New M.I.A. Video - "Jimmy"
After the busy-bright line dancing of "Boyz," M.I.A. second clip from Kala is a more subtle affair -- Ms. Arulpragasm (we're contractually obligated to include her last name at least once per post) switching between traditional Indian jewelry (befitting the Bollywood vibe) and her onstage leotard of choice. Lolla goers will recognize the choreography (minus the rig climbing). Bonus fun: "Aaja" means "come." (More like "come here," pervs.)
Since having our way with Maya's Kala, we felt a need to corroborate word that "Jimmy" is in fact a cover of an old Hindi film tune. For help in naming that tune, we consulted our resident Bollywood expert (a.k.a. Amrit's mom), setting her up with a listen of the track and asking for her musical analysis. The result of Rani's research after the jump.
That's "Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja" by Parvati Khan, from the 1983 film Disco Dancer starring Mithun Chakraborty, Kim, and Om Puri. Yes, IMDB is on it.
Thanks Mrs. Singh! We'll send ya a box of methai.
Posted at 11:32 AM in Video
Tags: M.I.A.
Damn, I was pretty sure there would be an ABBA clip behind the jump. Also, what the hell is Jimmy's problem and why won't the dude dance already?
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According to Allmusic, it's spelled "Arulpragasam" as opposed to the more humorous "-gasm" ending.
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Gorilla vs. Bear already posted about its being a Bollywood cover last week. Come on, guys, read other blogs!
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the original one from "disco dancer" is hilarious. i almost fell out of my cubicle
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Jimmy!
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Hard to imagine that's the same M.I.A. who had the long hair & cool shorts
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Manjeet always delivers.
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I love when MIA goes all ethnic.
For some reason this song (these songs) seriously remind me of older stuff by The Knife, with an extra middle-eastern bit thrown in.
I like it, either way.
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the whole concept (and choreography) of this video was stolen from a really famous dance number called the thousand hand buddha which was performed by a group of deaf-mute dancers from China:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCujGd9rJM8
go corporate record labels!
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The idea of of many-armed beings, and the idea of the Buddha himself, was "stolen" from India!
M.I.A. has publicly and artistically embraced her cultural heritage, and this is nothing more than an expression of that. You're just looking for something to complain about. Get a life.
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Jimmys of the world rejoice.
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Definitely one of the sexiest songs ever to mention Darfur, Rwanda, and satellite phones. It's at least in the top 5.
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Seriously, no one gives a sh!t about China. When they start contributing to the indie rock scene as some of these South Asians have, maybe then they'll then China will get some respect. Plus China manipulates their currency and tortures and kills Falun Gong members who just want to meditate peacefully.
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I'm a fan of Maya's work, Boyz is one of my fave songs of the year, but that did nothing for me. I thought it was very weak, especially for a single. Although with the right remix treatment, it could be a big hit in the club scene.
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The video is pretty good and Maya looks great. I can't wait to see her at the Austin City Limits festival.
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i uberly hate this song and it's the worst one from the album in my opinion. the album is wicked but this song... bleh
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wow, there are some seriously stupid people in the world.
"The idea of of many-armed beings, and the idea of the Buddha himself, was "stolen" from India!"
sigh, thanks dear but i'm not 5 years old. i was just commenting on how they stole the choreography, having met the dance troupe. i think it's great when anyone embraces their cultural heritage. just wish they were more original with it.
who gives a shit about china? stay in school, kid.
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Jimmy looks like he molests children in his spare time.
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thank you for posting, amrit! this vid is like Jem meets Bollywood, meaning it's emphatically AWESOME. I've never desired a pair of yellow leggings before this day...but now i'm going to american apparel (yes, they do have them in Berlin) to see what I can find.
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being dyslexic, i thought her sirname was apluralgasm.
not really.
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