sunshine blues

something is wrong when you start regretting the morning sunshine. i got up thinking that my life could not have been worst. to blame oneself is an easy way out, more so than blaming others. certain things adamantly refuse to lighten up as if some never ending shadow of doubt still lingers in between. within the seeming calmness of the mind, there is a turmoil of unrest and anxiety waiting for an unsuspecting moment to come all pouring out. it then beats you down to the floor like an invisible hammer. to be complacent and composed at these times is a hard deal, and many of us, lesser me cannot find my way through all the deceit that the world contains. it is sometimes useless to try and fight my way because i don't know where i am supposed to go. it is a sincere road alright but as it turns out sincerity to oneself is not a pretty or easy thing after all. there is the burden of the hidden self that we camouflage with pride and loud nervous laughter. it is a difficult day when the morning sun gives you all these days instead of all the things so bright and beautiful. it is a glare that stops you from seeing the muck around and i am nothing less than satisfied to be writing this piece of crap right after i got up this morning.

Imphal Talkies N The Howlers

for the first time a contemporary manipuri (rock)band comes across as unpretentious. imphal talkies n the howlers ' is sincere towards the passion that drew them out and the native rhythm that contours it. 'rise' is an uncomfortable truth that many us of wish to ignore, hiding behind sarcasm and false pride. 'in the fight' overwhelms the heart with a tender maternal feeling. on a more nostalgic note, you feel like humming along the irony of 'nangbu kanano', that all manipuris know as part of their existence or smile fondly at the thought of funny banter with 'leishabi'. both these songs have distinct familiar resonance that immediately sets you tapping your hand. however the perfect blend of folk and rock rhythm would be 'tiddim road' and 'imphal sahar', which are the most powerful of the tracks. both songs are sung in soulful passionate voice that compliment the tragedy (a song) in its simplest form.

overall, the album is a great listen. it is a step aside from the good old matam isei and tapta. it is a step towards a mature fresh breath of music which says more than that.

http://www.myspace.com/imphaltalkies

music

the tiny winged creature flirts her way out to an overwhelmed heart...and comes forth hope.


i find myself reminiscing with a silly piece of tune, strummed somwhere along the strings of a random guitar. the tune comes from somewhere deep within, bringing with it the sounds and smells of home. i hear pa's voice and ma's laughter as i dance on my birthday. in a white frock, with big round eyes i pout at those who tease.. i walk taking my lilttle brother's hand as we sing together in innocent harmony...i relish yesterday's sareng and hope emoinu comes again soon... the cat swings her tail in utmost irritation as i try to pull it one last time...then again she curls up on my lap on a wintry night...i eat a second lunch with pupu and bobok listening with awe to their WW II stories.."the bomb fell right into the mandop"..they say, "all but one were killed"..they say. i hear the same story everyday eating milk and mashed banana...i rush back with the overloaded school bag, jump expertly over the drain and climb in through the kitchen window...of course the cat is waiting on the sill..."one day", she seems to say "you'll fall" and so i did. those cat eyes never lie...i love my new house, i have been waiting for a long time..my very own balcony i thought, like the heroines in the movie, anyway i learnt how to hug a pillow...i swim across for the first time..it was then that i dreamt..an old woman calling me from the gate, ma cooking in the kitchen, "come and buy sangom aphamba:, she says..i shake my head..i don't want to go near her..yet she reckons me..so cat eyes never lie...i see white now, at the gate, as our vehicle turns the corner. i dn't want to remember anymore. i switch the music. it is jazz now. someone's else's hopes and dreams. you never want to loose yourself  long enough not to know your way out. so i change. i'll go back after sometime and start it all over from the beginning.