AUDIO REVIEWS

SATYA
Venus; Rs. 32
Yet again Vishal comes up with some melodious numbers in his typical style. And with Gulzar’s lyrics the songs definitely give a feeling of deja vu. To begin with, there is Badalon se sung feelingly by Bhupender, which reminds one of Tum mere ho from Betaabi. Tu mere paas bhi hai, sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Hariharan is a bit different, and so is Goli maar bheje mein, which has very interesting lyrics. The only jarring note is singer Mano, who in his over-enthusiasm hampers the listening pleasure. The slow-paced Geela geela pani is similar to Paani paani re from Maachis. Seems like Gulzar and Vishal have an affinity for water. Sapne mein rehti hai, sung zestfully by Asha Bhosle and Suresh Wadkar is a typical bhangra number. The highlight of the album is The mood of Satya, the background score composed by Sandeep Chowta. One doesn’t know whether to criticise Vishal for being consistently repetitive or just sit back and enjoy the numbers. But it would definitely be a welcome change if he decided to become innovative and give some new sounds.

THE FINEST MOMENTS - MOHD. RAFI
PolyGram; Rs. 55
The finest moments of the world’s finest singer, Mohammed Rafi, have been captured in this album, which features his 12 evergreen hits. The compilation has been carefully done, and showcases different emotions and the effort the singer had put in each of his songs. Maine poocha chand se (Abdullah), Mera man tera pyaasa (Gambler), Kya dekhte ho (Qurbani), Tere mere sapne (Guide), Pucho na yaar kya hua (Zamaane ko dikhana hai), Baharon phool barsao (Suraj) and Chaudhvin ka chand ho (Chaudvin Ka Chand) are among the 12 numbers featuring in this album. The songs have been digitally remastered and make for sheer listening pleasure. Surely a collector’s item.

ORIGINAL ILA
Tips; Rs. 45
A bejewelled Ila peeking out of an undulating stretch of golden sands... It’s an eye-catcher, the cassette cover. Though Ila, in all her earthy allure, is an attraction in herself. The Sapna Avasthis and Richas notwithstanding, Ila’s in a class of her own. A cult figure in Rajasthani folk. When this siren of the soil questions you about Choli ke peechey kya hai you cannot but let your reserve down and get into the spirit of things. Bichuda bichuda and Khichdi add to the zing thing. This lady’s no sweet, simpering 16-year-old, but she’s still the very epitome of sizzling sensuality and has no hesitation in crooning, Main dilwali hoon. Dreams are woven with Nigodi and shattered with Tum kahan gaye the. Husky and raunchy, Resham ka hai kurta is the last word in Eastern eroticism. When Ila pushes you away with a Tum mujhko choona na you know she’s actually reaching out to you, drawing you into her passion play. Tips has established its 24 Karat Collection as a tribute to maestros and talents who have long established their hold over Indian hearts, and it’s no surprise to anyone that this woman, who has brought the golden sands of Rajasthan into almost every living room across the country, has been hand-picked to feature alongside the golden greats. This collection of 12 Ila favourites reinforces the impression that there can only be one Ila, the numerous clones notwithstanding. Original Ila is pure gold and at the end, you have absolutely no trouble in voting for the ghagra.

THE GLIMPSE (TRILOK GURTU)
Times Music; Rs. 95
Celebrated percussionist Trilok Gurtu belts out another album of his fusion of subtle Indian rhythms and modern jazz and rock. This album is a compilation of unconventional, experimental music of the fourth dimension. Trilok uses rhythmic pieces of percussion, Indian classical as well as exotic vocals to his advantage. While most of the tracks are slow and soulful, a couple of racy ones like future heat, with a sudden spurt of energy, are likely to the listener by surprise. His music has a meditative, soothing effect that most music lovers will relish.

Difficult to classify or slot, his brand of music has a universal appeal. As Trilok says, “The Glimse is a synthesis of all my influences, yet somewhere along the way, the influences have dropped away leaving behind simple and pure sound. There is a moment when you get a glimpse of the whole, a cosmic whole.” The title track is a sublime, spiritual experience.

GOONJ UTTHI SHEHNAI (INSTRUMENTAL)
Surya; Rs. 30
Ustad Illah Khan plays ten popular wedding songs from films on the Shehnai. Baharon phool barsao, Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai, O babul pyare, Babul ki duvayen leti jaa and Tere sur aur mere geet. The quality of recording is uneven and grainy. Nonetheless this album will grace many a baarats and shaadis.

PHULKARI
Plus Music; Rs. 35
Punjabi folk album sans any of techno sounds and re-mixing. Replete with traditional lyrics and conventional tunes, this album is for a true-blue Punjabi. It should revive happy memories of family celebrations during which these songs are sung. Ravika’s nasal twang is well-suited for folk. The opening number, Fad lai ve fad is a vigorous bhangra number that is sure to set feet tapping and fingers rising voluntarily to a balle balle. It’s a sure-shot hit. Rest of the numbers are slower and meaningful. But if you are looking for the usual pep and fizz of bhangra from this album, you are bound to be disappointed.

CHANNEL [V] ULTIMATE DANCE COLLECTION
BMG Crescendo; Rs. 75
You wanna groove, grab at this one. It’s guaranteed to have you swinging with a selection of 13 teen toppers. It’s an eclectic mix of Aqua’s Doctor Jones, Sukhbir’s Gal ban gayee and Chilli Feat Carrapicho’s Tic tic tac. That got you ticking and tapping already, well, there’s more. Toni Braxton’s Un-break my heart and our very own Raageshwari’s Oye Shaava. Funky Diamonds’ It’s my game adds to the glitter while Aawara Bhalla has you gyrating to the glory of Om. Ah fair lady, you wanna dance all night, no probs. Peter Andre will keep you compnay with All night all right. Righto! So what are you waiting for? Get going with Channel [V]. Oye!

 

FILM ALBUMS / HINDI
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10	Duplicate Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya Jeans Dil To Pagal Hai Dushman Ghulam Gharwali Baharwali Pyar To Hona Hi Tha Achanak	[HMV] [Tips] [T-Series] [T-Series] [HMV] [HMV] [Tips] [T-Series] [Baba] [Venus]

 

POP ALBUMS / INDIAN
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10	Azaadi - Junoon Kismat - Sonu Nigam Yeh Hai Prem - Milind Ingle Om - Alisha Chinai Dance Collection - Various Gabbar Mix - Bali Brahmabhatt Dance Masti - Various Hindustani Gudia- Hema Serdesai Best Of Daler Mehndi-Daler Mehndi Koi Akelay Kahan-Kavita Krishnamurthy	[EMI] [Magnasound] [Rajshri] [HMV] [PolyGram] [PolyGram] [Sony] [Venus] [Magnasound] [Plus]

 

MUSIC ALBUMS / ENGLISH
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10	Titanic - Soundtrack Chart Busters '98 - Various Now-4 - Various Ray Of Light - Madonna Let's Talk About Love - Celine Dion Vuelve - Ricky Martin Savage Garden - Savage Garden Mega Mix Latino-Various Left Of The Middle - Natalie Imbruglia Jimmy Ray - Jimmy Ray	[Sony] [Plus] [PolyGram] [Warner] [Sony] [Sony] [Sony] [Plus] [Crescendo] [Sony]

 

UK TOP TEN
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10	Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya Duplicate Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai Dil To Pagal Hai Jeans Kareeb Gharwali Baharwali Salaakhen Dushman Zanjeer	[T-Series] [HMV] [Tips] [HMV] [T-Series] [Tips] [T-Series] [T-Series] [HMV] [Merica]