For the past 2 weeks and three days, I have been of the opinion that "The Monkey's Uncle", a song penned by the Sherman Brothers and sung by The Beach Boys, just may be their finest work. At the very least, it is an under-appreciated gem from their Disney oeuvre. But then we are back to my sketchy reputation as far as culture is concerned.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Music Review : Chirag Penchan's Bhangra Party
"Bhangra Party" is Chirag Penchan's 11th album, and this 1988 release does have some value, provided you find it for under $10.00. And provided you can tolerate bhangra music.
The first three tracks are tepid at best, and might suit the early hours of a party when guests are still arriving and the tea is steeping. But, be sure to have your dancing shoes on by the time track 4, "Kurti saleti pake" spins up. As well, the very danceable "Giddha penda" is sure to delight guest both young and old.
"Tere chityan dan dan da hassa" is a more slow and sensual song, just the ticket for when the beer is kicking in and your object of desire beckons seductively for you to join her on the dance floor.
"Jat hogya sharabi" really kicks things into gear with a zydeco-flavoured tune, guaranteed to get Daada and Daadi off their recliners.
Sadly, "Phull wargi mutiar" is a complete misstep for this type of album; too dramatic and ill-placed on the ablbum. But fear not, Chirag brings it home with some fine, if routine bhangra to finish out the album.
Make no mistake, Chirag Penchan's Bhangra Party is your daddy's bhangra. Those looking for a more youthful flavour would be better suited with Multitones 1993 release, "Bhangra Superstars, Volume 2", or look-up Chirag Penchan's "Dekho Dekho", on the 1992 Multitone release, Ragga Trax.
The first three tracks are tepid at best, and might suit the early hours of a party when guests are still arriving and the tea is steeping. But, be sure to have your dancing shoes on by the time track 4, "Kurti saleti pake" spins up. As well, the very danceable "Giddha penda" is sure to delight guest both young and old.
"Tere chityan dan dan da hassa" is a more slow and sensual song, just the ticket for when the beer is kicking in and your object of desire beckons seductively for you to join her on the dance floor.
"Jat hogya sharabi" really kicks things into gear with a zydeco-flavoured tune, guaranteed to get Daada and Daadi off their recliners.
Sadly, "Phull wargi mutiar" is a complete misstep for this type of album; too dramatic and ill-placed on the ablbum. But fear not, Chirag brings it home with some fine, if routine bhangra to finish out the album.
Make no mistake, Chirag Penchan's Bhangra Party is your daddy's bhangra. Those looking for a more youthful flavour would be better suited with Multitones 1993 release, "Bhangra Superstars, Volume 2", or look-up Chirag Penchan's "Dekho Dekho", on the 1992 Multitone release, Ragga Trax.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Podcast Review : Imagineering My Way
Unlike most Disney podcasts, which focus on news, rumours, or park sounds, the Imagineering My Way podcast casts a stern eye on the style and design of the Disney parks (the "Imagineering").
Former cast member Greg McNaughton has created a show that is tightly edited and well-produced. His show segments, like the "Disney Report Card", "Disney's Doppelgängers", and, my favourite, "The Virtual Bulldozer", keep the show moving along at a fine clip. Greg has also made a conscious effort to include interesting music as bookends to his segments, and not just standard Disney fare.
Personally, I could do without the interjections of political humour (mostly talk-radio clips and songs) in a politics-free podcast, but the bits are infrequent enough to not mar an otherwise well-made show.
If you think the Disney parks are sacrosanct and perfect as they are, this is not the show for you. Otherwise it is well worth a listen and, in my opinion, a stand-out in the crowded podcast field.
Website
RSS Feed
Podcast Feed
Former cast member Greg McNaughton has created a show that is tightly edited and well-produced. His show segments, like the "Disney Report Card", "Disney's Doppelgängers", and, my favourite, "The Virtual Bulldozer", keep the show moving along at a fine clip. Greg has also made a conscious effort to include interesting music as bookends to his segments, and not just standard Disney fare.
Personally, I could do without the interjections of political humour (mostly talk-radio clips and songs) in a politics-free podcast, but the bits are infrequent enough to not mar an otherwise well-made show.
If you think the Disney parks are sacrosanct and perfect as they are, this is not the show for you. Otherwise it is well worth a listen and, in my opinion, a stand-out in the crowded podcast field.
Website
RSS Feed
Podcast Feed
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