Thursday, February 19, 2009

Top 20 of AR Rahman

So... since this is MY blog we're talking about, it wouldn't be complete without a few Bollywood related posts. The Indian music composer AR Rahman has been getting a great deal of recognition for his musical score for Slumdog Millionaire; however, bollywood-crazed people as myself have been obsessed with the guy for quite some time now. As a tribute to him, I would like to provide my list of his top 20 songs that he composed in bollywood movies.


#20. Azeem o Shaan Shehenshah- Jodha Akbhar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx6T4EAlvCA&feature=related

This starts off the countdown because it is a majestic tune that shows the depth of the instruments that Rahman uses to infuse the classic Indian feel. Amazing song with an amazing picturization

#19. title song- Kannathil Muthamittal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq1GFz37WgY&feature=related

Rahman's songs just ooze emotion. Whenever I hear this song, I feel the intensity of the mother's love for her child. Such a haunting tune.

#18. Humma Humma- Bombay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3RrylyUs1A

This song is just too much fun. It has to be in this countdown.

#17. Muqabla- Humse Hain Muqabla:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvNo5QQeTo8

This one is an all time classic. Tons of non-indians know and love this song because it's so high energy and makes you want to get up and dance. And after watching prabhu deva's moves in this song... it's impossible not to be obsessed.

#16. Piya Haji Ali- Fiza:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3KqaNzOxYI

Songs of prayer are one of Rahman's strengths. This song is just so soothing to listen to and is probably the best of his devotional ventures. Khwaja Mere Khwaja and Arziyan deserve mention as well.

#15. Kya Kare Kya Na Kare- Rangeela:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJLUnDMVIsY

The soundtrack to Rangeela was INSANE. I think it was here that the bollywood industry really started taking notice of Rahman. And why wouldn't they? With an incredibly catchy tune and Udit Narayan singing perfectly, this song is hard to overlook in the countdown.

#14. Ghanan Ghanan- Lagaan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTCnl36gZI

Lagaan made India famous. This song is amazing. It gets a bit too long at times, but the classic authentic feel of this song make it a proud representation of hindi music.

#13. Guzarish- Ghajini:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYipQBFkWDQ

Currently my ringtone. The tune is so unbelievably catchy. Though this song is relatively new, it's going to be a classic in the years to come. As soon as I heard this song in the preview for Ghajini I knew it had to be a Rahman composition because the tune was so rich.

#12. Kehna Hi Kya- Bombay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8dac0QRn8k

I love Chitra's voice and nobody puts it to better use than AR Rahman. This song is just so romantic and expressive.

#11. Ae Ajnabi- Dil Se:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvG7kBeRrJ0

Such a beautiful song. And honestly the song I rock out to whenever I'm mellow/sad. You'll see more of Dil Se in the countdown because this soundtrack is truly Rahman's finest.

#10. Taal Se Taal Mila- Taal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvG7kBeRrJ0

The stunning beauty of Aishwarya Rai is not the only thing that is breathtaking in this video. This song is a pure classic for music lovers everywhere.

#9. Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi- Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI3YwOez5Gg

I can't think of a more happy joyful song. Very different from Rahman's previous works, but you can see that from this album his style of music is starting to evolve to match today's generation.

#8. Fanaa- Yuva
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdv5cmEmrGU

Yuva is another more unique and modern album of Rahman's. But what overwhelms me is the way he can fuse classical singing with techno beats to create an AMAZING song that is both musically brilliant and club-worthy.

#7. Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera- Swades
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC-RFFIMXlA

It's legendary whenever Rahman gets behind the mic. This song often times leaves me speechless and the lyrics are just so beautiful.

#6. Tere Bina- Guru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqNhu7Sbmf8

I'm running out of ways to praise Rahman's music. This is probably one of the most romantic songs of all time and his voice fits the tune perfectly. And the drum beat in the background is perfect.

#5. Dil Se Re- Dil Se
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFKNIwutuzU

If one song could capture love it would be this one. From loud to soft and fast to slow, Rahman sings this song to perfection.


#4. Luka Chuppi- Rang De Basanti
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TimbpceTg2k

I didn't like this song at first because I didn't like Lata's voice, but as soon as Rahman steps in to sing the song changes paths. Very soulful song that makes me tear up anytime I listen to it.


#3. Kaise Mujhe- Ghajini
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M222TuEJ0E4

As of today, this song has 408 plays on my itunes and I only think this number will increase. This song comes at the perfect time during the movie and really makes me melt. Benny Dayal is fabulous.


#2. Chaiyya Chaiyya- Dil Se
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtDBs7ONbkI&feature=related

This is the timeless classic of bollywood. When watching this video it's a hard decision to say whether the picturization or the song is better. Absolutely brilliant. I don't think anybody could listen to this and not burst out dancing.



#1. Pachai Nirame- Alai Payuthe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZEBZoAg62g

Also known in hindi as "Saathiya" from the movie Saathiya, this is my favorite song of all time. If I could have a soundtrack to my life, this would be the theme. I fell in love with Ar Rahman after hearing this song, and I just can't think of a more beautiful composition

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Tazo Tea

I realized that I can follow the timeline of my day through Tazo teas.

When I wake up, I enjoy a cup of Zen tea.

When I'm feeling in the mood for an afternoon nap but can't sleep because of a busy schedule, I quickly chug an Awake tea.

When my day is winding down, I ease into sleep with a cup of Calm tea.

I love life.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Photobooth


People who take pictures of themselves in photobooth are toolish.

An Introduction

I'm not exactly sure why I'm starting a blog. The last time I had something like this, it was a livejournal and turned into some whiny rant about boys and lame things. So if this turns into that please hit me.
A little about me? I have only a few interests in life: starbucks, bollywood, gossip girl, tazo tea, and gmail.