Patterns in the Ivy
"Over the past few years ever since I started listening to all forms of rock music I have come across innumerable bands in this universe of drugs, booze and rock n' roll. But there are a few bands that continue to enthrall and surprise you with the kind of music they play. Majority of the bands have a set style of playing and the variation in the songs disappears over a certain period. But one band that has continued to keep you wanting more is Opeth.
I came to know about this band from Rohan who used to put the lyrics in his status messages on messenger. Out of curiosity I checked out the music by the band and was surprised with the variety they played. I mean most of the bands who play Death and Dark Metal are usually typecasted with the same form of music. But Opeth, can give you those growling vocals and at the sametime give you sheer poetry. How many bands have you heard who do that? I have heard Testament do one song Return to Serenity, but thats about it.
If my memory serves me right then the first Opeth album came out in 1995 and its been more than 10 years now since they've been around. But the music still doesent satiate your curiosity. Take the lyrics of Face of Melinda (Album: Still Life):
By the turnstile beckons a damsel fair
The face of Melinda neath blackened hair
No joy would flicker in her eyes
Brooding sadness came to a rise
Words would falter to atone
Failure had passed the stepping stone
She had sworn her vows to another
This is when no-one will bother
And conceded pain in crumbling mirth
A harlot of God upon the earth
Found where she sacrificed her ways
That hollow love in her face
Still I plotted to have her back
The contentment that would fill the crack
My soul released a fluttering sigh
This day fell, the darkness nigh
I took her by the hand to say
All faith forever has been washed away
I returned for you in great dismay
Come with me, far away to stay
Endlessly gazing in nocturnal prime
She spoke of her vices and broke the rhyme
But baffled herself with the final line
My promise is made but my heart is thine
Who writes such lyrics? For all I know most of the new Death Metal (or Black Metal as they call it) bands do not anything apart from hatred and blood and demons in them. Now people will argue that if you want poetry then do not listen to Death Metal. But music as genre was never about the lyrics. Genres are decided on the basis of the music that goes with it. Death Metal is just a fad that rockers have. All of them. There was a time when I wouldn't take anything but Deicide and Cannibal Corpse. But those really seem like such a waste now.
To all those who havent heard Opeth yet, all I would say is go get a CD! Here are some strong recommendations:
- Still Day Beneath The Sun
- Patterns in the Ivy - 2
- Face of Melinda
- Benighted
- Harvest
- Death Whispered A Lullaby
- To Bid You Farewell
Technorati Tags: Opeth Metal Rock Death Metal"
Whats The Craze All About?
"I think every Indian at some point of time must have desired to go abroad and specifically to the US. Not many think about the fact that mountains look radiant from far away. The dust gets into your eyes only when you venture close to it. People might have conflicting opinions on this issue and once again I might be kicking up a major storm here. But something that happened recently caught my eye and hence the attention. Here goes:
The scientist community is up in arms against the denial of US entry visa to senior scientist Goverdhan Mehta. Mehta was formerly associated with the Indian Institute of Science.
Top scientists have expressed their grouse at the ""impolite"" questions they are asked while applying for a US visa. None other than C N R Rao, principal scientific advisor to the Prime Minister, has said he may stop visiting that country.
Rao said on Friday, ""It's regrettable that the US cannot distinguish between a scientist and a student. We are not beggars. We are a developing economy. When they expect royal treatment in India, why don't they reciprocate?""
Rao, who faced a similar experience three years back, said, ""They ask impolite questions. I'm not saying they shouldn't. But they ought to be polite.""
The sentiments are no different with other top scientists who feel the insult to Indian scientists is happening all too often.
Former IISc director G Padmanabhan said, ""I have stopped going abroad. It's insulting the way they treat Indians."" Space scientist U R Rao feels the government must take up the issue with the US. Padmanabhan says this is due to US obsession with security. (Source: TOI)
And at this time I wonder, why do we still continue to grovel? People tell me that ""going abroad broadens your perspective and gives you a new outlook"". Sure it does. But should it be at the expense your own self-respect? There is a thin line between self-respect and ego. But this is an open and shut case of losing your self respect and going. I respect the views of the scientist above. And the same are mine. Although I have never been through any such experience, I have a heard a lot of cases. People might rebuke me by saying that I havent had any first hand experience. Are all these cases made up then? I wonder.
Its high time we have some sort of pride for our country. Sure, it might be full of shit when it comes to politics. Sure it might be the Michael Schumacher of corruption. But no country is pure from its inception. You have to make it that way. If you run away with your tail tucked between your legs, who would work, to make the country the way it should be? All patriotism? Nah, I say all practicality.
Bite Me.
Technorati Tags: India Visa US"
Its Another Sunday
As another lazy sunday began, I woke up to the sound of the newspaper sliding below my door. The newspaper delivery guy also comes in quite late on sundays, I guess everyone needs to unwind and the newspaper guy, deservedly so.
I was in a pensive mood as the day began and felt the need to do something different. So for a change I sat and read the newspaper at length. I came across an amazing article by Manu Joseph. It is so very well written. The beauty of the article lies in its simplicity and when you can portray something as simple as a conversation with a man in a such a subtle manner, its really amazing. The article can be read here.
As I was browsing through various blogs I came across a friends blog which talked about a Tagore poem. This instantly reminded me of a small verse, again by Tagore, that someone sent me long time back. It is so beautifully written. Or maybe I found it so because those were beautiful times. But anyways here goes:
He whom I enclose with my name is weeping in this dungeon.
I am ever busy building this wall all around,
and as this wall goes up into the sky day by day
I lose sight of my true being in its dark shadow.
I take pride in this great wall, and I plaster it
with dust and sand lest a least hole should be left
in this name, and for all the care I take
I lose sight of my true being.
I guess I'll finish reading one of my Roald Dahl books to end the Sunday on a literary note.