To the City

This is an ode to what is arguably the greatest city in the world. Greatness in every respect: culture, art, history, diversity, money, power, beauty and life. From its great landscape to its blinding lights, from its history to its geography, it is the embodiment of greatness.

I've gotten a step closer to this dream city. Life really is incomplete without living here for a while. I have in the past, I wish to do so again, hopefully a little longer this time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd01FObU3Q4

"The more you see, the less you know,

The less you find out as you go,

I knew much more then than I do now"

Reprise

A return to an original theme.

The world of music is filled with reprises. There's something really special about listening to a song you love, sung in a new way. Somehow when they call it a re-mix ,to pick up a quote from stochastic calculus, it is "almost surely" sub-standard.

Reprises, on the other hand, in my experience have been quite interesting. This particular one is sheer genius. I've come across such a fantastic melody after a really long time.

Reprises generally involve laying more emphasis on the twists and turns of the song, making the interesting instrument or beat more prominent, or the singer adding "alaaps" or other variety. This reprise is special and unique in that the singer has actually sung the song flat as compared to the original. The contrast this produces to what you expect to hear is what makes the song utterly beautiful. It also represents more truly the hopelessness, sweet sorrow and nostalgia which is the theme of the song.

Anyway, no more analysis. Just close your eyes and listen to this song honestly. You'll be either lying or too proud to admit that you don't feel something in the pit of your stomach when you hear this melody.

http://www.saavn.com/search/bin+tere+reprise

"I am here, you are there....one of us is in the wrong place.."

Song for all seasons

This is not only a romantic song. Its not only about love.

This song is also about warmth, faith, discovery, success, joy, satisfaction, fun, friendship, reassurance, anticipation, relief, appreciation, exploration, reconciliation, hope, about being loved and feeling it. Yes this song has it all.

Its been an amazing past few days and I've felt all of the above. The new year has begun with these emotions for me and for some of my closest friends. We're beginning to see the sunrise of the new eras of our lives. Two of them are getting married in the next two months and I pray for their happiness. And for everyone else happiness is just around the corner.

I know this song has been over-played and over-sung, but there's much more to it apart from its catchy beat and the singer's lovely voice. You might think that I'm resorting to the most popular songs for lack of other melodies. But no, I think this song is divine. This time when you hear it try and let it sink deep in your heart. Believe me there's more to it than what you've noticed so far. I hope you see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH_iGXaRqHk&feature=related

"Teri nigahen, paa gayi raahein

Par tu yeh soche, jaaoon na jaoon,

Yeh zindagi jo, hai naachti jo

Kyun bediyon mai hai tere paaon

Preet ki dhun par naach le paagal

Udta agar hai udne de aanchal

Kaahe koi apne ko aise tarsaaye"