Leo de Chinchinim’s third audio album, ‘Palk Ek Mondir’, has a collection of 17 songs, mostly rendered in solos, except for the concluding song, which is a duet. The music has been provided by Elick Vaz and recorded by Velroy.
The opening song, ‘Mog ani Rag’ by Leo de Chinchinim, highlights the hardships faced by spouses in their married life. The husband and wife slog to support their families financially, but quite often either of them are trapped by vices, thus ruining peace in the family. The singer mentions that the spouses abuse their freedom and waste their hard-earned money on gambling and other notorious activities.
The next song, ‘Kazar Naka’ by Elaine, speaks about getting involved with goons to make a future. She also expresses her desire to marry the cricket empire, but equally fears that she may get bowled out. Hence she decides never toenter into wedlock but enjoy spinsterhood throughout life.
The title song ‘Palk Ek Mondir’ by Conception de Tuem relates the shameful incident that occurred during the staging of a tiatr in the auditorium. He describes how while rendering a song, a tiatrist’s spouse dared to step on stage and assault him. While mentioning that the stage is like a temple that needs to be worshipped and not a battlefield to fight on, the singer compares the assaulter to Phoolan Devi, who masterminded an attack with her goons. If an influential man could be put behind bars for six months due to assault of an employee, what punishment should a tiatrist deserve for such an act, he inquires.
‘Goenkar Pordesak’, another solo by Saby de Divar, throws light on those Goans working overseas and finds it difficult to enjoy the company and warmth of their spouses, children and family members. Due to irresponsibility of the government, many unemployed Goans have to desert their homeland and seek greener pastures outside their state. He also mentions about dual citizenship and Goans going to European countries.
Songs ‘Jerry Tiatrist’ by Victor D’Cunha and ‘Chear Makodd’ by Valencio de Caranzalem speak about tiatr stage artistes who earn fame and name by indulging in notorious activities and considerthemselves as kings on stage, respectively. The former mentions about a tiatrist who cheated others and yet tried to win accolades from audience. The latter speaks about four artistes who claim to be lords, without whom no tiatr can be staged.
‘William de Curtorim’, a solo by Hortencio Pereira, is a befitting tribute to his departed friend, who rocked the stage with his political songs. He says he dared to criticise the politicians and their wrongdoings, thus weakening their power by pinpointing their follies. Another solo, ‘Fottkire Munis’ by Valencio de Caranzalem, also makes a mention of the same ‘Jet Speed’ singer and the present political singers on the Konkani stage.
‘Panch Vorsam Roddat’, a solo by Olga Vaz, highlights the past elections. If the same trend continues in the future, the singer warns that Goans will repent and cry for another five years.
‘Zalla Re Zalla’ is another solo by Divya Naik rendered with a melodious voice. She speaks about love that has been generated in her heart and her lover is created only for her. It also focuses on anger that turns into love.
‘Koisanv’, a solo by Martha, is rendered in a humorous tone, mentioning about her residence at Taleigao, her qualification and the desire to find an appropriate match.
Solos ‘Setting’, Kazar Bazar’ and ‘Ankvarponn’ speak about relationships before and after marriage. They also throw light on extra-marital ties that are to one’s advantage in monetary terms.
The concluding song, ‘Kiteak Sandun Gelem’, is the sole duet in the album by Elick and Winnie Joanes, which speaks about joyous and sad moments in lives of two lovebirds. The fiancé says that his fiancée is the queen and story of his life, but wonders why they drift apart.
The audio album carries several solos with just one duet to break the monotony. But more of duos, duets, trios and choral would make a big difference and a complete album. In several solos, the prime focus has mostly been on tiatrists and their misdeeds, thus inviting boredom. Instead, varied social and religious themes would have enriched the quality of the album.
