Chal chal Bulleya…
Chal othay challye…
Jithay saray annay (blind)…
Na koyee sadee zaat pochaay…
Tay na koyee sanu manay…
Chal othay challye…
Once in a while you hear a song and you just have to tell someone about it. This is one of those songs, “Chal Bulleya” from Mekaal Hassan Band. There was not only one but many things that made me realize that this is a completely awesome song.
//Lyrics// Personally, I think the three hundred some year old lyrics of Bulleh Shah can still resonate with this generations spiritual vibes. But the thing I like about the lyrics is that its about the world and the philosophy of life instead of the same old how my lover betrayed me or how much I love him/her but I cant say it.. and all that crap. I think it is the experimental ability, relatability and interpretability of these centuries old lyrics that make them beautiful even today. You feel like Bulleh is talking to you about religion, life, love and all the important philosophies that matter to you.
//Vocals/Melody// I love the deep airy vocal track that MHB used under the main vox (you can notice it in the start). At some points these two tracks are combined with one or two more higher pitched backing vocals which makes the overall vocals sound soothing and relaxing in some way I cant explain.. This soothing affect combined with the sweet melody makes the whole “Chal chal bulleya” (first verse and at 4:00 in the video below) sound like a clam wave or slowly flowing wind (I told you I cant explain). I am not worthy of even talking about Javed Bashir’s vocal expertise.
//Music// There are no hard core guitars and overcrowded and loud drums. The choice of sounds used for the underlying beat are very simple. What makes the music come alive are actually the flute, two or three rhythm guitars and bass (which is not deep enough to just disappear in the abyss and you don’t notice it at all). The fills and accents are simple and usually involve the same tune played by a combination of instruments. There is no ‘solo’ per say (which is good) but there is a point where you are taken aback by the flute played by Ahsan Papu.
//Video// There couldn’t have been a better video for this song. I was amazed at the production quality, colors, lighting and lens use (cinematography) and the philosophy behind the video. It talks about the seven sins. I love the lighting in the video (I cant stop repeating that). you have to be a very creative photographer to create such scenes. Apart from lighting, I love how the director used the dark for giving scenes this amazing depth and detail. The expressions on the girls face at the end of the video will leave you with a weird feeling. I will be watching out for Bilal Lashari.
Enough of reading lets enjoy the song now:
Sameer
SammyQS
Nice song and amazing video! When I saw it a few weeks back, I was awestruck that the Pakistani music scene has come a long way … and Meekal Hasan is sheer genius – it’s sad a lot of people don’t realize that!
I agree, no proper exposure.
And with a minority of followers of such great music…
1) i can’t express enough how much i love MHB. their music, sound, band member’s individual talents.. everything about them is just perfect.
still treasure that guitar (with signatures of other legends in music alongside).
2) it’s highly shameful that so many many people haven’t even heard about MHB, leave alone listened to their music. having said that, i have also found that the people who i’ve come across knowing MHB already, are more often musicians, or real music aficionado. I first discovered MHB about 6 years ago when in final year of college (2004-05). The number of people who knew MHB then, and now isn’t very different.
3) about your article – agree with you completely, and really love the way you’ve carefully drafted the song review.
btw, i am one of the luckiest guys in India to have had the opportunity to meet, greet and exchange small talk with each of the band members. did that when they were here 5 years ago (courteousy ETC channel) to launch their Sampooran. Had each of them autograph my black guitar with white correction pen.
I can go on typing.. but this is comment box not a blog post.