A bit of House

House music is one of the genres of music that i enjoy listening to and often recommend to people who seem to enjoy my company. Personally, it makes certain activities more enjoyable for me, such as jogging, doing squats, dancing, relaxing(with the help of a certain herb) or just hanging out with friends. This track is a perfect example of what i believe to be a good track packed full with great songs, awesome beats and countless head nodding opportunities. Enjoy the track and leave your suggestions for what you think good music is.

Brooklyn Mood by slickmilk

Coke Studio-The Final Show down

August 1st saw the airing of Coke studio’s Final Episode : “Realisation”
Since the day also marks the countdown to Independence Day, it was no wonder that episode 5 followed the theme of patriotism and started with a cover of Madam Noor Jahan’s classic 60’s war song “AAe Wattan Kay Sajeelay Jawanon”


Amanat Ali Khan gave a very lackluster performance of Ae Wattan Kay Sajeelay Jawanon.
But no matter who sings it,the lyrics are so moving you cant help but feel good about your countrymen.Plus it is 1st august, when 14th is looming above your heads, you start liking the song even if it sounds like the ones you sang on the Defence Day Functions at school, with the school band providing the marching drum beats.
No credit for Amanat Ali here, he basically wasted two opportunities with a mediocrity that was Aisha and now this.



Next came the amazing Tina Sani with her rendition of Nawai Ne.
It was a blend of powerful vocals and various instruments.The very Folk inspired violin tune added to the song and the Flute provided the perfect buildup at the end of the song, merging well with Gumby’s drumming.


Sanam Marvi sang Manzil-e-Sufi.
A new find of Coke Studio, Sanam sings exceptionally well, even though her earlier rendition of Pritam wasn’t that great.She did show her talents in Huq-mujood and in Episode 5, does a pretty good job too.Although her voice came off hoarse in the beginning, overall the performance wasn’t bad.




Abida Parveen gave her third performance of this season with Soz-e-Ishq
She is the clear winner of this season. The true “living legend”.No matter how loud or horrible the house band plays, she does her job , holds her own ground and delivers!!
Simply Brilliant.



Rizwan and Muazzam performed Jana Jogi Dey Naal.
They sounded great and made you remember the great Ustad Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan.The song was full of energy ,and the different variations of vocals and sur they put in gelled well with the contemporary drums and guitar sound, fusion at its best!


Other than the performances,every singer of this season also gave their messages about their performances.Mostly they were about how they were showcasing unity through music and promoting Pakistan's Culture.


Even though Season three failed plenty of expectations, with too much hype and some very mediocre performances, it had its moments too.
Arif Lohar and Meesha’s collaboration of Alif Allah,Abida Parveen’s three amazing performances and Rizwan and Muazams qawalis provided magic for the ears this season.
And Tina Sani,Noori and Zeb and Haniya showed us what true composers can do. Noori's Hor ve Neevan ho and Zeb and Haniya's Bibi Sanam Janam was awesomely awwsome, best 'tunes' of the season.
While Amanat Ali, Karavan and E.P pretty much wasted their opportunity to showcase their songs.Meesha Shafi became a overnight sensation and ADP-Aunty Disco Project, (they have a very very loyal fan following in khi and lahore) have gained new fans too. Their Performance of Sultanat was fantastic!


PS:
Coke Studio over time has established it self as a platform of class and quality as far as contemporary and folk/cultural music goes. I think instead of just picking artists with illustrious backgrounds (mostly foreign desi returns), they should have a nation wide talent hunt not just from the major metropolis's of the country but at grass root level, to promote artist who would otherwise never get a chance and might end up being better then many being showcased on the show as 'young and upcoming talent'.

Coke Studio's Official Website.

Coke Studio-Episode 4

After a very promising start in episode 1 with amazing performances like Abida Perveen’s Ramooz-e-ishq and collaboration of Meesha Shafi and Arif Lohar in Alif Allah Chambay de boti, things have been going pretty downhill for coke studio.Unable to replicate the magic of episode 1, we had some very mediocre performances from E.P, Amanat Ali,Arieb Azhar and Sanam Marvi and even Noori.Along with some really good, if not great performances by Zeb and Haniya,A.D.P and Meesha and the Iconic Tina Sani.

Episode 4’s first act was Noori singing Hor Vi neevan ho

Recently Noori has been criticized a lot because of their monotonous lyrics, and some fans even demanded them to hire a new lyricist. But in 'Hor Vee Neevan ho' they redeemed themselves. Powerful poetry,good vocals and the dulcet sound of Veena, cast their magic on our ears. In a very interestingly composed track,one could feel the instruments dominate in the first half , in the second half the vocals reached the high and Ali Hamza’s voice mesmerizes the listener's ears.

Karavan gave a performance of Kesay mumkin hai.
The sound was good but the intro felt horribly ripped off.Giving you the feeling that you have heard it before.


Zeb and Haniya sang Nazaar Eyle
It was a pleasantly soothing melody.Even though I coudnt understand the lyrics,the song felt good.

Amanat Ali and Sanam Marvi’s did a pretty decent job on Haq Maujood
The medley of sufi songs gelled well with Amanat Ali’s Voice.After his mediocre cover of Aisha,this song did show his talents to the max.


Arif Lohar’s Performance of Mirza Sahiban was completely over the top,I was laughing throughout the performance,It was hilarious if not anything else.
Arif Lohar was allowed to go berserk when he could have given a much better version of mirza sahiban.The analogy he made about his name “lohar” and heavy metal music was just absurd! Was he trying to be a rockstar when he gave that frightening shriek in the end?i just don’t know.
Plus the “balle balle shawa shawa” backing vocals just made it a cross between rock, traditional folk music and mehndi/mayoon songs.