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Perfect
symmetry
Cover songs are tricky business. One wrong note or riff and
the whole song can collapse. This week, Instep presents five best
cover songs done by Pakistani artists and why they exemplify true
tribute and crafty musicianship
By Maheen Sabeeh
Sajjad Ali versus EP
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One
of Sajjad Ali's biggest hits, 'Bolo Bolo' remains a classic with fans
even today. With poignant vocals and a very retro sound, tinkling
bell like sound and a recurring beat, reminiscent of Western pop of
the eighties, 'Bolo Bolo' is one hell of a song.
Add all that history to the fact that Sajjad Ali is a very tough act
to follow. He knows music and covering any song from his catalogue
could well be a disaster.
But if one act pulled it off, it was EP. A hardcore rock band, EP
used their heavy metal influences on the song and the result: a song
that is as eclectic and brooding as it gets. Their cover really is
an example of how a song should be covered. Without changing the melody,
the band turned the song on its head.
From menacing guitars to Fawad Afzal Khan's haunting vocals, the song
has developed a cult following like the band.
Fawad, when he chooses, can be quite the singer onstage. On 'Bolo
Bolo', his emotions move with the words, slowing down in resignation
and anger with natural ease. The ending riff, which EP added to their
version, is their own stamp on the song and that makes it all the
more edgier.
Even though the version is live and the production is very shoddy,
it's the anger and aggressiveness with which EP played out the song
that makes it so memorable.
It is as distinguished a cover as Nirvana's 'The Man Who Sold The
World' which was originally done by David Bowie. And that is really
saying something.
Zoheb
Hassan versus Mauj
Zoheb Hassan on his own… not a very good idea anymore. Remember
Kismet? But back in his heydays with Nazia, Zoheb was a massive icon.
And some of his solo tunes still retain that magic. One of those numbers
is 'Pyar Ka Jadu'. With a booming sound, a throwback to the eclectic
eighties, if you may, keyboards wizardry, and a celebratory air of
love, it is a favourite with fans.
Not an easy song to take a stab on because Nazia and Zoheb Hassan
are considered one of the major artists who opened the floodgates
to pop alongside Alamgir and Vital Signs.
Punk-funk outfit Mauj gave 'Pyar Ka Jadu' quite the twist and have
brought it back to our minds and they have done with a lot of style.
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Crazy riffs, meaty drums and Omran Shafique's unique
vocals make this one of the most outstanding covers ever done in
Pakistan. Omran "Momo" Shafique sings emphatically and
it's a completely different tone than what Zoheb took years ago.
Even though, Mauj have re-worked this tune as a rock 'n' roll tune,
they don't add unnecessary and painfully long riffs to the song.
Like classic Mauj, more than halfway through the song, Mauj slow
the song down and just flirt with the words and it's the stuff great
songs are made of.
Set to be featured on Mauj's upcoming self-titled debut and currently
running on radio waves, the song is testament to Mauj's talent as
a unit and to the fact that a song can be revamped without killing
its soul if done right. In this case, the soul of this pop tune
remains intact. And for that, it must be heard.
Vital Signs versus Aaroh
Vital Signs, the ultimate pop daddies, could do no wrong. Their
single, 'Ajnabee' is just one tune out of their very extensive and
melodic musical catalogue.
With sea waves crashing opening the sound, a slow and melancholic
melody and Junaid Jamshed's tortured albeit beautiful rendition
of the words, 'Ajnabee' is quite frankly one of their best tunes
to date.
While there have been many who have attempted to cover the Vital
Signs, Aaroh (original) did a fine job on 'Ajnabee'.
Taking the melancholic and moody character of the song to another
level, Aaroh re-worked the tune as a rock song with explosive verve
and their biggest asset, vocalist Farooq Ahmed.
Farooq is a trained singer and the way he sings this tune, moving
from complete aggression to a hint of sarcasm and surrender, it
is fantastic.
Nabeel's crafty and slashing riffs never go overboard but stay focused
on the melody. This is one hell of a cover and Aaroh proved it when
they were just starting out that they are indeed a musical act to
watch out for. If you have any doubts, hear their cover of 'Ajnabee'.
It is fabulous.
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Aamir Zaki versus Arooj Aftab
'Mera Pyar' off Aamir Zaki's debut solo album, Signature, remains
his biggest hit to date. Irrespective of Aamir's ability to create
gorgeous riffs, here he remains a minimalist.
Soft, tragic and heartbreaking, it is an incredibly powerful tune.
It is timeless.
Arooj Aftab's cover of the same works simply because of her often
sultry, at times tortured Lene Marlin-like vocals. She doesn't imitate
Aamir's style but leaves her on mark on the song because of her
husky and beautiful voice.
Vital
Signs versus Kaavish
As a band, Kaavish know their strength. They are the new masters
of beautiful ballads. And if one speaks of ballads, Vital Signs'
'Yeh Shaam' can't be far behind. Brooding, touching and spellbinding,
it is one of their biggest hits.
Kaavish, who are an upcoming act, have taken the original and re-worked
it according to their own strengths.
The result: an honest and bluesy ballad that simply shouldn't be
missed.
Like the original, two things work for this song. The vocals and
the soft melody.
Jaffer Zaidi puts his own touch to the song.
Deep and moving vocals with subtle instrumentation with pianos at
the forefront, this is a solid one from Kaavish.
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