Tuesday again, huh? I can't say I'm too pleased about that. And my brain isn’t operating too well. I've got all kinds of things I shouldn't talk about but nothing I should.
I won't talk about sleep. Or, more precisely, the lack of sleep. No matter how appropriate it might be in light of some terrible sleeping this weekend. It's a familiar, old refrain and I'd hate to bore you. But..... before you know it, the damn alarm goes off over and over again and despite being screamed at by my mom because I’ll be feeling about as motivated to go to work as I am about drinking coffee. When I do head to work, it’ll be cold and windy and the traffic will suck. I’ll stroll into my office, booted up and take a sip of tea. Instead of it being the standard measure of milk, water and sugar, with my sleepy head, eyes and hands I would’ve dumped gallons of milk or sugar into it. I’ll feel betrayed. And I’d wonder if my brain knew me. “I thought we were tight, Brain?” Soulless bitch.

3 more days standing between me and the weekend. I think it’s time to get more tea.

Over the weekend I attended a fabulous event at the Opus to watch a live performance by funny man, Vir Das. We had a terrific time--we almost choked on our food as we cackled the night away. I did have a fabulous time and the event left me all stirred up and in such a good mood.
Vir Das, a very charming actor/comedian who used to do a face-kicking funny job on two high-rated comedies, one airing on CNBC called 'News on the Loose' and the other on Zoom TV on the show 'Ek Rahen Bir'. That night, I have to admit that he looked quite sexier than ever might I add and very well toned. He succeeded in making himself sound like an absolute asshole and made me realize why I liked his show so much. Alas, it was all good, clean (well, except for the flowing booze) fun. I'm thrilled and just surprised beyond belief that he actually was nice enough to make conversation and click some pictures with us after the show. And what it all boils down to, ladies and gentlemen, is that I’m a sucker for some good humour especially when it’s been presented by a very hot looking package.

If you've spent any time here, you know that I listen to and own a lot of music. From time to time, I geek-out on your asses with a long rundown of all the stuff I've listened to in a particular week or day I've been digging. I don't plan to bring that to an end anytime soon. Hey, I've created an entire site for it.
Swing by every once in a while - I'll post new reviews of albums and songs as I encounter them. You'll probably see some familiar entries too. So, what are you waiting for? A brand-spankin' new review is up and it's a band you won't want to miss.

There's some discreet supposition that Indie bands are lo-fi, technically weak, shoe-gazers. From the sound of some bands, you'd think the members created their songs out of a hat, practiced for a fine 15 minutes, and then recorded their album in a single take. It's not an awful thing (while occasionally, it really, really is) but every so often that's not what I want to hear. Sometimes I want some of my devotion in musicianship, in uniqueness, reinforced. Enter Mazzy Star and their album ‘So Tonight That I Might See’.
I’m going with the track ‘Fade into you’ because it has something of interest, some little slice of creativity that you’ll find you enjoy. I honestly can’t believe it took me a long time to finally hear this song. It was released/ recorded in 1994 and I’m just now, finally, hearing it. Where have all my music loving friends gone? Why was I not force fed this track, years ago? This track is but a taste of how great this album is. Trust me though, this is a single that needs to be added to your collection.

Sure, I am a comment whore but I also plan on using this for good. I know my current blogroll is a little, well, dated. I'd like you to comment so I can round it out and rebuild it a bit. So, get over here if you haven't already. In the mean time, thanks. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read. I'm not always sure why you do, but I really appreciate it. I'm puzzled, but touched.

This Friday will be fantastic, because I’ll be going to see the Das’ (Tony, Chris and Judy) do their thing, which I’ve been waiting for so many months now so you can imagine my excitement! I’ve been trying to get a little scoop about the show that’s going to happen and I’ll be spilling some of the details in this post. I have a feeling that this show is going to be even better than their previous appearances together cos it not only has Tony and Judy Das performing but his brother- Chris Das (who’s part of my crew) and Avinash Grubb- a pianist who would make any show worthy of sweeps.

As far as music goes, there are few things better than seeing a band live and realizing that they sound better than the stuff you hear on the radio or on CD. In a world of faltering, peevish, and weirdly assertive singers, it was like someone had thrown the door wide open to let in some air and that’s precisely what this band offers - excellent vocal clarity that perks your ears, good vibes between the band members, they relate to each other as one might imagine they would if they were playing in someone's home. From my point of view, I can't even begin to explain how much impact that has on stage presence. None of them had to try overly hard to provide some sparkling sense of humor, they’re just naturally witty and hilarious and it just makes them seem like very likable people.

I don’t want to get y’all excited, apart from the fact that secretly I do.


My crew and I will be the guests of the Opus event, to watch the brother-sister band (who, may I add, is incredibly easy on the eyes). The concert kicks off in the evening at 8 at Opus in Bangalore city on Feb 27th. It's going to be a wonderful evening and I'd be thrilled if you joined us.
If the very gorgeous family, gorgeous music and gorgeous place aren't enough incentive for you, then hold on to your hat. All this can be yours for a minimal cover charge. If anything it’s the best way to spend your Friday night. There will be songs from artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Snow Patrol, One Republic and The Wallflowers along with one of Chris’ own compositions.
Let me know if you'll be in the audience so that I can look for you afterwards.

Hope to see you there!

Signing out with a an old favourite - 'Englishman in New York'by Sting

A Local Band and A Fan

The radio and the internet get a mention because up until middle school or so I thought music consisted of acts like – Michael Jackson, New Kids on The Block, Prince and Journey (which was mostly for sentimental reasons). Now I’ve turned on my mind’s musical side and I realize there are hundreds of them! From Matchbox Twenty, Lifehouse, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, Vertical Horizon to Taking Back Sunday, Counting Crows, Coldplay, Tori Amos... and this is just Alternative.
I haven’t discovered a new artist to write about this week. Training for a new process at work is over. I barely made it through the first week and i cant believe the weekend’s almost over. Last night I remembered this local show that took place about 3 yrs ago and I decided to write about it before my memory fails me. It was during my first year in M.A. My friend’s boyfriend asked me to come and hear him play at a coffee shop. I had seen local bands play in B’lore and I had never gotten the whole Spazobilly punk rock mayhem thing and that day it rained quite monstrously. I wanted to give up going to the concert altogether but I decided to go for it anyways because anything was better than staying at home.
Tony Das, was the friend who invited me. At the time he was playing for Thermal and a Quarter and he was also part of the three member band- Golden Boy, who performed that night. The other two were his older brother, Chris and his little sister, Judy. As a family they’ve been together cultivating their sound for so many years and what took place that night was real music - unplugged, acoustic, at its best!
Judy sang Bonnie Rait’s ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’. Her voice was intimate and sultry and that reflected her artistic and personal life. Chris sang the very famous, Maroon 5 ‘This Love’ and Vertical Horizon’s ‘Everything You Want’- these were my favorites at the time and if anyone had sung them and screwed them up I would’ve probably had some seething comment ready. But Chris exerted a powerful creative presence that night with his acoustic rendition of the two songs. Tony Das, (now the guitarist of Karma6) a multi-talented guitar player - If you haven't watched this boy play, hold on to your space suits kids!
The trio’s music is not en vogue in a sense. They sing the kind of songs that you would listen to on those wintery days. Always catchy and always thoughtful. These folks exude a strange sort of confidence that makes you feel like throwing your hands up and loving.

The Miracle of ’08- after a long break, the Das’ performed again at the Opus. By this time I had gotten to know them pretty well and this was the local act that I had wanted to see perform. Some of the songs sang by the group were from the 80’s.. It made the night seem sunny and hopeful and took you out of a world of dead end jobs, phonies, sycophants, making up and breaking up.
Judy sang Sara Bareilles and Jewel. Chris sang tracks by Del Amitri and Winger, with a special dedication to their biggest fans- their mum, Tony’s girl- Runa and then the unique devotee- ME!
Don’t know if these guys will ever play again together, but if they do… I’m there. You should join me too. Long live Alternative Rock!