I had the pleasure of interacting with today's guest on twitter a few months ago...and I then went on and picked up two novels that he'd written. I knew they were best sellers and super popular but I'll admit that I hadn't got down to reading them till after I met him. I gotta say this...I loved his first two books "The Rozabal Line" and "Chanakya's Chant" and I can't wait to check out his new book "The Krishna Key".
Here's a video about his new book. The book releases in August this year! Make sure you go and pick it up...or pre-order it online on flipkart!
Aswhin Sanghi (AS): 12. Queen - A Kind of Magic
I will say this emphatically: the world has never produced any singer like Freddie Mercury or Jim Morrison. I’m not sure whether the fact that Mercury was an Indian Parsi influences my view, but I find that his music stirs my soul whereas Morrison’s music stirs other parts of the anatomy!
MJ: I know exactly what you mean. For me, Freddie Mercury is one of my major influences when it comes to performing on stage. Apart from being a great singer I think he was one of the greatest performers in the world. That's something that Jim Morrison also had. When they were on stage you couldn't look anywhere else! I guess it was "a kind of magic" that they had! :) Here's a performance of "Somebody To Love". The first 1 minute by itself makes it one of the greatest performances of any song that I've ever seen!
And what the heck...here's a song by The Doors that I love too. It was actually written by Van Morrison and originally recorded by his band "Them" in 1964. What Jim Morrison does to the song...is beyond belief!
AS: 13. Pt Nikhil Banerjee & Ustad Ali Akbar Khan - Raga Manj Khamaaj
It must be the fact that Pt Nikhil Banerjee trained under Ustad Allaudin Khan that influenced his jugalbandhis with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan (Ustad Allaudin Khan’s son). The two maestros produce the softest and sweetest notes and at times one feels like they are having an intimate conversation. A priceless gem of track!
MJ: I'm not really well educated about Indian ragas/classical music but I've always loved the sounds of our music. Be it Pandit. Bhimsen Joshi or Kumar Gandharva...I've grown up listening to some great music. I don't really have a response song to this because with my limited vocabulary of Indian ragas, I can't really think of anything to say here. So, I'll just listen and admire the beauty of what you've picked for us here. :) (I've said this before a long time ago on some episode...it's so awesome when I get to hear things that I've not heard before. Recommendations from other music lovers, aficionados and musicians...make music loving and learning such a fantastic experience.)
AS: 14. Fateh Ali Khan & Talvin Singh - Colour of Love
One of the sweetest sitar tracks that I have ever heard. Partly I loved the track because I had heard Shobha Gurtuji singing “Mein to Kheloongi…” and this particular melody is almost identical to that but with a contemporary twist. Awesome.
MJ: When I heard this song....for some reason I was taken back to a song that I've not thought of in ages. In fact, I couldn't even remember who had done it but then after a bit of searching I found that it was Jeff Beck. It was on an album of his called "You Had It Coming". On his site here's what he had to say about the song and it's original composer.
Jeff Beck considers YOU HAD IT COMING’s standout track to be "Nadia," written by Indian musician Nitin Sawhney, whom Beck describes as "a genius -- like an Asian Stevie Wonder." Beck remembers first shuffling through Sawhney's CD while driving home. "I couldn't believe the diversity of the tracks. I stopped on 'Nadia' and I almost crashed the car, because it was such a refreshing, almost commercial, Indian song. I started whistling bits of it, then I thought, 'What am I waiting for? This is custom made for me.' "
Here it is...Nadia by Jeff Beck. Prepare to have your mind blown :)
MJ: By the way, I think the reason I thought of this song is because of the kind of vivid images both these songs can bring up in your mind's eye.
AS: 15. Anoushka Shankar w/ Midival Punditz - Rebirth
I had never appreciated the skill and softness in Anoushka’s Shankar’s sitar-playing until I heard this fusion track in which the music had been arranged by the Midival Punditz. The track starts slowly but builds into a frenzy… almost orgasmic. Bravo!
MJ: I'm not much into instrumental tracks to be honest but when I read the last part of why you like the last song I thought of this song by Phil Collins.
AS: 16. A R Rahman - Khwaja Mere Khwaja
The reason that I love A. R. Rahman’s music is because it comes from deep within his soul. When this song was released as part of Jodha-Akbar I would never have imagined that it was a track that I would listen to endlessly for the next six months! It is prayer, meditation, longing and passion—all bundled together into one heady mix.
MJ: The awesome thing about A.R.Rahman is how simple he seems and really is. I was talking to someone who has worked with him closely and he was telling me about how all he cares about is his work...and nothing else matters. I think that honesty, that devotion...to his music and to the allmighty shows in his work. That is why I think he connects so instantly with people of all ages and nationalities. Here's my favourite song by the maestro:
And the follow up track:
AS:17. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt & Ry Cooder - A Meeting By The River
I think that this particular album won Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Ry Cooder a Grammy in 1994. I have never been a huge fan of the Indian slide guitar but this track changed my opinion forever.
MJ: When I heard this song I thought of another duet I had heard between two great guitar players - Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler
AS: 18. Luciano Pavarotti & Bryan Adams - ‘O Sole Mio
This is an all-time classic Italian love song but it reaches a new high when sung by Pavarotti and Bryan Adams as part of the phenomenal album “Pavarotti & Friends”. The perfect listening for a long-winding drive through the countryside!
MJ: Firstly, I have to share with you a song that Elvis did which was based on 'O Sole Mio! In fact, I just found a version in which he talks about it...and also gets someone to sing the Italian part :)
MJ: Another song that I loved, done by Pavarotti with another fantastic pop singer is a song called "I Hate You Then I Love You". In my opinion one of the greatest voices in pop music in the last couple of decades is Celine Dion. The high clear voice of Celine Dion...matched with Pavarotti's operatic tenor is just perfection.
AS: 19. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Tere Mast Mast Do Nayan
If there is one voice that I have grown to love, it has to be the voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. I heard him for the first time when he sang “Mann ki Lagan” and I knew I was addicted. This track from Dabangg is my all-time favourite Rahat number.
MJ: I'll not go with the Rahat Fateh Ali Khan angle on this. I'll go with Salman Khan and how he's had some fantastic songs in his movies...throughout his career. From Dabangg, my favourite song was "Chori Kiya Re Jiya". Sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam, this song is absolutely astounding for one reason...and that reason is Sonu Nigam! Don't get me wrong...Shreya Ghoshal is pretty damn awesome...but the things that Sonu Nigam does with his voice in this song...are just flawless! I think this is the best I've heard him sound on any song.
AS: 20. Shankar Mahadevan - O Sahiba
Shankar Mahadevan has to be India’s finest singer but surprisingly one of his very best songs never became a true hit. O Sahiba shows Shankar’s amazing versatility. It’s music that you could almost pray to. Strange are the ways of public opinion.
MJ: In last episode, I spoke about a song from the soundtrack of Balgandharva and how I truly believe that it has been the single greatest soundtrack for any Indian movie in the longest possible time. I shall stand by that statement and give you further proof. Kaushal Inamdar got Shankar Mahadevan to come on and sing a song for the soundtrack. The song is brilliant not just because Shankarji sang it...but more so because of the little bit that Anand Bhate does at the start and end of the song. It takes the song to a completely different level! I believe that Shankarji has one of the greatest voices in Bollywood...but I honestly believe that Anand Bhate has one of the greatest voices that I have ever heard...anywhere in the world! Listen to the song and you'll know what I mean.
AS: 21. Jagjit Singh - Hey Govind, Hey Gopal
Jagjit Singh’s voice had that perfect husky tone that lent itself to ghazals but sounded even more amazing when he sang bhajans. This has to be one of the most melodious bhajans ever. Whenever I’m down, this is the track that I turn to.
MJ: The first time I met Jagjitji was in 2007 when, for a short while, I was working with EMI Music. That year, he released an album called "Karuna" with EMI and I had a chance to go to the studio where he was recording this album and I got to see how he went about his work. When I heard him sing this next song in front of me, I knew I was in the presence of someone truly special. I so agree...that when he sang bhajans, he sounded even more amazing...if such a thing is even possible.
AS: 22. Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto for Two Mandolins in G Major
I would never have begun to appreciate Baroque music had it not been for Vivaldi. At first, I thought that I loved The Four Seasons. The love-affair was short-lived. When I heard his mandolin concertos I was hooked.
MJ: This is another area of music that I've not really gotten into...but the way I see it, I have a lot more time and the openness to eventually get into it. Right now I think I've heard more classical music through Tom and Jerry and old English movies (30s-60s Hollywood - my FAVOURITE time in movies) than I have in any other form. I intend to change that in the years to come but for now, I don't think I can really give a really good response song/piece to this song.
AS: 23. Sanjeev Abhyankar, Ashwini Bhide etc. - Soham
The most hypnotic and enchanting meditative track ever. I listened to this composition repeatedly while I was writing my last book. It transported me back thousands of years to a land of spiritual purity.
MJ: Absolutely beautiful! What a way to end the show. Thank you so much for these fantastic songs. Everything from rock n roll to bhajans to music that you can meditate with. Truly a diverse and fascinating list of songs. :)
Let's do this again whenever you feel like sharing some more songs with me and my readers here.
And I wish you all the very best for your new book. I'll be picking up a copy for sure. :)
See you around Ashwin! :)
And YOU! Yeah I'm talking to you! Y U NO talk to me? :)
Let me know what you think about the songs on: https://www.facebook.com/mihirjoshipage or in the comments here :)
It is now time for me to say take care and have a nice day! :)
This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!
I had the pleasure of interacting with tonight's guest on twitter a few months ago...and I then went on and picked up two novels that he'd written. I knew they were best sellers and super popular but I'll admit that I hadn't got down to reading them till after I met him. I gotta say this...I loved his first two books "The Rozabal Line" and "Chanakya's Chant" and I can't wait to check out his new book "The Krishna Key". (I've linked all his books to their Flipkart.com pages. If you don't have them go to Flipkart and order them now!)
Here's a video about his new book. The book releases in August this year! Make sure you go and pick it up...or pre-order it online on flipkart!
There's a lot that can be said about the man who is a businessman by day and a brilliant writer by night but instead of me telling you more facts, I'll request you to go check out his site. http://www.ashwinsanghi.com
Loads of info on him and his books.
I take great pleasure in presenting to you part 1 of Ashwin's favourite songs. Get ready for some great songs ranging from classical to sufi to rock classics!
Here we go!! :)
Ashwin Sanghi (AS): 1. Wadali Bandhu - Tere Ishq Nachaya
I have always loved Qawwali and the Wadali brothers are among my favourites. Tere Ishq Nachaya is one of the most incredible poems of Bulleh Shah and the words are evergreen.
MJ: When I heard this song by the Wadali Brothers...for some inexplicable reason a song by Sona Mohapatra popped up in my head. Possibly only the song title and the main lyric line is same...but the styles and singing completely different. Interesting song to look at in any case. Have a look:
AS: 2. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan w/ Peter Gabriel- Sanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aawe Sajna Tere Bina
Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was undoubtedly a legend but when his voice was combined with the musical sensibilities of Peter Gabriel, the results were just ethereal. This particular number was heard several times by my wife and I when we were courting, and I have incredible memories of places and moments when I hear this song.
MJ: Well when you talk about the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan collaborating with someone from the west, the songs that immediately pop up in my mind are "Face Of Love" and "The Long Road" which were featured in the soundtrack of Sean Penn's "Dead Man Walking". When Eddie Vedder's voice joins Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's voice on the song...it's absolute magic!
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with Eddie Vedder - Face Of Love
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with Eddie Vedder - The Long Road
AS: 3. Madhup Mudgal - Nirankar Niradhar
Madhup Mudgal is one of the most unappreciated classical artistes of our times. His voice is pure and unadulterated. His rendition of Gurbani can almost make one’s eyes well up. I listen to this particular number almost every morning. Formless, imperishable, limitless and tens of other adjectives recited simply in honour of the Almighty.
MJ: Honestly, I had not heard of Madhup Mudgal till you told me about him. Just heard the track and though I don't have any adjectives to add to your's I'll say simply that it really was beautiful. Really enjoyed it.
AS: 4. Farida Khanum - Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo
My grandfather—the one who inspired me to read and write—loved Farida Khanum’s voice and we would end up listening to this particular ghazal again and again. It is sung so very simply that one can almost imagine the scene being played out—a lover pleading with her amour not to leave.
MJ: It's so strange that I mentioned Sona Mohapatra at the start of this episode. Many months ago when Sona was in my studio at 94.3 Radio One on my show One Mumbai One Music, she had spoken about how this song was a massive influence on her. How, Farida Khanum was one of the few female vocalists who sang in this lovely soft voice...and not the typical high pitch voice that Bollywood so prefers. It's such a beautiful song and I remember that my dad also used to love this song. Heard it many times when my dad used to drive the car and he'd put on his favourite songs on the car stereo.
Ok...here's a song that I have. Lyrically it's not connected to "Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo" but I love the feel of the song and it kinda fits in. I truly believe that the greatest movie soundtrack I've heard in an Indian film in the longest time was for the movie "Balgandharva". It is my honour to say that I count the music director, Kaushal Inamdar and the lead singer of the movie, Anand Bhate as my friends...but even if I didn't know them personally I would say that I'm a massive fan of their talent. Strangely enough the song I have for you doesn't feature Anand Bhate. It features another great singer selected by Kaushal for this incredible song. Have a look:
AS: 5. Abida Parveen - Main Naraye Mastana
Abida Parveen’s is probably one of the most powerful voices one can ever listen to, but this particular rendition has all the elements of that power mixed with a wonderful jazz element. Pure bliss!
MJ: There's something about the creativity of Pakistani musicians that's really amazing. Speaking of a great fusion of jazz/blues/rock and the Indian subcontinental style of singing I think of a fantastic band called Mekaal Hasan Band from Pakistan. Mekaal's jazz sensibilities and arrangements, his band's talent and then the voice of Javed Bashir...what a brilliant magical mix this is. Have a look at this song by them:
AS: 6. Jafar Hussain Khan Badauni - Chhap Tilak
I had heard Chhaap Tilak many times but I fell in love with the song after I heard it sung by Jafar Hussain Sahab. I heard this for the first time in the Eighties and since then have kept hearing it. Qawwali doesn’t get any better than this.
MJ: Isn't it incredible how great songs survive no matter what. I remember hearing this song like this:
AS: 7. Bruce Springsteen - Brilliant Disguise
From Springsteen’s album ‘Tunnel of Love” it is my all-time favourite song. I would hear it repeatedly during my student days in the US. Perfect listening for a lonely drive along the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
MJ: "The Boss" is such an incredible songwriter. "Brilliant Disguise" is one of my all time favourites by him too. Another song which I think of as an "endless loop song"...which also is a great song for a lonely drive is this next song by him. When I first heard it, I think I heard it on an endless loop for days. The saxophone solo at the end...reaches so deep within you if you let it. It's amazing what music can do to you if you just let it
AS: 8. Bryan Adams - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman
From the soundtrack of Don Juan DeMarco, this incredible song is passionate, melancholic, and satisfying… incredibly all at once. The other awesome feature of this track is the flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia.
MJ: I remember watching the movie - Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando and Faye Dunaway. The song was beautiful and so passionate. The song fit in so beautifully in the movie. In fact, the lyrics of the song had a few of Johnny Depp's lines from the movie! Bryan Adams has such a gift. He writes beautiful, melodic, simple, incredible songs. One of my favourite songs by him is one that's not such a massive "hit"...but just listen to this. It takes my breath away.
"I never thought I'd find someone to move me Someone who could see right through me You found your way into my head Where even angels fear to tread."
AS: 9. Dire Straits - Water of Love
My favourite number from my days as a college student in St. Xavier’s. Used to hear this all the time. I was always fascinated by the unique percussion that forms the backdrop of this track. Haunting!
MJ: I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of fantastic musicians over the years...but a few years ago when Mark Knopfler came to Mumbai, I got a chance to meet him and I truly felt that I met one of my music idols. I've always said that if I had to get someone to make a soundtrack for my life, it would have to be Mark Knopfler. He's an absolute genius. Also, that evening in Mumbai, he just signed 3 things at the end of the press conference...and my copy of the 1978 Dire Straits LP was one of the 3 items :) It still is one of my most prized possessions! :) I remember when I first started listening to Dire Straits...the one song that really got to me because of the incredible guitar work in the song was this next song. Hope you enjoy it too. :)
AS: 10. Eric Clapton - Layla
Inspired by Eric Clapton’s love for his friend George Harrison’s wife—Pattie Boyd, this particular track has to be the greatest rock song of all time. I have always loved Eric Clapton’s music (Tears in Heaven, Cocaine, You Look Wonderful Tonight…) but this is in a league of its own.
MJ: When I first heard the phrase "lyrical guitarist" about Clapton, many years ago, I didn't quite get it but over the years, having heard him, I completely get it. His guitar playing isn't playing for the sake of playing. The phrases and the solos speak to his listeners. I remember John Mayer once commenting in a concert that Eric Clapton's guitar playing reaches out to those people who don't know how many strings a guitar has...and I don't think anyone could have put it better. I've loved so many of his songs...but since you spoke about George Harrison...here's a song on which George Harrison called over Clapton to come and play the guitar on a Beatles album. In fact, I have a rare live performance in which you can see them play together!! (By the way, look around in the video...for a LOT of famous faces jamming in on this song!)
AS: 11. The Eagles - Tequila Sunrise
Surprisingly enough, The Eagles are best remembered for Hotel California. In my opinion, though, Tequila Sunrise is far better. The rhythm guitar and the mournful words almost make you feel that you are the guy who has been ditched by a lover!
MJ: There are two songs I love and immediately think of when I think of The Eagles. Both songs are hauntingly beautiful and in my opinion, just like you said, much better than Hotel California. The first of the two was in fact, on the Hotel California album! Here's a live performance of "Wasted Time". This was taken live At Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand on the 26th of November, 1995.
MJ: The second was on their 1979 album "The Long Run". The song was written by Timothy B. Schmit, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley, and was the first Eagles song to feature Schmit on lead vocals. There's something about Timothy Schmit's voice that really really gets to me. His clear high voice just lends something completely magical to this already beautiful song. Have a look at a live performance of the song from their Farewell Tour - Live From Melbourne, Australia at the Rod Laver Arena! Incredible!
In my last episode Sachin Kalbag spoke about The Joshua Tree by U2. Actually...it was the only song and album about which he had nothing much to say. That is not because there's not much to say...but because there's no need for anything at all to be said about it.
Whatever you say about this iconic epic album is not enough.
Tonight, if you are one of the few people who've not heard the album, that shall change.
First up, I have the complete album in one video for you. Listen to the studio version of the album from start to finish.
After that I have every song from the album for you separately. Some of the videos are the official videos of the songs...and some are live performances. Over the last few decades U2 has been universally thought of as the best arena-rock band. If you've not seen them perform live (and if that is the case, what rock are you living under?!)...check out some fantastic performances of the songs from The Joshua Tree.
A couple of years ago, I had picked up the Limited Edition box set of The Joshua Tree, which even today is one of my most prized possessions.
Here are some facts about the album before you begin:
- The Joshua Tree is U2's fifth studio album.
- It was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and was released on 9 March 1987 on Island Records.
- The album won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1988.
- The Joshua Tree is one of the world's all-time best-selling albums, with over 25 million copies sold.
So...with all this talk done...are you ready for it?! :)
Here we go!
The Joshua Tree - Complete album
Now let's get into the songs one by one. :)
1. Where the Streets Have No Name
2. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
3. With or Without You
4. Bullet the Blue Sky
5. Running to Stand Still
6. Red Hill Mining Town
7. In God's Country
8. Trip Through Your Wires
9. One Tree Hill
10. Exit
11. Mothers of the Disappeared
Do check out all the songs. This is such an incredible album. Deserves to be heard from top to bottom.
Let me know what you think on https://www.facebook.com/mihirjoshipage or in the comments here :)
Right then...it is now time for me to say good night and take care! :)
This is your Musicman...Mihir Joshi...signing off!
Here's Sachin in a more chilled out "non-editorial" mode :)
(Special request after the serious photo I chose
for the last episode)
Tonight, I've got the part two of a guest series episode of a really interesting guy who has some really really interesting song choices. In case you missed part 1 check it out here:
In case you missed the introduction yesterday...or have just joined me today...here's a bit about him:
He has been in journalism for almost 2 decades now. He has had an extensive exposure to newspapers, magazines, news websites and radio broadcasting. He has been associated with some of India's top-notch media brands, including; Digit (India's largest selling technology magazine); Daily News and Analysis (Mumbai's second largest English language daily); Hindustan Times (India's second largest newspaper) and Mail Today newspaper which is part of The India Today Group (India's largest magazine group). Currently he is the executive editor of Mid-Day (India's largest selling tabloid)...and it's my privilege that I also get to call him my friend. It's my great pleasure to give you the rest of Sachin Kalbag's favourite songs tonight!
Sachin Kalbag (SK): 11. Smash Mouth - I'm a Believer (Shrek soundtrack)
Shrek is one of those movies (not just among animated movies) that give you unadulterated pleasure. It uplifts you; it makes you smile; it makes you shed a tear; it makes you fall in love with two ogres. With so much simplicity. Whoever decided, therefore, to include the Smashmouth version of the 1960s classic by The Monkees, was a genius. This song, played right at the end I think, is the perfect end to the second part in the Shrek series. I was a child during the entire movie, yes, but more so during this song.
MJ: I know exactly what you mean about movies being able to give you absolute unadulterated joy and animated movies some times feel so much more real than "real" movies at times. For me...the movie series that ALWAYS cracks me up is Madagascar. I dare you...to see these next two songs...and NOT laugh or just break out into a jig :)
I Like To Move It
Afro Circus Remix :D Dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah circus! Dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah afro circus afro circus afro polka dot polka dot polka dot afro
There you go! Sing along :D
SK: 12. Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - Mitwa
I get to hear this a lot, "Gone are the days of good Hindi film music. Composers and lyricists of today have no depth." This is only partially true. Partly because of songs such as Mitwa. I haven't seen the movie, and thus am blissfully unaware of the context in which this song is picturised. That gives me the advantage, I believe, of listening to this song without the visual encumbrance of Preity Zinta or Shah Rukh Khan or Rani Mukherjee. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan - another member of the illustrious lineage of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - is perfect. Great lyrics by Javed Akhtar and some great music and interludes by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
MJ: My wife, Neha, is my source for all good things in the Bollywood music scene...and to continue on your thought process here's a gem she brought to my notice. From Ishqiya...what a great song this is!
And this one too from 7 Khoon Maaf.
SK: 13. Leela - Jaag ke kaati
Jagjit Singh on the harmonium and some talented dude on the guitar. Awesome sauce.
MJ: Speaking of Jagjitji, I had the pleasure of meeting him and spending some time with him when he performed a phenomenal concert at Shanmukhanand Hall under the banner of my 94.3 Radio One radio show, "One Mumbai One Music". I had the joy of being the host that night and if I remember right, it was his last show in Mumbai. The man was genuinely so cool. I mean I know he's got millions of fans...but when you see the love they had for him...well...it gave me goosebumps. He sat through the concert without a sip of water. Sang for a good 90 minutes and at one point he started playing...and just looked at the auditorium and the whole crowd started singing the song he was playing almost like they were his choir. Not one person tried to scream or shout...everyone sang the song almost as if they were praying and were afraid that if they sang just a little too loud, God might get angry. And that evening, their "God" sat beside a humble harmonium and smiled back at them. Just thinking of that moment is giving me goosebumps again. Here's the song:
SK: 14. Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter ('Closer' soundtrack)
Talented British film director Mike Nichols made a superb movie called Closer in 2004, based on the eponymous play by Patrick Marber. It had a top-class ensemble cast -- Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Jude Law, and Natalie Portman. Nichols made each of them act as if it is the last movie made on earth. But the real star of the movie for me was neither Nichols nor the actors; it was Damien Rice, whose song The Blower's Daughter made me realise what an untalented mass of muscle and bones I am.
MJ: I'll admit, I hadn't heard this song till I put it down for this list. I looked it up...and it has an incredible story behind it. I'll not get into the story...but I will get into the last few lines of the song: I can't take my mind off of you I can't take my mind... My mind My mind...
Till I find somebody new When I read these lines, quite instantly, the song that popped up into my head...a song about heartache and the final thought that someone better will be found for sure...was "I'm Gonna Find Another You" by John Mayer. It's a song from what I think was his best album - Continuum. Here's a phenomenal live performance of the song. :)
SK: 15. Kumar Gandharva - Sunta Hai Guru Gyani
The choice of Kumar Gandharva needs no explanation. Just listen to all his renditions of Kabir's Nirguni bhajans. If there is any way of finding inner peace, it is this.
MJ: You know what? Right about now, I'm really glad that I did an entire episode on Kumarji just a few days ago. Before I say a word more...if you've not seen it...please do so now! http://musicmanmihir.blogspot.in/2012/05/mj-show-130-kumar-gandharva-mala.html This is how much I love and admire the man. My favourite album by him was an album called "Mala Umajlele Bal Gandharva" and when I saw that no one had really put up good versions of the album on youtube, I made videos using the tracks and put up the entire album! While each and every song on that album is a classic, my favourite song by him is this one:
SK: 16. Pink Floyd - Goodbye Blue Sky
The Wall is one rock's most iconic albums. No compilation of any rock list can be complete without this, although I would put The Dark Side of the Moon a notch higher. But of all the songs in The Wall, the one that affected me the most was Goodbye, Blue Sky. It says everything about personal despair, isolation, abandonment, loneliness, just about everything that the album is all about. "Did-did-did-did-you see the frightened ones? Did-did-did-did-you hear the falling bombs? The flames are all long gone, but the pain lingers on." Beat that!
MJ: You just can't can you. Roger Waters was incredible. I remember a line from DSOTM...but let's talk about that in the next song. The Wall, Dark Side Of The Moon, Meddle, Wish You Were Here and Division Bell for me were the albums that really made me fall in love with Pink Floyd. On The Wall...another song that I really loved...that really got me...apart from the big hits was "Young Lust". I know it's not the deepest song on the album. It's more primal...more visceral. Just hits you and really gets into your system if you let it. Acually, see how it's shown in The Wall movie and you'll know what I mean. It's up on youtube. Have a look if you want...but I'm putting up just the audio of the song here :) (The Wall video is a little NSFW if you know what I mean.)
SK: 17. Pink Floyd - Us and Them
How could I leave out 'The Dark Side of the Moon'. Just like in The Wall, each song in The Dark Side of the Moon is a classic. Some of the lyric writers of the 1960s, 1970s and the early 1980s reached dizzying heights. Us and Them is a philosophical treatise and social commentary rolled into one. For sheer songwriting genius -- both in the lyrical as well as musical sense -- Pink Floyd is peerless.
SK: 18. U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For U2. Joshua Tree. 'Nuff said.
MJ: Aww heck! I can't resist a self plug right now. :) When I formed my hindi band, Bombay Rock Project, last year...the idea was to go out and play old Bollywood in a new way. And when I thought about our audiences I knew that folks who love Bollywood have kinda "adopted" a few songs from "out there" that are well pretty much as desi as roti-chawal. "Summer Of 69" is probably about someone's uncle Jaswinder and aunty Dolly..."Where The Streets Have No Name" is about Bandra...where streets just have numbers...and no names....and "Sweet Child Of Mine" is about that item who just gets on all of them boy's minds. :) heh Anyhow...this is something we did for our crowds.
As can be expected...it goes down really well with the people :) For the record though. I LOVE Joshua Tree and every song in it! :)
SK: 19. Nina Simone - Sinner Man
One of my favourite shows of the television season just gone by was undoubtedly Person of Interest. I often watched it hours after it was telecast in the US on the CBS network. After what was easily one of the most riveting episodes in which the notorious Carl Elias' identity is revealed, Nina Simone begins to sing Sinner Man, a spiritual song that fit in so well with the episode's theme that I was hooked. Further research showed that Sinner Man is a regularly used song in movies as well as TV shows. Then, I remembered that it was also used during the climactic scene of the superbly shot The Thomas Crown Affair, starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. It was also used during one of the episodes of another great TV show - Sherlock. What TV shows! And what a song!
MJ: I remember I got into Person Of Interest and Homeland because of you. Two incredible shows and Sherlock! Oh my God! How much could we go on about that modern classic! Well in the spirit of great songs used in tv shows...here's one I remember. A classic by The Who...on another phenomenal British actor...in another phenomenal tv show!
SK: 20. Joni Mitchell - The Circle Game
There is Joan Baez, and then there is Joni Mitchell. Of the two, I like the latter more. I just don't know why, but I do. Two of her most distinctive songs are The Circle Game and Both Sides, Now. Both songs are excellent examples of how great poetry enhances the musical experience. Sample this:
"And the seasons they go 'round and 'round | And the painted ponies go up and down | We're captive on the carousel of time | We can't return we can only look behind | From where we came | And go round and round and round | In the circle game".
Simple words tug at your heart the most.
MJ: What a song! :) Just in case any of you want to check out the complete lyrics here's the link for it on Joni Mitchell's official site: http://jonimitchell.com/music/song.cfm?id=39 You know what's interesting for me. I've heard so many of Joni Mitchell's songs...but always by someone else. For instance, I remember this version of "Big Yellow Taxi". What a lovely song again...with such phenomenal lyrics. Have a look:
SK: 21. Joni Mitchell - Both Sides, Now: If you have seen the movie Love, Actually (later, it was shamelessly copied by Bollywood to make Salaam-e-Ishq), you'd remember a poignant moment where a crying Emma Thompson's character listens to this song on a CD when she realises that her husband is having an affair with his secretary. Forget the movie, fall in the love with the song.
MJ: I remember when you sent me your list...this was the first song that INSTANTLY hit me. And I wrote back to you and said that this is one of my favourite songs but I grew up on a version by Roger Whittaker. Let me put it into perspective before I play the song for you. Mr.Whittaker...he got me into music. He was my best friend...my companion...the guy who heard all my stories...good and bad...happy and sad...and gave me comfort through my teenage years. He taught me how to whistle...and made me want to sing. If I sing...whatever little I do...I think my path into the music world was paved with his music. This was one of the songs that was my companion in those days...and every time I hear him sing this, just like many other songs...no matter how bad the world is...I feel good and I have a smile on my face. Hope you like this. :) (You are free to continue thinking that Joni Mitchell's version is better though. I won't hold it against you.) :)
MJ: Wow!! What a couple of shows! I don't think I've ever gone through so much in so little a time. Sachin, please allow me to say that you've set the benchmark for all future "Guest Series" shows. We MUST do this again. Every now and then...when you just feel like adding more songs to this list...write to me...and I'll respond back and we'll have a few more episodes here. :) Folks...I hope you all have enjoyed reading our chat and listening to the songs as much as I did putting them up. Tell me whom you'd like to see next as my guest and we'll make it happen soon :) Anyone at all! :)
This page is about music. In every sense of the word. It has The MJ Show...my way of sharing music with you. Its my way of keeping alive, what I loved most about being on radio.
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Hope you like em all. Do leave me a comment when you see something you like. Look around, listen to the music and check out the fun stuff here :)
