Made in 17 days and at a cost of less than $150K, Once is a musical which reflects a Dublin of 10-15 years ago when it was much poorer and more working class.

A simple story of a street musician in Ireland, singing covers during the day for Euros, and his own music at night for cents. A verging on middle aged man, still living with his Da, repairing vacuums in a tiny shop and writing songs to his lost love in his tinier bedroom. Approached by girl, an immigrant, who loves his songs, understands the pain that gave them life, and soon they are in a music shop with the girl playing the piano and together they prove that art isn’t produced from big budgets.

It is bittersweet and romantic, with great music (not Irish music, but the singer/songwriter type) as the two main characters collaborate on their songs and help each other become stronger and face the romantic challenges they both are suffering from. The end of the film is wonderful and Hollywood-cliché-free!

Winner of the Oscar in 2008 for “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song“, another 13 wins & 19 nominations, time just flies by like a butterfly watching this awesome musical.

I myself have watched it more than 5 times and keep listening to its songs without a sign of boredom. You’ll fall in love with the soothing music and the simplicity of the story. And I bet you are gonna watch it more than just… Once…

Buy / Sell this musical masterpiece at the most competitive prices across India only at www.flipgraph.com

From the Reach – Sonny Landreth

From the Reach – Sonny Landreth

Sonny Landreth, ladies n gentleman is one of the legends.

He however has never been in the public eye, his peers respect him for his uniqueness and brilliant guitar playing. He’s great friends with Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill, Robben Ford, Dr. John, Eric Johnson, BB king etc. and plays n record with them on numerous occasions.

One thing I wanna point out about blues players is that, it’s like a big happy family, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what’s your skin tone, what matters is that you should have a soul and an open heart.

One amazing attribute of this record, besides the appearances by Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill, Robben Ford, Dr. John, Eric Johnson, and others, is the manner in which Landreth went about preparing the music. Each song was written specifically for its particular guest performer.

Overall, the approach worked so well that one might be compelled to believe that the guest had written the song instead of Landreth. This is evidence of just how much he values the music of his peers and how attuned he is to their styles.

The opener, “Blue Tarp Blues,” is rocked up from the get go. Lyrically concerned with the damage caused by hurricane Katrina, both environmentally and politically, after Landreth sings: “Air Force One had a heck of a view. Looking down on the patchwork of the blue tarp blues,” Mark Knopfler’s stunning lead guitar makes a warm entry. While his playing exudes from the right speaker, Landreth from the left, the song sizzles along in a strong rhythmic stride. Although both guitarists compliment each other wonderfully, vocally as well, Landreth’s slide work is potent and prominent throughout. “When I Still Had You” is a melodic rocker with amazing tradeoff lead guitar work between Landreth and friend Eric Clapton. EC appears to be enjoying it, too, as he soars off in graceful six-string melody throughout, and he injects wonderful vocal harmony into the chorus as well. Clapton emerges again in the slow blues “Storm of Worry.” The polished guitar icon is in his blues element here, a realm he’s been acquainted with for close to 40 years.

Kandisa – Indian Ocean

Kandisa – Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean is a group whose music can bring spring in the bleakest of winters, and can make you feel the gentle tappings of raindrops even in a desert. This album, which perhaps has been their greatest hit album, includes the superhit “Kandisa”, an anthem of sorts in colleges across the country! Sad that the exposure that such a talented group should get is limited even in today’s consumerist and experimenting times.

The songs in this album are really melodic & beautiful. The music simply catches you, and takes you on a journey, where you realize that you actually love this music, not just like it. It is timeless, free of ageing, and has that earthy touch to it that makes it look ground-hugging, and at the same time, wafting through the clouds…

Go ahead and get this album. You’ll not regret this investment, because unlike most of the other music that you’ll ever hear.

Definitely recommended!!

How to Play Guitar – Roger Evans

How to Play Guitar – Roger Evans

This is for all those people who have passion for music, be it listening or playing, one should definitely try this experience, its amazing!!

In How to Play Guitar guitar players of all levels will find a wealth of instruction and inspiration. Whether you want to play pop, folk, country, rock, blues, jazz, classical, or any other style of music, you will pick up the basic techniques without tedious drills and exercises. Using real music and a step-by-step approach, How to Play Guitar will teach you about:

· Choosing and buying a guitar

· Tuning your instrument correctly

· guitar music, and tablature

· Playing melodies with chords

· Fingerpicking

· Sliding and bending notes

· Transposing melodies from one key to another and much more.

Give it a shot guys!!