Psy's new music video to be unveiled June 8

SAN FRANCISCO: Fresh from conquering YouTube by surpassing two billion views with his mega-hit "Gangnam Style," handlers for Psy say the release of a follow-up video is just a week away, according to a report Saturday.

The Wall Street Journal said the music star's next song -- a collaboration with rapper Snoop Dogg -- will get its worldwide release during a June 8 live broadcast of America's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" late-night talk show.

The new song -- "Hangover" -- will be "completely different," displaying Psy's hip-hop side, his handlers told the newspaper.

The South Korean pop phenomenon galloped into the record books Saturday when his "Gangnam Style" mega hit smashed through the two-billion views mark on YouTube.

It was a first at YouTube, where "Baby" by Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber in February became the only other video in the billion-view club.

"Gangnam Style" turned into a global sensation and fueled a South Korean "K-Pop" trend after it was uploaded to YouTube in July 2012.

Pop icon Prince blasts music bosses 'always at beach'

LOS ANGELES: US pop icon Prince fueled his long-running feud with music industry bosses Monday, slamming them for being "always at the beach," while hard-working artists make fortunes for them.

The 55-year-old, who only weeks ago agreed a new deal with Warner Bros and who is due to release a new studio album, said he has had enough of record label supremos living the good life on the back of musicians.

The artist originally signed a lucrative deal with Warner Bros Records in 1992, but became frustrated with how they released his music, and the deal ended after the musician wrote "Slave" on his face.

Prince, long known as the Artist Formerly Known as Prince, struck a new deal with Warners last month to release previously unheard material as well as a remastered edition of the "Purple Rain" 1984 film soundtrack.

But that didn't stop him criticizing the hand that feeds him.

"Every time I talk to the heads of large companies, they're always at the beach," the diminutive "Purple Rain" star told Essence magazine, cited by Rolling Stone.

"Middle of the afternoon, what are you doing? 'Oh, I'm at the beach with my kids.' So we're working to send their kids to college. And to the beach. We're not supposed to accept that," he said.

Prince is also due to release a new record, he said in a joint statement with Warner Bros announcing last month's agreement.

"A brand-new studio album is on the way and both Warner Bros Records and Eye are quite pleased with the results of the negotiations and look forward to a fruitful working relationship," he said, referring to his band 3RDEYEGIRL.

Warner Bros. Records head Cameron Strang added: "Everyone at Warner Bros Records is delighted to be working with Prince once again: he is one of the world's biggest stars and a truly unique talent."

In the Essence magazine cover story, Prince said he was feeling more creative than ever, despite being in his fourth decade as a major star.

He paid tribute to The Revolution, the band with which he made it big with songs like "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry" -- but said they could not match his current players.

'Ask them to do what we did tonight? To improvise? There would be a problem," he told the magazine after a show in Los Angeles. "That's what I love about this new arrangement. The energy. They're in the moment.'

"A real musician is always in creative mode," added the musician, who turns 56 next month.

2 States music review: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy deliver a refreshing album!

Music: Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Lyricist: Amitabh Bhattacharya

Singers: Aditi Singh Sharma, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Benny Dayal, Arijit Singh, Chinmayi Sripada, K. Mohan, Yashita Sharma, Shankar Mahadevan, Siddharth Mahadevan and Rasika Shekhar

Ever since the film on Chetan Bhagat’s 2 States was announced we were waiting for the film with bated breath. Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have managed to grab eyeballs after the first trailer of the film was released a few days ago. Producer Karan Johar has roped in this favourite trio to compose the music of this north meets south love story. So do Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa manage to live up to the expectations? Read on to find out…

The album opens with Offo sung by Aditi Singh Sharma and Amitabh Bhattacharya. Offo is a youthful and peppy number with quirky lyrics which makes it worth listening to! As usual Aditi does a fantastic job but it’s Bhattacharya who surprises us as we are more used to hearing him in romantic ballads. Though this isn’t one of the best numbers, but it is one of those numbers which will lift your spirits instantly. Listen to it and you’ll agree with us.

Next up is Locha-e-ulfat which has been sung by one of our favourites – Benny Dayal. The video picturised on Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have different instances where the lover boy is seen staring at his ladylove. Though it’s a situational number, we won’t be surprised if guys use this number to woo the girls in college campuses. After crooning for several dance numbers like Badtameez dil, Shake it like Shammi and Disco deewane, Benny impresses us yet again with this soulful yet energetic offering.

Following this is Mast magan – a duet rendered by Arijit Singh and Chinmayi Sripada. The composers have infused a beautiful sufi feel to this romantic number and the singers do complete justice to this track. The shehnai makes difference to this otherwise mushy duet. While the song did sound quite similar to Sajda from My Name Is Khan, we aren’t complaining coz Arijit’s passion makes all the difference in this one.

Iski uski is the next one in the album crooned by Shahid Mallya and Akriti Kakkar. Though this techno bhangra number isn’t one of best dance numbers; the singers do an okay job due to the peppy music and fun Hinglish lyrics. Though it is a loud number, it has very little impact once the track is over.

Chandaniya by K Mohan and Yashita Sharma is a beautiful guitar infused track perfect for long drives. While the beginning of the song did remind us a lil of the famous Dooba dooba number, the duo offers freshness to this romantic number which has been missing when it comes to lovey-dovey songs. The country feel of this track will makes you leave everything to get lost in this soothing composition. This number will surely remain in your playlists for a while.

The last track of the album is the shaadiwala number in the form of Hulla re sung by Shankar Mahadevan, Siddharth Mahadevan and Rasika Shekhar. This one is a full on Punjabi number complete with dhol and Punjabi lyrics. While we like the energy levels by all the singers, we were a lil disappointed that the song is more Punjabi and less of south.

Verdict: The music of Alia and Arjun’s much awaited love story is quite refreshing. Though this album isn’t one of the best ones by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, it is a relief to see the trio back in action.

PS: Locha-e-ulfat, Mast magan and Chandaniya are worth listening to!

Music Review: O Teri is a decent album

There are many memorable songs in O Teri, feels Joginder Tuteja.

One expects the music of O Teri to be fun since the film looks quite youthful.

First-time composer G J Singh gets good support from lyricist Kumaar.

New entrant Roshni Baptist is seductive in the club track Butt Patlo. The song has the kind of sound that one associates with Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar.

In that aspect, G J Singh doesn't disappoint with Jaspreet Jasz behind the mike. The singer does a good job in projecting the kind of exuberance that's expected with such a film.

However, one does wonder about this new-found fascination of butt in Bollywood. From Tooh (Gori Tere Pyaar Mein) to 'Butt' which is exclaimed with the sound of 'round round.'

G J Singh brings a contemporary sound with Teri Akhan Vich. He is also the singer here with Jaspreet Jasz, and together they bring a high energy to this song.

Neeti Mohan does well in her brief appearance in the song. Though not really a chartbuster, this number is engrossing enough.

Iulia Vantur, who was once said to be Salman Khan's girlfriend, makes her debut as a singer and performer in Ummbakkum. She does a good job.

Mika Singh and Jaspreet Jasz try to pep up this number but it’s just passable. One usually expects a Mika number to be the highlight of the album but Umbakkam sounds like an extension of Butt Patolo, and the remix version isn’t much better.

The last track, Phollo Karta, appears to be a misfit. Guest composer Hard Kaur comes in for this Manish J Tipu written and sung number which is desi in presentation.

It’s about the pros and cons of social networking. An average number, its music video may help it cover some distance, as was the case in Pulkit Samrat's last film Fukrey where innovative videos of similar songs helped the music to reach the masses.

O Teri is a decent album but it doesn't have many memorable songs. It makes for short and snappy listening

SRK TO ATTEND THE MUSIC LAUNCH OF ‘KOCHADAIIYAAN’

We all know that Shah Rukh Khan is a big fan of megastar Rajinikanth. The actor had also dedicated a song to Rajinikanth in his movie ‘Chennai Express’ and now tomorrow SRK will be attending the trailer and the music launch of Rajinikanth's ‘Kochadaiiyaan’.

On Sunday morning, SRK will take a charter plane to Chennai, where he will join Deepika Padukone, A.R Rahman and others.

The director of ‘Kochadaiiyaan’, Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin, confirmed the news and said, "Yes, we are delighted that Shah Rukh Khan will be present on the occasion. He has always voiced his staunch support towards all of Mr Rajinikanth's work and has gone out of his way to be part of the launch."

Review: Youngistaan has good party music

Youngistaan soundtrack doesn't have any dull moments, says Joginder Tuteja.

The biggest hit of Jackky Bhagnani's career so far is Chaar Baj Gaye (F.A.L.T.U.). So, when another film starring him is titled Yongistaan, one expects yet another ‘Party all night’ album that targets the youth.

Jeet Gannguli, who was one of the major forces behind the music of Aashiqui 2, brings in some more good tunes with Suno Na Sangemarmar.

With the backdrop of the Taj Mahal, the song has man-of-the-season, Arijit Singh, doing the honours even as the sound of the flute and overall arrangement reminds one of Zara Zara, the popular number from Jackky's dad, Vashu Bhagnani's, Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein.

This Kausar Munir number takes some time to grow on you but once it does, you do not mind its remix version. However, the original version scores more.

Shiraz Uppal is the composer and singer for Mere Khuda which is set in Pakistani pop mode and does well for the four minute long duration that it plays.

A situational song that has good arrangements backing it, Mere Khuda has the kind of lyrics by Shakeel Sohail that fit well into the scheme of things. Even though the overall sound is quite contemporary, one does feel the absence of a catchy hook.

The song that does boast of an immensely catchy hook is Tanki. Rest assured, the song has enough ammunition to take it comfortably into the Chaar Baj Gaye zone.

Composer Sneha Khanwalkar surprises here with the kind of range that she demonstrates. Associated with music with a rustic flavour, she goes full-on techno with this foot tapping number that maintains a good tempo right through its five minute duration.

Written by Syed Ahmad Afzal along with Jackky Bhagnani himself, the song arrives in two versions, led by Mika and Bhaven Dhanak respectively.

While Apeksha Dandekar is the common element in both the songs along with Sneha who is also heard as a singer, Hard Kaur appears in the second version. The song has the potential to become popular with time.

Shiraz and Shakeel return with a qawalli titled Daata Di Diwani. The number holds your attention from the very beginning. It’s a complete shift from Mere Khuda.

It has a soothing appeal, with just a tabla playing in the background. This easy-on-the- ears number has Rafaqat Ali Khan joining Shiraz behind the mike and lending an overall smooth feel to this classy-sounding number.

The sound of Youngistaan is heard at the end, with Shree D-Ishq Bector coming up with Youngistaan Anthem. The song has the feel of a theme song and though music and lyrics are just about okay, there is a good hook that comes once the key word 'youngistaan' arrives.

In fact, the way this Siddharth Banerjee written number is sung by Shree D and Ishq Bector, its obvious this theme will be played in multiple instances. It should fit in well with the film's narrative.

Overall, Youngistaan doesn't have any dull moments.

Review: Bewakoofiyan music is avoidable

Bewakoofiyan soundtrack is quite forgettable, writes Joginder Tuteja.

One expects a funky score from Bewakoofian, thanks to its youthful trailer and Aditya Chopra's star banner.

Raghu Dixit steps in as composer, in this film starring Ayushmann Khurranna and Sonam Kapoor.

The short album has five tracks with Anvita Dutt as the lyricist and director Habib Faisal chipping in with one song.

The album starts with sounds reminiscent of the disco theme in Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe (from Dil Chahta Hai). However, Raghu brings in his own style, with some good beats.

A lively and youthful number, Gulcharrey is sung by Benny Dayal and Aditi Singh Sharma, who ensure that the song keeps playing in one's mind.

Habib Faisal makes his only appearance as a lyricist in the album with Khamakhaan. A well written conversational number, it is a sweet sounding track with a good melody. It is sung quite well by Neeti Mohan.

The sound of the flute is the mainstay of this Raghu Dixit composition that doesn’t have a single dull moment. Ayushmann Khurranna joins the party, ensuring that Khamakhaan has enough ammunition to entertain during its playtime on screen.

A lot of the good work is undone by Raghu Dixit’s title song Bewakoofiyan. He sings the song himself. It starts off rather well, thanks to some good guitar work. But it goes downhill once the vocals come into play. Exactly one minute into its play, it becomes annoying, courtesy some extended 'ooooos' while chanting ‘Bewakoofian'. Avoidable.

Reliable and experienced singers such as Shreya Ghoshal and Mohit Chauhan enter with Rumaani Sa. Surprisingly, there isn't anything exciting about this routine urban-n-contemporary love song.

It is much like love songs one has heard in films such as Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, I Hate Luv Storys and others of that ilk.

Vishal Dadlani, who together with Shekhar Ravjiani was one of the first to discover Raghu Dixit many moons ago, sings the number Aye Jigda. A situational number that is somewhat word-heavy, it just passes muster.

The soundtrack of Bewakoofiyan is passable. It may well have been forgettable but for the energetic Gulcharrey and the engaging Khamakhaan.

Review: Total Sipayaa's music may become popular after film's release

Total Siyapaa packs in some good numbers, writes Joginder Tuteja.

One expects a fun score for the film Total Siyapaa, which is a comedy of errors.

Ali Zafar is the central protagonist, as well as the singer-composer for the soundtrack. Not just that, he also writes most of the songs, with Kumaar and Aqeel Rubi chipping in.

The title song, Total Siyapaa, is quite humorous. Kirron Kher's dialogues pepper this three-minute piece a la the song Maa Da Laadla Bigad Gaya (from Dostana). The track is an all round show by Ali Zafar (with Kumaar contributing on lyrics).

It has a good rhythm and the song also has an eye-catching music video that features Ali and the other members of the film’s cast, Yami Gautam and Kirron Kher, quite prominently. Expect this one to play as the end credits roll, though one does feel that in the album it comes way too early.

Next up is Palat Meri Jaan, which is a chartbuster all the way.

It starts slow, and rightly so, as by the time the hook of Palat Meri Jaan arrives, you have been sufficiently warmed up by Ali Zafar's soft vocals.

A romantic number that has a lively feel to it and is well complimented by a well shot video, Palat Meri Jaan moves on seamlessly to the antara portions that have a feel-good factor that seldom fails. This one deserves to be played on loop.

There is a Spanish sound in the beginning of Nahin Maloom. Ali Zafar sings this song which has a rhythmic feel that is well complimented by the overall melody.

With prominent use of the guitar, this number maintains a good pace right through its four-minute odd duration. Ali is joined by Fariha Parvaiz, an established singer in Pakistan for many years.

Together they ensure that Nahin Maloom is an entertaining number.

Ali continues his stint behind the mike for Asha, which is leading lady Yami Gautam’s name in the film.

A conversational number, this one too is high on beats, but with a certain child-like feel to it. It is a sweet sounding number and is situational. Like Nahin Maloom, the picturisation will determine whether it has a long run.

The album concludes with Bulley Shah's traditional number Chal Buleya. A slow-moving sombre track, it shows a different facet of Ali Zafar. He sings it well, with the right amount of pathos. However, the number is strictly situational and one hopes that it doesn't slow down the pace of Total Siyapaa which is expected to be a fun-filled film.

Total Sipayaa starts off quite well with a cracker of a number in the title track. It is followed by one more number (Palat Meri Jaan) which can easily rise up the popularity charts.

The rest of the songs, though decently tuned and sung, are primarily situational and may become popular after the release of the film.