EVERGREEN MUSICAL MASTERS AT THEIR BEST.

DOOM AND GLOOM(LIVE) by THE ROLLING STONES.

Mick Jagger and his assortment of evergreen bandmates have possessed a time-honoured propensity to electrify any given performance.

This live presentation of the decade-old DOOM AND GLOOM is from the GRRR! tour in Newark, New Jersey. For this writer, the song is a classic contemporary tune that he has preserved in his mind as one of the very best from these guys. The guitar work, Mr. Jagger’s smooth vocals and stage presence reiterate the thrill of being in a communal space with millions singing along and being receptive to a moment in time where music is the only truth worth vouching for.

In an era where a post-Covid timeline is getting gradually resurrected with artists’ return to global stages, this live performance captures those moments when I used to listen to it multiple times in its heyday. It made me one happy man. It’s the same in this current form here.

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BABA O’ RILEY(LIVE) by THE WHO

Such is the effect of some bands that even if you don’t always remember the words, their instrumental prowess endures through eras. Baba O’ Riley by The Who is one of the most exciting songs in rock history, its prelude sans vocals itself being top-notch, identified by any discerning listener of classic tunes.

It was recently played in the background at the Grammys during the awards presentation for Rock categories. It was an inspired touch just like Led Zeppelin’s iconic opening instrumental solo from Kashmir was present at a previous edition. Events like these ensure a legacy lives on.

So it’s to our great delight that THE WHO joins forces with the Isobel Griffiths Orchestra to perform Baba O’Riley for us, in a venue as iconic as the Wembley Arena. I love the feeling it generates in fans.

Also the final solo arc by a young member of the orchestra who plays her instrument so beautifully, with such confidence alongside the greats, seals this one as essential.

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QUEEN- THE GREATEST- THE REHEARSALS

THE GREATEST series that ran on Queen’s official YouTube channel was a boon during the pandemic era, a timely fifty-week journey that gave us the pure euphoria this band continues to effect with its inimitable oeuvre.

Of course, Freddie Mercury is an omnipotent force of nature whose loss will always loom large over pop culture. But what endures with greater zeal is his legacy through this series that, in 2023, has come alive with its focus on rehearsals. Once again, the band’s excellent use of stage and interdependence shines through archival footage, live performances and talking heads.

The editing is crisp and the running time compact. In a nutshell, it’s a retrospective we absolutely need to know the breadth of hard work that makes all members truly masters of their craft. It’s great that the contemporary omnibus in terms of live arcs by them isn’t given up here either.

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LOST by LINKIN PARK

Chester Bennington- the man, the singer of singular merit and a leading light for 21st century pop-rock- is such an unforgettable figure, we will always be touched by his contributions.

LOST is a posthumous Chester-led Linkin Park track that’s been shared by remaining band members with the world. It has the blend of vulnerability and a solid core of resolve that is distinctly the band’s hallmark. However, listening to the lyrics makes it clear that a history of pain and abuse had been writ large in Chester’s inner chambers. The distinctive sound is present further in the arrangements and the chorus.

Listen to it and watch the official music video which excellently employs anime/ manga form for the visuals. Blessed be this legacy. Blessed be Chester’s imprints.

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UDHERO NA by AROOJ AFTAB & ANUSHKA SHANKAR (LIVE AT THE GRAMMYS PREMIERE CEREMONY, 2023)

This divine coming together of two inestimable talents has produced a veritable classic for afficianados.

The live performance of Udhero Na at Grammys 2023 is further proof that great music is in the here and now. We need to seek out the best, most refined practitioners of art. In that regard, Arooj Aftab and Anushka Shankar blend their talents seamlessly, reiterated here for the world to behold.



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