The MJ Show #132 - The Prayer

Today's entire show is dedicated to just one song - The Prayer!
Why...because it's JUST THAT GOOD!
I have a lot of versions of the song for you and trust me when I say this. EACH and EVERY version I've picked here kicks ass! Seriously though...don't miss out a single video here. If you like good music...you WILL be moved by this song.

Here's a bit of info about the song.

"The Prayer" is most commonly known as a duet between Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. This duet is the second single from Dion's Christmas album These Are Special Times and first from Bocelli's album Sogno, and was released as a promotional single on March 1, 1999.
"The Prayer" won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song from the Quest for Camelot movie in 1999, the second win in a row for a Celine Dion song. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1999 and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2000. Dion performed it with Bocelli at both ceremonies.
First, "The Prayer" was recorded as two separate solo versions, Dion's in English and Bocelli's in Italian. They appeared on the Quest for Camelot soundtrack in May 1998. The duet was included on both artists albums, released a few months later

Here's the original duet...

And here are some more incredible versions. Don't miss even one of them. Trust me. I'm not kidding :)

Right then...it is now time for me to say good night and take care! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #131 - Kumar Gandharva - Mala Umajlele Bal Gandharva

One of my favourite albums growing up was "Mala Umajlele Bal Gandharva". I remember my dad had an old cassette of the album. In fact, I remember that it wasn't even an original cassette. He had got it recorded from a friend of his who had the original album. A few years ago, when I got into the radio business, I searched all over and finally found the album on CD at a store in Dadar and it was like finding lost treasure for me.
I didn't know what the words meant back then...and I still don't...but I know that this man's voice speaks out to me. When I heard that they were making a movie on Bal Gandharva, the only reason I wanted to see it is to see if the songs sound as good as Kumarji's. They did in their own way and that's a tale for another episode...but the reason I mentioned it here is that as far as I was concerned, this man, Kumar Gandharva, was and still is for me one of the greatest singers I've ever heard.

A few days ago, talking to a friend of mine, Yashad, who is also a classical music aficionado I told him that I must do a show on Kumar Gandharva and that got both of us excited. I will be putting up a few more shows on Indian classical music in the days to come but the first thing I wanted to do when I thought of doing anything about classical music...is...I wanted to put up a show on this incredible album.
When I searched the net, I was stunned to find that there were hardly any good recordings of the album on the net...and so...for the very first time, I uploaded all songs of an entire album on to youtube. This is my tribute to this incredible man and these songs.
I really do hope you enjoy them. I can't say much about the songs themselves...or about the man or about Bal Gandharva. There's enough info about that all over the net.
Right now...I just want to give you the songs of one of my favourite albums ever.
Enjoy! :)

Nath Ha Maza

Tat Kari Duhita

Sujan Kasa Man Chori

Mam Aatma Gamala Ha

Mala Madan Bhase

Karin Yadu Mani Sadana

Kashi Ya Tyaju Padala

Nayane Lajvit

Virat Dyanee

Prabhu Aji Gamala

So...how was it for you? Was this your first time listening to him? Or are you a big fan?

Let me know what you think on www.facebook.com/mihirjoshipage

Right then...it is now time for me to say take care and have a nice day! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #130 - Bee Gees - Saturday Night Fever

Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb - the Bee Gees, have been one of the most successful trios/bands in the world. They've had tons of hits and have sold more albums than you can imagine. In fact, the Bee Gees' Hall of Fame citation says "Only Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney have outsold the Bee Gees".
I read that just a few hours ago, Robin Gibb passed away and is now with Maurice doing concerts way up high. As a tribute to this band I thought I'd look at one of their most successful soundtrack/albums.
The soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever was composed and performed primarily by the Bee Gees, was one of the best-selling soundtrack albums of all time.
The Bee Gees had originally written and recorded the five of the songs used in the film, "Stayin' Alive", "Night Fever" and "How Deep Is Your Love", "More Than a Woman" and "If I Can't Have You" (performed in the movie by Yvonne Elliman) as part of a regular album but when the movie came calling along I guess they decided to give the tracks to the soundtrack rather than releasing an album themselves. Two previously-released Bee Gees songs—"Jive Talkin'" and "You Should Be Dancing" were also included on the soundtrack.
The soundtrack also won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

So here they are...all of the songs that the Bee Gees did for Saturday Night Fever!

"Stayin' Alive"

"How Deep Is Your Love"

"Night Fever"

"More Than a Woman"

"Jive Talkin'"

"You Should Be Dancing"

"If I Can't Have You"
Though the movie version was sung by Yvonne Elliman I've found a version of the song by The Bee Gees.

Robin Gibb...R.I.P!
If you have any favourite Bee Gees songs...let me know on www.facebook.com/mihirjoshipage and we'll do one more show on their other hits some time soon!

Right then...it is now time for me to say take care and have a nice day! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #129 - The Corrs - Unplugged (Complete Concert)

I've always loved The Corrs. I mean what's there not to love. 3 beautiful women who can sing and some really great songs too :)

One of my favourite concerts by them was the MTV Unplugged gig that they did.
This session was recorded live on October 5, 1999 (1999-10-05) in front of an audience at Ardmore Studios, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Here are the songs they did in the show.
"Only When I Sleep"
"What Can I Do"
"Radio"
"Toss The Feathers"
"Everybody Hurts"
"Dreams"
"Runaway"
"Forgiven Not Forgotten"
"At Your Side"
"Little Wing"
"No Frontiers"
"Queen Of Hollywood"
"Old Town (This Boy Is Cracking Up)"
"(Lough) Erin Shore"
"So Young"

So tonight, I thought I'd give you a full show. :) Simple eh? Enjoy!

Right then...it is now time for me to say good night and take care! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #128 - Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (Complete Album)

One of my favourite albums of all time is "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac. It has without a doubt some of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung.

Here's some info about the album:
Rumours is the eleventh studio album by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. Largely recorded in California during 1976, it was produced by the band with Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut and was released on 4 February 1977 by Warner Bros. Records. The record peaked at the top of both the main United States Billboard chart and the United Kingdom Albums Chart. "Go Your Own Way", "Don't Stop", "Dreams", and "You Make Loving Fun" were released as singles. A Grammy Award winner, Rumours is Fleetwood Mac's most successful release with sales of over 40 million copies worldwide.

I loved the harmonies and the instrumentation...but let's not talk about it. Just go for it. Listen to the entire album!
The songs in the album were:

1."Second Hand News"  
2."Dreams"  
3."Never Going Back Again"  
4."Don't Stop"  
5."Go Your Own Way"  
6."Songbird"  
7."The Chain"  
8."You Make Loving Fun"  
9."I Don't Want To Know"  
10."Oh Daddy"  
11."Gold Dust Woman"

Another great thing that recently happened with the album was that the cast of Glee covered a lot of songs from the album and I thought they did an absolutely splendid job.
Check em out:

"Dreams"

"Never Going Back Again"

"Songbird"

"I Don't Want to Know"

"Nice to Meet You, Have I Slept with You?"

"Go Your Own Way"

"Don't Stop"

Oh hell! I've got to give you a couple more version of my favourite songs in this album
Here's a live version of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

Eva Cassidy - Songbird
This has got to be one of the most beautiful covers I've ever heard! Check it out!

That's about it for tonight :)
Enjoy this incredible album!

Right then...it is now time for me to say good night and take care! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #127 - Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

I remember seeing a video of George Michael doing "Somebody To Love" with Queen years ago on MTV...and thinking "WOW! This is incredible." Back then I didn't have access to the full concert but a few years ago I picked up the DVD of The Freddie Mercury  Tribute Concert and I've gotta say that it's one of my concerts for sure.

Here what it was:
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness was an open-air concert held on Easter Monday, 20 April 1992 at London's Wembley Stadium, for an audience of 72,000. The concert was produced for television by Ray Burdis and broadcast live on television and radio to 76 countries around the world, with an audience of up to one billion. The concert was a tribute to the life of the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, with all proceeds going to AIDS research. The show marked bassist John Deacon's final concert with Queen (save one live appearance with Brian May, Roger Taylor and Elton John in 1997). The profits from the concert were used to launch The Mercury Phoenix Trust AIDS charity organisation.

The concert opened with a message from the three remaining members of Queen in tribute to Mercury. The music then commenced with short sets from bands that were influenced by the music of Queen, including Metallica, Extreme (playing a Queen medley), Def Leppard (who brought Brian May onstage for a faithful version of "Now I'm Here"), and Guns N' Roses. Between bands, several video clips honouring Freddie Mercury were shown, while the roadies changed the stage for the following act's performance.

The second half of the concert featured the three remaining Queen members - John Deacon (on bass), Brian May (on guitar) and Roger Taylor (on drums) - along with guest singers and guitarists, including Elton John, Roger Daltrey (of The Who), Tony Iommi (of Black Sabbath), David Bowie, Mick Ronson (of Spiders from Mars), James Hetfield (of Metallica), George Michael, Seal, Paul Young, Annie Lennox, Lisa Stansfield, Robert Plant (of Led Zeppelin), Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (of Def Leppard), Axl Rose and Slash (of Guns N' Roses), Liza Minnelli, and others.


Queen + Joe Elliott/Slash - "Tie Your Mother Down"

Queen + Roger Daltrey/Tony Iommi - "Heaven and Hell" (intro), "Pinball Wizard" (intro), "I Want It All"

Queen + Zucchero - "Las Palabras de Amor"

Queen + Gary Cherone/Tony Iommi - "Hammer to Fall"

Queen + James Hetfield/Tony Iommi - "Stone Cold Crazy "

Queen + Robert Plant - "Innuendo", "Thank You" (intro), "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".

Brian May with Spike Edney - "Too Much Love Will Kill You"

Queen + Paul Young - "Radio Ga Ga"

Queen + Seal - "Who Wants to Live Forever"

Queen + Lisa Stansfield - "I Want to Break Free"

Queen + David Bowie/Annie Lennox - "Under Pressure"

Queen + Ian Hunter/David Bowie/Mick Ronson/Joe Elliot/Phil Collen - "All The Young Dudes"

Queen + David Bowie/Mick Ronson - "Heroes"

Queen + George Michael - "'39"

Queen + George Michael/Lisa Stansfield - "These Are the Days of Our Lives"

Queen + George Michael - "Somebody to Love"

Queen + Elton John/Axl Rose - "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Queen + Elton John/Tony Iommi - "The Show Must Go On"

Queen + Axl Rose - "We Will Rock You"

Queen + Liza Minnelli/Cast - "We Are the Champions"

Hope you enjoyed that :)

Right then...it is now time for me to say good night and take care! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #126 - Willie Nelson's 60th Birthday TV Special!

I've always been a massive country music fan and one of my favourite singers has always been Willie Nelson. Now I was scouring through the back alleys of the internet for some interesting music content to share with you and I chanced upon this little beauty!

Some diligent fan bothered to either record or rip a vhs tape somewhere of an old 1993 TV special that was held to celebrate Willie Nelson's birthday. It's got Willie and a host of incredible stars singing with him.

Musicians all around the world have respected this incredible songwriter...singer...this pioneer. If you've not heard much...or if you've heard a lot of Willlie...this here...is the show for you :)

Oh by the way...here are some of his "guests": Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Travis Tritt, Kris Kristofferson, B.B. King, Lyle Lovett, Emily Lou Harris, and Neil Young!

Sit back...and enjoy! Watch em all! :)

Right then...it is now time for me to say take care and have a fantastic day! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #125 - May The 4th Be With You! (#MayThe4thBeWithYou)

I'm a Star Wars fanboy!
So on this awesome day...how could I not have a show about the greatest movie series ever!!

Ladies and Gents...May The 4th Be With You! :)

So...the first song was of course, the Star Wars theme by John Williams and now...here's the Imperial March!

Here a few interesting soundtrack medleys I found online with some awesome scenes embedded in them. Perfect for any Star Wars fan :)

And finally...just in case you've not seen the movies (and shame on you if you've not)...here are the trailers to all the parts!
Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace

Episode 2 - Attack Of The Clones

Episode 3 - Revenge Of The Sith

Episode 4 - A New Hope

Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back

Episode 6 - Return Of The Jedi

Oh and just in case you've not seen the movies...here's Lego explaining it in simple terms :)

And yeah...if you're wondering about picking up the bluray box set of the series...wonder no more. It's bloody brilliant!
Check out this trailer:

Ohh...this is not technically Star Wars related...but I had to add this. :)
Enjoy:

Hope you enjoyed that :)

That's all I got for today.
This is your Musicman...ummm....Jedi Master Mihir Joshi...signing off and saying once again...
May the 4th be with you! :)

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The MJ Show #124 - Guests Series - 2Blue's (@2Bluehimself is the singer of Mumbai band Zedde) Top 10 songs!

Hope you're doing all right lovely people. The "Guests Series" is back on The MJ Show and I've got 3 guests already lined up! The first of the three is up today.

To read up the official dope on him and his band...see https://www.facebook.com/ZeddeLIVE but let me tell you about my friend 2Blue. He first came on my radio show on FM Rainbow almost 7 years ago when I used to have bands come over and chat about their music. It was a different band back then...but after all these years...the crazy energy and love for music I had seen back then is still very much there every time we meet.
Over the years we've gotten to know each other better and even jammed a couple of times on stage...and I've got to say...he's one of the nicest guys I've met over the years and a true rock n roller. :)
It gives me great pleasure to bring back the Guests Series with my good friend...lover of music...liver of life
...singer of Zedde...2Blue!

Okay...here we go! :)

2blue: Hey man! How've you been?
Mihir: I've been fantastic. So...your top 10 songs...let's have it!

2blue:These are 10 songs I've sung countless times at my shows, 10 songs I can't live without.
1. Daddy Brother Lover Little Boy - Mr. Big

2blue: This song always brings back memories from the early 90s when I was in boarding school in Chennai. Watch out for the electric drill machine solo.
Mihir: CRAZY stuff! Great way to start off this set! :)

2. We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel

2blue: Here's a song that's as radical as a song can be, and yet has a powerful message.
Mihir: I love this song. Another song of Billy Joel's that I really love is "New York State Of Mind". Check out this version...with Bruce Springsteen! :) This one's for you and for the Billy Joel fans out there:

3. Break On Through - Stone Temple Pilots (The Doors cover)

2blue: This song is probably one of the best songs that has ever been written. I think Stone Temple Pilots threw in just about the right ingredients to make you wanna carry this song to the gym everyday. Goosebumps guaranteed.
Mihir: I'd heard Scott Weiland doing a cover of a Beatles song once. Let me look it up. Oh yeah...check this out!

4. Message In A Bottle - The Police

2blue: This is the kinda song that a genius like John Mayer is happy playing the rhythm guitar for. Enough said.
Mihir: Ohh speaking of John Mayer and Message In A Bottle...check this out! :)

5. Smooth Criminal - Michael Shulman (Michael Jackson cover)

2blue: I watched Michael Shulman perform this song at Penn Station, New York in May 2009. The passion in his delivery could move you to tears. Watch the video to know what I'm saying.
Mihir: My God!! This man is insane! Loved the video. Great cover! :)
Speaking of great covers of a Michael Jackson song, I've got to get John Mayer back in again. I personally think that this is the greatest cover of a Michael Jackson song ever! (It does help that it's also my favourite song by Michael and it's my favourite contemporary musician) :)

6. Dreams - Van Halen

2Blue: Here's a song that defines the 80s, the golden era of the LA rock scene, the formative years of every 30-something rocker that is worth his salt. Sweet adrenaline-soaked nostalgia.

7. Mumbai - Zedde

2blue: This song is all about Mumbai, the first I ever wrote for my band Zedde. With every performance, it only gets closer to the heart.
Mihir: Kudos on all the success Zedde has been having these days bro. I'm really happy for you guys. Great stuff!

8. Sleep - Indus Creed

2Blue: This song has always been a favorite. That melody and those words... "Home is a place where you can hide. A shelter away from others' eyes. A sanctuary in the ground where a measure of love can be found. Home is where you return to die." Goes out from me to Mahesh Tinaikar - founding member and guitar player extraordinaire - who lost his mother very recently.
Mihir: Oh man! I'd like to share one more video with all the Indus Creed fans checking this out:

Mihir: Actually...let's make it two! :)

9. Bottom Of Your Soul - Toto

2blue: Another masterpiece with soul stirring lyrics and vocal melodies. "Why is it that the ones that we love are the ones who'll never come home? Why must every bridge we cross take their toll?" Lukather is the king.
Mihir: Brilliant stuff! :)

10. Vavoom: Ted The Mechanic - Deep Purple

2blue: Put your favorite rock n' roll heroes in one band. What do you get? You get Deep Purple. I watched them shatter all signs of human sanity two years in a row. Needless to say I will always be their biggest fan.
Mihir: I remember the time when you used to sing so many of their songs. Also remember you doing Soldier Of Fortune in my radio studio all those years ago. :) Good fun that was...as was this.
Thanks a lot for being on the show man. :)


By the way...all of you reading this...Zedde are performing tomorrow night at Hard Rock Cafe Mumbai (3rd  May 2012). Make sure you go and catch them play.
Speaking of which, I'll be playing there this month as well on the 17th. I'm hoping to see a LOT of you at the gigs! :)

Here's a little something that 2blue and I did together years ago :)
2blue...this one's for you my friend :)

I guess both 2blue and I are wishing that you'll be with us at Hard Rock Cafe this month...on the 3rd and on the 17th!
Rock n Roll! :)

Right then...it is now time for me to say take care and have a fantastic day! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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The MJ Show #123 - "Midnight" Songs

Back in the day on FM Rainbow, I used to do shows with odd themes at times. I've noticed that there are some words in the rock n roll dictionary that song writers across the ages fall in love with and they're used over and over again. Tonight's show will prove this theory with the following songs and with the word "Midnight".
Before going any further...think to yourself. How many songs can you name with the word "Midnight" somewhere in the title. Did you get one...two...maybe...five? :) 
Well here's a whole long more. Check out these songs. You may not have heard a lot of them...but take my word for it...if the title's got the word "Midnight" in it...it's pretty surely a pretty kick ass song :) 
Don't take my word for it. Listen to them and tell me what you think. :)


Midnight Caller - Badfinger

Midnight From The Inside Out - The Black Crowes

Midnight In Her Eyes - The Black Keys

The Midnight Special - CCR

Sister Midnight - Iggy Pop

After Midnight - J.J. Cale

(Originlly a J. J. Cale song, it was also covered by Clapton in his self titled debut album in 1970. Here's a live version of the song featuring both Clapton and Cale!)

Midnight Moonlight - Old and in the Way (Bluesgrass supergroup featuring Jerry Garcia)

Fire At Midnight - Jethro Tull

Burning Of The Midnight Lamp - the Jimi Hendrix Experience

Living After Midnight - Judas Priest

Midnight Special - Lead Belly

Lady Midnight - Leonard Cohen

In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) - ABBA

Midnight Flyer - Eagles

Midnight in Chelsea - Jon Bon Jovi

Midnight Rambler - The Rolling Stones

Midnight Show - The Killers

Midnight Train - Buddy Guy

Midnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips

Two Minutes To Midnight - Iron Maiden

Midnight's Another Day - Brian Wilson

Midnight Rider - The Allman Brothers

Midnight in Montgomery - Alan Jackson

The last song here...was the reason that I actually thought of tonight's episode. Midnight In Montgomery is one of my favourite songs by Alan Jackson. It always gives me chills. The song was playing in my head and then I realized that there are a lot of songs with the word "Midnight" in the title...and well hence tonight's show :)

If I've missed a song you love with the word "Midnight" in it's title...let me know either on https://www.facebook.com/mihirjoshipage or right here in the comments. 

Also if you can think of another popular word that's in a lot of song names let me know and we'll do a show around that word in the new "Song Names Series" that I'm starting off tonight with the word "Midnight".
I can think of one word, that I had done a show around back on radio. The word was "Black". Expect that soon :)

Also expect two fantastic guests on the show in the next few days.

I'll be having my friends Sachin Kalbag (@sachinkalbag - Editor of Midday) and Gul Panag (@gulpanag - do I really need to introduce her in any way) on the show very soon!

Anyway...it's almost midnight now...and it is now time for me to say good night and take care! :)

This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!

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