May 27, 2004 12:45 AM
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(Updated May 27, 2004 12:29 PM)
Remixes and Cover Versions
There are heaps of opinions about remixes. To dub it in a greenhorn's terms, a remix is a remodel of an original song which is calibrated further to make it sound more DJ friendly. Drum beats and bass tracks are augmented in order to help the song make an impact on the dance floor. On the other hand, a cover version is an adaptation of a heretofore number made by another artist.
Usually the cover versions adapt the music and lyrics and thus cleave to the original number. Concedable fluctuations could be variations in singing approach or variations in music arrangements. But, the recreation of a song can only be accomplished if the craftsman of the cover version acquires the copyrights (if there are any) and appropriates the due deference to the original composer. Otherwise it is a copyright infringement or plagiarism.(Are you taking notes Bappi da???)
Dil Vil Pyar Vyar is one such album that brags of fourteen cover versions which were originally composed by RD Burman. Personally, I thought that this album as a whole was above average. My deduction was based on a few factors such as choice of singers, music arrangements and the over all nimbleness of the song when compared to the original numbers. Some numbers stand out while some disappoint big time.
Hariharan refashions Kishore
To me, Hariharan is all about class and elegance. Be it ghazals, hindustani classical, carnatic, fusion or a regular bollywood fare, Hariharan always executes his drill with perfection. But its virtually impossible to draw similarities by juxtapositioning Hariharan and Kishore. Hariharan certified this fact by not trying to forge Kishore's voice and as a result he scores four winners. In a nutshell, ''Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahan'' can be stated as a display of some exquisite singing. Ditto can be said about his other solo, ''O Hansini''.
What really impressed me about ''O Hansini'' is the music arrangement by Bablu Chakraborty. Brilliant. On the contrary, Kavita Krishnamurthy fails to excite in ''Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein'', which is a duet with Hariharan. He kinda monopolizes this number and makes the comparisons inevitable. I'm very narrow-minded when it comes down to ''Tere Bina Zindagi Se Shiqwa''. Its one of my treasured numbers and however stylish or elegant Hariharan sings, its no way close to the original Kishore-Lata version. I'm sorry mates...you simply can't match their brilliance. No Way!!!!
Nasal'ish Babul Supriyo and Kumar Sanu refashion Kishore
Why wouldn't I be bowled over if someone told me that Kumar Sanu and Babul Supriyo were twins (or the nasal twins). I decided to play past their numbers until my fellow M'sian, Swami suggested listening to ''Kehna Hai'' by Supriyo. What confouded me was, despite Babul Supriyo's nasal singing, he managed to bring about the soft resonance the song required.
The other version of the same song fails miserably coz' of the female singer, Preeta Mazumdar. I'll give that a pass. The peppy ''Ab Ke Saawan'' is more like a remix than a cover version, though Sadhana Sargam's singing makes it worth a listen. Then enters the original nasal king, Kumar Sanu with the number ''Yaadon Ke Baraat'' and ''Raat kali Ek Khwaab Mein Aayi''. Disappointing!!! Kishore and RD surely deserve a better ode.
Miscellaneous
Kavita Krishnamurthy's solo ''Kya Jaanoon Sajan'' is brilliantly orchestrated by Babul Supriyo but its her voice that fails to create the punch that Lata's voice did in this number. Lata was flawless. Hariharan, Abhijit and Babul Supriyo together render ''Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai'' which is catchy in parts but somehow loses the delirium-tremens effect the original number had.
''O Haseena Zulfon Waali'' by Abhijit and Sunidhi is jazzy with a salsa base. Its one of the better numbers outside Hariharan solos. Lastly, the two versions of ''Mere Saamne Waali Khidki'' by Shaan and Abhijeet aren't worth much mention. They are the regular fare which are better forgotten.
The Verdict
One cannot recreate the works of legends such as RD and Kishore. One can make a sincere effort that can be appreciated but the original work rules above all. Though this album was a decent effort but they somewhere missed out due to inappropriate choice of singers.
