Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams (acoustic)
E Standard tuning, capo 1st fret
Chords you use:
Em - 0 2 2 0 0 0
G - 3 2 0 0 3 3
Dsus2 - x 0 0 2 3 0
Asus2 - 0 0 2 2 0 0
C - 0 3 2 0 1 0
E/D - 0 2 0 1 3 0
A/G - x 0 2 0 2 0
A/Ab - 0 2 1 2 0 0
(Em) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2) (Em)
I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known
(G) (Dsus2) (Asus2) (Em)
Don't know where it goes, But it's home to me and I walk alone
(Em)(G)(Dsus2)(Asus2)
(Em) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2) (Em)
I walk this empty street, On the Boulevard of broken dreams
(G) (Dsus2) (Asus2) (Em)
Where the city sleeps, And I'm the only one and I walk alone
(Em)(G)(Dsus2) (Asus2) (Em)
I walk alone, I walk alone.
(Em)(G)(Dsus2) (Asus2)
I walk alone, I walk a....
(C) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2)
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
(C) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2)
My shallow hearts the only thing that's beating
(C) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2)
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
(C) (G) (E/D)
Till then I walk alone
(Em) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2)
Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh-Ah
(Em) (G) (Dsus2) (Asus2)
haaa-ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah
(Repeat chord patterns for the rest of the song.)
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line of the edge
And where I walk alone
Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's all right
Check my vital signs, to know I'm still alive
And I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk a....
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
Till then I walk alone
Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh-Ah
Ah-Ah Ah-Ah I walk alone, I walk a....
SOLO
Rhythm - (C)(G)(Dsus2)(Em) x3
(C)(G)(E/D)
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of broken dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...,
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
Till then I walk alone
Outro - (Em)(C)(Dsus2)(A/G)(G)(A/Ab) x4
Friday, April 30, 2010
GREEN DAY
Part of the northern Californian underground punk rock scene, Green Day was formed by childhood friends Billie Joe Armstrong (lead guitar, lead vocals) and Mike Dirnt (bass guitar, backing vocals). They built a cult following during the early 1990s and are credited, along with bands The Offspring and Rancid, for reviving mainstream interest in the punk rock scene.
Green Day’s original drummer, John Kiffmeyer, had joined in 1989 but he left in late 1990 in order to attend college in California, soon after the band’s first nationwide tour. He was replaced by Tré Cool (drums, backing vocals).
Determined to remain loyal to independent label Lookout! Records, who had released the band’s first three albums, Green Day refused an offer to sign with I.R.S. Records. ‘1,000 Hours’ (1990) was their first EP album and later that year they recorded two albums, ‘Slappy’ (1990) and ‘Sweet Children’ (1990). The following year, indie label Skene! Records released a combination of these two albums, called ‘1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours’ (1991).
‘Kerplunk!’ (1992), the first album featuring Tré Cool on drums, sparked the interest of a number of major record labels. The band toured for most of 1992 and 1993 and they eventually left Lookout! Records, on friendly terms. Green Day then signed with Reprise Records, who released the band’s first major-label album, ‘Dookie’ (1994), which they had recorded in a mere three weeks. The album received much critical acclaim and sold over 15 million copies worldwide, winning the 1994 Grammy for Best Alternative Album. The videos for the singles ‘Longview’ and ‘Basket Case’ were nominated for numerous awards at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Rolling Stone Magazine placed ‘Dookie’ at number 193 in their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, beating Black Sabbath’s eponymous album and Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’.
The band’s next album, ‘Insomniac’ (1995), was much darker than the more melodic ‘Dookie’ and won them award nominations for Favourite Artist, Favourite Hard Rock Artist and Favourite Alternative Artist at the 1996 American Music Awards. The video for the single ‘Walking Contradiction’ received a Grammy nomination for Best Video, Short Film and an MTV nomination for Best Special Effects. Green Day then cancelled their European tour, claiming they were exhausted, and took a break from making music.
Following their break, they released the experimental album ‘Nimrod’ (1997), which was a break from their usual music and more in the style of laid-back surfer rock, silly ska, upbeat pop/punk and acoustic ballads. The surprise hit from this album ‘Good Riddance (Time of your life)’ once again won them an MTV Award for Best Alternative Video. The band took another break, this time for two years, deciding to spend time with their new families.
Jason White (guitar, backing vocals) became the fourth band member in 1999. Taking the style of ‘Nimrod’ (1997) a little further, Green Day released ‘Warning:’ (2000), proud that it was their strongest work together. The album’s definitive sound reflected the fact that the band members had not only stopped smoking marijuana as much as they previously did but they had also matured somewhat in the interim. The album received mixed reactions, with some fans believing the band was losing its relevance, despite the album producing the number one hit ‘Minority’. The album sales were not as successful as previous albums and Green Day’s popularity declined somewhat.
At the 2001 California Music Awards, Green Day did however win all eight of the awards for which they were nominated: Outstanding Album (Warning), Outstanding Punk Rock/Ska Album (Warning), Outstanding Group, Outstanding Male Vocalist, Outstanding Bassist, Outstanding Drummer, Outstanding Songwriter and Outstanding Artist.
Releasing a greatest hits compilation, ‘International Superhits!’ (2001), followed by a collection of B-sides called ‘Shenanigans’ (2002), gave impetus to the theory that Green Day’s superstar days were over. The band then co-headlined The Pop Disaster Tour, with Blink-182, in an effort to restore some of their popularity. Once more, following the tour, Green Day took some time off to spend with their families.
A new album, with the working title of ‘Cigarettes and Valentines’, was meant for release in 2002 but after 20 tracks had been recorded, the master tapes were stolen from the studios. The band was devastated and decided not to try and recreate the album but do something better instead.
The resulting album, ‘American Idiot’ (2004), proved their biggest hit to date, with some referring to it as “punk rock opera”. It sold 1.5million units in its first week and went straight to number one in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, following the single of the same name, which entered the UK singles charts at number three. The band was nominated for six Grammy Awards in 2004, with "American Idiot’ winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album. The band had also changed their image. They stopped dyeing their hair pink and green and began wearing eyeliner and black clothes with red ties onstage.
In 2005, Green Day went on a world tour to promote their new album. It was the longest tour of their career and lasted 150 dates, including shows in England, Australia, Japan and South America. Recording the two shows at England’s Milton Keanes National Bowl, Green Day released this as a DVD called ‘Bullet in a Bible’ (2005), including behind the scenes footage of the band which was voted ‘Best Show on Earth‘ by Kerrang! magazine. At the 2005 MTV Awards, they won a total of seven of the eight awards for which they were nominated. In 2006, they won another Grammy Award for Record of the Year in recognition of their success with ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ from the ‘American Idiot’ (2004) album. The single spent 16 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks.
Green Day’s original drummer, John Kiffmeyer, had joined in 1989 but he left in late 1990 in order to attend college in California, soon after the band’s first nationwide tour. He was replaced by Tré Cool (drums, backing vocals).
Determined to remain loyal to independent label Lookout! Records, who had released the band’s first three albums, Green Day refused an offer to sign with I.R.S. Records. ‘1,000 Hours’ (1990) was their first EP album and later that year they recorded two albums, ‘Slappy’ (1990) and ‘Sweet Children’ (1990). The following year, indie label Skene! Records released a combination of these two albums, called ‘1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours’ (1991).
‘Kerplunk!’ (1992), the first album featuring Tré Cool on drums, sparked the interest of a number of major record labels. The band toured for most of 1992 and 1993 and they eventually left Lookout! Records, on friendly terms. Green Day then signed with Reprise Records, who released the band’s first major-label album, ‘Dookie’ (1994), which they had recorded in a mere three weeks. The album received much critical acclaim and sold over 15 million copies worldwide, winning the 1994 Grammy for Best Alternative Album. The videos for the singles ‘Longview’ and ‘Basket Case’ were nominated for numerous awards at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Rolling Stone Magazine placed ‘Dookie’ at number 193 in their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, beating Black Sabbath’s eponymous album and Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’.
The band’s next album, ‘Insomniac’ (1995), was much darker than the more melodic ‘Dookie’ and won them award nominations for Favourite Artist, Favourite Hard Rock Artist and Favourite Alternative Artist at the 1996 American Music Awards. The video for the single ‘Walking Contradiction’ received a Grammy nomination for Best Video, Short Film and an MTV nomination for Best Special Effects. Green Day then cancelled their European tour, claiming they were exhausted, and took a break from making music.
Following their break, they released the experimental album ‘Nimrod’ (1997), which was a break from their usual music and more in the style of laid-back surfer rock, silly ska, upbeat pop/punk and acoustic ballads. The surprise hit from this album ‘Good Riddance (Time of your life)’ once again won them an MTV Award for Best Alternative Video. The band took another break, this time for two years, deciding to spend time with their new families.
Jason White (guitar, backing vocals) became the fourth band member in 1999. Taking the style of ‘Nimrod’ (1997) a little further, Green Day released ‘Warning:’ (2000), proud that it was their strongest work together. The album’s definitive sound reflected the fact that the band members had not only stopped smoking marijuana as much as they previously did but they had also matured somewhat in the interim. The album received mixed reactions, with some fans believing the band was losing its relevance, despite the album producing the number one hit ‘Minority’. The album sales were not as successful as previous albums and Green Day’s popularity declined somewhat.
At the 2001 California Music Awards, Green Day did however win all eight of the awards for which they were nominated: Outstanding Album (Warning), Outstanding Punk Rock/Ska Album (Warning), Outstanding Group, Outstanding Male Vocalist, Outstanding Bassist, Outstanding Drummer, Outstanding Songwriter and Outstanding Artist.
Releasing a greatest hits compilation, ‘International Superhits!’ (2001), followed by a collection of B-sides called ‘Shenanigans’ (2002), gave impetus to the theory that Green Day’s superstar days were over. The band then co-headlined The Pop Disaster Tour, with Blink-182, in an effort to restore some of their popularity. Once more, following the tour, Green Day took some time off to spend with their families.
A new album, with the working title of ‘Cigarettes and Valentines’, was meant for release in 2002 but after 20 tracks had been recorded, the master tapes were stolen from the studios. The band was devastated and decided not to try and recreate the album but do something better instead.
The resulting album, ‘American Idiot’ (2004), proved their biggest hit to date, with some referring to it as “punk rock opera”. It sold 1.5million units in its first week and went straight to number one in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, following the single of the same name, which entered the UK singles charts at number three. The band was nominated for six Grammy Awards in 2004, with "American Idiot’ winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album. The band had also changed their image. They stopped dyeing their hair pink and green and began wearing eyeliner and black clothes with red ties onstage.
In 2005, Green Day went on a world tour to promote their new album. It was the longest tour of their career and lasted 150 dates, including shows in England, Australia, Japan and South America. Recording the two shows at England’s Milton Keanes National Bowl, Green Day released this as a DVD called ‘Bullet in a Bible’ (2005), including behind the scenes footage of the band which was voted ‘Best Show on Earth‘ by Kerrang! magazine. At the 2005 MTV Awards, they won a total of seven of the eight awards for which they were nominated. In 2006, they won another Grammy Award for Record of the Year in recognition of their success with ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ from the ‘American Idiot’ (2004) album. The single spent 16 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks.
Numb CHORDS
Acoustic version of Linkin Park's "Numb". A great song, which also sounds great
on acoustic guitar. Hope you enjoy it!!
Linkin Park - Meteora - Numb
Intro:
e|-------5---8-7--|--------8-7---|
B|-5-8-5--------8-|-5-8-5------8-|
G|----------------|--------------| (2x)
D|----------------|--------------|
A|----------------|--------------|
G|----------------|--------------|
EM C G D * 2
Verse 1:
EM C
I'm tired of being what you want me to be
G D
Feeling so faithless lost under the surface
EM C
Don't know what you're expecting of me
G D C D
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
EM G C D
Every step I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
Chorus:
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D EM
I've become so tired so much more aware
C G
I've becoming this all I want to do
D EM
Is be more like me and be less like you
Verse 2:
C
Can't you see that you're smothering me
G D EM
Holding too tightly afraid to lose control
C
Cause everything that you thought I would be
G D C D
Has fallen apart right in front of you
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
EM G C D
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
EM G D
And every second I waste is more than I can take
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D EM
I've become so tired so much more aware
C G
I've becoming this all I want to do
D EM
Is be more like me and be less like you
D
And I know
EM G EM D C
I may end up failing too
D
But I know
B (hold)
You were just like me with someone disappointed in you
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D EM
I've become so tired so much more aware
C G
I've becoming this all I want to do
D EM
Is be more like me and be less like you
C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D
(Tired of being what you want me to be)
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D
(Tired of being what you want me to be)
e|-------5---8-7--|--------8-7---
B|-5-8-5--------8-|-5-8-5------8-
G|----------------|-------------- (2x)
D|----------------|--------------
A|----------------|--------------
G|----------------|--------------
Ending: EM C G D
on acoustic guitar. Hope you enjoy it!!
Linkin Park - Meteora - Numb
Intro:
e|-------5---8-7--|--------8-7---|
B|-5-8-5--------8-|-5-8-5------8-|
G|----------------|--------------| (2x)
D|----------------|--------------|
A|----------------|--------------|
G|----------------|--------------|
EM C G D * 2
Verse 1:
EM C
I'm tired of being what you want me to be
G D
Feeling so faithless lost under the surface
EM C
Don't know what you're expecting of me
G D C D
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
EM G C D
Every step I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
Chorus:
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D EM
I've become so tired so much more aware
C G
I've becoming this all I want to do
D EM
Is be more like me and be less like you
Verse 2:
C
Can't you see that you're smothering me
G D EM
Holding too tightly afraid to lose control
C
Cause everything that you thought I would be
G D C D
Has fallen apart right in front of you
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
EM G C D
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertone just caught in the undertone)
EM G D
And every second I waste is more than I can take
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D EM
I've become so tired so much more aware
C G
I've becoming this all I want to do
D EM
Is be more like me and be less like you
D
And I know
EM G EM D C
I may end up failing too
D
But I know
B (hold)
You were just like me with someone disappointed in you
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D EM
I've become so tired so much more aware
C G
I've becoming this all I want to do
D EM
Is be more like me and be less like you
C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D
(Tired of being what you want me to be)
EM C G
I've become so numb I can't feel you there
D
(Tired of being what you want me to be)
e|-------5---8-7--|--------8-7---
B|-5-8-5--------8-|-5-8-5------8-
G|----------------|-------------- (2x)
D|----------------|--------------
A|----------------|--------------
G|----------------|--------------
Ending: EM C G D
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
THE AUJ...
SONG BY AUJ THE BAND
PAKISTAN
TITLE AANSU
LYRICS
CHUPKE CHUPKE ANKHOMAI AAGAYE
YU JO CHUPAYE THE SARE GUM
SOCHNA PHIR SOCHNA PAR GAYA MUJHE
KYON ANKHE HO GAYI MERI NUM
GIRNE NA DO GIRNE NA DO TUM
ROK TO INHE ROK DO BUS TUM..
KHO GAYE HO KHO GAYE HO KYON TUM
AAJ BHI ANKHO MAI HAIN AANSU....AANSU
AANSU.....
AANSU.....
HASTE HASTE PALKO PE AGAYE
YOUN JO CHHUPAYE THE SAARE DIN....
SOCHNA PHIR SOCHNA PAR GAYA MUJHE
KYON ANKHE HO GAYI MERI NUM
GIRNE NA DO GIRNE NA DO TUM
ROK TO INHE ROK DO BUS TUM..
KHO GAYE HO KHO GAYE HO KYON TUM
AAJ BHI ANKHO MAI HAIN AANSU....AANSU
AANSU.....
AANSU.....
PHIR MILGAYE VO SUBHA MUJHE
JIS KI TALASH THI MUJHE
ANE NA DO ANE NA DO TUM....
AB NAHI ANKHON MAI MERAY AANSU
AANSU...
[GIRNE NA DO GIRNE NA DO TUM]
AANSU..
[ROK TO INHE ROK DO BUS TUM]
AANSU
[ANE NA DO ANE NA DO TUM]
AANSU.....
PAKISTAN
TITLE AANSU
LYRICS
CHUPKE CHUPKE ANKHOMAI AAGAYE
YU JO CHUPAYE THE SARE GUM
SOCHNA PHIR SOCHNA PAR GAYA MUJHE
KYON ANKHE HO GAYI MERI NUM
GIRNE NA DO GIRNE NA DO TUM
ROK TO INHE ROK DO BUS TUM..
KHO GAYE HO KHO GAYE HO KYON TUM
AAJ BHI ANKHO MAI HAIN AANSU....AANSU
AANSU.....
AANSU.....
HASTE HASTE PALKO PE AGAYE
YOUN JO CHHUPAYE THE SAARE DIN....
SOCHNA PHIR SOCHNA PAR GAYA MUJHE
KYON ANKHE HO GAYI MERI NUM
GIRNE NA DO GIRNE NA DO TUM
ROK TO INHE ROK DO BUS TUM..
KHO GAYE HO KHO GAYE HO KYON TUM
AAJ BHI ANKHO MAI HAIN AANSU....AANSU
AANSU.....
AANSU.....
PHIR MILGAYE VO SUBHA MUJHE
JIS KI TALASH THI MUJHE
ANE NA DO ANE NA DO TUM....
AB NAHI ANKHON MAI MERAY AANSU
AANSU...
[GIRNE NA DO GIRNE NA DO TUM]
AANSU..
[ROK TO INHE ROK DO BUS TUM]
AANSU
[ANE NA DO ANE NA DO TUM]
AANSU.....
ACID THE BAND.{PAKISTAN}
song URTAY JANA HAI
BY ACID BAND..
urtay jana hai...
urtay jana hai...
sato asmaan per...sato asmaan perrr.....
ANDHERI RAHO MAI BHATAKTE SABHI HAIN....
HUM TO VO HAIN JO ANDHERE MAI DEEYE KI MANND ALTE HAIN...
EK AAG HAI HUMARE SEENE MAI...
HUM TO VO HAIN JINSE DUSHMAN BHI AB DARTE HAIN..
AAGE HI AAGE..
AAGE HI AAGE...
AAGE HI AAGE URTE HI JANA HAI...
CHALTE HI JANA HAI..AAGE HI AAGE..
URTE HI REHNA HAI,ASMAN CHUMKE AB DIKHANA H
KITNE HI RASTE KITNI HI MANZILE,
HUMKO KO TO ASMAN CHUMKE DIKHANA
MUSHKIL HAI RAASTA KANTE HAR TARAF HAIN
HUM TO VO HAIN JO DALDAL BHI BILKUL DHASTE NAHI
JALTI RETH HAI ANGARE JALTE HAIN
HUM TO VO HAIN HUM TO VO HAI JO SEHRA MAI BHI KABHI BHATAKTE NAHI..
AAGE HI AAGE..
AAGE HI AAGE...
AAGE HI AAGE URTE HI JANA HAI...
EK VADA HAI APNE AAP SE...
DARNA NAHI AB JAAN DENE SE....
MUSHKILE TO HO....
FAKHTA HO JATI HAIN.....
DARNA NAHI AB MAUT KE AANE SE
CHALTE HI JANA HAI
AAGE HI AAGE..
URTE HI REHNA HAI ASMAN CHHUKE AB DIKHANA HAI
KITNE HI RASTE KITNI HI MANZILE
HUMTO HUMI HAIN
HUMKO TO ASMAN CHHUKE DIKHANA HAI.......
BY ACID BAND..
urtay jana hai...
urtay jana hai...
sato asmaan per...sato asmaan perrr.....
ANDHERI RAHO MAI BHATAKTE SABHI HAIN....
HUM TO VO HAIN JO ANDHERE MAI DEEYE KI MANND ALTE HAIN...
EK AAG HAI HUMARE SEENE MAI...
HUM TO VO HAIN JINSE DUSHMAN BHI AB DARTE HAIN..
AAGE HI AAGE..
AAGE HI AAGE...
AAGE HI AAGE URTE HI JANA HAI...
CHALTE HI JANA HAI..AAGE HI AAGE..
URTE HI REHNA HAI,ASMAN CHUMKE AB DIKHANA H
KITNE HI RASTE KITNI HI MANZILE,
HUMKO KO TO ASMAN CHUMKE DIKHANA
MUSHKIL HAI RAASTA KANTE HAR TARAF HAIN
HUM TO VO HAIN JO DALDAL BHI BILKUL DHASTE NAHI
JALTI RETH HAI ANGARE JALTE HAIN
HUM TO VO HAIN HUM TO VO HAI JO SEHRA MAI BHI KABHI BHATAKTE NAHI..
AAGE HI AAGE..
AAGE HI AAGE...
AAGE HI AAGE URTE HI JANA HAI...
EK VADA HAI APNE AAP SE...
DARNA NAHI AB JAAN DENE SE....
MUSHKILE TO HO....
FAKHTA HO JATI HAIN.....
DARNA NAHI AB MAUT KE AANE SE
CHALTE HI JANA HAI
AAGE HI AAGE..
URTE HI REHNA HAI ASMAN CHHUKE AB DIKHANA HAI
KITNE HI RASTE KITNI HI MANZILE
HUMTO HUMI HAIN
HUMKO TO ASMAN CHHUKE DIKHANA HAI.......
Monday, April 12, 2010
AkASH THE BAND
Akash [THE BAND] is a bunch of dudes that have cued in to music lovers at first base; which now-a-days is quite difficult for newcomers because of the tough bread in the music industry. Akash [THE BAND] is a groovy addition in the list of Pak pop blasts, so first of all I better intro you to the band members. Sam is the lead guitarist and vocalist, Miki is the rhythm guitarist, Fiz is on base guitar, Keny is on drums and Murtaza Niaz is the band manager from Jilawatan Production’s side. The coolest thing about the band is that all of them have totally different musical family backgrounds. Sam is into classical singing and has been riazing his pa de ga ma for the last five years. His Ustads were Pervaiz Paras and Ateem Shaker. He has also played sessions with some hot shot celebs of Pakistan, but he doesn’t want to clue their names. Fiz and Keny belong to a family that loves hard rock and Miki belongs to a swinging family. So, as they say, they have the goods on all types of music and they will groove their listeners with all that jazz. Akash was established in 2003 and they are being geared by Jilawatan Productions since 2006, which is one of the big gun production companies in old mama land. These beegees basically grease the gears of artists who have made the grade, they don’t deal in peanuts. Since then the BAND is working on their debut album Aks, from which they’ve recently orbitted two videos: Aj Phir, which is slow track and Ji Liya, which is a swinger and both of these blasts have got the thumbs up from the groovies. Akash [THE BAND] has recently gigged at M-Live Nights in Karachi which was directed by Wajahat Rauf. Celebs such as Vj Natasha, Vj Faraz Khan, Aaroh band, etc, were also on the scene to catch the beat of Akash. They were all really gone on the live bash of the cool dudes and buzzed that they are the next big blast on the music scene of the Land of the Pure.
Although a new and upcoming rock band, Akash are not entirely novices and have been wowing the Pakistani youth with hit singles including 'Ji Liya' and 'Armaan', edgy music videos and their electrifying live performances nationwide.
The band constitutes 4 members. The front man is Sam, real name. Akash, whom the band is named after and rightly so, not only has he lent his vocals, but produced, composed, penned the lyrics and completed all other audio production for Aks. Other band members are Kenny (Xerick) on drums, Miki (Shaleem) rhythm guitar and Fiz (Faisal) on bass-guitar; however Sam has also had some input in the drumming and guitar side of things too on a number of songs in the album. The busy man laboured over Aks in his own studio where he is also currently working with other upcoming bands and artists. Sam is also preparing Aks for release across the border, where the band has garnered some interest from young Indian fans.
Aks' CD cover has a dark theme reflecting the haunting, gothic sound of the album, not to be fooled though as there is plenty of variety here to keep listeners on their toes with a handful of slow ballads and some happier, upbeat numbers.
The album has a tres generous helping of 19 songs, (including an intro and two remixes) proving to be a real treat, not to mention value for money for Akash fans.
Aks starts with an intro, setting the scene for the songs to follow, a sentimental and dramatic ambience, with Sam's Urdu verses backed by the customary guitar strings and drum percussions.
The hit song 'Ji Liya' kicks off the album, A mega rock anthem, which brought Akash into their own, having them establish their own distinct sound with its gothic charm. It has been firmly slotted in the winning half of the local chart scene in recent weeks, definitely an exciting number with its full on 'head banger' chorus. If 'Ji Liya' is your cup of tea, you will also like 'Hum Azaad Hain', a patriotic tarana with a difference, again a 'haunting' rock number with a strong and captivating melody, although I felt it is let down by poor production which is quite noticeable in this song upon closer listening. Then there's 'Tum Kahan Ho', a reprise of 'Ji Liya', a melancholy, more acoustic 'Ji Liya' that is, which involves lots of raag's. Unfortunately these raags and the high-toned singing doesn't really harmonise well with the backing music, although die-hard 'Ji Liya' fans may beg to differ.
'Piya' is a stand alone song and has a sentimental and edgy rock sound, This song could be imagined as an old romantic ghazal from a 60's Pakistani's movie, sang from the heart by the great Mehdi Hasan, pictured on a hero like the late Muhammad Ali 'pining for his heroine' , but now imagine that fused with a heavy rock sound! We can be happy with the fact that this is Akash's own labour here and certainly not lifted from some old movie and Sam's vocals are really outstanding here.
'Kho Gaya Hoon', is an instant favourite for its infectious sound, seems Akash are paying homage to the classic 90's Paki-pop genre here, so one can say it has a huge dose of comforting familiarity.
Sam is experimenting with his vocals well in 'Kabhi' and 2005's big hit 'Aaj Phir', The latteris a soft and delightful ballad. This number reveals Sam's vocal miscellany, as he dabbles in eastern classical territory, for someone who isn't properly trained in classical music it's quite a pleasant surprise, particular those of us not accustomed to heavy rock sounds.
'Ajnabi', 'Kyun' and 'Na Mil Saka' are experimental fusion sounds. 'Ajnabi' starts with the blissful sound of violins, soon caught up with drum percussions and the chorus is quite catchy, these factors create a song worth appreciating; however one may find a slight inconsistency with Sam's vocals.
'Kyun' starts with a promising intro with the flute followed by heavy Akash signature drums and guitar notes, Sam's back on form with much gusto packed into his vocals.
After the flute and the violins, the Sitar's turn is up next in 'Na Mil Saka'. Fused with an acoustic guitar, makes a nice Eastern surprise in this heavily western influenced album, however it loses its charm gradually from around the first chorus. It has a nice 'show-off' guitar solo in there though to finish the song off, which is impressive enough to win its listeners back.
No modern album is complete without an instrumental thrown in; here we have 'My Last Breath', which can be described as intense with blazing guitar solos and heavy riffs and with a boldly emphasised melody.
'Zindagi' and 'Tanha' (alternative version of Ajnabi) are two unplugged numbers, soft acoustic and melancholic sounds depicting a lovers yearning. Listen out for the violins too!
The happier, upbeat numbers well suited for parties like 'Rock Funda'; a heavy and engaging 'fun' rock ditty complete with English rap, with an impressive composition and for those of you who have seen the lighthearted, funny video for 'Armaan', you will already be familiar with this entertaining, boogey-able number.
'Do Tin Chaar' also is a fun number, a medley which starts with a country and western sound and will have you swept up into a silly mood, complete with it's tongue in cheek lyrics.
Aks comes to a close with the remixes for 'Armaan' and 'Ji Liya', ending the album on an optimistic note, both remixes are loyal to the original songs, but with added thudding bass lines, definitely great for parties, maybe better suited for the young'uns.
I found this album more to be more of a thrilling ride for the younger listeners, or for the ''young at heart'' of course therefore it isn't really recommended for all, it certainly isn't 'easy listening', and at times I felt it lacked an altogether more wholesome sound with slightly less than adequate production quality, however these two factors can be overlooked in contrast to it's freshly baked, hummable melodies, quite distinct in their sound, these songs will play in your head long after you have stopped listening to them, and for the sheer quantity of the songs giving it an added bonus, also noting that the band haven't compromised on creativity, with its many experimental sounds making it an overall excellent effort from a new rock act.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A R RAHMAN
Date of Birth
6 January 1966, Madras (now Chennai), India
Birth Name
A.S. Dileep Kumar
Nickname
The Mozart of Madras
Isai Puyal
Mini Biography
Allah Rakha Rahman was born A.S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1966, in Madras (now Chennai), India, to a musically affluent family. Dileep started learning the piano at the age of 4, and at the age of 9, his father passed away. Since the pressure of supporting his family fell on him, he joined Ilayaraja's troupe as a keyboard player at the age of 11. He dropped out of school as a result of this and traveled all around the world with various orchestras.
He accompanied the great tabla maestro Zakir Hussain on a few world tours and also won a scholarship at the Trinity College of Music at Oxford University, where he studied Western classical music and obtained a degree in music. Due to some personal crisis, Dileep Kumar embraced Islam and came to be known as A.R. Rahman. In 1987, he moved to advertising, where he composed more than 300 jingles over 5 years. In 1989, he started a small studio called Panchathan Record Inn, which later developed into one of the most well-equipped and advanced sound recording studios in India.
At an advertising awards function, Rahman met one of India's most famous directors, Mani Ratnam. Rahman played him a few of his music samples. Mani loved them so much that he asked Rahman to compose the music for his next film, Roja (1992). The rest, as they say, is history. He went on to compose several great hits for Tamil-language films before composing the score and songs for his first Hindi-language film, Rangeela (1995). The enormous success of his first Hindi venture was followed by the chart-topping soundtrack albums of films such as Bumbai (1995) , Dil Se.. (1998), Taal (1999), Zubeidaa (2001), and Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001), which was nominated for best foreign-language film at the 2002 Academy Awards.
More recently, he worked with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Shekhar Kapur (director of Elizabeth (1998)) on a musical called "Bombay Dreams." At 36 years old, A.R. Rahman has revolutionized Indian film music and one can only expect this musical genius to reach greater heights.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Subhash
Trade Mark
His music always has a Southern Indian influence.
Trivia
Studied Western classical music as a student at Oxford University in the UK.
He was nominated for a 2003 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award (The Hilton Award) for Best New Musical of 2002, "Bombay Dreams," performed at the Apollo Theatre, West End, London, and on Broadway in New York City.
On August 15, 1997, he released an album called "Vande Mataram," on Columbia/SME Records, to commemorate 50 years of Indian independence. A tribute to the motherland, it featured songs for each of the Indian flag colors. The album was released simultaneously across the world in 28 countries, and Rahman himself performed in New Delhi to a packed audience including the honorable Indian Prime Minister. Over 1.2 million copies were sold in India alone.
Also known as the John Williams of the Indian Film Industry.
Collaborated on The Lord of The Rings' Stage Musical original score with Finnish folk music group Varttina and Christopher Nightingale.
Personal Quotes
I have rubbed many a producer the wrong way by disturbing the schedule, but it has paid off.
I wasn't too happy with the I-don't-want-to-listen-to-it attitude of our youngsters towards film music. Why can't we get our guys to listen to our own music rather than to Michael Jackson? I didn't want us to lose the market to the West. The music had to be cool and rooted, and yet had to branch out. It was like the wild imagination of a child... but it worked... it did travel beyond Madras and attract people.
About his belief in Sufism: "I'm a deeply spiritual person. Sufism is about love - love for a fellow human, love for all round humanity, and ultimately love for God. For me, it's where music and religion meet - at dargahs, you will find qawwalis. That's my inspiration."
About his song Vande Mataram: "It had to be unlike the one played on the radio for years. I wanted a sound that would connect me with people and capture a collective energy."
I hate the word [Bollywood]. I think it's derivative and it doesn't represent the entire film community in India. There's the eastern film industry, four industries in the south - they all make extraordinary films. It's like saying the whole of the West is Hollywood.
Where Are They Now
(March 2004) The Broadway debut of Bombay Dreams will take place on March 28, 2004 at the Broadway Theatre in New York City.
BON JOVI
The Bon Jovi story began in Sayreville, New Jersey. Where Jon and his brothers Matt and Tony were raised by they parents Carol and John Bongiovi (Jon later changed his name). By his early teens, Jon was hanging out at local clubs, convinced that one day he would be a rock star.
The area's local music scene was rocking then and there, with the music of rising stars Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes leading the pack. "Just like Seattle is hot right now, 20 years ago it was Asbury Park, New Jersey", Jon told writer Rick Petreycik. "That was so close to my backyard, and when you're 13 or 14, or 15 years old, you can't help but hear about it and have it affect you. When you went down to Asbury Park, what was the crummy boardwalk became Americana. What was splintered wood became sacred ground, and you went, 'Ooh, aah'. And those things romanticized the idea, The myth became the legend, and one thing led to another, and I think blind faith is what got me here." That, and a little help from his friends.
By the time he was 16, Jon was playing clubs. It was not long before he hooked up with keyboardist David Bryan (real name: David Brian Rashbaum), who played with him in a ten-piece rhythm and blues band called Atlantic City Expressway. Jon also performed with bands called The Rest, The Lechers and John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones.
Meanwhile, Richie Sambora was also performing locally with a funk and fusion outfit called Extremes, before hooking up with Alec John Such in the band The Message. After The Message broke up, Alec played with Tico Torres in Phantom's Opera.
The members of Bon Jovi hade crossed paths in these early days, but the current lineup didn't come together until March of 1983 after th first Bon Jovi single, "Runaway," had become a minor hit.
In one of those right place/right time/right person scenarios, Jon managed to get a job sweeping floors at a recording studio through a relative. His second cousin, Tony Bongiovi, was a co-owner of the power station in New York City. Jon had written "Runaway," and in 1980, he recorded a demo of the song at his cousin's studio, with back-up by studio musicians whom Tony had hired, including Frankie La Roca, Tim Pierce, Hugh McDonald and Roy Bittan.
A local radio station included "Runaway" on a compilation tape, and the song started getting some serious airplay. The success of "Runaway" got Jon noticed, and he realized that he'd need more than session players if he wanted to capitalize on his success by touring the New York clubs to support the single.
Jon gave Dave a call, who in turn tapped Alec and Tico. A succession of guitarists (including Dave "The Snake" Sabo, who went on to form Skid Row) followed, until finally Richie signed on, and the band came together as a whole. They began gigging around New York in earnest.
At one show, where they opened for Scandal, the band caught the attention of record exec Derek Shulman, who signed them to PolyGram. "With Jon, I felt he had an unbelievable desire to be a star", recalls Shulman. "he had a burning desire to be huge".
PolyGram toyed with the name, throwing out monikers like "Victor" then "Johnny Lightening", before Shulman anglicized John Bongiovi's name to Bon Jovi.
Their self-titled debut came out January 21, 1984. Filled with the group's now-signature power ballads and hooked-filled tunes underscored by soaring guitar riffs and well-crafted melodies, the album went gold (sales of over 500,000).
The album was a rugged soulful collection of songs about how tough it is being a teenager. Buoeyed by the renewed sucess of "Runaway", and backed by the follow-up single "She Don't Know Me".
Bon Jovi releasead their follow-up album, 7800 Farenheit, in April 1985 wich included the hit singles "Only Lonely" and "Silent Night", it sold equally to its predecesor.
Tours opening for the Scorpions, Kiss and Judas Priest had helped Bon jovi build up a considerable fan base which appreciated the band's anthemic songs and powerful stage presence. Clearly, Bon Jovi was poised on the edge of greatness.
Slippery When Wet, the band's third album, provided the break-trough. Powered by songs like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive", the LP went gold and platinum simultaneously within six weeks of its six weeks of its release. By April of 1987, Slippery When Wet had sold seven million copies.
The world ate and slept Bon Jovi, they won the American Music Award and People's Choice Awards as Band Of The Year, MTV gave Bon Jovi a Best Performance Award for the video "Livin' on a Prayer".
Jon was asked what all this astronomical success meant, to which he answered, "Everything is bigger, and it moves twice as fast. You're recognized twice as often. This is bigger, the whole world gets bigger. You have to sell more records, be huger. You get smarter and you understand the business a little more, so it's more responsability. You understand it now, and you want to make sure everything goes right".
Instead of traveling by bus, Bon Jovi went from gig to gig in a luxuriously converted Grumman G-I jet. By the time the Slippery Tour finished in Hawaii on October 17, 1987, the album had sold in excess of 14 million copies, putting it in the same league af astronomical successes as Thriller by Michael Jackson.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
RoXeN
ROXEN was formed by Mustafa Zahid (Musti) and Jawad Muhammad (Jodi) a year back. Musti was a solo performer at that time. He asked an organizer which was also his friend for a guitarist to accompany him on the journey of music. Name of the band was suggested by Kashaan a friend of Musti. Roxen is derived from the word “Roxen-e-Deewar” which means a light inlet in the prison. Then they met Omar by the reference of Haider (Musti`s friend). Omar is brother of Haider. They first video “Yaadein” is out which is directed by Xulfi.jpg)
BAND MEMBERS/ARTIST
Mustafa Zahid (Musti) – Vocals
Jawad Muhammad (Jodi) – Lead Guitars
Omar Farooq - Bass
Kenny (Drums)
.
Roxen, currently signed with an Indian audio label, had lined up the release of their debut album in India on December 15. It is said that the album features the original rock version of the successful ‘Tera Mera Rishta Purana‘ track from Mukesh Bhatt’s 2007 release, Awarapan.
The band was scheduled to fly to Mumbai for the promotion of the release and concurrently work on some film assignments that they have reportedly signed up.
The band’s lead vocalist, Mustafa Zahid (‘Tera Mera Rishta‘ / ‘To Phir Aao‘), revealed, “It’s not the right time for us to release an album knowing what India has gone through. I would love to take my band across cities in India to do a Peace show and involve members of the film and music community from India with whom I have worked with in the past but that seems difficult at the moment. Therefore, we have delayed the release of the album in India and Pakistan and will announce a re-scheduled date very soon.”
He added, “I would like to add that it’s not the nations that hate each other but certain political faces and agencies. Terrorists have no religion and it’s sad for them to think that jannat is a result of jihad.” On a lighter note, he added, “Time is the best healer. Everything will be fine, as both the countries have a purana rishta with each other!”
.jpg)
BAND MEMBERS/ARTIST
Mustafa Zahid (Musti) – Vocals
Jawad Muhammad (Jodi) – Lead Guitars
Omar Farooq - Bass
Kenny (Drums)
.
Roxen, currently signed with an Indian audio label, had lined up the release of their debut album in India on December 15. It is said that the album features the original rock version of the successful ‘Tera Mera Rishta Purana‘ track from Mukesh Bhatt’s 2007 release, Awarapan.
The band was scheduled to fly to Mumbai for the promotion of the release and concurrently work on some film assignments that they have reportedly signed up.
The band’s lead vocalist, Mustafa Zahid (‘Tera Mera Rishta‘ / ‘To Phir Aao‘), revealed, “It’s not the right time for us to release an album knowing what India has gone through. I would love to take my band across cities in India to do a Peace show and involve members of the film and music community from India with whom I have worked with in the past but that seems difficult at the moment. Therefore, we have delayed the release of the album in India and Pakistan and will announce a re-scheduled date very soon.”
He added, “I would like to add that it’s not the nations that hate each other but certain political faces and agencies. Terrorists have no religion and it’s sad for them to think that jannat is a result of jihad.” On a lighter note, he added, “Time is the best healer. Everything will be fine, as both the countries have a purana rishta with each other!”
NICKELBACK
Few bands did more than Nickelback to establish the force of slick, commercially minded post-grunge in the 2000s. Led by vocalist Chad Kroeger, the band initially emerged in the late '90s as Canada's answer to Creed, prizing a blend of gruff vocals and distorted (yet radio-friendly) guitars. After a handful of singles failed to gain much traction in Canada, "How You Remind Me" caught hold in 2001, eventually topping the charts in several countries while gathering four Grammy nominations and four Juno Awards. Creed imploded several years later, but Nickelback's popularity only grew as the decade progressed, effectively eclipsing those acts that had once informed the band's sound. Chad Kroeger honed his frontman skills by performing with cover bands in Hanna, a small Canadian town 215 kilometers northeast of Calgary. After growing tired of playing other people's songs, he borrowed money from his stepfather and relocated to Vancouver, where he recorded his first batch of original material. Mike Kroeger, Chad's bass-playing sibling, decided to join his brother's band, as did fellow Vancouver transplants Ryan Peake (a guitarist who had befriended the Kroegers in middle school) and Ryan Vikedal (a drummer from Peake's hometown of Brooks, Alberta). Nickelback officially took shape in 1996 and quickly set to work, releasing two albums -- the Hesher EP and full-length album, Curb -- before the year was up. By 1998, the bandmates were managing themselves; Chad courted radio stations, brother Mike Kroeger handled distribution, Ryan Vikedal booked shows, and Peake maintained the band's website. January 2000 saw the arrival of The State, Nickelback's second independent release. Issued at a time in which Canadian content requirements were increased (and, accordingly, local radio stations had begun to desperately seek out homegrown product), the album fared very well on indie charts. Nickelback toured ceaselessly in support of The State, logging approximately 200 shows while playing alongside other groups of the burgeoning post-grunge genre. Nickelback's commercial appeal wasn't lost on the record industry, either, and The State's distribution rights were quickly snapped up by Roadrunner Records in the U.S. and EMI in Canada. As the band continued to tour, Chad Kroeger kept writing new songs, many of which were honed in front of live audiences. Much of that material found its way onto Silver Side Up, which was produced by Rick Parashar (who came to prominence in the early '90s by helming Pearl Jam's Ten, Alice in Chains' Sap, and Blind Melon's self-titled debut) and recorded at Green House, the same Vancouver studio used during The State's creation. The combination of Nickelback's growing popularity and Kroeger's focused songwriting propelled Silver Side Up onto album charts across the world, spearheaded by the hit single "How You Remind Me." Kroeger capitalized on that exposure by producing another Vancouver-based band, Default, and collaborating with Saliva's Josey Scott for the Spiderman soundtrack. The Long Road then arrived in 2003, featuring an increasingly polished sound and another high-charting single, "Someday." While some listeners criticized the apparent similarities between "Someday" and "How You Remind Me," The Long Road had little trouble maintaining Nickelback's wide audience, eventually selling over five million copies worldwide. In February 2005, Nickelback announced the departure of Ryan Vikedal. He was soon replaced by 3 Doors Down's former drummer, Daniel Adair, and Nickelback returned to Kroeger's studio in Vancouver to begin work on another album. ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Pantera's Dimebag Darrell (who unfortunately died before the album's release) were guests on the chart-topping All the Right Reasons, which arrived in October 2005. The album proved to be Nickelback's most popular effort to date, remaining in the Billboard Top 30 for over two years and selling over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone. It also spawned five Top 20 singles, a feat that attracted the attention of veteran producer (and demonstrated hit-maker) Mutt Lange. Nickelback traveled to Lange's home in Switzerland to share songwriting ideas; impressed with the results, they also enlisted him to helm their next album. Recorded in a converted Vancouver barn, Dark Horse marked the band's sixth studio album upon its release in November 2008.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
BACKSTREETS bOyS
The Backstreet Boys were, in many ways, a contradictory band. Comprised entirely of white middle-class Americans, the group sang a hybrid of new jack balladry, hip-hop, R&B, and dance club pop that originally found its greatest success in Canada and Europe, with their 1996 debut album charting in the Top Ten in nearly every country on the Continent. Ironically, success in their native land did not follow until nearly two years later, when teen pop enjoyed a commercial explosion in America. Along with such artists as *NSYNC and Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys rose to the forefront of popular music during the turn of the 21st century, with albums like Backstreet's Back, Millennium, and Black & Blue enjoying worldwide success.
The core of the Backstreet Boys was comprised of cousins Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell, both of whom hailed from Lexington, KY. The two began singing in local church choirs and festivals while they were children, performing doo wop and R&B songs in the style of Boyz II Men. Two of the group's other members, Howie Dorough and A.J. McLean, were natives of Orlando, FL, who met each other -- as well as transplanted New Yorker Nick Carter -- through auditions for local commercials, theater, and television. At one audition, the three discovered that they shared an affection for classic soul and could harmonize well together. Inspired, they formed a vocal trio. Shortly thereafter, Richardson moved to Orlando, where he became a tour guide at Disney World and concentrated on music at night. Eventually, he met Dorough, Carter, and McLean through a co-worker, and the four decided to form a group, naming themselves after an Orlando flea market. Littrell was later invited to join, thus turning the group into a quintet.
With the help of Louis J. Pearlman (who would later rise to mogul status on the strength of his teen pop acts), the Backstreet Boys secured management from Donna and Johnny Wright, the latter of whom had managed New Kids on the Block during the 1980s. The Wrights put the group out on the road and enlisted several A&R reps to attend the performances, which eventually resulted in a contract with Jive Records in 1994. Jive set the Backstreet Boys up with producers Veit Renn and Tim Allen, who helped shape the group's eponymous album. Released throughout Europe in late 1995, the record enjoyed considerable success, spending several weeks in the Top Ten in most Continental countries where it charted. In the U.K., the Backstreet Boys were named Best Newcomers of 1995 at the Smash Hits Awards thanks to their international hit single "We've Got It Goin' On." After scoring another European hit with "I'll Never Break Your Heart," the group released its album in Canada. Despite the Backstreet Boys' popularity in Europe and Canada, "We've Got It Goin' On" stalled in the lower reaches of the U.S. charts in 1995.
Combining their international singles with new tracks (which also formed the centerpiece of that year's European-only album Backstreet's Back), the American version of Backstreet Boys finally jump-started the group's success at home. "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)" and "As Long as You Love Me" proved to be popular singles, with the former track climbing to platinum status. The album continued to spin off hits well into 1999, with "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," "I'll Never Break Your Heart," and "All I Have to Give" all landing on the charts. Both the former and the latter were platinum Top Five hits, and the album eventually sold an astounding 14 million copies in America alone.
In the meantime, the group saw its share of turmoil as Littrell underwent surgery in early 1998 to correct a congenital heart defect. Additionally, the Boys became embroiled in lawsuits against Pearlman and the rest of their management over royalties. When the dust settled, Pearlman remained the group's manager -- though the rest of the team was fired -- and the Boys began work on their follow-up album. Millennium was released in the summer of 1999 and debuted at number one, with first-week sales topping one million copies. Buoyed by songs like "I Want It That Way," "Larger Than Life," "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," and "The One", Millennium shattered a number of records, including the highest amount of shipments in one year and the most copies sold during an album's inaugural week. The group released its Christmas Album before the end of the year, by which time Millennium was well on its way to sales of 12 million copies in the U.S. On an international level, the album eventually sold more than 40 million units.
Once again, the group struck immediately after its previous album stopped producing hits, issuing Black & Blue in fall 2000. More Top 40 singles followed, including "The Call" and "Shape of My Heart", and Black & Blue followed its predecessor by selling over one million copies during its first week. A popular tour supported the album, but after seven years of nonstop touring and recording, the band agreed it was time for a break. Brian Littrell became a father while Kevin Richardson tried his hand at Broadway and took a starring role in the musical Chicago. Nick Carter released his solo album Now or Never in 2002, Howie Dorough did charity work for the Dorough Lupus Foundation in honor of the sister he had lost to the disease, and A.J. McLean made headlines with his stint in rehab.
In 2004, the Backstreet Boys re-formed and began work on a new album. The result, Never Gone, was released in June 2005 to platinum sales, followed by Unbreakable in 2007. The latter was the first album not to feature all five original members, as -----------Kevin Richardson had quietly exited the group in 2006----------. It was also the group's first album not to go platinum, a fact that seemingly cemented the end of the Backstreet Boys' heyday. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide-the laytest part
justin bieber
Justin Bieber Fans are TOO much to handle..
An old soul is the last thing you would expect to find inside Justin Bieber. But all it takes is one listen to the 15 year-old soul-singing phenomenon to realize that he is light years ahead of his manufactured pop peers.
After posting dozens of homemade videos on YouTube in 2007, where the multi-talented Bieber put his impeccable spin on songs from artists like Usher, Ne-Yo and Stevie Wonder, Justin racked up over 10,000,000 views purely from word of mouth.
"I started singing about three years ago," says the Canadian native who grew up an only child in Stratford, Ontario. "I entered a local singing competition called Stratford Idol. The other people in the competition had been taking singing lessons and had vocal coaches. I wasn't taking it too seriously at the time, I would just sing around the house. I was only 12 and I got second place."
In an effort to share his victory with his loved ones, Justin began posting his performance footage online. "I put my singing videos from the competition on YouTube so that my friends and family could watch them," he says. "But it turned out that other people liked them and they started subscribing to them. That's how my manager found me. He saw me on YouTube and contacted my family and now I'm signed!"
Seven months after Justin started posting his videos online, former So So Def marketing executive Scooter Braun flew the then 13-year old singer to Atlanta, GA to meet with his elite colleagues. As if Justin's natural singing talent wasn't enough to impress Scooter's inner circle, Braun knew Bieber was also a self-taught musician who plays the drums, guitar, piano and trumpet.
"Right when we flew into Atlanta, Scooter drove us to the studio and Usher was there in the parking lot," remembers Bieber. "That was my first time ever being out of Canada so I went up to him and was like, ‘Hey Usher, I love your songs, do you want me to sing you one?' He was like, ‘No little buddy, just come inside, it's cold out.'"
All it took was a short time online for Usher to realize he was in the company of a future superstar. "A week later Usher flew me back to Atlanta," says Bieber. "I sang for him and his people and he really wanted to sign me then and there but I still had a meeting with Justin Timberlake who also wanted to sign me. It turned out Usher's deal was way better. He had L.A. Reid backing him up and Scooter had a lot of really good connections in Atlanta. I always tease Usher now and remind him he how he blew me off the first time we met."
In October of 2008, Justin Bieber officially signed to Island Records. His debut album, My World is an intimate look into the mind of a budding young renaissance man. With production from star hit men like The Dream and Tricky Stewart who produced "Umbrella" for Rihanna and Beyonce's latest smash, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Justin has everything he needs to achieve pop supremacy.
His first single, "One Time" produced by Tricky, is about one of Justin's favorite topics, puppy love. Usher joins Justin on "First Dance" where the two share verses on a song that Bieber describes as, "A slow groovy song that people can dance to." On the Midi-Mafia produced "Down to Earth" Justin digs deep to talk about growing up. "Bigger" finds the teenaged singer maturing at a steady rate, while motivating his listeners to strive for their goals.
"I'm looking forward to influencing others in a positive way," says Justin. "My message is you can do anything if you just put your mind to it. I grew up below the poverty line; I didn't have as much as other people did. I think it made me stronger as a person it built my character. Now I have a 4.0 grade point average and I want to go to college and just become a better person."
A virtually untapped well of natural artistic talent, Justin Bieber is primed to be a solid force in music for many years to come. "I think older people can appreciate my music because I really show my heart when I sing, and it's not corny," he says. "I think I can grow as an artist and my fans will grow with me." And just think, he's just getting started.
JAL the BAND
Jal is a Pakistani band that has done a brilliant job composing music that is contemporary without losing out on traditional influences. Their songs are as popular in India as they are in Pakistan.
Jal
In 2002, Goher Mumtaz and Atif Aslam got together to work on their first song, Aadat. Aamir joined them as a bass guitarist. The song was an instant hit. It commanded the attention of the music industry in both Pakistan and India. Umer Anwar directed the video which was voted fourth best video in 2003 by ARY The Muzik.
However Goher and Atif had some differences and Atif decided to step out of the band to make it on his own.
Jal Once Again
The current members of the band are Farhan Saeed on vocals, Goher Mumtaz is the lead guitarist and Aamir Sheraz is the bass guitarist.
Their first single was Aadat (2004) and five songs from their album were on the Top 40 songs in Pakistan. Aadat also made its way into a Bollywood movie, Kalyug.
Around the same time, Atif Aslam released Jal Pari which featured few of the songs he had composed with Goher. This created a legal hassle as to who owned the rights of the songs.
Their second album was Boondh (2007), which was mostly pop and soft rock. They performed in concerts across Pakistan and India soon after its release.
Awards
Jal enjoys the status as one of the most popular bands in Pakistan and have won numerous awards.
Some of the awards they have won are:
* MTV Asia Awards 2006
* Indus Music Award for Best Rock Band in Pakistan
* MTV Asia Awards’ Best Ballad Song Award in 2008 for “More Piya”
ALAG the BAND
ALAG (different, unique)
How did the ***ALAG*** phenomenon begin?
In the year 2006 Muddassir Khan the ryhem guitarist of the band who had some good songs, lyrics and compositions, thought of forming a musical band and he came up with the name ALAG, he was searching for professional band members who can work with him, and after sometime he met a guy named Farhan Azmat in a random jam. Before that Farhan was practicing with his own band with the name AMD, Mudassir felt that Farhan is the right guy which he is looking for, so he offered Farhan to join with him on the vocals and to form a band which they both had ambitions for. Farhan accepted his offer and Alag was formed.
Inspired from bands like Metallica, Evanescence and Linkin park , Muddassir and Farhan wanted to bring a change in the present musical scene of Pakistan,After completing the first track Muddassir offered a Dj named Umair a.k.a AJ, who was his net friend, to make a remix version of their debut track ALAG. He has already made many remixes for underground bands like IRTAASH, KAFFAS, MAX PROJECT and many others. Muddassir really loved the work and wanted him to become a part of the ALAG team.The band Alag admired his work. He accepted the proposal to join ALAG as the DJ of the band.
As soon as they started working together, Recording of thier tracks was needed, and for that purpose they went to many studios and recorded thier music but they were never satisfied with the quality that they were being given as per the quality that they wanted, So after going through many studios they learnt that they should record thier own stuff by themselves.Atlast they came up with the quality of the music that the band wanted.
Members:
Farhan: Lead vocalist / Rythem Guitarist
Muddassir Khan:lead Rythem Guitarist /
backing vocals /
Music Composer+ Recordist
Hassan: Drummer
AJ-DJ a.k.a Umair:
DJ & sequencer
Genre:Metal
Hometown:Islamabad
ALAG THE BAND ( LIVE )
13 FEB Saturday 2010 Grand Music Night
8:00 Pm to Onwards
Host Of Night: DJ Sofia (Fm100) / Ameer Hamza
For Tickets
0331-4506977
051-4337795
( CAZ / FM100 / CDA )
Sab Se Alag Official Video is OnAir on PlayTv, Aag, Mtv Pakistan, Oxygen,
ALAG going to rock your TV screens very soon with their debut video 'Sab Se Alag'
Directed & Editing by Muddassir Khan
We are glad to launch our official blog ( Click here to Visit )
KAISAY BHOOLON Released Download NOW!
Next song KAISAY BHOOLON Coming Soon
ALAG the band WON!!! Battle of the band Rock Fiesta 2008! RunnerUp over All
Rock Fiesta 2008 !
Location : (PNCA) Pakistan National Council of Arts, F-5/1 Islamabad.
Day/Time : 3rd February, 3:00 PM.
ALAG released the audio of ' (Sab Se Alag Remix)
J4JumpY Official Media partner! with "Alag The Band"
Sab Se Alag on-air on FM redio
mobile ringtones are now available Download now!
LINKIN PARK
Although rooted in alternative metal, Linkin Park became one of the most successful acts of the early 2000s by welcoming elements of hip-hop, modern rock, and atmospheric electronica into their music. The band's rise was indebted to the aggressive rap-rock movement made popular by the likes of Korn and Limp Bizkit, a movement that paired grunge's alienation with a bold, buzzing soundtrack. Linkin Park added a unique spin to that formula, however, focusing as much on the vocal interplay between singer Chester Bennington and rapper Mike Shinoda as the band's muscled instrumentation, which layered DJ effects atop heavy, processed guitars. While the group's sales never eclipsed those of its tremendously successful debut, Hybrid Theory, few alt-metal bands rivaled Linkin Park during the band's heyday. Drummer Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, and MC/vocalist Mike Shinoda attended high school in Southern California, where they formed the rap-rock band Xero in 1996. Bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, singer Mark Wakefield, and DJ/art student Joseph Hahn joined soon after, and the band courted various labels while playing hometown shows in Los Angeles. Few companies expressed interest in Xero's self-titled demo tape, however, prompting Wakefield to leave the lineup (he would later resurface as the manager for Taproot). Hybrid Theory became the band's temporary moniker in 1998 as replacement singer Chester Bennington climbed aboard, and the revised band soon settled on a final name: Linkin Park, a misspelled reference to Lincoln Park in Santa Monica. With Bennington and Shinoda sharing vocal duties, the musicians now wielded enough power to distinguish themselves from the wave of nu-metal outfits that had appeared during the decade's latter half. Warner Bros. vice president Jeff Blue took note and signed Linkin Park in 1999, sending the band into the studio with Don Gilmore shortly thereafter. Linkin Park titled their debut album Hybrid Theory, a tribute to the band's past, and released the record during the fall of 2000. "Crawling" and "In the End" were massive radio hits; the latter song even topped the U.S. Modern Rock chart while peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, an example of the band's crossover appeal. Linkin Park joined the Family Values Tour and also played shows with Cypress Hill, leading the group to log over 320 shows in 2001 alone. Come January 2002, Hybrid Theory had received three Grammy nominations and sold over seven million copies. (Sales later topped ten million, earning the album "diamond status" and making Hybrid Theory one of the most successful debuts ever.) Despite their meteoric rise, however, Linkin Park spent the remainder of the year holed up in the recording studio, again working with producer Don Gilmore on a follow-up album. Meanwhile, the timely summer release of Reanimation helped appease the band's eager audience, offering remixed versions of Hybrid Theory's tracks. A proper sophomore effort, Meteora, arrived in March 2003, featuring a heavier sound and stronger elements of rap-rock. Although the record spawned several modern rock hits, songs such as "Numb," "Somewhere I Belong," and "Breaking the Habit" furthered the band's crossover appeal by simultaneously charting on the Hot 100. Linkin Park once again supported the album with ample touring, including performances with the second annual Projekt Revolution Tour (the band's own traveling festival, which originally launched in 2002) and additional shows with the likes of Metallica and Limp Bizkit. Live in Texas was released to document the band's strength as a touring act, and the bandmates tackled various personal projects before beginning work on a second remix project. Released in 2004, Collision Course found the band collaborating with king-of-the-mountain rapper Jay-Z, resulting in a number of mashups that sampled from both artists' catalogs. Collision Course topped the charts upon its release, the first EP to do so since Alice in Chains' Jar of Flies, and Jay-Z furthered his association with the band by asking co-founder Mike Shinoda to explore the possibility of a solo hip-hop project. He did, dubbing the project Fort Minor and releasing The Rising Tied in 2005 with Jay-Z as executive producer. Linkin Park then reconvened in 2006 to begin work on a third studio album, which saw Shinoda sharing production credits with Rick Rubin. The resulting Minutes to Midnight arrived in 2007, debuting at number one in several countries and spawning the Top Ten single "What I've Done." Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
AVRIL LAVIGNE
Date of Birth
27 September 1984, Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Birth Name
Avril Ramona Lavigne
Nickname
Avie
Av
Height
5' 3" (1.60 m)
Mini Biography
Avril Lavigne was born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada on September 27, 1984. At 16, she moved to Manhattan and began work on her debut album. She dropped out of high school after the 11th grade when she secured a record deal. When Avril was almost 18, she released "Complicated" from her debut album titled: "Let Go," which went 6x platinum. As a petite skater girl from a small town, Avril has shown she is independent, full of confidence and determination, providing a good combination to make "Complicated" and Avril a musical breakthrough. "Complicated" went to number #1 on Billboards Top 100 while also earning her 5 Grammy nominations, MTV music awards, MTV European music awards and many more.
Trade Mark
Bitter lyrics.
Heavy black eyeliner and eyeshadow
Her pink streak
Trivia
One of her songs, "Losing Grip", is about an ex-boyfriend.
Won the 'New Artist in a Video' award for her song 'Complicated' at the 2002 VMA.
Parents are Judy & John Lavigne, French-Canadians.
Her first video, "Complicated", cost over $1 million.
Her younger sister, Michelle Lavigne, appeared in her "SK8R BOI" video.
She has a younger sister, Michelle Lavigne, and an older brother, Matthew E. Levine.
Was orginally pursuing a career in country and folk music, but transitioned into "punk-rock" because of its more lucrative possbilities.
Received 5 Grammy nominations, including 1 for best new artist (2003).
Debut album 'Let Go' is 6x platinum.
Dropped out of high school after the 11th grade when she secured a record deal.
Won 3 MTV Asia Awards for favorite female artist, favorite breakthrough artist & style (2003).
Has been nominated for 6 Juno Awards (2003).
Her CD, "Let Go", was the third best selling album of 2002.
Won four Juno Awards: Single of the Year ("Complicated"), Album of the Year ("Let Go"), New Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year.
Announced that her song 'Sk8er Boi' will be turned into a movie.
Her second album is titled "Under My Skin," which has gone 2x platinum.
Has a pizza named after her at a restaurant in her home town, Napanee, Ontario.
381,000 copies were sold of her second album "Under My Skin", making it her 2nd #1 album. According to Nielsen SoundScan, it ended the #1 spot eight- week reign of Usher's "Confessions" album. "Under My Skin" album is also #1 in the UK.
Favorite pizza topping is olives.
The song "Slipped Away" on her second album is about the death of her grandfather.
Wrote the song "Breakaway" which was sung by Kelly Clarkson.
Is the second child out of three in her family.
Is good friends with Pink,Vanessa Carlton, and Fefe Dobson.
Nominated for 3 Grammys: Song Of The Year ("I'm With You"), Best Female Pop Vocal Performance ("I'm With You") & Best Female Rock Vocal Performance ("Losing Grip") (2004).
Avril taught herself the guitar at the age of 12.
Won Favorite Female Singer at the 18th Annual Kid's Choice Awards [April 2005].
2005: Won 3 Juno Awards; Fan Choice Award, Artist of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year ("Under My Skin").
Voted #1 in Teen People's Top Hottest 21 Under 21 List [April 30th - May 1st 2005].
She was kind enough to donate many items to Rocky Stone to be given to less fortunate kids as part of the Toy Mountain Campaign 2004.
Decided to perform in Dublin, Ireland the same day her grandfather died. After receiving the news, she knew he would have wanted her to continue on. Although all but breaking down on stage, she continued to perform in his memory.
Became engaged to Deryck Whibley on June 25, 2005.
Writes all of her own songs about her own personal experiences.
Named #36 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2005 list.
Married Sum 41 lead singer Deryck Whibley on July 15th 2006 in an outdoor, non-denominational ceremony at a private estate in Montecito, California. She wore a Vera Wang gown and held a bouquet of white roses. Their first dance was "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls.
The menu plate on her wedding reception read "Avril Whibley", implying that she has assumed husband Deryck Whibley's last name in her private life.
Favorite actor is Tobey Maguire and favorite actress is Sandra Bullock.
Natural hair color is brown.
Owns over a 100 pairs of Converse sneakers.
Ranked #15 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list.
Ranked #24 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2008 list.
Personal Quotes
"I liked being a minor because you can't get into trouble. Now I just have to try and behave myself."
"I might look like a tough chick - and I am - but I'm also a hopeless romantic inside."
"Why should I care what other people think of me? I am who I am. And who I wanna be."
"I'd like to be a little more hard-rocking on my next album. But I hate the whole label thing."
People ask me if I regret wasting my last teen years on becoming a singer. You know something? I don't. Because singing is my life. When and if you want something so badly you'll see. I mean, I'm just so blessed to be doing what I love to do and to have been given this opportunity. I thank God because there are so many more talented people out there that will never even come close to getting a record deal.
"To understand me, you have to meet me and be around me. And then only if I'm in a good mood - don't meet me in a bad mood."
"My mom wouldn't let me sing 'Strawberry Wine' because it had 'wine' in it."
"When I was 2 my mom said she knew I was going to be a singer. I've been performing ever since I was a young kid. So I've known I wanted to do this for awhile. I always knew in my heart that I'd be singing."
"I'm just coming out and I'm going to clearly be myself - I write what I feel, I never worry what others think."
I can write a song a day.
"My dream was always to hop up on stage in front of my fans every night and perform."
"Actually, I know for a fact there are some young female artists who don't even sing on their own records and who don't sing live. And that is pathetic." (about lipsynching)
Where Are They Now
(February 2004) Released "Don't Tell Me" from her second album.
(July 2004) Released "My Happy Ending" from her second album.
(October 2004) Released "Nobody's Home" from her second album.
(March 2005) Released the single "He Wasn't" from her 2nd album.
(April 2005) On her "Bonez" tour in Australia and Asia.
(April 2005) Released "Fall to Pieces" from her album "Under My Skin".
(October 2005) Planning her upcoming marriage to Deryck Whibley.
(November 2005) Santa Monica, California.
(March 2007) Released "Girlfriend", her 1st single from her 3rd album, "The Best Damn Thing".
(2009) Appeared in a commercial for "Proactiv" acne skin care.
(February 2009) Released music video "Alice" for Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland."
BLUES.......[one love]
Blue have proven to be the success story of 2001.
Their debut single "All Rise" entered the UK chart at No. 4, becoming a major radio hit and staying in the top ten for five weeks. Their second single "Too Close" went on to be an even bigger hit, crashing into the chart at No. 1 at the beginning of September. Both singles have gone silver, selling in excess of 200,000 copies. This November they release a third single, a beautiful pop/r'n'b classic entitled "If You Come Back", followed by their long awaited debut album "All Rise".
Blue comprises of London based lads Duncan James (22), Antony Costa (20), Lee Ryan (18) and Simon Webbe (22). The boys got together early last year when Duncan and Antony decided to form a vocal group, enlisting Lee (whom they had seen on the audition circuit and regarded as the best singer around) and his flatmate Simon to make up the numbers. Vocally, the four soon realised they had something special going on, and both management and a deal with Virgin's Innocent Records quickly followed.
Their debut album "All Rise" is a confident collection of classic r'n'b tunes that is sure to cement their position as the hottest new act to emerge from the UK in 2001.
The album was recorded in the UK and Norway with a variety of top producers including the inimitable Stargate and Ray Ruffin (son of Motown legend Jimmy Ruffin). The album showcases the boy's amazingly mature vocal delivery. Tracks range from the infectious and hook laden swing of "All Rise", "Fly By" and "This Temptation", to the heartfelt smooth grooves of "Long Time" and "Best In Me".
Duncan says: "This has been a crazy and exciting year for Blue and we're totally blown away by the success we've had so far. We've worked really hard to produce an album that we are all proud of. All we want to do is perform decent songs with tough grooves and soulful vocals."
Individual Biographies
Duncan 'Dunk' James
Duncan was born on 7th April 1979 and lived in Dorset with his mother until he was thirteen, when they relocated to Sidmouth in South Devon. After studying drama for 'A' Level, Duncan realised he 'had a voice' and took his newly discovered singing talents to holiday resorts where he performed with a spate of embryonic bands, which he says were 'perfect for cutting your teeth on but no more than that!' Thankfully, Duncan left the world of 'average' bands when he met fellow Blue member Antony.
Antony Costa
Born on 23rd June 1981 and brought up in Middlesex and North London respectively, Antony had a very impressive CV (for a nineteen year old) before he joined Blue. He previously had roles in Grange Hill and The Bill ('for some reason I always seem to play the parts of cheeky little thugs!') and played the lead in the hit BBC sitcom Chalk. Although Antony had a natural singing voice, he had never deemed it a serious career option until he met Duncan.
Lee Ryan
Lee, the youngster of the band was born on 17th June 1983 and is a South East London boy. Brought up in Blackheath, he studied at drama school, but hated his teachers, 'They're always trying to steer you towards West End musicals - and the last thing I wanna do is some cheesy big band number!' Having decided this, Lee began to attend auditions and after bit parts in Holby City, met Duncan and the others.
Simon Solo Webbe
Simon, the oldest of the band, was born on 30th March 1979 in Manchester. For years, Simon had his heart set on being a professional footballer and was signed to Port Vale, before being poached by Stoke City. This was after he'd been approached by Derby County, Birmingham City, Liverpool and Shrewsbury Town. Musically, Simon had occasionally rapped with Birmingham-based hip hop group 'Criminal Damage', before he eventually decided to quit the football industry and move down to London to join Blue.
metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band of the 1980s, 1990s and the 2000s.
Formation and early work
Metallica was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981 by drummer and former tennis protege Lars Ulrich, and guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, who met after each had separately placed classified advertisements in the American publication The Recycler. The band got their name when drummer Lars Ulrich was helping a friend to pick out a name for the magazine he was planning to use to promote Thrash metal and the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) bands. Ulrich's friend came up with a suggestion: "Metallica." Lars quickly suggested another and decided to use that name for the band he and James Hetfield had just started.
The band's first demo, "No Life Till Leather", featured Lloyd Grant on guitar; Grant was soon replaced by Dave Mustaine, the guitarist and singer who later went on to form Megadeth. Guitarist Jef Warner and Bassist Ron McGovney were brief members, and Mustaine soon departed due to personal tensions with the other members. Bassist Cliff Burton was the next to join, and would remain a member until his untimely death in 1986. Mustaine was replaced by guitarist Kirk Hammett, who first performed in concert with Metallica in 1983.
The group relocated to San Francisco and eventually built a healthy local following via word-of-mouth and live performance bootlegs which, somewhat ironically in light of later events, were encouraged by the band. After traveling to New York in 1983 at the urging of local promoters Jon and Marsha Zazula, the band signed with the Zazula's brand new label, MegaForce Records, and who would release their first two albums. The first album, Kill Em All set the template that they would follow throughout the 1980s, strongly featuring the heavy vocals and rhythm guitar of James Hetfield. The next, Ride The Lightning expanded and improved their form with longer songs featuring both instrumental pyrotechnics and lyrics which rose above some of the more puerile songs on Kill 'Em All. Perhaps the most significant feature of Ride the Lightning was the inclusion of "Fade to Black," a slower, more interior song that mused on the thoughts of someone contemplating suicide. Indeed "Fade to Black" is the first such song in a tradition of these kinds of songs that would come to include "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" and the band's first single to receive a video, "One." The inclusion of these songs distinguished Metallica from other speed metal bands such as Anthrax, Slayer, and Megadeth.
Metallica's formation was seen by some fans as a direct reaction to the prevalent rock and roll music of the early 1980s. Inspired by bands such as Diamond Head and Saxon, the so-called New Wave of British Heavy Metal, as well as hardcore punk like the Misfits and Discharge, Metallica were single-minded in their desire to break the grip of soft metal on heavy metal fans.
Popular success
Signing to a major label Elektra Records in 1986, Metallica went on to produce another album, Master Of Puppets, regarded by some of their fans as their best work. The same year the band's bassist Cliff Burton perished in a coach-accident during a tour. The band eventually found a new bassist in Jason Newsted. As a preliminary effort with their new bassist, Metallica produced in 1987 The $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited. This album continued the band's interest in recording obscure songs by relatively obscure (to American audiences) British metal and hardcore bands. In 1988 they recorded ...And Justice For All, an album full of some of the band's most structurally complex music. Critics regarded ...And Justice For All as a milestone in the history of metal, noting its intense focus on topics related to personal control and independence. Importantly, many writers also celebrated this album (and, by extension, Metallica itself) for the way it appeared to divorce hard rock from the blues in ways bands such as Mötley Crüe or Poison resisted.
In 1990, their self-titled album, Metallica (popularly known as "The Black Album") broadened the band's horizon again. Although still heavy metal, the record was co-produced with Bob Rock to create a more commercially viable product, and with a black cover that was a sly nod to Spinal Tap. The album featured the hits "Enter Sandman", which exemplified the radically pared-down style of songwriting across the album, and "Nothing Else Matters", a more plaintive, acoustic ballad that outraged some of their more hardcore fans. The album was a massive crossover hit, bringing Metallica firmly into the mainstream, and it was with this album that band first encountered accusations of having "sold out." Charges of selling out would follow Metallica throughout the 1990s.
Burnt out from almost three years of touring upon the Black Album's success, Metallica took a respite until late 1995, when they came back into the studio with a new zest for recording. Ulrich and Hetfield, both of whom were very strict on Hammett and Newsted in previous endeavours, claimed to have loosened the reins somewhat. Some have said the albums, Load (1996) and Reload (1997) were alternative rock-influnced, but others disagree, citing the band's hard touring, hard knocks, and hard liquor as factors in the "softness" of these albums. "Alcoholica's" reputation was catching up to them; they received flak for cutting their hair, a symbol many hardcore thrash fans saw as an earmark of Metallica going soft, but as Metallica themselves say, "The hair doesn't make the band."
In 1998 Metallica compiled a double CD called Garage, Inc, featuring eleven newly recorded cover songs as well as gathering all of the band's previous cover songs. The first CD contained the newly recorded tracks, ranging from obvious Metallica influences Danzig and Sabbath to more unexpected choices such as Bob Seger and Nick Cave. The second CD consisted of previously released covers including the Garage Days Re-Revisited EP, which had become a hard to find collectors item, and a collection of b-sides from Metallica singles going as far back as 1984. While many fans appreciated the chance to get a hold of rare Metallica recordings, others saw this as a cyncical method of releasing an album without having to write any new material.
On the 21st and 22nd of April 1999 Metallica recorded a live show with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, led by Michael Kamen. Kamen, who had previously worked with the band on the black album, (specifically the track "Nothing Else Matters"), had approached the band shortly after with the idea of pairing Metallica's music with a classical orchestra. Metallica played a collection of tracks dating as far back as Ride The Lightning, in addition to composing two new tracks for the event. The recording was eventually released as the album S&M (a word play on Symphony and Metallica, as well as being the common abbreviation for Sadism and Masochism) in November 1999 on both CD and VHS/DVD.
Napster controversy
Lars Ulrich found himself a new enemy, alienating himself further from the long-haired hard rockers and anti-Classical Thrashers in the form of every teenage boy on the face of American in his clash with the internet file sharing network Napster, claiming it was "sickening to know that our art is being traded like a commodity rather than the art that it is." They managed to set forth action that eventually led to the fall of Napster. Some have commented that Metallica's slogan could easily be "Destroying competition for 20 years." Metallica successfully took the evil sheen and feathered hair out of thrash music, pushing the competition to another level of success.
Jason leaves
Before they went into the studio to record their next album in 2001, Jason Newsted left the band due ostensibly to "the physical damage I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love", but subsequent interviews with Jason and the remaining members reveal that Jason's intent to release his Echobrain side-project was a main cause of friction (or perhaps the catalyst for other, deeper rooted problems).
This signalled a low-point in recent Metallica history, with James entering rehab due to "alcoholism and other addictions" in July, 2001. The band continued as an incomplete 3-piece throughout the recording of their next album, with producer Bob Rock roped into bass duties for the recording sessions. Metallica eventually found their newest member, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Rob Trujillo, who was at the time playing with Ozzy Osbourne's band. In an interesting turn of fate, Jason Newsted, who had joined Canadian heavy metal band Voivoid, filled Rob's shoes playing bass for Ozzy during the Ozzfest 2003 tour (which Voivoid also supported).
In 2003, Metallica released their ninth studio album, St. Anger, which debuted at number one on the album charts but has also received harsh criticism for its underproduced sound (notably the sound of the drum snare), overwrought songs and lack of guitar solos.
The band has, to date, received 6 Grammy Awards.
Line-Up
Band Members
Lars Ulrich, drums (all time)
Robert Trujillo, bass (joined 2003)
Kirk Hammett, lead guitar (joined 1983)
James Hetfield, vocals, rhythm guitar (all time)
Former Band Members
Jason Newsted, bass (1986 - 2001)
Cliff Burton, bass (1983 - 1986)
Dave Mustaine, guitars (1981 - 1983)
Ron McGovney, bass (1981 - 1983)
Discography
Metallica's albums (in chronological order):
Kill Em All (1983)
Ride The Lightning (1984)
Master Of Puppets (1986)
Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987)
...And Justice For All (1988)
The Good, the Bad and the Live (1990); (Box set) Collection of singles and live tracks
Metallica (1991)
Live Shit: Binge & Purge (1993); Live box set (with videos of 2 shows)
Load (1996)
Reload (1997)
Garage Inc (1998)
S&M (Symphony and Metallica) (1999)
St. Anger (June, 2003)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
strings band
Strings is an internationally acclaimed Pakistani pop band comprising two members. The band was formed when four college students—Bilal Maqsood, Faisal Kapadia, Rafiq Wazir Ali and Kareem Bashir Bhoy—decided to form a band in 1988 in Karachi. In 1992, the quartet disbanded only to make a comeback with two of its members, Bilal and Faisal later in 2000. While the initial band was riding on the new wave of Pakistani pop music, the later formation ushered a new revival in the music industry of Pakistan.
Kapadia and Maqsood followed in the footsteps of Junoon and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and took their act across the border to India only to realise they already were a recognised band in the country as remixes of one of their earliest songs were played in clubs. As ambassadors for Pakistani pop music, the duo set out to conduct concerts all over the world thenceforth.
Acclaimed world over for their stringed rhythms, their songs are praised not only for being melodious but having a strong poetic sense to them. Penned by Anwar Maqsood, Bilal’s father, the lyrics of their songs always carry a deep meaning with them. Anwar has been writing lyrics for the band since its re-formation.
Where Kapadia is the lead vocalist for the band, Maqsood acts as the composer, guitarist and at times does vocals for a few songs. To play live at concerts, both the members have hired Adeel on the lead guitar, Shakir on the bass guitar, Haider on keyboards and Qaiser on drums, an entourage ensemble that travels with them to various international concerts at times.\
History
The initial quartet (1988 – 1992)
The late-1980s saw pop music in Pakistan grow by folds and newer artists began emerging on the scene. Shalimar Television Network (STN), the only channel in the country, other than Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), launched a show titled Music Channel Charts to highlight new talent. In Karachi however, things were shaping up rapidly and people idolising veteran singers like Nazia and Zoheb, Alamgir and Muhammad Ali Shehki were keen to ride the new wave of Pakistani pop music.
At the Government Commerce College in Karachi,[1] Maqsood, Kapadia, Rafiq and Kareem, four classmates formed a band. With influence from Maqsood’s father, the well-renowned Anwar Maqsood’s pen, the band performed songs on his lyrics. By the mid-1990, with help from Mansoor Bukhari, head of EMI Group in Pakistan, the band had come up with a self-titled album Strings under the EMI label.[1] Their initial effort experimenting with synthesized sounds and rhythms was not recognised instantly although it is reported that their first album sold 20,000 copies in its first week on sale.[1] The band however had other things on mind, and they fixated their focus on finishing their studies.
Maqsood joined an art school, while Kapadia travelled to the Houston, Texas to continue his business studies. Little is known of the other two members of the band but it is understood they continued their studies as well. The disbanding of the group came as a mutual decision amongst all the members. Two years later, the band members were to meet again and give their passion for music another try.
First breakthrough (early 1990s)
In 1990, the band came up with a follow-up album titled String 2. Maqsood realising that the band needed more exposure, advised that a music video be shot. He himself took charge of the direction of the video for the song, “Sar Kiye Yeh Pahaar” and handed it to the STN to be aired on their show. The video was played for a minute on the channel in their hour long show and with not many new videos from competing artists, Maqsood’s directorial début was an instant success. This decision proved beneficial and Sar Kiye Yeh Pahaar became a nation-wide hit overnight. In its most primitive form, the video and the song created a phenomenon in the local music industry and the band scored hits after another, played shows and enjoyed the lifestyle of the post-80s pop stars. The hype was short-lived and the quartet soon disappeared from the face of the Pakistani pop. Kapadia returned to USA while Maqsood got himself a job in an advertising agency as the creative director.[3]
Comeback and Duur (2000)
Strings’ third album Duur was an instant hit in India where their reputation preceded them.
It had almost been eight years since the band had last seen fame and their prolonged hibernation it seemed had erased the marks they had left on the music industry disappeared. Maqsood continued his work as a creative director at the advertising firm and had also involved Kapadia in the creative process as well. Kapadia served at marketing department for a production cell in the same company. Both had married and had children;[3] they had forsaken music for family lives still sharing a passion for it.
The year 2000 saw another shake in the Pakistani music industry and the duo saw an interest in joining the bandwagon. Rafiq and Kareem weren’t accessible and decided not to continue with the band not because of indifferences but because they had settled down in their new lives.[3] Maqsood and Kapadia then decided on forming the band within themselves. Reforming the band meant they could not continue with their respective jobs. Upon counsel amongst each other, they placed their resignation in pursuit of music.
They recorded a song, “Duur” and the duo asked their friend Jamshed Mehmood, known to them as Jami, to direct the video for the song. In the events to follow the later years, Pakistan banned channels from across the border broadcasting from India and only allowed the few Pakistani channels to be broadcast on the cable network. In the aftermath private television networks took on the task to fill the void and soon new music channels were introduced in the country. The video for “Duur” was distributed to all the stations that aired on the tube and became an instant hit hailing their comeback.
Ushering a new revival (2001–2003) and Dhaani (2004-2007)
While Strings enjoyed huge success in Pakistan, they were oblivious to the fact that their earlier hit Sar Kiye Yeh Pahaar was being played in India in a remixed version in clubs and had gained them a repute over the years.[2] When their new video was played on music channels in India, they were easily recognizable as the two who performed the earlier song and the song “Duur” became even more famous across the border.[2] They launched Duur under the Magnasound label, who had previously launched pop stars like Baba Sehgal and Remo Fernandes.
The realization that Pakistani pop songs had a cult following in India ushered a new sense of revival and encouragement for the now established artists in the country. The local Pakistani music channels boasted this appeal and soon singers from every corner of the nation stood up to participate in collaborating with their counterparts from the neighboring nation.
Strings had been travelling to India for quite some time and playing gigs alongside established bands like the New Delhi-based band Euphoria. It was when after 14 years the Indian cricket team toured Pakistan that the electronics major Samsung invited Strings to record a song with Euphoria in India titled Jeet Lo Dil that they got their first major cross-border breakthrough. The song became the official anthem for the tournament.[4] oured all over India with Channel V performing on songs from their album Duur and the new anthem with Euphoria. They were warmly received by the Indian crowds and in the course of their time in India, the band members got in touch with some of the most reputed singers of the nation to feature them on their next album. In the process, Strings affiliated with Hariharan and Sagarika daCosta to work on songs for their next album Dhaani.[4] With their success in India, Columbia Records approached them to launch their new album and they accepted their offer.
In a show called “Jammin” on Channel V, the duo were invited to join alongside Sagarika to perform on a song called Pal. Just like the earlier venture Jeet Lo Dil, this song was written, composed, recorded in both audio and video formats in a matter of three days. The duo later recorded their song Bolo Bolo but thought it would be nice if they could invite Hariharan to sing on the track as well and they then rerecorded the song to include Hariharan.[4] Both the collaborations were eagearly awaited for by their fans and were cheerfully received.
Their efforts payed off and they were invited to play at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dubai for an unplugged session[4] which rose them to fame outside India and Pakistan. Their biggest endeavour was yet to come though.
From Spider-Man to Zinda
In June 2004, before they could record their next song, Najaney Kyun, Strings were approached by the heads at Columbia TriStar Films of India, a sister company to their record label company to include the song in the soundtrack of the Urdu version of the epic Hollywood blockbuster Spider-Man.[5] With their massive presence in the Indian pop music scene, Strings were mistaken for an Indian band.
Screenshot from their music video of Koi Aanay Wala Hai.
Soon afterwards, they were approached by an Indian director shooting Zinda, a remake of the classic South Korean film Oldboy to do a soundtrack. Maqsood composed a song titled Yeh Hai Meri Kahani for the movie. For the video, the duo had to act alongside two A-list actors from Bollywood. It was here that the duo became good friends with John Abraham and Sanjay Dutt and would later appear in more ventures together.
Gibson deal (2007) and Koi Aanay Wala Hai (2008-present)
Late in 2007, Strings struck a deal with Gibson Guitar Corporation, becoming the first South Asian band in history to create a working relationship with the famed guitar manufacturers.[6] According to the deal, Strings will exclusively use Gibson guitars during concerts, studio recordings and music videos. Furthermore, Strings will act as brand ambassadors to Gibson. In return, Gibson will sponsor the varied endeavours of the band and also provide concert halls and equipment as and when required.
In 2008, Strings come up with their fifth album “Koi Aanay Wala Hai” which was a hit in both Pakistan and India. Their video the single, of “Koi Aanay Wala Hai” featured Bollywood actor John Abraham.
The Pakistani version of the album also contained the soundtracks from “Shootout at Lokhandwala” and “Zinda”, the two Bollywood movies, which were “Aakhri Alvida” and “Zinda Hoon”.
Popularity outside Pakistan
Strings is one of the few Pakistani bands/singers to achieve international fame. Their popularity is attributed to the significantly different approach to their music and lyrics. Other singers of international repute include the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Junoon, Nazia Hassan and Vital Signs.
Where Fateh Ali Khan was actively promoting Qawwali music and Junoon rock music, Strings approached their music with a little tint of Pakistani pop with classical music and combined with rhythms from stringed instruments. Junoon and Vital Signs had only been famous in the United States of America with a significant following in Europe, whereas String took their gigs to India, all over Asia and the Middle East, and the rest of the world making Pakistani pop music a truly remarkable genre.
Even in areas like Nepal that are dominated by influence from their neighbouring India, Strings proved to be the most favourite band amongst crowds.[7] So were they popular in Asia that they were given an award for being Asia’s most favourite band at the MTV Asia Awards.
Awards
•Strings won “Best Band Award” – MTV Music Awards 2009.
•Strings won “Best Album Award” – MTV Music Awards 2009.
•Strings from Pakistan have been nominated Torch Bearers for The Olympic Games, 2008.
•Strings have become Motorola Brand Ambassadors for Pakistan.
•Won an award for the “Best Live Act In Music ” at Lux Style Awards 2008.
•Won an award for the “Most Wanted Band” at The Musik Awards 2008.
•Won an award for the “Best Lyrics AAKHARI ALVIDA” at The Musik Awards 2008.
•Won the “Best Artist Award” at MTV Asia Awards. They were nominated as an Indian band as they sang the title song “Zinda” for an Indian film Zinda.
•Won “The Musik Icon of 2006″ award.
•Won an award for “Best Video” for their video of the song “Anjaane” at the Lux Style Awards 2003.
•Won an award at the Lux Style Awards 2004.
•Won an award for “Best Band” at the first Sangeet Awards ceremony held at Royal Albert Hall.
•Won the Indus Music Award 2005 for extensive contribution to the pop music industry.
•Won MTV Asia’s “Most Favourite Band” award 2005.
•Won an award for the “Best Band” at the Third Jazz Indus Music Awards.
•Won an award for the “Best Lyrics’Zinda’” at the Third Jazz Indus Music Awards.
Other Projects
•“Beirut”, an anti-war video. Launched 28 September 2006
•Soundtrack for Shootout at Lokhandwala (2006)
•“Zinda Hoon” as Original Soundtrack for Zinda (film) (Sung by Faisal Kapadia, Bilal Maqsood, Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham. Composed by Bilal Maqsood)
•“Najanay Kyoun”, Original Soundtrack for Spider-Man 2
•Hai Koi Hum Jaisa (Pakistani cricket team’s Official World Cup Song) 2003
•Tu Hai Kahan (A project by PepsiCo featuring Junaid Jamshed, Haroon and Strings) 2001
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