19
Jan
2012
Free Download: Twin Beats “Friction Mix”
Hot damn I haven’t posted anything in over a month! Instead of an apology however, I’ll do you guys one better.
Free Download!
Twin Beats were kind enough to provide this mix that they had made for Bobby Friction (it aired on Friction this past Tuesday)
Labeled as a “Progressive Desi Mix,” it contains current favourite songs of mine, some favourite songs of the general Bhangra loving world, and what will soon be some new favourites of yours, including some fresh new material from Twin Beats.
Without further ado…
Download Link 1 – Download
Direct Download Link 2 – Download
Direct Download Instructions
Internet Explorer Users – Right click and ‘Save Target As’
Mozilla Firefox Users – Right click and ‘Save Link As’
Tracklist:
Gupsy Aujla featuring Saini Surinder – Get Funky
Jay Status – Silli Silli
Jeet Chahil – Dance
Honey Singh featuring Gippy Grewal – Angreji Beat
Bikram Singh – Mere Naal Nach (Produced by Twin Beats)
Badshaah – Begani Naar
Panjabi MC featuring Beenie Man – Jogi
Meek Mill – Indian Bounce
Alfaaz featuring Honey Singh - Yaar Bathere
Panjabi MC – Moorni
Tigerstyle – Nakhra
Dhanush – Why This Kolaveri Di (Soup Boyz Drum and Bass Remiix)
Twin Beats – Lalkara (Drum and Bass Remix)
BIG BIG BIG Thanks to Twin Beats.
30
Nov
2011
R.I.P. Kuldeep Manak (1949-2011)
I awoke to the sad news that Kuldeep Manak Ji had passed away, after battling with a bout of Pneumonia.
At one point or another, even the most casual Punjabi song listener has heard a Kuldeep Manak song, whether it be an original song of his, or a remix. His music inspired and touched the lives of millions over a span of multiple generations.
The Kaliyan Da Badshah may be gone, but his music will live on.
Kuldeep Manak – Heer Doli Beh Gai Kherian Di
Kuldeep Manak – Sahiban Bani Bharavan Di
Kuldeep Manak – Chithiyan
Kuldeep Manak – GT Road
Immortal Bhangra – Kachehari
Twin Beats – Manak Drops the Pressure
Panjabi MC – Sarwan Phuter
Panjabi MC – Yaar Mera Chad Giya
Panjabi MC – Laila
Panjabi MC – Muthiar Tooh
Thoughts and condolences go to Manak Ji’s family and loved ones.
18
Oct
2011
Days of Bhangra Producers Lives: Where Skillz Inc Has it His Way
Seems like most Bhangra Producers are on twitter these days. With tweets ranging from album updates, what they’re doing to pass time, or how good they are at cooking, twitter is a little telescope into their day to day life. However every now and then, they may also paint an even more interesting picture of what is running through their mind. This feature helps you chew on what is happening in Bhangra Producers lives.
Manni Sandhu If you drink the malai in your cha your crazy and you fear nothing
DJ Stin If you make music based on trends, you’ll soon be so last season. While the newer lot are like Primark, old skool artists last like Versace.
DJs Inc Having Samosa in toast!
Skillz Inc I’m taking Burger King to court. There is only one place that is home to the whopper and that is my pants. ;-D
Dipps Bhamrah I think I’m gonna wear my Orange socks with funny faces on em tomorrow #thatisall
Twin Beats UK Can someone ask Siri when @djharpz will be releasing his album.
DJ Outlaw that awkward moment you are about to hug someone sexy as hell and u hit the MIRROR
Juggy D Fatherhood I’m loving it..used to spend sleepless nights out on the sauce but traded it for sleepless nights with my little ANGEL amazing
29
Sep
2011
Days of Bhangra Producers Lives: Where J-Skillz will buy you chocolate
Seems like most Bhangra Producers are on twitter these days. With tweets ranging from album updates, what they’re doing to pass time, or how good they are at cooking, twitter is a little telescope into their day to day life. However every now and then, they may also paint an even more interesting picture of what is running through their mind. This feature helps you chew on what is happening in Bhangra Producers lives.
Tarli Digital Cartoon network now in HD! oh yess!
Skillz Inc Treat alcohol with respect or it’ll sneak in2 your room n beat u up, give u a headache in the morning & leave u wiv bruises u can’t explain.
Tigerstyle Just bcoz of our appearance we get narrowminded people who think all we can do is desi when we’re capable of so much more!!
DJ Stin Birds were tweeting away when I woke up this morning, wonder if they use hash tags?
Twin Beats How will they keep the stray cows off the track in the Delhi Grand Prix?
J-Skillz ok heres the deal,if i get to 1m followers by close of play 2day (just need another 999107),Ill buy each follwer a choc. bar of there choice
23
Nov
2010
The One Song You Should Buy Right Now*
Tein Beats know how to make a catchy beat.
Released on the VIP Records album “Bhangra Duets”, the brothers pair up female vocalist, Poonam (thankfully not Miss Pooja) with the vocals of Romesh Chohan. Add to that, Twin Beats ability to make an infectiously upbeat..ummm, beat, and you get “Hatt Jaah”.
Buy the song from iTunes.
(*Technically, the one song that you should buy right now that is not by Panjabi MC.)
3
Jun
2010
Twin Beats “Nain Nashiley” Remix Released
Bill Simmons was right, “it’s great to be back in the mid-’80s again.”
After hitting you with the ultra smooth “Dil Vich Tareya” Remix, Twin Beats are at it again with their second of three “alternative” remixes they will be releasing from reworked songs off “The Sounds of Punjab.”
The Twins describe this remix as an ‘electro/disco house mix.’ Catch a sample below, and tell me those synths aren’t making you reach for a white suit and t-shirt.
The song is now available for download from iTunes.
P.S. That Cassette graphic is “Totally Rad!”
Related: Nain Nashiley Video
29
Mar
2010
Free Download – ZeeKay “The Mixtape”
ZeeKay has been doing his thing for a few years now. He’s released a few singles, but has yet to release his debut album due to delays. Fear not though, as he has put together a mixtape of the stuff he has released thus far.
Nine tracks make up the mixtape, and if I may say so, it’s a must download for the two versions of “My Moment.” (The Twin Beats Remix being the dopest.)
Download the mixtape here.
9
Feb
2010
Twin Beats “Dil Vich Tareya” Remix
Twin Beats, who in my opinion had one of the best albums last year, has reworked one of its tracks, and given it a smoother refix. Check out “Dil Vich Tareya” remix.
The track, can be purchased on iTunes
31
Dec
2009
The Best Songs of 2009
Capping the series of year end posts, let’s deal with the best songs of 2009.
There were a lot of albums released this year, and every album released, should have at least one “it” song. This list I have compiled is not based on sales, or anyone else chatting in my ear. The only thing in my ear was the music itself. People’s taste in music is subjective – but you guys should take me as an authority on this subject anyways (joke) – So the way I chose these songs, is based on what got the most airplay in my mp3 player.
Number 10 – PBN featuring Miss Pooja “Aashiq”
If there is one thing that the UK Bhangra industry in 2009 may be known for, it’s the rise in fame of Miss Pooja. Seems like everyone loves her. Everyone except me. But she still made the list – with PBN’s production skills of course – due to the fact this one song had a huge effect on the dance floors across the world.
Number 9 – Northern Lights featuring Ashok Gill “Nakreh”
This was an awesome debut song, and video for Northern Lights. I’ve talked enough about how good this album is, so enjoy the video.
Number 8 – Twin Beats featuring Jaswinder Daghamia “Twins Tappe”
I still can’t get enough of this track, the dhol intro is just too sick.
Number 7 – Jus Ritz featuring Raj Kaul and RKZ “Nehio Nibhani”
You may be surprised with this selection, but like I said in the intro, this track got crazy airplay from me. I was impressed with Ritz’ first track “Tere Na Te Glassy,” but when this track came out, it was like “whoa!” RKZ and Raj Kaul smashed it, and the video is a positive piece of work as well.
Number 6 – DJ Dips featuring Ashok Gill “Ek Gera”
Look at that, the vocals of Ashok Gill make the list twice. This track by DJ Dips did not get the video treatment. Quite surprising since it’s the best song on the album.
Number 5 – JK “Pat Liyah”
JK and Tru-Skool have made a killer combination, and although we’re still waiting on a full album release, this song held me over just well. I was mad at whoever made the decision to slowly release just singles after singles, but now I’ve changed my mind. These days, variety is the spice of life, and listening to one artist for ten songs straight get’s a little boring.
Number 4 – Dark MC featuring Jaswinder Daghamia “Chori Chori Takna”
This track is a monster, Dark MC gave us some great tracks a few years ago on “It’s Getting Dark in Here,” and although this album I feel, was a letdown, the one track you would find yourself continuously rocking out to is “Chori Chori Takna” with vocals provided by Jaswinder Daghamia. If you haven’t heard it, by all means go and search for it. I can’t post the video due to the lovely games MovieBox like to play.
Number 3 – Taj-E featuring Bee2 “B.I.G.”
In my opinion this is the biggest UK Bhangra dance floor track. Not many people recognise it as much as “Aashiq” on these ends still, but trust me when I say, I listened to this song almost as much as….
Number 2 – Swami “Sugarless”
Since the inception of Bhangraw.com, I’ve raved on and on about Swami. So why stop now? Even when I talk to people about Swami, they look at me as if I’m preaching about someone (I must admit, at times it sounds like I am.) This track continued in the footsteps of where they left off with the tracks on “Equalise” except, this was 100% all Swami right down to the lyrics.
Number 1 – Imran Khan “Amplifier”
I hate to admit it, but I ended up listening to this track more than anything towards the latter part of this year. Yikes! Any get together for any type of party, and it was this track that brought the masses together in a drunken stupor, trying to act out all the lyrics “On kara A/C!!!” Of course, if it wasn’t for the production of Eren E (who I think Imran Khan should take a bullet for if that should ever happen) on this track, it wouldn’t be as massive as it turned out to be. With the solid production, came that darn infectiously memorisable chorus “Nai woofer heh tu meri…meri, meh tera amplifier…FIRE!” And if that isn’t proof enough, the video has over 2.6 million views!
Go ahead, judge, criticise, mock. But these ten songs will go down for me as the biggest of 2009.
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.
