Tuesday, January 22, 2019

There's a reason we're discussing Slipknot in 2019.

Track: Spit It Out
Artist: Slipknot
Album: Slipknot (self-titled)
Year: 1999
Genre: Nu Metal


Energy. Chaos. Catharsis.

If someone asked me to summarize a Slipknot concert in three words, except no one did, I'd choose these. And that is just from videos available online. I expect I will have no words left once I experience it myself. Come on 2019, prove me right!

Now, this song isn't their best one by any stretch of imagination. The only reason I chose it to showcase Slipknot was this powerful moment around 7:06 where the crowd kneels and jumps up in unison. 

The song came out in 1999. This video is in 2009. We are in 2019 now, and Slipknot have a new song out (All Out Life). Though a crucial part of their act, if you keep the masks and antics aside, you'll find music (no, it's not noise and yes, I don't care what you think) that appeals across generations and lyrics that real people living real lives relate with. None of the fluff and bling of pop and rap.

A genre-defining band, there is absolutely no limit to what they can create. With Joey Jordison acting as a puppet-master from his throne, his beats command every note, every riff and every word that the band "spits out" (Hehe, see what I did there?). Corey raps like a God, and has the crowd on his little finger. Not many things in this world can get so many people together to a single location with a single purpose. Just makes you pause and realize how powerful music can be.






Saturday, January 5, 2019

The Formula1 Theme

Track: Formula1 Theme
Composer: Brian Tyler
Year: 2018
Genre: Classical / Orchestral



We are midway through the winter break in the world of Formula1 (F1) and I can't wait for the lights to go out at the Australian GP on March 17, 2019. Looking back at an action packed season, if there is one thing that gave me goosebumps each time, it was the F1 theme song composed by Brian Tyler.

What a boon Liberty Media has been to F1 ! The sport has never been as engaging as it is today and a major chunk of the credit goes to them. From regular video uploads on multiple platforms, spanning highlights packages, radio messages and history refreshers, F1 has finally become a modern sport capable of generating new fans and appeasing the loyalists.

Brian Tyler is a Hollywood veteran, composing music for some of our favorite movies and franchises. And he has delivered an impeccable soundtrack that captures the adrenaline and frenetic pace of F1. That soundtrack has been my de facto alarm clock every race weekend last year, with races in Europe starting at 5AM/6AM. Because, immediately following it were Crofty and Brundle introducing the circuit and the starting grid. Minutes to lights out!

Fans of orchestral music will appreciate the massive sound in this track, played by the London Philharmonia in the video. The racing fans will appreciate the engine sounds interspersed and blended in.

Good job, Brian!