Rioter's Bloc

RIP Ajeet Singh Matharu

2010-07-27T01:38:00.000-07:00

Poem by Langston Hughes

I loved my friend.

He went away from me.

There's nothing more to say.

The poem ends

Soft as it began-

I loved my friend.

India Shining

2009-11-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

Dear India,

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary of meting out swift justice to over 4000 men, women, and children in just under 5 days time. May the dim flicker of their smoldering corpses forever be eclipsed by the blinding light of your success!

Here's my humble tribute to the lasting achievements of that glorious time - mob rule, indiscriminate violence, and a continuing culture of impunity. It's the least I could do: following in a tradition of yours, of course.

-Your Secret Admirer

SF Meetup: Winter 2008

2008-12-06T14:21:00.001-08:00

3 hours on MS Paint. I swear on Gandhi's grave. (Yes, I'm aware he wasn't buried.)

Diwali Barbie - DJ Drrrty Poonjabi

It's true folks: I have waaay too much time on my hands.

I really enjoyed meeting all of you! If I wasn't able to connect with you at the meetup, please email me and if you received a CD you can leave (much appreciated!) feedback here.

Oh yeah, in case you were wondering about the couple, this should put your inquiring minds at ease. Just don't ask what I was doing trolling drug company websites.

Kearny Street West's 10th Annual Festival of Emerging APA Artists

2008-09-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

APAture 2008

THURS, September 18 * 7 - 9:30pm

GALLERY OPENING AND FESTIVAL KICK-OFF
visual art
KSW's space180 Gallery
180 Capp Street @ 17th Street, 3rd floor
$15.00 suggested donation

with DJ Drrrty Poonjabi

Elusive, eccentric, and shrouded in Salinger-esque mystery, the artist known only as Drrrty Poonjabi has emerged from self-imposed exile to announce that ~~five golden tickets have been hidden in copies of the DJ's mix CDs, and to the five people who find them will come the most fabulous prize one could wish for: a lifetime supply of chocolate~~ I'm playing 2 hour set at an art gallery. Self-identify as a Mutineer and receive a free mix CD!

The Sanctity of Life

2008-07-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Oh hi. I didn't see you there. What's been going on in the last couple of months? Not much? Same here, though:

-I'm alive (and never have TB).

-The brilliant comic who once asked "why aren't there any Chinese guys named Rusty?" is dead.

Although I can say I have a greater appreciation for being alive after being so sick, my man George made some great points about how it ain't what it's all cracked up to be.

Holy Cow Part Deux

2008-04-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

I returned from my spur-of-the-moment, month-long trip to India two weeks ago with the obligatory for any first-time backpacker: lots of pictures, miniature Buddhas, useless tchotchtkes, a fierce farmer's tan, scarcely believable stories, expanded horizons, an appreciation for indoor plumbling, and a high fever with chills. After a fortnight of suffering through seemingly innocuous fatigue and headaches, I went into septic shock last night (not so innocuous). A quick trip to the ER (only a 3 hour wait!) revealed an infection in my maxillary sinus that had painlessly spread, perhaps over the course of a month, to the bloodstream. A course of antibiotics and painkillers should get me back to normal in, let's say, a week. Who knows. The doc thinks I could still have something else wrong with me- my TB results come in tomorrow. Cross your fingers (and lungs)!

Moral of the story: never go anywhere, ever.

In related news, diseases once thought endemic only in West are slowly spreading to the desh; behold, a Scientology booth in Chandigarh.

More pictures to come.

Holy Cow

2008-03-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

I'm India right now.
For only the second time in my life, and the first time alone.
I don't know anybody here.
My only piece of luggage was lost and my driver never picked me up to take me to the hotel.
Someone get me a burger before I flip out.

The Most Epic Thing Ever?

2008-03-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

Who cries for the children? Ronnie James Dio does, that's who.

Help me decide: did 80's over-indulgence reach its hairsprayed pinnacle with this wankfest disguised as a charity event, complete with a ridiculous 9-person, 5 minute guitar solo? Or perhaps that glorious nadir was reached with MAB's unholy union of two axes into one earth-shattering metal machine? Don't ask why I need to know.

Pulling a Kaavya Part II: Valentine's Day Edition

2008-02-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been over a year since I last promised to continue in my series of posting mashups based on songs shamelessly swiped from other works, but I've been waiting for a response from Anand-Milind regarding my allegation that they stole not only from the Muppet Babies, but in doing so, the very innocence of my childhood.

Jerks.

Anyways, today's bit of plagiarized musical pleasure come courtesy of Keni Burke, swiped by The Mary Jane Girls, and mashed together by yours truly. Though credited to Rick James, "All Night Long" bears an uncanny resemblance to a lesser-known song released by Keni two years prior. "Rising to the Top" promptly disappeared after it's release, but it's unmistakable bassline and overt pro-lovemaking stance was somehow found and repackaged into the girl group's debut album. The Rick James-produced track became a big hit, it's appeal lasting long after it disappeared from the charts: All Night Long became a perennial sampler's favorite and provided the backbone for numerous hip hop classics, including LL Cool J's "Around the Way Girl," Big Daddy Kane's "Smooth Operator," and Mary J Blige's "Mary Jane/All Night Long." Redman liked the track so much he used it thrice: Tonight's the Night, "Can't Wait," and the highly educational "How to Roll a Blunt" all use cuts from the song. On the other hand, Keni Burke's track, once relegated to the brightly colored dustbin of soul-funk history, has made a minor resurgence among crate-diggers and after dusting off a copy, dropping it on the turntable, and immediately noticing the similarities, I had to blend it with All Night Long. I only hope that the reader, before knocking chappals tonight with his/her respective habibi, puts on and appreciates this unwitting duet between two 80's proponents of getting it on.

DJ Drrrty Poonjabi - Rising to The Top, All Night Long

Dancing With Dastaars Part II

2008-02-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

Heeray Punjab Deh, winner of the Best Dressed award, performing at last week's Dhol Di Awaz X.

Dancing With Dastaars

2008-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

These guys are pure metal. The teams at last night's DDA X were all impressive, but the absence of KJ was sorely felt.

Congrats to Davis Di Dynasty for their first place finish. Their shiny new trophy should help quiet those who don't believe women have a place in bhangra.

More Like Full Moon of the Heart

2008-01-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ape Shall Never Kill Ape [Updated]

2008-01-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Ape shall pay money to see Ape perform tonight at the Fillmore.

UPDATE 1/22/08

Forget everything I've claimed before, this was the most triumphant musical experience of my life. Details later, when I rematerialize form my current state of pure energy.

I'm Back, B*tches

2008-01-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a slow recovery, but I'm back from the abyss.

SF Meetup - Summer 2007

2007-08-28T04:30:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like meeting new people over a fresh, warm bowl of curry fries. Mmm....just like mummy used to make.

Here's the tracklist to the demo I handed out. If you received a copy, please leave feedback here.

1. DJDP Intro
2. DJ Drrrty Poonjabi Theme Song
3. Francoise Hardy - Le Premier Bonheur du Jour (DJ Drrrty Poonjabi Remix)
4. Unfinished Desi Beat One
5. 50 Cent - In Da Club (DJ Drrrty Poonjabi's You Can Find Me In Poonjab Mix)
6. Alka Yagnik - Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai (DJ Drrrty Poonjabi Remix)
7. Unfinished Desi Beat Two
8. Unfinished Bolly-Punk Beat

Bow Before My Elite MS Paint Skills

2007-07-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

The DJ Drrrty Poonjabi Theme Song

Help Vinay

2007-06-19T01:45:00.000-07:00

Vinay is a 28 year old husband, son, and physician who has been diagnosed with AML, a rare form of leukemia that is unresponsive to chemotherapy. Without a bone marrow transplant in the next 4 weeks, he will not survive. A simple cheek-swab test will determine whether or not you are a match and could save his life. Drives are planned for virtually every day and being held all over the country. Please attend one near you and help Vinay. Thanks.

I registered over the weekend, along with my cousin who was visiting from Canada. The small but steady trickle of complete strangers converging into an unknown place to do their part to save the life of a man they've probably never met was inspiring and moving. If haven't already done so, I urge you to attend a drive or join the registry online. This is entirely doable: Vinay can live, but only if you help.

Get Yer Poonjabi On

2007-05-26T20:54:00.001-07:00

Somewhere amidst the bhangra dancing, henna booths, overpriced and undercooked samosas, and pent-up sexual tension and confusion evidenced by gangsta posturing and vicariously released by eventual drunken brawling (all obligatory for any desi event), this year's Punjabi American Festival will be showcasing Valarie Kaur and Sharat Raju's excellent and must-see film documentary, Divided We Fall. Here's a synopsis from the official site:

Driven to action by the murder of a turbaned man in her community, a college student drives across America in the aftermath of 9/11 to discover stories that did not make the evening news. From the still-shocked streets of Ground Zero to the desert towns of the American West, Valarie Kaur's inspiring journey uncovers remarkable stories of hate violence, fear, and unspeakable loss – until she finds the heart of America halfway around the world in the words of widow. Five years in the making, Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath deftly explores race, religion, and what it means to be American in times of national crisis.

*Spoiler Alert* People are murdered senselessly and justice goes seemingly unserved. Though this may well be a fact of life, you'll be no less be surprised to see the reaction against the senselessness of the hate and violence and be moved by the uncommon kindness and compassion complete strangers are capable of sharing. Valarie is as much as a friend to me as she is an inspiration, and those who stick around after the film for the Q&A will have a chance to talk to this extraordinary person and share their own thoughts and experiences with 9/11 and the ensuing backlash against minorities. I urge anyone attending this year's festival or those in the Yuba City area to watch the film; everyone else can check the tour page to see when DWF will be playing locally or contact the team to schedule a showing near you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to my preparation for the festival: I still have to go buy an iced-out Om chain and work on my gangsta lean.

It's Been One of Those Days

2007-05-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Shantih Shantih Shantih

2007-04-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

APRIL is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.

Oh, Canadians

2007-04-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently, "looney" doesn't just refer to their dollar coin.

Since I'll be spending a few days in those amorphous, little understood hinterlands known as "Canadia" for a few days, can anyone recommend some places of interest for the tragic hipster in Toronto? Any cool shows coming up? If any Sepia Mutiny commenters are reading this, feel free to drop me a line if you want to meet up.

Here's a track from one of the greatest things to come out of Canadia since poutine, DFA 1979's Romantic Rights.

Just a Good Ol' Boy

2007-04-02T01:02:00.000-07:00

I've always associated the greatest car of all time, The General Lee, with escape from tyranny and bondage, not embrace. When the time comes for me to make like a trailer and get hitched, I can only hope to go out in the same ironic manner.

In that spirit, here's one of Berkeley's fine but forgotten punk acts, Tilt, with their cover of the Dukes of Hazzard theme song, Good Ol' Boys.

How Do You Do, Ms. Chin Chin Chu?

2007-03-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled onto this incredibly infectious old school Bollywood number via the ever-excellent WFMU blog. The story behind the slinky chanteuse, Helen Richardson, is interesting as the song is catchy.

Any Hindi speakers with a moment to spare out there willing to translate the song's lyrics into English for me?

Mera naam chin-chin-chu
Chin-chin-chu baaba chin-chin-chu
Raat chaandni main aur tu
Hello, mister, how do you do?
Baaba..baaba

Baabuji main chin se aayi chini jaisa dil laayi
Singaapur ka yauvan mera shanghaai ki angdaayi
Dil par rakh le haath zara, ho jaaye na paagal tu
Mera naam chin-chin-chu

Oh baabuji main aur aap, kitna achchha huwa milaap
Tujhko dekh tabeeyat bhadki, alaadin ki main hu ladki
Phunk du mantar chhu chu chu, sindbaad the sailor tu
Mera naam chin-chin-chu

A Celebration of Sikh Films

2007-01-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

Join us for a celebration

of films by, about and

for Sikhs

Saturday • February 3rd • 2007

The Spinning Wheel Film Festival Bay Area is pleased to bring back Spinning Wheel Film Festival 2007, and for the second time in Bay Area after a successful debut last year.

Of particular note is the The The Spinning Wheel Film Festival Bay Area on Saturday, February 3^rd 2007, featuring Sikh documentaries, feature length movies, shorts and animated films, Q&A sessions with directors, producers and filmmakers from UK, Canada, India, Australia and USA. We are proud to announce that we will be showcasing films like ‘Gold Bracelet’, ‘Who do you think you are’ and ‘Amu’ in this year’s film festival. [From the official website.]

Here is the schedule and a description of the movies for this year’s film festival.

Cubberley Auditorium
School of Education, Stanford University
485 Lasuen Mall Stanford CA 94305
[directions]

Swamini Turiyasangitananda: 1937 - 2007

2007-01-16T01:58:00.000-08:00

Although I'm truly shocked and saddened by her unexpected passing, I can take comfort in the fact that, unlike other spouses/children of famous artists whose own work will always be compared/overshadowed by their more notable kin, many were aware of and touched by her beautiful and serene music. "Blues Minor," a duet with the equally brilliant Marian McPartland, is a far more intricate and exquisite affair than its deceptively simple title would lead you to believe. "Opus 27," another duet, is much more subdued and somber, endlessly evocative without the uttering of a single word. Rest assured, both works will serve as my soundtrack for the next few days as I remember this fallen jazz legend.

Alice Coltrane with Marian McPartland - Blues Minor

Alice Coltrane with Marian McPartland - Opus 27

Much thanks to Siddhartha and fellow bloggers for bringing this news to the attention of myself and others who may not have otherwise found out. I'm glad to know others in our community were lucky enough to be see her perform or just enjoy her presence, even if it was for a fleeting moment.

Happy New Year 1993!

2007-01-07T01:00:00.001-08:00

From all of us at Coca Cola, Happy New Year.

R2D2, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

We hope our little message gets to you.

"Pulling a Kaavya" Part I: Father Says He Will Make a Big Name For Himself, Get Caught, and Get Ruined.

2006-12-19T03:28:00.000-08:00

2006 saw the genesis of my favorite (self-created) euphemism for f*cking up: "Pulling a Kaavya." I define it as "almost getting away with intentional plagiarism, without having to admit guilt and with indeterminate (most likely nominal) damage to one's career." Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting mashups I've done that combine suspiciously similar elements of famous songs whose authors just might have "pulled a Kaavya."

Since I got my blogging start at Sepia Mutiny, I found it only appropriate that today's culprit should have a decidedly desi twist: who could forget the beloved "Papa Kehte Hai" from the 1988 Bollywood film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak? The song is catchy, lighthearted, and inspiring... it's also a complete ripoff. The song borrows quite liberally from the unlikeliest of sources: The Muppet Babies Theme Song. (Here's a video courtesy of RetroJunk.) Both songs are in C Major, share the same chord progression, and are in a swing beat around 90 bpm. The aping is wholesale: even the bridges are virtually identical in structure and progression. You heard it here first.

Hank Saroyan and Robert J. Walsh penned The Muppet Babies Show theme in 1984 and by 1988, the song had somehow traversed the globe and buried itself into the psyche of Bollywood composer and serial plagiarizer Anand Milind, who promptly regurgitated and repackaged it into "Papa Kehta Hai." His action was far from singular- here's an itemized indictment of Milind's long history of thievery, courtesy of the ever-vigilant and always excellent Inspiration in Indian Film Songs, a site dedicated providing a "comprehensive list of musical inspirations (sometimes subtle and intelligent but mostly downright blatant!) of Indian film music composers." (It's nice to know there's someone ~~bored~~ brave enough to take on such a Herculean task; his site lists hundreds of documented instances of musical plagiarism in Bollywood.)

And oh, I added some elements from NIN's "Closer," ya know, just to make things more interesting.

DJ Drrrty Poonjabi - Papa Kehta Hain I Wanna F*ck You Like a Muppet Baby

Comments are always welcome.

Coming Soon to Fox...The Kramer Show!

2006-11-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Item! By now, you've probably seen or heard about Michael Richard's exciting comeback with new material so controversial that the whole planet is talking about it. The bigwigs at Fox (a network no stranger to controversy) think its so fresh and edgy that they're already developing a pilot for the upcoming 2007 lineup. Here's a sneak peek:

Gobble Gobble, b*tches.

2006-11-21T15:53:00.001-08:00

Q: What could be more shamelessly materialist, conspicuously consumptive, and unabashedly consumerist than an entire day devoted towards turn shopping into a full contact sport?

A: How about a bacon coated turducken!

Wishing all y'all a Happy Black Friday 2006.

Rewind Selecta!

2006-10-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

Big ups, respect, and thank you to the scores of folks who showed up to see me open up for the mighty Dhamaal last month and to Maneesh, Warp, and Radiohiro for rocking the casbah as hard as they did. You're all very special people and I'm in love with each and everyone of you.

(Oh, and thanks to El Diablo and Ohashi for ennobling with me another "r" in "Drrrty." Lord knows three isn' t nearly enough.)

To those who couldn't make it, (I'm sure you had a great excuse!) here are some testimonials from satisfied customers:

silvernoodles.livejournal.com/922.html

brimful.blogspot.com/2006/09/stay-cool-motherfer-stay-cool.html

http://www.goldbond.com/testimonial.asp (That's right folks, Drrrty Poonjabi also works wonders for diaper rash!)

(FYI: The hot AILF [for the sadly uninitiated, look at definition #5, though definition #1 is pretty close] pictured above is none other than world famous South Asian Sister greekanjali. If you haven't checked their stuff yet, make sure to. )

Also, be sure check out the last Dhamaal this year:

DHAMAAL HALLOWEEN
GETS SPOOKY
Saturday October 28th @ Club Six

This month Dhamaal gets in the spirit of Halloween with a party of our own in Dhamaal style!

THIS WILL BE THE LAST DHAMAAL OF THE YEAR!
(Arrive Early - Limited Entry :: Register for Adv Discount Tix)

Surya Vault
World Bass, Beats and Breaks
Maneesh the Twister (Surya Dub/Dhamaal) 11pm-12mid
Guest DJs Rhythmystic (Beatstream/Funkizm) 12mid-1am
Dragonfly (Groove Garden) 1am-2am
Samba Guisse (Senegal) & MC Daddy Frank (Antigua) on the Mic
Video DJs El Diablo & Ohashi
Shabi & Ferhan on Tabla

Azaad lounge
Live South Asian Classical & Folk Music
Special guest "BUBAI" Debopriyo Sarkar senior disciple of tabla maestro Pandit Anindo Chatterjee
plus residents Ferhan Qureshi (tabla) and Shabi Farooq on tabla

Dhamaal Lovefest 2006 - Save the Date!

2006-09-15T02:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be opening up the show with a mutinous mix of 80's hip hop, bhangra, breaks, and even some reggaeton. (¡Ay Carumba!) If that doesn't sound like 10 dollars well spent to you, be sure to check out the intriguing and engaging sounds of Maneesh, Radiohiro, Warp and live South Asian folk music from Sukhawat Ali Khan. Dishoom!

DHAMAAL LOVEFEST
Saturday September 23rd @ Club Six

This month Dhamaal gets in the spirit of San Francisco’s Lovefest parade and citywide celebration with a party of our own in Dhamaal style!

Radiohiro & DJ Warp join the crew all the way from Chicago and represent the Kollektiv crew (started by Karsh Kale). Also on hand will be Special guest Sukhawat Ali Khan & Party (son of legendary vocalist Salamat Ali Khan) performing S. Asian folk & Qawaali music. This will be the most unique love parade after-party guaranteed!

Click on flyer below for Advance Discount Tix

Experience 2 Rooms of Bangin Bass Heavy Breaks, Bhangra, D’n’B, Dancehall, Dub, S. Asian Folk & Classical, plus live Tabla & MC and Wicked Visuals!

Surya Vault
World Bass, Beats and Breaks
Maneesh the Twister
Guest DJs - Radiohiro & Warp (Kollektiv Chicago)
DJ Drrrty Poonjabi
Samba Guisse on the Mic
Video DJs El Diablo & Ohashi
Shabi & Ferhan on Tabla

Azaad lounge
Live South Asian Classical & Folk Music
Special guest Sukhawat Ali Khan (son of legendary vocalist Salamat Ali Khan) & Party featuring Rami Ziadeh (percussion) & Ferhan Qureshi (tabla) plus Shabi Farooq on tabla

Fine Art by NYoMI
Flyer Design by Kai-wen

Saturday September 23rd, 2006
Club Six
60 6th St b/w Mission & Market
21 + : $10 Adv / $15 door
10:00pm-3:00am : 415.863.1221
info@dhamaalsf.com
www.dhamaalsf.com

My, How You've Grown!

2006-09-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Namaste, Salaam, and Sat Sri Kal! Welcome to my humble blog! I was so excited to see all of you that I've gone and wet myself. (Sorry, mummy!) In anticipation of my debut at the Dhamaal LoveFest Party, I'll soon be posting some of my DJ sets, remixes, and original tracks on this page...after my afternoon nap, of course. Check back soon.

Do I have some Gerber Cream of Carrot in my mustache? No? Okay, good. I thought I felt something. Hm...whatever. Probably nothing.

Is This Thing On?

2006-08-07T04:33:00.000-07:00

Uh...hi.

Um...my name...is...

Wait....no.

Sorry. Let...let me try that again.

Heh. I'm not very good at this. I...don't really like to...heh...I haven't done something like this since...well...ever. Perhaps I should lighten the mood. Well, Toastmasters recommends opening with a joke. So...let me try that...Wait! I'm not being too awkward now, am I? Okay, good. Sorry. I've never really done this before...

Oh, I already said that. Sorry.

...So yeah...a joke....................

God, I can't really think of one right now! Sorry.

Sorry I keep on saying sorry! It's sort of a bad habit. I mean, it is a bad habit. Okay, I think I'm talking too fast now. My lifestyle consultant says I should speak slowly and clearly. Sorry. God! I did it again!

Okay. I thought of a joke. Um, here goes......*ahem*:

Hehe...Jer...Jerry Seinfeld once said that at a funeral, most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy!

...Hehe...

Be...because more people are afraid of public speaking than death...

Um, I think there was supposed to be a punchline there....but anywaaaaays...I chose that joke because I thought it was pretty relevant to the situation at hand. Heh...

I'm talking too fast again, aren't I? Sorry.

You know what? I totally forgot what I was going to tell you guys. Just...just...forget about it. I...I'm just gonna go. Yeah. Sorry about wasting your time. Um...bye.

God, I'm so awkward.