Britney Spears to Film Footage for Madonna Tour
July 9, 2008 |17:26 | Music By : Team X
Madonna has recruited Britney Spears for a virtual appearance on her upcoming tour."There is footage being shot of Britney some time this week in conjunction with Madonna's upcoming (Sticky & Sweet) tour," Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, said in an e-mail Tuesday to The Associated Press. "That is all the information I have available. The rest is `a secret.'"Rosenberg denied reports that Spears, 26, is shooting a music video.
A passport problem for Pakistani artists is forcing Bollywood composer Pritam Chakraborty to rush to Lahore to record a song with Atif Aslam for the upcoming film “Kismat Konnection”. “I need to urgently record a song with Atif for Aziz Mirza’s ‘Kismat Connection’, but he is suddenly having problems with his passport. So he can’t come to Mumbai, I’m flying down to Lahore to record the song with him,” Pritam, who composed music for films like “Life…In a Metro”, told IANS.
Santoor maestro Rahul Sharma is back. And this time around he takes you to 'A World Beneath The Ocean' - 'Samandar'. He tells a musical story of these very fascinating species and people of the ocean. He talks about underwater which is like another world, with its own life, myths and mysteries. When a track's title reads 'Mistress Of The Sea', one is sure that it is going to be one haunting musical piece. That's exactly the way the track begins as the musical piece opens in a gripping manner but slow, subtle yet engaging coming musical binding happening through the amalgamation of various instruments including 'santoor'. After exactly a couple of minutes, the mood is changed completely as Rahul gets his 'santoor' storming the track and making 'Mistress Of The Sea' one enriching experience. More you listen to it, more you end up falling in love, especially if you are fond of Yash Chopra school of music! 'Curse Of The Mermaid' - now could it have been more disturbing a title than this? One starts giving the track a close hearing right away to know what's in store since there is bound to be something different about it. A 15 minutes musical piece, it may well have been a record setting composition since the track just doesn't narrate a story, it is a story in itself. Starting off in a haunting way with western instruments creating the right 'feel', one waits with bated breath for 'santoor' to arrive. Well, it arrives in an unexpected manner after 'Curse Of The Mermaid' is 3 minutes through. And just when one would have though that 'santoor' would be the mainstay of the track, it disappears once again! 'Coral Reefs' takes you all the way down to the depth of the ocean as faint sounds kick start the proceedings. This time around, it's not a long wait for 'santoor' to arrive since it is present from the very beginning. Creating a melodious setting that could be a tune for a romantic number, it goes on well for some time before it becomes stagnant once again after a good stage had been set for it. This frequent change in mood does diverts the attention of a listener but thankfully that is not for long as 'santoor' arrives back on the scene in a while. There are no complains though in case of 'Sea Horses & Treasures' as 'santoor' forms the basis of some soothing melody that comes your way. The track moves on slowly without any ups and downs while 'santoor' too remains present in the entire duration of the track without making an unexpected vanishing act, as has been the case in number of tracks preceding it. There is a faint sound from down under in case of 'Deep Sea Divers' that turns out to be a better listening experience than 'Sea Horses & Treasures', partly because it has that conventional Hindi film music appeal to it which makes it quite identifiable for one and all. There are different moods brought in the track through the way 'santoor' is paced with just the right pauses in the interim that makes 'Deep Sea Divers' an enjoyable experience. Lastly comes 'Legends Of The Sea Goddess', which as per the track's title, begins on an haunting note. There is a certain mystery in the manner this track is developed with a slow yet gradual movement in the track. What is noticeable though is the sound of 'santoor' where the notes used are completely different from what one has been used to hearing from Rahul Sharma. Two minutes into the track and the tune starts becoming increasingly enjoyable with the tempo building up as a result of number of musical instruments coming together. Truly one of the best tracks in the album that brings 'Samandar' to an apt ending. Rahul Sharma has been known for picking up various themes for each of his offerings. This time around he brings an ocean to tune and mesmerizes once again with his brilliancy and hold behind his art.
It has been quite a while since an album by a relative newcomer has hit the stands and turned out to be successful too. Yes, there have been a few new entrants who have made an impression but sadly their work hasn't quite been noticed by the music lovers with their work fading away sooner than it hit the stands. One picks up 'Sarhadein' by one album old Nitish Pires [who croons, writes and composes the songs] to check if the results are any different here. It's a slow and haunting beginning to 'Ud Chalta' that makes one understand right away that 'Sarhadein' is certainly not one of your popcorn albums. While the title itself took away this misconception, the way 'Ud Chalta' moves ahead only ensures that further. A soft rock track, Nitish sings in a style that makes one believe that he certainly had a smile on his lips when he was rendering it. A song about hope and looking forward to a good times ahead, it could be applicable to anyone with whom you are attached to, whether a friend or a lover! 'Sarhadein', which is written by Piyush Mishra, takes almost a minute to create a base for itself in a slow and subtle manner. Soon the rock flavor takes over the song which is about the cry of breaking away all the barriers and living in a free world where everyone has a freedom to do what he or she chooses. Noble thought indeed but the tune isn't of the kind that would go anywhere beyond a concert or a stage show. A kind of track that makes most impression when performed live, it doesn't have an appeal that would make youth croon it loud on the streets or sing along with friends. Second song in succession which is about the spirit of freedom, 'Azaad' is an abstract track which has been executed in an ear friendly manner. Similar to 'Ud Chalta' in terms of words and music, 'Azaad' does have a feel good outlook to it but just like the numbers above has its own limitations. The song is also repeated in 'unplugged version' later. Written by Sandeep Nath, 'Shikar' establishes the mood of the album and makes one ready for what the rest of the album has to offer. The message by this time is loud and clear that 'Sarhadein' is an album that carries the theme of freedom and independence with each of the numbers only propagating that feel through different settings. 'Shikar' takes the mood only forward with youth liberation being at center stage now. A philosophical track about life and it's beauty, 'Kesara' is yet another instance after 'Ud Chalta' where hope and a better life ahead takes center stage. From rock, the setting changes to melody as the tune becomes mellow with Nitish too attempting at sounding different. If one has to pick between all the songs so far then 'Kesara' would be the one. 'I am like this and would continue to be so forever' - this is what 'Main Hu Main' aims at conveying. A slow moving track that sees an escalation in pace towards its middle, it has a bit of jazz element to it which adds on to the youth flavor of the song. There is an additional English rap interspersed in 'Main Hu' which is yet another track in the album that sounds just about ordinary. First ever love song in the album is heard when 'Oh Sathiya' arrives. Almost an unplugged version with no instruments disturbing the flow of the music and depth in lyrics, 'Oh Sathiya' is the best track to be heard in the album so far. It's innocent appeal makes you give it a repeat hearing and though the song doesn't break any new grounds, it is at least a welcome relief when compared to most of the tracks heard so far. Last to come in the album is 'Sun Le Zamaana' which also sees the return of Sandeep Nath as the lyricist. Yet another track about youth power and the willingness to take over the world, 'Sun Le' changes track from being Western to Indian in quick succession. The tune is such that has been heard in number of Rahman compositions down South. Nitish Pires has tried to do something different but the difficult part here is that there are hardly any takes for music and setting like this. At maximum, 'Sarhadein' brings with a set of compositions that would make an impression on a stage or when performed live, but that's about it.
If this was the best top 24 ever, then it stands to reason that this is the best top 12 ever. I may be drinking the kool-aid because, to my eyes, this top 12 looks as strong, top to bottom, as I’ve seen. David, is this the best top 12 ever?
An Adnan Sami album is always keenly awaited. And why not? After all the man has delivered back to back musical success for over the years, ever since he first came into limelight with the release of KABHI TO NAZAR MILAO. Now with KISI DIN that mainly has lyrics by Sameer, he is back with a bang (literally) with a redefined persona and an approach to making music. It's 'Sun Zarra' revisited if one goes by the rhythm of 'Teri Yaad', the opening track of 'Kisi Din'. A poignant track about a man who has lost all with going away of his love and is remembering her every moment ever since then, 'Teri Yaad' is a must for all broken hearts. Adnan Sami brings the required pain to this painful number that has all the ingredients of a sad track but still doesn't restrict itself to the 'dard-e-judai' genre! It maintains a good rhythm throughout and doesn't fall into the trap of getting slow in pace. Quite hummable and easy on ears, it is also notable for its lyrics by Maqbool Khwaja who goes all out in ensuring that 'Teri Yaad' is just the right beginning to the album. The song is heard once again in its remix version that sounds quite unnecessary since what one looked for was a poignant track that sounded best in its original format rather than getting into an item song mode in its remix version that is all jazzed up for the dance floor. Title song comes just a little later as Amjad Islam Amjad's lyrics are heard in 'Kisi Din'. A melodious track in the mode of late 70s, it is laidback and heavy on words. A song meant to be enjoyed with the lights switched off rather than being seen as a music video, it is a good follow up of 'Teri yaad' as it gets into the mode of timeless romance that has no boundaries. If only the song would have stuck completely to an Indian mode rather any Western influences (the 'ooh la la la-s' and the English interruptions, something that is an integral part of the unwanted 'remix version'), it would have been one irresistible track. Nevertheless, a song that deserves its presence in the album by all means.There is volte face of a kind as a heavy on beats 'Baarish' comes soon after. With a title like this one would have expected a romantic start to the proceedings but what one gets to hear is a passionate track about love that would have made composer Pritam proud. A new age track with just the right rhythm and orchestra in place, 'Baarish' is about remembering your loved one but such is the pace and overall treatment of the song that it could as well qualify as a dance floor number. The song is abound with English interspersions and turns out to be an entertaining track. First of the tracks that is a valid candidate for a remix version, it instead appears in an 'unplugged version' that could as well have been the opening track of the album due to its honest approach of narrating the tale of a man hopelessly in love. With just a guitar playing alongside, Adnan Sami does quite well in making 'Baarish' a track that deserves to be seen in a music video.The feel of jazz continues with Riaz-ur Rehman Sagar written 'Koi Rehta Hai' that continues the heat created by the album and turns out to be one of the most enjoyable tracks heard in the album so far. Boasting of a likeable melody and some catchy rhythm, 'Koi Rehta Hai' is all about romance though one fails to understand the need behind the English portions in between. A track like this deserves to be unadulterated and heard in its original format and as long as the song sticks to that, it is a very good hear overall. One heard Himesh Reshammia render 'Assalam Walekum' recently for his movie 'Aap Ka Surroor'. Now Adnan Sami does the same for his track 'Salaam Walekum' where he gets into a mode that could have been suited for a filmy situation. A track about a man who is trying to woo his girl and letting her know about all the love that he carries in his heart for her, 'Salaam Walekum' is a mix of rhythm and melody that is instantly likeable with a good tune that also takes a lot from Persian music. This time around, the song begins with an English rendition itself as one is left wondering to understand what the song is actually about, Thankfully Adnan Sami comes on the scene immediately to croon 'Jharaukhe', a number that is soaked in India melody though it has some western rhythm thrown in for good measure. The overall feel of the album is maintained throughout to keep the mood of 'Kisi Din' constant throughout and as the song gets into its 'antaras', it only becomes better to make one start appreciating the beauty of the song even more. Yet another winner. This time around it is the sound of church bells to kick start the proceedings of 'Waqt'. A racy rhythm created by a guitar makes one curious about the song that would follow and as the music reaches its crescendo, it starts getting into a club track mode, what with a catchy rhythm and the sound of a female in the background. One of the best tracks heard in the album so far, 'Waqt' is racy, pacy, catchy and comes with a kind of passion that has not been heard in the album so far. Especially watch out for the work on the key board that happens after the song is two minutes through. By this time, one is convinced that 'Kisi Din' is an album that would continue to find its audience over the years and if the remaining three tracks are as good as the ones that have been heard before, 'Kisi Din' would qualify as a must-buy album. The sound of bagpiper kick starts 'Dekho Jaaneman' that is set in the Middle East tone but has still quite a lot for Adnan's fans to bite upon. Though the 'mukhda' begins on a very interesting note, the music that follows it's transition into 'antara' takes an out and out Middle East route. A number written by Adeem Hashmi that has an inherent Bollywood style of composition influencing its overall pace, 'Dekho Jaaneman' may not be the most original of the lot but entertains nevertheless. After a long time, rhythm makes way for melody as the proceedings turn subtle and a little quite with the arrival of 'Sargoshi'. And guess what, one doesn't mind it even wee bit as Adnan excels once again in a kind of track that he has been known for over the years. After a series of racy tracks, 'Sargoshi' is a welcome relief as this love track brings a 'thehrav' in the proceedings and makes one relax and just enjoy the tune. Ditto for 'Ae Khuda', a song in appreciation of the almighty that brings the album to a soothing end due to the sense of peace it brings with its tune. In most of his albums so far, Adnan has included an item song or two to make them get noticed. In 'Kisi Din' he avoids that temptation and mainly comes with a score that is honest and true to his heart. This one is not just for his fans but even those who have started catching up on his music now.
Once in a while there arrives an album that you want to check out due to its sheer uniqueness and originality. CHILLOUT HEAVEN is one of them that has music composed by Fridrik Karlsson, the man who is known for his gentle soothing music. With CHILLOUT HEAVEN he promises to offer the kind of music that would create an ultimate chillout experience that relaxes and helps in relieving the stress. Truly relaxing, 'Chillout Heaven' lives up to its title as it transposes you to a world that could be far away but still within yourself. With minimal instruments in play, there is a constant rhythm merged into an intrinsic melody that creates such a smooth flow that all you wish is to switch off the lights and go on a peaceful sleep. A track that maintains a consistent pace and doesn't loose its momentum even once, 'Chillout Heaven' is the one that corporate houses should play in a repeat mode near the workstations! One can't quite make up the mind to ascertain if 'Chillout Heaven' was a better version or 'Rest Your Mind', which comes next. This time around it's a guitar in full play as it maintains a smooth flow along with some gentle beats that knock your soul and only attempt at making you forget the hard day that you may have experienced so far. With some faint sounds coming from a distance as 'Rest Your Mind' continues its smooth ride, this one is a gem and makes one look forward to what rest of the album has to offer. After 'Chillout Heaven', it is time to get into a 'Chillout Zone'! In the beginning it seems as if the opening sound would pave way for some momentum to pick up but a minute into the track and one realizes that this was not the case to be! Instead 'Chillout Heaven' maintains its slow pace throughout it's duration with the first sound of beats only coming in after the track has been on for around 2 minutes. By now one understands the kind of sound one expects from 'Chillout Heaven' and pretty much gets it on one track after another. By now, 'Chillout Heaven' finds itself into the category of 'highly recommended'! There is a certain crispy feel in the beats of 'In The Moment' that makes one instantly attracted to it's sound. Gentle sound of guitar in the background only adds on to the appeal of this highly involving track that moves at such a smooth pace that one almost forgets when it transitions from the track prior to it and finishes to knock at the track following it. Truly relaxing and extremely easy on ears, 'In The Moment' makes one look forward to which other album does Fridrik Karlsson have in the offering! Third time in the album, there is an invitation for a 'chillout'. After 'Chillout Heaven' and 'Chillout Zone', it is 'Time for Chillout', literally, as a namesake track arrives next. Yet another track that cannot be really explained in words and has to be experienced, felt and enjoyed, 'Time For Chillout' is yet another winner and makes one look in awe at the work of Fridrik Karlsson. Ditto for 'What Tomorrow Brings', which marks an end to this brilliant piece of music that 'Chillout Heaven' had for an offering. A kind of track on which a melodious song could easily be composed, 'What Tomorrow Brings' truly makes you look forward to what tomorrow has for the offering in the real life! 'Chillout Heaven' is an extremely well made album that should find a place for itself in the world that is troubling itself with day to day hassles and stress. Truly a stress reliever, it is an album that can be played in the night and ensure a peaceful slumber.
While rock stars are good at raising money and public consciousness, star-studded lineups usually suffer. Few performers fare well when removed from their comfort zones and sharing sound engineers and equipment, a situation that usually results in hastily delivered second-rate music.
Jamie Lynn Spears, Britney's sister, is pregnant, the 16-year-old told OK! magazine. The father is her longtime boyfriend, Casey Aldridge, she said. "It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected," Jamie Lynn Spears, who is 12 weeks along in her pregnancy, told the magazine for its new issue, which hits stands this week."I was in complete and total shock, and so was he," she said. "As soon as I found out for sure from the doctor, I took two weeks to myself where I didn't tell anybody. Only one of my friends knew because I needed to work out what I would do for myself before I let anyone's opinion affect my decision. Then I told my parents and my friends. I was scared, but I had to do what was right for me."According to the interview, Jamie Lynn confirmed the pregnancy through a home test. She later paid a visit to the doctor, who corroborated the news. She said she revealed the news to her parents shortly before Thanksgiving.Jamie Lynn said that her mother, Lynne Spears, "was very upset because it wasn't what she expected at all. A week after, she had time to cope with it and became very supportive." Lynne Spears also commented on the news, saying, "I didn't believe it because Jamie Lynn's always been so conscientious. She's never late for her curfew. I was in shock. I mean, this is my 16-year-old baby."Jamie Lynn, a high school junior, reportedly plans to raise the baby in Louisiana, her home state, "so it can have a normal family life." In regards to the third season of her Nickelodeon show, "Zoey 101," which wraps January 4, Jamie Lynn said: "I haven't spoken to [Nickelodeon] personally, but they have always been so great to me over the past years and have given me so many opportunities." The show is slated to start back up again in February, and fourth-season filming is already done.
