YO HO HO A BOTTLE OF RUM...

When Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, wrote the lines "Fifteen men on the dead man's chest; Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum; Drink and the devil had done for the rest; Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!” who would have thought the lines would go immortal. The lingo of the seafaring pirates hasn’t taken a beating even though many moons have passed. However, the tribe’s fast disappearance is the veritable truth. Not that anybody is sad or worried. 

Hollywood had its fair share of movies about pirates, although the old movies lacked the charm and quick-paced adventure to hold audiences at the edge of their seats. “Treasure Island”, “The Sea Hawk”, “The Crimson Pirate”, “Captain Blood” and" Cutthroat Island" are a few one can afford to spend time watching, while most others often put you to sleep or let’s say a deep slumber. 

Unlike the old, the new breed of pirate-driven movies did fairly well sailing over the rough seas of mediocrity and monotony. What definitely added a twist to these flicks is the eclectic mix of genius coupled with interesting CGI along with the unconventional portrayal of pirates as good people who know how to pull out of a dastardly comical mix of confusing events. The storyline often plunges the audiences into the depths of the unknown. 

No points in guessing in which direction we are steering – “The Pirates of the Caribbean” series. What started the spark as "The Curse of the Black Pearl" has fanned into an undying flame across the seas with its string of interesting series like “Dead Man’s Chest” “At World’s End” and “On Stranger Tides”. All these ‘Titles’ hold a certain significance to the world of pirates and to the old hats’ sea-faring lingo. 

The recent movie “Salazar’s revenge” better known as “Dead Men Tell No Tales” is as adventurous as it’s entertaining. “The Pirates of the Caribbean” has thrived on two aspects. One, the strength of the hero’s character. Two, the strong-knit storyline. What adds the charm to the hero’s character, which is his hedonistic mix of a gentleman and a hardcore thief. The scarlet bandana on the head, topped with a captain's hat and scruffy yet enchanting attire, Johnny Depp has come a long way sporting the reckless, carefree, adventurous, and bold character – Captain Jack Sparrow. 

Screenwriters, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, are behind creating this character, which is believed to be the combination of Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards and Looney Tunes cartoon character Pepe’ Le Pew. One can’t think of any other actor than Johnny Depp to easily slip into the role of this giant persona. And the storyline too, which has its thread of plot running through the entire series, is a great idea by the directors to hold the story in a tight knot. 

However, the recently released "The Pirates of the Caribbean:  Salazar’s Revenge", featured the death of the captain “Barbossa” who sacrifices his life to save his daughter, whom he thought he never had. This must have put the directors on tricky ground. Since it needs to bring in new characters to add to the existing charm and the beauty of the series. All said, the entire series of "The Pirates of the Caribbean" was a delight to watch. Hope, Jack Sparrow leads a long and charming life to give us more hits. 

Songs of Laura Branigan, Modern Talking, Eruption and others!

I didn’t really know who "Laura Branigan" was.  Neither do I know her that well even now. But my queries on Google reveal it's Laura Branigan who sang the song "Self Control" that literally melt my heart. The tune got stuck so into my heart the moment I listen I am effortlessly shifted back in time to the early 80s. 

I was only a kid who could hardly decipher English words properly  when this song first struck me. I was dead. Travelled to other galaxies and starred as the hero and returned home to tell the story. Fantastic is a very low-key word to describe the high I enjoyed listening to this awesome song as a child. Every time, I hear this number inexpressible feelings flood my soul as I stand transfixed hoping for a bolt of lightning to hit me dead. Well, dead in a good way of course!    

Such feelings lend themselves to a couple of other mesmerizing numbers which hold similar galaxy-transportational capabilities. Among them are Modern Talking's "Cheri Cheri Lady" and "Brother Louise". Even to those Indians who haven't heard these songs before, the moment these songs roll out, there's bound  to be a twinkle of enlightenment in the eye and a familiar sign of recognition that's going to dawn on the mind. 

That's because  Bappi Lahiri, our regional Indian music director, unashamedly stole the tunes and introduced them as his own in Mithun Chakravarthy movies. The songs were super duper hits. Of course, the credit, along with the stolen tunes, were warmly received by the music director.  

Not that I don't like Bappi Lahiri. He is an amazing composer, but somehow, I hate it bitterly when guys of good caliber try to sneak in on western songs and without a hint to the composers steal their tunes. 

Throwing a blind eye to plagiarism once,  let's look at another song that dazed me into the same transcendental peak - Boy George's "Culture Club". The smooth silky voice sinks deeply into you as it leaves in totally blissful state. My likeness for Boy George's songs is purely musical and nothing else - lest one thinks otherwise. 

There are other numbers that have put a spring in my walk long back for that matter they do even now, but they belong to the largely well-known musical groups such as Boney M and ABBA. One from the team-  Eruption called "One way ticket" too. The timeless songs are memories that won't desert you even after you grow up! Well, there are hardly any who won't love the rhapsodies of yesteryear?! To be honest, music isn't made like that anymore!