The Firstpost Playlist: Afreen Afreen, Dum Maro Dum, and some Dead Man Walking

Since we consider ourselves duty bound to bring you a selection of music that will help set the mood for some much needed R-and-R over the weekend, here’s yet another edition of the Firstpost Playlist for you. And what have we got on it this time? That much-talked-about version of ‘Afreen Afreen’ by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan on Coke Studio Pakistan, and a whole lot of difficult-to-slot music. So plug in your headphones, and get ready to groove along! ‘I am a Table’ by Aher Belste

There’s a particularly incisive line in The Big Lebowski, delivered by Jeff Bridges during an exchange with the stage actor Leon Russom, which concerns itself with the objectification of women (I think). Or maybe it speaks of the feminisation of objects (I don’t know). It is to be found here. I recently discovered that it isn’t just The Dude who has achieved such Mariana Trench levels of wisdom. Such enlightenment is to be found in the Firstpost news room, particularly within the consciousness of its Deputy Executive News Producer, who considers this ‘song’ above as the paragon of musical expression. — Jaideep VG ‘The Drapery Falls (live)’ by Opeth

You know how there are these really respectful fans who believe that bands should always get a chance to explore their musical persona and progress their style to grow as artists? Well, I’m not one of those people. The new release by Opeth has also traumatised me enough to reinforce my “obstinate attitude”. The new song from their latest album Sorceress is exactly what I feared it would be: generic, unimaginative and almost embarrassing. I think the lyrics have been typed by the evil peacock on their album cover, that could be the only explanation for these “lyrics”. So I recommend listening to their old album Blackwater Park instead. The band itself has decided to put in a live version of one the songs from Blackwater Park to save this impending disaster of a record, so that’s my recommendation for this week. Produced by Steven Wilson, this epic melodic album was loved by critics and fans alike. The misery that (is) The Drapery Falls perfectly reflects my feelings for this band itself. After their last three albums, it’s safe to say that we’ll never hear the rich, melancholic soundscape that Opeth used to weave ever again. The drapery has fallen for Opeth in my eyes. — Siddhi Desai ‘Afreen Afreen’ by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan, Coke Studio 9

There has a lot been said about this song in the last few days, much of which does not even have to do with the song, but the artist. But ignore the video and the outrage, and focus only on the aural experience to enjoy this rare, well done and wonderful cover of tribute to a classic. (Yes, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Afreen Afreen’ is a classic for 90’s kids.) And the Coke Studio version is the reinvented ode it deserves. Coke Studio Pakistan’s music is always soulful, but when Rahat Fateh Ali Khan takes up the vocals of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, it gives the song a whole new powerful soul. He is joined by Momina Mustehsan, whose clear vocals enhance the experience of the song. The background vocals and arrangement of instruments add the typical Coke Studio vibe to it, making it a song to play on loop. While the original Qawwali was an intense piece of music, this unplugged version is transformed into a soothing melody. While the original piece made you clap or tap your foot, this modern version makes you want to sit back and sway. And just in case you want enjoy the original version again, here it is! —  Zenia D’cunha ‘Face of Love’ by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Eddie Vedder

On the subject of unmatched Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan originals, the new age ‘Afreen Afreen’ could also offer the perfect segue into the more melancholic ‘Face of Love’ that featured on the Dead Man Walking soundtrack. On an album that had standout tracks like Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Dead Man Walking’, ‘Face of Love’ was perhaps the best. Eddie Vedder and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan blend their styles and vocals effortlessly, and the music soars, and takes you to an uncomfortable place, just like this Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon starrer. — Rohini Nair ‘Dum Maro Dum’ by The Beatles of Bollywood

Many have tried covering the iconic Dum Maro Dum — remember the version featuring Deepika Padukone? This is the original hippie song for India, and has served as a source of inspiration for many bands worldwide, one of them is The Beatles of Bollywood. A band from the Netherlands, The Beatles of Bollywood consists of the Bindraban brothers. This is a moody, jazzed up version of the song. This is one of my favourite fusion songs, it seems to breathe new life into the old RD Burman song, and the saxophone and the vocals completely change the mood and tone of the song. —  Ankita Maneck