Chords & Notes

Mama's Gun - Erykah Badu (Universal, Rs. 125)

HER VOICE has nothing conventional about it when it comes to soul singing. Nothing of the deep robust and full-throated style of, say, an Aretha Franklin or a Mahalia Jackson.

Erykah Badu's style is more subdued and silky, which has led to comparison with Billie Holiday. Her music blends genres with ease - from hip-hop to soul with a tinge of jazz at times. The Dallas- born singer made her debut in 1997 with the critically acclaimed "Baduizm."

"Mama's Gun" opens with the rocking "Penitentiary Philosophy" and moves on to the danceable "Didn't Cha Know?" "My life" is in the Marvin Gaye mould. Badu is equally at home with the ballads. Check out "Orange Moon" which is a beautiful mood piece laced with jazz, or "In Love With You," which has reggae elements provided by Bob Marley's son Stephen.

The album ends with the ambitious "Green Eyes" a ten-minute song divided into three movements, which is personal and heart- breaking statement about one of her relationships which turned sour.

The album is the kind that will slowly grow on you with repeated listening. No song really stands out but it is definitely worth listening to more than once - very good.

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One 2 Ka 4 - A. R. Rahman (HMV, Rs. 55)

Close on the heels of "Zubeida" comes the next A. R. Rahman album in Hindi. The album opens with the Lata Mangeshkar-Sonu Nigam "Khamoshiyan Gungunane" that has a bit of pop and a bit of folk. In the Rajasthani folk tinged "Sona Nahin Na Sahi" (Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan), you suddenly hear a bit of Western classical strains, that of course blend beautifully with the rest of the tune. The beats remind one of the South Indian 'Kummi' clapping.

The Spanish guitars are the highlight of "I am sorry," while the electronica-meets-Michael Jackson like title track with snatches of mid-Eastern times, is meant for the dance floor.

The high point is however, the pacy "Allay Allay", a Calypso- laced number with a melodious solo on the flute by Naveen.

The album is a cut above the rest. But the Shahrukh Khan-Juhi Chawla starrer, directed by Shashilal Nair, is most definitely not among Rahman's best - good.

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One Night Only - Elton John (Universal, Rs. 150)

This is a collection of live versions of John's greatest hits, performed at his favourite venue, Madison Square Garden, New York. Elton is joined by several guest artistes, including Anastacia, Bryan Adams, Mary JBlige and Kiki Dee. The songs are a fair representation of Elton John's vast repertoire of hits. Check out "Candle In The Wind," "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" or "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting." - very good.

SAVITHA PADMANABHAN

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