Music Review - D-Day, Ramaiya Vastavaiya, I Don't Luv U

D-Day (2013)

Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are an already falling stock, and the album has a pretty neglected feel to it. So, the album is below average, but just like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the trio come up with something they haven't done in the past and do it well.

• Murshid Khele Holi - This is a straight-up qawwali, beginning slowly and picking up pace as it meanders through the next 7 minutes. So if you loved Kun Faya Kun from Rockstar, you will love this one too.

Otherwise, there are some tracks in the album that are  not bad, but are too slow to keep up.

Ramaiya Vastavaiya (2013)

Music: Sachin-Jigar

Sachin-Jigar have a pretty dull offering after their last venture in Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story. They try to get some insurance in Atif Aslam, however, it does not pay off at all. This is a pretty standard, unimaginative album for the most part.

1. Jeene Laga Hoon 7/10
Sachin-Jigar's place their safe bet on Atif and produce a fairly decent romantic track. Nothing new, but pleasant yet.

I Don't Luv U (2013)

Music: Amar-Benson, Amit Kasaria

A surprisingly large album, but unsurprisingly mediocre. The only track that stays true to it's genre is Mohe Apne Hi, which keeps it classy with it's Indian classical tune. Only for the real lover of this genre. Otherwise, forgettable album.

Music Review - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Raanjhanaa, Hum Hai Raahi Car Ke

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

1. O Rangrez 8/10
This is a surprising output from the musical trio, who have barely produced classical Indian tracks. The song is really long, and the tempo is subjective. Connoisseurs of Indian classical music will love the tracks leisurely pace. However, given the song's structure, the tracks tempo feels more calming than anything. If you are not in a mood to listen to this genre, just skip to the next track.

2. Zinda 6/10
Unlike most songs, the opening of the song is rather slow. If that is ignored, the rock track that takes over is quite zesty. The song is still not the best to captivate till the very end. The chorus portions of the song are nice.

3. Gurbani 6/10
It is not a full fledged track in itself, but the beseeching vocal quality of Daler Mehndi and the accompanying intense instrumentals makes this track deserve a mention.

4. Slow Motion Angreza 6/10
This song purely satisfies the need for a retro themed song (reflecting the time of Milkha Singh's heydeys). In that respect, it does an excellent job. But will it be a song that can entertain beyond it's classical appeal? Not much.

Final verdict: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy can safely be relegated to once-great-now-washed-up category. Sure, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, as an album needed a lot of folk touch, but we could expect nothing less than slick arousing tracks for the high octane the movie promises to be. In this almost lackluster album, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy manage to eke out some respect. Overall gets a 6/10.

Raanjhanaa (2013)

Music: A. R. Rahman

A. R. Rahman continues to display his touch of clean music that is soulful. The entire album of 9 tracks impresses with it's grace and intriguing intros. However, A. R. Rahman has fallen trap to his own style. Almost all the songs are lengthy for the genre. The genre being simple tunes which are an easy listen. Owing to the lack of the factor that pushes a song to being a chartbuster, it makes the song drag on. It also become a little hard to tell the difference between two tracks. Nevertheless an effortless album that one won't mind for a peaceful time.
Among such romantic tracks the following fare better:
1. Nazar Laaye - A cool song by Rashid Ali, whose distinct voice reminds us of Kahin Toh from Jaane Tu Ya... Jaane Na
2. Tu Mun Shudi - Just fun for it's exciting intro and the yet not much heard style of Rabbi.
3. Raanjhanaa, Tum Tak, Banarasiya, Piya Milenge, Ay Sakhi - Decent background tracks which are all about the same
4. Aise Na Dekho - Lovers of Bollywood jazz will scoop this up.

Final verdict: A. R. Rahman shows his class, except when it comes to blockbuster album Pritam beats him. The album is adequate by his standards. Overall, gets a 7/10.

Hum Hai Raahi Car Ke (2013)

Music: Sangeet Haldipur, Siddharth Haldipur

A classic cliched album which regurgitates the familiar tunes which were the norm a couple of years ago. Typical tracks that lack any novelty by Mika Singh, Shaan and Clinton Cerejo shows the cursory treatment given to the album.

Music Review - Lootera, Ghanchakkar, Policegiri

Lootera (2013)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Amit Trivedi has probably done a purely romantic after some time. Most of his recent work has been themed humor one after the other.
So, if you were awaiting some standard romantic melodies without much fanfare, this is an album for you. Needless to say, the album is very mild, no sort of zest.
A bit one-dimensional.

Ghanchakkar (2013)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Yet another Amit Trivedi album to review this week, and this one is right up in his alley. A comedy movie, tons of goofy lyrics to play with.
Even though he may not have created the best music, Amit Trivedi continues to display his masterful use of instruments which is clean and distinct.
Brownie points:

• Jholu Ram - The lyrics and overall composition is fun enough. And there is one singer who was mocked for his voice a decade ago. He might find a second wing in lending his voice to funny numbers. Yes, I am talking about Altaf Raja.
• Allah Meherbaan - This is such a stoner of a song. Reminded me of this video.

Policegiri (2013)

Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Anjjan - Meet Bros.

I think Himesh has fallen to such lows that when the movie producers don't think, music is only an option for the movie, they turn to him. After all, someone's gotta compose music. Such a raucous and cacophonous fare.

Music Review - Fukrey, Gippi, Shortcut Romeo

Fukrey (2013)
Music: Ram Sampath

Ever since Ram Sampath had a super hit in Bhaag DK Bose from Delhi Belly, he has been on the path for some validation as a music director. None to be found here. The album is mediocre because the tracks are nothing more than a commotion and follow a classic boring formula. There is only one song that deserves a mention.
1. Rabba - 6/10
The intro of the song is slow and soulful and a bit dry. What follows is a fun Clinton Cerejo track with nice beats and amusing lyrics. The track goes a little flat in the middle. Had this track been a bit short, it would have been nicer.

Gippi (2013)
Music: Vishal-Shekhar

A pretty average album by the musical-duo who were at their peak 3 years ago. This is an album unlike them or may be they reserved their substandard tracks for this movie. We Are Like This Only and Dil Kaagzi are the better ones from the album and at least show these guys have something left in them.
Pretty disappointing.

Shortcut Romeo (2013)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Himesh Reshammiya has taken quite a dip. All the talk about him being a passing fancy has turned out to be true. He is back from being HR or Himesh to being just Himesh Reshammiya. Granted even this album is slightly amusing last his past ones, the songs are not the same without his nasal twang. The album sounds like straight from the 90s. So old, cliche and cheesy; but not cheesy enough.
If you want to listen to some train wreck of a song, Ishq Gangster is the one.

Pretty bad week for music.

Music Review - YJHD, GGG, YPG2

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Music: Pritam

Kabira 9/10
Kabira Encore 9/10
This is a song, where I am surprised how no one has copied Pritam yet (no pun intended). The amalgamation of Hindustani classical by Rekha Bharadwaj and freestyle singing is beautiful in itself. The arousing outro with trademark Pritam electric guitars is just amazing.
The Kabira Encore is almost the same as the main version, with a more upbeat wedding mood. The opening is really interesting in the way Pritam has wasted no time in getting the tempo up.

Badtameez Dil 9/10
What a fun song this is. Fast lyrics with funny overtones makes this song a great song for karaoke. The use of trumpets gives it a retro feel. The beats are foot tapping. The song loses steam after a while, but Pritam has been smart enough to keep this song short.

Balam Pichkari 8/10
One of the best Holi songs in Bollywood in a while. The song is catchy and just happy. The euphoric chorus that follow the solos raises goosebumps. The lyrics are also fun to sing along.

Ilahi 7/10
Ilahi Reprise 7/10
The song is pretty upbeat, the mandolins have been nicely used. This is also a signature Mohit Chauhan song and he delivers. Overall good, but not the best song by Pritam. The "Ooh" and "Aah" children lyrics is more distracting than cute.
Ilahi Reprise is not a lot different than the original version. Really, why is even there another version?

Subhanallah 7/10
A lovable romantic track, reminds us of Sonu Nigam, except he is now the past, and we get to hear Sreeram, who is equally pleasant. Otherwise, this is a tried and tested track. There is not much to not like, but nothing new.

Dilliwaali Girlfriend 7/10
Not a musical gem by any stretch, but just a fun musical duel for the party.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 8/10. A fun album worth paying attention, although not all songs are worthy a mention. While striking the right chords, Pritam displays repetitiveness of his style. Does it signal his downward trend? Not yet.

Go Goa Gone (2013)

Music: Sachin Jigar

Probably not a lot was expected out of an album for a zombie movie (seriously, why does every genre of Bollywood have songs?!). But despite the uphill battle the music duo had to face up to, they did pretty impressively directing some funny songs.
Brownie points:

• Khoon Choos Le - A hilarious take on the Monday morning blues.
• Babaji Ki Booti - This is a perfect song for getting stoned with friends. So frivolous yet deep. JK. Only frivolous.
• Khushamdeed - What is Shreya Ghoshal doing in this album? She is stunning as always, and she carries this romantic track all by herself.

Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013)

Music: Sharib-Toshi, Sachin Gupta

It is a full size album, however, half the songs revolve around the main movie theme. And the rest of the album has cliched Bhangra tracks. Average to mediocre album.

Music Review - Nautanki Saala!, Chashme Baddoor, Ek Thi Daayan, Commando

Nautanki Saala! (2013)
Music: Mikey McCleary, Falak Shabir, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli Anand Milind, Rashid Khan, Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Why are there so many music directors, including some from the 80s and the 90s? When you have an album that consists 80% tracks from albums old and new, that is bound to happen. For some reason, there of 4 versions of Mera Mann, originally by Falak Shabir  in 7 Welcome To London, also sung in this album by him. Not one is interesting. The remixes of cheesy tracks of the 90s gives this album an brass band/orchestra like feel, which is amusing to the most. Ayushmann Khurrana who made waves with his soulful voice in Vicky Donor, fails to make an impression, with somewhat decent track Saadi Galli Aaja. For the hardcore Rahat Fateh Ali Khan fans, there is Sapna Mera Toota. What a waste of an album.

Chashme Baddoor (2013)
Music: Sajid-Wajid

Sajid-Wajid probably will never change. But with their consistent unrefined musical style which is only occasionally successful, it is a wonder how they keep finding employment. This album is no exceptions with all rowdy songs with shallow lyrics. They are not enough on the other side of the quality spectrum to be good enough by virtue of it's stupidity; it is smack in the middle being a mediocre album.

Ek Thi Daayan (2013)
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj

Amongst his past attempts and mostly disasters, this album is less of a disaster for Vishal Bhardwaj as a music composer. Some songs have an eerie feel to them, but these songs normally don't end up being musical successes. And these are not an exception. Suresh Wadkar makes a rare appearance in Bollywood music with an oddly humorous Totey Ud Gaye.

Brownie points:

• Sapna Re Sapna - The most impressive aspect of this album is the stellar performance by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs winner Padmanabh Gaikwad. When listened to the song without this tidbit of information, he sounds like a unique female voice. But since it's him, it's quite evident his voice is yet pre-adolescent; although his command over his voice and notes is absolutely adult-like and praiseworthy.
• Yaaram - The song is fairly peppy, and Sunidhi Chauhan had never sounded so good. The casual lyrics of the song are it's failing without which it would have been much better.

Overall, an average album with some songs being inordinately long.

Commando (2013)
Music: Prasad Sasthe

This is a pretty small album. It is in itself a smart thing the music producers did for an album, which in itself doesn't offer too much. Then why waste money and effort in producing it way beyond it's means. The only songs it has are ok in some respects, but mostly average.

Brownie points:

• Sawan Bairi - Lovers of Hindustani classical music might love this Malhar raga based ethos track by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. It feels a bit lengthy of a track.
• Lena Dena - Daler Mehndi fills the air with his energetic voice, making this standard Punjabi track into somewhat of bhangra powerhouse. It's only Daler who can make it possible, and it is surprising how greatly refreshing he sounds even today.
• Lutt Jawaan - This is almost like Lena Dena, but sung by Dhruv Sangari, who lends an intense Punjabi voice making it a serious track.
• Mungda - Like the title says, yes, this is Marathi/Dhagala Lagli Kala influenced item number track. It has been done well and Sunidhi Chauhan is superb as usual. But it is too much too late.

The album has an overall intense feel making it an interesting one time listening experience.

Music Review - David, Aatma, Himmatwala, The Attacks of 26/11

David (2013)
Music: Bramfatura, Mikey McCleary, Maatibaani, Remo Fernandes, Prashant Pillai, Gaurav Godkhindi, The Lightyears Explode, Dub Sharma, Modern Mafia, Anirudh Ravichander

This album is like a rock bands of India convention. Lots of alternate music, rock and a great deal of experimentation away from the typical Bollywood cliche. The previous statement, thus, in itself is a forewarning of sorts. Also, my constant lament of Suraj Jagan doing the rock tracks in Bollywood finally gets a break. With a great deal of novelty also comes a heartbreaking acceptance that everything new and shiny is not necessarily the best. This album of 15 songs makes for an interesting experience for the curious and exploratory souls out there, but here's a few that actually might just entertain one and all.

1. Maria Pitache ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
The song title is quirky and the song is also a bit soft to interest anyone. But bam! It just transforms all of a sudden into a full blown Goan pop with half the song in Konkani and the rest in Hindi. The lyrics and fun and makes you want to down a couple of shots and jump right in the fun that is Maria Pitache. C'mon, don't be uptight about it, just let it all loose.

2. Three Kills ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
This is one exciting indie rock by The Lightyears Explode. Those who would love to explore the rock music coming out from India, this will be an interesting one to listen to. The guitars and the transitions have been done well, to keep it exciting enough. The lyrics get lost mostly, but still fun to listen to.

3. Yun Hi Re ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Among all the newness, Yun Hi Re comes as a pleasant normalcy in a slow and silent romantic track. The length of the song is an issue given it's pace and tune, but nevertheless, is a soothing song for easy evening together.

Final verdict: Overall, this is an average album, but if you are looking for something new and decent, this one's a good one to try out.

Aatma (2013)
Music: Sangeet-Siddharth

The overall verdict on the album is, the music directors have done well enough to create an eerie enough effect with albums. But, when we are at the overall opinion of an album, it shouts of below average songs. Albums from the similar genre have done much better in comparison, 1920 Evil Returns, Shaapit or Haunted - 3D by Chirantan Bhatt.

In the spot:

• Teri Khatir - Representative of the rock movement in Bollywood, led by none other than Suraj Jagan. Not him again. The rock part is good, but there is a certain need of a better vocalist. Suraj Jagan is a great singer by himself, but he turns into a hoarse cacophonous voice when he does rock.
• Koi Jaagi Aankhein - Just great for it's eerie lyrics. Interesting blues type of song sung proficiently by Alyssa Mendonsa, but otherwise forgettable.

Himmatwala (2013)
Music: Sajid-Wajid

If you are looking for some rowdy fun, you got it. Conversely, what else could you expect from Sajid-Wajid? Out of the 5 songs, 2 of them are remakes anyways. So, to be fair, this is a below average effort the pair, who arguably have very little legitimate success anyways. And like I mentioned in my previous music blog, what's up with Bappi Lahiri and his comeback into the mainstream?
Bad album.

The Attacks of 26/11 (2013)
Music: Rooshin Dalal, Amar Mohile, Vishal R Khosla, Sushil R Khosla, Mohan Khan

Too many musicians to create so little real music. Most of it is background noise, while there is some gritty music, but again nothing interesting. If you loved, Rakht Charitra title track, you might add Maula Maula to the list.

Home Field (Dis)Advantage

India went 2-0 up on March 5 in the latest (2013) bout between India and Australia for the Border-Gavaskar trophy. It was only the 4th day of the game and India had wrapped up Australia for a paltry 131 batting second, and they were not even able to set a target for India to chase. It was an innings defeat for Australia and the biggest defeat India have handed them in some decades. Or very well, the first of such magnitude.

To put this into perspective, let's back up a few years. It all began in 1998 when the masters of batsmen against spin, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sachin Tendulkar shredded the wizard of spin, Shane Warne to beat Australia at home by 2-1. That was followed by a 3-0 drubbing Down Under, during the eclipse on Indian cricket of Sachin's captaincy. After that, followed a fiery captain for India, and fitting heir for Steve Waugh's Australia in Ricky Ponting. The two together charged up the rivalry to it's present height. India secured a thrilling, coming-from-behind, gladiator-esque home series victory in 2001 and gave Australia a run for their money in 2004. Australia fought back on their next tour of India to take the series 2-1, claiming their 'final frontier'. It has nothing been a see-saw, a constant tussle between the two cricket giants, no matter where they played, home or away. But something changed along the way.

However, in all this, the one thing that remained constant were the 'home' conditions of India, and the invincible aura of the Indian team at home. Except for Australia and South Africa, two of consistently competitive teams in world cricket, no one team has been able to beat India. India's home record of God mode test cricket extended quite a few years, emphasizing the mastery of home conditions by India. At the same time, the utter ineptitude of India in abroad conditions, even with ever weakening sides like West Indies, Indian cricket always stooped to the level of the other team. This begs the question: What is home field advantage? Why can't the same players who post mighty performances at one place be as productive elsewhere?

Coming back to the 2013 Australia in India series. When India went up 2-0 in a dramatically one-sided fashion, with India's spin bowling casting wizardry on all-pro Australia, I was talking to a few people as if India had already clinched the series 4-0, when 2-0 was not even enough to say India had won the series. The trend was obvious. India was plying only 2 seamers so far, the spinners were grabbing wickets in the dozens, and M S Dhoni/BCCI were requesting more spinner friendly surfaces. What was left to watch? We didn't an oracle to tell us it would be a whitewash. Sure, Australia were tamed on the 5th day of the third test, on historically seam friendly Mohali pitch, but the last test in Delhi was wrapped on 3rd day itself with the key being.....spinners. R Ashwin is the Man of the Series.

Just a few series ago, India buckled down to two back to back whitewashes in pace-friendly Australia. Gautam Gambhir famously challenged Australia to produce the same performance on spin-friendly Indian pitches. Just a series before that, India capitulated to England at their home on pitches that were reportedly asked to be made 'greener' meaning to favor seamers, which Indian batsmen, with all their mega talent predictably failed to overcome. The 2004 'final frontier' Australian victory was also marred by pitch complaints. Down 1-0 in 2 games, India needed a draw at the worst to prevent the scepter of home series defeat. Instead, Australia won the third test on Nagpur's fast pitch and bagged the series. Indian fans/BCCI cried foul over the laying of an 'infavorable' pitch for India. The last test match in the series, was nothing more than a face saving exercise for India, when the Mumbai pitch was promptly created to favor the spinners. Surprise, surprise! Indian spinners (even Murali Kartik) grabbed wickets by the dozens to help India retain some dignity (in terms of series record of 2-1). But a pitch so rigged, prompted Ricky Ponting to lodge a complaint with ICC in this regard, which went nowhere.

This article won't be complete, if the disastrous Indian tour of New Zealand in 2002/3 isn't mentioned, where the pitches seemed to only work for New Zealand. What do we make from this all?

It just feels like cricket is turning into a sport with a flavor for each country.Australia is unbeatable at home on it's bouncy pitches. India loses 4-0 against England in England. India beat the mighty Australia 4-0 at home but lose them by the same margin when visiting? In terms of putting it in an analogy, it is akin to asking a marathon runner win a 100m dash and conversely, asking Usain Bolt to win the marathon.
Home field advantage should be factors out of the sport's control. Like crowd, weather. Not umpires (Australia, the worst offender) and pitches (India, the worst).Instead of sizing up to the task of grooming players for certain conditions, and selecting the players whose style and ability are a better fit for the destination, world teams and cricket boards resort to doing a one-up against each other by providing home team friendly only pitches.I wont be surprised if one day, we will see all spinners in the bowling attack since day 1 of a test match played in India. We already see no spinners being played by Australia in Australia. T20 cricket is catching up fast with Test cricket, and the very short nature of it ensures both sides get fairly the same kind of pitch. The short length of the game also ensures that both teams don't have a natural upper hand when playing the longer version of the game. There must be a standard on how to lay a pitch, internationally. A set of rules of the kind of pitches provided in a series, no matter which country hosts it.

In this day and age of Test cricket erosion, if test giants like Australia and India, succumb to the lure of 'home field' tactics and cannot overcome the same as visitors, then what is left to watch in a game of Test cricket. Like the analogy, I used before in my post on match fixing, the point of watching a rehearsed play or recorded suspense movie or a sports game is to witness excellence of talent while keeping the outcome a suspense. Similarly, if we all knew what is going to happen, when country A visits country B for a Test series, if the home country is almost always assured of a victory, then test cricket would be nothing but making a farce out of itself.

Music Review - 3G, Jolly LLB, Rangrezz, Zindagi 50-50

3G (2013)
Music: Mithoon, Amar Mohile
Buy on Amazon!

1. Khalbali (Punjabi) ----------- 9/10
2. Khalbali -------------------------- 9/10
One of the most fresh songs of 2013. Mixing elements of Sufi music and qawwali, this song is a good departure from the typical R&B songs. The lead singers Arijit Singh and Tochi Raina give it a nice intensity. It will quickly get you foot tapping. The Punjabi version sounds more appealing that the duet version owing to it's folk genre and thus sounds more authentic like that.

3. Kaise Bataaoon -------------- 7/10
A soft and simple romantic track by KK. It is not path breaking but treads a safe path towards being a likable song. The female lead sounds a little dry.
The Cantabile version is less interesting, as the original song is barely passable, and this sounds more like an unplugged chorus version, which is not that great. Plus, there is no KK in this version.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. This was surprisingly a decent album. All the songs are fairly listenable and Khalbali is especially good.

Jolly LLB (2013)
Music: Krsna
Buy on Amazon!

This is one album which is fairly interesting for the most part, but suffers from the situational nature of the songs.

Brownie points:

• L Lag Gaye, Law Lag Gaye - Bappi Lahiri is experiencing a comeback of sorts. His nutty style of music is hitting the right chord once again, and here we have this hilarious track. The song purely relies on the funny anecdotes presented in the song, and if you find the 'L' Lag Gaye pun funny, both songs will be an addition to the funny songs playlist.
• Ajnabi - This is one fun romantic song, which is almost prose put to poetry, however, it's naive lyrics is what wins us over. Mohit Chauhan fans will love it.
• Hans Ki Chaal - Oddly enough, Kailash Kher and his folk style has never sounded  so good before. This social commentary qawwali is brilliantly bourgeois.

Final verdict: The album is pretty funny and good to listen to. But it does not leave any impression and could just be a passing fancy.

Rangrezz (2013)
Music: Sajid-Wajid, Sundar C Babu
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With a fair amount of energy and some devotion(!), the album is just about average. Nothing to remember in this one, except Sajid-Wajid come up with another Govinda Aala Re song in a 2 month span, which is fun, but you really have to be missing Gokulashtami already. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is very repetitive and consistently good in qawwali at the same time in Dil Ko Aaya Sukoon.

Zindagi 50-50 (2013)
Music: Amjad Nadeem, Vivek Kar
Buy on Amazon!

Average and boring, with some Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Rekha Bharadwaj attempting to salvage the album in vain.

Khalbali (Punjabi)- 3G Kaise Bataaoon - 3G Khalbali - 3G L Lag Gaye - Jolly LLB Ajnabi - Jolly LLB Hans Ki Chaal - Jolly LLB Law Lag Gaye - Jolly LLB Govinda Aala Re - Rangrezz Dil Ko Aaya Sukoon - Rangrezz

Music Review - Kai Po Che, Rise Of The Zombie, Zila Ghaziabad

Kai Po Che (2013)
Music: Amit Trivedi
Buy on Amazon!

1. Shubhaarambh ------------------------ 9/10
Amit Trivedi's musical odyssey takes him from Maharashtra/Tamil Nadu (Aiyyaa), Punjab/Rajasthan (Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana) to Gujarat with this track. Set on the beats of a garba and using authentic Gujarati vocals, we are awakened to the musical beauty of a garba. Very upbeat and festive.

2. Meethi Boliyaan ----------------------- 7/10
A soft and melodic jazz track which exudes a feeling of all the simple and nice things of life, with a dash of childhood nostalgia. Great vocals by Mili Nair, not so much by Amit Trivedi himself. More on that in final comments. Pleasant track.

3. Manja -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Right from the outset, you know this song will capture our hearts. An optimistic narrative with an allusion to kite terminology, the song stays soft throughout it's course towards an operatic finish. Drawback: Amit Trivedi's voice.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 8/10. Just three songs in the album, but all three are very much enjoyable. Amit Trivedi's unique musical style is getting a blossom after a couple of years since his entry into Bollywood. His songs exude a purpose and the judicious use of instrumentals make them a euphony. He needs to watch though where he lends his voice. He sings well, but his voice doesn't have the melodic luster. Mohit Chauhan would have been awesome for Meethi Boliyan. Good short album overall.

Rise Of The Zombie (2013)
Music: Debzil Mathias, Arfaaz N Anuraag, Ray N Brotherhood, Boomerang, Sofia Jannok, Suraj Jagan, Luke Kenny, Caralisa Monteiro, Anuraag Shanker, Ankur Tewari
Buy on Amazon!

This album is more like a convention of India's struggling or entrant rock bands. For some reason, rock music coming out of India, is really light on bass guitar and soft on drums. It is an odd album, with some English and some Hindi songs. Very experimental album with a few interesting ones.

Brownie points:

• Dil Pukaare - If you long for more Zuj Gibran like Pakistani rock band music, this one is for you. A decent soft rock track with nice instrumentals.
• All Alone - A soft serenade on strumming guitars by Caralisa Monteiro. An all English track, it is nice to listen to.
• Blackbird - Another guitar strumming English track. It is notable for the fact that it's style is very similar to Mumford & Sons without the crazy euphoria they bring.
• Tanhayee - This is a strange one. Initially it feels super mediocre with the vocals and instrumentals out of sync, but gets way better when it gets into it's stride. Interesting rock music twists in the later half  keeps this song alive. The ending very Evanescence like.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 5/10. Kudos to the exposure experimental music is getting. Rock music is getting a foothold, but it has ways to go before it can get any serious on the world stage.

Zila Ghaziabad (2013)
Music: Amjad-Nadeem, Bappa Lahiri
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Owing to the backdrop of the movie or just due to a rowdy turbocharge the music directors had, the overall album has got an uncouth and cacophonous appeal to it. Even the predictably dhinchak song Baap Ka Maal from Mamta Sharma could not salvage this album. Yeh Hai Zila Ghaziabad sounds almost like a rip-off of Hud Hud Dabangg from Dabangg.

Brownie points:

• Ranjha Jogi - For those who can never get enough of Sonu Nigam's and Shreya Ghoshal's melodious voice, this qawwali-like romantic track is for them.
• Tu Hai Rab Mera - ...and for the Mohit Chauhan fanatics, there is this one. CAUTION: Tulsi Kumar almost ruins this song with her shrill voice. She is not a bad singer, but is not good at least in this one. Yet another hopelessly romantic track.

Shubhaarambh - Kai Po Che Meethi Boliyaan - Kai Po Che Manja - Kai Po Che Dil Pukaare - Rise Of The Zombie All Alone - Rise Of The Zombie Blackbird - Rise Of The Zombie Tanhayee - Rise Of The Zombie Ranjha Jogi - Zila Ghaziabad Tu Hai Rab Mera - Zila Ghaziabad

Music Review - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story, Murder 3

Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story (2013)
Music: Sachin-Jigar
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1. Hai Na ------------------------------------- 9/10
Atif Aslam does not quite feature in songs with bass and electronic guitars. This soft rock song which is an interesting narrative of the protagonist has interesting twists with varied and purposeful instrumentals. Very youthful and snappy. Lovely song.

2. Thoda Thoda ------------------------- 9/10
Wonder where Shreya Ghoshal had been with her super sweet voice. Well, she makes a great comeback with her sweeter than sugar voice and an equally adorable tune for Valentine's Day. A lovely song for the romantic occasions.

3. Aa Bhi Ja Mere Mehermaan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/10
If you missed Atif, this is not that time. He has featured in two closely released albums, Race 2 and this one. And guess what, you will love him in this song too. He sounds more like Prince in this album, Sachin-Jigar seemed to have recycled those compositions. Nevertheless, a great romantic track by Atif.

4. Dil Na Jaane Kyun ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
A peppy party number from Atif. It is akin to Tum Mile Rock Version from Tum Mile. Although a typical R&B song, it is fun and yet is romantic.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. A wonderfully romantic album, and Sachin-Jigar score a 2/2 in two weeks with superb music that is varied and conventionally good at the same time. Did I forget to say, in either case it was brilliant and fresh.

Murder 3 (2013)
Music: Pritam, Roxen (band)
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1. Hum Jee Lenge --------------------- 10/10
2. Hum Jee Lenge Rock Version ------------------------------------------------------------- 10/10
If anyone in Bollywood is doing rock music well, it is Mustafa Zahid and his Roxen band. The use of low-pitch acoustic guitar is unexpected and novel. Besides his style of mildly sad melodies is great, unless you are looking absolutely cheerful. Great transitions between lines which gives a nice structure to the song. The transition between soft tunes and hard-hitting louder notes have been executed well.
The Rock Version is nearly identical. For the sake of comparison, the original sounds better and it is a little longer than the Rock Version and thus feels well developed.

3. Teri Jhuki Nazar ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
4. Teri Jhuki Nazar Film Version ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A quintessential Pritam romantic track. Shafqat Amanat Ali might be one of the most underrated great singers of present times. A simple and lovable romantic melody that harks back to tracks by Pritam in Cocktail, Dum Maaro Dum and Agent Vinod.
If anyone can notice any difference between the main version and Film Version, I am keen to know.

5. Mat Aazma Re ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
Just when I thought KK days were long gone, he makes himself relevant. Although I still believe his days are numbered. Anyways, getting back to the song, this song is everything that made us love KK's commanding voice. Nice instrumentals with a tinge of intense emotions sung well by KK makes this a great song.

6. Jaata Hai Tujh Tak ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
7. Jaata Hai Tujh Tak Film Version ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A simple and straightforward R&B track by Nikhil D'Souza. The song opens with a fast tempo and slowly leads to main theme. Owing to this, the song feel a bit repetitive by the late middle to the end. Enjoyable song.
Ditto like Teri Jhuki Nazar, if anyone can find the difference between the main and Film versions, I am interested.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. Pritam has been so consistently successful with his major albums, that it's almost boring to say: Another fine album by Pritam, with some help from Roxen band. He shows some semblance to his past work (without overly typecasting himself). The album is strange though. There are four original tracks and three alternate versions.The three alternate versions are barely alternate. Wonder if Pritam just got lazy or had some money dispute with the recording company or is it good old fraud in plain sight by Sony Music India, that the alternate versions of the songs are near identical.

This rounds up the review of two lovely album for Valentine's Day 2013.

Hai Na - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Thoda Thoda - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Aa Bhi Ja Mere Mehermaan - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Dil Na Jaane Kyun - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Hum Jee Lenge - Murder 3 Teri Jhuki Nazar - Murder 3 Mat Aazma Re - Murder 3 Jaata Hai Tujh Tak - Murder 3 Hum Jee Lenge Rock Version - Murder 3 Teri Jhuki Nazar Film Version - Murder 3 Jaata Hai Tujh Tak Film Version - Murder 3

Music Review - ABCD, Special 26, Vishwaroop, Listen... Amaya

ABCD Any Body Can Dance (2013)
Music: Sachin-Jigar
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1. Duhaai ------------------------------------ 10/10
The way this song opens and where it goes from there is completely the opposite. Opens like a typical Bollywood romantic opera, but transforms into an intense and techno-modern medley. Experimental, bohemian and well executed.

2. Bezubaan --------------------------------- 9/10
If you were waiting for a Rockstar like performance from Mohit Chauhan, here comes one after more than a year. Bezubaan, is all what is great about him. The opening is brilliant and the following transition to a hip rap is very fresh sounding. Superb track. The ending which is specially added for the dance sequence (which I speculate because I haven't seen the full video) is odd, but it can be forgiven given the beautiful track.

3. Man Basiyo Saanwariyo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/10
If you haven't been a fan of Anushka Manchanda's strong voice, this will be it where you will be. She gives an unwavering rendition for an Indo classical rock track. The cyclical motions the song takes between a tune to a euphoric rock experience is very well composed, which keeps us, the audience wanting for more.

4. Sadda Dil Vi Tu (Ga Ga Ga Ganpati) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
This track is for the quintessential Mumbaikar and every Maharashtrian, who knows what the collective fervor of Ganesh festival means. A strange combination of Nashik dhol, bass guitar and Hard Kaur packs a punch. Will make one long for those 10 days.

5. Sorry Sorry ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Amongst all the songs of the album, probably the only most predictable one. A peppy track, which though isn't incredibly innovative, is extremely catchy. Is it enjoyable? Hell yes!

6. Kar Ja Re Ya Mar Ja Re ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
An unexpectedly zesty dance track. Perfect for some power packed performance. A short, invigorating semi-instrumental. The opening and ending is a little creepy.

7. Psycho Re ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Did anyone ask for a rowdy track to forget all the rules and uninhibited fun? A raw, raucous track with typical south Indians beats brings two singers of different generations together: Mika Singh and Udit Narayan. Forget the norm, and enjoy it for what it is.

8. Shambhu Sutaya -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Ditto as above in terms of the intended audience, except this one is more of a devotional track than just-for-fun track. Shankar Mahadevan reminds us of his Indian classical wizardry, while Vishal Dadlani's beseeching voice provides an awesome compliment. A surefire hit this year come Ganpati.

9. Chandu Ki Girl Friend ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Peppy, nutty song. The tune and beats are very 90s like, and it takes a while to get into the theme of the song. The lyrics slowly sucks the listener into it's fun. Not bad.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 10/10. Couldn't wait till I got to the overall comments section. This album by Sachin-Jigar is up there with some of the greatest albums by ARR or Pritam or Vishal-Shekhar . The album is a blast of fresh air and gives us a break from the melodies of Pritam while not being a totally fringe album like Gangs of Wasseypur. They deserve a great deal of appreciation for this album. Not one track will bore you.

Special 26 (2013)
Music: M. M. Kreem
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This is a typical M.M. Kreem album. Unassuming and focusing more on the tune than the fanfare. The Criminal, Jism and Sur fame musician delivers another decent album. The songs don't necessarily deserve a great deal of criticism, but the album feels a bit cliche. Nothing wrong with the tracks, it's just that there is not much novelty in the tunes and beats.
If you loved him in his previous albums you will find the below interesting.

Brownie points:

• Kaun Mera - The version by Papon amongst three versions of the song is the best. It is soft and melodious and is accompanied with sufficient instrumentals to keep it engaging compared to the other unplugged versions.

Vishwaroop (2013)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
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In a string of busts, this is another one from the once prolific music trio. The album has a apocalyptic social feel to it, with it being neither intense in an Indian classical way or the rock way. The songs have no depth. The album completely fails to connect with our emotions. The only noteworthy aspect of it is Kamal Haasan doing playback for some songs. Otherwise, forgettable.

Listen... Amaya (2012)
Music: Indraneel Hariharan
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Just a couple of jingles, coffee advertisement and remix of a classic song. That is the best description for a bland album which might as well put one to a sound  sleep. Don't Listen... Amaya!Duhaai - ABCD Any Body Can DanceBezubaan - ABCD Any Body Can DanceMan Basiyo Saanwariyo - ABCD Any Body Can DanceSadda Dil Vi Tu (Ga Ga Ga Ganpati)- ABCD Any Body Can DanceSorry Sorry - ABCD Any Body Can DanceKar Ja Re Ya Mar Ja Re - ABCD Any Body Can DancePsycho Re - ABCD Any Body Can DanceShambhu Sutaya - ABCD Any Body Can DanceChandu Ki Girl Friend - ABCD Any Body Can DanceKaun Mera - Special 26

Music Review - Race 2, Akaash Vani, Mumbai Mirror

Race 2 (2013)
Music: Pritam
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1. Be Intehaan ------------------------------- 9/10
2. Be Intehaan (Official Remix) ------ 9/10
Atif Aslam is back for his fans, and in general, this is one touching song. Very much like Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. This melody is great from it's opening and sucks it's audience in it's charm along the way. Sunidhi Chauhan gets to show off her melodic nous after a while, which she is really good at. Didn't she have a public spat about Atif's singing abilities?
If you want to stay with this song, but want to listen it uptempo, the Official Remix is done pretty well.

3. Party On My Mind ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A pure fun and zesty party track. The opening and the overall track makes us feel the track is a remix of itself. The opening is solid, but halfway, it digresses a bit. Don't look for too much variety and you will be entertained.

4. Lat Lag Gayee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
The opening of this song is typical Pritam party track one. Fairly common and ordinary so far, but boy! Doesn't this song impress! The rising star of female playback Shalmali Kholgade (Daru Desi from Cocktail fame) is the one who leaves a lasting impression. The song is peppy, energetic and fairly novel for a party track with a fair deal of emotional angle instead of one-dimensional hip hop beats.

5. Allah Duhai Hai ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A good track to resurrect the original Race theme. If you liked that one, this one will nicely entertain with a good amount of intrigue and energy.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 8/10. Since 2012 and with the only and first good album from Pritam only screams of one thing: Pritam is gold. Plagiarism or not, he is striking a chord with the masses with nearly every major album of his. This album has four great tracks, with remixes of which most are average. Thumbs up!

Akaash Vani (2013)
Music: Hitesh Sonik
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1. Pad Gaye Ji ------------------------------ 7/10
This is what we are talking about KK. This is your strength and we are glad you give us one more track at what you are good at. The song may be a tad too long at almost 7 minutes, but it is super melodic without being extremely mushy. In fact this track has euphoric moments sprinkled in it's length to keep it interesting.

2. Bas Main Aur Tu (Reprise) ------- 7/10
3. Bas Main Aur Tu ---------------------- 6/10
A very, very, very soft track by Nikhil D'Souza. It may seem a bit too mild and one-dimensional by midway, but by the end, it would have created enough of magic web perfect for a Valentine's Day star gazing mood. But, this song is just enough good for that.
The Reprise is nearly identical; may be just a beat quicker and more beats. In that respect, the Reprise version is better than the original.

4. Tera Mera Naam --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A simple guitar strumming track for a lonely but reminiscent mood. Shafqat Amanat Ali has slowly turned into a go-to singer for melodies overtime. Good performance on his part. Just a pleasant track.

5. Rumani --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
It's hard to pinpoint the genre of the track, but if anything, it could retro jazz. It is innovative, experimental and fairly riveting. It is completely fresh in it's approach to a peppy romantic track. Doesn't hold up it's grip all the way, but props to Hitesh Sonik for this track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 7/10 as an album. It seems like Hitesh Sonik has put in a great deal of effort to make this a lovable romantic album. Most songs fall short to stand up on their own, but could go a long way if they are used right in the plot of the movie. Decent and respectable album.

Mumbai Mirror (2013)
Music: Amjad Nadeem
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1. Marjawa (Male) ------------------------ 7/10
2. Marjawa (Female) -------------------- 7/10
This one is for die hard Sonu Nigam. This is not a track we have never heard before, but Sonu Nigam delivers a strong performance and the genre of the song is his best suit: soft, yet powerful melody. The tune gets a bit repetitive and the song feels over at certain points in the song which feels weird, as the song is not really over.
The Female version of Marjawa by Sayantani Das is equally impressive, which is a completely female track. Same tune and tempo, just sounds nice in a female voice too.

Other tracks of the album are sufficiently tapori and ooze a Mumbaiyya attitude, which seems like a good thing considering the movie title.
Brownie point:

• Govinda Ala Re - This Gokulashtami celebration track by Wajid is oddly fun for the occasion.

Be Intehaan - Race 2 Party On My Mind - Race 2 Lat Lag Gayee - Race 2 Allah Duhai Hai - Race 2 Be Intehaan (Official Remix) - Race 2 Pad Gaye Ji - Akaash Vani Bas Main Aur Tu (Reprise) - Akaash Vani Tera Mera Naam - Akaash Vani Rumani - Akaash Vani Bas Main Aur Tu - Akaash Vani Marjawa (Male) - Mumbai Mirror Govinda Ala Re - Mumbai Mirror Marjawa (Female) - Mumbai Mirror