Blue- An Electro Storm (New Era Rahman)

Delhi 6 was liked by all. All the songs in the album were masterpieces. It doesn’t happen all the time for any composer this way. It happens to Rahman once in few years. Examples : Roja, Dilse, Alaipayuthey, Laagan, Rang de Basanti etc…Delhi 6 belonged to this race. I wish this album wins the best music award for 2009 keeping in the mind the movie failed. But musically it was terrific.

Now I am linking Delhi 6 here because the new Rahman was born in Delhi 6. New era – If you notice the songs in Delhi 6 had a new sound to it. The mixing is completely different, I think his new sound system (Studio) and the MAC base is producing some amazing new sounds and bases. He started using the MAC base from Swades if I am not wrong. By now he has mastered it and is a pro at it.

Blue is an example that proves that Rahman is the best sound engineer out there. He can produce an outright new sound be it beats or pads. On to the tracks:

• Chigy Wigy : I have not much to say about this track. So much controversy, chuck all those and enjoy the beats. Wow this song is already rocking all channels and Saturday night out cars. Kylie is awesome in this track, her voice sounds crystal clear even better than her singles. Ok..No harm combining it with an desi portion but, I feel he should have opted for some one other than sonu…But nevertheless an awesome try by the maestro and should say there is some class in the mass that he tries and that is Rahman.
• Notice – The opening 0:00 – 0:007 International Standards. Amazing opening.
• 0:37 – Widero Beats, just too good.
• 2:16 – Bangra Transformation, new sound altogether.

• Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai : Instant hit. The tune is commercial and cute. Right choice of singers. The instrument (Piano) is very enthralling. This song excites me a lot because of the interludes. I miss this kind of interludes from Rahman big time. Now again here in this song both the interludes are of new formats. He has tried something totally new which has shades of vintage Rahman but new sound and presentation. Overall an Chillo feel track.
Notice – The opening is just mind blowing, listen to it on a bose headphone you will know it.
Both the interludes are terrifically awesome. No words to explain.

• Fiqrana : Took some time for me to grow. But now my favorite. I would call this as an roller coaster ride. Hahah…Because the track has so many variations. Got Vintage Rahman at times. I am sure this track would have suited Farhan Akthar perfect. Coming back to the track, second charanam in a typical Rahman goose pumping tune. I hear the portion again and again and will never get bored. I just felt the second interlude could have been better. The beats are an old one but when Rahman produces these it is totally new. My most favorite track. Enjoy this track it grows big time.

• Bhoola Tujhe : What an song. This is way better than the tracks that Rashid has sung in his previous albums. The orchestration is out of the world. This song gives that class that Rahman is capable of producing every time be it any genre (movies) that he signs. This is the next era of Rahman. This song can be repeated in your play list for even 100 times a day. Hats of Rahman Sir.

• Blue Theme: Rocking, Kicking and completely electro. I am happy Rahman has given his best in terms of technology to this track. The sounds suits perfectly to the underwater shots. This song should be enjoyed in the theatre with visuals. Rahman’s presence would be felt.

• Rehnuma : I am yet to get into this track. Will get back soon.

• Yaar Mila Tha : Whew…What to say. The tempo reminds me of those bollwood remixes or the famous Raghav song. But here this is what Rahman can give with a tempo like this. Naughtily rendered by Udit and Madhu. Other composers can learn a lesson or to as to how can these beats be linked to an original tune. The song has no flaws and rocks all way through. The interludes are fantastic. Overall enjoyable track.

An experience - Banglampoo – Backpacker’s street (Bangkok)

My dad was traveling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by bus earlier this year in March 2009. A Japanese traveler who travelled with him in the bus mentioned about the place called Banglampoo in Bangkok where the rooms for stay (Actually guesthouses) are very cheap and easily available.

This time (August - September 2009) during our (Myself and dad) stay in Chiang Mai at (Little Home), the landlord told us about this place again. She told being a Localitie she prefers to stay in Banglampoo when she goes to Bangkok. We decided to stay in Bangkok for a day at Banglampoo. We cut short the stay in Pattaya by a day which was so pleasing and comfortable just to venture out this place. All my trips to Bangkok have been packaged well in Royal park view hotel in Sukumit Soi 18. I find this place close to being home, because being an Vegetarian; I get south Indian vegetarian food in Ganesha Restaurant down Soi 18. This time we decided to stay in the Swiss park hotel in Sukumit Soi 11 called as Nana. Since we had proponed and arrived a day early in Bangkok we wanted to venture a day in Banglampoo.

Took bus 501 and proceeded towards Banglampoo from Nana. Informed the conductor to tell us when we reach Khao San Road (Banglampoo). Reached the place we could see lot of Backpackers crossing the roads, immediately could guess we were close to the place. It was shocking to see a street full of Guest houses. Rooms starting from 200 bahts to 1500 Plus. It was indeed a very different experience for me as I have always seen the classy part of Bangkok, nevertheless I don’t mean that this place is low, but the truth is it’s not worth even dreaming of staying at this place if you are “Indian”. The standard reply you get from all the guest houses is the rooms are full SORRY. We have tried almost at all the guest houses in the street. We actually thought the rooms were full until a person from Burma told us this is the treatment we would get every where in Banglampoo if you were an Indian. I could see tears in my dad’s eyes. Come on he loves this country Thailand and more the people of this Gods Blessed country. He was so given up and told this is atrocious that Thai people were treating the tourists so bad, who are known for their hospitability and smiling faces. He became so irritated and wanted to come back to India the same day. I was shell shocked to see this (sorry to say) DIRTY side of Bangkok. I would rather stay in PATPONG which is the red light area in Bangkok than in Banglampoo.

My Take on Sakkarkatti

Sakkarkatti is an album which didn’t have huge expectations like a shivaji etc. We expected youthful music similar lines of Boys, E20U18 etc. Now since the album is out all we can hear is youthful, fresh beats, sounds and tunes. I don’t know if I would be bashed up for saying this album is top notch. The Re – used tunes here are in fact filling the album and making it a package. I feel he is very careful and will never use his Hindi tunes blindly anymore. These two tunes are totally different and he might have had a feeling that it might do well with the Tamil audience.


Taxi Taxi- Now this song might have the feel of famous Gasoline Beats (Rahman’s Favorite track), but please remember world is small and u hear any and every kind of music. This beat may be similar that doesn’t mean that he ripped this off. This song has stamps of RAHMAN being the master of using technology followed with a cute melody in a Hip Hop song. This song will bang the speakers of cars in all colleges and will boomer with bass in all discs.
Virus in this song…1:50-2:19- The 1st interlude is the best I have ever heard from Rahman since long long time.
3:10-3:44- Now this French lyrics reminds me off something. Way back when shivaji released I remember Suhasani Ratnam mentioning somewhere that she was working out at the gym suddenly there was a song from a different country being played there; finally it was Style from Shivaji. Now this song is on the similar lines, this French lyric is just so cute, I feel without this Taxi Taxi would have been half baked.

Marudhani- Rahman never kills his melodies with heavy beats and I can vouch on it. Be it Munbe Va , Sneighdhane , Myileerighe etc. You can feel while listening to his melodies, how he must have grown it and I am sure the beats are the final mix in his melodies. This song is an exception where he has experimented a new kind of a techno bass, riff and slap sticks with a beautiful pad. He succeeds and this will create a new trend.
This song has so many variations and I still feel he could have sung at least a portion of the song to make it the No.1 Song for ME in this album. This song should create waves this year only if we people are ready to accept the new base by Rahman .
Virus in this song…Opening 00:00 – 00:46
Rahman’s humming 2:49-2:59
Ending


I Miss U Da- People pounced on this track to be the best of all when heard at beginning. This track is sheer experimentation by the genius. I feel this song lacks tune at times. Rahman has kept experimenting with tracks like this for the last few years.
Spiderman – New
Thazhavadu – Ahh ah
Maza maza – SOK

This track beats them all easily and this time Rahman wins as he created a new stamp after 3 efforts. The Stabs at times move between your ears and the other new sounds , which shows the mixing is just superb and no one in India at least can come up to him(His studio) in terms of sound mixing..
Virus in this song
Emni Chant and I leave it to you guys to comment.

Elae- This song is underrated by many and yes keeping in mind the violin sample commonly used etc. While listening just try to avoid the violin sample, still will make the song fabulous. Off course the violin adds the icing to the cake. This song brings a fresh breeze along with drops of rain water pass through you. In the present TFM no one except Rahman can compose a song like this. This song for ME is better than Robaaroo. But yes the lyrics could have been better.
Virus in this song
The opening, Interludes and the ending is fabulous.

Over all considering the Re tunes too an remarkable attempt by Rahman . If the movie takes on, this album will go miles.

Secret of Human characters - pre-set & programmed from first to the last breath SUN SIGNS ( Known as ZODIAC SIGNS)

1.Aries- 1st Fire sign - 21st March to 20th April- Ruled by Mars.
2.Taurus- 1st Earth sign- 21st April to 21st May - Ruled by Venus.
3.Gemini- 1st Air Sign - 22nd May to 21st June - Ruled by Mercury.
4.Cancer 1st Water sign- 22nd June to 22nd July - Ruled by Moon.
5 Leo 2nd Fire Sign - 23rd July to 23rd August- Ruled by Sun.
6.Virgo 2nd Earth Sign- 24th August to 23rd September- Ruled by Vulcan.
7.Libra 2nd Air Sign - 24th September to 23rd October- Ruled by Venus.
8.Scorpio 2nd Water Sign- 24th October to 22nd November- Ruled by Pluto.
9.Sagitarius 3rd Fire sign - 23rd November to 21st December- Ruled byJupiter.
10.Capricon 3rd Earth Sign- 22nd December to 20th January – Ruled by Saturn.
11. Aquarius 3rd Air Sign- 21st January to 19th February- Ruled by Uranus.
12. Pisces 3rd Water sign- 20th February to 20th March – Ruled by Neptune.

Fire and fire, air and air, water and water, earth and earth will vibes very well.
Fire and Air signs also vibes well as fire need air to function.
Earth and water will vibes well as water ultimately help the fertility of earth.
Aries- Libra; Leo –Aquarian ; Sagittarian-Gemini… the best fire and air combinations.
Taurus-Scorpion ; Virgo- Pisces; Capricorn-Cancer, the best earth, water combinations.

BRIEF ANALYSIS OF SUN SIGN.
1.Character of Fire sign.( Aries, Leo, & Sagittarius.)
Qualities of fire like: Instantaneous, impulsive, impatient, erratic, fast, disastrous, un-predictable will go in all directions, helpful, fighters, quarrelsome, bold, courageous, care free, careless, very frank, no reservations & calculations, non-diplomatic,
….destructive as they make scars easily being ignited by others, will not repent.
Goes well with Air as fire can not function without air.
Looks: Tall, Medium structure, fiery & inquisitive, bold & courageous.
2.Character of Earth sign: ( Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn)
Qualities of earth such as: Very strong, rigid, stable, dependable, predictable, will power,
resourceful, committed , very practical, perfectionist, hard workers, methodical, workaholic, careful, calculative, critical, aspirers, sincere, serious, independent, reserved, …..can achieve independently without much support, won challenges with more efforts.
Lives for principle, ethic & morale. Difficult to dislodge and destroy easily.
Goes well with water, as earth yields with the penetration of water.
Looks: Strong, medium built, confident, reserved, snobbish & shrewd.
3.Character of Air sign: ( Gemini, Libra & Aquarius )
Air Qualities such as: Very light, flexible, easy going, carefree, directionless, elusive, secretive, unpredictable, accommodative, fast, relaxed, in-direct., non-committed, independent as they go anywhere and every where.. very social and non controversial.
Looks: Very tall, thin, slender, very friendly, social, diplomatic, carefree & relaxed.
4.Character of Water sign: ( Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces.)
Like water very emotional, sensitive, very useful, cool, shapeless needs support & direction. Emotional attachments towards bloodline, ancestors, home, country, history, origin etc., appear and disappear like water.
Looks: Watery & shapeless body, fat and fleshy ,slow movers, emotional, over sensitive, moody, melancholy, sentimental, humane and home lovers.

Ram Murthi, Sun Sign Researcher
Father of Sharad Srineevas

Thailand and its people ( A case study )

Recently, I happen to visit this country after a decade and noticed amassing infrastructure improvements . I wonder, how could they achieve so much, so efficiently? They are also as poor and vast as India, with a large population. I made more visits to study their way of working especially in public works. This comparative study is more valid than comparing Malaysia / Singapore or any other developed city in the world.

Self discipline, Selflessness, Common good & Larger Interest.
Every citizen thinks of nation first, a larger interest to preserve and improve their
town, city, and country. They co-operate for all good happenings by self discipline,
common good, which make everything works automatically.
Example: They care and follow :
General rules and regulations of the land, building, construction, traffic etc; Development of public transport; Easy public mobility; Peaceful public atmosphere; Public awareness, Discipline in public; Public hygiene / un polluted cleanliness; Preserving & maintenance of public properties; Beautifying and maintenance of public parks, water bodies etc.,

What we are not doing ,they are doing without money but with
‘brain and co-operation’. What they are doing we are not doing as of now.

1.)Transportation of garbage& construction materials, road cuttings & asphalting after mid night. ( No extra area either damaged or misused. No inconvenience.)
2.)Specifications for roads, footpaths, drains, culverts etc. strictly followed.
3.)Spilling of construction materials and garbage can never happen.
4.)Heavy transports can never be allowed to enter small lanes to avoid damages.
5.)Larger one ways are provided with a single lane for opposite traffic.
6.)Transplanting huge shade trees for parks and highways.
7.)Growing creepers over metal shade net on footpaths for shade and beauty.
8.)Properly designed in-lets from the road to side drains to drain water totally.
9.)Separate bins in public places for wet and dry garbage.
10.)Standardized footpaths, road signs, in all the cities all over the country.
11.)Traffic sign boards and lane markings with indications in all critical points.
12.)Raw sewage and Industrial wastes will never enter any water body.
13.)All the civic agencies will co-ordinate on any public works (inclusive health.)
14.)Law and order will never encourage riots to prevent loses of public property.
15.)Wastage/ misuse of water, electricity, gas, etc will not be entertained.
16.)Misuse of public machinery or vested interest can never be allowed.
17.)Favoritism and influence will never be entertained in any public work.
18.)Quality and standard of all public works will be monitored in every phase.
19.)Public inconvenience will be prioritized on any public work.
20.)Value for human and animal life can never be compromised.

Prepared by R.Ram Murthi
Father of Sharad Srineevas

Rajini and Rahman: Indian Heroes

The article below is not wriiten by me sourced by indiaglitz.


Superstar Rajinikanth and music wizard A.R. Rahman were among those who were conferred with the prestigious awards presented by NDTV. The channel presented the awards to Indian heroes in a glittering function held at Taj Palace, New Delhi.


Rajinikanth, the biggest superstar of India, was named NDTV'S Entertainer of the Year, while A.R. Rahman, who continues to enthrall the nation with his mesmerizing music, was given NDTV's Music Award.

There was another Tamil hero in the prestigious list. Vishwanathan Anand was named NDTV's Sportsman of the Year. The King Khan of Indian cinema, Shahrukh Khan, won a special NDTV award for his contribution to cinema in 2007. The function was attended by dignitaries, celebrities and other prominent personalities.

I would like to make one change in the title to Global hero's,as both have the attribute and proved several times.

A comparison between Thailand and India !!! Read - to get to know on what

A primary research was done by me on retail checkouts in Bangkok, Thailand which is now one of the top 5 countries to have established well itself in the retail sector.This is an extract from my thesis which i had to submit to obtain my M.B.A degree. This Particular comparison may be needless here, but not just this small comparison about a retail store but there can be 1000 differences between the two countries favouring positive to thailand.

My guide Mr.J.P.Tiwari(EXT Faculty IIPM)framed few questions and certain observations that I had to make during my trip to Bangkok in August’07.

Since i had a family friend Mr.Pavan Chuttimaitri of APN Publications settled in Bangkok, he took me to the top 5 retail chains in Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya). The chains that I visited are:
• Lotus Tesco
• Carrefour
• Big C
• Home Pro
• Robinson


All these are hyper markets similar to the Big Bazaars and Metros in India. I also covered 7/11 which is a small retail store (something like Food Worlds in India).
My observations were as follows:
TESCO (visited 3 outlets, 3 cities)

1.)Hyper market containing 36 checkouts counters in a horizontal line operated by a cashier.

2.)They have got 6 quick lanes apart from the normal 36 checkout lanes.

3.)The counter staffs are being trained for a minimum of 4 months on the system and the software before they take up the duty.

4.)There is a supervisor who is keeping track of the checkout process continuously.

5.)There is a red light on top of every counter, in case of an emergency the cashier can switch on the light which will call for the store manager.


BIG C (visited 3 outlets, 3 cities)
1.)Hyper market containing 34 checkout lanes in alphabetical order.
2.)The checkout lanes are categorized in groups.
• Category A- checkout for groceries, provisions.
• Category B- checkout for toiletries, cosmetics.
• Category C- checkout for apparels, households.
• Category Z- checkout for other items including electronics and big commodities.


The above information were obtained by self observation and interviewing few store managers of the retail chains.

The comparison being made here shows that the retail checkout process in India lacks big time. Tesco (U.K.), an international brand lays high importance to the checkout process when asked “Why” to one of the store managers; his answer was “reputation and customer satisfaction.” Big C, a local Thailand brand has got tremendously organized checkout systems which are being tracked by cameras and professionals every minute. When asked “Why” to one of the store keeper, the answer was “We cannot tolerate traffic at the checkout terminals.” Carrefour, a French brand has got standardized and highly organized checkout system throughout the world.

The local brand Big Bazaar is one among the top retail brands in India. They have 4-5 outlets across 26 cities. They deal with A-Z commodities with back-down prices. But, the biggest problem that has been faced by this giant is immense checkout traffic. There has not been much importance or training that has been given to this area. Big Bazaar would be looking for an international venture soon, before which they should definitely look into this issue. When a country like Thailand is able to produce such high quality brand like Big C, why Not India?

The above mentioned retail chains varies in its size, where the largest have a maximum of 46 lanes and the smallest have a minimum of 18 lanes.

The small retail chain 7/11 in Thailand can be called one of the most organized retail chains in the world, not only in terms of checkout, but also in terms of shelf management, variety of products, staffing and a very simple checkout system.