Musical Interlude: May Edition I

This month, we are treating you to two guest contributors. The first is Shyju Varkey- the guy known to take over Bangalore's stages with his incomparable acting and singing talent. I'm sure you'll love his selections.

There are a million and a half bands. Then, there’s Rush.

Like most things transcendental, it’s a tough act to comprehend but once you do, there’s no getting out.

There’re two aspects of music that most of us get attracted to – the evocativeness of the music per se, and the lyrical quality.  The former works at a subliminal level;the latter boils down to the quality of storytelling. I've chosen two pieces that reflect one of each.

Of these, the first was what drew me inexorably to Rush and the second, when I got incurably addicted to the magic of Messrs Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. The year was 1992. Twenty three years later, I still go weak-kneed when I hear these tracks. It could also be the onset of arthritis, but I chose to think otherwise.

Red Sector A

Back in the days of analog, I used to play a tape before hitting the sack. I didn’t like counting sheep. Instead, I’d conjure up images of the songs that were playing, trying to make a video in my head.  I’d usually drift into la-la land by the end of the first song. There was this one time, however, when just as I felt myself drifting off into slumber, I woke up in cold sweat.

In my soporific state, I had distinct images running through my head. Try it yourself. Click on ‘play’, close your eyes and make your own images to this song. Then watch the video. I promise you a tingle running down your spine.

Anagram

Really, has there been a cleverer song than this? 20 years on, I still discover a nuance every time I hear it. It’s a lyrical masterpiece. The video here has been put together by some random person in a way that made sense to him. You’ll find the lyrics relevant in different ways for you.

And, to amuse yourself, try to locate the anagrams in each line.

For those who aren't familiar with cryptic clues, here’s an example:

In the first line, ‘There’s a snake coming out of darkness’ – the letters in red make up s-n-a-k-e. Sorry for the spoon-feeding. I just thought it was important enough that no one misses it. Now, go forth and figure out the rest of the song! 

P.S. Check out their 'No One at the Bridge' and 'Trees' too, for evocativeness and lyrical genius.

Happiness Inc.

Tanisha's Pick

This song is such a happy feel-good track. This band doesn't get nearly enough recognition as it deserves. Caught my attention especially because of the setting in an Architect's office and the fact that you don't have to be a cleaner there for the lyrics to make sense to you. 

This week I'm off on a month long project trip in North India. This happy track is perfect for the week. :)

"Light it up up up oh oh oh"

Sudhir's Pick

So this song might not scream "Sudhir" but I like it a lot. Tracey Chapman has always been a big favourite. And the Bobby Brush remix brings her unique voice back to today's listeners. The deep and meaningful lyrics remain but are enhanced (atleast in my opinion) by the sounds of the trumpet roaring in the background and a more techno beat. Great for Sunday listening.

While you were listening to Britney...

Sudhir's Pick

Instead of listening to the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears in the late 90s and early 2000s I wish I was listening to these guys. Formed in 1998, this South African indie band has a beautiful way of transitioning between alternate rock, indie rock and indie pop. The arc of their development as a band is evident if you take a listen to some of their earlier songs such as Beautiful and Rock Paper Scissors. The song I picked for this week is the perfect song to play for a relaxing Sunday brunch. Trust me.

Tanisha's Pick

Keeping with the theme of music from the early 2000's, I've chosen a track by The John Butler Trio called Zebra released in 2003. One of my favourites from the album, it combines a variety of genres from the usual indie rock of JBT's music with a twist of folk, and funk rock. It also includes an awesome variety of instruments- the double bass, random percussion and of course John Butler's incredible skills on the slide guitar. 

The title of the song describes the opposites throughout the song that conclude in the words, "I can be anything I put my mind to. Man, all I gotta do is give myself half a chance" 

His band member's have been ever changing over the course of the past decade, but John's talent is still strong even now with his recent album last year. 

Musical Interlude: April Edition

This month, our featured post has been contributed by the one and only Alexandria Syiem. The former lead vocalist of Bangalore-based punk rock band, Clown with a Frown, she also frequents the stage as a solo-act in Shillong. You should check out her covers on Soundcloud- here. 

She's sharing two of her favourite less known indie-rock songs.

Way Out : Yeah Yeah Yeahs

An indie rock band that was formed in the early 2000s and have released four albums till date. They have been described as "an art-rock trio who made an edgy post-punk, dancefloor-friendly racket". This song makes me want to close my eyes and drift into the depths of imagination. It's a good indie rock song for the road.

Let's See It : We Are Scientists

This band, also from NY, was formed around the same time as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They have a similar style to Indian indie rock band, The F16s. This track should be added to the playlist for the road as well. :)

Monday Night Songs

It's already Tuesday here. Apologies if you were waiting for your Monday dose of music. Here are our song picks for your late night listening. 

Sudhir's Pick
Yes, this may be a little dark but still a great song and is incredibly catchy. Listening to it transports you to the wild west engaging in a song of revenge. The goal of this blog is to encourage new music and this song for me, does just that. Inspires me to look into a whole new genre. Take a listen.

When the fires, when the fires have surrounded you
and the whole wide world coming after you
I've got blood, I've got blood, blood on my name

Tanisha's Pick
Oh, it's Monday already. I was listening to some new music the past week, but I guess nothing was worth sharing. This one is a song I heard a couple months ago. James Bay, his hat and his guitar altogether make some good music. 

The Telegraph talks about his voice -
"Bay's whispery countertenor is soulfully reminiscent of his Critics' Choice predecessor, Sam Smith, but with the earthy edge of Marcus Mumford or Tom Odell, with whom he shares a whispery falsetto."

A Decade of Laughs and Music

June will mark 10 years of Tanisha and I knowing each other. In school, we were part of a gang of four. Tonight we got a chance to hang out with Ginelle and Sanjana, and reminisce about the good old days. We were sure to grab one quick picture as a keep safe and more importantly got Sanj to write this weeks post. Her music tastes lie very closely to ours and with her selections this week we thought you will barely miss us. Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting Sanjana Govil‏!

L-R Ginelle, Sanjana, Tanisha, Sudhir

Mirage : Barefaced Liar

For me, Barefaced Liar was what proved that the Indian independent music scene has come of age. Theirs are not songs that you just really enjoy at a gig and then can't quite remember afterwards, they're the kind you feel like listening to at home on a Sunday morning. On repeat. Mirage is one of BFL's older songs but continues to be one of my favourites, closely followed by Glow.  




The Avalanche : The F16s

It really takes only 5 words for you to love this song ("Would you prefer a metaphor?"), but The F16s go above and beyond (See what I did there?). I love how they take their time building the melody, let it sink in and then start adding layers as you get further into it. Apart from their obvious musical talent, these guys are extremely entertaining to watch live. If you're in Bangalore and don't know what I'm talking about, catch them at The Humming Tree this Sunday (April 18). 

Fly High

Sudhir's Pick

I can take a bet that most Indians would consider Robbie Williams to be the best- known member of the erstwhile British pop sensation Take That. I did too but then I heard this tune by Gary Barlow. This guy has some serious acoclades to his name mainly due to his song- writing while still with Take That. This is one of his more recent songs as a song writer. When I first heard it, I honestly thought it was a new Mumford and Sons song with the folksy feel and powerful male solo vocals. Pleasantly surprised and very happy that I have someone new to listen to in that genre. Happy listening.

Tanisha's Pick

Heartfelt ballads and distant musings make up the lyrical bulk of Luke's music. Harmonies mildly similar to the Fleet Foxes, but unique with his stand alone guitar. His album 'The Fire Inside' released last year also includes some of the music from his previously released EPs. 

Sharing his track, "Bottled Up Tight". It's one of my favourites from the album with its simple melody combined with the strong vocals and lyrics like this - 

"I count when I can the people who walk by. Imagine their paths crossing with mine. And maybe it's true, we're part of a bloodline. But we walk like we're pretty much blind."