Songs that Boy-Bands actually got right

I'm talking of the years around 1996 to 2001 where boy-bands arguably ruled the charts displacing most of the erstwhile popular bands. Now, don't mistake me. I have no one particular genre of music I claim to endorse. I like/liked them all. This was when I was a teenager. I liked these clean shaven, emotionally loaded, sharply dressed boys who seemed to have their way with women in their videos. Even if my elder sisters snubbed them for Bon Jovi, I remained a fan of their adolescent charm.

I always thought these guys have been discredited for any form of music they brought to the forefront because they were only the voices and not the instrumentalists behind the song. My argument is, that as the audience, if I'm getting decent music, and they're the face of it, I might as well appreciate them.

Also, keep in mind that these songs were associated with some kick-ass moments of my childhood. Hence this compilation. Here Goes:


Backstreet boys - Everybody
Face it. It was catchy as hell. It was on everyone's lips and established the band as a a pop icon. A regular beat at dance competitions in school.



Five - We will rock you
Yes. I like the original. But if you're still stuck up enough not to admire the improvements, screw you.


Boyzone - Words
It's a cover. But it's good. And remembered.


NSYNC - Bye Bye Bye
No really. It was fast and catchy and the song was a boost to the 15 year old me in getting over a chick I used to ogle at. Truth.


Backstreet boys - I want it that way
Ah. Cheesiness redefined. And with style. So popular that I will post below an infamous take on this song:


Blue - One love
This was their biggest hit to start with. And an extremely popular tune found everywhere in early 2000s.


Other notable mentions:
Westlife - Seasons in the Sun
MLTR - Someday (Technically they were a regular full time band, but somehow have always been thought as a boy-band)

PS: For all the truly Metal/Hard Rock fan who wear Jimi Hendrix T-Shirts and are tearing their hair apart at this post: Up Yours.
(And on a related note, what's the big deal about Hendrix anyway? I really tried to figure out what all the holler was about. All his music sounds like a mish mash of multiple cymbals and a ruined throat)

IRONMAN 2 - Review

The makers of Ironman 2 had no delusions about what made the first movie click. While the creative ways of introducing the costume and action sequences are not as bad, Robert Downey Jr. yet again steals the show with an excellent performance of the eccentric and narcissistic Tony Stark.

Perhaps what makes a difference is also the fact that Tony Stark loves his costume. So much, that he wouldn't dream of not showing off to the world who he is, rather than sulking behind mansions suffering from daddy issues. The wit is good. It keeps the movie light helping it maintain a pace that Dark Knight missed out on. Well, to each their own.

Mickey Rourke, playing Ivan Vankov, the son of a corrupt soviet scientist who worked with Howard Stark, is disappointing. Firstly, the plot is too weak when it comes to him. His reason for the expressed desire for vengeance is rather silly. He seems to sleepwalk throughout his scenes. Which is surprising especially after some really good performances in The Wrestler and Sin City. He apparently, is making it very clear that the producers haven't paid him too well for this one.

The other downside I see in the script is the lack of creativity among the bad guys. I do not see the necessity in having the negative characters of both movies don a metallic armour. With a glowing generator stuck to the chest. Not when plenty of other Marvel characters were available.

Anyhow, it's a decent watch. I recommend.

Influencers of Insanity

I've discussed my opinions on patriotism here and with several of my friends before. Watching the entire Kasab episode on national television everyday reinforces my belief that what usually seem as the best principles to embrace are what usually influence insanity among humans. Insanity, in this context, is depicted by the breach of the fundamental right to exist.

Kasab was brainwashed by a political power who sees economic benefit in fueling instability. Constant inflows of funds to fight terrorism actually strengthen a fighting machine bent on capturing back a land it feels it is entitled to. American soldiers are brainwashed into killing recklessly in order to 'restore peace' by powers with vested interests in oil.

In one case, a man is asked to fire in the name of Islam. In another, he fires in the name of his country. In both cases they know very little about why they do it. They follow orders. It's not as easy to just risk your life for another person's whims, hence God and Motherland are called upon to emotionally blind logic.

Can we do without both?

Since patriotism is used by every other nation, it simply has to be accepted as a necessary evil to balance order. A deterrent. Like nuclear stockpiles. "You have madmen who will die for lines defined by you, well so do I!". Face it, we need an army. Not a very well paid one, but emotionally charged nevertheless. Can't work any other way. A party aspiring for national power calls upon it's people to love it. A party seeking Mumbaikar votes seeks hatred towards all outsiders as a polarizing factor.

As for religious extremism, well that needs to be and can be curtailed. By ignoring ignorance. Understanding that it, like patriotism, is used by men interested in retention of power. As an emotional trigger. It is not the source. By understanding that no bloody religion calls for random holy wars on innocents. By accepting the the LeT kills to claim an independent piece of land and has no actual interest in spreading any faith by force. Stop publishing ridiculous articles on 'Muslim terrorists' and calling their acts as 'Jihad' and you'll make it easier for the 1.5 billion strong Muslim population, minus the few thousand dumbasses with guns, to fight by your side.

Spank Spank

41 year old wife of very rich industrialist. Runs in to celebrate victory of battle won by slaves bought by rich hubby. A slave really good at spinning his weapons (all possible puns intended) grabs butt and lifts her up. Witnesses galore.

Something happens after that battle.

Wifey conspicuously absent in the next and final battle. Very funny it is.

Juice

You know you're down and out when you google for inspirational quotes.

PS: They don't work.

The Abandoned

I’ve tried to recollect a few Indian actors who have, on more than one occasion, been hired to play the role of the guy who gets ditched by the heroine. Classic members of the L-Club. The ranking is based on certain parameters listed below. Higher points are given to the one who has:

a) More movies in which he has been ditched in

b) Box office insignificance of the movie in which he has been ditched

c) Hotness of heroine ditching him

d) The alternative chosen by the female being a bigger loser

And here is the list:

6. Shah Rukh

Devdas, Darr

The guy charges way too much to play the character who gets ditched. Even when he does, he is still the protagonist. Hence.

5. Salman Khan

Hum Dil Sanam, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Saajan

Admit it. He has style.

4. Tarun Arora

Jab we met, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Hawas, Men Not Allowed

Loser. Total. But due credit must be given to the way he makes himself so forgettable in whatever role he plays. Actually he is the reason I thought of this post in the first place.

3. Tushar kapoor

Mujhe Kuch Kenha Hai, Gayab

Spoilt Brother. Loser. Gets ditched in movies. Makes Sense.

2. Akshaye Khanna

Hungama, Race, Humraaz

Somehow I don't see this guy fitting into any other role.

1. Saif Ali Khan

Yeh Dillagi, Kal Ho Na Ho(Yes, although he marries her, it’s a regretful one), Rehna hai tere dil mein, Na Tum jaano na hum, Kya Kehna, Arzoo, Imtihaan

The official Nawab of L-Club. Yes. I titled him so. Wins on account of sheer numbers and for actually being a momma's boy but pretending to be a tough dude.

Feel free to comment with your own nominations.