I have always been fond of genre bending music but cringe at the sound of the word "fusion" which is amateurishly used time and again to describe music that wont fit in the limited genres known by people. Lots of great artists like Nitin Sawhney and Karsh Kale have created their own space in recent years.
so I was overjoyed to hear a new sound emerging from the collaboration betwene Mumford and Sons and Dharohar Project, a rajasthani folk ensemble. Check it out yourselves
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Save BBC Asian Network
Dear Trustees
I have been a loyal listener of BBC Asian Network for more than 4 years now. My first listening experience came when I was an international listener based in California, USA. Not only was the delivery of the content groundbreaking, it truly filled a void for listeners like me who wanted to hear fresh music that was not easy to find. My motivation is not so much to reconnect with my linguistic roots but to just know that there is a mainstream medium that caters to who I am and what I stand for. Their support of the London Mela and other events make it an important fabric for the community, not just a radio station. Closing it down and relegating it to a untimely corner of another station is taking a giant step backwards and, frankly, snatching away the identity of a community.
As others may have pointed out already, the £9m budget for the Asian Network and Radio 6 seems like a drop in the ocean vis a vis BBC total budget and maybe in this instance cost per listener is not the correct measure of the stations' success.
My respect for the BBC is founded on its independence from commercial interests. While I understand business rationale, I put on the hat of a listener alone and do not support the closure of Asian Network and Radio 6.
Sincerely
Manish
I have been a loyal listener of BBC Asian Network for more than 4 years now. My first listening experience came when I was an international listener based in California, USA. Not only was the delivery of the content groundbreaking, it truly filled a void for listeners like me who wanted to hear fresh music that was not easy to find. My motivation is not so much to reconnect with my linguistic roots but to just know that there is a mainstream medium that caters to who I am and what I stand for. Their support of the London Mela and other events make it an important fabric for the community, not just a radio station. Closing it down and relegating it to a untimely corner of another station is taking a giant step backwards and, frankly, snatching away the identity of a community.
As others may have pointed out already, the £9m budget for the Asian Network and Radio 6 seems like a drop in the ocean vis a vis BBC total budget and maybe in this instance cost per listener is not the correct measure of the stations' success.
My respect for the BBC is founded on its independence from commercial interests. While I understand business rationale, I put on the hat of a listener alone and do not support the closure of Asian Network and Radio 6.
Sincerely
Manish
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Karthik Calling Karthik - KK and Punditz
Mainstream bollywood has finally opened up its arms to the genre busting Punditz and Karsh Kale to add remixes by them in the main soundtrack of KCK.
I know Shankar Ehsaan Loy, the Punditz and KK are friends and have collaborated on world stages before. To see them contribute multiple tracks to a soundtrack is absolutely fantastic.
The Punditz have been there before with their original track featuring on the Monsoon Wedding soundtrack (Fabric/Aaja Savariya).
I have to be honest though that the Uff Teri Ada remix is not as fresh as I would have liked it to be. It sticks too closeley to tired and tested remix formulae to not get me that excited. The Karthik 2.0 track is more true to the style that KK and the Punditz can be associated with.
However, it opens up the door to more of KKs work to feature in mainstream bollywood even if it on the more intellectually tilted films.
Kudos to Shankar Ehsaan Loy for opening up the doors!
I know Shankar Ehsaan Loy, the Punditz and KK are friends and have collaborated on world stages before. To see them contribute multiple tracks to a soundtrack is absolutely fantastic.
The Punditz have been there before with their original track featuring on the Monsoon Wedding soundtrack (Fabric/Aaja Savariya).
I have to be honest though that the Uff Teri Ada remix is not as fresh as I would have liked it to be. It sticks too closeley to tired and tested remix formulae to not get me that excited. The Karthik 2.0 track is more true to the style that KK and the Punditz can be associated with.
However, it opens up the door to more of KKs work to feature in mainstream bollywood even if it on the more intellectually tilted films.
Kudos to Shankar Ehsaan Loy for opening up the doors!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Lost a fellow drummer
Today I received news about the loss of a fellow drummer. Moribu - as he was fondly known - lost his battle to a terminal illness. I have some fond memories of playing the djembe alongside him, learning from him and teaching him. I hadn't seen him in 3 years but the news today made me very sad because I will always remember him smiling and carrying his colourful drum around.
I pay my respects to Moribu.
I pay my respects to Moribu.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!
I know this is an old song but it deserves a mention on this pad because I have been savouring the wonderful snippets of dialogue in between the lines. Almost easy to ignore if you fixate on the thumping chorus which is easiest to remember.
0:00 - O Welcome hai ji apna hi graage hai!
0:13 - Ohe! Oye truckaan waada geet hai jeee!
0:25 - Aa lo jee! Ho ja shuru
0:40 - Oye Kharcha control kar! Taxi vi lenna hai!
1:30 - Chetti Karr!
3:17 - Aaaaa Lucky Jeda hai apna ... munnda kenna da hai bai! single hai kee bachelor?
4:01 - Oh Le! Petrool te Pavaaya hi nai! Oye koi gall nahi... saaddi gaddi te goodwill naal challdi Hai!
The snippets add ovely flavours of a "thet" punjabi conversation outside a garage! Lends itself beautifully to the movie
0:00 - O Welcome hai ji apna hi graage hai!
0:13 - Ohe! Oye truckaan waada geet hai jeee!
0:25 - Aa lo jee! Ho ja shuru
0:40 - Oye Kharcha control kar! Taxi vi lenna hai!
1:30 - Chetti Karr!
3:17 - Aaaaa Lucky Jeda hai apna ... munnda kenna da hai bai! single hai kee bachelor?
4:01 - Oh Le! Petrool te Pavaaya hi nai! Oye koi gall nahi... saaddi gaddi te goodwill naal challdi Hai!
The snippets add ovely flavours of a "thet" punjabi conversation outside a garage! Lends itself beautifully to the movie
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Not excited about U2's new album
Unusual for me, and with a heavy heart I have to say that I am totally not excited about U2's "No Line on the Horizon".
Their first single, "get on your boots", which I briefly heard on some streaming site and then more closely heard at the Brit 09 awards, doesn't come close to their previous headline singles (Vertigo,Beautiful Day...). The song does sound somewhat like a mashup of Vertigo's guitars and We didn't start the fire's (Billy Joel) lyrics. Not impressed so far.
I also hear that the alum was leaked on some Pirate file sharing site for a brief period and those with a keen web eye downloaded the tracks. People report that the album on the whole isn't that great.
I might still buy the album and go see them live because they are an awesome act on stage but this lack of entusiasm, rcessionary times and expensive tickets mean that It is going to be a tough call overall.
Their first single, "get on your boots", which I briefly heard on some streaming site and then more closely heard at the Brit 09 awards, doesn't come close to their previous headline singles (Vertigo,Beautiful Day...). The song does sound somewhat like a mashup of Vertigo's guitars and We didn't start the fire's (Billy Joel) lyrics. Not impressed so far.
I also hear that the alum was leaked on some Pirate file sharing site for a brief period and those with a keen web eye downloaded the tracks. People report that the album on the whole isn't that great.
I might still buy the album and go see them live because they are an awesome act on stage but this lack of entusiasm, rcessionary times and expensive tickets mean that It is going to be a tough call overall.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
I'm diggin Ges-E's Dil Se
Heard this track for the first time on Nerm's show on the BBC Asian Network as he counted down 2008's most important eastern drum and bass drops.
Ges E's Dil Se featuring Shandy came up and I am diggin this track right now on Ges-E's myspace page
It will be released on Nasha V3 in Feb 2009.
Can't wait for their next live outing
Ges E's Dil Se featuring Shandy came up and I am diggin this track right now on Ges-E's myspace page
It will be released on Nasha V3 in Feb 2009.
Can't wait for their next live outing
Monday, December 15, 2008
Osmani Soundz - unsung hero of Ethnic drum and bass
I have been a fan of Osmani soundz from the very time I heard about him on Adil Ray's BBC Asian Network show years ago. The track that I heard then is still one his most haunting creations called 'Lushmeena' from their album - Eastern Drum and Breaks.
The track puts together a Lata Mangeshkar sample (also featured on Yash Raj Films introductory melody) with some deep drum and bass. Though already a few years old, IMHO it is a classic that's going to remain current for many many years to come.
I also got to see OS spin live at the Jazz cafe after Nitin Sawheny's performance and it was amazing to see people go into a trance on the small dance floor.
www.myspace.com/osoundz
The track puts together a Lata Mangeshkar sample (also featured on Yash Raj Films introductory melody) with some deep drum and bass. Though already a few years old, IMHO it is a classic that's going to remain current for many many years to come.
I also got to see OS spin live at the Jazz cafe after Nitin Sawheny's performance and it was amazing to see people go into a trance on the small dance floor.
www.myspace.com/osoundz
Sunday, November 23, 2008
I found it ... again! Ida Corr vs Fedde Le Grand
Ok this is becoming a menace now.
I reported a while ago how it took me ages to figure out a track I had heard a couple of times at clubs. It turned out to be Switch's "a bit patchy"
After my graduation party at the cuckoo club (where I had the privilege of playing a track or two for the crowd myself), the DJ played a song sort of latish in the evening after I was a couple of Patron shots down. The only thing I took away with me was the main rhythm which ended with 3 short sharp sounds. I picked up no lyrics whatsoever.
With that in my head I went looking for 3 months with no reward.
Finally, last week I was humming the tune in my head and suddenly had a mash up of this track with Fedde Le Grand's "put your hands up for Detroit" which made me realise they were quite similar in their structure. I immediately looked up other tracks from the man and Voila, I hit gold with the first one I picked.
Ida Corr vs Fedde Le Grand - Let me think about it.
I reported a while ago how it took me ages to figure out a track I had heard a couple of times at clubs. It turned out to be Switch's "a bit patchy"
After my graduation party at the cuckoo club (where I had the privilege of playing a track or two for the crowd myself), the DJ played a song sort of latish in the evening after I was a couple of Patron shots down. The only thing I took away with me was the main rhythm which ended with 3 short sharp sounds. I picked up no lyrics whatsoever.
With that in my head I went looking for 3 months with no reward.
Finally, last week I was humming the tune in my head and suddenly had a mash up of this track with Fedde Le Grand's "put your hands up for Detroit" which made me realise they were quite similar in their structure. I immediately looked up other tracks from the man and Voila, I hit gold with the first one I picked.
Ida Corr vs Fedde Le Grand - Let me think about it.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Britney Spears - Womaniser
Is it only me who thinks that Britney's Womaniser is a really crap track. No surprise here because many of her tracks are rubbish.
What bothers me more is that people are totally giving her credit for her comeback without paying any attention to her comeback music. Fine she's been through a lot so give her credit for coming out clean and sane. But that does not change the fact that Womaniser is just not up to par.
The lyricist must have written "Womaniser, womaniser, womaniser, womaniser (instruction: repeat as necessary)"
At least when Eminem did not have anything to say he admitted it in "Just lose it" by writing "Tubba tubba tubba tubba tubba tubba tubba, I don't have any lines to go right here so Tubba"
What bothers me more is that people are totally giving her credit for her comeback without paying any attention to her comeback music. Fine she's been through a lot so give her credit for coming out clean and sane. But that does not change the fact that Womaniser is just not up to par.
The lyricist must have written "Womaniser, womaniser, womaniser, womaniser (instruction: repeat as necessary)"
At least when Eminem did not have anything to say he admitted it in "Just lose it" by writing "Tubba tubba tubba tubba tubba tubba tubba, I don't have any lines to go right here so Tubba"
Sunday, October 05, 2008
'Rock on - Socha hai' vs 'Indus Creed - Pretty Child'
I have been listening to Socha Hai from Rock on for a few weeks now but only today did I find the subtle similarities between this and Indus Creed's pretty child in the feel of the 2 songs (I ignore the similar-ish looks of Farhan Akhtar and Uday Benegal, the 2 lead vocalists because some might think I'm crazy).
The reason I found them similar is that while Pretty Child took Indian rock mainstream, Socha Hai clearly brings back the good old hard rock to India after a distinct hiatus. Thank you shankar Ehsaan Loy.
The big distinguisher is the heavy use of Tabla on Pretty Child and the tempo of the songs. However, the guitar riffs are almost cousins.
Now I'm not hinting at plagiarism but just appreciating the fact that finally good and simple rock is back in India!
The reason I found them similar is that while Pretty Child took Indian rock mainstream, Socha Hai clearly brings back the good old hard rock to India after a distinct hiatus. Thank you shankar Ehsaan Loy.
The big distinguisher is the heavy use of Tabla on Pretty Child and the tempo of the songs. However, the guitar riffs are almost cousins.
Now I'm not hinting at plagiarism but just appreciating the fact that finally good and simple rock is back in India!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Nitin Sawhney - London Undersound tour
Nitin Sawhney has finaly announced the dates for his London Undersound tour and your truly has already secured his tickets for the london show at the shepherd's bush empire on 26th Feb 2009.
This album has been a long time in the making and I hope it is every bit as good as its predecessors. It promises a good set of collaborations just like Philtre which gives the albums a pleasant departure from the usual asian electronica/jazz albums.
I wrote about my last NS concert experience here.
This album has been a long time in the making and I hope it is every bit as good as its predecessors. It promises a good set of collaborations just like Philtre which gives the albums a pleasant departure from the usual asian electronica/jazz albums.
I wrote about my last NS concert experience here.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Bachna Ae Haseeno - music review
The music of Bachana Ae Haseeno just works. I watched the movie today and am even more impressed with the music and how it lends itself to pace of the film.
The title track, beautifully remastered and remixed by Vishaal Shekhar, is used as during the intro credits. It sets the pace, colour, and attitude of the film. The song and its choreography highlight Ranbir's hunk quotient superbly. I am still amazed by how well Kishore Da's voice works for young lads like Ranbir even today.
Khuda Jaane stands out for me among all the tracks from the album. It received special treatment from the composers and also received the lion's share of exotic locations in the video. Both Ranbir and Deepika look gorgeous in the song. Also KK and Shweta Rao treat the song very delicately giving Ranbir and Deepika wonderful voices that suit them well.
Finally, Lucky Boy is the third track I really liked on the album. Bipasha has absolutely scorched the video.
The other 4 tracks are just ok and wont be remembered for long imho. They were pleasant during the movie though.
Even the background score is heavily rock influenced given Vishal's pentagram background (assuming they did the b'g score as well). Ranbir gets massive entrances on screen thanks to the background score.
Vishal Shekhar have given claim that they are 100% anti plagiarism. Pritam had his undies washed in public with massive TV reports on his recent shameful lifts in Jab We Met and Race. I have respect for V and S given their last few compositions have been quite good. Hopefully they keep giving us more stuff like this.
The title track, beautifully remastered and remixed by Vishaal Shekhar, is used as during the intro credits. It sets the pace, colour, and attitude of the film. The song and its choreography highlight Ranbir's hunk quotient superbly. I am still amazed by how well Kishore Da's voice works for young lads like Ranbir even today.
Khuda Jaane stands out for me among all the tracks from the album. It received special treatment from the composers and also received the lion's share of exotic locations in the video. Both Ranbir and Deepika look gorgeous in the song. Also KK and Shweta Rao treat the song very delicately giving Ranbir and Deepika wonderful voices that suit them well.
Finally, Lucky Boy is the third track I really liked on the album. Bipasha has absolutely scorched the video.
The other 4 tracks are just ok and wont be remembered for long imho. They were pleasant during the movie though.
Even the background score is heavily rock influenced given Vishal's pentagram background (assuming they did the b'g score as well). Ranbir gets massive entrances on screen thanks to the background score.
Vishal Shekhar have given claim that they are 100% anti plagiarism. Pritam had his undies washed in public with massive TV reports on his recent shameful lifts in Jab We Met and Race. I have respect for V and S given their last few compositions have been quite good. Hopefully they keep giving us more stuff like this.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
DJ Antoine's 'This Time'
It's been a while since I heard any track that gave me the goose bumps. DJ Antoine's 'This Time (Klaas mix)' does exactly that.
At about 44' into the track, the DJ uses the effects to great use, drops all the Low frequencies and brings it to a peak. Then he drops it all and brings in heavy bass and a load of funky samples to make this a high point of the track. He repeats the same at about 2:45'.
The track can be found on the Summer House 2007 album.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download legally!
At about 44' into the track, the DJ uses the effects to great use, drops all the Low frequencies and brings it to a peak. Then he drops it all and brings in heavy bass and a load of funky samples to make this a high point of the track. He repeats the same at about 2:45'.
The track can be found on the Summer House 2007 album.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download legally!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The different flavours of house
I have just discovered the wonderful world of house music. i am not completely in love with the genre yet but at least I know what type of house i am listening to when i walk into a cafe or a nice clothing store (they love house don't they).
I recently arrange for some music for an event (a small affair) and I was asked to get some good house music that will build a comfortable and casual atmospehere for the event. I eded up picking many artists from the ambient house, liquidfunk (more D&B than house) and acid house. All of these are more chillout type music that the the house you will hear in a club. Some of the artists i discovered are:
Plej (Evum,Blue, Lay of the land)
Kevin Yost (Free, Pendulum, Spanish Holiday)
Mylo (Otto's Journey, Zenophile)
Samim (Heater)
Jerk house connection (New York sytle)
Last.fm has been instrumental in my search because they help you find songs similar to others you already like and they have also used tagging very effectively to help you find new music in various genres.
If the music at hip bars and cafes attracts you then this is your genre. give some of these songs a try.
I recently arrange for some music for an event (a small affair) and I was asked to get some good house music that will build a comfortable and casual atmospehere for the event. I eded up picking many artists from the ambient house, liquidfunk (more D&B than house) and acid house. All of these are more chillout type music that the the house you will hear in a club. Some of the artists i discovered are:
Plej (Evum,Blue, Lay of the land)
Kevin Yost (Free, Pendulum, Spanish Holiday)
Mylo (Otto's Journey, Zenophile)
Samim (Heater)
Jerk house connection (New York sytle)
Last.fm has been instrumental in my search because they help you find songs similar to others you already like and they have also used tagging very effectively to help you find new music in various genres.
If the music at hip bars and cafes attracts you then this is your genre. give some of these songs a try.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
"what goes around.../...comes around"
I have liked this song since the time the samples were released back in 2006. but only recently have i started appreciating the intricacies of the song and its production. and this story has almost everything to do with how i feel about this song now.
New found respect for Timbaland the genius and the other people behind the scenes.
New found respect for Timbaland the genius and the other people behind the scenes.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Me the DJ
I have had the privilege of being DJ at a couple of events at school this year and here's a picture from one of them. I am flanked by a world class DJ who studies at school with me. I've Learnt a lot from him and at minimum I can keep a party going for a few hours on simple equipment without panicking.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Whats on my ipod 27th Nov
Gosh it's been a while. I was busy looking for a job and now i'm back in action looking for new music. I have been all over the map lately with my choice of downloads but here's what's been playing the most into my ears
1) Fuzon - 'khamaj' - Track from a Pakistani pop rocker. This song has a great deal of classical influence with very hummable vocals and an awesome guitar piece.
2) Saburuko - 'I feel love' - This is something i got from the Drum n Bass Arena camp (www. breakbeat.co.uk) . Very soothing d&b and perfect for my taste. I would love to get more of the same from other artists. Unfortunately my trip to a D&B record shop in London's camden town was fruitless even though that is the most awesome record shop i have seen (small and dainty with a serious undergound feel).
3) Kanye West - Stronger - Now that's as good as mainstream HipHop gets. I love this song and am beggining to enjoy Kan's outputs more consistently
Hear these out if you get a chance
1) Fuzon - 'khamaj' - Track from a Pakistani pop rocker. This song has a great deal of classical influence with very hummable vocals and an awesome guitar piece.
2) Saburuko - 'I feel love' - This is something i got from the Drum n Bass Arena camp (www. breakbeat.co.uk) . Very soothing d&b and perfect for my taste. I would love to get more of the same from other artists. Unfortunately my trip to a D&B record shop in London's camden town was fruitless even though that is the most awesome record shop i have seen (small and dainty with a serious undergound feel).
3) Kanye West - Stronger - Now that's as good as mainstream HipHop gets. I love this song and am beggining to enjoy Kan's outputs more consistently
Hear these out if you get a chance
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Whats on my ipod 31st July
Niraj chag - Khwaab - How did i bump into this. I think it was one of those itunes recommendations that popped up because of recent purchases in the genre (i believe it was nitin Sawhney). Ilike 'itunes recommendations'. Anyways Niraj has a style similar to Nitin's except it is more indian classical than jazzy. I like this song because of its smooth flows. I think it has some hard edges which would sound better if smoothed. But what do i know!
Nas - Made you Look. This is a song ive loved for a long time. Since i first heard it as a free stream on Media player, it stuck in my head and i consider Nas to be in the premium league of rappers. His rhymes are hard and in the same league as Eminem's but with a more serious tone.
New Radicals - You get what you give - Now i really dont know how i landed upon this one. I think it was some random surfing on itunes (yeah i really do surf on itunes). Great song and i think the leads vocals sound a lot like a young Mick Jagger's.
3 new songs on my ipod all from different genres. Thats what I love about buying one off mp3s from itunes because i can experiment with tunes on the cheap (ie without buying a £10 CD)
Nas - Made you Look. This is a song ive loved for a long time. Since i first heard it as a free stream on Media player, it stuck in my head and i consider Nas to be in the premium league of rappers. His rhymes are hard and in the same league as Eminem's but with a more serious tone.
New Radicals - You get what you give - Now i really dont know how i landed upon this one. I think it was some random surfing on itunes (yeah i really do surf on itunes). Great song and i think the leads vocals sound a lot like a young Mick Jagger's.
3 new songs on my ipod all from different genres. Thats what I love about buying one off mp3s from itunes because i can experiment with tunes on the cheap (ie without buying a £10 CD)
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