And The Winner Is....KRIS ALLEN!! :D

Who saw this coming?! No one! Who ever thought that the tender dawg would defeat the heavily pimped Rock God in a landslide and take home the very coveted title?! No one! But it happened! On May 20th Kris Allen was announced as the winner of the eigthth season of American Idol!

Since the Top 13 contestants were revealed for this eigthth season of American Idol, many were expecting the final showdown to go between the 29 yr old Church Minister Danny Gokey and the 27 yr old theatre star Adam Lambert! People did see Kris Allen as someone who could do well, possibly lasting till Top 6. He had fallen into the category of 'Cannon Fodder'; a term commonly used in the world of Reality Television for those who are just in the competetion to extend it and are of no pivotal importance. But that all changed with Kris Allen!

Kris Allen auditioned Lousiville, Kentucky singing Leon Russel's classic 'A Song For You'. He was the only person in Top 13 besides the 16 year old Allison Iraheta who's audition wasn't aired. The judges commented him to be an average singer and he too didn't seem very confident of himself at the moment but the Golden Ticket was just a key to unlock the fortune that was to come his way in a few months.

During Hollywood week, he showed his artistic side to the panel by playing numerous musical instruments from acoustic guitar to electric and even a piano. His cover of Michael Buble 'Everything' was also not aired but mentioned several times by Kara DioGuardi as one of her favorite performances. He qualified for a spot in Top 36 and was placed in the second group to perform with the likes of Adam Lambert, Matt Brietzke and Matt Giraud; all of who happened to be judges favorite. Unfortunately this year the list for Top 36 leaked a week earlier over the internet. The one thing that was commonly being discussed over every message board was 'Who's Kris Allen?'

Everybody had a little to alot of idea about most of the names on the list but no one even knew who was this person. In his group night, he performed Michael Jackson's Billboard Hot 100 song 'Man In The Mirror' and was praised by the judges for his smooth delivery on the song. This was the first time Kris was given camera time that lasted longer than five seconds. On the following results show, he advanced into Top 13 along with Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta.

When Top 13 took the stage for the first time, the theme was Michael Jackson. Already quite familiar with the territory, Kris picked up 'Remember The Time' from the album 'Dangerous'. He performed along with his acoustic guitar in a very plaid manner. The performance was well recieved. Kris advanced to Top 11 smoothly.

Grand Ole Opry was the theme during Top 11 night. Mentored by the country star, Randy Travis; Kris decided to sing a stripped back mellow version of the Bob Dylan's classic 'Make You Feel My Love'. The performance was recieved with unanimous praise, Simon Cowell also stated that he has a decent shot of doing well in the competetion. Kris was declared safe on the result night and advanced to Top 10.

The Top 10 took on the Motown classics. Mentored by Smokey Robinson this time, he decided upon Marvin Gaye's 'How Sweet It Is(To Be Loved By You)'. Smokey commented that Kris was definitely someone who could go on to become a big star(Way to go, Smokey!). The performance was well-recieved with many of the judges praising his orginality. Kris was declared safe on the following night and advanced to Top 9 unscathed.

Top Downloads was the chosen theme for Top 9. Kris delivered his best performance on the Idol stage when he sang Bill Withers 'Ain't No Sunshine'. Kris was given the pimp spot this week and used it extremely well. The performance was praised to be his best with Simon commenting that he should be more confident of his talent on stage. Kris was declared safe and advanved to Top 8.

'Songs From The Year They Were Born' was the theme during Top 8. Kris Allen went ahead with Don Henley's 'All She Wants To Do Is Dance'. Though many believed that the song showed the edgier side of Kris and commented that he could perform the upbeat songs just as well as the ballads, the judges thought of it as one of his weak moments. The critical reason being wrong song choice. Fortunately America thought otherwise and forwarded Kris in Top 7.

Top 7 took on the 'Songs Of The Cinema' along with mentor Quentin Tarantino. Kris performed the Academy Award winning song 'Falling Slowly' from the movie Once. Kris did extremely well with this song as it revealed his compassionate side. While Randy commented on it being pitchy from note one(Why Randy?! Why? Why?), Kara thought it was one of his best moments ever and Simon stated that he was brilliant. America agreed and Kris advanced for another week of showcasing his talent.

Disco Week came as a real shocker for all when Kris performed the Donna Summer chart topper 'She Works Hard For The Money' in his own unique fashion. You people have got to hear this to believe this! No way on Earth could this seem like a Donna Summer signature peice after Kris gave it his touch. The performance was contempary, cleverly arranged and artistic, also let's not forget the most important original. Kris got a thumbs up from the judges and was declared safe for another round.

The Top 5 were mentored by Jamie Foxx and the theme for the week was 'Rat Pack Standards'. Kris took up Frank Sinatra's immortal hit 'The Way You Look Tonight'. Foxx was so amazed by Kris's spin on the song that he offered to collaborate with him if Idol doesn't work out for him. Three weeks in a row Kris delivered his best. America saw the tender dawg's(Randy's affectionate moniker for Kris) softer side once again that was highlighted during Country Week and this time he seemed more confident. The performance got mixed reviews with Simon stating it as wet(Just when I was beginning to like him?!). This week got a little scary when Kris made an appearence in Bottom 3 along with Adam Lambert and Matt Giraud. But he was declared safe first.

'Rock n Roll' was the theme for Top 4, and they were mentored by Slash. Due to time constraints, instead of the usual two songs per contestants, there was one duet and one solo performance. Kris performed alongside Danny Gokey the Styx hard rock chart number 'Renegade'. The comments on the performance were humorous. Kara stated that this was a thing more for the bad boys, Kris and Danny being strictly catholic and church goers didn't give the vibe. Simon blatantly favored Danny over Kris(He really does want me to start hating him!). For his solo performance Kris performed the Beatles signature number 'Come Together'. He recieved positive reviews on it with the judges saying that he did the best he could do with the song given that rock isn't exactly his comfort zone. Kris was predicted to be eliminated this week but survived(A Happy Dance Moment for me!).

Just a week away from the finale, the Allenation(Kris's followers had dubbed themselves as Allenation) were mighty unsure of this week. The underdog was up against two of the most heavily pimped constestants of Season 8, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey. While still standing by Kris, there was a major belief that Kris won't survive this week. The night came and Kris performed 'Apologize' by One Republic as his first song. Randy and Kara had chosen it for Kris. The reviews were mixed with Kara stating that he didn't own it and Simon commenting on a foolish song choice. With the other song choice, thankfully being one of his own choice, Kris performed Kanye West's recent hot chart number 'Heartless'. This was unbelievable! Kris totally owned the song by performing it with an acoustic guitar. Simon stated 'Heartless' as his most favorite performance from Season 8 with Randy stating that he liked his take on the song more than Kanye and the Fray. Simon also said that he had written Kris out of competetion but 'Heartless' changed his mind completely. Kris was declared safe on the following night with Danny Gokey being sent home(Another Happy Dance Moment for me!).

Kris competed against Adam in the finale. While the gauntlet was drawn and nearly everybody expected Kris to be thrown under the bus with the judges favoring Adam, there was still hope. Kris performed 'Ain't No Sunshine' first as his reprise song. Kris made it more of his own style this time and declaring round one to be his by Simon Cowell. The second round was the producer's choice and Kris was given Marvin Gaye's soulful classic about social awareness 'What's Going On'. It recieved mixed reviews with the Judges stating that it was a poor song choice but he did the best he could do with it. Round two was declared in favor of Adam!

The coronation song 'No Boundaries' written by Kara DiaGuardi, Mitch Allan and Cathy Dennis. I so don't know what to say about this song. Of all the coronation song I've witnessed till now, this one takes the bottom spot. It's far too pop for Kris, it's something I would rather see Hannah Montana singing than Kris Allen. Therefore Round 3 was not declared to anyone and the judges chose not to judge the contestants on the song but on thier journey. Kris was told that watching him grow was incredible from the shy timid lad to the confident performer.

On May 20th Kris Allen was declared as eigthth American Idol. Nobody saw this coming! Heck nobody even thought he would make it to the finale. Everyone was predicting the last round to be between Danny and Adam or Danny and Alexis. But Kris won! And for the third time in a row, one of my picks has won!

Way to go, Kris! Way to go! Wishing you the very best for an amazing career ahead!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

I Just Want To...

Verse 1
If I got down on my knees
And said that 'I love you',
Will you believe? Will you agree?

If I climbed on to your balcony
Be your personal Romeo,
Will you believe? Will you be pleased?

Chorus
Oh, anyway you want I'm ready
All you need to do is tell me
'Cuz I... All I wanna do is love you
I just want to love you
Anyway you want to

Verse 2
You're not to blame
I know you've been hurt before
I know it hurt you really bad
But believe me, I'm not like them

Won't ever let you cry; No!
No tear shall flow from your eyes

Chorus
Oh, anyway you want I'm ready
All you need to do is tell me
'Cuz I... All I wanna do is love you
I just want to love you
Anyway you want to

Bridge
When you need strength, I'll be there for you
When you need passion, I'll be there for you
And when you need some good good lov'in, I'll love you

Chorus
I just want to love you!
Just want to love you!
Anyway you want to!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

Crazy People

Verse 1
I woke up today; I didn't want to get out of bed
These voices in my head kept telling me to stay
To stay in my bed

It did seem like a good advice but not the best
I need to go, need to face the world
But before that there's something to be told

Chorus
You crazy people in this world; Don't bother me today
With your silly questions and not needed advice
I'm sick and tired of trying to be nice
Stop interfering with my life! If I need your help, I'll ask!
Oh you crazy people don't bother me today!

Crazy! Crazy! Crazy!
Don't bother me!

Verse 2
You push my buttons with your fake words of concern
Drive me to the point of no return!
I wish I could yell a little louder
Just to have a little space...a little room to breathe!
That's all I need! That's all crave!

Bridge
Three's a company and I don't mind
As long as it's me, myself and I

Chorus
You crazy people in this world; Don't bother me today
With your silly questions and not needed advice
I'm sick and tired of trying to be nice
Stop interfering with my life! If I need your help, I'll ask!
Oh you crazy people don't bother me today!

Crazy! Crazy! Crazy!
Don't bother me!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

Departure; Jesse McCartney

Jesse McCartney’s third studio album Departure hit the air world o April 2008. The very oddly named record changed the entire definition of Jesse in the music industry. He took a complete break from his previous “Golden Boy” route that was very prominent in his previous two studio album Right Where You Want Me(2006) and Beautiful Soul(2004).

The new sound was highly appreciated as it incorporated a more adult feel which was remarkably absent from his previous effort. While he stuck to his pop and R&B roots, Jesse made a point of sounding more modern with heavy usage of progressive beat and voice synthesizer. The songwriting has to be credited as one of the main thing Jesse made sure was that his style of writing evolved along with him on the route of boy to man, he collaborated with several big names in the industry like Sean Garett(Also featured on the album), Brian Kennedy, Terius Nash, Christopher Stewart and Claude Kelly.

The title of the album of the album set me back completely as I thought Jesse was retiring from the music industry given the amount of time he had taken to put this album out and the number of times it’s release date was rescheduled. But thankfully it wasn’t true; Jesse McCartney himself stated that the name is one that defines his parting from his previous style.

The first track of the album Leavin’ is also the first single of the album. Upon the first time I heard it, the immediate liking was inevitable as of the fact that it’s up-temp but at the same time has a mellow feel to it. The cell phone beeps add a modern touch. And I have to add that it immediately announced a very bold approach on Jesse’s part. The video raised several marks because of it’s somewhat steamy scenes as Disney failed to air it unlike his previous videos. But that didn’t put a dent in the single’s progress as it became a fan favorite with frequent request on TRL and many other movie channels all over the world.

It’s Over is the second single off the album and also the second single. This track is my second most favorite from the album. Jesse makes magic on this track by infusing his R&B feel with hip-pop, creating something that was immediately noticed as brand new. The song towards chorus gets really beautiful when he goes into his falsetto for a moment. The repetitive clapping encourages feet tapping.

The third track is Rock You is a hip hop infused with rapper style. Jesse teams up with the very hot current songwriter Sean Garrett who opens up the track giving us the very large feel. It’s very reminding of Blow Your Mind from his sophomore effort but more evolved this time. While not the best track from the record, the fast progression of words with the beat-boxing gets the listener going. It is slightly reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s style of hip hop.

The fourth track How Do You Sleep is my personal favorite and delightfully the third single off the album. The track starts with melodic moaning and then gets into this R&B fused with rock and hip hop. Jesse’s creativity has to be applauded in this. It’s been on my play list since a very long time and I don’t see it getting removed anytime soon. It’s the must-listen from this album!

The fifth track comes as a real shock to those aware of Jesse previous album. Jesse had everything but the ‘bad boy’ image going for him but in this song, that indication is all over the place. It’s a bold move which has received mixed response. While some have appreciated that he should be singing boy band type song but they’ve also told him to tread carefully with explicit lyrics. It’s not anywhere near my favorite tracks from the album.

The sixth track, Make Up, is a pure crowd pleaser. Once again Jesse has fused R&B with hip pop and made a really good number. The track starts fast with rhythmic clapping and goes slow down in the middle and then goes fast again. The progressing from up tempo to low tempo is just the right amount giving the listener enough time to register a contrast. The play of music is simple and effective. Well done!

The seventh track is the very mischievous number My Baby. Jesse goes on about singing about his quest of a girl he’s spotted randomly and can’t help going after her. The word play is a definite favorite of mine. It’s highly reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s P.Y.T(Pretty Young Thing) to me for some weird reason. By now people have gotten the over all feel of his album, it’s comparatively more on the R&B side.

The eighth track Told You So is based upon a personal experience. Jesse while has disclosed this little bit of info didn’t disclose who is it about. The track switches back to his pop side and reminds me very much of his previous album’s track. Jesse’s vocals really shine in this number and to those who have liked his previous works more than this one are highly hopeful of this being an upcoming single.

Relapse is the ninth track and another up tempo number from Jesse. The track is one of my favorite. Songs putting love and break-up with an analogy with rehabilitation are very popular nowadays. The track goes fast in the chorus and can be rated as a pretty decent dance number.

The tenth track Runnin’ track is once again a very pop number from the record. Jesse tells us about the every day story of guys being scared of commitment. After a recent breakup of a friend of mine, I gave her this track as a consoling gesture. She didn’t bother listening it at first but eventually when her anger and frustration subsided she did give it a listen and later on burrowed the album from me. Can I say Jesse McCartney has another loyal fan with an awesome pair of lungs?! Yes, I can.

The eleventh track Freaky is featured on the High School Musical 3; Senior Year. It’s the second song which can be truthfully regarded as a dance number; Jesse does have a certain knack for getting people’s groove going.

The twelfth and last track off the album is Not Your Enemy. This track gives the album the most perfect closure ever, it’s has a slight Evanescence feel to it because of the slight haunting feeling in the song. It’s a really beautiful song, this track also is still in my play list. Jesse’s vocals are impeccable, it’s smooth and mellow. Really heart wrenching! I maybe over-stating this but indeed it has to be the perfect ending to the album.

People who have purchased the deluxe edition also have a cover version of the song Jesse co-penned with Ryan Tedder for Leona Lewis. I think we all can guess what song I’m talking about, that’s right! Bleeding Love! Jesse’s cover version is more pop like his previous ballad number, it’s a good effort but this song has become a signature Leona Lewis number. He did it good, but Leona did it great!

Jesse has to be applauded for his effort, he is indeed someone who’s pretty much on the way of hitting gold in near future whether be it his song writing abilities or his singing. Departure was re-released earlier this year under the title of Departure; Recharged. It featured five new tracks but that’s to come some other day. Be on the look out for it!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

One Of The Boys; Katy Perry

Many people make a debut into the ever populated music industry every year, yet only a hand few manage to get it right from day one. Katy Perry happens to be one of them. Her album was one of the most anticipated one of 2008 after the release of it’s first single “I Kissed A Girl”. Perry herself was very excited about this album since she was breaking away from her root of Christian music which led to a lot of trouble. The album was dropped previously twice because the producers were not sure of it’s success. Way to prove to them, girl!

Perry had been developing the concept behind her recent effort for almost five years before it materialized in front of her. Perry adopted a more commercial approach to her album by setting it around the pop rock genre and it certainly paid off well. The very colorful album went platinum after selling nearly over a million copies all over the world.

The album picks of with the track One of the Boys. The album is under the same title incidentally. The song is written by Perry herself and is regarding her growing up years where she was a typical tom-girl. The track is catchy but the tracks succeeding it are far better.

The second track and a personal favorite among many Perry fans is I Kissed A Girl. The song is written by Perry in collaboration with Max Martin and Dr. Luke who have previously contributed to artists like Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and P!NK. The track is super addictive, hence it was the perfect promotional single for the album. Also it generated a pretty good hype in the LGBT circles labeling Perry as a herald while others put her down for promoting homosexuality. Perry defended herself by stating that;

“Everyone takes the song and relates it to their situation, they can see it however they want to see it. Love it, hate it, for me it was about us girls. When we're young we're very touchy-feely. We have slumber party sing-alongs, we make up dance routines in our pajamas. We’re a lot more intimate in a friendship than guys can be. It’s not perverse but just sweet, that's what the song is about.”

The track is also accompanied a video which last year was one of the most viewed on YouTube, which also lead to many spin-off parodies of it. I tried to scourge YouTube to get some but apparently they’ve been disabled in my country.

The third track from the record is Waking Up In Vegas will be the fifth single off the album, it’s being released on 21^st April and you’ll probably be seeing it on the side bar soon enough. The track is in alliance with Desmond Child who has previously contributed to Bon Jovi and definitely carries the touch a rock to it. The track tells the story of a couple who struck it rich in Vegas and then ran into a spot of trouble. Perry is really excited about it and will be promoting it on American Idol on 13^th May.

Thinking Of You is the fourth track, fourth single and the first ballad off the album. This track happens to be my favorite off the album but failed to garner much attention when released as a single. It’s a solo effort of Perry, and has been described by her as on the closest to my heart. The video in my opinion is one of the worst I’ve ever seen, speaking with honesty I believe even I could have done a better job. The song is a master piece in it’s own right, and probably the best ballad off the album. Although it had been a critic’s favorite earning to the fact that Perry’s vocal are displayed to perfection her without any tweaking but the fans prefer her naughty side more.

On the fifth spot, we have another fast number Mannequin is another solo effort of Perry. This track was rumored to be the fourth single but was later scrapped in favor of Thinking Of You. It’s a cheery track in which Perry describes her futile efforts in getting a response from her lover. A funny incidence regarding this took place in one of our classes when a few girls started playing this track in regard to the professor who doesn’t stop with his lectures even after the dismissal bell has rung and that too despite our best efforts to make him realize that it’s time to let us go. Sadly it didn’t have any effect on him!

The sixth track is the second single from the album Ur So Gay. It’s a team effort of Greg Wells and Perry, these two later also got together to pen down Clarkson’s I Do Not Hook Up along with Kara DioGuardi. This track gave me a good set of giggles; I pity the fellow who inspired this song. Yeah, that’s actually true! Perry stated that she wrote this on after one of her ex-boyfriends. Although it’s not anywhere near any of my favorite tracks off the album but just for the heck of funny lyrical content it’s one my play list for a very long time. Being the court jester me and my friends are, we had decided to play it on a certain friend’s birthday but his girlfriend made us change it. Boo!

The next track is a dance favorite of mine, Hot N Cold is the third single off the album. It’s the second collaboration effort of Perry, Dr. Luke and Max Martin. The video accompanying this song is bloody awesome. Perry makes one very cute bride. And that’s probably one of the facts that it became a world-wide success. It’s spunky! It’s naughty! It makes you dance! What more could one what?!

The eighth track off the record is If You Can Afford Me. It’s another fast number which is pretty much established given that only one of the past seven tracks was a slow number. Perry has collaborated with Dave Katz and Sam Hollander. It’s nice but the previous two tracks over-shadow is pretty much, leaving nothing special about it to give it a second hear.

Lost is the ninth track off the album. It’s a team effort of Perry along with Ted Burner. It’s the second slow number from the album. Perry describes the downs off the fast lane of fame and fortune and how she wished she could have her normal life back without any hub of tinsel mania, but fails in doing so. It’s a good track but not great, I’d listen to Thinking Of You instead any day.

On the tenth spot we have Self Inflicted. I was hoping she would chart this off as the fifth single but beggars can’t be choosers?! The track is just like the fast tracks preceding it. It’s addictive. Perry talks about how she finds it impossible to get over her past love interest.

The eleventh track is I’m Still Breathing, it’s a team effort of Perry with David Stewart. It’s the last ballad from the album, and is slightly faster than the other two. It didn’t have any particular effect on me, the album could been without and I wouldn’t care less. Perry describes her flaws leading to her break up and how she misses him. The theme is over-done and there’s nothing there in it that made me go back.

On the last spot, we have Fingerprints which is a collaboration of Perry and Greg Wells who previously paired up with her during Ur So Gay. This is a truly funny track and it’s title certainly lives up to it’s name. But that’s more due to the over-all album rather than this one track. It’s good but not my favorite.

For a major-label debut, Perry did an amazing job on her album. It’s one of the two favorite albums from a female vocalist released in 2008. Another thing which Perry has established with her album is her place as a song writer, she has contributed two tracks to Kelly Clarkson’s fourth studio album All I Ever Wanted. Way to go, girl! I know it hasn’t even been a year since she released this but I can’t wait for her sophomore effort.

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; mailto:saadikk87@hotmail.com)

Jai Ho - Pussycat Dolls ft. A. R. Rahman

JUST HAD TO SHARE IT!!!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

No Doubt is BACK!!

After nearly a decade of waiting No Doubt is back on the air, and that is most definitely one of the best news I've heard this year.

The band recorded their last album Rock Steady in 2001, after which their lead vocalist Gwen Stefani took off for a solo career, which went really well. I've always loved their style and approach to music, but all by herself Gwen didn't appeal much to me.

No Doubt once again has united and are not only recording an album, for which we will have to wait a year; But also going on a Summer Tour with Paramore. This just can't get any better!

Do check out out their most successful song Don't Speak!

Responding to Brosreview

I just got tagged by Brosreview to participate in a new meme. The following are my responses followed by the rules.

What are your current obsessions?
My niece, my blog, my music collection and song writing.

Which item from your closet are you wearing most often?
Sleeveless T-shirts and Bermudas.

Last thing you bought?
A tooth brush, Axe Touch and Axe Essence

What's for dinner?
Chicken strips and vegetable rice *sighs*

Say something to the person who tagged you:
Blogging would be alot less fun and alot more work without you.

Favourite vacation spots:
Anywhere but home

Vacation spots I must visit before I die:
Australian Beaches and Rio De Janeiro

3 things to do before I die
Get my songs on the airwaves.
Make a music video or two.
Anything that makes my mom and dad jump with joy.

Reading right now?
Snell Clinical Anatomy :p

What is the last movie you saw and enjoyed? Rate it out of 5 stars.
Push 5/5

Guilty pleasure?
Sleeping, watching TV series non-stop and going online.

Celebrity you want to meet right now:
Carrie Underwood

Best thing you ate or drank lately?
Mix vegetable and parantha

Care to share some wisdom?
Listen to your mom. They're ALWAYS right. At least mine always is!

Name the last blog you visited before this one, on which you left a comment. (link and info please!)
Pretty Me's Of something 'n' Everything - Friendship

Mention one regret in life
Not going abroad for studies when I had a perfectly good chance

Rules and Invitation to participate:
1. Respond and rework.
2. Answer questions on your own blog.
3. Replace one question. Add one question.
4. Tag five bloggers:

I tag the following:

Write In Motion
The Blithering Idiot
Time is now!
MY SONGS
Of something 'n' Everything

Have fun!!

So Small - Carrie Underwood

Now I know I've posted a link to this video in the Carnival Ride Review I put up earlier. But now I felt like personally sharing it with everyone of you guys because this is the one song which has managed to outlast every song on my play list. It's a very frequent source of strength I look up to when I feel things are getting out of hand. And I have a sneaky suspicion that it's going to be staying with me for a very very long time.


Enjoy!

SUCKERRRRRRR!!!!

Once a time every year comes along the day when nearly every person tries to get the practical joker inside them going. April fool’s Day; Nobody is exactly sure of how the whole tradition got started but everybody knows that playing a prank is a must on this day. Being a part of the crowd who prefer clowning around as much as possible, this is the one day I'm blessed with to get back at them.

Over the years I’ve played quite a few pranks and been a host to some of them as well. Some tricks that I’ve gotten to my credit include feeding people crushed dog biscuits claiming them as my baked goodies. I remember one of my friends going, “Saadi! You put too much salt in these crackers!”, poor girl. I later treated my victims to a soda over which I confessed. I guess you can predict what came next, me drenched from head to toe in Pepsi. Talk about getting yourself in sticky situations!

Some other minor pranks include making people take bogus surveys only to email them later the real deal. This crowd took it relatively well, no Pepsi showers this time. Another year I managed to send a friend of mine on a wild goose chase to pick up a raffle ticket award that was non-existent. We also booked an appointment at a waxing parlor for a friend of mine. A few days before April Fool, we were over at his place and made that call. It wasn’t a pretty sight when the parlor called to confirm the appointment, it was received by his mother. Poor fellow, the look on his face when he was confronted! His mother later had a good laugh over it when we told her it was our doing. Being an American Idol Enthusiast, it’s pretty natural that I have friends in the same league. On a particular April, I claimed the elimination of a favorite contestant. Everybody found the news very shocking and one girl went to the point of tears. However the telecast uplifted their moods but sadly also got me a good dose of nasty pinching from some of the ladies.

While it’s fun to play tricks on people it’s even more fun to be on the receiving end. It’s really funny to see people utilizing their creativity to come up with the best prank, only if this creativity was utilized during writing English compositions. Speaking of English, our English Teacher back in 8th Grade played a prank on us once. She made us write 2500 words English Composition on World Policies. To an eighth grader, 2500 words is a really big deal. And given the topic World Policies meant mass research and watching the news every single night. It was something we didn’t enjoy at all. It kept coming to us that it could be a practical joke but nobody dared to ask the lady who was the institution all by herself. When she revealed to us that it was a joke we let out a huge sigh of relief, she was also kind enough to add that had she taken them into account it would ruin our yearly averages.

Another time I feel prey to a water balloon shower. But given the hot day it was all my pleasure. And so better than the Pepsi drenching! Another friend of mine replaced my test-tube of acid with water which lead me to repeat the entire experiment again. Upon confession I was far too tired to do anything but I got back at him a few days later with a freak test. He failed by the way; this was in co-operation with my chemistry professor.

However the cake is taken away by an incident that was in no way a prank. We actually intended to throw a friend of ours a congratulation party at a restaurant. The poor fellow thought we were playing a trick on him and didn’t come. When we realized that he has conceived it as a prank, instead of calling him again we had ourselves a ball, took loads of pictures which we flaunted openly in front of him later. I can never forget the look on his face. But we weren't that cruel, we got a chocolate marshmallow cake and celebrated a much smaller version of the party. Just between us, we were in the mood for another chocolate marshmallow cake so we went ahead with it. Obviously, it was totally at his expense. Poor fellow, got duped twice!

April Fools Day has always given loads of good memories. I added a few just yesterday and these were on an International Level. I had a blast! But now it’s time to hang the joker’s hat for another year. Let’s see what I have in store next time!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)