Robot – Music Review

Robot is directed by Shankar who is known for making extravagant movies. The movie is in news for long because of Southern superstar Rajnikanth. The lead actress is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and music has been composed by Oscar winner A R Rahman. The album begins with “Naina Miley” rendered by Rahman, Suzanne DMello, Lady Kash n' Krissy. Honestly, the song has good beats but that’s about it. Doesn’t leave any impact and is just kind of okay.

Next up is “Pagal Anukan” sung by Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghosal. Another average song that you can listen once or twice but that’s that. However, the song has innovative lyrics.

Third track is “Chitti Dance” and it is sure to make you fall for the Mozart of Madras all over again. The number has incendiary cocktail of break-beats, drum 'n bass, bol-scatting and a soaring string break. It is more like a western classical symphony. Rahman at his very best. Going by the music of this particular track, you can expect some killer moves by Rajni.

Next song is “Arima Arima” sung by Hariharan, Naresh Iyer, Sadhana Sargam and Benny Dayal. The song has ‘robotic’ feel but fails to leave an impact. It definitely has marching feel and distorted guitar dives but I am not sure you will be humming it for long.

“Kilimanjaro” is the next track of the album. Full of strange lyrics and average melody, this one is another downer. Same goes for track six, “Boom Boom Robo Da” which seems to fuse everything from Punjabi folk to hip hop to power chord-guitar riffing to nylon string sophistication, and yet fails to sooth or excite.

The album ends with “O Naye Insaan”, sung by Srinivas D and Khatija Rahman. Gives you that oft repeated “Robotic” feel but lacks in emotion. All in all, Robot is a let-down from Rahman’s standards.

We Are Family- Music Review

“We Are Family” is the official remake of award-winning English movie “Stepmom” starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. The movie has been shot in Australia and stars Kajol, Kareena and Arjun Rampal. Directed by first-timer Siddharth P Malhotra, We Are Family is a family drama about two women caught in an extraordinary situation. Music has been composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and produced by Karan Johar. Lyrics have been written by Irshad Kamil and Anvita Dutt.

The album begins with duet “Aankhon mein neendein” sung by talented duo of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghosal. The song depicts honeyed flavor of a new romance. The track is quite good but not something that you will linger over.

Next number has been sung by Akriti Kakkar, Suraj Jagan and Anushka Manchanda. It is more of a desi rock which seems like an ode to Elvis Presley. Lyrics are not that very impressive but you must give credit to the singer troika for putting in their best.

“Reham o Karam” rendered by electrifying combination of Shankar Mahadevan and Vishal Dadlani is a tender and soothing track. Quite similar to “Noor-e-Khuda” from My Name is Khan, It has a sentimental feel to it. A wonderful sung made even more appealing by the quality of the singers.

Next up is “Hamesha & forever” rendered by wonderful pair of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal. It is a melodious albeit melancholic tribute to eternal affections. Song is sure to make you emotional. The sad theme continues with “Sun le dua yeh aasman” sung by Bela Shende of “Su Che” fame.

All in all, this album is certainly not the best of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy but we can safely give it one try.

Aisha – Music Review

Amit Trivedi has been hailed as one of the most promising Indian composers to have arrived on the scene in recent times. His latest offering is ‘Aisha’ starring Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor. The movie is a take on the famous novel ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen.

The album opens with ‘Suno Aisha’, a track sung by Ash King, Nakash Aziz and Trivedi himself. Quite a pretty number, it has simple, basic lyrics and soothing melody. The track is bound to garner good reviews.

As large portions of the movie have been picturized in Delhi and Punjab, it has distinctly Punjabi flavor. Second track of the album, ‘Gal Mitthi Mitthi’ will remind you of Trivedi’s ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye’. Tochi Raina has provided the vocals in an interesting club-Punjabi tradition. Song is going to have its days in clubs and discotheques. Well worthy of repeat listening, this one.

Nikhil D'Souza, Neuman Pinto and Trivedi team up for ‘Sham’. It is very much an alt-rock style guitar ballad that evokes a pleasant response from the listeners. Song is unconventional and is quite different. The song has got a wonderful feel about it. One of the best tracks of the album, this one.

Anushka Manchanda lends her voice to next track, ‘Behke Behke’. This is a very stylish song and has several shades to it, right from salsa chorus to a string of hip-hop. A completely fun song, Behke Behke will surely make you groove.

Anusha Mani does an excellent job singing Lehrein. The song boasts of simple sweetness and is more like a standard romantic lament. Full marks to the singer for her performance.

‘By The Way’ is more like a shiny-happy pop song from 80s. The track is full of energy and Anushka croons it quite well. The last two numbers of the album are remixes of Gal Mitthi Mitthi and Lehrein. All in all, Aisha is a fresh and cleverly built album. The songs will definitely leave you wanting for more.

Lamhaa - Music Review

Remember Rahul Dholakia? Yes, he is the same person who made much acclaimed and hard-hitting Parzania. Now, he is ready with his second offering called ‘Lamhaa’ starring Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor. The movie is set amidst the troubled milieu of Kashmir and appears to be a gritty take on situations panning out in beautiful valley of Kashmir. The music of the movie has been composed by young music composer Mithoon who had earlier given us ‘Bas Ek Pal’ and ‘The Train’. Lyrics have been provided by Saeed Qadri and Amitabh Varma.

The album kick starts on a supremely impressive note with ‘Madno’ rendered by Kshitij Tarey and Chinmayi. The track is a wandering and scenic melody. A very refreshing song, Madno beautifully expresses the anxiety of undeclared feelings.

Madno has another version in ‘Saajnaa’ surprisingly rendered by Mika Singh. The singer has done a commendable job here. Mika is famous for lively chartbusters but here, he has definitely taken us by surprise by singing in a slow-paced, melancholic tone.

‘Main Kaun Hoon’ marks entry of Dr Palash Sen of Euphoria fame after a long time. This one is a very intense song and has throbbing tone. The track talks about terror, gloom and uncertainty in Kashmir. The song has elements of anger and pain and Palash Sen has done a wonderful job here.

The next number is ‘Zameen-o-aasman’ delivered by Kshitij Tarey. Track continues the forlorn mood of the previous number. It depicts the heart-breaking tale of a broken paradise. A mellow composition, you are bound to be affected with the poignancy of the song.

‘Rehmat Zara’ is a semi Sufi-rock creation sung by Mithoon and Mohammad Irfan. Definitely an impactful song. The album finishes with ‘Salaam Zindagi’ rendered by Mohammad Irfan and Arun Daga. It is an optimistic song highlighted with delightful giggly kiddie sounds and voices chattering in Kashmiri. All in all, Mithoon has done a fantastic job here and gives us lots of hope for his upcoming ventures.

Raajneeti : Music Review

Director: Prakash Jha

Music: Wayne Sharpe, Pritam, Shantanu Moitra and Aadesh Srivastava

Lyrics: Gulzar, Sameer, Swanand Kirkire and Irshad Kaamil

Cast: Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal,

Naseeruddin Shah

Raajneeti must be one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Movie promises to be different from what you have ever seen on Indian politics. The movie boasts of a super talented star cast. Expectations are quite high from the movie because of Prakash Jha’s track record. Movie will release on 4^th of June but for the time-being let’s have a look at its music. There are no less than four music composers and equal number of lyricists.

The album begins with drizzle of romance and music cheerfulness in ‘Bheegi si Bhagi si’. Composed by talented Pritam, the track has enchanting vocals and wordings. Rendered by Mohit Chauhan and Antara Mitra, the song will manage to strike chord with you.

Perhaps the pick of the album is ‘More Piya’, composed and sung by Aadesh Srivastav. This is unique song with wonderful mixture of Indian classical music and lounge stylized feel. The fusion pitched composition is serene and captivating. There is a second version of ‘Mora Piya (Trance Mix)’ by deep-throated Kavita Seth. Track has lighter octaves rendered in mould of sluggishly pitched disco-beat fillers. The third version ‘Mora Piya (Twilight Mix)’ is amalgamation of club and lounge remix, rendered by Aadesh Srivastava, Shashi and Rosalie Nicholsan.

‘Ishq Barse’ is a rustic village raunchy track. Composed by Shantanu Moitra and written by Swanand Kirkire, the vocals have been provided by Pronob Biswas and Swanand Kirkire. Song appears appropriate for the theme of the movie. Next up is Wayne Sharpe’s ‘Dhan Dhan Dharti’. Written by Gulzar, this is a spell-binding number. Singers Shankar Mahadevan and Sonu Nigam together pulsate out a never-ending spells of pop-patriotism.

The second version of ‘Dhan Dhan Dharti’ is sung by Sonu Nigam. He has given his best to this song and this must be one of the best patriotic track of our times. All in all, Raajneeti is a realistically penned meaningful cinema that manages to give us soulful music. Worth listening few times.

Raavan Music Review

It’s simply amazing how every time the talented duo of filmmaker Mani Ratnam and master composer A R Rahman come up with some scintillating music. Their latest film ‘Raavan’ is their tenth collaboration since Roja and every time we have been treated to some of the most fascinating pieces of music. This eagerly awaited movie stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vikram as its lead players. Going by the music of the movie, you can assure yourself of a treat. If Rahman’s music was not enough, you have Gulzar’s lyrics as well. Now, you can’t go wrong here.

The first song of the album, ‘Beera’ is an eclectic mix of rustic flavor and thumping beats. Vijay Prakash and Mustafa Kutoane along with Keerthi Sagathia are sure to take your breath away with their zealous verve. Song makes an instant connection with the listeners. ‘Behne De’ by Karthik is a complete mood changer. The lyric of the song is nothing but passionate and the song definitely packs a punch.

Sukhwinder Singh has always been a consistent member of Rahman’s gang and here again; he has delivered a masterful performance in ‘Thok de killi’. The song has enough firepower and drum and drama to make you fall in love with its feeling. Next comes, ‘Ranjha Ranjha’ in the soulful voices of Rekha Bharadwaj and Javed Ali. Gulzar is simply terrific here and Rahman has concocted his magic once again. The song has romantic overtures and is kind of a free-wheeling melody.

‘Khili Re’ sung by Reena Bhardwaj has amorous and soft feelings to it. ‘Kata Kata’ is a delightful rendition of upbeat bigul and has ethnic flavor to it. Rendered by Ila Arun, Sapna Awasthi along with Kunal Ganjawala, the song has teasing, earthy and raunchy undertones.

Rahman remains what he is; simply Rahman and you just can’t afford to miss this exquisite outcome.

Musical Gift Ideas

Music plays a very important role in our lives. This is something which we can always relate to during any point of our lives. Whenever we are stressed or tired or in a certain frame of mind, listening to good music soothes us. A number of social and personal occasions are incomplete without including songs and dance sequences. Almost all of us like to listen to good songs but some music lovers are simply passionate about this wonderful form of art.

Music can be a wonderful gift as well. How about compiling a selected collection of songs for your loved ones? Surely, it sounds appealing. If someone in your life has a fetish for songs, you can always make a wonderful collection of songs and make your relationship stronger. There are several corporate gift ideas for music lovers.

First of all, you should make a complete compilation of your loved one’s favorite artists. If in case, the person is more inclined towards a particular singer, then it would be a better idea to specifically make a CD of that artist. Instrumental music is another form of music loved by number of music lovers. One can gift instrumental music of flute, table, violin or guitar as well.

So how about gifting a walkman or portable CD player or even a good music system? Surely, it would make for a gift worth cherishing. Need some more gift ideas? It could be season tickets to a concert series or an invitation pass to any music show. Autographed picture or poster of favorite music artist can be an exciting option as well. Other wonderful music gifts that you can think of; a music book, gig bag for hauling music, musical notebook, or a musical instrument like guitar or piano etc.

Tips for Writing A Song

So you are a music fan and love listening to a wide range of music? I assume, you are. Welcome to the world of music fans where you are standing together with millions of people all across the globe. The truth is, almost everyone loves music and though the language and type of music may differ yet it will be nigh impossible to come across a person who is not fascinated by the power of music.

Many of you must be interested in writing your own songs. The idea itself is creative and fascinating enough. But then, when it comes to penning down lyrics, you start struggling for right set of words. There is nothing to worry if you are facing this particular problem. The important thing is you are passionate about writing songs. Secondly, if you have the ability to express yourself in words and are willing to be patient, the job is half done.

The basic thing to know is music theory and for that either you can consult someone who knows about writing music or there is always the option of internet surfing. Plenty of sites will describe in detail about nuances of music theories. Technicalities of a song are another important factor that is very important to know. It will also include different structure of a song.

You must be a good listener of music where you should be able to focus on individual parts like lyrics, tune, beats etc. Pick one of your favorite subjects which could be love, sadness, life, comedy etc and focus on that. Carrying a pen and paper is very important because anytime you can come across a wonderful note or idea or line. Most of the times, just a certain part of the song comes in the mind. Focus on that and learn to integrate it into the structure of the entire song at appropriate places. Try to hum your written lyrics in different rhymes. Go over your entire piece over and over again. This will give you a better idea of the total feel of the song. The last step will be getting the feedback from other persons.

Allauddin Khan

Indian classical music is blessed with numerous gems. One of the most prominent figures in Indian classical music was Allauddin khan. He was born in 1862 at Shibpur village in Brahmanbaria (located in modern day Bangaldesh) and kept enthralling people with his mesmerizing talent as long as he was alive. He is believed to be one of the greatest musicians Indian people have ever seen. He was primarily a Sarod expert but at the same time, he was equally good at playing other instruments as well. He had a great influence on Maihar gharana of Indian classical music. Allauddin Khan was the court musician of Brijnath Singh, the Maharaja of Maihar Estate in the Central Province.

To his credit, Baba Allauddin Khan gave birth to music stalwarts like Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi. Other great Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar, Nikhil Banerjee, Vasant Rai, Indranil Bhattacharya, Pannalal Ghosh, Wazir Khan etc took their training in music from baba Khan only. His introduction to music happened courtesy his brother Fakir Aftabuddin. Later on, he learned fine nuances of music from singer Gopal Krishna Bhattacharya.

His interesting life journey took him to another music legend Amritalal Dutt who further finetuned his skills. He also learnt European classical violin from a Mr Lobo. Later on he fell in love with Sarod and decided to study Sarod. He learnt Sarod from Asghar Ali Khan and later on Wazir Khan Beenkar who was among the last direct descendants of the legendary Tansen.

Soon, Baba Allauddin Khan became the court musician of Brijnath Singh and completely transformed the Maihar gharana of Indian classical music. He also set up the Maihar College of Music during the year 1955. Baba was recipient of several prestigious awards including Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1952, coveted Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India during the years 1958 and 1971 respectively.