Liability

I don't know what it is about this song but it just speaks to me. Sharing the acoustic version this week but you should listen to the record too. Hope you like it.

-S

Liability : Lorde




Hi there,
Good song choice. Her voice is so unique, and her outfit in the video is also..um... unique!
Here's one that came up on the playlist I was listening to the other week. I though he was Indian when I saw his name, but he isn't. Listened to a couple of his newer music, but At the Hop is super catchy, "Cook my in your breakfast, put me on your plate..." 

At the Hop : Devendra Banhart

Back from the Hiatus

The last few months have been incredibly eventful for us and hence, the temporary hibernation. February saw both of us relocate to different continents but now that we have settled in, your weekly jams are coming back.

Sudhir's Pick:
Not as exciting as some of their old stuff but still good to have some new music from these legends. Especially exciting video since it is shot in Trafalgar Square. As exceptional as Bono's voice is, I think the star is the Edge's back-up vocals. I think you will enjoy this!

Get Our of Your Own Way - U2

Tanisha's Pick:
Hello! It's mostly been my fault for abandoning the blog. I have good excuses. Lots and lots of travelling, new beginnings and big experiences. But I am here in Senegal now for a few months. This new routine will have to include time for music discovery (poor internet and lots of blocked sites here is a bit of a dampener) 

I found this song yesterday. It's a very very happy energetic track to celebrate a good two months of the year so far. It kind of reminds me of Uptown Funk a bit. Enjoy. 


Good To Be Alive : Andy Grammer

One Kaleo of Rhys

Hey hey!

I think you may like this one. Seems like it would make for a great OST which as you know if my chief reason for liking songs anyways. Was great to catch- up last week. Another one soon?

-S

Way Down We Go : Kaleo

Yo!
Much sorry for no post and late post. Didn't have a song until just now. I need to listen to more music this week. It feels like a while since I listened to good music all day!
Also, really enjoyed the track you picked. What power in his voice. Very cool vibe too.
Talk soon.
- Tanisha

I Know the Feeling : Rhys Lewis

Serendipity

Hey hey!

So you might recognize this guy from American Idol. Like most winners, he has a token music video. He is not too bad but nothing special. Definitely not a Daughtry or Carrie Underwood.  Anyway, it's a fun track for a week that has so far been pretty blah. Hope it has been a good week.

- S

Sweet Serendipity : Lee DeWyze

Hey you,
Sorry about your rough week. Hopefully this one will be better. 
My music listening this weekend ranged from choral music to some mainstream pop! Nothing really worth sharing on this blog. 
Found this today. The internet labels this genre as Soul rooted RnB. But I like it because it's really chill, the piano is great and he enunciates his lyrics! Also the video is cool. 
Hope the music is relaxing at the least. 
-Tanisha

My Time : Jordan Rakei

A Closeness to

Ok, I am totally going to win this week. Didn't think I would like this song on one listen but it really grew on me. Especially after reading the lyrics, how it picked up in the second verse and the range of Kennedy's voice. You will really like it, me thinks.  Have a great week, T.

-S

A Closeness : Dermot Kennedy 

Hey hey,
Such a great song choice. I likes very much.
Who is this Ruth B.? She seems popular, but I only heard this now. A bit late to the party. But this is an unusually soulful raw track to be popular. Pleasant surprise. I like how simple the song is, but her voice is flawless. Hope you've had a good weekend. 
-Tanisha

Lost Boy : Ruth B. 

Happy Tanisha Day

Taking a step back from picking songs to allow some of our loyal listeners to chime in and wish you a happy birthday. I know you aren't a big fan of birthdays, but consider this a consolidation of all the things I normally do to annoy you but can't because we are on different continents now. Considering that you had coffee with me on November 21st, 2012, aren't you glad I wasn't around in 2016?

Anyways,I wrote you a greeting which I think will be acceptable for a person who doesn't like their birthday. Besides, I must balance out the mush from the following posts. Here goes...

You are now 27 and I have known you for ten years. It has been enjoyable. There are 365 days in a year (sometimes 366) you were born on one of those and it is noted. I hope this year is pleasant and that you achieve success in a reasonable number of your aspirations. You are pretty ok, I guess.

With utmost sincerity,

Sudhir

----------------------------------------

As I was writing this, the first song that came to mind is, 'Funny The Way It Is' and I feel like it appropriately reminds me of you; of various conversations we've had and what I've seen of your life's journey. You seem comfortable being yourself and at ease with looking for better questions rather than settling for easy answers. You're one of the few people that I can un-ironically describe as having the joie de vivre and I hope you maintain that spark. All the best for your 28th #macroadventure and thanks for the postcards. 

- Joel

Funny The Way It Is : Dave Matthews Band

Happy Birthday Tanisha! We've always shared a love for good musicals and I can't thank you enough for alerting me to the sheer brilliance that is Hamilton. This song off the Hamilton mixtape is taken on one the most popular lines in the show- "Immigrants; we get the job done". Apparently Lin Manuel Miranda had to incorporate a pause in the music after this line, because it usually meets with such thunderous applause. I love the lyrics in this mixtape version - particularly the Riz MC bit -  and I hope you do too!
- Sanjana

Immigrants (We Get The Job Done) : Snow Tha Product, K'Nann, Riz MC, Residente Calle 13

This is my contribution for those much needed impromptu dance sessions as you deal with full-fledged adulthood. Also, eh eh mon ami a nkele n'ta translates to - my friend has chosen only her. May only the best things in life choose you.
- Minita

A Kele Nta : MHD

When I was asked to dedicate a song for Tanisha's birthday, a song just popped in my mind spontaneously. It's called Honest, by Francesca Battistelli. I first heard this song when I was visiting Tanisha in Delhi. She was rehearsing this song to sing at church. Personally, when I heard Tanisha rehearsing it, I felt that this was one of her best rendition. Simple song, but powerfully sung. I am far from being a singer, but after listening to Tanisha sing it, I decided that if I ever have the courage to sing a solo in church, it would be this song. 
- Nikita

If We're Honest : Francesca Battistelli

Musical Interlude : Mana's Custom Soundtrack

Mana is a Bangalore celebrity! In Bangalore circles however, it is very easy to feel like you know a person because they are mentioned in your common friends' stories. I had the sheer privilege of (finally) meeting Mana in real life. She lives up to the hype of being super awesome and so much more. In addition to being a member of The Choral Riff, she also is the creative genius behind Mana Custom Art. Mana (much like us) found it hard to describe what music means to her in one sentiment.

This week she shares two tracks with us. Take a listen and be blown away by her super-awesomeness.

- Sudhir

I was introduced to this song recently by a friend, and I was hooked immediately. All of Honne's music was a revelation, and I'm still digging the groovy but easy listening vibe.
I really like the treatment of the vocals on most of the songs in this album. Very feel-based.

Good Together : Honne

This song has been around for a while, but was a bit of a late discovery for me. Nothing mind-blowing musically, but just some catchy, pop fun. I generally like Ed Sheeran's music, and this song has kind of been on loop on my iTunes. It probably will be until I get sick of it.

Shape of You : Ed Sheeran

'It's Gotta Be You'

Happy Birthday Sudhir!!

I was remembering your last birthday- Campfire and tents in the halli! Was such great fun with the gang. Hope your day is a special one this year too. Continue being awesome. Wishing you an exciting year ahead (with no giants coming to gobble you up! :P)

Also, this is the 100th blog post! Yay!

Here for you today are three of your favourite people sharing their memories of you with these song choices.


We steal the show but especially with this one as it's one of the first shows we did together. Sudhir and I have been friends for 27 years and our families (great grandparents, grandparents, parents) have been friends and continue to be 4th generation in the running. There was a time when Sudhir and I ran a small flower making enterprise in our summer holidays! I am an entrepreneur today but if there's anyone I first got the bug from it's this guy. More important is his infectious we-can-do-anything attitude that's something I miss and enjoy when he is around. This song brings back such good memories each time it is played.

- Dheeraj

It's Gotta Be You : Backstreet Boys

Happy birthday you sexy boy!!! Your version of the anthem will always be my favorite!!
- Vivek

The Anthem : Good Charlotte

Cheesy and best because Sudhir is my sweaty topless superhero and I'm literally a call away for all PhD whining and venting! Much love and happy birthday to you, Suds!
- Maliha

One Call Away : Charlie Puth

Happy New Music to you!

The new year brings scope for reflection and resolution. It is a chance to discard old habits and embrace new ones. For us, we choose to fill our 2017 with more new music. Thank you for being a part of this journey with our little project. Stick around. We have lots more music to be the soundtrack for your life.

Tanisha's Picks

There's something so soothing about this song- the light vocals, the slo-mo video and the waves. I heard one song by the talented experimental musician Tom Misch a while ago, but was quite thrilled to re-discover him through this beautiful track. 
It makes me want to take a rake next time I go to the beach!

Watch Me Dance : Tom Misch

Sudhir! Remember when we loved the Oscars?! Haha, last year we failed to live up to our Oscar madness, but this year we shouldn't let that happen again. I read up about all the possible nominees for this year, watched a bunch of trailers and got hold of a couple movies to start my Oscar marathon. 
I found this beauty during my trailer watching. I love covers, and this one is pretty epic. Starts of with an eerie feel to it and then crescendos to this intense full-blown knock-knocking!  Hope you are just as excited about the Oscars this year.

Knockin' On Heaven's Door : Blackwall

Sudhir's Picks

Happy New Year, Sunshine! So since it is a new year and we talk about new music, I am sending you a newish song and a song which is new to me. The first was just this weekend in 2017 (so it counts :)). I found the second one on Spoitfy which is slowly becoming my best friend. I am sure you will be receiving many 2017 tracks from there. 

My second song is also the 200th song on our playlist. I am so glad that we continue to do this and look forward to awesome ways we can continue to share new music.

Enjoy!

House of Gold : Twenty One Pilots



Over and Over Again : Nathan Sykes

Country Run

Hey hey!

So I know you are not the biggest fan of country but I think you might like this one; especially because it is acoustic. Ignore the introduction but enjoy his voice.

-S

Sturgill Simpson

Hey!

I really love A Great Big World. Checked their page today and found this new track of theirs. Such a moving song. Hope you like it. 

Won't Stop Running : A Great Big World

Some Love and Hate

Hey hey!

As you probably know, I love discovering songs from TV show. There is nothing better than a scene unfolding on TV timed to perfectly- chosen music. The Blacklist does this really really well on numerous occassions. This is one of those songs. Hope you likes!

-S

Someone You Love : Tina Dico

Hello!
Took me so long to find a song for this week. Most people have heard this guy's voice from the track 'Runnin'' which he sings with Beyonce. Such a rich powerful voice really needs more fame. Enjoy :)

Love and Hate : Arrow Benjamin

Battle of the Schools

So I am going super old school for you this week. This blog is about new music meaning new music for you even if it might be 52 years old. Still upbeat and wonderful like I hope this week will be for everyone.

Enjoy!

Come a Little Bit Closer : Jay and the Americans

I usually don't find music with rap that I like. This was an exception. Pay attention to the lyrics and that trumpet bringing in a bit of a jazz twist. Regardless of whether you listen to it once or twenty times, hope you enjoy some element of it's beauty. :) 

'I wish people would stop yelling and start listening...'

Also, listen to his other music. You'll like. 

Birds : Chef'Special

The Five Year Crush

Hi,

Not sure if I mentioned but May 1st (in 2011) is the day I graduated from Concordia. It's been five years since I switched my tassel and flipped my ring. So in honour of that I am playing a classic for you which I am not sure if you have heard before or not. The lyrics don't have much to do with nostalgia but David Bowie constantly screaming five years seemed apt for my current state of nostalgia. Enjoy!

Five Years : David Bowie





Hey,
I chose a different song to share, but then this came up in the YouTube suggestions. Quite a nice collaboration, I think. I shared a Yuna song in the first post on this blog. Although her style has become a bit more mainstream compared to her older music, her voice is so perfect and classy.

Crush : Yuna ft. Usher 

Inside Your Hide Away

Hey Sudhir,

I don't understand why you don't love this guy as much as I do. Heard this song of his last week and was sold! Love his voice, love the guitars-- what better indie rock could you find?! More people need to be listening to Australian folk rock.

Maybe you'll like this one of his better than the one I sent you.
Have a good week. We should meet. :)

Hey hey!

So Daya's song has been making it's rounds on the radio but I know you are not the biggest fan of the radio so here you go. She has this very cool Ingrid and Regina vibe which I love. Eagerly looking forward to exploring more of her stuff. Pay attention to the lyrics. It's a big tell as to why I like her.

-S

Young and Free

Sudhir's Pick

Hey hey!

So… remember a week ago I sent you a random name and asked you to remember it? Well, they happen to be your featured band for this week – Beach Avenue. Very chilled out and mellow but has all the instrumentation which you like. Fun fact. The lead singer of this band won American Idol. Of course, we wouldn’t know this because it happened several decades after we stopped watching. I went back and listened to this guy. We might have actually liked this season. Cheers to our youth!

Tanisha's Pick

So I am choosing a song from my November Playlist. As you know, I was climbing in the lovely Kudremukh national park just yesterday (already feels like ages ago). There's something about the song- the reverb, the simplicity of the arrangement, and the sound of the wind in the first few seconds that makes it the perfect choice today (the video helps too).

Next time I am off to the mountains, you should come too. :)

Some Indie for October

Hey yo!
By now I feel like you know my music tastes well enough that I do not need to explain why I like this song. But in the interest of record- keeping and because a few people actually read this every week, I thought I would elaborate. 'Feels Like the End' literally has everything I like in a song - brilliant lyrics (which make me question my sanity), deep powerful voice and that beautiful beautiful piano taking a lead. Bring on the long reflective times on the balcony!
-Sudhir




Hey, 
I'm not sure that you listen to enough folk music, so here's one that is as folk-y as you can get. A banjo taking the lead harmony, lyrics that take you back reminiscing childhood days and home, and a gradual crescendo of tempo towards the end of the song are all components that make it a great track. They toured with Mumford and Sons and Ben Howard, so you can definitely see the line of influence. Have a good week.
-Tanisha

Musical Interlude: September Edition

This months musical interlude has been contributed by Saahas Patil. Saahas has been singing professionally for a band called Allegro Fudge for the last 4 years. They released one album, 'Maximum City' in 2012, and have a bunch of songs written for the next. He is also writing and playing his own music, and hopes to have an album out next year. Saahas also work as a social worker with an NGO called U&I. Check out his Facebook page- www.facebook.com/saahas 

A Face to Call Home : John Mayer

This song is from John Mayer's fifth album 'Born and Raised'. He wrote this album right after his very public fall from grace with the playboy interview. What that resulted in, is such a great album. I love it when an album reflects the artists life, and this is such an accurate description of his at the time - wounded, chastised, hopeful and very introspective. As with any John Mayer song, he manages to go a lot deeper than most with his lyrics and he does exactly that with this song about love and companionship. The riff and backing vocals during the bridge is just something else. 

The Spirit Carries On : Dream Theatre

The album that this song is from, " Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory" really is a complete masterpiece. It is about past life regression, where a man re-visits his past life and finds out he was murdered. It is a concept album, and all the songs follow a story and gracefully intertwine with each other, to result in this final song, which to me has stood out as one of the band's best. The lyrics are deep, every note in the song is brimming with so much emotion. Perfect ending to an epic album.

Maps and Levees

This Monday, we have a music selections by our only fan in Bangladesh - Minita Varghese. Here are two new songs that she thinks you need to know about. Happy listening.

Max and Alyson Stoner : Maps

I only recently feel in love with this version of Maps by Max Schneider and Alyson Stoner. So grateful for YouTube, where you don’t need a record label or producer to share your music.  

Joy Williams : Until the Levee

Joy Williams used to be a part of what was once, the Civil Wars. She recently went solo, and this is one of my favourites from her new album – Venus. Such a pleasure listening to her – just as always.

Oh I could sail the world...

I know we've missed a week. Things got busy last week and suddenly it was already Tuesday and we didn't even realise. Apologies. Hope these great songs make up for it. 

Tanisha's Pick

I was watching episodes from this years Britain's Got Talent today. This is the singer and song that got Simon Cowell to hit the gold button! Watch his audition here. Calum Scott reached the finals and even though he didn't win, he's made impression in the in the indie world with a voice that is a lovely blend of Michael Rosenberg and Adam Levine.

Sudhir's Pick

Admittedly, I do not know much about this band. This is the only song of theirs I have listened to, in fact. But this is what this blog is all about - being open to new things, searching for new tunes and new soundtracks to guide our week. 

The lead singer has a very Christina Perri sound about her, but with the pop stripped away. This song is as indie as it gets. Take a listen.

Musical Interlude: May Edition II

Another familiar face of the musical theatre scene in the city is Nisha Idicula. She jumps into any tune from symphonic metal to acapella. Acoustic tracks have a special soft spot. She has sung and collaborated with musical acts in Bombay and Bangalore and apart from music she sells news for a living. Listen to the two tracks she is sharing with you this week.

Snarky Puppy - What About Me? (We Like It Here) 

As a happy person, I love music that gets me moving. Instrumental music is usually associated with go to sleep kind of tracks which have the piano in the background to add that calming effect. Then came along Snarky Puppy.

Snarky Puppy is a Brooklyn, New York-based instrumental fusion band. The album ‘We Like it Here’ was recorded and filmed live with a studio audience over four nights in the Netherlands and is out of this world. The band is led by Michael League, a Grammy Award-winning bassist, guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, label owner, and bandleader based out of Brooklyn, New York.

One listen to this album and this song and I can promise you that your jaw will drop with the insane amount of talent you hear and that you will be as hooked as I am. 

MisterWives- Reflections

Pop music is usually associated with the Taylor Swift’s of the world but MisterVives has a fresh take on Indie-Pop that makes you want to be happy. Their sound is infectious and catchy, the kind that sticks in your head in the good way.