… here it is from 5 to 1…

5: A Hammond Organ – I know its expensive. I know my Sensei Mr. Jon Lord plays one (or 100). I know I can play it. I just don’t have one. Doesn’t that sound like a great reason for putting that in here?

4: The Hershey’s Chocolate Factory – I have sweet teeth. Its not my fault. I was born… with SWEET TEETH!

3: A Remote Tropical Island – Who said NO MAN IS AN ISLAND? I want them to talk to my lawyers right now. I love solitude, nature, the beach and a few seagull droppings on my hat.

2: Every CD on my wishlist – now this is a wishlist within a wishlist. Like in some movies you have a flashback inside a flashback. I want them all… all the CDs… from Dave Mathews to Dave Anand… er Dev Anand (I like that Phoolon ka taaron ka song from Hare Rama Hare Krishna)

1: This last wish… I will save for a rainy day.

peace

5 Best Inspirational Songs

Posted by on August 21, 2011 No comments

Skipping all the spiel and jumping straight in… (a little note… its hard to write Indian Languages in English heh heh)

Five Awesome Inspirational Indian Songs
=====================================

Pick #5: Hum Honge Kaamyaab - The track from the rather cool movie Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron became the common mans mantra. Everyone wants to make it big in life and if a song could give them that little push up the ladder – it is this one. (Satish Shah played a corpse throughout the movie – now thats cool)

Pick #4: Yeh Dosti – This song from Sholay might not seem inspirational at the first listen but listen to it a few times. It inspires true friendship. I’ll even post a bit of the lyric because I feel like it:

meri jeet teri jeet, teri haar meri haar
Sun ae mere yaar
Tera gham mera gham, meri jaan teri jaan
Aisa apna pyaar

Friendships inspire… blood is not usually thicker than water… this song kicks @$$!

Pick #3: Bharat Humko Jaan Se – from the Movie Roja (surprisingly the Tamil version was better). The scene where a tied, beaten up Aravind Swami uses his own body to protect a burning Indian flag in front of a bunch of terrorists is brilliant. Mani Ratnam is a genius. A legend called A. R. Rehman was born.

Pick #2: Vande Mataram (A.R.Rehman) – its not from a movie… but its one of the best versions of the song. The tamil version is also great.

Pick #1: Chale Chalo – Now… If you told me to pick just ONE INSPIRATIONAL HINDI SONG… I wouldnt have even given it a second’s thought. It is this one. Lagaan was a great movie but this one song and the picturization is stuff that will linger in the minds of fans of the celluloid.

Those were the five Indian songs I could think about. On to the English ones:

Five Awesome Inspirational English Songs
=====================================

Pick #5: Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley) – well the next line goes STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS… thats exactly what you need to do all the time… STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!… great reggae track.

Pick #4: No Pain No Gain – The Scorpions wrote a lot of great songs that were anthem quality. I was tempted to pick Under The Same Sun but this ones more of an in your face, get up and go for it song. (From the Alien Nation album by Scorpions)

Pick #3: Let It Be - Ah… this one needs no description. The Beatles were a once in a lifetime band.

Pick #2: For those about to rock, we salute you – People need inspiration for different reasons. As such you might not agree with this pick of mine but… I was watching this AC/DC concert on tape way back in the 80s and this song… with the cannons going BOOOOOOM towards the end… it inspired me to do the one thing that gave me strength through all the rough times… ROCK!

Pick #1: You’re the Voice – John Farnham! Heard of John Farnham? He’s a legend. An Australian legend who’s on par with people like Cliff Richards. This one song is reason enough why he should be given the soubriquet – LEGEND!

There… I did it. I know it might not be the list you expected but then I can only write whats related to my thought process and experience. Hope you find a name in the list that is familiar and has invoked similar emotions inside you. If not – listen to some of these.

10 Best Female Bands

Posted by on August 20, 2011 No comments

Frankly, I don’t know whether that TEN BEST FEMALE BANDS heading refers to bands with Female singers or just pure ALL GIRL bands. As such I haven’t heard much but I’ll try to compile a list of the best I’ve heard (remember that these are ALL GIRL bands)

10. Chicks On Speed
9. 4 non blondes
8. Shakespeare’s Sister
7. Sister Sledge
6. Banarama
5. Dixie Chicks
4. Atomic Kitten
3. Spice Chicks er Girls
2. Destiny’s Child
1. Bangles

If you ask me… only one band in that list really mattered to me – Bangles! The Bangles were touted as the female Beatles after their record Hazy Shade Of Winter hit the stands. The record churned out a number of hits including Manic Monday, Walk like an Egyptian, Walking down your street and If she knew what she wants. The Bangles failed to live up to the tag as they faded into oblivion a few years after this great record was released.

Now why did I put some of those other names in the list? Well 4 non blondes had a pretty decent hit in WHATS UP?, Bananarama was pretty good during their day, Destiny’s Child has Beyonce Knowles (please… she’s talented… period), Spice Girls spawned a whole lot of hits and clones and Atomic Kitten… they purr :)

A special mention…. Salt and Pepa was pretty good too :)

I’ll be editing this review at some point of time to provide a clearer picture of the top ten all girl bands but tonight isn’t the night. I have to borrow some all girl band CDs from someone :)

If you haven’t heard the Bangles album HAZY SHADE OF WINTER… go buy it! Its worth it.

Peace!