Thank you for the music: World Music Day

Music is said to soothe the savage beast, however, over the years music seems to have, in fact, created quite a beast within us all. Not a day goes by for anyone of us without listening to a song or humming a tune and if we are lucky enough shaking a leg too.

Over the years, music has changed and how!! From the wonderful instrumental pieces from Bach and Mozart to the vivacious and sexy numbers from Beyonce and JLo! From the beautiful lyrics of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole to the loud and in-your-face rap numbers of Eminem and Snoop Dog! Music has definitely come a long way.

June 21 is celebrated as 'World Music Day or as its famously called 'The Fête de la Musique', was first broached by American musician Joel Cohen in 1976. Cohen proposed an all-night music celebration on the year's longest day, the summer solstice. And now, its celebrated all over the world on the very same day with much fervour.

Celebration and music go hand-in-hand, no celebration is complete without music and music itself is in complete without a celebration. So, today, on World Music Day, I would like list out the way music changed the way the world and made it sit up and listen.

Lets go back to the day when music was all about instrumental pieces, the era of Baroque music and the era of Romantic Music. Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven composed the most beautiful music not only for their era but for centuries to come. Till now, their compositions signify grace, dignity, sophistication and eliteness, a charm very few understand in today's day and age.

Classical music, as it is commonly called, helped pave the way for a relaxation of sorts among not just the elite but all strata of society. Yes, it was basically meant to please the rich and keep them entertained, but it was also the link between different sections of society.

With the break of a new dawn in the 20th century, many new genres of music made their entry, not just in the music world, but also in the hearts of people. A new era had begun an era of Jazz, Rock and Roll, Country Music, Blues, Soul.

Renowned music legends, if I may call them, like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bob Crosby, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, Peter Paul and Mary, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bob Marley, these musicians changed the way people everywhere listened to music. They brought in rebellious attitude towards music with their rock, they made it easier for one to profess their undying love with their poetical lyrics they made the world realize it was okay to be who you are and what you want to be.

It was infact the music of the 20th century that brought up many issues like apartheid, women liberation etc. It was definitely the era of the 'Flower Power'. Freedom through music was the one common binding factor crossing all races, all countries. It became a way to voice one's opinion, to fight for what you believed in, to 'Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your rights'.

Enter the 21st century and music picked up pace in tempo and somewhere down the line took a few steps back in the lyrical department. Trance, Pop, Heavy Metal, Rap, Hip hop, all rose to the top in during this time.

Vanilla Ice broke the 'all black' barrier in the rap genre, making it 'cool' for the so called 'white' folks to indulge in the not-so-sophisticated, let-yourself-loose rap music. Then came Eminem, the more than just famous white rapper, with his hardcore words and the censored lyrics! After Eminem, rap has become a worldwide rage with not just Americans but Indians, French, Africans coming up with raps songs in their native tongue.

Heavy Metal was made famous by bands White Stripes, Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Kiss, Queen etc. They all added their rebellious attitude towards life and music. They gave people a new way to vent out at the world by singing in a way which sounds like random yelling, but if you listen carefully, the lyrics are still simply wonderful. The youth started to feel a connection to this particular genre of music because it highlighted the rebel in them.

But the music genre currently scorching the music charts all around the world are Hip Hop, Pop and Rhythm & Blues. Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Backstreet Boys, Boyzone, Britney Spears, Madonna, Lady Gaga are me just naming a few. Their music is upbeat, the lyrics catchy. It's the perfect combination to keep your spirits high.

So, music has definitely changed over the years, with the tempo, the lyrics, the emotions, the basic tunes having turned a completely new leaf.

But at the end, whether its classical music, whether its Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Heavy Metal, whatever, it's still unites one and all. It was, still is and will always remain not just entertainment but something much more than that.

On World Music Day I would personally like to thank all the music legends for having given us music and to quote the lyrics of a popular Abba Song, I end with

 "Thank you for the music,

 the songs I'm singing,

 Thanks for all the joy they're bringing.

 Who can live without it,

 I ask in all honesty,

 What would life be?

Without a song or a dance what are we?

So I say thank you for the music

For giving it to me"

Osama's death: conspiracy or co-incidence?

US President Barack Obama announced on May 2 that the world's most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was killed in a pre-dawn helicopter-borne secret operation in a house just yards from Pakistan's Military Academy in Abbottabad town.

Pakistani officials claim that members of Pakistan's intelligence service, the ISI, were on site in Abbottabad during the operation. However, a US senior administration officer said that the Obama administration did not share intelligence information gathered with any country including Pakistan for security reasons. Only a small group of people within the US government knew about the operation at the time.

Osama's death seems to carry a lot of conspiracy theories, especially coming at a time when Obama's presidential approval ratings have dropped drastically and the ties between USA and Pakistan seemed to be strained.

Could Osama's death be a coincidence or is it a conspiracy from either US or Pakistan? After all, Osama's death is a win-win situation for both.

Is it possible that the Obama government is trying to win back the people's love and confidence, so that he gets elected for the second time around? This question comes to mind after one thinks of how George W Bush was re-elected after the 9/11 tragedy redefined America's outlook towards him.

When Osama was harboured by Afghanistan, US bombarded Afghan leaving no stone unturned. So when it comes to Intelligence reports claiming, for weeks now, that Osama bin Laden is in fact hiding in Pakistan, why was no Agfhan-like action taken? Secret operations do take a long time and do require a lot of planning (agreed) but America's change in procedure seems a little shaky. Were Obama and his administration too worried about how the world would react if they did the same in Pakistan? If so, why didn't Obama stop and think before carrying out the recent attacks on Libya?

Another point going against the US is the sudden sea burial of Osama's body. Islam religion does state that the dead should be buried soon, but if Benazir Bhutto's body could be kept for 3 days, why was the same not done for Osama? Why wasn't his body kept long enough for the world to see and be comforted by the fact that the face of terror was indeed no more?

This could also be Pakistan's way of strengthening ties with US by offering the Osama on a platter.

In recent days, it has been noted that, USA has slammed the Pakistan Intelligence agency, ISI, for harbouring high profile terrorists and has also considered the agency as much of a threat as the Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

What is a cause for speculation, after the intelligence reports from US, is that Pakistan claims to have not known anything on the where about of bin Laden, while he was living in a specially-built mansion just 60 kms from the Pakistan capital. Also, Osama's 'hideaway', is in an area where high profile Pakistani officials live. How is it that no one knew Osama, the face feared by many and known by all, was residing in their midst?

Another question raised against Pakistan, is that with such a highly important operation going on by American troops, how is it that Pakistan did not notice anything?

With so much speculation, it could be possible that Pakistan did in fact harbour Osama bin Laden until they noticed that the world, or more importantly, USA was slowly going against them and it was high time they did something to regain US' trust.

When it comes to Osama Bin Laden, anything under the sun seems possible. There were hints from President Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in December 2001 saying that Osama was dead. Then again in January 2002, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan announced that bin Laden was suffering with kidney disease and was most probably dead. As early as July of 2002, even the FBI's counter terrorism chief was quoted as saying; Osama bin Laden is "probably" dead.

With so much speculation going on, about Osama's life or death, for so many years, one cannot help but stop and think, is the announcement made by Barack Obama true or not? DNA reports do confirm that it was actually Osama who was shot in the US led operation, and there are pictures to back Obama's announcement. So, yes, Osama bin Laden, the face of terror, is actually dead. But, that doesn't stop one from speculation, does it?

May you stay 'forever young' Bob Dylan

I  think I was about two when I first heard Bob Dylan's 'Blowing in the wind' and till date that is one of my all-time favourite songs. Dylan was amongst my dad's favourite singers, and I guess mine too, since I have acquired most of my musical knowledge from him. Today, the legend is turning 70 and all I want to do is wish him a very, very happy birthday and thank him for the wonderful music he made and gave to all of us. Also it was another thing me and my dad could bond over.

The Dylan before 1961

Robert Allen Zimmerman was born on May 24, 1941, in Minnesota and I am sure the day he was born he probably came out on a very musical note! Because Zimmerman would grow up to be the world famous songwriter, singer, poet and painter - Bob Dylan.

Zimmerman admitted that his inspiration was Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, and also the reason why he changed his name to Bob Dylan. In fact, in an interview, Dylan said, "You're born, you know, the wrong names, wrong parents. I mean, that happens. You call yourself what you want to call yourself. This is the land of the free."

He grew up playing in bands and performing covers at school dances and parties. But, the year 1961, changed his life in ways he never thought it could. It was the year he would meet Woody Guthrie, become his disciple, it would also be the year he would sign a deal with Columbia Records.

The Dylan after 1961

The year 1961 means a lot to me, apart from the fact that it was the year Dylan would start his climb up the ladder in the music world (and sort of fall of it too), it's also the year my dad was born. So, 1961 is extra special!

It was actually 1962 and the conscious changes Dylan made that catapulted him towards the 'Bob Dylan' people love, adore and worship today. It was in '62 that he legally changed his name to Bob Dylan and it was in '62 that he signed a contract with Albert Grossman.

Enough of history on Bob Dylan (you can probably Google him for more information if you already don't know enough about him, and if you are Googling 'Bob Dylan' right now, what were you listening to all these years?)

The Dylan I love to hear

Now, apart from just being an emotional connect with my dad, Dylan's voice has this control over me (you may not get it, but the word is control!). His voice has the power to calm me down when I am stressed, to make me smile when I am sad, to make me cry when I am happy, his voice can change my mood... anytime, anywhere!

'Blowin' in the Wind', 'Like a Rolling Stone', 'Song to Woody', 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door', 'Mr Tambourine Man', 'You're a Big Girl Now', 'Lay Lady Lay', 'Absolutely Sweet Marie',' The Times Are a-Changin', 'Don't Think Twice' and 'Just Like a Woman' are some the best songs Dylan's contributed to the world. Or at least, favourites of mine which I consider a contribution from him to make the world an easier place to live in.

Another reason why I consider the man so much more than probably many people out there do, is because he is one of the very few singers/songwriters out there who brought folk music into the electric rock of the mid-'60's; and what beautiful music came out of this "fusion" of sorts.

Even though I was born three decades after he started singing and it's just been two decades of me listening to the wonderful music and beautiful voice that describes Bob Dylan, not a day goes by where I am not thankful for the man and his music.

The man is not just a singer, after five decades, the man is truly a ROCKSTAR! He sings like a rock star, he walks like a rock star, the man even talks like a rock star! Apart from music, certain quotes by him have also taught me how to live my life. "All I can be is me - whoever that is," was said by Dylan and it's a motto I live by (sort of).

"Chaos is a friend of mine" - Bob Dylan - almost sums up the person I am.

So, today, May 24, 2011, I want to wish him all the best, to ask him to sing more songs (even though he's older now, the man still sings like a dream!), to give him a tight big virtual hug and to thank him for giving me an opportunity, a chance to listen and love the music I was probably born to hear.

DISCLAIMER - This piece was written by me on Dylan's birthday for ibnlive.com. Since I started my blog today, I thought I would add it. Have not touched the original text.

Forty years on: remembering the Lizard King

Four decades ago, the world lost a gem in the music world. July 3, 1971, saw the demise of rock legend Jim Morrison, lead singer and lyricist of the rock band The Doors .
Morrison was ranked number 47 on the Rolling Stones '100 greatest singers of all time'.
Born in 1947 in Florida, he was named James Douglas Morrison and with time he become the much known, much loved Jim Morrison.

How Morrison died is still not known - since no autopsy report was conducted and there was no evidence of foul play. The mystery surrounding his sudden death left many questions unanswered, many tears unwiped, many hearts broken.

Morrison's grave in Paris is no more just a place his fans go to cry for their lost melodious hero, some deface it to vent anger; others leave behind cigarettes, whisky, and condoms, amongst other 'treasures'. They do this not to demean the music idol, but to make his memories live on.

But as they say there is life in death. Morrison's death anniversary is no longer a day of sorrow, infact his fans have started new way to commemorate his death. The Rock and Roll Emporium in Huntington Beach, California, marks this day with a special memorial event featuring an extensive exhibit of rare artifacts spanning Morrison's entire career as a poet, artist and musician.

In ode to Morrison's 40th death anniversary two events were officially announced.

Tribute In Motion

The Tribute In Motion is a free form audience participation event, where one can go and just read some of Morrison’s poetry, write their own poetry, sing a song, or just say something about Jim Morrison and The Doors

This years Tribute In Motion will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011, 1-3 pm. Pere Lachaise Rue de Repos outside La Renaissance bar.

So, if your in Paris, apart from the usual tourists, you are sure to meet a lot Doors fans, paying tribute to the Rock 'n' Roll legend.

The Jim Morrison Project

The Jim Morrison Project is a website that will debut on July 3. It will celebrate the life of Morrison in all the different media available. His fans will be sharing their love for him on the site.

Morrison as the lead of The Doors changed the way rock music was heard - in the words of singer Burton Cummings, who in an interview said that "Morrison took music to a different level completely."

Morrison and The Doors shot to fame with their hit number 'Light my Fire', which is still a favourite among many Doors' fans. Other hit numbers from the band are 'Riders on the Storm', 'Love her Madly', 'LA Woman', 'Hello, I love you', 'Roadhouse Blues'.

Forty years after his death, Morrison is still regarded as the 'Rock Legend' he was, is and always be. He may have left his body, but he still lives on through his music.

Winehouse the latest member of Forever 27 Club

One of the greatest mysteries in rock 'n' roll history came into the spotlight once again on Saturday, July 23, when the iconic, yet troubled singer Amy Winehouse died at the age of 27. She joins the league of Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Jim Morrison, all music legends who died at the age of 27, giving rise to the myth of 'Club 27' or 'Forever 27' in the minds of fans who coined the term after noticing a trend among the deaths of these legendary rockers.

Brian Jones (February 28, 1942 - July 3, 1969)
Founder of the Rolling stones and a guitarist Brian Jones was known for his strange outfits and non-stop drug abuse, apart from being outstandingly proficient in music. Jones was the one who came up with the name the Rolling stones for his band with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger and is also said to be the moving force behind the rock band.

He was found lying motionless at the bottom of his pool. His then girlfriend Anna insisted that when he was pulled out, he still had a pulse, but by the time doctors arrived Jones was declared dead. Despite the drug abuse, the coroner's report stated that he died because of 'misadventure'.

Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970)
American guitarist and singer-songwriter Jimi Hendrix is widely considered to be the greatest electric guitarist in musical history and one of the most influential musicians of his era across a range of genres. He headlined the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. It is said that he was influenced by blues artists such as BB King, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King and Elmore James.
Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, which was first reported as a suicide. Later foul play was considered the cause of his death. And then the autopsy showed he asphyxiated on vomit after combining sleeping pills with wine. Till today the real reason behind Hendrix' death is a mystery.

Janis Joplin (January 19, 1943 - October 4, 1970)
Known as The Queen of Rock and Roll, Janis Joplin was an American singer, songwriter, painter, dancer and music arranger. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company. She was ranked number 46 in the Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004.
She rose to fame, but she didn't get to ride it too long, as her drug abuse took the better of her. Joplin was found dead in the Landmark Motor Hotel and the autopsy reports claimed she died because of heroin overdose.

Jim Morrison (December 8, 1943 - July 3, 1971)
The lead singer for the Doors Jim Morrison's behavior had always seemed erratic, but fame gave him an even more bizarre edge. Widely considered to be one of the most charismatic frontmen in rock music history, Morrison was also the author of several books of poetry, and the director of a documentary and short film. He was ranked number 47 on the Rolling Stones '100 greatest singers of all time'.
How Morrison died is still not known - since no autopsy report was conducted and there was no evidence of foul play. The mystery surrounding his sudden death left many questions unanswered, many tears unwiped, many hearts broken.

Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994)
American singer-songwriter, musician and artist, Kurt Cobain is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the grunge band Nirvana. The band gained widespread success with their 1991 album 'Nevermind' and the single 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. Cobain was often hailed as 'the spokesman of Generation X'.
Cobain struggled with heroin addiction, illness and depression, his fame and public image, as well as the professional and lifelong personal pressures surrounding himself and his wife, musician Courtney Love. He was found dead at his home in Seattle, the victim of what was officially ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head.

Amy Winehouse (September 14, 1983 - July 23, 2011)
The British singer-songwriter gained widespread popularity with her hit single 'Rehab' and the album 'Back in Black', which won her five Grammy awards. She was known for her soul music, her whacky outfits, bizarre hairdo and outrageous make-up, which often left her ridiculed by the media.
Winehouse was addicted to heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol and was even hospitalised in 2007 for a drug overdose. She was found dead in her London home and the investigation to determine the cause of death is still open.

Whether it's the number that's jinxed or the lifestyle, turning 27-years-old just doesn't seem too promising for rock legends. As it is said 'to die will be an awfully big adventure', it is for certain that wherever the members of Club 27 are right now they are surely creating quite the jam session!