The Mountain

Song: The Mountain
Album: Everything Everytime Everywhere
Artist: Trevor Hall


I love the music of Trevor Hall because it is so eclectic - the fusion between rock/reggae and Indian chants is truly exemplar of refined world music. But, what's better with Trevor's music is that it goes deep into the hearts and minds of its listeners because it is so rich, so profound. When he sings, you become one with the song. When he sings "...believe in the good of the heart" - it feels natural to be touched with goodness and the emotion of peace and trust. 


There is no better way to describe his music than to use his own words for his songs: "...is about living a spiritual life in a material world, of being a stranger in a strange land. At some point you get scared of being so different, and you want to conform and be like everybody else. But once you have a higher taste of spiritual life, everything else seems mundane. No matter how hard you try to fall asleep to this spiritual part of you, you can’t. That love won’t die."


Such strong attraction to the metaphysical seems whimsical - but with Trevor, there is no pretence. Just joy from that recognition. His music is an outpouring of the wisdom he is seeking...and he is slowly becoming one with that belief in the highest truth...


Listen and enjoy! truly soulful and soul-stirring. If you like his music - there are many songs from this young musician that are worth a listen: The return, Brand New Day, the love wouldn't die - from this album. There is also Unity from a previous album which is absolutely profound....


Check out for now though - The Mountain...:) Enjoy! 
Full 18 mins of the song: http://vimeo.com/29487371

Ennapane

Song: Ennapane
Album: Vel
Artist: Susheela Raman

This revamped Tamil song speaks about the Hindu god, Muruga - the bearer of the vel. Susheela's interpretation may have some of the more geriatric listeners up in arms, but this is an amazing rendition of an old song. The musicianship is amazing. The experimental sound so clean, so mellow, you just want to immerse yourself in the music.

Featuring violin and drums

Featuring moorsing and flute!

Can You Keep a Secret?

Song: Can You Keep a Secret?
Album: Whisper War
Artist: The Cab

The stentorian and raw quality of The Cab's first album, Whisper War, drew me to the band... subsequent releases have been a little too polished. There is so much compression that when the guitar falls out towards the end of the track (you'll know exactly when) it's almost a relief. But the song isn't done and there's still a little more musical joy to be had. Can You Keep a Secret? Maybe, but don't keep this song all to yourself.

Mario Takes A Walk

Song: Mario Takes a Walk
Album: Gravity
Artist: Jesse Cook

Mario Takes a Walk? More like Mario hopped, skipped, and danced about during his walk! The finger-work of Candian born guitarist Jesse Cook is jaw-dropping. Having opened for legends like Ray Charles and B.B. King, he's on his way to becoming a legend himself. This is one of his more fast-paced songs featuring a lot of percussion, but as always his music inspires us to dance and be better musicians.

Moves Like Jagger

Song: Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
Album: Hands All Over
Artist: Maroon 5

The title says it all... like a challenge, everyone tries to make moves like Jagger. Echoing a slightly sped up hook of the Rolling Stones Miss You, Moves Like Jagger,  is a contemporary twist on the Rolling Stones at their peak. From the whistle, to the synthesizer, the throbbing drum and the in-your-face guitar it becomes background until you realize the lack of sound was due to the silenced guitar; Maroon 5 released this song at risk of stepping out of their comfort zone - I am glad.

The music video, featuring archived footage of the titular star - Jagger, and so many impersonators, is in tribute to the  moves of Mick Jagger. No one can move like the original, but we'll damn well keep trying.

Little Wonders

Song: Little Wonders
Album: Meet the Robinsons (OST)
Artist: Rob Thomas

Amazing how music and a little time can change how we perceive ourselves and things that have affected our lives. If we let it, sorrow can be swept away with the right kind of music. Most might be familiar with the voice of Rob Thomas, (if you've heard a few of the Matchbox 20 hits, you have). It's refreshing to hear a voice that often sang songs of depression and sadness, singing something about the magic of wonderment. The synthesizer, drums, guitar and bass nudge the listener into the new perspective - giving a surge of merriment that sweeps away any despondency, like when entering Disneyland.

From Where You Are

Song: From Where You Are
Album: Smoke & Mirrors
Artist: Lifehouse

A song of loss, and reminiscence, From Where You Are has a nostalgic melody that weeps. The synthesizer echoes of a memory past. No drums, the strums and pluck of the guitars are the sole source of rhythm in this song. The song was written by Jason Wade in dedication to his childhood friend who died in a car accident.

This song is most well known because it was featured in the auto insurance company, Allstate, commercial as a means to discourage teens from driving under the influence of alcohol. Honestly, the depressive nature of the song might lead some to seek solace in the bottle, but hopefully they will recollect the reason for this song and not drive while drunk.

The Silence

Song: The Silence
Album: Anywhere But Here
Artist: Mayday Parade

Hear the angst in the vocals, the awesome drive of the bass and the hook you just want to sing when feeling down simply because you've watched someone else breakdown.

Kryptonite

Song: Kryptonite
Album: The Better Life
Artist: 3 Doors Down

Ever wanted to do the right thing regardless of your head telling you to just leave it all alone? The notes of Kryptonite don't go that high, the chorus drives you, the drums move your feet forward, the strums of the electric guitar fills you with a desire to make things all right again. The bass simply gives a purpose to everything again.

Industry

Song: Industry
Album: The Early Recordings
Artist: Jon McLaughlin

Now there are two versions of this song - one on each album: Indiana (2007) and The Early Recordings (2010). Indiana features louder instrumentation, less dynamics, The Early Recordings features a build-up of sound. Neither versions can hide the fact that Jon is an amazing pianist!

The music video from Indiana - Industry.

Raajhan

Song: Raajhan
Album: Midival Times
Artist: Midival Punditz

Someone listening to the Midival Punditz for the first time ever, may wonder where this song might go... if you've heard them before and like their stuff, you just know it's gonna be something nifty. Featuring strings, electronica, heavy vocals and, as always, an almost (but not quite) overbearing drum machine, this song is one of my favorites by the Punditz. Very thematic and very dynamic music.

Starry Eyed

Song: Starry Eyed
Album: Lights
Artist: Ellie Goulding

Boken up words, a voice that might be a little too thin - are the thoughts that come to mind you hear the first 15 seconds of the song. It gets better. The voice grows on you. The electronics doesn't get too big for the song. It's fun beat and so upbeat that even the depressed are overwhelmed with an urge to snap fingers, sing along, dance or at least bob their respective heads to the rhythmic melody.

Punjabi 5-0

Song: Punjabi 5-0 (feat. The 1Shanti)
Album: Spiritual Bling
Artist: Dum Dum Project

Drop a sick beat, add some fat bass throw it all into the Asian Underground and you get Punjabi 5-0. Catchy melody... The chorus is something anyone can chant along with as is displayed in the slightly risque music video.

I came across this song a few years ago when a friend worked with The 1Shanti and wanted me to see some of his other work. This song fills your mind when you remember it... mine forgets it after a while and the moment of rediscovery is sweet relief - akin to when you get off with just a warning from the 5-0.

Holding On

Song: Holding On
Album: Me Against Myself
Artist: Jay Sean

The first thing that drags your attention to this song is the melodic line of the bansuri. This song, actually this flute piece, was what intrigued me about in 2005, when Jay hadn't made such a huge name for himself across the pond in America. His fame had then been confined to the UK. I must say I enjoy his experimental fusion more than his more recent albums where he's collaborated with Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyonce - to name a few. But this song... the fusion that made Jay much adored among the Desi diaspora - flavors the Asian Underground without the too-polished feel of his later works. Rhythm heavy, melody interwoven through the song... these are the best times in an artist's career, but it's not easy holding on.

Glad You Came

Song: Glad You Came
Album: Battleground
Artist: The Wanted

Getting past the Brit accent combined with the really catchy dance melody... this song is rather repetitive - fitting party music. Exactly the music to which club-goers dance, grind, groove and feel. There aren't any amazing hook or fantastic vocals. When broken down and analyzed, the components aren't much... put together, this dishy song cannot help itself, just grab a partner and dance.

Clocks

Song: Clocks
Album: Rush of Blood to the Head
Artist: Coldplay

Clocks, probably one of Coldplay's most famous songs, and the one that drew me into their fanbase, was written after the band had set their list of tracks for their 2nd album - Rush of Blood to the Head. Inspired by Muse, Clocks features a repetitive melody on the piano with minimal soundscape on the drums, guitar, bass, strings and synthetic sounds. The release of the album was delayed two months untill Coldplay was satisfied with the track list. I think I speak for all Coldplay fans when I say it's a damn good thing they didn't withhold the song from us.

Raise Your Glass

Song: Raise Your Glass
Album: Greatest Hits... So Far!!!
Artist: Pink

Oft described as a party anthem song... this song features a four-on-the-floor beat that makes anyone who hears the song incapable of sitting still. The grip of Pink's voice in your mind is no caressing touch, it's about rebellion; about standing up for what you believe in, even if others despise or see what you represent as an abomination. Pink was inspired to do the music video after the mother of her lesbian friend (whose wedding was held in Pink's backyard) broke down crying, 'why can't this be legal?' at the beauty of two people in love being married  Don't conform to the social norm if it's antithetical to who you are.


Raise your glass... I raise mine.

Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)

Song: Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
Album: The Papercut Chronicles II
Artist: Gym Class Heroes

It took a show called Glee to galvanize me into finding the artists behind the music... I am ashamed that they almost passed me by. The music is stirring, and makes me want to get up and confess my love through this song to someone. The beat drives you. The chorus (My heart's a stereo...) soars above and lifts you up with it. One cannot help but feel the joy. Love lives. Viva la GCH

Original (Gym Class Heroes):

Reprisal (The Cast of Glee):

Promise

Song: Promise
Album: Every Kingdom
Artist: Ben Howard

Find solace in this song. Wishes and promises will be fulfilled. The rhythmic and soothing pluck of the guitar coupled with the warm vocals of Ben lend this song an assurance that supports the premise of this song.

Rolling in the Deep

Song: Rolling in the Deep
Album: 21
Artist: Adele

This has been an amazing song since the day it came out... but Adele's performance at the 2012 Grammy was nothing but stellar and probably the best act of the night. A song of heartache, sorrow, and resolve, this song is not something most people want to hear on Valentine's, but sadly, this might be a song that'll be aired a lot for those heartbroken souls.

Safe and Sound

Song: Safe and Sound
Album: The Hunger Games (OST)
Artist: Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars

If you haven't read Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games," or been caught up in the hype of the upcoming movie... well... here's Taylor Swift's (heard of her, right?) song Safe and Sound to be featured in the movie. The song like the book conveys a sense of desolate landscape. The video helps bring the sparseness of the music into sharp relief. Even if you close your eyes and imagine the world of oppressed people, the music does nothing to assuage the feeling, only Taylor's voice offers the support needed to cling to sanity. A perfect companion for the book.

Hold On (feat. Sampha)

Song: Hold On (feat. Sampha)
Album: SBTRKT
Artist: Sbtrkt

Sbtrkt (pronounced 'subtract') has been a soothing presence in my life... the pads wash away any lingering thoughts, and the beats bring a new tempo irrespective of any rhythm lingering in my mind. The vocal warmth of Sampha accentuates how calm this song is despite the syncopated beat coursing through your body into your feet.

You Are We Am I (Blue Mix)

Song: You Are We Am I (Blue Mix)
Album: TJ Rehmi
Artist: Axis of Ignorance

Strings are plucked, the tampura drones and a little electronic thrown in with the percussive mix  makes this down-tempo, chill-out song the psychedelic pleaser it is... Why? Simply the genius that is TJ Rehmi.

Easy To Please

Song: Easy To Please
Album: Castles
Artist: Coldplay

Coldplay has simply been the band that I've followed for a very long time now. Since I was introduced to Clocks, I have been rather religious about listening to their music... Chris' crooning coupled with the strum of the guitar, the ambient sounds, and the repetitive notes on the piano on this song helps me mull over the serious things in life and feel relaxed at the same time.

Attention

Song: Attention
Album: Consolers of The Lonely
Artist: The Raconteurs

This attention grabbing song makes you wanna to throw off all concerns and just jump and dance and headbang (even if your hair isn't long enough). Every note of the guitar grabs your attention... in fact when listening in stereo, the guitars are panned hard, each side vies for your attention.

This

Song: This
Album: Charleston, SC 1966
Artist: Darius Rucker

I don't listen to much country, but this is one great arrangement that will drive me to expand my listening material to encompass more country. But as the song implies, instead of harping over the problems of the past, enjoy just... this.

Ocean Wide

Song: Ocean Wide
Album: Never Going Back To OK
Artist: The Afters

A melody filled with remorse, hope, happiness and so much more... The beautiful thing about music is full of too many possibilities. It encompasses so many and rejects nothing. To those who've felt a loss however deep, this song strikes a chord. Even without the deep introspection, this song resonates.

Northern Lights

Song: Northern Lights
Album: Twilight - Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (Various artists)
Artist: Cider Sky

Cider Sky is a collective of songwriters who got together to create a song specifically the Twilight - Breaking Dawn - Part 1 soundtrack. At the time of this post's publishment, they have already released another album. This singing duo give a soothing touch to this song.

Tommy

Song: Tommy
Album: Planet Electric
Artist: Delhi 2 Dublin

Vancouver based electronic fusion band Delhi 2 Dublin is noisy and makes me want to clutch my head at their inspired mix of sounds. Visually the band is as diverse as the sounds they offer:

“Delhi 2 Dublin is non-stop world beat energy. Where else can you see a purple haired fiddle player rocking out with a kilt-wearing Korean flanked by two bouncing bhangra percussionists and a vocalist who looks like he would be at home in a Bollywood music video"

“The Vancouver-based collective combines dhol, fiddle and breakbeats in an Irish/Asian stew that is surprisingly varied, a marvellously wide-ranging and free-thinking concept.“ BBC

Shwetaambara

Song: Shwetaambara
Album: Yodhakaa
Artist: Yodhakaa

Written by Adi Shankaracharya, one could consider this rendition of Shwetaabara as a cover, except there is no official version of the song.

Yodhakaa renders this song in it's unique way with the industry norm of vocals, bass, guitar and then adds, the slide guitar and a particular percussive mix to make this experimental, quasi-chill track quite enjoyable

Map of Dusk

Song: Map Of Dusk
Album: 3 Cities
Artist: Bombay Dub Orchestra

Some would think travelling to 3 different cities: London (UK), Chennai and Mumbai (India) - 2 countries! - to record an album would be a bit much. They can only be impressed by what BDO offers it's listeners from 3 Cities. Map of Dusk is a taste of an album reminiscent of a Buddha-Bar production that highlights the classic sounds of Indian musicianship entwined with the drumming of London beats.

Los Angeles

Song: Los Angeles
Album: Leavetaking
Artist: Peter Bradley Adams

Sometimes, we have to leave the comfort of our nook behind for incomprehensible reasons... Incomprehensible when finally faced with the reality of leaving home - however long we've made it ours matters not in the least.

PBA wrote this "hymn to that crazy city" he "loved and hated." The hymn washes away the bittersweet feeling of being away. The simple rhythmic notes plucked off the guitar and the interjecting piano keys tumble into the warm vocals like a loved one embracing you at the hearth.

Supreme Illusion

Song: Supreme Illusion (Nickodemus Remix)
Album: ESL Remixed
Artist: Thievery Corporation

Ever seen those spastic dances and wondered to what beat one would 'dance that dance'? Thievery Corp took that beat and built music on top of it to make a smooth tempo'd, rhythmically fun sound. The bass runs, the flute hops, the strings are plucked , the voice smooths over; it all come together in this head-bobbing track.

Kwaab

Song: Kwaab
Album: Along the Dusty Road
Artist: Niraj Chag

I first heard Kwaab while perusing a book at a Barnes and Noble store. The song followed A.R. Rahman's Bombay Theme Song (changed to Mumbai Theme Song when the city decided to revert to pre-colonial nomenclature). I almost digress wanting to gush over the aforementioned Mumbai Theme Song.


Kwaab had a tough track to follow. But the female voice eased away all thoughts. The guitar briefly gamboled around the piano and then a simple beat that made you want to tap your feet and bob your head. Abetted by simple bass guitar punctuating rhythmically and synthetic waves, Niraj Chag's Kwaab is something to move the soul... along the dusty road.