Archive for the ‘Music’ Category
Once upon a time, way back, I mean, way way back in 1998, me and my brother decided to see if we could cover a Pet Shop Boys song we really liked called “Left to my own devices.” Intent was to have a song done for a PSB tribute album that never really came to fruition (I think).
Anyway, since I didn’t have any musical abilities (instrument wise), my brother did the music and I did some vocals with an extremely el-cheapo PC mike. Well, I am not proud of my singing, but here it is. You can laugh at it if you prefer, I won’t mind. :)
Farhan Yousaf and Adnan Yousaf – Left to my own devices
I wonder though if my voice has changed since. I was in my early 20’s then, and now in my early 30’s… Oh, and I will be posting more of the crazy stuff I was into when I had the mental capacity and the oodles of time needed to play with whatever I had access to that day. I don’t think there are any real but serious followers of this blog, so this serves as sort of a personal diary.
Not sure if anyone is old enough to remember .D00 / .D01 files from the 90’s, but I just found a stash of these files from my old hard drive. The archive linked has a DOS player in it as well. You’ll need DOSBox to play it, however. Let me know how it goes.
Download
Zohaib Hassan has released his solo album called “Kismet” or Destiny in english. He’s probably not as famous as his sister Nazia Hassan that broken into the India film industry with her sultry single called “Aap jaisa koi.” Sadly, Nazia passed away about two years ago.
I have got hold of Kismet, but have not had the time to listen to it properly. However, my initial view at this point is that it has a few decent tracks, but nothing earth shattering. I am a little disappointed at the music, which at best can be described as a heavy mixture of loops rather than good old fashioned composing. I reserve the right to change my views, once I’ve had a chance to give the album a proper listening!
Interestingly enough, Zohaib is making his debut as an actor on a TV serial named Kismet.
Kismet track list:
1. Fashion
2. Tum hi Tum
3. Yaadein
4. Kaisey Mein
5. Ye To Kya Ho Gaya
6. Kismet
7. Jaltey Hain
8. Kaise Hein Ye Log
9. Khuda Hafiz
10 .Saathi Re
11. Jeena
12. Fashion [Dance Mix]
If you are like me and love the 80’s band called “The Cars,” then you’ll probably be no stranger to one of the lead singers in it — Benjamin Orr. He also sang on “The Drive” which is a timeless classic with amazing lyrics and music that still hold up today.
Unfortunately, Benjamin died in 2000 from pancreatic cancer but did release a solo album which, in my opinion is an amazing piece of work. I’ve recently heard from David Cox, who has had an online petition for a while now to get Rhino records to re-release Benjamin’s album, “The Lace.” Looks like, his endeavours might be about to pay off with an expected re-release this summer from Wounded Birds (which is a reissue label related to Rhino — according to David); see here.
Please help spread the word!
Tracking listing should be as following:
Too hot to stop
In circles
Stay the night
Skyline
When you’re gone
Spinning
Hold on
The lace
That’s the way
This time around
Alright, I have this love and hate relationship with the songs being generated by the musical phenomena called Himesh Reshammiya. Almost every Indian movie, whether it stinks or not, has or a decent story line or not has a song by him. Of course, his singing is pretty good and definitely more so than your run of the mill Indian pop but perhaps he needs to calm down a little? And what’s with his cap and unshaven look? Is that supposed to be ‘IN’ now? Sheesh.
Maybe it’s me, but vocals are definitely Qawali inspired; I won’t say it reminds me of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan because there is nobody that can even come close — because that’d be blasphemy.
In less opinionated news, check out this link which also vents on the growing popularity of this guy albeit on a more humourous note:
Himesh Reshammiya may get a death sentence.
Looks like CGI-based graphics are finally coming to Pakistani music videos, as seen in Adeel’s Mere Haniya video. It’s a video in a league of its own right now and makes me wonder what other videos will prop up that will give us more interesting eye candy. Mere Haniya is quite a catchy song though, but no word of an album yet.
You can find this video and many others at PMX in their “PMX Videos” section. Unfortunately, the videos are in WMV format and not very high resolution but definitely better than having nothing. Maybe, just maybe, someone will become quality conscious and put these things out in at least MPEG. WMV support on Macs is pitiful even with VLC or Flip4Mac. Skipping along the video is quite buggy.
On a related topic, Annie’s album entitled “Princess” has just recently been released. I must admit the first track “Mahia” is definitely unique, and gets on your brain after a while inspite of the somewhat childish lyrics. I quote: ‘Why don’t you tell me Mahi, put my mind at ease? How do you wish to see the loyalty in me?’ A few words come to my mind in terms of how to answer her query, but this is a family blog, and we’ll keep it that way. :-)
If you’re wondering how the rest of her album is then wonder no more. I’ll admit I haven’t listened to it more than a few times, but it is definitely not much to write home about. It’s mediocre at best, and the overriding impression I am left with is that she needs to hire half decent musicians and get some vocal lessons. While the Mahia song was cute, the rest of her singing gets old pretty darn quickly. I’d be interested in hearing what you think about her album.
You won’t believe this but I have seen her in person, and she’s of a much darker complexion than on TV. But that’s a given, right. And no, I did not walk up to her and ask for her autograph.
Pet Shop Boys have released their new single from their upcoming “Fundamental” album called “I’m with stupid.”
It’s a super catchy tune, with clever lyrics about Bush and Blair. Intrigued? You should be.
Their new album promises to be like their old stuff, which was more dancy and pop than some of their more recent “artsy” endeavours. The release date for US/Canada has not been announced yet.
The screen shot below is from their video.
