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.
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.
23
Dec
2009
Twin Beats “Tere Nain Nashiley” Video
I am definitely feeling the Twin Beats album “The Sounds of Punjab.”
But this is one of the few tracks on the album I am not. Bikram Singh just hasn’t done much for me lately, well since “American Jugni” honestly, and the whole Bhangra Reggaeton vibe? Is something I could live without. Although this may be one of the better sounding ones.
If you don’t want to stick around for the Bikram Singh, make sure you watch the ending, to hear a preview of their next track “Mitran Naal Gidhe Vich.” How could I describe it? I’ll go with it being “vintage.”
Like I was saying, there are some ill cuts on the album, and it’s definitely one that should be on your shortlist of albums to cop.
Click on ‘Watch on YouTube’ link when directed.
7
Dec
2009
Twin Beats “Tappe & Kach Di Glassi” Medley Video
I’m behind in my posting, but I’ll try and correct that in the next few days.
Until then, feast your ears on the new Twin Beats video medley.
I say feast your ears, because the video is kinda meh, but the music more than makes up for it. I think I’ve seen that opening scene before in another video (Miss Pooja maybe?)
Back to the music, Jaswinder Daghamia is the new it man. If you haven’t heard Dark MC’s “Chori Chori Takna” featuring his vocals, you need to have a listen (That video is not on here thanks to MovieBox.)
The album “Sounds of Punjab” is out now, and if the dhol led beats in this video aren’t any indication why you need this album, check the free download sampler here.
Above link opens new window.
16
Oct
2009
Free Download – Twin Beats “Reproduced”
Happy Friday Boys and Girls.
With 15 minutes and 41 seconds of bliss, this is BIG! I’m proud to say you’re not gonna get this anywhere else (well, until the vultures attack.) This is an exclusive free download provided by Inderjeet (One half of Twin Beats.) It’s the Reproduced segment Twin Beats put together for Bobby Friction’s Radio Show.
Get it now, and get a jump start to your weekend.
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’
16
Oct
2009
Twin Beats – “Dil Vich Tareya” & “Nath Digpaye” Video
I posted about Twin Beats last month when I dropped their new Kaka tune as well as a free download featuring the legend Kuldeep Manak.
Earlier this week, they dropped their debut video featuring the tracks “Dil Vich Tareya” and “Nath Digpaye.”
I’m digging the tunes in the video. It’s like each song has a different percussion led beat, and going by the promos, the whole album sounds very promising.
“Kach Di Glassi” – Bakshi Billa
“Tere Nain Nashiley” – Bikram Singh
“Twins Tappe” – Jaswinder Daghamia
Now those are some good vocalists, but the entire lineup is pretty crazy. Check the track listing:
01 – Dil Vich Tareya (Kaka Bhaniawala)
02 – Nath Digpaye (Sudesh Kumari & Jelly Manjitpuri)
03 – Kach Di Glassi (Bakshi Billa)
04 – Tere Nain Nashiley (Bikram Singh)
05 – Nanke V Dhadke (Rani Randeep)
06 – Kar Gayian Sauda (Sabar Koti)
07 – Twins Tappe (Jaswinder Daghamia)
08 – Mitran Naal Gidhe Vich (Anil)
09 – Challa Ishq De Rang (Romesh Chohan)
10 – Marda Lalkara (Bakshi Billa)
I haven’t heard Romesh Chohan in a minute, so I’m definitely looking forward to his track.
The album will be dropping very soon, so keep your eye on VIP Records Digital Downloads page to cop the album.
25
Sep
2009
Free Download – Twin Beats “Manak Drops the Pressure”
Twin Beats is preparing to release their debut album “The Sounds of Punjab,” and going by the following tracks, it sounds like there is something to look forward to in what seems like a pretty dull moment in the industry.
The first official single off the album will be “Dil Vich Tareya” sung by the late Kaka Bhaniawala. The intro beat is pretty sweet and it carries over into the rest of the song. I totally get this Surjit Bindrakhia vibe from the tune.
“Dil Vich Tareya”
Also, a new track was recently added to the BBC Asian Network playlist by Twin Beats featuring Jelly Manjitpuri and Sudesh Kumari, going by the title of “Nath Digpaye”. It’s another solid BIG tune by the duo.
No official release date is confirmed, but vocalists featured on the album will be Sudesh Kumari, Jelly Manjitpuri, Sabar Koti, Rani Randeep, Bikram Singh, The Late Kaka Bhaniawala, Bakshi Billa, Romesh Chohan and Jaswinder Daghamia.
For more info on Twin Beats, hit them up on their MySpace Page, or their Facebook Group.
“Manak Drops the Pressure”
Here’s a free download provided by Twin Beats. I have been listening to this for awhile now, and still haven’t grown tired of it. If you like Kuldip Manak and House music, this tune is for you. The Manak tune is “Ghariya Milan Deh,” while the House sample is taken from a 2004 track called “Drop the Pressure,” by Mylo. So you can understand how the title of the song came about.
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’
