Ladies... please stand up and shout

I find a dearth of female singer-songwriters or even performers for that matter, among the Indian independent rock scene. Every once in a while, I host tribute gigs and I am set looking for female singers to perform a few songs in their own distinctive way.

I find a dearth of female singer-songwriters or even performers for that matter, among the Indian independent rock scene. Every once in a while, I host tribute gigs and I am set looking for female singers to perform a few songs in their own distinctive way. And belive me when I say, it becomes such a tough search.

HT Image

Now Mumbai is not much of a problem, because I think we have our fair share (however small) of female singers. But for instance, when I do gigs in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune or Hyderabad… let me tell you, finding a worthy female vocalist has proven to be quite a task.

I wonder what is it that deters the female sex from pursuing a career in music. And by music I mean rock n roll… and all the genres and sub-genres that come with it. It’s one thing to get a training in Indian classical and then go on and either be an exponent in the Indian classical field or in turn join the Hindi film playback brigade. But to decide to pursue a career track within the international popular music mould is quite a formidable task.

So, in time, I hope to see many more female artistes out there, who are taking their musical identity seriously. And developing their vocals, performance attitude and putting it out there for the world to take notice of…if I may say so.

English review

Here’s what you want on your iPod, recommends Luke Kenny

LULU

LOU REED & METALLICA

UNIVERSAL

Two of rock music’s great stalwarts coming together seemed like a good idea at the time, and could have been a match made in heaven. But what was seemingly set up for a masterpiece ended up being a disaster-piece. Now, I appreciate Metallica and Lou Reed as great musicians in their individual capacities. And I am all for collaborations, for there are many examples of great collaborations that have led to genius music. This, unfortunately is not one of those. Clearly, even giants falter, stumble and thunderingly fall.

Bottomline

The album that should not be

Rating:

*

NOEL GALLAGHER

HIGH FLYING BIRDS

UNIVERSAL

Oasis fans may have gotten over being left in the lurch after the band unceremoniously separated (mainly Liam and Noel Gallagher). But they can be hopeful again, as one half of the band has returned with an album that could have been an Oasis album. The debut album of Noel’s solo project is evidence of what could have been, but nevertheless it now is. So put it on and let that attitude wash over you with some fine songwriting.

Bottomline

No Mirage this...

Rating:

***

HERE AND NOW

NICKELBACK

UNIVERSAL

Nickelback are the new Bon Jovi, and going strong with their seventh album. Chad Kroeger and company are showing no signs of slowing down. Slick in production and tight in execution with catchy hooks and sing-along choruses, it’s easy to gauge the popularity of the band. But as full as it sounds, it is as empty and shallow. The pretentiousness seeps through on the third song ‘When we stand together...’ and that’s about as far as I got on this album.

Bottomline

Gone tomorrow..

Rating

:**

FALLEN EMPIRES

SNOW PATROL

UNIVERSAL

The sixth album from Irish rockers arrives with much promise. Snow Patrol are a band that set the Irish indie scene afire with their first three albums and have been coasting ever since. This is their longest album to date, featuring 14 songs. And noone is complaining. Gary Lightbody is a fine songwriter and his lyrics bring great melancholy to the bands sound. This is one of those albums you listen to at 2 in the morning and get inspired by.

Bottomline

Lift this up now

Rating:

***