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Download this week
Instep presents a combination of some of the songs that have gained immense popularity recently or are slated to definitely make it to the music charts. With songs from musical talents as varied from India's A.R. Rahman to the American Kanye West and Denmark's The Fashion - our recommendations for songs this week will definitely add a global flavour to your playlists! |
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O…Saya' - A.R. Rahman and M.I.A
OST - Slumdog Millionaire |
| This song and film have been talked about incessantly over the past few months (lots of award nominations, and an imminent Oscar nomination are in store for Slumdog) - and with good reason. A.R.Rahman, who's been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Score for Slumdog Millionaire, has done a fantastic job with this song - and it completely redeems the horror the Yuvvraaj soundtrack was. 'O…Saya', begins with Rahman's vocals, coupled with pulsing almost African beats, beginning a strange haunting melody. The song then is taken over by the brilliant M.I.A. singing in a haiku like manner, and then goes back to Rahman's mournful repetition of the words 'O Saya'. As the song samples both the singers and goes back and forth, in a brilliant comparison of avant-garde and traditional, it instantly makes you nod your head in appreciation. |
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| This is definitely crossover music at its best, and reinvention is something that Rahman has consistently proved he's great at. One wishes that there would be more work like this and Yuva's score, that would be featured in subcontinental movies, and perhaps directors will find inspiration from 'O..Saya'. This is a must-have song! |
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| 'Six Days (Remix)' - DJ Shadow feat. Mos Def |
| Perhaps one of the most poignant songs in recent history to talk about war - 'Six Days' is a brilliant track that pins down the sentiments of a people desperate to be rid of death and destruction, but eventually giving in to the reality of conflict. The song samples the song 'The Six Day War' by Colonel Bagshot - in most likelihood, a reference to the Six Day war fought against Israel by Egypt, Jordan and Syria in 1967. The song was most notably featured on the soundtrack of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and the combination of rap, techno beats and the constant repetition of the verse, 'tomorrow is another day, today is another bomb' makes this song incredibly appealing, that constantly makes you hit repeat. The song counts down to the days of the week, starting off with 'At the starting of the week, at summit talks you hear them speak, its only Monday. Negotiations breaking down, see those leaders start to frown, it's sword and gun day'. |
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| As the mood in the country begins to mirror the sentiments in this song, it is a perfect addition to your playlist to keep with the times. |
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| 'Gifted' - N.A.S.A featuring Kanye West, Santogold and Lykke Li |
| Gifted' has all the makings of a hit! This song by N.A.S.A (North America/South America), a project by DJs Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon comes with a disclaimer: it's very addictive! With the musical talent of three singers who produce such varying music, 'Gifted' is perfect for your next dance party or just when you want to get in a jiving mood! 'Gifted' boasts catchy hooks and a steady electronic beat, and the song has all the singers talking about what it means to be gifted, and the song starts off with Kanye rapping and then leads into Santogold and Lykke Li. The only issue I have with the song is that the beat completely overpowers the words, and hence its difficult to make out what each singer is saying. Regardless, 'Gifted' is definitely a must download for the week! |
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| 'Solo Impala (Take the Money and Run)' - The Fashion |
| The Fashion is - to sum it up - diabolically cool. This band from Denmark whose music genres range from punk, alternative to new-wave, make music that has a shelf life that extends beyond that one cursory listen. 'Solo Impala (Take the Money and Run)' from their self-titled second album, is a gem that you should download this week. The song is a running dialogue between someone who's literally leaving with a pile of money and being chased by the police, while the other tries to convince him of how 'bad mistakes are waiting in the trunk.' It's the perfect tale of mistakes and friendship and how one tends to go along with their peers despite knowing that the path they're treading on is rocky. And the song's catchy beat and lyrics drive on home with its arrangement.The Fashion is definitely a musica act |
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to watch out for, and they even played at the SXSW festival in the States, where the video for 'Solo Impala' was screened as well. Do check out this band and their brilliant song!
-- Saba Imtiaz |
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