Imagine

John Lennon's masterpiece has been covered by many artists. But along with his original, I found two versions perfect to fit together, to create a trilogy.

A silent hope:

A passionate cry:

A gloomy acceptance:

Backstreet Solos

Wanted to compile this for a while now. Here are my picks from the solo efforts by the Backstreet Boys

AJ McLean

Brian Littrell

Howie D

Kevin Richardson

Nick Carter

Prayer to Self

Keep inside me, the desire
To jump and reach the sky
And stars along my way
And help to give me strength
To make the most of each day
I am ready, help me be all I can be
I am ready, help guide me, and keep me free

(Based on the Twelve-Step Suite by Mike Portnoy)

Siberia

I am a huge fan of the Backstreet Boys. Back in 2005, they released their 'comeback' album Never Gone after an absence of almost five years. I had very high expectations from them, and they didn't disappoint. Right from the first single: the power ballad 'Incomplete', and the almost alternate-rock 'Climbing The Walls' to mid-tempo pop/rock numbers like 'I Still', 'Just Want You to Know' and slower tracks like 'Never Gone', 'Safest Place To Hide', I loved every single track, and listen to the whole album from top to bottom to this very day. The album was their experiment with an organic, live instruments only sound.

But one song in particular is most special to me, and is actually my favorite song of theirs of all time. Named 'Siberia', it is the darkest song they have ever done. Its a song about heart-break, but rather than the cliched pleading tone of similar songs, it echoes a sentiment of acceptance of the inevitable end. The lyrics in the bridge even have an accusatory tone to them, something very un-Backstreet. The song is written & produced by Max Martin. The music itself is also equally haunting and makes up the somber mood of the song.

(Credit: YouTube User BackstreetBoysVault)

Invictus - A Poem by William Ernest Henley

Love the movie of the same name. Based on true events surrounding the early days of Nelson Mandela's presidency. He has cited this poem as his biggest inspiration.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Breaking All Illusions

With the sun in place
There's a test of faith
Streams of thought awaken
New realities
Singularities
Breaking all illusions

Sudden burst of heat
Burning source of life
Masterful destruction
Power's not an act
It's understanding truth
Changing my direction

Live in the moment
Breathe in a new beginning
Wisdom revealed
As I unlearn to learn
Life's biggest battles
Often are fought alone
My spirit brings me home

Emerald thoughts flow through my consciousness
Drawn to curses left behind
Test of will the threshold to one's faith
Starts a fire in the mind

Searching out
Reaching in
To arrive
Where I began
Sights remembered
In the light

Searching out
Reaching in
To arrive
Where I began
Sounds remembered
Come alive

Embrace the days
Don't turn away
Life's true intent needs patience
Karma starts the signal

                         - Dream Theater

A Dramatic Turn Of Events

You would look at the picture above and think "What in the world could they have in common?". But beyond the technicalities of genre, musical style, both bands (and many more) share a story of friends. 

Dream Theater's story began in 1985, when they started out under the name 'Majesty' with the core of the group formed by guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung and drummer Mike Portnoy. A series of line-up changes followed with vocalist James LaBrie entering in 1991 and keyboardist Jordan Rudess in 1999. And that is how the amazingly technically proficient progressive-metal band is identified around the world. The former three in particular shared the closest friendship having known each other since college. And interestingly enough, they have married three members of a single now-defunct female metal band. 

Backstreet Boys were formed under a fledgling entrepreneur in 1993. AJ Mclean, Howie Dorough and Nick Carter knew each other from numerous auditions in Orlando. They later met Kevin Richardson who was brought in by their manager. Kevin in turn also suggested and brought in his cousin Brian Littrell. With three members in their late teens, one barely out of his teens, and one barely into his, they literally grew up on stage. They became friends along the way to their meteoric rise as one of the biggest pop acts in history, and now   (sans the old hysteria) also on their way to becoming the most enduring. 

The real parallel that I am trying to draw comes with a truly 'dramatic turn of events' that happened for both bands. In June 2006, Kevin announced that he will be leaving the BSB. He no longer felt that his heart was in the non-stop touring and the current scenario of the music industry. He went back to start a family, and work on a career as a stage and film actor. For similar reasons of exhaustion from touring, in 2010, Portnoy suggested to his DT band-mates to take a five-year hiatus. The others obviously did not agree, and after supposedly a long deliberation, Portnoy decided to leave the band in September 2010. 

The narrative differs a bit though. Kevin's departure was perfectly amicable. The rest of the boys never even thought about a replacement. Musically speaking, Kevin formed the baritone in their five-part harmony which is since missing. In most choruses though, Kevin would scale down to bass, so the difference is not noticeable since AJ or Nick can cover those parts. Most of his singing parts are covered by Howie. In terms of group dynamics, Kevin was the leader (being the oldest member). Brian owes him his entry into the group. Nick and  AJ mention him as a big support in their battle to overcome substance abuse. On the DT front, nobody would have imagined that Portnoy would leave the group, being one of the three founding members. With the complex musical style that they have, DT could not afford having a temporary drummer. So, they selected Mike Mangini as a replacement. Meanwhile, Portnoy recorded drums for Avenged Sevenfold's album in place of their late drummer. He was expected to join the group but the band decided against it. Portnoy attempted to reconcile with his old friends, but they had moved on beyond repair.

As it stands now, Kevin is making his mark gradually as an actor, winning awards and receiving good critical reviews for his role in the independent film 'The Casserole Club'. Over the past five years, he has made appearances and performed with the BSB. Though unlikely to happen, the rest of the boys often mention that the door is always open for him to return. DT are due to release a new album this fall. Portnoy is working on a new project himself and his new band will also be recording an album.

Being a fan of both these bands, it was interesting for me to note these parallel events. Though I became a fan of DT much after their initial changes, I can safely assume Portnoy's departure was truly the most impactful event. I have been a fan of BSB for nearly half my life, and have always known the group as a quintet. It does seem unlikely that Kevin will ever return, but probably more likely than Portnoy returning to DT. Still, a more realistic possibility would be that Kevin at least returns just for a 20th anniversary concert/tour, which I will be eagerly waiting for in 2013. 

Morbid

I fear not this darkness that creeps across
For I find it calm and reassuring.
A sanctum for my troubled mind
Away from a thousand sinister stares

I fear not being left alone in this world
These hazy images shall my company keep
These voices in my head confuse me enough
For there to be a need for more around me

The cold breath of death I sense near
I fear it much, I do confess.
Yet life itself seems so filled with gloom
Not much would change beyond the end

So why this worry, if I sense no destiny?
Is it for those who love me, and have made me?
They may miss me, if I do go away
But move on they must, leaving my memory aside

Perhaps this is all a trick the mind plays
When imagination runs rampant, and pushes the real away
When you're hurt deeply and hope fades
When the more you reach for, the farther it goes

Yes, I have let a defeat again
Weaken my will, and drown me in doubt
I must fight the fear, and rise above
I can never bear, to be held down

Life it seems, is but a test of time
Of survival through the ebb and flow
Stumbling, falling, getting up and walking on
Leaving these morbid thoughts behind.

The Cup that means the world to us

I truly feel privileged to have witnessed history today, on April 2,2011. Ever since back in 1993 or so, when I was 7-8, and started watching cricket, elders used to mention the 1983 World Cup win. That happened before I was born. I use to wonder what that moment felt like. I don't have to wonder any more. I loved the game since that time. Apart from patriotic reasons, it was only for the awesomeness of Sachin that I supported India in those days. Australia was my favorite team. Both teams provided me with countless memorable moments both of joy and despair. Apart from Tendulkar, it was Shane Warne, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Glenn McGrath, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee whom I admired as cricketers. I also became a fan of the South African team. As the new millennium dawned, Sourav Ganguly became captain, and with John Wright, he created the real "Team India". As we started winning overseas, India became a force to reckon. After some hiccups along the way, MS Dhoni became captain and continued the aggressive streak. Yet, the cool demeanor of Dhoni is a stark contrast to the animated emotions of Ganguly. I was lucky to be in India during the entire South African series and also the Ashes tour happening Down Under. Our performance during that series really demonstrated that we would be one of the biggest contenders of the World Cup.

The World Cup itself was amazing right from the start. In the group stages, South Africa were largely dominant, India finished strongly but couldn't find the right playing combination. England, New Zealand were erratic, Pakistan and West Indies unpredictable as ever, while Australia and Sri Lanka were consistently good. The minnows shined too, especially Ireland, who scored a thrilling victory over England. But things changed once the knockout stages began. South Africa suffered a shock exit at NZ's hands, retaining their notorious "chokers" tag, Sri Lanka and Pakistan comfortably defeated England and WI respectively. India chased down 261 against Australia and in Dhoni's words "hit the peak at the right time". SL then beat NZ to reach the finals. And in the other over-hyped semi-final, India won comfortably against Pakistan. At the point, I was certain looking at both teams that we are headed for a climactic finish for the first time since 1996, after 3 one-sided finals in between. And boy, did both teams deliver. Our bowlers started well. But Mahela Jayawardene was a class apart today with his century. When the chase began, losing Sehwag & Sachin early was a major jolt. But Gambhir did well until he threw his wicket away 3 short of a deserved century. Then it was upto the in-form Yuvraj and the about-to-come-into-form Dhoni. MS truly played a captain's innings today. Those 2 boundaries off Malinga towards square leg turned the game in our favor. And its safe to say that the final 6 over long-on will become the defining moment of our World Cup victory, followed by his customary nonchalant (thanks CA :) ) stare.

Overall, it was the trio of Sachin, Yuvi and Zaheer that played the biggest part in our World Cup performance. Yuvi deservedly got the "Man of the Tournament" award. Which brings me back again to Sachin. We will have to wait a little more of his ton of tons. Its probably fitting, that landmark deserves a stage of its own. After 6 campaigns, Sachin finally tasted what its like to be on a World Cup winning team. It was touching to see all those scenes: Yuvraj and Bhajji with tears flowing, Yuvraj and Virat Kohli carrying Sachin on their shoulders. To sum up, I will just use Virat Kohli's fitting tribute to Sachin Tendulkar:

"Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him"

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

So begins the greatest story told in our times. The 'Maker' George Lucas may never have imagined back in 1977, that his tale of a brave princess chased by a villainous empire who beats them with the help of two unlikely heroes would spiral into this epic saga that has spawned over three decades. But with the success of what would eventually be called 'Episode IV: A New Hope', Lucas began work on expanding the Star Wars universe. 'Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Episode VI: Return of the Jedi' followed completing a trilogy that would become the most influential films ever made. Followed 16 years later by the prequel trilogy ('Episode I: The Phantom Menace', 'Episode II: Attack of the Clones', 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith',) and associated TV series chronicling events built around the main story, the 'Star Wars Expanded Universe(EU)' as it is called, continues to inspire awe. Also included in this EU are stories by other authors that tell of events preceding the old Republic of the prequels, and also of the New Republic formed at the conclusion of the original trilogy.

My first tryst with 'Star Wars' began with the mammoth advertising campaign that had begun prior to the release of 'Episode I' in 1999. Lays Chips (my fave!) had these little info-bits along with them that gave descriptions of characters and small background tidbits from Star Wars. Being in love with the Universe as long as I remember, I was naturally drawn to it, and managed to watch the original Trilogy before going to see Episode I in a movie theater. And I was hooked! I didn't get all the parallels to real-world politics (references to the Vietnam & Korean wars in the original trilogy, and modern conflicts in the prequel trilogy) at that time. But as time passed with the release of Episode II in 2002 and Episode III in 2005, I grew up and could appreciate the magnificent universe that Lucas had created. Through the story of a Galactic Republic that gets overtaken by greed and fear to become the evil Empire, of a hero who is betrayed by his pride in his own abilities to become cinema's greatest villain, Lucas has in fact mirrored the real world we live in. And that, I believe, is what makes Star Wars far more superior to any other so-called 'sagas'. George Lucas has created a splendid painting, but he has also created a canvas on which he himself and others can keep on adding and making it far grander. There are many other wonderful, imaginatively created stories of witches & wizards, knights and warriors but they all are limited to the bounds of their little worlds. The Star Wars universe, on the other hand, is vast, for it is the Universe itself. The Jedi Knights, the Sith, the Republic, the Empire, the Wookies and everyone else are all projections of our own past, present & future. This is furthered by the new Clone Wars series that follows in the same vein and keeps weaving stories based on current socio-political scenarios.

For all the brickbats George Lucas received for 'messing' with his own works during the digital re-mastering of his films, he should be commended for preventing the Star Wars saga from going astray even after so many years. It still retains the original spirit. Apart from what we see in the films and TV series that are his own creations, he also maintains strict measures to ensure that other authors who write novels, comics that contribute to the EU, do not get carried away by their artistic liberties. All such material should satisfy the canonic levels of his Star Wars database that he rigorously maintains.

I am continuing to be enthralled by the brand new CG series 'Clone Wars' currently in progress. If you haven't seen Star Wars yet, do yourself a favor and watch the films in this order: IV-V-VI-I-II-III. Then you have the whole universe to yourself: 'Clone Wars' series, 'Knights of the Old Republic' novels etc. And to truly appreciate the awesomeness that is Star Wars, check this wiki article out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Expanded_Universe