Friday, April 17, 2020

O for Old Songs - My favourite things to counter COVID-19 stress

(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. I am writing this month on activities that keep me refreshed during these depressing days. It's Day 15 today.)

Our favourite songs from yesteryear are nostalgic. They take us back to those good old days of yore. It's sort of comforting; and puts me into a peppy mood.

Most radio stations have programmes in which they play old songs. On Vividh Bharati, a few of them are 'Bhule Bisre Geet', 'Chhaya Geet', 'Jaimala', etc.

On All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram, every Sunday morning at 9.30, there is a programme called 'Ormacheppu'. It's a very nice one, in which they play songs requested by listeners, who don't just ask for a song, but also narrate an anecdote that has made that song memorable for them.

Here are a few I can immediately remember. Not an exhaustive list. I am giving the YouTube link, instead of embedding the video here, which is a bit tedious.

(For non-Indian readers, the songs in non-English languages are from movies and the songs are sung by playback singers. India has a huge film industry.)

ENGLISH

La Cucaracha - Petre Geambasu Show Band

Boney M. - Ma Baker (Sopot Festival 1979) (VOD)

Jambalaya - Carpenters

Una Paloma Blanca - George Baker

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (Sung by Julie Berthelsen)

The Beach Boys - Kokomo

TAMIL

Paartha Mudhal Naale

HINDI

Naa Mangoo Sona Chandi

Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum

Zara Hole Hole Chalo-Sawan Ki Ghata

Chookar Mere Mann Ko Kiya Tune Kya Ishara

Hawa Hawai

Gore Gore O Banke Chhore

MALAYALAM

Alliyambal Kadavil

Nee madhu pakroo

Ellarum Chollanu - Neelakuyil

Innale mayangumbol

Thaliritta Kinakkal

Thumbi Thumbi Vava

11 comments:

  1. When I read you mentioned Paartha Mudal Naale, it brought me back memories. At that time we were living in Salt Lake City. Bombay Jayashree came for a Carnatic Music performance. She stayed with us for 3 days.

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  2. I love anecdotal stories and Bollywood puts out some awesome films. I enjoy going to a local Indian Cafe where the television sometimes shows Indian music videos. Music is my savior. Right this second I'm listening to my newest favorite band, Palaye Royale. Mr Doctor Man is like a movie. ~grin~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzM134EhSFQ

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    1. Hi Darla - Glad to know that you follow Bollywood :-) I shall check out Palaye Royale. Thanks. Stay safe!

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  3. Old songs reminded me of "Caravan" by SAReGaMa. It has 5000 old songs. These days while doing the dishes, I play songs on YouTube or sometimes some chanting. In the company of the songs, the dishes are done in jiffy!
    -Its O for Once Again at https://canvaswithrainbow.com/once-again/

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    1. Hi Anagha - O, I totally forgot to mention Caravan. It's there right in front of me! It's a great initiative by SaReGaMa. Thanks for mentioning it here. Now they have songs in a number of languages.
      Most of the time, some music is playing at home.

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  4. Old songs are so beautiful . Chookar mere man ko is my favourite .

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  5. There's an age where music embeds itself into our psyches more firmly. Teen and tween years. And certain songs become the soundtrack of our lives.

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  6. Have heard some of these songs :)
    I love music. It's great to elevate our mood especially during this Covid19 lockdown.

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  7. Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything and all this is so very much needed in the times we are living. You have listed some lovely Hindi songs here!

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