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MUSICBOX: Bhangra ‘pao’
On average, Pakistani music albums don’t really occupy more than one shelf in music stores. Other than a handful of singers, none seem to satisfy the local music buffs’ demands. Fakhr-e-Alam’s (or Falam as he likes to call himself) compilation of his best songs up till now, Falam – Ab Tuk, speaks volumes about why the local masses have lost their confidence in such singers.
Going through the tracks was quite an ordeal. During this span of time, one constantly hoped to come across a few pleasant moments in the album, but sadly, that was not to be. The album starts off with Husn Walon, which is by far the best track of the album, but it was not good enough to remain on the charts for a long time. This Urdu-Punjabi track may do very well in the Punjab where people mostly want bhangra and are ready to say ‘Shava, shava’ and ‘Balley, balley’ at the drop of a hat.
This is followed by Udaaniye, a typical Punjabi number with no real novelty. All it guarantees is a little bit of dance hopping for a short time and then…it flies away with the wind from one’s memory. Other average numbers in line are De De Dil and Dharti Ki Kasam. Bhula Kar Tumhay fares a little better while Zindagi could have been a better number if the singer had sung it more effectively by avoiding the flatness in his tone.
Falam seems to be deeply inspired by Adnan Sami’s hit single Lift Karadey in one of the featured tracks of the album, Direct Connection. The very thought of this inspiration coerces the listener to skip this number and move further. Unfortunately, one doesn’t find anything of much substance deeper into the record. Other featured tracks are Laut Aau, Talaash and Allah Hoo.
Fakhr has a good voice and a great deal of potential. One hopes that he exhibits some change in his music in his forthcoming album. All we can do is wish him luck.—Azeem Haider
This one’s optimistic
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It’s hard to tell whether Coldplay has become the British band of the moment because of lead singer Chris Martin’s relationship with actress Gwenyth Paltrow or whether his relationship with her exists because Coldplay is such a hot band.Two years ago Coldplay emerged out of nowhere with their debut disc Parachutes, that stole the best alternative album Grammy from the much more talented Radiohead and turned their quirky breakthrough hit single Yellow into plenty of green. Amidst intense pressure for the follow-up, the quartet has just released A Rush of Blood to the Head. This latest album has not only been making waves, it’s also been winning awards, most notably Album of the Year at the Brit Awards. It has also drawn premature comparisons to U2 and Pink Floyd.
The reflective tone, Martin’s passionate singing and the band’s distinctive use of sound merge for a poignant, often therapeutic effect, ensuring Coldplay’s music stands out from the crowd. Their introspective, intelligent songs are often labeled ‘moody,’ but this latest effort has a happier sound.
The best track on the album is In My Place. From its opening drumbeat to its chiming, Edge-like guitar, soaring vocals and powerful hook, this single looks ready to rapidly climb the charts. The intense Politik, the breathless Daylight, the lazy, rich guitar ballad Green Eyes and the soft, stirring apocalyptic title track are all noteworthy. However, there is a lot of repetition on this sophomore effort, particularly in terms of song structure and tempo. Still, it is a satisfactory follow-up, although lyrically often one-dimensional.
They are still not in Radiohead’s league, but with recent news of Martin’s engagement to the popular Paltrow, Coldplay might just jump the queue. Luckily, in case they fall, they come equipped with Parachutes.—T.U Dawood
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