OffBeat's OnTrack ..

"Kay hallichi gaani, nusta dhangad-dhinga, Amchya velela tar .." etc etc..
The older generation cribbing about the degeneration of music and creativity in lyrics of the songs of our generation is trite. Not all of this is false, yet not all of that is true either ! Rafi's gay and wishful "Pukarta Chala hoon Main" , Kishore's hauntingly somber "Mere naina sawan bhaadon" and the likes will be invincible and unparalled always but the newer ones are totally not crappy either.
Art/music/lyrics/literature always mirror the contemporary society, its traits and its emotions. And if only the elderly listen to some of the recent songs that reflect the insecurity, fast-paced competitive life and living for the present moment theme seen in the current times; then only they can acknowledge that some successful renditions and good lyrics have emerged. The current songs may not be as long-lived as the old melodies, but have the capacity to make us identify with them and sway to their beats for some time !

Also, amongst the new lot, as compared to songs of the big-bannered films like Kabhi-Alvida .... , Krrissh (oops, did I goof up their numerology ?) it is off-beat films that are offering some good songs in terms of music and lyrics. Some recent that one comes across :

* Woh Lamhe

=> Kya mujhe pyaar hain : Junta is heard humming this one. Both the original and the remix are appealing for thier lively lyrics and peppy music.

* Taxi number 9211

=> Aazamale Aazamale : Meaningful lyrics strewn with Urdu "lafz" is pretty inspiring.
=> Ek Nazar mein hi : Somewhat unconventional with some oriental beats.

* Gangster

=> Bheegi Bheegi Si Hain : Very differently sung song. Its sadness lingers around. Liked it.
=> Ya Ali : This seems pretty much a hit and likely to be in public memory for a while at least.

These songs have come as a fresh breath and are more realistic as compared to the songs with grand costumes and parades of people shown in the big-bannered banal films where they seem only like fillers and a show of affluence. And if the public continues to keep an open mind towards the newer experiments in the musical world, then definitely Off-beat is On-Track these days.