Good Old Days

It's great to have friends willing to share their music finds with us. This week, our friend from school, Ritvik Carvalho brings three tracks for your Monday playlist.

Ritvik works as a financial journalist in London. He likes a variety of music but especially the "old and classy stuff." You know the type!

Hi Sudhir and Tanisha,
Thanks for letting me do this.
Sudhir, it's been great catching up with you and Vivek in London. Brings back fond memories of old days - prefects in school, Bibles and hymn books, the second "bell" and school captains confusing names of houses leading out of the auditorium.




Island in the Sun : Weezer

It's been a bit of a nostalgic Sunday, and was listening to the kind of stuff we grew up on at school - punk and alternative, mostly. Here's a great track by Weezer, and an equally adorable video. I think this song just makes me crave for carefree childhood and school days more than anything else.

We all had a Nirvana phase back in school, and I've been noting a spate of 'Heart-Shaped Box' covers hit Spotify. It's my favourite Nirvana song, and here are two covers that really stand out -

I've already introduced you to Islandic singer Asgeir. Besides the trademark polished delivery, he lends a slow, meditative feel to the tribute.

Heart-Shaped Box : Asgeir

And here's another slightly upbeat one by South African electro-swing duo Goldfish. Vivek and I attended a concert of theirs in London recently.

Heart-Shaped Box : Goldfish

Here's to not knowing where we're going, but knowing where we've been!
- Ritvik

From Jiu Jitsu to Music

Divya and I go a long way back- back to long summer vacations at neighbouring grandparents homes -climbing trees, hide and seek, and all things that could fit into summer afternoons. When summer ended, we kept in touch with handwritten letters, with more stickers than writing. And when childhood ended, we lost touch until years later we connected again through our love for architecture, travel, food, blogging, and I guess music too!

The whole point of this blog is for friends to share good music and it's awesome to have two friends share their music exchanges here. Thanks Divya and Ed. :)
-Tanisha

Edward: Thank you for having us as guests on your awesome blog! Divya and I met earlier this year while training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). At first, I didn't know what to think of her. But as I was sparring her, I could tell she had a strong fighting spirit, but needed some work on her technical proficiency. So I made it a point to work with her. Since then, we have gotten to know each other more. And I am constantly impressed by how much this young lady has experienced and accomplished in just 27 years - from studying architecture, to aviation and more. Meanwhile, I can barely chew gum and walk at the same time!

Divya: Haha. What an intro! Edward actually works as a detective with local law enforcement. Currently a BJJ purple belt (read: waay more experienced than me), he's also an expert at self-deprecation. He's secretly a ninja who, in his own words, looks "like a 16-year-old kid." He crushes me at BJJ and chess, and I.... eh, I occasionally crush him at verbal sparring? Anyway, in one of our recent banters, we traded songs. And I thought it would be fun to share that exchange with "Monday Mephobics." From two goofy friends in Maryland to you! :)

Grandma's Hands : Bill Withers

My song is called "Grandma's Hands" by Bill Withers. You've definitely heard him before - he sings "Ain't no Sunshine," which is one of my all-time favorites. When I was a child, I used to visit my Uncle Greg on the weekends. I would help him with chores around the house, and we would listen to music from his era. Bill Withers was one of his favorites. So this reminds me of those times. Hope you enjoy it.
-Ed

Il Valzer di Un Giorno (The Waltz of One Day) : Gianmaria Testa

Ed,

That is a beautiful song! Paints such a gentle picture of kindness and care in the most ordinary of circumstances... "old gnarled hands" and all. Very cool that it's tied to memories of your uncle too!

My song is also tied to memories. But this one is of memories of a beautiful place - the Tuscan Valley in Italy. I spent a week there as part of a summer course in college. Unforgettable. So this is my 'Tuscany song.' It's by Gianmaria Testa and in Italian (rough translation: here).

You know how you talk about daydreams being a mental escape? Well, if daydreams needed a soundtrack, this could easily be on the soundtrack for mine.

Saint Joan, the Perfect Stranger

Hey,

Sharing a track from a band I recently discovered- Husky.

When you complete this post, I will probably be in Manali without much internet connection. I downloaded one of their albums and will listen to it on the long bus ride!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

- Tanisha

Saint Joan : Husky

Hey hey!
I know you may not be the biggest fan of songs that come on the radio but I think this may be an exception. Catchy tune and generally, lifts spirits.

Your choice is exceptional. Hope you enjoyed the rest of their music.

-S

Perfect Strangers : Jonas Blue ft. JP Cooper

Clouds or the Trees

Hey Sudhir,
Saturday night, and I am packing for a project trip to the Himalayas. This song happened to come up on the playlist I was listening to- pretty apt. It's such a simple message- get out there and make each day count! :)

Take to the sky
Open up your eyes and see how far you get in just one day
Take to the sea
And open up your heart and see how far you get atop this place

Just One Day : Mighty Oaks

Hey hey!

Nope, this is not a remake of a Bollywood song. Hope you are having fun on your trip. I think I have found a song for you this week which is equally meaningful. Plus, I know you like the mild folksy songs. Surprisingly, this song (towards the middle) sounds very much like a Mumford and Sons song.

All is Well : Austin Basham

Some Things Don't Need Fancy Titles

T,
Not joking this is by far one of the best finds. I have been listening to him constantly for the last few days. This Icelandic singer singer has a great variety and an exceptional falsetto which he uses when you lease expect it.

Listen to more of his songs. You won't be disappointed.

-S

King and Cross : Asgeir

Hey Sudhir,
Enjoyed your choice. So much evolving in the music choices happening here! Hehe.

Not sure if you have heard this before. Mario, with his awesome taste in music,  shared this on Facebook a while ago. I listened to them and loved them. So here they are- You will love Antwaun Stanley's voice.  
Have an awesome week. 

-Tanisha

Wait for the Moment : Vulfpeck