DJ Munks.com

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Actor Anil Kapoor’s Film Banner has made some really good offbeat movies like Gandhi My Father and My Wife’s Murder. Aisha looks like another good one to look out for but this time with his very own daughter Sonam Kapoor!

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Aisha is a modern movie based in the high live of Delhi and inspired by the book Emma written by Jane Austen. There is a British connect that the UK audience cannot miss.. and thus the movie will sure be an attraction when it hits the screens here. What would be interesting to see is the execution of Emma by Sonam who has been paired with Abhay Deol who comes from a totally different school of acting with the offbeat touch. This fresh look to onscreen pairs could come only from some fresh eyes that Rajshree Ojha brings being a first timer to Bollywood direction… and the promo shows the freshness to the movie cut.

Let us come to the music side of things.. and Amit Trivedi is the man incharge. I truly admire his work in Dev D, Wake Up Sid and Aamir. Thus I have high expectations from the OST of Aisha. Especially when you have Javed Akhtar doing the lyrics then you definitely know the quality is at the highest of standards. Let us see if this really works for the UK Bollywood music lovers..

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REVIEW

Track 1 – Suno Aisha – The song starts with some excellent keyboard programming and evolves into typical Amit Trivedi sound with the clapping, trumpets and flutes with a super deep keyboard bass. The arrangement of the song is extremely catchy with a very global music appeal that even a west European with no understanding of music loves (this is as per test with a couple of west Europeans). Trumpets, double bass, clarinets and flutes steal the show all together. Amit just loves his wind instruments.. and we love him for that Keep your ear open for a few acoustic guitar strums thrown in here and there with a guitar and trumpet solo for the 2nd bridge.

The vocals are by Amit too and are simply brilliant. Nakash Aziz & UK boy Ash King give additional vocals. The lyrics are simple and good in truly Javed Akhtar style and demonstrate the self obsessiveness of Aisha’s character. Overall I love this song.. and so will you. 8.5/10.

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Track 2 – Gal Mitthi Mitthi - Amit gives this a very traditional start with Ek Tara and Shehnaai instruments that transition beautifully into a very modern funky super deep bass beat. He again further blends this very well with a bit bhangra and shehnaai samples throughout and keys. True genius and master of innovative music blending!! The music definitely has a party appeal and will work well on the dance floor in a mix. Tochi the superstar from the music of Dev D comes back here with Amit giving us yet another hit. The lyrics are designed for a wedding giving the song a perfect fit with lines like “tu kar de ishaara mein dooli le aaoon”. Kudos to Javed saab. A definite hit. 8/10.

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Track 3 – Sham – Welcome new kid on the block Nikhil D’souza in an acoustic avatar with Amit Trivedi and Neuman Pinto on the vocals. He sounds like many other modern acoustic singers but unique in his own way. The texture and harmonies in his voice make you instantly love him. Amit uses only an acoustic guitar in this song and it works brilliantly. If you play the guitar listen to the 2nd bridge of this song for some learning with guitar body tapping. The main thing to watch out for in this song are the beautiful poetic lyrics of Javed saab. It is so romantic that it will make even the strongest heart melt. Perfect for a background song on a romantic hug. 7.5/10.

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Track 4 – Behke Behke – You might remember the rugged voice of girl band singer Anushka Manchanda and also from a number of Bollywood songs lately. She is well in demand but this song doesn’t really work for me. It has good vocal performances by Anushka, Samrat Kaushal, Raman Mahadevan, Suman Sridhar and rap by Robert Omulo. But the Spanish feel with average lyrics and a killer beat is just too much going on. It is not a bad song but it overall doesn’t catch up to you. 5.5/10.

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Track 5 – Lehrein – “Khoyi Khoyi si hun mein, Kyu yeh dil ka haal hai, Dhundhle saare khawab hai, uljha har khyaal hai”.. Simply beautiful poetry with every emotion twirled around simple words. Javed Akhtar is best at sad songs like this where he does not stop emotions flowing through the tip of his pen. Anusha Mani’s vocals are spotless and pure with backing vocals by Nikhil D’souza and Neuman Pinto. Amit lets the music flow keeping it very simple and live band like. The violin solo is perfectly performed in the 2nd bridge. If you close your eyes for a bit and open them looking outside the window at the sky with this song in the background it could literally make you cry even on your happiest days. Simply beautiful. 7.5/10.

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Track 6 – By The Way – This vocal style works better for Anuskha and the fun element can be felt in her singing. A total girl band banging with self obsessed and careless attitude lyrics. The rock music style with dynamic raving electric guitars complements the lyrics and vocals perfectly. The overall arrangement and style work for a girls night out and driving around in an open car celebrating life. That’s the appeal.. nothing more.. 6.5/10.

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Track 7 – Gal Mitthi Mitthi (The Bombay Bounce Dhol Mix) – Time to party and enjoy the best party song on this album in the punjabi dhol with Bombay style beats (Aptly named mix! ). A very good remix by DJ Lloyd and Discreet. It is on my top songs list for DJ’ing already and the crowd loves it every time I play it. Kudos DJ Lloyd! No flashy over-adventurous work. Well done! 8/10.

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Track 8 – Lehrein Remix (The Bombay Bounce Lounge Mix) – Sensational!! DJ Lloyd and Discreet are on fire here. For once the remixes make sense and you love them as much as the original. That is what the aim should be for any remix… but does not always happen in Bollywood This lounge mix is brilliant and relaxes your body and mind. Put it on loud and sink into a hot bathtub to feel the magic of music. 7.5/10.

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FINAL WORD

EXCELLENT & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – 8/10

In today’s economic climate, when you pay for a CD with 8 songs you would want them all to be good. Amit, Javed Saab and all the singers & musicians on Aisha understand that and give it to you. You can’t ask for more than this. Except one, every song is excellent on this OST. It is innovative with a new sound with perfectly written lyrics and genuine vocals. Aisha matches the movie look, theme and taste of the modern UK audience. The album has a global appeal and is still different from the others. Buy it.. buy it today !! OST available on Sony BMG.

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Sikandar seems to be a very offbeat movie with an intense subject to potray. The film is based in the picturesque setup of Kashmir with the sensitive subject of influence of terrorism on school children. Sikandar is a thriller about a school kid who finds a gun lying on the road on way back home & how that changes his full life. This will surely be an intense film & stars Parzun Dastur [Tussi Na Jaao Sardar kid of KKHH.. ] along with Sanjay Suri and R Madhavan. Sikandar is written and directed by Piyush Jha and produced by Sudhir Mishra.

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For such offbeat, intense & small budget movies, the music is usually not much to look forward to. For a non-commercial movie the music will never be commercial !! Plus offbeat movies like this usually use music as a tool to add narrative to the script or use as a background score. Thus the expectations are not sky high. One only expects the music to be soothing, meaningful, have some kind of a narration & with good instrumentation reflecting the culture of the Kashmir valley.

The music of Sikandar has some big names associated with it including the likes of Prasoon Joshi and Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Lets find out what the album truly delivers…

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REVIEW

Track 1 – Dhoop Ke Sikke – It is said that superstar lyricist Prasoon Joshi saw this movie and was so inspired that he went home & wrote a lovely poem. Producer Sudhir Mishra loved it soo much that he decided to use it as a song in the movie. Shankar Ehsaan Loy worked on the music .. and the final outcome was this song in the voices of Shankar Mahadevan & Anusha Mani.

The song is true to the hype as the SEL boys always make magic when with Prasoon.. like they did when they made Maa for Taare Zameen Par. The lyrics are brilliant and the music has the soothe touch to a soft rock rhythm. The lyrics sum the scenic beauty of Kashmir with suttle references while it talks majorly about the innocence of a child and how the society influences their future. It sure is a good listen & I love the start with Anusha’s vocals. 8.5/10 .

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Track 2 – Gulon Mein (Serene  Version) – This kind of an OST would sound incomplete without the vocal touch of Mohit Chauhan [last heard on Masakali from Delhi-6] . The lyrics of Neelesh Misra are truly serene. They are deep, touching and thought provoking. The music by Justin-Uday is soft and easy to the ears. Its majorly acoustic with some great guitar work. A must listen track all in all as Mohit pulls the spot light off Shankar from track 1. 8.5/10 .

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Track 3 – Arzoo (Naat) – This is a traditional song sung in a purely religious style by a village boy named Mehrajuddin from Aru in Jummu & Kashmir. His style portrays raw talent and has the depth & recitation style of the mountain valleys. There is no music & his vocals carry the track thru for 2 minutes in style. 7/10 just for this tenagers voice.

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Track 4 – Allah Hoo – Justin-Uday are on a roll here and show their true talent after giving music for Hijack. Allah Hoo is a true Sufi ambient track. The music is simple & thus pure and soothing to the ear. I cannot imagine the music to be any better on this composition than it already is. They let the vocals by Yash Narvekar and Hrishikesh Kamerkar do all the talking and they do it in style. These 2 new singers are here to stay as no music instrument is better than the human voice. They both are gifted. Must mention lyricist Kumaar does an excellent job as well. Simple.. but Great listen !! – 7.5/10 .

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Track 5 – Gulon Mein (Upbeat Version) – The lyrics by Neelesh Misra have a different voice this time with KK giving it a rock touch that he brings with him to most of his tracks. The vocals are average though. Sandesh Shandilya [who's previous work includes movies like Chameli & K3G] does a decent job but nothing extra ordinary or worth noticing. Is he loosing his touch..? But thank God he has kept it simple and not made a remix out of it.. The upbeat version is not really upbeat except for the soft rock composition style. 6.5/10 .

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Track 6 – Manzaraat – Finally we get a Kashmiri song in theme with movie but the sound is totally different than the soft rock & sufi feel in the album so far. It sure adds variety to the OST but fails to impress as Shilpa Rao’s vocals, Justin-Uday’s music & Kumaar’s lyrics are all average. At times it sounds like Bhumro but doesn’t get close to the quality of that song. 6/10 .

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Track 7 – Chaal Apni – This is a romantic upbeat number with a Kashmiri compositional touch again to a modern digital beat. I would have called it to be average but the more I have heard it, the more I have started dis-liking it. I have come to a point where I can’t stand it. The music by Justin-Uday just doesn’t work and the singers Hamsika Iyer & Hrishikesh Kamerkar fail to impress here. Please end the album at track 6. 4.5/10 .

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FINAL WORD

Niche, Average – 6.5/10 .

As expected, it is not an OST for the masses but for the niche classes who enjoy sufi, lounge and soft rock. I would give it a higher rating & call it “Above Average” but the OST lacks any kind of commercial value and stays totally focused around the script of the movie. But the songs are good individually. The lyrics are deep and beautiful for the first few tracks. The singing renditions are brilliant by the maestros. Buy this album if you like to experiment with your music and like the calm of chillout music. If you are a commercial junkie.. then stay away from this soundtrack.. !!

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I dint really know about the existence of this project until the soundtrack came out. I have been listening to it for a week now thinking if I should review it or not. The variety and uniqueness of this OST persuaded me to talk about it. Amit Trivedi must have spent a few hundred days on making this 18 track album.. I sure could write a few 100 words giving it the credit and appreciation it deserves.

A multi faceted Anurag Kashyap decides to do a modern take on the traditional DevDas. As laughable the concept sounds, it is an extremely great idea and I sure am curious of how he must have developed the script and shot it. The cast doesn’t look very exciting but on the music front we have the very talented Amit Trivedi. He impressed the world with his highly acclaimed work on Aamir in 2007. Although not a commercial success, but truly a genius piece of work !!

When I heard “Dev D” for the first time I guessed it sounds like Amit’s work and I was very excited to confirm the same from the CD cover. Amitabh Bhattacharya & Shellee do a great job on the variety of lyrics in this OST.

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REVIEW

First of all, if you are looking for some Pritam beats or Rehman orchestration or SEL fusion… then please turn away. This is not a commercial album. I will be shocked and traumatically excited if this album gets any commercial success cause that would mean a mass mature audience ! Listen to this album for the variety, fusion and a complete musical package to realise how global the Indian sound has become..

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Track 1 – Emosanal Attyachar (Brass Band Version) – I hated this track for the opening song when I first heard. I can’t stop singing it now !! It is the quiriest, most catchy, genuine, genius and innovative song in a long long time !! Sung in a typical traditional wedding brass band setup by a genuine band with the song sung by the true band singer and no established singer. The accent and pronunciations give it a typical street flavor. A super hit melody & must for all India wedding barat’s (Not the lyrics). This deserves an easy 9/10 .

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Track 2 – Duniya – Amit Trivedi brings back his Chakkar Ghumyo style from Amir to a faster funkier beat. Terrific lyrics and vocals of Amit but very close to the Amir feel. Not as original as track 1 but a great listen. 7.5/10 .

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Track 3 – Nayan Tarse – My favourite song on the CD. A 3min short, true easy listening brilliance. A rare fusion of traditional lyrics with deep vocals of Amit with an ambient music beat that goes rock on the chorus. Can you imagine & picture such a combo without listening to the track.. Do you imagine how vague that sounds !! A 9.5/10 to this brilliant piece of work.

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Track 4 – Pardesi – Another folk ambient chilax track fusion. This time with sitar’s, acoustic strings and claps. This singer named ‘Tochi’ makes a mark with his soulful voice. I so want to find all his work now. A nice soothing bass beat pattern. I don’t like the “That’s how we do it” on the track. But you have to listen to it – 8/10 .

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Track 5 – Saali Khushi – If you are down and feeling low this is the song which is going to wrap up your story for you. Song about missing good times in Amit’s voice yet again. A slow rendition to good lyrics. 7.5/10 .

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Track 6 – Paayaliya – 5 Tracks down and you can never relate these songs to the Devdas concept. This song brings the true traditional flavor of the concept in Shruti Pathak’s voice. A light song in Rehman’s compositional style but am sure Amit has done a better job at it. 7/10 .

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Track 7 – Mahi Mennu – How can a variety music album be compete without the punjabi element to it. Labh Janjua singing to good fusion of Dhol with a strong bass line is always good. A light average song. Can be easily missed as not very catchy. 6/10 .

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Track 8 – Aankh Micholi – A dint like this track. Nor the music or the composition or the lyrics or the vocals or the mixing of the track. Below average. Give it a miss. 4/10 .

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Track 9 – Yahi Meri Zindagi - A refreshing song with a light happy feel to it about being content of everything around. Aditi Singh Sharma gives it a global pop flavour. A fair track. 5.5/10 .

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Track 10 – Dhol Yaara Dhol – This Rajasthani number enriches the soundtrack. The texture of instruments and vocals is very soothing. Shilpa Rao renders this romantic song beautifully. Perfect song on a long romantic drive or a special dinner date. Do try to understand the lyrics.. that’s when you will relish this track. 7/10 to this one.

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Track 11 – Ek Hulchul Si – JOI gives some really good vocals here to a rock song. This rock does not categorise under the Rock On!! style but more of a Kings of Leon meet The Script sound. A very lively and catchy tune. Notice the classical tunes they play on electric guitars at the first solo. Recommended! 8.5/10 .

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Track 12 – Hikknaal – Labh Janjua back with a better Punjabi number. It’s got tumbi’s and authentic Dhol. Amit still has a long way to go when it comes to producing Bhangra stuff. Not for UK Bhangra lovers. 7/10 .

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Track 13 – Dil Mein Jaagi - Anusha Mani writes and sings this song only to a piano. It’s simply beautiful and very theatrical. It reminds you of the great music in Parineeta. Really good song. 7.5/10 .

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Track 14 – Emotional Attyachar (Rock Version) – If you are thinking this is going to be anything like the brass band version, you are in for a BIGGGGG Surprise !!! New lyrics (except for the punch line) a total hard rock musical and some really powerful vocals by Bony Chakravarthy. Think Parikrama or Metallica and you know what I am talking about… and imagine that with the chorus lyrics of Track 1.. Haha.. This is brilliant !! 8.5/10 atleast.

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Track 15 – Ranjhana – A 2 minute beautiful rendition of vocals by Shilpa Rao & Kshitij. It’s sad and you can feel the pain of the character. Very well done with just strings orchestra. 7.5/10 .

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Track 16 – Mahi Mennu (Sad Version) – Labh Janjua finally makes an impression with his vocals here as there is no poor quality Punjabi music by Amit to dissolve his vocals. Deep and resounding. 7.5/10 .

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Track 17 – Dev-Chanda Theme 1 – Theme music for the movie.. and very attractive. It’s sweet & charming. Its double bass all through with Pa Pa para & Ooooo ‘s all through. Amit shows he can keep it simple & yet beautifully smooth. a nice 2 minute piece for doing a little Ball dance in your living room with your sweetheart. 7.5/10 .

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Track 18 – Dev-Chanda Theme 2 - Another instrumental with whistles and violins. The melody is captivating. 7.5/10 .

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FINAL WORD

Very Good – 8/10 .

A brilliant variety album at the start of the year from a music director to watch out for.. Amit Trivedi proves his brilliance yet again after Amir. Forget commercial music if you have an ear for the niche then this is what you should shop for. Buy this CD and keep it at the top of your CD rack because you can listen to it in all possible moods.

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