Randomness.....

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Joker, Challo Driver, Jalpari - Music Review

Joker (2012)
Music: Gaurav Dagaonkar, G. V. Prakash Kumar

1. Kafiraana --------------------------- 8/10
Here comes another song with Marathi flavor, using a Marathi word in a double-meaning way. Truly Dhagala Lagli Kala style. Sunidhi Chauhan brings her zest and commanding voice to this song while Farah Khan brings another fun themed song to life after Sheila Ki Jawani from Tees Maar Khan. Only for those who can digest the lyrics, I Want Fakht You, but still very fun.

2. Sing Raja --------------------------- 6/10
An interesting foot tapping track by Daler Mehndi. It is surprising that his voice fills the air with so much energy, still. Good beats and interesting upbeat lyrics sure to lighten up any mood. Great party/college cultural show track.

Final verdict: Overall, the album is average, except the two tracks above.

Challo Driver (2012)
Music: Gaurav Dayal, Sajjad Ali Chandwani

A pretty standard album. Not utterly terrible, but the music directors stick to the absolutely tried and tested formula; the result being a decent album with nothing to remember. Wakhre Wakhre Kaam is probably the most interesting track, with it's fun take on life. Dehle Pe Gulla is for those who love standard Punjabi hip hop.

Jalpari (2012)
Music: Midival Punditz, Ashish Chauhan

Some albums exist only for the sake of enhancing the mood and adding more color to the storytelling. Jalpari is one such album. It will not be fair to scale the talent of the music directors here, as it certainly is not the case, but the album is really boring. Only three tracks: that's some relief.

Brownie point:

Neeli Neeli Khili Khili Si Duniya - It a decent Indian classical music based song that is soothing when played in the background. It is pleasant as a song when not focused on it. The tempo is good, and the beats and the raag used portrays emotions intensely.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Gangs of Wassepur 2, From Sydney With Love, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi - Music Review

Gangs of Wasseypur 2 (2012)
Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

Sneha Khanwalkar puts to close the two part series of the most daring, offbeat and hilarious album. Continuing the same Bihari, rural theme of Gangs of Wasseypur (1), the songs are again only for the daring and experimental listeners, for those who can handle sarcastic humor in their music.

Brownie point:

Chhi (Chha Ledar) - The most representative track of this album embodying the oddly funny usage of English lyrics by a rural playback singer. The beats and theme tune of the song, though does not lend for crooning the song at random, is pretty catchy. Fun.
Bahut Khoob, Bahut Khoob 8 Bit - An extremely surreal mix of sounds of little children talking unintelligibly mixed with daily sounds. For those who love odd mixes.
Electric Piya, Electric Piya (Fused) - Yet another song that outright mixes traditional rural music with mixed English lyrics in a comic manner. Nothing better than to sing Electric Piya any random time. Would make for a hilarious antakshari or karaoke night.
Aabroo - A completely rowdy song, the first half is boring, but the climax is amazingly directed.
Kaala Rey, Moora, Moora (Morning) - These are interesting in that, the songs are very mild allowing the listener to soak in the odd lyrics and not enforcing any theme. Kaala Rey unfolds well from start to end. Moora has an interesting use of string instruments.
KKL - A strange remix of Keh Ke Loonga from Gangs of Wasseypur (1). Though interesting, the one techno sound is a little overused. Not the best.

Final verdict: Those who like sarcastic music would have found the first part's music pretty interesting and the second part does not let one down on the sarcasm, sticking to the bizarre. Sneha Khanwalkar sure has found her niche in nutty music coming out with Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Bheja Fry 2 and Gangs of Wasseypur 1 and 2.

From Sydney With Love (2012)
Music: Sohail Sen

1. Feeling Love In Sydney ------------------- 6/10
If you loved the tracks in What's Your Rashee?, you might like this one too. This track has a deadpan similarity to that album. His style of an easy paced, leisurely lively music without using too many instrumentals and gimmicks sets him apart. And this track is exactly that.

2. Item Ye Hi Fi --------------------------------- 6/10
A fun and carefree Neeraj Shridhar track. Although this track is overall very average, it's casual lyrics, good beats and tempo makes it likable. The instrumentals connecting two prose are a little unimaginative; Neeraj Shridhar definitely helps its case.

Final verdict: Sohail Sen shows some flashes of good music, but he definitely needs to break out of his own shell and start producing innovative music. Otherwise his stagnation will be his own demise. Just like HR. A decent album, unfortunately in an ordinary fashion.

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (2012)
Music: Jeet Ganguly

The album is fairly lively, although most songs suffer from being unoriginal and hence anachronistic for 2012. It could also be that KK has now lost his mojo to captivate his audiences. He sings to his strength in Kaafir Andhere, still fails to impress. All other songs are only average, probably sufficing the plot of the movie, but not good enough outside that context.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Ek Tha Tiger, Main Krishna Hoon, 5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore - Music Review

Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Music: Sohail Sen, Sajid-Wajid

1. Mashallah ----------------------- 8/10
One of the best Arabic themed music in Bollywood. Wajid Ali has been brilliantly put to use as a playback singer, his unrefined voice working perfectly with the theme. The supporting beats and connecting instrumentals would remind one of belly-dancing scenes (of course, that is not exactly how the song is actually shot).

2. Saiyaara ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Mohit Chauhan: This is exactly the kind of songs you should be picking to voice. Very Rockstar-like, his fans should certainly relish this piece. The only drawback of this one is it quickly loses steam after a euphoric opening by Mohit Chauhan.

3. Banjaara ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
An emphatic and pleasant track by the master of zest in Bollywood music industry: Sukhwinder Singh. The opening santoor and recurring violin theme is it's highlight and keeps us interested throughout. Good track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. Decently entertaining album by Sohail Sen, who does a terrific job of breaking his mold. His style is not recognizable in this album. The Remixes and other tracks are mediocre and a bit of a drag, save for the aforementioned ones.

Main Krishna Hoon (2012)
Music: Amjad Nadeem

Amjad Nadeem has taken a diversion after directing some mainstream Bollywood music. The music is pretty average to mediocre outside the context of the movie, and there has been no exception since Ramayana - The Epic where an animation movie has had decent music for neutral listeners.
Brownie point:

Om Namo Namah - To the credit of Amjad Nadeem, this is a good Indian classical track describing the life of Lord Krishna.

5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore (2012)
Music: Tony Kakkar, Rustam Fateh Ali Khan, Leonard Victor, Sourish, Ali Mustafa

1. Aaye Nahi Chain Kate Nahin -------- 7/10
A soft and silent romantic track in a typical Indian classical/ghazal form, clearly bringing to the fore the classical roots of Rustam Fateh Ali Khan. The bass guitar passages sound a little odd in this track in this overall, enjoy-it-in-solitude track.

2. Mashah Allah Kya Kehna -------------- 6/10
Yet another Mashah Allah for this week. An interesting track evoking the Mohammad Rafi era, axit's tempo and mood. Pretty pleasant.

Final verdict: Overall, the track has it's fairly good tracks and some pretty average ones. 8 original tracks that are pretty decent (at least not outright bad), pushes it's rating to 6/10. Check out the above. Rustam Fateh Ali Khan shows a good spark.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Jism-2, Chutki Bajaa Ke, Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai - Music Review

Jism-2 (2012)
Music: Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Mithoon, Vicckey Goswami

Pooja Bhatt/Mahesh Bhatt have always stuck to basic melodies when it came to their movies, Jism (1) and Paap. Chucking any flamboyance, they went ahead with lesser known music directors. Whether it will work for them again in 2012 is a bit suspect. The tracks are either intense in mood, varying from somber to overly romantic, but definitely no catchy tunes here. Overall, thus, the album feels heavy in mood and the basic tunes feel a little bland.

Brownie points -

Maula - The fans of Pakistani singers and their beseeching style should check this out. This one is certainly intense, but the same high intensity borders on the ludicrous. Not bad. Pooja Bhatt and Ali Azmat of Junoon fame, team up again after Paap.
Darta Hoon (Adhoora) - An interesting trance-like track that is reminiscent of the Aao Huzoor Tumko remix by Karunesh. The instrumentals and sedated female lead voice creates a surreal atmosphere.

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Chutki Bajaa Ke (2012)
Music: Raaj Aashoo, Rajeev Thanvi

A very ordinary album with not much effort put into creating good music. Javed Ali shines as a playback singer in overly sentimental Andheron Main Maa, while Daata Tere Sawali (Qawali) piles on the genre of qawali/sufi devotional track without creating much buzz.
(Random thought: At first glance, did anyone think the kid is giving the finger?)

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Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai (2012)
Music: Anu Malik

Talk about a time warp. This album is the best way to experience it. The songs are amazingly stuck in the early 90s. Almost can imagine Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in their early days lip syncing these tracks. Simply employing the best singers does not make the cut. There has to be a lot of freshness to a song to be successful, and this album is plain stale.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, Maximum, Arjun - The Warrior Prince - Music Review

Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum (2012)
Music: Sachin-Jigar, Meet Bros Anjjan

1. Dil Garden Garden Ho Gaya ---- 9/10
2. Dil Garden Garden Ho Gaya (Remix) -------------------------------------- 9/10
In a wave of songs coming out lately that blends some serious music and beats with hilarious lyrics, this one satisfies the expectations it creates. The beats are extremely catchy and the energy is unmistakable, and as mentioned already, the lyrics are plain fun to sing along. The Remix is also well done, retaining the original charm of the song, while adding just the right amount of additional tempo.

3. Shirt Da Button ----------------------- 7/10
4. Shirt Da Button (Version 2) ----- 7/10
A beautiful melody by none other than Sonu Nigam, singing to his strength. This could be an instant hit with his fans if they are able to digest the silly lyrics he is singing. An absolute melody nonetheless, and a different take on romantic tracks. Version 2 is hardly any different than the main version, if you are a Kailash Kher fan, that is.

Brownie point:

Hum To Hain Cappuccino - Yet another fun song that resurrects the Main Aayi Hoon U.P. Bihar Lootne from Shool tune. The raw energy and appeal couple with absurd lyrics makes it interesting, just not enough.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. The album is completely made up of silly tracks, however not all of them are as entertaining, or there is only so much appetite for humor in a single album.

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Maximum (2012)
Music: Amjad Nadeem, Devi Sri Prasad

1. Aa Ante Amalapuram ---------------- 7/10
This one is truly for the fans of the original Telugu version of Aa Ante... All the ingredients of the original track have been retained, including the playback singer Malathy, except for Hindi lyrics. Devi Sri Prasad who got to keep his credit for himself with Dhinka Chika in Ready for Hindi and Ringa Ringa from Arya 2 in Telugu, gets to keep credit for Aa Ante... from Arya in Telugu and this one.

2. Aaja Meri Jaan ------------------------- 6/10
An interesting track, which is fast paced and upbeat. Blending sitar well with modern instruments, this track is reminiscent of Dance Pe Chance from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Brownie point:

Maan Qunto Maula - Fans of qawwali devotional music will find it delightful. Due to a plethora of such tracks, this one does not stand out. However, it is still pleasant enough for the lovers of this genre.
Sutta - A non-sensical and average dance number. However, it's energy is a tad infectious.

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Arjun - The Warrior Prince (2012)
Music: Vishal-Shekhar

Vishal-Shekhar have been on somewhat a comeback roll since the past few albums. They have lent decent music to this album, however, as is the case with lesser known, low-budget movies, they have underperformed, as if almost disposing off their less interesting tunes in this album. Nothing too horrible, but nothing of worth either.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Cocktail, Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai!, 3 Bachelors - Music Review

Cocktail (2012)
Music: Pritam

The album had Pritam written all over it. And interestingly, Pritam is also back with a serious attempt at creating hit songs for a major production house, as compared against his haphazard attempt in Ferrari Ki Sawaari.

1. Yaariyan ---------------------------------------------- 9/10
2. Yaariyan (Reprise) ------------------------------- 9/10
A song many would love to love. The opening is strong, and with it, it tells us that there is going to be a lot of guitar strumming in this track. So, good news for guitar lovers. Those who also love the euphoric moments in such tracks should not look any further. A great to track to strum and croon along. Great travel song. If you loved Jiyein Kyun from Dum Maaro Dum, will find it very similar.
The Reprise version is almost as good, but primarily is a female version, and more piano oriented, and thus more melody oriented instead of euphoric. Sunidhi Chauhan was a great choice, as she is one of the best female singers who can pull off a silent melody and a strong voice in the same track.
Lovely tracks both of them.

3. Daaru Desi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9/10
A great slow, but hip disco track. The song has it's own pace, but the song is very seductive and carefree, and the beats nicely complement the tempo. Great for pubs looking for breaking a dance floor momentum without killing the moment.

4. Second Hand Jawaani -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
This song is bound to be a super hit in all the discotheques as well this Ganpati season. The crude lyrics, liberal use of traditional beats and an inhibition-free tone of the song makes it easy to rock to this track. The lyrical duel between male and female protagonist adds to the spice. Pure fun.

5. Jugni ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
The song has a heavy Punjabi influence with the lyrics, the playback singers voice quality and the opening. For the culturally neutral listeners, if you can survive this bit, there is a nice track waiting for you. Punjabis are bound to love this one. The tempo set with the beats and chorus after the opening piece is refreshing, the continuous piano and guitar background score gives it a surreal effect when the beats fall down. A surprisingly nice track, especially for non-Punjabi speakers.

6. Tumhi Ho Bandhu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Yet another track from the album made for the discotheques. Wonder if the entire film is shot in one. The opening of the track is eerily similar to Ik Junoon (Paint It Red) from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The following track is very peppy. A certain mood lifter. This song feels like a remix of it's own. The drawback of this song is it's overly used tune and style, which will make it's shelf-life real short.

7. Luttna (Saif Ul Malook) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
8. Luttna (Version 2) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
An intense track about love and betrayal. A powerful track singing out a recently broken heart. The meshing of classical Punjabi music and grunge rock lift the mood of the song aptly. Not the best track of all times or anything, but definitely commendable. Loud speakers are absolutely necessary to enjoy this song in solitude. Not a song for a group to enjoy and not for weak speakers.
The Version 2 is rightly named, as it really a different version of the same instead of some trashy remix. The beats in Version 2 are more consistent, which slightly reduces the impact of a changeover from melody to the strong chorus. Still, as good as the original.

9. Tera Naam Japdi Phiran ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
10. Tera Naam Japdi Phiran (Remix) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A great song for the discotheques, with catchy beats. Otherwise, a pretty average song out of context. The Remix is well done, good enough to dance to it without having to pay much attention to the real song.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 8/10. Pritam dazzles yet again. He might very well be the best performing music director in Bollywood for the past half a decade (best performing, and not the best due to his known plagiarized work). The album has some typical songs and some really good ones. None of them are truly new, but the album as a whole is very entertaining and upbeat. All the songs in the album get a mention: truly a Pritam quality.

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Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai! (2012)
Music: Aabfm

The songs of the album are almost as non-descript as the music director's name. Super corny and not made with any intention to please anyone's musical senses.

Brownie point:

Vada Pav - Singing about the biggest street food of Mumbai, Vada Pav is probably the only song that might evoke an emotion that is not a tired sigh. No matter how bad Vinod Rathod sounds, the song manages to evoke a chuckle owing to it's theme around a Vada Pav; and the Konkani beats are so retro.

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3 Bachelors (2012)
Music: Dabboo Malik

The film was probably sitting in the can for a good decade or so. So feels the music of the album, with only three songs, and all of them are unbearable. Wonder if Vinod Rathod is real cheap or what, or is it just an old album which got released just now, but what kind of music director thinks his voice will reap in returns. May be, only the Malik camp!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Bol Bachchan, Gangs of Wasseypur, Chakradhaar - Music Review

Bol Bachchan (2012)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Ajay-Atul

An average album that is focused of the comic angle of the movie. Most songs are goofy, and while being so not totally hilarious making its' shelf life very short.

1. Jab Se Dekhi Hai --------- 5/10
When Himesh Reshammiya and Mohit Chauhan meet, comes to life Jab Se Dekhi Hai. Mohit Chauhan is no doubt the force of the Bollywood music industry today, however HR's style is going stale by the day. This song would have a smash hit 6 years ago. But, today?

2. Nach Le Nach Le ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5/10
Ajay-Atul are brought into service for Rohit Shetty's film, if only for this one song. They do add a Marathi-style dhinchak flair to the album. But is it enough for the album, or even for the song? No.

3. Bol Bachchan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
A resurrection of Amitabh Bachchan's legendary gibberish English dialogues from Namak Halal. It is funny, although over it's entire length falls flat. Ajay Devgn is a total fail in delivering hilarious dialogues and sounds very dry. The only best part of the song is the melodic use of a random word: pendulum.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 5/10. Very average. HRs style feels average now that he is out of his prime. He must explore a greater musical territory as his trump card of once is a bust now.

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Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

If someone takes the songs/album by its' face value, I can bet the person would go to the extent of buying an audio CD of this album and smash it into pieces like the printer in Office Space.
However, if there is any love for experimental music or someone possesses enough sarcastic sense of humor, there could some gems for you in there. Hats off to Sneha Khanwalkar for creating such a hilariously boorish album while not compromising on the rustic authenticity of the music. This album is surely not a piece of folk songs collection, but a deliberate stab at irony. Definitely not for everyone, but if you are ready for the rollercoaster ride, check these out:

O Womaniya Live - The gem of it all. A female chorus with thick rural voice singing the word woman in Bihari accent accompanied by colloquial rhyme and good beats. Simply genius.
Humni Ke Chhodi Ke - With no offense meant, this is the most brilliant beggar song ever recorded.
Hunter - This is just one dumb, non-sensical song with English lyrics and raw tune. The lyrics are oddly funny.
Keh Ke Lunga - Those who loved G*** Me Danda Re, will relish on this one. A melodic way of expressing F U.
Manmauji - A brillliant retro track, certain to remind the era of Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. Composed in true flashback colors.

Final verdict: For true adventure lovers. There is more to explore than the aforementioned tracks, but these are the better of them all.

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Chakradhaar (2012)
Music: Anand Raj Anand, Jatin Pandit

A fair attempt, although not enough. Very formulaic with no-name playback singers. Bin Tere is a fairly decent track that almost sounds like Haan Tu Hai from Jannat. That is where all the good things end.