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31
Dec
2009
The Best Albums of 2009
Moving on with the best of 2009, we have the best albums.
The sole purpose of this post, is for the mere fact that people should appreciate good music, and by appreciate, I mean supporting the artists who put forth an effort to make an album made up of more than just three decent songs.
So here – in no particular order – are the top three albums of 2009.
Northern Lights – Re-Lit
The album featured sixteen tracks, of which I say seven were absolute smashes, and the rest were still pretty decent offerings in which you could manage to listen without wincing.
When I first listened to the album, I couldn’t make up my mind as to what the best song on the album was. There was a wide variety of musical styles on the album, as well as the vocalists selected were also not in your typical album.
Obviously the Kaka track has to be one of the highlights on the album, but it was tracks like “Gaddi” by Ranjit Mani that stood out. The song had an old school feel to it, and it sounded like it was paying homage to the Manak track “GT Road Te.” It just sounded like one of those songs that you see your dad singing along to, or requesting when they’re hammered.
The biggest surprise on the album had to be “Ishqeh Da Toomba.” The track was sung by Amrinder Bobby. When I first listened to it, the feeling I got was, that this dude sounds exactly like Gurdas Maan. Well it wasn’t too long before my sister pointed out that Bobby (as she knew him) was actually Gurdas Maan’s back up singer, and that he had been looking for his own record deal since the early 2000′s. Bobby has been on a few Indian singing contest shows, and most of his songs have been Gurdas Maan covers. I really hope the man’s voice is utilised more in the industry, as we all favour Gurdas Maan’s voice, but also know how much Gurdas Maan Ji does not want to be “remixed” as he likes to put it.
Twin Beats – The Sounds of Punjab
I had a good feeling about this album ever since I started corresponding with Inder (one half of Twin Beats.) Then they went and made a Reproduced segment for Bobby Friction featuring tracks from the upcoming album, and I was sold.
The album features ten tracks, of which all of them have a unique flavour, yet have big percussion in common. I don’t think I need to talk much about this album. All you need to do is check out their video’s, and you’ll recognise real. The whole album is very consistent, and in today’s time, that’s all you can ask for.
All the tracks do it for me, but the one that sticks out the most is “Twins Tappe.” This song is best enjoyed in surround sound. Seriously. When the dhol kicks in, and pans from right to left/right to left/right to left…wow! Jaswinder Daghamia has a great voice, and it’s the rawness of his vocals blended with the dhol and tumbi that makes this track killer.
Taj-E – Sik ‘n’ Twisted
This was the first album that came out this year, that when I listened to it, I didn’t feel ripped off. Sure The Sound Pipe crew really know how to market their products, and they do make some questionable signings. But this album really did a number on me.
Featuring twenty-one tracks, this album was redonkulous when I first listened to it. There are some tracks that may make you hit the next button, but on the whole, this album featured the resurrection of Juggy D with “Vang Teri.” A sick remix that accompanied it, as well as what I feel is the biggest UK Bhangra track that came out this year; “B.I.G.”
The aptly titled “B.I.G.” (because as Taj-E states; “it will be BIG on the dance floors”) is exactly that. A huge track that appeals to all generations of people. I played this track in the car with my uncles sitting in it on a memorable drive back from a party one night, and they went nuts. As I did, they instantly fell in love with the desi feel of the sample used, which made this track authentic.
If you look at the promos Taj-E released leading up to the release, you can see that he put in an honest amount of work into it, and he did it himself. There cannot be any cries of ghost producing on this album, or for that matter, any of the three albums I listed. That’s also a large reason why these albums have been chosen. Not only were they the best of ’09, but they are all products of the people who actually have their faces on the album cover that deserve the recognition.
You may also notice that last year, there were five albums on the list. Bhangra better fix up in 2010, I don’t wanna post about just one good album next year.
31
Dec
2009
Top 5 Free Downloads of 2009
I’m going to try my best and bang out some year end posts today.
First off, I think we should deal with the best downloads the UK Bhangra world had to offer this year.
To qualify as best download, they had to be freely given by the artists themselves.
It’s funny how some albums have come out, and I hear people say “Man, that album is not even worth the download.” Well the past few years, artists have made a concerted effort to actually give away really good free stuff. These freebies I believe, could actually fetch a few pence had they been solely put on the market, so enjoy. Of course, all of the downloads here at bhangraw.com are legit, and I would say that, even the one’s that didn’t make the top 5 are worth the download. (So head on over to the downloads section.)
Without further ado; the top 5 downloads of 2009.
Number 5 – DJ Vix “Ah Chak Bottal”
DJ Vix has a knack for making some killer mixes. He took his original, got rid of almost any resemblance of Indian instruments, and turned up the BPM’s to create a dance track fit for a rave.
Number 4 – En Karma “En Karma Diyan Boliyan”
The boys from Vancouver did not disappoint in their second free download. They got together and produced a track that I found myself singing along to on most occasions. Memorise the lyrics and surprise your Auntys and Uncles at your next fam jam why don’t ya?
Number 3 – Gurteshwar Grewal “Dil Dangdi”
This track came out of nowhere, and once again it’s a Canadian product. The vocals and the production worked really well together, and once again I found myself listening to this on repeat.
Number 2 – Twin Beats “Manak Drops the Pressure”
This track surprised me the most. I never thought I would hear a house track mixed with a Manak track – and be done so well. If you haven’t heard it yet, you’re wasting time reading this line. Get to it!
Number 1 – Swami “Sugarless”
By far one of the biggest tracks of the year, period. No one – not even the band – knew that this track would take on a life of it’s own the world over. So much so, Swami were prompted to make a video. Of all the tracks I have given away, this one yields the most “thank you for the song…..and introducing me to Swami.” You’re welcome bhangraw fam.
3
Nov
2009
Northern Lights – “Nakreh” Video & “Re-Lit” Release
After the success of their 2006 release “Sparked,” Northern Lights is back with the release of “Re-Lit”
If you don’t remember “Sparked,” you missed some anthems in the form of “Aashiq Dig Dig,” “Billo Tere Nakreh,” “Janaab” and my personal favourite “Wrong Number” – which used the Clipse’s “Grindin” sample in a ridiculously sick way.
The first video to be released off the new album is “Nakreh” sung by Ashok Gill.
Not a bad track eh? I still have an issue with the lyric “Saal Solama Chari Jawani” but what can you do?
Since I posted this video after the release of the album, I thought I’d chat a bit about the album.
It has a wide array of musical genres, and I think it is really well made, and also somewhat different than what we have recently been hearing.
It’s got a total of sixteen tracks, of which six to eight I say, should be guaranteed locks to be in your mp3 player.
Hit up the iTunes store and listen to the following tracks;
“Put Jattan da Bounce” featuring Master Saleem. (There isn’t one Eastern instrument in the track, but it works)
“Nakreh” featuring Ashok Gill.
“Akhan de Ishareh” featuring Kaka Bhaniawala. (It’s Kaka. Nuff said)
“Ishqeh da Tumba” featuring Amrinder Bobby. (Dude has a Gurdas Maan like voice going on)
“Bindrakhia Boliyan” featuring Jaswant Heera. (It’s getting traditional now, and the homage paid to the late great is fantastic)
“Re-Lit Tappe” featuring Labh Janjua. (It’s full out traditional now, and by far my favourite Janjua track right about now)
“Gaddi” featuring Ranjit Mani. (Another great vocalist continuing the traditional vibe)
The last three tracks traditional flavour seriously has got me feeling ummm drunk? That’s how traditional they are.
There’s also a “Wrong Number” and “Janaab” remix, but I’m feeling the original version’s off “Sparked,” although this one uses the Lil Wayne “Lollipop” sample. The “Janaab” track does have a cool sounding Qawali feel to it.
I was pleasantly surprised by the scope of this album, and it definitely has got to be considered in the debate for best album this year.
19
Jul
2009
Old School Sunday – RRP Live 2004
This week’s Old School Sunday is a change of pace, a bit more personal if you will. It is a throwback in a sense, as it’s a video I shot of the Rishi Rich Project live in action, and yes, even then I had camera problems (the battery on that model died way too quickly, thus the short clips.)
It was a great time to be listening to Rishi Rich, as “Dance With You (Nachna Tere Naal)” was HOT, as were the Craig David track’s Rishi produced, along with Juggy and Jay’s debut albums.
I remember telling everybody for a whole two weeks leading up to the show, to come checkout the free concert that was happening at the Harbourfront Centre. The show was set for Thursday, August 5, 2004, and was a part of the Masala! Mehndi! Masti! event.
The Summer of 2004 was great. A year of firsts really, including the then Rishi Rich Project’s – consisting of Rishi Rich, Jay Sean and Juggy D – first performance in Canada. It was a special night, a lot of people I know share fond memories from the show. Just like the great memories people may have of that evening, the performance itself showcased all that was good about the Bhangra scene at the time.
But like all good things we come to love, they sometimes come to an unexpected end. Things happen, people leave and get replaced. RRP as we know it is gone. We now have H-Dhami and Mumzy taking the place of Jay and Juggy, and Rishi has even had to change The Rishi Rich Project to Rishi Rich Productions.
Change sometimes sucks, but the memories we had of the good times (like that night) will always remain with us.
Juggy D performs “Nasha” from his 2004 debut album “The Debut”
Jay Sean performs “Eyes on You” from his 2004 debut album “Me Against Myself”
18
Jul
2009
30
Jun
2009
Review – Swami at Dundas Square
Let it be known, that I have seen Swami perform three times now, and on Friday June 26, 2009, I witnessed the best Swami performance.
Swami weren’t going to let the flash mob that was poised to do their thing deter them from performing at Dundas Square, in fact the band seized the opportunity to make some new fans.
The group ran the same set twice, kind of odd, but it worked in their favour. As they took a break between sets, the Square became alive with MJ songs being played over the speakers, and an already large crowd became larger.
Kicking off the second set with Swami’s own tribute to Michael Jackson, by performing “The Way You Make Me Feel,” the crowd’s attention was quickly diverted to the stage, as Swami introduced to the masses of people their style of music.
The group went on to perform tracks from “Desi Rock,” “Equalize” and their two new tracks “Sugarless” and the even newer track “Tonight,” which will be featured on the “53431” compilation.
I shot a couple of videos, and they were a bit better quality compared to the ones I took last year, but I really need a Pocket HD Camera (Kodak do you hear me?)
Even though the diverse crowd was vibing to everything, definite crowd favourites were “Electro Jugni/She’s Mine,” “Desi Rock,” “Sugarless” and “Hey Hey.” Personally, I have a new live favourite in “Don’t Hold Back,” – and Sups sings it better live, compared to the original vocalist Jagz does on the album – the chorus makes a person just get into it.
“Picheh nehio hatna, DON’T HOLD BACK! Asa picheh nehio hatna, DON’T HOLD BACK!”
Swami perform Electro Jugni/She’s Mine (Check out Sups’ vocal range)
“Tonight”
“Tonight” is the second of two new original songs that will be on 53431. I’ve heard it live three times now, and I have to say that the percussion on this track is bloody wicked. Wait until you hear the blend of the dholak, dhol and the tabla high drum. I shot the video mainly to let you guys get a gist of the track. So pardon the video quality, as well as the bumping bass line that the mic couldn’t handle.
The “Sugarless” download post, has quickly become the second most viewed post on the blog, but I like this track more than Sugarless at the moment, as the lyrics are a bit deeper.
Moving on from the songs, I have to publicly state that Sups (the lead singer) doesn’t get enough props with his vocal talent. You put this guy up against any other UK based singer in his age group, and I say he can top them with vocal range, and in live performances. He uses no backup recording! The man is a great showman, walking into the crowd whilst singing, as well as taking people’s video cameras and filming himself – and the crowd – is something I don’t see enough of these days from singers.
As in any band, each member brings something specific to the group, and with this group that is largely evident. Diamond drew huge cheers from the crowd for his guitar solo during “Tonight.” Liana was cheered for her ability to perform the Hindi lyrics in “She’s Mine” without faltering, along with being able to carry her notes in all of the other songs. S-Endz’ reception was great as well for his rhymes and energetic jumping and gesturing across the stage.
I must admit, it was a bit of a downer not seeing Bobby Panesar (the Dholi) here this year. According to the group, he had some business to take care of in the UK, and could not get the schedules to work out. I’m glad however, that the group decided against not bringing in another Dholi to take his place, because Bobby P’s skills on a dhol are EPIC.
The Next Step for Swami
I’m not sure I know how to break the news to you guys, because it came as a shock to me as well, but the 53431 album will be the last of it’s kind. I have been made aware that the compilation album not only celebrates the last ten years of Swami, but it also signals the end of an era. Future projects involving Swami will be an all-English affair. As you read this, I’m sure the group is putting the final touches on the lyrics of the English version of “Sugarless.”
Back to the gig. The band performed for just under two hours, and within that time slot, they made a bunch of new fans. Just from where I was standing, I had people behind me asking to clarify what the new album name was, as well as another lady asking me for translations. But I think the biggest compliment the group could get, was when a young man came up to me to ask if this was Bhangra music? As I told him it was, he lit up and said, “this is [expletive] sick!”
Swami perform “Sugarless” (The crowd may have been skeptics at first, but quickly converted. Thus the power of Swami)
I got to mention that during “Intoxicated,” Sups and Liana called upon some girls to come onto the stage to dance, as well as a guy named “Future” from the crowd. This guy was breaking all over the stage, and he ripped it!
All in all, I’m glad the evening worked out for the group on all fronts. I want to add that thundershowers were forecast for Friday evening. Swami have had some bad luck with inclement weather over the past year here in the GTA (It even rained during their Mosaic Fest performance the previous week.) But it looked like the Music Gods shone down on the group, and I’m glad they did, because like I said, the energy the group brought to the backdrop of the bright billboards of Dundas Square that night was uplifting.
27
Jun
2009
Happy Birthday Bhangraw.com
Well it may not exactly be my one year birthday, since I published an article on the site last January. But one year ago today, I started to consistently post videos, articles, downloads and opinions.
Since then, the site has grown in leaps and bounds, and I’m surprised, and I’m also not so surprised. I knew that once I got to posting, that people all over the world (not just including North America) will appreciate the content.
I don’t want to get too sappy, but thanks to all the artists and management in the industry that have given me promos and videos, and the time of day to answer my questions.
Big ups to you, the readers, who make a stop at this site, as part of your daily routine to see what is fresh and new in the world of UK Bhangra. Without you guys, this blog would be nothing.
Big thanks to my quality controllers, you guys know who you are.
Finally, knowing how the economy is, and even though it is the site’s birthday, you don’t have to spend any dough on buying me any presents. Instead, just tell someone who may not know about this site, and let them know about the awesomeness that is Bhangraw.com.
To kickstart the celebration’s, check out the free downloads below as my gift to you.
Peace, Love and Bhangraw.com is 1 year’s old!
12
Mar
2009
SAACS this Weekend and the “RDB Exclusives” Remix Album
The fourth annual South Asian Alliance Culture Show is coming up this weekend at the Hershey Centre, in Mississauga, Ontario.
The three day event, is highlighted by Ontario University Bhangra teams competing against each other for bragging rights. Sandwiching the competition is a pre and after party.
This years after party features performances by Apache Indian, RDB, Nindy Kaur, and local talent Joti Dhillon and Bal-E Lasara.
Tickets can be purchased at the Hershey Centre Box Office, or hit up SAACS for more info.
On top of that, RDB will be giving away 2000 CDs of their brand new remix album titled “RDB Exclusives.”
Check out the video of one of the tracks RDB “produced” that will be included on the CD.
Excuse me while I go off on a tangent here. Kuly says the track took him 20-25 minutes to complete. Well hell! If I had an instrumental from a track that peaked at #5 on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100 chart, I think I could say the same as well. In fact I’ll go a step further, and say RDB deserves next to no credit for this track. OK, they put the vocalists together, and Manj (from RDB) is singing on it as well. But please don’t try and pass off someone else’s hard work as your own, while biggin up yourself.
Even though RDB will be giving this CD away for free, and eventually make it a free digital download for the masses, and it has a mixtape kind of feel to it (which everybody does these days.) Doesn’t this all catapult us back to the fine line between the “Producers,” and the “Downloaders?” If you’re going to rip off other people’s work and not give them any credit (compensation/royalties,) should Producers in the industry be jumping on the downloaders arses when they download their future work???
1
Jan
2009
Top Albums of 2008
2008 was an awesome year for the total number of releases in the UK Bhangra industry. Every month had a steady flow of hit singles.
That last statement though sums up our music, and my conundrum. One or two great songs an album doesn’t make for a “top” album. But here goes.
Tigerstyle – Mystics, Martyrs & Maharajas
We had to wait six years and some reused vocals but, the end product was fantastic. Raj and Pops have found their own unique sound. Hopefully, we will not have to wait another six years for another album.
DJ H & DJ Rags – Reloaded
With a lot of chatter about how much and who’s money was spent on the album, coupled with the fact that H & Rags did not out-and-out produce this album on their own, almost makes me want to put an asterisk beside this album (like the ’99 San Antonio Spurs.) However, the album was completely listenable from beginning to end, and contained the song of the year “Jawani.”
Panjabi MC – Indian Timing
I think we can all admit we were expecting a lot more from Rajinder Rai. But, I got my PMC fix for this year with some good production cues on half the album.
Jazzy B – Rambo
When this album released, the majority of us thought “What was he thinking?” Jazzy soldiered on though and the album made a lot of noise. I’m not the biggest Jazzy B fan, but the Shinda/Jazzy combo has been tried, tested and true.
XS-Bass – Amplified
A few albums could have gone here, but Harj did an excellent job selecting the songs for his videos, and the videos did exactly what they were supposed to do, sell the album.
Let me know what you thought were your top albums. If you need a reminder what was released, checkout the link for 2008 releases in the sidebar.
Comments are OPEN.
1
Jan
2009
Looking Foward to 2009
Since I’m a glass half full kinda guy. I thought it is only fitting of me to look into 2009, with the help of your opinions of course.
I couldn’t get my polling plug-in to work, so we’re stuck voicing our opinions in the comments section. (YAY!)
Who do you think will make the most noise in 2009?
-Panjabi By Nature
-Swami
-Panjabi Hit Squad
-Tigerstyle
-Rishi Rich
-Panjabi MC
-Aman Hayer
-DJ Sanj
-Sukshinder Shinda
-Tru-Skool
-RDB
-Zeus
-B21
-Other
Who will have a breakout year in 2009?
-En Karma
-JK
-DJ Dips
-Des-C
-The new B21
-Other
What will be the biggest trend in 2009?
-Live performances
-More cross-over music production
-Artists taking a stand against piracy and refusing to make music
-More various artist releases than a single producer
-Other
