Mahes PERERA
Music today has developed at a fast pace onto a track that is so
different from the music of the 70s or say the 80s. The current hip-hop
and rap rage has made the youth lap up the beat and acknowledge that it
is the best scene today.
But pause awhile and let your mind drift back to the music scene of
the 70s which saw the release of a wide variety of songs that carried a
message and reflected a lifestyle. We asked Mariazelle who has
successfully been on the scene for more than three decades what her
opinion was of the songs of the 70s and the 80s.
“In my opinion the songs of the 70s were the best globally. Because
in every sense of the word the songs were quality songs that reflected
the thinking of the people.
 Today the songs are more technically mastered. We are living a rat
race having hardly any time to enjoy our life, but rushing around to get
the album recorded and released.”
In a flash can you tell us what are the songs that have stayed with
you till today? “Very definitely the songs of the Beatles and especially
`Let It Be.’ Then the hits of `Middle of the Road’ and the song `Chirpy
Chirpy Cheep Cheep.’
The songs of Abba which I’m glad we hear a lot today. At random I’d
like to mention the group Brotherhood of Man and Angelo and Figaro.
Michael Jackson’s Beat It `Commodores’, `Three Times a Lady,’ the hits
of the Bee Gees, `Osibisa’ to name a few.
“These are songs I can always sit down, listen and enjoy. I even
perform some of these songs. To me they are meaningful songs with a
message in each one of them.”
Ten years from now will the people remember the music of today the
hip hop and rap. Will they be standards?
“I’m not too sure about it. I think it is a phase a trend which could
be forgotten six months from now. It is all for the moment unlike folk
music of Cat Stevens, Joan Baez, Judy Collins or the reggae songs of
Jimmy Cliff (Wonderful World, Beautiful People or You Can Get It) and
the reggae of Bob Marley who created a culture.
But I must say that because of some radio stations that play retro
music in Sri Lanka our youth are getting interested in the 70s music
which have a deeper meaning and quality in melody.”
“Was Kandy Lamissi which you made into a hit written for someone in
particular?
“No. It was written by Asith Chandrasena for the male singer in my
band to sing. But I ended up recording it.
It was not written for anybody, it was just a fun song that we
recorded.” Mariazelle has been working on a new CD of Sinhala songs
which she intends to release soon.
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