Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Don 2, Jo Hum Chahein, Pappu Can't Dance Saala - Music Review

Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

Salim-Sulaiman give us another album to think about. Like always, they cannot break into the blockbuster music arena. They have a knack of producing good music that passes under the radar, however this time around, they fall a little short of it. Not terrible, but not enough to qualify for many props.

1. Fatal Attraction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
One of the best instrumentals in a recent while. The instrumental music meanders through extreme party beats to a romantic tune and back to it. A great filler dance club instrumental. Put the speakers on full volume.

2. Thug Le ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
A foot tapping musical duel between a guy and a girl. It is the combination of the lyrics and the video that does it for this song, which otherwise is pretty plain. This would be a great song for college dance challenges/competitions.

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Don 2 (2011)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

The movie, about Don, or the legend of him, brings with it an aura of power, crime and the latest addition to it is the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Don. In terms of the music album for this album, this ends up being it's curse. Almost all songs, either have this touch of mystery or are laden with the Don theme. None of them really end up being as good as the previous Don, and as has been noted lately, the once super-chic trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have proven they are no longer as resourceful as in years past. A couple of decent songs that prop up the story of the movie, but nothing of significance outside the context. The better ones include:

• Hai Ye Maya - Great performance by Usha Uthup. It has been a while for her in the mainstream. The song is very one dimensional though an would probably enhance the movie experience, but not otherwise
• The Don Waltz - This instrumental is not worth listening to apart from the fact, that it makes Don theme and Harry Potter theme sounds much alike

Overall, a sufficiently dull album to care about.


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Jo Hum Chahein (2011)
Music: Sachin Gupta

A youthful album, however, in a not so adorable way. Does not come close to the energy and fun of Luv Ka The End or Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, but a few decent songs here and there makes heads turn. Nothing in the album is worth a high recommendation, but here are the ones that deserve a mention

Brownie points:

• Peepni - If you are looking for a new party song, this should be the latest addition. Great beats and exudes a carefree attitude, makes it fun to tune it to this song.
• Ishq Hoton Se - A pretty decent romantic tune. Nice tune, upbeat mood and a lead up to a climactic main verse are it's strengths. Lack of originality, it's biggest failing.

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Pappu Can't Dance Saala (2011)

Music: Malhar Patekar

The new music director has certainly given his best shot. It just good enough for the average music lover. The tracks get a bit soulful. The tunes are too generic though, leaving no memories behind with it that would make us come back. Thankfully it is not a trainwreck and does not deserve to be panned.

• Saajana - A very girly and dreamy romantic track. Not great, but sticks truthfully to it's purpose.

Fatal Attraction - Ladies vs Ricky Bahl Thug Le - Ladies vs Ricky Bahl Hai Ye Maya - Don 2 The Don Waltz - Don 2 Peepni - Jo Hum Chahein Ishq Hothon Se - Jo Hum Chahein Saajana - Pappu Can't Dance Saala

Desi Boyz, Ye Stupid Pyar, Loot - Music Review

Desi Boyz (2011)
Music: Pritam


1. Subha Hone Na De --------- 9/10
2. Tu Mera Hero ----------------- 9/10
The most romantic track of the album, while being highly peppy and happy. A great song for the parties and late night celebrations, as the lyrics say it all. While the beats never let up, the song never digresses into any sort of melodrama. This keeps the song true to the genre. The only possible blemish being, the tune of the female part of the track, raises the ghosts of plagiarism for Pritam.
The two songs are almost identical, with only the opening and some beats here and there being different.


3. Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz -------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A great entertainer. The perfect track to shed all the glum and get on the dance floor. The song though shot on two male dancers is fist pumping and packs an energetic mood in the air. Who better than KK to do just that?


4. Allah Maaf Kare ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Sonu Nigam completes his recent comeback with this track and album. An energetic and romantic track, whose sole purpose is entertainment. A little too long, but fun.


5. Jhak Maar Ke --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A Punjabi music styled Neeraj Shridhar love track. The romantic duel between the male and female duel is cute and the bhangra beats, shehnai and acoustics are all nicely blended together. Harshdeep Kaur rounds off the song well with her support act.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. While not the individual songs are memorable, with a limited shelf life, the songs compliment each other superbly. This makes the album as a whole a great entertainment package. Lack of any melodrama in 8 out of 9 songs keeps the album very upbeat. Great work Pritam.

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Ye Stupid Pyar (2011)
Music: Reeky Dev, Vipin Patwa

1. Lamha Lamha ------------------- 8/10
A great romantic track by the newcomer music directors. This song is not a melody, but a pop romantic song. Nikhil D'Souza is definitely ramping up his credentials as a romantic singer.

2. Tere Naam Se -------------------- 6/10
This is a decent love track, opening with a English poem which is also interspersed in between. KK handles the rest with his commanding voice. Despite sounding good, the tried and tested tune makes the song feel stale.

Brownie point:

• Stupid Pyar - Gets a mention for the song has a heart to it. The tune is a classic Bollywood romantic one. Not impressive, but does have the ability to rope in the listener's heart.

Final verdict: Get 1 above. The overall album is mediocre. However, the new music directors show spark, as mostly no song in the album is downright rubbish.

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Loot (2011)
Music: Shamir Tandon, Mika Singh, Shravan Sinha

Just a big loud yawn. And when nothing is right about the album, veiled cusswords in Saari Duniya Mere Ispe makes it more annoying.

Subha Hone Na De - Desi Boyz Tu Mera Hero - Desi Boyz Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz - Desi Boyz Allah Maaf Kare - Desi Boyz Jhak Maar Ke - Desi Boyz Lamha Lamha - Ye Stupid Pyar Tere Naam Se - Ye Stupid Pyar Stupid Pyar - Ye Stupid Pyar

Rockstar, Tell Me O Kkhuda - Music Review

Rockstar (2011)
Music: A. R. Rahman

1. Saadda Haq ---------------------------- 8/10
Probably, the best and signature song of the album. This track is a good confluence of rock and grunge genres. The tempo is a little slow, but thankfully the lyrics and employment of bass guitars has been done well, without holding much reservations. This makes it a rare song being true to this genre in Bollywood. There is only one grouse that this song could have been a little shorter than 6 minutes, which has diluted the punch of the song somewhat. Mohit Chauhan, unexpectedly shines in this song.

2. Tum Ho ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
For the die-hard romantics. A vintage Mohit Chauhan track; this is his strength and this could be his best track till date delivering an unwavering performance. Despite the great vocals and honest effort by A. R. Rahman, this track falls well short of being truly memorable. It's constant slow pace and a hint of sorrow mood causes some listener fatigue. Again, for die-hard romantics.

Brownie points: 

• Hawaa Hawaa - A retro style, high tempo track from Mohit Chauhan. Pretty fast and great song to croon if you know the lyrics by heart. The song meanders through rousing moments and simple joy.
• Jo Bhi Main - This is for Mohit Chauhan fans only. Otherwise steer clear of this track. Also, the Ya ya ya part is funny and the chorus of it hilarious.
• Kun Faya Kun - A. R. Rahman does it again. This is the expansion pack for Khwaja Mere Khwaja. There is nothing new about society in the context of music, only that A. R. Rahman has been putting his weight behind this genre, bringing the Sufi devotional music to the mainstream, in a good fashion. Add this to your spiritual collection.
• Sheher Mein - A goofy, interesting and casual jugalbandi by Mohit Chauhan and Karthik.

Final verdict: This is a weird album. From a neutral standpoint, A. R. Rahman has grossly disappointed his fans. From this huge album, only one song getting a solid 8/10 and another barely making it to the passing grade is a big let down. Although, Mohit Chauhan fans should totally lap up the album, which contains a whopping 8 originals by the singer-in-form. The only comfort lies in the fact, that being A. R. Rahman, he has managed to create all tracks that are at least bearable, rather than outright trash.

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Tell Me O Kkhuda (2011)
Music: Pritam, Sajid-Wajid

Not much was expected from this album, however, Pritam and Sajid-Wajid directing the music, raised a few expectations. While it is always great to rip on truly pathetic albums, this album does some things right to save grace and garner a few brownie points:

• Mera Man Jabse Racha Hai Sawariya - If you can survive first 30 seconds of Marwadi folk music, this is a surprisingly fresh and melodious track by Shweta Pandit. Easily reminds us of Tum Jo Aaye from Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai
• Love You Dad - A decent track, with lots of emotion in it. Although it's specific lyrics to the movie's plot and a sub-par female lead voice undo it's potential.
• Nagma Koi Gunguna Ne Ka - Shreya Ghoshal. Will not disappoint her fans. Ever.

Saadda Haq - Rockstar Tum Ho - Rockstar Hawaa Hawaa - Rockstar Jo Bhi Main - Rockstar Kun Faya Kun - Rockstar Sheher Mein - Rockstar Mera Man Jabse Racha Hai Sawariya - Tell Me O Kkhuda Love You Dad - Tell Me O Kkhuda Nagma Koi Gunguna Ne Ka - Tell Me O Kkhuda

Love Breakups Zindagi, Miley Naa Miley Hum, Na Jaane Kabse.. - Music Review

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Love Breakups Zindagi (2011)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman


1. Rab Rakha ----------------------------------------- 9/10
Salim-Sulaiman and Sonu Nigam get together another magical romantic track. This song has a great similarity to Shukran Allah from Kurbaan; so if that song impressed you, this one will be a song looking, err, listening forward too. Who else than Shreya Ghoshal can round up the track's sweetness. For melody fans.


2. Love Love Love ------------------------------------ 8/10
A soft, but peppy romantic track. It sounds a little like the Bacardi song, though not completely but reflects the mood and tempo. Simply nice and entertaining without any fanfare. A good song to lift up the mood.

3. Chhayee Hai Tanhayee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
Fans of qawwali melodies will love this one. It is not an upbeat qawwali, but a more controlled tune and track of a troubled heart. Soulful.

4. Rozanna ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Yet another upbeat and catchy track from the album. It is nothing new or foot tapping, but it has the potential to make to croon along. A definite mood lifter for a solo journey. It's failing however, is the repetitiveness of tune, which thankfully is slightly contained by the tracks short length.

Final verdict: A short and sweet album, with the trademark style of Salim-Sulaiman. This duo is definitely silently creating respectable music. Hardly any song can be panned is a good achievement by this pair. An album worth every penny. Gets a 8/10, if you like soft melodies.

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Miley Naa Miley Hum (2011)
Music: Sajid-Wajid

1. Wake Up Now ----------------------------------------------- 7/10
A very upbeat and a song of the youth. The tempo is foot tapping and the good mood is very contagious. Besides these positives, the song is just another fun track.

Brownie points:

• Katto Gilehri - Daler Mehndi brings us another possible Ganapati hit. The folkish energy by Daler Mehndi couple with some corny background score and female lead, Mamta Sharma makes it a great song for the lovers of this genre.
• Haan Yahi Pyaar Hai - A pleasant romantic track by Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal would have been a huge hit in the early 2000s. It is respectable, but just sounds a little stale now.

Final verdict: All other songs are also very listenable. This is a surprise package from Sajid-Wajid who have claimed their fame by lending some goofy tunes to Salman Khan movies. It is a decent album that mostly fails to pass the novelty quotient.

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Na Jaane Kabse.. (2011)

Music: Jatin Pandit, Deep Gupta

A farce of sorts. Another example of perfunctory music. And yes, for confirmation, we have moved into 2011. Just saying, because, the songs makes us feel we are in the 90s.

Rab Rakha - Love Breakups Zindagi Love Love Love - Love Breakups Zindagi Chhayee Hai Tanhayee - Love Breakups Zindagi Rozanna - Love Breakups Zindagi Wake Up Now - Miley Naa Miley Hum Katto Gilehri - Miley Naa Miley Hum Haan Yahi Pyaar Hai - Miley Naa Miley Hum

Ra.One.....and Be-Careful - Music Review

Ra.One (2011)
Music: Vishal - Shekhar

1. Chammak Challo (Film Version) ------------------------------ 9/10
2. Chammak Challo (International Version) --------- 8/10
3. Chammak Challo Remix (DJ A-Myth) ------------------------------ 8/10


Riding on the latest Bollywood craze of tapping corny catchphrases, like Sheila Ki Jawani, Chammak Challo has hit a home run in that regards. Add to it the international star power of Akon; which in itself comes loaded with curiosity and scrutiny over his accent. Add a good tempo to the song, and you have a chartbuster. And chartbuster it is. Thankfully, Vishal-Shekhar have not slacked on their part and have put on their musical genius to make it truly enjoyable. Fun to listen to and bound to be replayed for some time to come in our music players.
Further, in total there are five variations of the song. Owing to fast pace of the song, there is not much room left to remix, rejigger the tune and beats. Out of the four remixes, Chammak Challo (International Version), which is essentially a male only track and Chammak Challo Remix (DJ A-Myth) are the better ones.

4. Dildaara (Stand By Me) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
The opening of the song is a little laughable, although if you just stick around a little while you might be in for an adorable romantic track. The song goes through many twists and turns from melody, to qawwali vocals to some techno mixing, but overall succeeds in pleasing our senses. The quick beats and fast tempo for a song of this genre gives it a hint of an old melody being remixed, which of course, is not the case.

5. Right By Your Side --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Vishal-Shekhar take us four years behind with this track. The tune is reminiscent of Dostana and Anjaana Anjaani, which are albums unsurprisingly directed by Vishal-Shekhar. Nothing new here, but still fun. For some strange, the tune also reminded me of Duck Tales title track.

Overall: Overall, the album is entertaining, bordering on average. Vishal-Shekhar are more and more looking like they have passed their prime. The tunes sound all too familiar, and neither are the new ones stand out on their own merit (for eg. Chammak Challo has a lot going on for it besides the song itself). The album is huge (15 tracks in total), so a majority of the album is passable.

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Be-Careful (2011)
Music: Siddharth-Suhas

Umm....when the movie asks us to be careful, we abide by it and avoid crossing it's path. Music, at the least for sure. Barf.
Oh wait! Love Technology must get a mention for being unintentionally hilarious.

Chammak Challo (Film Version) - Ra.One Chammak Challo (International Version) - Ra.One Chammak Challo Remix (DJ A-Myth) - Ra.One Dildaara (Stand By Me) - Ra.One Right By Your Side - Ra.One Love Technology - Be-Careful

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, My Friend Pinto, Azaan - Music Review

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011)
Music: Raghu Dixit

Following Luv Ka The End, here comes another youthful and carefree album that will make your feet tap and take you down the memory lane (if you are in that stage of life). But only not as great an album as Luv Ka... Here are the top picks:

1. Chhoo Le ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Suraj Jagan has been coming up with more and more rock tracks lately. Conversely, rock genre is gaining traction in Bollywood. Either case, a great rock track tailor-made for stage performances. Suraj Jagan seems to stretch his vocal chords a tad too much at times. Fun track nevertheless.

2. Uh-Oh Uh-Oh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
If anyone wants to reminisce or anyone wants to cherish their current days in college and first romances, this song truly epitomizes these emotions. Very innocent and playful, and needless to say naively romantic. Uh-Oh Uh-Oh I am getting nostalgic.

3. Baatein Shuru ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Another easy going and well paced track. The lyrics of the song keep the mood light, cheerful and the beats make it foot tapping. Again. Very youth-oriented.


4. Har Saans Mein ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Difficult to classify this song. Whether it is devotional pop-styled qawwali or is this a prayer for love, is totally dependent on the listener, but it does justice to it's genre. Opens with nice acoustics followed by modern qawwali and ending beautifully in a euphoric mood, increasing the tempo towards the finish.

Brownie point:

• Dhaeon Dhaeon, Dhaeon Dhaeon (The Seeti Seeti Bang Bang Mix) - This one should not be judged by regular musical standards. This one is sure to make one laugh, the crazy lyrics and peppy beats will lighten up the mood. Hilarious.

Final verdict: Entertaining. Youthful. Get 1 and 2 for sure.

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My Friend Pinto (2011)

Music: Ajay-Atul, Shamir Tandon, Kavita Seth, Hitesh Sonik

1. Intezaar --------------------------------------------------------- 9/10

One of the finest romantic tracks of the year. Highly western and melodious, it is a dreamy track. On a funny note, this song has the quality of '12am Love Guru' radio show. Still, short, sweet and adorable.

2. Take It Easy ------------------------------------------------- 8/10

Kunal Ganjawala returns for his fans and delivers a solid performance. The track with a tinge of classical jazz is very catchy and easy going, complete with a rousing finale.

3. Tu -------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A very peaceful and mollifying acoustic track. Definitely could have used a little more zing. Yet, soulful and extremely pleasant.

4. Yaadon Ki --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Not a great track by itself, but the nostalgia laden lyrics coupled with the earnest voice of KK, does make our head turn and take notice. KK is held back, had it not been done, would have made this song a sure chartbuster.

Final verdict: Intelligent, interesting, entertaining, non-peppy album. Not one track seems to have been made in a half-hearted manner resulting in a respectable album.

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Azaan (2011)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

1. Khuda Ke Liye -------------------------------------------- 9/10
A very typical and oft-heard of romantic tune. However, it is still fresh like a cool breeze. It has a pretty soothing effect and it's soft melody and moderately paced beats makes it agreeable. Shradha Pandit once again dazzles with Shreya Ghoshal-esque voice (the comparison is a bit unfair).

2. Afreen -------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
An average but still a good, peaceful song with soft beats. This song might remind one of HR, but nasal twang is absent and also there is a good use of acoustics that's not a violin. Also, to be noted is the fact that this version is better than Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Afreen (Reprise) version.

Brownie points:

• Bismillah - Add this to your Sufi music/devotional qawwali section. Kailash Kher is just good at it.
• Habibi Habibi - Commendable middle-eastern genre track; good for belly dancing. Yeah.

Final verdict: Overall, the album is decent; something one won't mind being played in the background. Salim-Sulaiman generally do not bore their audiences, if not wow them. 1 and 2 above are the better of the pack.

Chhoo Le - Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Uh-Oh Uh-Oh - Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Baatein Shuru - Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Har Saans Mein - Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Dhaeon Dhaeon - Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Dhaeon Dhaeon (The Seeti Seeti Bang Bang Mix) - Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge Intezaar - My Friend Pinto Take It Easy - My Friend Pinto Tu - My Friend Pinto Yaadon Ki - My Friend Pinto Khuda Ke Liye - Azaan Afreen - Azaan Afreen (Reprise) - Azaan Bismillah - Azaan Habibi - Azaan

Soundtrack, Speedy Singhs, U R My Jaan - Music Review

Soundtrack (2011)
Music: Midival Punditz, Karsh Kale, Kailash Kher, Vishal Vaid, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Ankur Tewari, Papon


When the title of the movie has any semblance to music, the expectations are naturally on the higher side. Out of many such movies of the past like Saaz, Sur, Rock On!!, Radio and Soundtrack, only Rock On!! has been able to do justice to it's name. The rest have mostly failed. Soundtrack does have many songs, but it's a mixed bag of classical music and techno genre. But all fail to impress. Disappointing.

• Symphony Of The Streets - Those with an appreciation for techno-themed instrumentals might find it interesting. It is what it's name is, intelligently creating an instrumental piece out of train, car brakes, bicycle ring bell sounds.
• What The F - DJs will love it. But very disappointing otherwise

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Speedy Singhs (2011)

Music: Sandeep Chowta, Meet Bros (Anjjan, Harmeet, Manmeet)

Probably one of the most average work by Sandeep Chowta. Although he is no A.R. Rahman, he is able to produce some energetic and stylish music. This album however is a gross disappointment.

• Shera Di Kaum - This Ludacris laden, Punjabi rap/hip hop will get your spirits up and add some fervor to the mood.

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U R My Jaan (2011)

Music: Sanjeev-Darshan

• Mera Maula Kare - Why does Roop Kumar Rathod keep on singing the same type of songs, but still end up sounding as soulful and melodious as ever? A Roop Kumar Rathod classic.

That's all there is to this album.

Symphony Of The Streets - Soundtrack What The F - Soundtrack Shera Di Kaum - Speedy Singhs Mera Maula Kare - U R My Jaan

Force, Hum Tum Shabana, Yaara O Dildaara - Music Review

Force (2011)
Music: Harris Jayraj, Lalit Pandit


1. Dil Ki Hai Tamanna ------------ 8/10
One of the most innocent and honest romantic tracks off late, even more so than the 'timeless'-love-story Mausam tracks. A song that exudes nascent love, or crush as it is termed. The song involves Neha Bhasin in a totally different light compared to her tomboyish Dhunki from Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.

2. Main Chali ------------------------ 7/10
A song reminiscent of all the melodies of the late 90s and early 2000s, perfectly blends a hip-hop and energetic male angle and a softer female charm. Repetitiveness makes this romantic song a slight drag. Shreya Ghoshal mesmerizes us, while Naresh Iyer, for a change feels a little more forceful, for the better.

3. Chahoon Bhi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Yet another soft romantic track, that will make you dreamy in romance. Very gentle and nothing really to not like about it. Not a blockbuster, but sweet and simple.

4. Khwabon Khwabon --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
An entertaining track from KK, reminds us of how much the music industry needs his crisp voice. The Arabic themed opening although unintelligible adds a nice mystical flavor to the song. The song does lose a great amount of steam by the middle, bringing down it's rating.

Brownie point - 

• Dum Hai To Aaja - Yet another Bollywood song getting it's rock basics straightened out. This does not result in an awesome song, but the quality and justice to rock music done by musicians lately has been commendable.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. A definite entertainer. Although it is a small album with just 5 tracks, the composers and maintained high level of discipline and refrained from an overkill and meaningless remixes.

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Hum Tum Shabana (2011)

Music: Sachin - Jigar

1. Hey Na Na Shabana -------------------------------------- 8/10

A cool and peppy title track with a certain mood-lifting quality to it. It definitely takes a while to blossom and take it's musical twists and turns and by the time the short track comes to an end making us want for more. A happy track nevertheless.

2. Kaari Kaari ------------------------------------------------- 9/10

The song gets a high rating as a tip of the hat for the genre it represents. A perfect song for the DJ, large parties and gatherings to go footloose with a Punjabi twist.

3. Musik Bandh Na Karo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9/10

4. Musik Bandh Na Karo (Remix) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9/10

As the end of the year approaches, it is time for parties. Whether New Year's Eve or anytime discotheque trips, the attitude and the inner rebel the song represents makes it an instant hit of parties. Owing to the low-profile nature of the movie, it might not be such a big hit, but purely from a musical perspective in the league of Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe from Dil Chahta Hai or It's The Time To Disco from Kal Ho Naa Ho.

5. Thank U Mr. DJ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10

The fourth party song from the album. Although the title of the song indicates, it would be a great generic party song, it is really a track made for grinding. Not many Bollywood songs qualify as such.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. Extremely youthful. Don't go looking for melodies here, but if you are looking for out-n-out party fun, look no further.

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Yaara O Dildaara (2011)

Music: Jaidev Kumar

The fact that the album belongs to a Hindi/Punjabi insulates it from being panned as any criticism from a non-Punjabi musical perspective is not fair. All songs have a thick Punjabi flavor to it, making it slightly less digestible for the rest. Although Daler Mehndi broke the barrier more than a decade ago, it does not happen often. The songs sound fun and peppy, but it is difficult to connect to the authentic Punjabi musical style.

Dil Ki Hai Tamanna - Force Main Chali - Force Chahoon Bhi - Force Khwabon Khwabon - Force Dum Hai To Aaja - Force Hey Na Na Shabana - Hum Tum Shabana Kaari Kaari - Hum Tum Shabana Musik Bandh Na Karo - Hum Tum Shabana Musik Bandh Na Karo (Remix) - Hum Tum Shabana Thank U Mr. DJ - Hum Tum Shabana

The Darwinian Test

       6 years and counting. 200 years and counting. A fledgling and a bicentenarian. Is it the time for the new to take over the old? Or is it too young and naive to considered a worthy replacement for the veteran? This is the kind of debate that has been raging in the world of cricket over the past couple of years. Should the T20s be the face of the game than Test cricket? The arguments have been reaching fever pitch, to the point where they are only rhetorical. This article, clearly taking a pro-T20 stance, tries to reason the importance and significance of T20s to the future of cricket.

       200 years ago, when the game was new, the society and the technology was very different and only better compared to previous centuries in terms of reliability, but not technique. At this point, someone might say, "Yes, Mr. Obvious, that was a time when even electricity did not exist". And yes, it took us about 100 years to lead to an industrial revolution and another 100 years to lead to an information age. Over 90% of these past years of Test cricket, movement of information was slow; slow compared to that of the present day. The options to entertain the masses were minimal. There was hardly anything like a personal entertainment device like a smartphone or a laptop or a tablet to play around with. It was a time, when, whatever the source of entertainment, it had to be preserved, it had to lengthened as much as it was optimal. Such was the time and circumstances under which Test cricket was born. But the times have changed. Information travels at the speed of light to almost every nook and corner of the Earth (of course not literally). Options for entertainment have gone up exponentially. The attentions spans, as a result have reduced. Is that good or bad? It doesn't matter because the reduction was not desired but acquired naturally owing to the inventions we are surrounded with. Thus, a solution, that is Test cricket, that worked to entertain the masses two centuries ago, does not apply to the current age, and the future. T20 promises to be cricket's Noah's Ark.

       40 years ago, the cricketing world took another turn. It introduced One Day International cricket and from the time, it took only 4 years to host a Cricket World Cup. World Cup. The World. Never before ODI cricket was introduced, was there a concept of a multi-nation, all teams encompassing tournament in cricket, which had stepped beyond 150 years since it's inception. And the teams were playing the 'purest' form of cricket till the time. Limited overs cricket brought about a revolution for the cricket world and cricket fans, where in they started to vaunt for, want for, long for and strive for the one and only way to supremacy. The World Cup. So much for being pure and sacred, Test cricket managed to create no landmarks, no unification of the world under it's umbrella, that limited overs cricket achieved in less than a decade.

       The cricket fans went berserk, the players experienced nirvana, when their team lifted the Wold Cup trophy. They were the champions for the next four years. Such was the revolution ODI cricket was able to bring and change the face of the game. Some might have complained, it was a corruption of the game. Some might have complained, a win in a day is only a matter of luck against a victory that was persevered over 5 days (of course, assuming the result was not a draw). This was the era of the television. Specators were watching the game in theatres, reading it in newspapers, listening to live commentary on the radio, and finally watching it with their friends and family at the leisure of their houses. Sprinkled in were the bonus of action replays and a million other camera angles. ODI cricket helped reinvent cricket as a spectator sport. As Test cricket comes under more scrutiny, more and more of the legendary Test matches have been quoted in articles. Unfortunately as spectators, more than 90% were games, that a majority of the cricket fans have not even heard of, leave aside having actually witnessed it.

       Association football or soccer as it is called, came into world arena some 7 decades after cricket, and hosted it's first World cup 4 decades prior to the first Cricket World Cup. It is being played as a serious sport on a national level in over 200 countries today. Cricket on the other hand, remains a mainstay of about only 10 Test countries, and a game of curiosity for the rest 40-50 countries. Why is the pure and pristine form of game not appealing to the masses? Former cricket giants, West Indies are withering in talent, as basketball and soccer are taking roots there. It appeals more to the spectators and athletes in West Indies, enough to ignore the glory and heydays of their previous generation. So much for purity. Not only Test cricket has been able to shut it's doors to the world, it is estranging the full members. The cricket world is eroding. Test cricket has become the dinosaur of modern sports. ODIs showed us the way towards a shorter format of cricket, and making it a spectator sport for the 21st century. T20s provide us the opportunity to perfect this approach and metamorphose this giant to a smarter creature that can survive.

       Often the Test cricket apologists have been slinging mud at T20, by claiming the lack of grace and technique that made Test cricket pure. This begs a question. What is a technique? A technique is a smart way of applying a solution to achieve success. When the Test and ODI cricket were the only cricket which lasted for 5 days and 1 day respectively, the 'technique' was something that applied to those formats to score runs and save wickets. Come T20s, the manner in which the game is played is THE technique that helps achieve success. So, essentially it is not the solution where in the beauty lies, it is the success. Also, on another note of sanctity and purity, why do these terms apply to only Test cricket which the English invented as opposed to Twenty20 cricket which the English invented?

       The will of cricket fans and the game has come to a crossroads, where we must choose our future carefully. Cricket should not exclude the world, but include it all. Let's acknowledge the T20s and not ignore their meaning for cricket's future. Let our nostalgia not blind our rationale. Let's hope cricket passes it's Darwinian Test.

Mausam, Mummy Punjabi - Music Review

Mausam (2011)
Music: Pritam


1. Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye (Version 2) --- 7/10
2. Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye --------------------- 6/10
A lovely romantic track sticking to the basics: melody, no over the top instrumentals. Version 2 with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is much better than the main version, underscoring his value.

3. Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi (Mehfil Mix) ---------------------------- 6/10
4. Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi ------------------------------------------------ 6/10
5. Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi (Reprise) --------------------------------- 6/10
An extremely soulful song expressing love in a folk classical style with a dash of Sufi music. It is a confidently patient track and helps relax frayed nerves. All the versions are nearly identical. Mehfil Mix is a bit different having made in a live recording mode.

6. Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Hain ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Indian classical music lovers will like this one. A short and melodious track about the longing for love that will touch your heart.

7. Sajh Dhaj Ke ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
This is a fun-filled wedding song Punjabi folk style, not the Daler Mehndi types.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 5/10. There is a lot of potential in this enormous album, although it does not seem it will last long. Pritam does full justice to lending classical, folk Punjabi and traditional Indian music to this album. Not one song uses western musicals for an exception. This album is totally for those relaxing personal moments and not for a collective experience.

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Mummy Punjabi (2011)
Music: Aadesh Shrivastav

Presenting the sacrificial goat of the week.: Mummy Punjabi. A totally lacklustre album, harking back to the 90s musical style. Not suggesting that Aadesh Shrivastav lacks talent, but his days are long gone and the music reflects his creativity has stopped in it's tracks.

Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye (Version 2) - Mausam Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye - Mausam Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi (Mehfil Mix) - Mausam Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi - Mausam Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi (Reprise) - Mausam Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Hain - Mausam Sajh Dhaj Ke - Mausam

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Chitkabrey - Shades of Grey - Music Review

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
Music: Sohail Sen


1. Choomantar ------------------- 7/10
This is the peppiest song of the album. It is adorable in it's style and tempo and never goes over the top. The strategic turntable scratching sounds give it a hip angle. This track makes for a perfect road-trip song. The musical style is trademark Sohail Sen.

2. Dhunki -------------------------- 7/10
Rock music, energy and Bollywood music meet in this album. The kind of genre dominated by men, is executed  beautifully and confidently by the husky voiced Neha Bhasin. Her voice and style has a likeness of Sunidhi Chauhan, but she does add her own flavor to it. Short and energetic, a good song to bump up the volume.

3. Isq Risk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
4. Isq Risk (Risky Mix) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
Vintage Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. He cannot get any better than this. A lovely qawwali styled song with interesting lyrics with an ambivalent outlook towards love and romance. Repetitiveness or the length of the song takes out some magic from this one. Otherwise, a great song. The Risky Mix is also well done, adding a zesty angle to the track. Good to go for discotheques.

5. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
A pretty average track, tune and beats wise, but a fun song portraying the aspects of bride search and their impossible to meet requirements.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. Good on the entertainment quotient, not a chartbuster though. Decent job done by Sohail Sen.

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Chitkabrey - Shades Of Grey (2011)
Music: Akshay Bafila

Terrible little album. Totally smacks of a second tier movie. Very 90s, mellow and boring. It's hilarious to think of the lyrics of Chinese Khushi that talks about love that did not last long, which essentially equates poor quality, short-lived goods to Chinese products. Apart from this desperate attempt to find some humor, the album brings us no joy.

Choomantar - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Dhunki - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Isq Risk - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Isq Risk (Risky Mix) - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Mere Brother Ki Dulhan - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Chinese Khushi - Chitkabrey - Shades Of Grey

Bodyguard, Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande - Music Review

Bodyguard (2011)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam


1. I Love You (Unplugged) -------------------------------- 7/10
2. I Love You ---------------------------------------------------- 7/10
3. I Love You (Remix) ---------------------------------------- 7/10
The lone and only song by Pritam comes out tops in this large album. This is one of the two romantic tracks of the album. A signature Pritam romantic track, this album saunters along at it's own pace. Just a pleasant and nice love song. Of the two versions, the Unplugged one by Shaan is surely better than Clinton Cerejo's main song. The Remix has been done pretty wisely by adding just the right amount of zest and tempo without selling itself out to the rapid beats.

4. Teri Meri ------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
5. Teri Meri (Reprise) --------------------------------------- 7/10
If you have been missing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for a while, the wait is over. When him and Shreya Ghoshal are singing, there is hardly that can go wrong. This is the second romantic track of the album, that is not over the top and also does not try hard to be awesome. It exudes an innocent romantic angle. The main and Reprise versions are nearly identical minus the length. The Remix is pretty bad, considering no matter how much this song is peppered with beats, it will still not be fit for a discotheque.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. Himesh does a decent job of lending music after a gap and refraining from singing any one song. Pritam shines with his sole song reminding us of Dil Toh Bachha Hai Ji. Salman's goofdom can be found in Body Guard title track and Desi Beat. Although only two songs have something in them to woo the fans, these and the rest of the songs do their job to keep the album entertaining.

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Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande (2011)
Music: Suhas-Siddharth, Dhruv Dhalla, Master Mahavir Chopra


In summation, this album is a fail. This is not the perfect way to start a review, and what follows is not a sarcastic review, but an amused and entertainment minded outlook. The album is in no way like the regular albums as it never tries to be sweet or begs to be liked. It is daringly experimental.

Brownie points:

• Desi Jat Posse - A perfect blending of Punjabi/Bollywood music and Rajasthani folklore enough to raise some heads
• Naino Wali Whiskey - A fun and peppy Punjabi party song
• Door Na Jaana - An almost decent romantic track, but nothing new
• Oh Lalaji - Just the fact that a genuine Rajasthani folk song has been included in the album is a commendable fact worth mentioning. Otherwise, it is plain terrible

I Love You (Unplugged) - Bodyguard I Love You - Bodyguard I Love You (Remix) - Bodyguard Teri Meri - Bodyguard Teri Meri (Reprise) - Bodyguard Body Guard - Bodyguard Desi Beat - Bodyguard Desi Jat Posse - Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande Naino Wali Whiskey - Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande Door Na Jaana - Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande Oh Lalaji - Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande

Yeh Dooriyan, Phhir, Sukhmani - Hope For Life - Music Review

Yeh Dooriyan (2011)
Music: Amjad Nadeem, Anjjan (Meet Bros), Manmeet (Meet Bros), Harmeet (Meet Bros), Raju Singh


1. Baat Jo Thi (Yeh Dooriyan) --------------------------- 7/10
If you are an Atif Aslam fan and like his melancholy tracks, this one is sure to please your senses. However, there is more to it than just the fan-quotient. It is one of the best tracks by Atif who sings to his forte and reminds us all what genre of music owns. Although the mood of the song is slightly repentant, it is melodious. And yes, let's get the credit right: The playback singer of this track is Atif's clone: Omer Nadeem.

2. I Wanna Be Your Lover (Khushnuma) ----------- 7/10
Shaan brings us his peppy number. It has been a bit of a hiatus for Shaan, since he has truly entertained us. Overall, a pretty standard romantic track with a quick tempo, but the magic of joy portrayed in the song is quite contagious. Entertaining.

3. Let's Rock Sarsarahat -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Sharp, zesty and a foot tapping rock track. The track fills us with energy and is perfect party starter. The lack of originality factor is what brings it's score down. Enjoyable nevertheless.

Brownie point:

• Ya Maula, Ya Maula (Female) - Another track in the maula series of songs. A track about the predicament of life and a call out for the almighty for help being it's premise, with a hint of Sufi musical style does justice to this genre.

Final verdict: Overall gets a 6/10. Counting all the remixes and alternate versions of the originals, this albums does not come up with any gems, but overall manages to keep the listener interested, and it is quite something for the entire album to achieve. A for effort.

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Phhir (2011)

Music: Toshi Sabri, Sharib Sabri, Raghav Sachar

With Toshi Sabri directing music for the album, it was quite interesting to listen to his album to find out if there were any good blues tracks. The result is, a decent album, but not good enough for any track to be a breakout success.

• Gumsum - Shreya Ghoshal can never get the melodies wrong.
• Love Is All I Got - A decent attempt at a western music styled romantic pop track
• Satrangi Saathiya - A trademark Toshi Sabri track: intense, intriguing, although a little insufficient. Nice attempt though
• Yaadein - Ditto as Satrangi Saathiya. But the more interesting part about the song is it's opening: feels like a rip off of Mahi Ve from Kal Ho Naa Ho and Fanaa from Yuvaa.

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Sukhmani - Hope For Life (2010)

Music: Jaidev Kumar

Unless there is a specific interest in Punjabi music, Punjabi folk music, there is not much hope for regular Bollywood music lovers. It's Punjabi folk music heaven spearheaded by perennial Punjabi singer Gurdaas Mann.

• Despite it's mainstream failings, Rabba Hai Rabba Tu Hatta is pleasant and melodious. It comes as no surprise that the playback singer is Shreya Ghoshal.
• Ramji Mere Ramji Kalyug Vich does justice to it's devotional genre.

Baat Jo Thi (Yeh Dooriyan) - Yeh Dooriyan I Wanna Be Your Lover (Khushnuma) - Yeh Dooriyan Let's Rock Sarsarahat - Yeh Dooriyan Ya Maula - Yeh Dooriyan Ya Maula (Female) - Yeh Dooriyan Gumsum - Phhir Love Is All I Got - Phhir Satrangi Saathiya - Phhir Yaadein - Phhir Rabba Hai Rabba Tu Hatta - Sukhmani - Hope For Life Ramji Mere Ramji Kalyug Vich - Sukhmani - Hope For Life

Are you ready......

Source: techcrunch,com

• Are you out of college?
• Do you have a job?
• Do you own any valuables?

If you answer 'Yes' to 2 out of the 3 questions above, then the next question is: Are you ready?

Huh! Ready for what?

Ready for potential situations whose description begins with 'God forbid.....'. Now, this is just a phrase, but it is ourselves who can thwart many a undesirable situations if we were well-equipped, well-prepared for them. We can only control so much, but despite that, we forget to do tasks, we misplace/lose things and sometimes it's just our bad luck.

Wait. I still don't get it.

Let's back up. Have you ever lost your wallet/purse or had a scare of losing it? The wallet/purse alone is the single most valuable thing we carry with ourselves, but ironically we are the least prepared to deal with it without panicking and going through motions to get things in order. There are numerous other factors beyond the purse/wallet that can go wrong, and hence the point is, are you ready to deal with minor to major disasters and do you have all your important contact numbers at one place for quick access?

Here's a quick list of important contact numbers that you should collate, and keep them readily accessible:

1. Lost/Stolen/Hacked Credit Card - Your card company's loss/theft number
2. Lost/Stolen/Hacked Debit Card - Your bank's loss/theft number
3. Phishing - Bank/Credit card customer service/complaint numbers
4. Lost Phone, Billing Problems - This is ironical, but still, your service provider's customer care number
5. Insurance cards - Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, car insurance etc - Provider contact numbers
6. Car/Motorbike License - Your regional motor vehicle administration office number
7. Passport/Visa - Nearest embassy, consulate of your country, and the foreign country's immigration office (if living outside your country of citizenship)
8. Personal urgencies and work - Boss' number, immediate coworker/s number/s
9. Personal emergencies and personal life - Two to three contact numbers of close ones, relatives, friends 
10. Car/Motorbike breakdown - Roadside assistance number

This is just an outline of situations where you would find yourself calling for help, and it would be immensely helpful if you had this list prepared and backed up elsewhere other than the phone and purse. May be on your computer. Or may be share the list with people you trust for quick access.

Because, unless it is a meteor strike, you can always shield yourself from a lightning when the sky is stormy, by taking the necessary precaution. You cannot avoid the lightning, but at least can deal with it better.

Aarakshan, Khap, Memories In March - Music Review

Aarakshan (2011)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy


1. Achha Lagta Hai ------------- 6/10
The best song of the album. The best of the mediocre. The track is melodious in parts and has a playful romantic mood to it. The lyrics is what takes out the fun a bit, as the tune is almost like a genuine love track but the lyrics are too trivial. Overall the song is likable, but seems like it will be forgotten just that easily.

2. Kaun Si Dor -------------------- 6/10
3. Saans Albeli ------------------- 6/10
This one is strictly for Indian classical music fans. Although this song won't cater to everyone's taste, it does complete justice to the karun ras of Indian classical music. Both songs are the same, minus Shreya Ghoshal in Saans Albeli. The song is really effective in setting up a deep pathos mood painting the confused, melancholy state of mind. Full marks to the song on achieving it's goal. No sarcasm here.

Final verdict: Gets a 4/10. A pretty dull album considering Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy had a masterful and slick album: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.  Having a social message genre for a movie never bodes well from a musical perspective, and this probably trips up the album.

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Khap (2011)
Music: Annujj Kappoo


A second rung movie with it's second strung music. Most of the romantic tracks are corny at best. Deewanagi by Shaan is so terrible, it makes you laugh and wonder what the tune of the song really was. Because it keeps on changing within the course of the song. In this train wreck, only the following songs could be given a thought, strictly by ghazal fans:

• Aaina Dekha - For Rahat Fateh Ali Khan fans
• Tumse Bichud Kar - For Jagjit Singh fans

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Memories In March (2011)
Music: Debajyoti Mishra

An artsy film and an artsy album. Unless you are into niche albums that have more folk-like and pseudo classical songs and zero fanfare of the mainstream Bollywood movies; there is not much in here. The songs do not achieve the brilliance quotient in virtually any genre, and overall, a very dull album.

There were no memories this week, nor was there any aarakshan for any song in our hearts.

Achha Lagta Hai - Aarakshan Kaun Si Dor - Aarakshan Saans Albeli - Aarakshan Aaina Dekha - Khap Tum Bichud Kar - Khap