Bad week, plus I got Depression

It’s hard not to be a little over-sentimental when you’re spinning in the tunnel of depression. I hate that feeling, aware that it’s hanging nearby. There are times when something in life sets it off and recently I’ve been spending a lot of my time consumed with anger and hatred, which directs to pitying myself, which goes right back to the anger, because why do I have to let it get to me? The stoic in me hates this bullshit, but here it comes.

I have had a problem with letting people I hardly know get into my head and mess me up. Sometimes it’s been bad. Other times it’s been really bad. When I’m in this phase I hate myself to the point that it weakens me. It makes me take it out on the good people in my life at first, and then when it gets bad; it makes me want to lock myself in my room all day. I start to daydream about that ideal world where people are happy with their jobs and at the end of a challenging day, discuss their great life over drinks. I remember thinking once, during a bad spell that I would be okay if I could just curl in bed and not move, for maybe a week.

I’m not exactly sure why I’m writing about this here, maybe because it’s not a big deal; it’s sort of just part of my life. Plus, I feel like its part of why I haven’t been writing lately and it’s easier just to write about that then to try and come up with a post. I guess I owe you some cheap humour folks, because this blabbering is probably freaking some of you out a little.

Anyway, I’m not anywhere near depression or anything yet. Maybe it’ll skip my house this year. If it does show up, I’ll bite down on my tree bark and wait it out. I am okay.
If y’all guys get a chance, then get your hands on this show called ‘The L Word’. It’s a show that I’ve been watching lately, about the lives of seven lesbians and their lovers in West Hollywood. I’ve become a huge fan of the show ever since I watched the entire first season over the weekend. And, I'm a straight woman. It’s radical, not only in relation to the gay community, but for the general populace too. In a time when some are still struggling for equality, this show has created a fictional place to run to, a space where anybody and everybody is accepted.

I have also still been listening to Soulmate’s music alot lately and my previous post about them got noticed. I kept on bragging about their music to all my friends, and gifting their albums from cd baby for friends on their birthdays. Tipriti, the vocalist, meanwhile returned to Shillong, and resumed playing her shows (which I’ve heard from some friends, whom have had the pleasure of seeing them live, is quite brilliant).
Emails have been exchanged, facebook friendship was born, and through it all I’ve felt like in some way I’ve been let into her world. And to be honest I feel lucky to have been included along the way. To everyone who hasn’t heard of Soulmate before, I urge you to explore their music. And to Tripriti, I must say that I am glad you’re making amazing music and I feel honored to be able to spread your talent around.

This is easily one of the grittiest tracks I’ve heard in a long time. And I think we might all need that once in a while. The track is entitled ‘Stay Away’ and it is, simply out of this world. Literally. To be honest I expect nothing less from this phenomenal vocalist.

Enjoy the track and have a good week.

Soulmate

It has come to my attention that there are folks who have not seen The Hangover.

If you are one of these people, please, please do your part to rectify the situation.

You won't regret it.


Falling ill and feeling awful and thinking there's no flu in your office and then finding out that there actually is: it's not quite heaven.

But almost.

There’s been a flu attack at the office. I wish our company would let us know of things like this because it just affects the whole office and ruins productivity and not to mention, a good foosball game.

I’m not actually very sick yet. I mean, I do feel like hell, but it's just a three-day-virus that's going around at work. This means that it’s time for me to turn into a giant, whining baby. I have also decided, in the apparently common manner of a daughter of medical specialists, that what I have is in fact not a three-day-virus but the dreaded swine flu.

Until I find out for sure I’d appreciate any sympathy you can direct my way.

Mention the name ‘Soulmate’, and most North-easterns will know what you’re talking about. Understandably, one of the best songs, for me, off the album ‘Moving on’ is ‘Set me free’. The vocalist’s soulful voice leaves the listener quite exhausted but exhilarated after 5 minutes.

It is a deceptively gritty bluesy track, with great interplay of vocals and the electric guitar. Tipriti ‘Tips’ Kharbangar takes the lead vocal on this song, and does so with such confidence. It’s just so brilliant and absolutely lush. The track below will show the pure awesomeness of this band to anyone who has ears. The band is a wonderful wake and it would be a strong case to claim them as my most recent source of inspiration. A number one, and deservedly so. A worthy closer for one of the best albums of the century so far. Awesome weekend y’all!

Happy 26!

While we're on a roll celebrating the joy of life, tomorrow is my friend Ruan’s 26th birthday. Ru is officially one of my closest friends, because she’s the person I see everyday at work, spend every free and fun moment with, we’re practically neighbors, we know the same people and are still currently BFF. Ruan once told me that she loved me even though she could barely walk and was having the worst possible day. This is only one of the many things to love about Ruan. She moved to my area after we passed out of college, which is great for me, in terms of friend locale and convenience. She sort of is like a Superfriend, but with more cuteness and craziness. She claims she's celebrating her day in low-key style at home with close friends and family but I suspect that's just a cover story. No doubt she's celebrating her birthday in family's traditional manner: at a sleazy joint, burning through a wad of singles, taking home some great gifts and waking up with a hangover. Happy Birthday Ru… Ray LaMontagne for you…



A real update before week's out, I promise. Until then, replaying this over and over again should keep you guys busy. Peace out!

MJ Tribute Night

Not long ago, B’lore’s most famous singers announced that they would be performing a couple of Michael Jackson tracks as a tribute. That was a bit awesome for those of us who could pay our respects to this amazing singer and have a good time. I was lucky enough to snag some tickets to the show, and after days of waiting, actually go for it last night. It was all I could have wanted, a strong show to say the least-- and the set list was perfect.

In a very smart move, the group performed on Sunday evening and today at Kyra. It was a couple of hours long, covering a respectable mix of songs from ‘Thriller’ to ‘HIStory’, while hitting some of their fans' favorites. Mark Lazaro did an especially nice job on the track - "Man in the Mirror," taking it down a few notches tempo-wise while the crowd sang along. "You are not alone" loses a bit of kick but it’s forgivable.

There was a four-piece band: Willy on drums, Gaurav Vaz and Tony Das on the guitars and Karan on the keyboard. The lead vocalist changed with songs and the band was very smooth and flexible. The drummer and lead guitarist in particular were superb, bringing a wild tinge to everything.
While it's not the same as being at an MJ concert, the band sure wasn’t a bad alternative. Being able to hear the crowd cheer and sing, and the musicians interact with audience-- that kind of interactivity adds another dimension to a show.

Overall a superb night. Definitely singers to watch out for if they decide to go on tour. Hopefully B’lore will get to hear heaps more of the music. The night really captured the excitement of a great live show, which seems to be tough to see nowadays. Praise to the genius who thought up with this event - let's hope we see more live stuff, huh?

It’s always nice to hear songs by popular artists covered by talented individuals. One of the songs sung at the tribute was ‘Dirty Diana’. It’s another personal favourite of mine because it features Slash on it. What’s not to like about the track?

That’s all for the weekend’s roundup. Come back soon. Enjoy the music and the week!

I care too much about famous people these days. I hate that I am obsessed with Jennifer Aniston’s love life. It makes me sick that I can't take my eyes off Bradley Cooper’s polished midsection. Will John Mayer ever find true love? And I've spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about it with my similarly stunted friends. How did this actress lose all that weight? She aint no gym rat. It's difficult to know. When did anorexia become contagious, and how can I catch a little of what Paris and Lindsey have? I recently cried aloud about spending several bucks a month on my entertainment intake, money that really should go to a starving kid in Africa.
But MJ- friggin breaks my heart! I hate myself a little, too, for my undying interest in the lives of mostly dented people I know nothing about, and people with whom I would never want to be friends with in actual life. But I am full of sadness for Michael Jackson. Every time I hear his gorgeous music — which was the soundtrack to my own tacky childhood — I remember how much delight it gave me. Now, every track sounds like a funeral song, and instead of dancing, I almost feel like crying.
Anyways, moving onto other news, you absolutely must see Bradley Cooper’s latest film which is an exercise in ear-splitting, mind-numbing comedy. And be sure your date is someone you feel comfortable cackling with. Maybe ‘The Hangover’ will provide the conclusive evidence that we’ve been all waiting for – American comedy aint dead!
If you love Michael Jackson’s music (as I do) this tribute concert at Kyra on the 5th of July, should delight you. Christ, I hope I can get a ticket. I've never looked forward to a concert nearly as much. Think I'm gonna rant now. Kudos to Tony for turning me onto this one. The plan is a couple of guys are going to be performing some popular Jackson tunes, but it won't be quite that strict. Show starts at 8pm. Call the venue for tickets. It'd be cool to see you there. Big ups to the guys who came up with the idea.
This week has been a cracker for me, and part of that is because I discovered a whole bunch of new music that I thoroughly enjoyed. I think one reason I get through life is because I have music. Chris Cornell released a surprisingly mainstream-sounding rock song called ‘Scream’, which was quite listenable (even with that R&B beat). To be sure, this song is best listened to at a very loud volume and I imagine it translates very well to a live set. Literally no other artist is producing at such consistently high a level. If there was one artist on this years list that everyone should immediately start listening to I would recommend Chris Cornell.