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.
11
Aug
2009
Taj-E, Juggy D, Horizon “Vang Teri (Urban Mix)” Video
Taj-E, Juggy D and Horizon jump on the Vang Teri Urban Mix. This track is a slight misstep in my opinion, but the album should still go down as album of the year.
(The Bangle Remix should have made the video instead)
4
May
2009
Taj-E feat. Juggy D “Vang Teri” Video
The second video from Taj-E’s Sik ‘n’ Twisted album is here, and it’s the Juggy D track “Vang Teri.”
I like this tune, it’s vintage Juggy. Many people have gone on to dislike it at first, and then come to realise that it has grown on them.
I finally got my copy of the album mailed to me today, and I must say, there is some BIG tunes on the CD. I would definitely like to see at least three more songs shot onto video. “B.I.G.” you hear me?
Going back to the video, it’s a straight performance piece, and perform Juggy does. Is that what they call the “Valeti Bhangra?” Think I may have to practice that move to get it juuust right.
The album is available to purchase here.
For those trying to keep count, Juggy says “Chun” 120 times.
21
Apr
2009
Taj-E’s Sik ‘n’ Twisted Released Today
Taj-E’s 21 track album has been released today, and going by the following video clips, we get a great glimpse into Taj-E growing up alongside music, and becoming the talent he is today. As you can see, there is some solid production involved. One track involves a Dilruba, now that’s some sexy music.
We also get to hear a snippet of the Juggy D track “Vang Teri,” that will be the next video release from the album. It’s an upbeat track with the signature Juggy D sound, accompanied with Juggy D dance moves.
Track listing:
1. Sik ‘n’ Twisted – Y.Paul and Dhadha Ji
2. Vang Teri – Juggy D
3. Return of Jeona – Mukki G
4. Bundook – Kaka Bhaniawala
5. Hik Da Jorr – Nirmal Sidhu
6. B.I.G – Bee2
7. Passe Hatt – Preet Kalyan
8. Tord Di Daru – Rashi Ragshri & Bee2
9. Only for You – Bee2
10. Break of Dawn – Nitasha & Kaos
11. Viyah – Salim
12. Yarr Marr – Rajia Dhillon
13. Back in 1998 – Taj E and Bee2
14. Down Side Up – Horizon
15. Giddha Pao – Bee2
16. The Bangle Remix – City Boy Bradley, Juggy D, Y Dre, & Horizon
17. Poison – Gopi Sarao
18. Dangerous – Taj E & Horizon
19. River of Pain – Rashi Ragshri
20. Bundook Raw – Kaka Bhaniawala
21. Seasons – Instrumental
I e-mailed Taj-E earlier, and he told me that the physical album will not be available in North America yet. However, it will be available on iTunes in May. So for now, log on to The Sound Pipe Records to order the album (if you cannot wait.) The album costs £7.99, and shipping to Toronto, Canada is £0.71.
