Sounding the Image

John Mayer's blog manifested itself for a VERY interesting read.

"What I'm about to write isn't about fame or success or celebrity or the media. That's my business.

This is about us all.

This is about a level of self consciousness so high in my generation, that it's actually toxic.

This is about the girl in her bedroom who poses in front of the camera she's awkwardly holding in her outstretched hand. She'll take a hundred photos until coming up with one she's happy with, which inevitably looks nothing like her, and after she's done poring over images of herself, will post one on her myspace page and then write something like " I don't give a f*ck what you think about me."

This is about the person trying out for American Idol, who while going off about how confident they are that they were born ready to sing in front of the world, are trembling so badly they can hardly breathe.

This is about me, the guy who walks through a throng of photographers into a restaurant like he's Paul Newman, but who leaves a "reject" pile of clothes in his closet so high that his cleaning lady can't figure out how one man can step into so many pairs of pants in a week.

This is about a young guy who maintains a celebrity blog that subsists on tearing other people down but who has wrestled with a lifelong battle for acceptance as a gay man.

This is about us all. Every one of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as badass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right. And I don't want to act immune to that anymore. I took the biggest detour from myself over the past year, since I decided that I wasn't going to care about what people thought about me. I got to the point where I had so much padding on that, sure, I couldn't feel the negativity, but that's because I couldn't feel much of anything. And I think I'm done with that."

- JOHN MAYER
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008

Insiders, Outsiders and Old Boys: Covers Redone

Boy, do I love cover versions - when a band you love and a song you love come together and it works... doesn’t get better than that. Listen to John Mayer’s version of Hendrix’s ‘Wind Cries Mary’ and ‘Bold as Love’, No Doubt’s version of Talk Talk’s ‘It’s My Life’, Cat Stevens’ ‘Wild World’ redone by Mr. Big, Counting Crows doing ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ and dozens more – good’s not the word, interesting - maybe, versions of the songs.

I love the new Opus Kroaknitghts Album.Been listening to it all week. My favourite’s are Venky’s ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Alexis D’souza’s ‘Turn Me On’, Rooshad’s ‘Spiderman’ and Aditya Menon’s ‘Suck My Kiss.’ This CD just proves that Bangalore has oodles of talent.

"It's All Good"

Weekend was great! The place, the pool and the company- overflowing stacks of fun! But there was nothing else in my head besides writing on my blog. Clickity click cliiiick.

On our way to and from the resort we celebrated connections with the Foo Fighters, Goo Goo Dolls and Dire Straits. I have to admit, that I actually liked a bit of the hip hop and the trance tunes that were played in the car. All together, the entire trip was awesome cos everything was done in a close setting with friends.

It was when I was lazing around in the pool, that’s when I was able to lock down the band whose tune was playing in my head. ‘Rascal Flatts’ singing ‘Winner at a Losing Game’. You can’t miss the band’s trademark country sound that’s sweeping through music systems of melody lovers. The musical fabric is inspiring and the lyrics just swirl your heart into a puddle of melted chocolate, giving both diehard and new-to-the-wagon fans something to scream about.

RJ leaves soon to LA. After nearly 6 months of trips, drunken fiestas, giant group hugs and guy bashing, we lose a piece of the group. She introduced me to Industrial music - music I had no idea existed. Very danceable, very accessible music. It explains why all sorts of people, be it those in metal t-shirts, pop fans , people in black or why the dancing crowd, like it.
Jenn, u define impressive. Thanks for always being fun. Gonna miss you!

“Shiny happy people holding hands

Shiny happy people laughing

Everyone around love them, love them

Put it in your hands

Take it take it

There’s no time to cry

Happy happy

Put it in your heart

Where tomorrow shines

Gold and silver shine”

-R.E.M

THE ALBUM CHASE

Check out these guys - Alejandro Manzano, Fabian Manzano, Daniel Manzano from Florida. They're brothers who make amazing music. Just a handful of people might have heard of their music in the US and they’re practically unheard of in India. But on the strength of their incredible performances, they have grown to own a solid fan-base which is no easy goddamn task.

I stumbled upon their music on Youtube at the beginning of the year and since then I’ve been a dedicated fan. I’m particularly excited about their new album- ‘All You’re Meant To Be’, primarily because it’s their first release since I got to know them. More importantly, they also sang covers of some my new favorite artists- John Mayer, Chris Bown, Carrie Underwood and Leona Lewis. Liking the covers, if I’m 100% honest, really says I like who this band was, the new album will determine if I like who the band is.
Boyceavenue’s here for the long haul. Their performances are phenomenal and the members themselves make clear one thing: that they’ve set the standard and all you have to do is turn up the volume, hit the repeat button, and your troubles, for a blissful three minutes or so, will disappear.

Spin It Around: New Music in the Public's Hands

Karma6 launches their label on Monday in Mumbai. Wish I could go… Oh I wish they had it in B’lore. I mean they’re from here, after all. With the launch of the label there will be a good chance to check out new music and I know there’s a thirst for new live music out here. A lot of positive things happening right now and the scene is on the brink of a major upsurge. Friday’s here! Music and water – that’s how I’m spending my weekend.

To Sheet’s, Runa, Ru and my frequent readers:

“well open up your mind and see like me

open up your plans and damn you're free

look into your heart and you'll find love love love love

listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me

ah, la one big family….”

- Jason Mraz- “I’m Yours’’