Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 2: Sajjad Ali, Kirkir Kirkir
ALRIGHT! Yet ANOTHER disclaimer before you read the following entry. I had started writing this review on two previous occasions, only to have it erased by some computer malfunction. I was so excited to write about my feelings, yet it was hard to rewrite my words after the first erasure. You could imagine my frustrations after the second time I had my writings deleted which, ultimately, led to the delay of all the reviews of the entire episode. SO, I finally decided I had to ignore this one and write about the other songs, to get me back in the groove. Now that I’ve taken a stab at Lala and Kaavish, I am ready again, for the third time, to write about Sajjad Ali’s Coke Studio debut!
Now, I absolutely love Sajjad Ali. Since the day Coke Studio was announced, I have had him at or near the top of my dream team lineup. His songs evoke a strong nostalgia in me, from the Chief Saab to Babia, Mahiwaal, Paaniyon Mein, Teri Yaad, and Kuch Nahin. All these songs hold a special place in my past, and are woven into the fabric of my memories. You could imagine my absolute joy at hearing his voice in the Coke Studio promo, but what the heck was he singing? Didn’t remind me of anything I have ever heard him do, either lyrically or style-wise. I didn’t know how this was gonna turn out, as I hesitantly waited for the song to arrive.
And the moment came. Kirkir Kirkir.. interesting. Solo vocals, followed closely by a galloping beat. A goofy grin breaks out on my face. A HOEDOWN!! YEEEHAWWW!!! What a catchy, footstomping tune, an amazing amazing surprise :D Seriously, if you are physically capable of either tapping your foot, nodding your head, or smiling and you aren’t doing either of them, there’s something wrong with you. Go get yourself checked out by a psychiatrist. Seriously. One thing that really impressed me was the house band’s performance on this track. It highlights their diversity and versatility as they take on a very uncommon meter and rhythm but execute it flawlessly. Real musicianship on display on this track, well done to the whole team! Such a fun song, glad he chose a song like this to break out on Coke Studio. I think the last time they had a song with this much lightheartedness in it was Zeb and Haniya’s “Chup” from season 2.
Although again, I didn’t understand much of it (I really need to learn Punjabi), I loved the way the words flowed and they seemed to be very personal, as he mentions himself in it. It felt like a gift to all his fans who have stuck by his side all these years, and that’s the way i’ll take it :) Looking forward to seeing him perform one of his classics now. Listen below, and swing yer partner round and round!
