10 songs

Starting off, I'll be a good boy and accept that the post is heavily "inspired" by one of Ranajeet Soman's. However, this being "for the greater good", I hopes that he accepts my post as just an "inspiration". After all, I do hope to make this a monthly feature. And what is Music, if not shared?

So, here's presenting 10 songs currently stuck on repeat in my head...if you've heard them before, cool, if you haven't, then I do hope you find something you like...

1.) Call Me the Breeze - Lynyrd Skynyrd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASxaSpGJmic
Here's the live version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SuBozi_Hp0

Lynyrd Skynyrd probably is right up there on the list of great artists who died too soon. Before the airplane crash that devastated the band, they were magnificent examples of Southern Rock, with crazy 7 min long guitar solos. This one is far lesser known than , say, "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Freebird" but tops my personal list. An awesome riff to start off, Ronnie Van Zant's southern drawl, followed by an awesome solo. What tops is,though, the frenzied/maniacal piano solo, that honestly, blows your mind! Billy Powell, u epic God!!

2.) Blue Sky - The Allman Brothers Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEC5s3nzVzo

Link to the live version : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMbYUAv--Oo&feature=related

The Allman brothers were the pioneers of southern rock. This is an absolute gem. Smooth progression into a brilliant solo. This song reminds me of a perfect day and a long drive through the countryside. I dare you to listen to this song and not smile.Trust me.

3.) Love You To - The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF90rX43VpE
Something I found very funny and ridiculously annoying was a few of my friends dismissing the Beatles as "another pop band". I mean, Come-effing-on. The early days got them the success which gave them the freedom to experiment.And experiment they did. Every album post-66 is a musical masterpiece. This one, from Revolver, is one of the first attempts at using their Indian classical influences. As a tribute to George Harrison, this lesser known tune holds a very special place for me...

4.) Tum Pukar Lo - Hemant Kumar. Film - Khamoshi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQGMIFnIlWw
I've been listening to a LOT of old Hindi songs lately, helped in no small part by a show airing on B4U music at 9 pm everyday. The 50s and 60s were arguably the best period in Hindi film music.This song is a personal favourit. Hemant da's haunting voice sets the tone perfectly. If you haven't seen the movie, do watch it for Waheeda Rehman. The first movie I remember crying after.

5.) Waqt Ne Kiya - Geeta Dutt. Film - Kagaz ke Phool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXZR57XQ7yI
Again, seems like an obvious choice. I'm trying to put together a Guru Dutt collection. And offers to help will be greatly appreciated. The lyrical genius of Kaifi Azmi shines through. Sample this, " Jaayenge kahaan, sujhata nahi, Chal pade magar, raasta nahi, kya talaash hai, kuch parta nahi, Bun rahe he dil, khwab dum-ba-dum".And that voice!

6.)Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
Like this version much better than the original Leonard Cohen one. Lyrically, magnificent. What gets me is that the Cohen description about the song. He says that different versions convey different meanings/emotions to the same words just based on the style of singing. Check out the different versions and you'll get what he means.

7.)Tarun Aahe Ratra Ajuni - Asha Bhosale

Probably my favourite Marathi song. A brilliant testament to Asha Bhosale's extraordinary musical talent. The range of her voice on this song is incredible.But what's more significant to me is the meaning. Quite possibly a "bold" song even in today's times, the fact that it puts the Woman first is great. Its her desire to be loved and the disappointment at the lack of fulfillment by a lover which strikes me the most.And Suresh Bhat deals with sex in a brilliant way,never letting the song ever sound dirty. I haven't got the original song on video clip but have it at home. Everybody's free to take a listen.

8.)Run - Collective Soul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPvQY9LMnZ4

Eternally grateful to Sahil Sapre for introducing me to Collective soul. This is , in my opinion, their best song. To experience it fully, just as he said. close your eyes, and let the song take you away!

9.) Trains - Porcupine Tree.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIM5M6FmnmY
Quite simply, breathtaking! Another one of those songs that'll take you on a journey if you let it. Haunting and exhilarating in equal measure, this is one song that always tops my recommendation list. Porcupine Tree keep reinventing themsleves, this one's no different!

10.)Lightning Crashes - Live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsJ4O-nSveg

Link to the live version : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc80X4ecnjw
Easily the best song with the word "placenta" in it. As the band said, its not so much about dying and being born as it is about falling and rising. But then, to think of it, aren't they the same thing? Ed Kowalczyk ( had to google his spelling) is terrific vocally.

So, that's it for the month. Let me know what you think. And recommendations are always welcome!