Music to Be Alive To
make sure that every moment of life is valued with aarushi aggarwal
featuring artists like
Shubh Saran, Alfa Mist, Noori, Ritviz, Tame Impala, Mumford & Sons, Band of Horses, The Paper Kites, Charlie Parker
I like to believe that the wheel of emotions was built because humans are intended to experience the entire range of emotions. This does not mean that we do not chase happiness; of course, human life is wont to do that. But that does not mean that we do not savour the other moments of pain, anguish, failure and heartbreak that inevitably puncture our daily life. Moments like these which challenge our existence and incentivise us to do better and to be better.
Experiencing these emotions is an integral part of every human life and as such, we should take pride in our ability to really feel the way we do and celebrate it. Every celebration needs music so one ought to think of this playlist as a celebration of life. If your life were a movie then this playlist would be your soundtrack: ranging from the victory dance to the gut-wrenching pain.
The diversity is not limited to emotions alone. The playlist is widespread in the genres it represents too. It features as much jazz as it does indie peppered with blues induced country and Indian music. Language is no barrier because love and life are experienced universally. The combination of these tracks does not make a coherent story, rather a muddle that reflects the confusion and non-linearity of life. Love, joy, loss, anger, frustration; all find a place here to make sure that every moment of life is valued; to make sure that at every moment, we are alive.
Built to Roam (Audiotree Live Version) – Shakey Graves
7 February 2018
The restlessness of the artist stands out in the track. Aside from the revealing lyrics, the music too–hints of folk, blues and country–render the track a sense of wander, made amply clear with the title Built to Roam.”
Si Tu Vois Ma Mère (Slow) – Sidney Bechet & Claude Luter
30 January 2018
Well, Sidney Bechet is a genius: a master on the saxophone and the clarinet. His music, distinguished by a wide vibrato, evokes a lot of emotion. I came across this song for the first time while watching Midnight in Paris–one of my favourite films.
Titliyaan – Strings (Coke Studio Sessions: Season 2)
23 January 2018
Needless to say, death is painful. It is also a timely reminder of one’s mortality and the selfishness that possibly defines one’s own life. The death of my Aunt earlier this week was a reminder to me of how I take people in my life for granted; that once they are gone there is no scope for another conversation or an apology…
Udd Gaye (Bacardi House Party Sessions) – Ritviz
16 January 2018
It makes me so happy that Udd Gaye is the first hindi track on the playlist. Released in late November last year, Udd Gaye was an instant hit, and Ritviz, a young DJ became famous overnight.
Moon River – Andy Williams
12 January 2018
Audrey Hepburn’s Grammy Award winning rendition of Moon River in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is an unforgettable classic. There is something so sweet and innocent about the New York socialite singing this song about expanding horizons sitting at her apartment window.
A Tattered Line of String – The Postal Service
12 January 2018
This song reeks of the sweet smell of regret. It almost seems like it is every college student’s anthem. A short lived collaboration between artists from different genres, The Postal Service’s A Tattered Line of String is just the right amount of electronic in Indie Rock.
Hanuman – Rodrigo y Gabriela
12 January 2018
The NH7 Weekender is a huge music festival that is hosted by multiple cities across India. It is one of the few times that non-Bollywood music is given a platform in the country. Artists from across the world and genres have a stage at this festival. It is an occasion of high spirits and exhilaration.
That Sea, the Gambler – Gregory Alan Isakov
12 January 2018
Gregory Alan Isakov takes his listeners on a beautiful visual journey. He makes you pine for journeys not taken, for open fields not seen and lives not lives. He also makes you double up in pain, reminiscing as people often do. His emotion seeps into everyone because it is not complicated. It is commonplace; and the lyrics, subtle as they are, complement his raw voice and folk-induced country music.
Nocturne – Julian Lage
12 January 2018
Lage is a true master of the lounge. Nothing highlights this more than Nocturne. Although written by Spike Hughes in 1933 and recorded with an ensemble of musicians, Lage’s version of it is a clear break away from the 30’s jazz. It is smoother and the use of the electric guitar, a fascinating choice, adds a new flavour to the jazz composition.
