Mumbai, India -- Some random thoughts

Mumbai, India ... Hmmm, not quite sure where to begin to describe the kaleidoscope of cultures one encounters in this city.

It is, without a doubt, India's financial capital. You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise when you land at Mumbai's International Airport. For one, the airport is surrounded by slums. The airport itself is extremely dingy and dilapidated by international standards. Not quite "Shining India".

The poverty in Mumbai is relentless and in your face. As we drove from the airport to the area of "Colaba", we passed through Dharavi, Asia's biggest slum. Dharavi, like much of India, is full of contradictions but somehow things just work -- It is true that the living conditions there are a cesspit of disease and filth but a million odd people live and earn their livelihood here. The land area itself is not cheap; for a small area enough for a makeshift tent, the prices are ridiculously exorbitant. Demolishing Dharavi and relocating the slum dwellers elsewhere was an idea that was touted in political circles before but so far, no action.

Colaba in Southern Mumbai is the place to visit if one is a fan of old Victorian and Gothic architecture. Many of the buildings there bear the characteristics of British architecture but unfortunately, many of the buildings there are left to rot. It is evident nobody has the time or the effort to restore these buildings to their former glory. In short, nobody cares. Still, a worthwhile place to visit in my opinion.  

Guitar licks and thrash metal

They don't make music like they used to. 

Nowadays, with the advent of digital voice synthesizers and other voice manipulatory equipment, it seems anybody with little or no musical talent can still go on to make a pile of money. Shocking people to listen to your music also works, as Lady Gaga's success would testify.

I feel studio recordings are not a good basis to judge the musical prowess of the artist in question. Artists that use fancy trickery to peddle their records will get caught out very quickly when they are asked to perform in front of live audiences. Lip syncing and over the top sexual antics are one way of diverting audience attention from the mediocrity being peddled to them for exorbitant sums of money. 

The musicians who are true masters at their art raise their game when performing LIVE. These performers know how to entertain, its what they do and what they're good at. Examples of such artists are acts such as Metallica, Guns 'N' Roses and Santana to name a few -- Such groups/individuals are a class apart and come along once in a blue moon. 

With the amount of meaningless fluff being peddled in the name of music, I'll stick to the classics of Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. These supposed dinosaurs of yesteryears can teach the new comers a thing or two about making songs that leave a lasting impression instead of just being temporary fads that fade into oblivion. 

On the subject of guitarists, this man is, in my opinion at least, the best in the business. Lead singer and lead guitarist extraordinaire, he's Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. 

Thought I'd start this blog to jot down some random thoughts, interesting observations and everything in between :)